Books » Mi Vida Ocupada

New Reading Material……

Dec 102008

I was looking for some new reading material and now I've got this nice stack of books sitting on my bookshelf, courtesy of my dear friend Jenny (all except The Bone Garden which was sent to me by Lisa). Jenny and I spent some quality time together on Saturday night, having dinner at The Bulldog in NE Mpls, and hanging out at her house playing Scrabble and watching the movie Baby Mama. Good times!

I did not get any photos of Jenny and I together, but I did take a picture of the most delicious chocolate cupcake with peanut butter frosting that the owner of Bulldog treated us to. I MUST get a recipe for this frosting, it was heavenly!

What other fun books should I be looking to add to my pile???? (You can see the last 100 books I have read in my left sidebar)

The Twilight Series……

Books 9 Responses »

Nov 072008

After two months, I finally finished the Twilight series last week.

YES, I am a self-proclaimed bookworm and it took me over two months to read them!!! Not sure why, but I just couldn't get into these books the way so many other people have. Or maybe the fact that I took my time reading them had something to do with why I couldn't get into it?? I enjoyed the story for the most part, but I did not think it was the best series I have ever read. I enjoyed Harry Potter much, much more.

The first book, Twilight, was good. It introduced the two main characters, Bella and Edward. I was not hooked after the first book but went ahead and read the 2nd one anyway because I had already purchased it. The 2nd book, New Moon, took awhile to get going. I really enjoyed the introduction of a new character, Jacob, and the twist it brought to the story. The 3rd book, Eclipse, was my favorite and was the one I read the quickest. I really, really wanted Bella to choose the one she didn't choose. The 4th book, Breaking Dawn, was kind of far-out there. I was not happy with the choices Bella made, but it was definitely interesting. I kind of thought they humanized the whole concept of vampires too much in this book. When I finally finished the series, I had a sense of relief that they were finally over, rather than sad that there wasn't another book coming out.

I am glad I read the books so now I know what they're all about, but I just can't give them the same glowing recommendation that so many others have. They were good, but not great. Did anyone else feel the same way as me?? Or did you think this series was the best ever?

Book Bandwagon…..

Books 10 Responses »

Aug 072008

I have seen this book series mentioned on many blogs lately (Greta, Adrienne and others). The book keeps popping up everywhere and it was staring me down at the grocery store the other night, so I decided to buy it along with the second book in the series. I guess I will soon see what the BFD is! lol. Who else is into this book/series so I know who to discuss with when I am finished?

It has been wonderful having the freedom to read
for pleasure again! I just finished another good book by Jodi Picoult, sent to me a few months ago by my blogging-pal Rolana. Thanks Rolana, I enjoyed it! The story in this one was pretty interesting…..Jodi Picoult sure knows how to think up controversial topics and story lines. I wonder what she will think of next??!!

A few weeks ago I decided to sell my bookcase, which meant I had to pack up 90% of my books. I posted many of the "thrillers" on paperbackswap.com. I LOVE this site and I have been successful swapping several books. Take a look at this list of books on my bookshelf and let me know if you are interested in any of these books…I need to
find new homes for them (Sitting in storage under the stairs is not a
happy home for good books)Download kristi.sauer@gmail.com-My_Bookshelf.csv.

And in other book news, here is the current NYT Bestseller List.

Happy Reading!

I can’t wait to Read for FUN again!

Books 7 Responses »

May 132008

Oh, I cannot wait to read just for fun again!!!!

I do not mind reading the classics, but it is boring sometimes. It isn’t the same when you have to read in small spurts and then stop to analyze and take quotes for a paper you have to write. I have been reading My Antonia forever now and I am only half way through. I enjoyed this book a lot more before I was assigned to read it!

I am on lesson 9 of 15 for this American Literature class. Not having a strict time line (and the massive amount of writing I am required to do) has made this class drag on forever. The good news is I got my mid-term grade in the mail and it was MUCH better than I had expected.

I can’t wait to get one of my newer Jodi Picoult books in my hands :)
Besides putting myself on a spending freeze, I have not wanted to tempt myself with books I haven’t had time to read (for fun).

Any great books I should tempt myself with???? You can see whta type of books I enjoy by checking out my left sidebar :) Your suggestions might give me some incentive to finish these assignments!

A Sore Shoulder, Ethan Frome & More layouts :)

Books, Scrapbook Pages 5 Responses »

Mar 152008

My shoulder has been hurting something awful. Its the muscle between my neck and my shoulder that is really painful. Probably from carrying too many things back and forth between my schools. I was so miserable that I took Friday off of work so that I could rest, put heat on it and take some medication. I spent the entire day and night laying on the sofa, reading Ethan Frome and typing an essay for my literature class.

The rest helped quite a bit and my shoulder didn’t really hurt as much today. I spent most of today scrapping……its great to see my stack of layouts-to-create get smaller :) These scans just don’t do these layouts justice…..

My favorite thing to do while scrapping is watch TV episodes online at www.abc.com. Its funny because I am not a Tv person usually, but its nice to have something to do while I scrap. My new favorite shows are Eli Stone and Samantha Who?

Today was a really beautiful day so we took a drive through the country and grilled steaks for dinner. I can feel spring coming and I love it!

Huck Finn & a couple more layouts….

Books, Scrapbook Pages 8 Responses »

Mar 102008

I finally finished my essay for Huck Finn. Just how exciting do you think it is to analyze Twain’s criticisms of society and document evidence through out the book? My Lit class is wayyyyyy too much work for a 3 credit undergrad class!!! I only have 3 lessons done out of 15 (plus a midterm and final). I hate this and cannot wait to be finished!!!

To congratulate myself on getting it finished, I scrapped for a couple of hours. I am officially done with 2007 pics!

Skippyjon Jones (Its story time!)

Books, School & Work, Video Blogs, Videos 4 Responses »

Feb 222008

Do you know this book? Its my current favorite children’s book…so much fun to read aloud! (I NEED to get the other books about Skippyjon, he’s too cute!)

This video isn’t the best because I was using my little point and shoot to film while I was reading it…not so easy to do!

Check out my read aloud below, the story is about 7-8 minutes long. Your kids will enjoy this one!

Best Sellers: Book Talk

Books 10 Responses »

Jan 162008

Several weeks ago I had a really great philosophical and spiritual conversation with one of my new co-workers following a study group meeting. The next time I saw her she handed me this book Eat, Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and told me she thought it was wonderful and thought I would love it based on the conversation we had had previously. The character in the book somewhat reminded her of me and she thought I could get a lot out of reading it.

She was right! It is a wonderful book and I am enjoying it quite a bit. I do not typically read non-fiction, but I love reading memoirs. Apparently many other people have taken to this book as well, as it is now #1 paperback non-fiction on the NY Times Bestseller List. Has anyone beside Jennifer read this yet?

In other books news, one of the courses I am taking this spring is an American Literature course and I am looking forward to reading some great classics, including:

The Great Gatsby
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Their Eyes Were Watching God
Death of a Salesman
Ethan Frome
My Antonia

I am always searching for new books and new authors. Thanks to all of you who post about good books or make recommendations, it is usually a big help!

Guilt-free reading pleasure!

Books 5 Responses »

Dec 192007

I did it! I just finished up my last class of the semester, all projects, papers and other assignments have been turned in, graded and a distant memory…..Feels GREAT!!! I have to say i am very proud of myself for my scholarly achievements this semester. It was grueling, but like ya’ll’ve (LOL, that one was for my Southern girls) told me, it was worth it. I do have two more classes this spring starting in February, so until then, I am going to read the good books that have been waiting for me. Starting with this one:

I love books by Jodi Picoult, she is my most favorite author.

Off to start it now!
Goodnight

Books.

Books 2 Responses »

Aug 232007

I have been reading some good ones lately!

I am currently reading How to Be Lost by Amanda Eyre Ward. This is an extremely fast-moving book about a young woman named Caroline who fifteen years ago decided to run away from home with her two younger sisters, until her littlest sister disappeared on the day they were set to leave home. Never having given up hope that her little sister was still alive, she heads to Montana after seeing a picture of a young woman who she thinks might be the long-lost sister.

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I also just finished The #1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. This is the firstbook in a series about Mma Ramotswe, the one and only lady private detective in Botswana, Africa. Not only is she proud and fat, but she is also very clever and I love her adventures! I had heard about the book years ago but had no idea what it was about and kind of dismissed it. (I had no idea it took place in Africa). So glad I bought it! I actually just ordered the 2nd-3rd books in the series from http://www.paperbackswap.com and another of his from a different series after I finished reading this one.

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I read this one last week, There’s a (slight) Chance I Might be Going to Hell by Laurie Notaro. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one after reading the title, but it came recommended by a blogging buddy and I was not disappointed! It is a very funny story about a 30-something woman whose husband accepts a job at a University and moves them across the country (away from all their friends) to a small-town. While there, she has an extremely difficult time making friends (but the things that happen to her while trying are pretty hilarious) and decides to enter the town’s Sewer Pipe Queen pageant. Loved this one also, and have ordered a few other of her books!

PSA: Be careful with the Jalapenos!

Books, Public Service Announcements 7 Responses »

Jun 222007

PSA: If you ever find yourself chopping real jalapenos, make sure you never rub your eye, no matter how many times you’ve washed your hands. It will burn like HELL and you will find yourself flushing your eye and holding ice over it (for what feels like forever) until the burn cools. Your eye will swell up and you will have a hard time seeing.

So, um, yeah, I am the idiot who pulled that move. Its all good NOW, 12 hours later!

I cannot believe it is Friday already! Where did the last week go? I have been hanging out all week, going to lunch with my honey and relaxing to the max. I even had Mexican food three times this week!

Went out on the boat with my neighbors on Wednesday evening while they fished. It was very hot and sunny that day….no fish for them, but I caught a tan :) It always surprises me how fast I go from white-girl to brown-girl. The few hours I was out with the fam on Father’s Day gave me a lot of good color. I have to be very careful of my face though, because I have a skin-condition called melasma and the pigment in my face is very uneven….I get super dark patches when I am in the sun so I usually wear heavy sunscreen and a visor to protect my forehead. It sucks, but I do NOT want skin cancer like my Gramps. He has to have them removed like every-other-month. Here is a pic I captured on the lake (Bald Eagle Lake, a few blocks from our house). This is one of the only sections of the lake that doesn’t have big homes on it.

Books: I am reading a new book, The Kindness of Strangers, by Katrina Kittle. So far it is very good! It is written from the viewpoints of different characters, similar to some of Jodi Picoult books. The subject matter also reminds me of something Jodi Picoult would write about. Very good. I am also re-reading Harry Potter 6. I always re-read the book that comes before the newest release so that I can remember all the details when the new one comes out.

Speaking of books, I have already sent out five books to people on www.paperbackswap.com and have received one in the mail (two more on their way). I have three credits ready to be redeemed for new books too :) Has anyone else signed up yet? I have soooo many books on my shelves and have collected them for years. I have many that I would never dream to part with (my favorites and classics), but there are some that I bought that were just "okay", not "keepers". Those are the ones I have listed to trade. I think I need to make a list of all the books I still want to read/own. Any recommendations out there?

Have a super weekend!

My new discovery: Paperbackswap.com

Books, Raves, Video Blogs, Videos 6 Responses »

Jun 102007

It was a beautiful, hot sunny weekend here. We didn’t do much this weekend, just took it easy, relaxed and went swimming over at his parents house for most of the weekend. I love, love, love this kind of weather and sitting out, reading a good book. I read The Pact by Jodi Picoult. Very, very good. I just love her books, the stories are so deep. I am currently reading Beach Road by James Patterson.

Being that I have just three more days of work and then will spend the summer blissfully unemployed, reading to my heart’s content, I have been thinking about all the books I’d like to read.

Thankfully I just discovered http://www.paperbackswap.com/. This site is so cool, anyone ever hear of it? It might be similar to http://www.bookcrossing.com/, but I think it is easier to use. To start you just need to list 9 books you’re willing to part with, and you get 3 credits for books you want to receive. Each time you send out a book, you get a credit. I started off by listing 27 books (I have about 200 more books to list on there) and I will already be mailing two of them out in the morning. I am also expecting my first three books by the end of the week…just in time for my summer vacation to start :) If anyone is interested, I highly recommend this site, it seems incredibly easy and safe. I’d love to be able to swap with people I know, too :) . Make sure to add me as a buddy and use my name as a referrer if you sign up…thanks!

Not much else is new, but I did order a bunch of Love, Elsie papers from www.amillionlittlethings.com . These should also arrive just in time for my summer vacation :)

3 days to go!

Books, books, books…

Books 7 Responses »

Jun 052007

I saw this survey about books on Jessica’s blog a few weeks ago and I had to steal it for my own!

A book that made you cry: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. Many others also, but those stand out.

A book that scared you: It by Stephen King. I HATE clowns!

A book that made you laugh: Books that involve the character Stephanie Plum, Bounty Hunter (Janet Evanovich)

A book that disgusted you: Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane. The book itself was excellent, but learning about Apartheid in South Africa for the first time made me totally disgusted

A book you loved in elementary school: The Baby Sitters Club, Chronicles of Narnia (C.S Lewis), Where the Sidewalk Ends (Shel Silverstein), Little House on the Prairie (Laura Ingalls Wilder).

A book you loved in middle school: Sweet Valley High, RL Stine books

A book you loved in high school: The House on Mango Street (Sandra Cisneros), The Bean Trees (Barbara Kingsolver), Sula by Toni Morrison

A book you hated in high school: Heart of Darkness (Joseph Conrad), Lord of the Flies (William Golding)

A book you loved in college: Catcher in the Rye (J.D Salinger), Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

A book that challenged your identity: DaVinci Code by Dan Brown.

A series that you love: Harry Potter (Jk Rowling), Stephanie Plum (Janet Evanovich) Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)

Your favorite horror book: ?? Not into horror books.

Your favorite science fiction book: I cannot think of any sci-fi that I have read??!! I liked Star Wars, but those were obviously movies.

Your favorite fantasy: Harry Potter and Lord of The Rings.

Your favorite mystery: I LOVE mysteries!!! especially those by Tami Hoag, James Patterson, Sandra Brown, Patricia Cornwell, John Sandford and Dan Brown

Your favorite biography: Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton

Your favorite “coming of age” book: Are you there God? Its me, Margaret. By Judy Blume

Your favorite classic: My Antonia (Willa Cather).

Your favorite romance book: Remembrance by Jude Deveraux. Best story!!.

Your favorite book not on this list: Memoirs of a Geisha, The Time Travelers Wife, Tenth Circle (or anything written by Jodi Picoult)

A happier day….

Babies & Kids, Books 9 Responses »

Apr 272007

Today is going to be a MUCH better day, I can feel it ;)

Things I am happy about at the moment:

**Its Friday. TGIF!!!!!!!!

** The sun is shining and it is supposed to be at least 70′

**I have the cutest nieces in the whole world. These beautiful pics were taken by Michelle’s friend, Christine Keppers. She has just started a photography business in town and I’d be happy to pass along her business info to any who are interested :) She plans to charge a flat fee for the session and photo editing and will put them all on a disk so you can print your own pics. Cool idea, huh?

**My wonderful BF put me in a much better mood last night. We went shopping :)

**New reading material purchased last night at Barnes & Noble. Discovered that they sell Godiva and also products from The Cheesecake Factory. Love having good reading material all lined up for the next few months :)

**My web design class meets again this afternoon. Hopefully I will learn some new tricks for Photoshop :)

**Possibly going to have sushi or something else tonight with some friends

**Plans to spend tomorrow up at the lake with my family. Might even do a little fishing :)

The Secret……

Books, Thoughts Wanted 5 Responses »

Apr 242007

How many of you have heard of or have read this book? Or have seen the documentary movie that is based on it?

I was tempted to buy it last week after my friends Kim and Bradie raved so much about it. I also saw that it is currently. #1 on the NY Times Best Seller list. I looked through the book, but didn’t buy it. Seemed kind of boring to me, but then again I am not the type to buy self-help books. I guess I won’t know "The Secret" unless I leave my comfort zone a little, huh?

For those who have read it, is it really life-changing????

Today you get a list….

Books, Random Thoughts & Updates 4 Responses »

Feb 132007

Lots of random thoughts today, so this will be a list-type post :)

**Thank you sooooooo much for all the birthday wishes, cards, calls, Ims, e-mails, etc. Birthdays are supposed to make you feel special, and I do, thanks to all of you :) 30 really doesn’t feel as scary as it sounds! LOL

**I had a really nice birthday. I was taken out shopping on Sunday (tons of fun new stuff from Bath & Body) and then to dinner at Macaroni Grill. I was really craving Italian…felt a little deprived after missing dinner on Friday night with my girls at Old Spaghetti Factory. From the few pics I have seen of that night…looks like I missed out on a ton of fun :(

** Watched a new comedy DVD on Sunday night….. Mike Epps: Inappropriate Behavior. Do you know him? He is a comedian who was in all the Friday movies with Ice Cube (played Day-Day). I was really disappointed in his act. Every other word out of his mouth was the "N" word. All of his stuff was really racist too. So disrespectful!!! I love comedy, but this wasn’t funny to me at all.

**I tried my first Rachel Ray recipe for dinner last night. Turkey Florentine Meatball Heroes. Pretty good! I am going to have to start using ground turkey in place of ground beef more often. It was fun to try something new….we are totaslly sick of the same old stuff all the time. Does anyone have any favorite recipes sites they’d like to share???

**Treated myself to some delicious dessert. Is this eye-candy or what?!!

**Looks like the Anna Nicole drama is getting crazier by the day…..three "Baby’s Daddys" now?? I wonder how many others will step out of the woodwork??? So many conspiracy theories all over the internet about how/why she died. Apparently she was supposedly going to marry Howard K Stern on Feb 23rd. Was he the one who killed her and her son??Her house was also ransacked following her death. Who and why? The craziest story I had heard was that Anna and her son Daniel were a little "too close"…and he was the real father of her baby. He killed himself and then Anna killed herself after paternity tests were ordered because all of this was about to be discovered. Far-fetched, I know!!! Who would have thought she’d be more popular in death????

**Reading this really good book. Would love to have hours on end to read, read, read! Did you know that if you click on any of the books I have in my sidebar, you will be directed to Amazon.com and you can buy that book? I am in the Amazon associates program and I’d love to get some credit for showcasing these good books :) Help a sister out and buy some books!

**Bloglines is making me mad….for some reason, my blog was deleted and is no longer getting subscribers. Hopefully those of you who like this blog will see this post and re-subscribe to it, or you will no longer get updates when I make posts :( I have seen a slight drop in readers lately….now I know why!! Has this ever happened to anyone else?

Let’s Talk Books..

Books 8 Responses »

Jan 252007

Just finished The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult. I have to say this was probably one of the best books I have read in the past year, and as you can tell by the left sidebar, I have read many :) This book was different than her other books in the style that it was written, but I thought it was captivating and had enough twists and turns to keep me up late at night reading. It only took a few days to get through almost 400 pages. I cannot wait to get my hands on the books she has coming out later this year and next. It is only #11 on the NY Times Best Seller list for paper back fiction, but I can see it moving up quickly when word gets out how good it is. I need to read all of her books, they are so good!

Currently reading the 3rd book in the Nora Roberts "Circle" trilogy about a group of 6 who were selected by the "gods" to fight and lead the war against vampires who plan to take over earth and all the other worlds. Its slow-going. I used to be a huge fan of NR, but it seems like she is moving away from the "romance" and more toward "supernatural". Of course there is still a big focus on romantic relationships between characters as she has always delivered (yes, still some hot scenes.lol), but it just feels different. The only reason I have stuck this series out is because I have somewhat of a curiosity about vampires. The three books are so long, it almost reminds me of The Lord of the Rings…but much easier to read, language-wise.

I think there might be only one novel left on my bookcase that I have not read yet: Water for Elephants. So that is next on my list, but I would love some recommendations if anyone has any…then I can order myself some books for my upcoming bday :)

Many of you might also be interested in this list of the 100 best books for kids. Many of these you probably read as a kid, I did! I have read probably 80% of them at one point or another and would like to buy more of them for my collection at school.

Happy reading!

Ranger or Morelli??

Books 8 Responses »

Aug 182006

Ranger or Morelli. Can I get a shoutout from those of you who know what I am talking about here?????!!!!!! These two guys are HOT!! I know who the logical choice is, but I also know why it is hard for my girl Stephanie. LOL! For those of you who don’t know what I am talking about, I am about half-way through with Janet Evanovich’s, Twelve Sharp, the most current book in the Stephanie Plum Bounthy-hunter series. I don’t want it to end!! I know some of you ahve already read this…please tell me there will be at least one more book!!!!!!!!! This series has come a LONG way from where it started, every book getting better. Love it so much!

On another note….have any of you been reading about my brother Jeff’s adventures in Scotland?? He has some interesting stories ( a very detailed account of every day, in fact) and great pictures on his blog. Don’t forget to leave him a comment…he spent a lot of time writing it all up for everyone to read!

Hola Amigos

Books, Special Events, Websites & Services to check out 4 Responses »

Aug 082006

Hi! You think I would have so much time to update this blog at the moment, but I am really just lazy!

Thanks to everyone who commented on the album I made for Kara….I worked really hard of it and am proud of the way it turned out! And I think it is safe to say that Kara *loved* it!!

Here are a couple of pictures from her shower on Sunday afternoon. We had a really nice time!

Leah, Mary, Mandie, Me and Kara…..

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I started a new book yesterday called The Rome Affair by Laura Caldwell. This is one of the books that Kristin Harmel (who wrote How to Sleep with a Movie Star) recommended for her book club this summer. Whoa! It is a psychological thriller about a young married couple and the wife’s crazy best friend. I found myself up until like 3am last night reading it about half-way through. Can’t wait to see what happens next!

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I also tried to get caught up on the blogs I read last night and came across a very interesting link on Kristi Conte’s website…..Blogshares. It is an Fantasy Stockmarket for Weblogs! What does that mean, exactly? I am still trying to figure it out, but this is the gist. Anyone who has a blog can make it "public" and people can buy and sell shares for different blogs. 5000 shares per blog! Popular blogs can be worth a pretty penny, because each share is worth more money. Each person gets $500 to start with and can buy/trade available stock. Although I have no idea what I am doing, it sounds pretty fun!! Anyone with a blog should get in on this action!! One thing I have found though, is that that website is kind of hard to navigate. Try it and tell me what you think!! Anyone already have their blog listed with blogshares???

I guess that is all for now…gotta go run some errands!

Lake Country!

Books, Friend Time, Great Outdoors & Weather 7 Responses »

Jul 162006

They sure don't call Minnesota "The land of 10,000 Lakes" for nothing! I have been on like 7 different lakes in the area within the past month….its great that so many of our close friends and family have boats to invite us on! My man has been out fishing with his buddy at least 2-3 nights a week lately, and sometimes I tag along. They choose different lakes all the time, depending on if they have any luck or not ;) So I went out fishing with the guys on Friday night for about 6 hours. It was 98'. HOT times out there, but we brought lots of ice and water. I always bring my camera with in case either of the boys catches a "big one". Jay got lucky here with this Musky. Probably a 3-4 pounder!

I am not at all excited about fishing…I think its cool when they catch one, but I think the whole process is pretty stinky and gross. I enjoy being out on the lake though, because it is usually very relaxing. I always bring along a book…..what could be much better than floating on the smooth- as- glass water looking at the cool scenery….

…….and soaking in the sun while reading a good book. And then watching the sun set……

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So, speaking of books…..

I am currently reading In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. It is a very well-written true-crime novel published in 1965. Have any of you seen the movie Capote with Philip Seymour Hoffman? This is the book that Capote was writing/researching in that movie, about a family in small-town Kansas who were brutally murdered in 1959. I only just saw the movie about a month ago and bought the book last week at Shinders. I have never read true-crime before, but this story is very captivating….I often forget that it is a true story because I read so many other murder mysteries/thrillers. He did such a good job of interviewing everyone for his book, that he was able to talk about the characters as though he made them up! It is cool that his book is making a comeback after the movie came out….good stuff.

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It was 100' on Saturday. HOT!!! I know it is like this everywhere…..I hope you all are staying cool! The Central Air runs in my house 24/7, I don't know how I'd live (or at least sleep!) without it. We were supposed to hook up with Lanee, Rog and Jason on Big Marine Lake, but we never got connected with them. We probably would've melted anyway! lol . We ended up going to Jeff & Toni's house and watched Pirates of the Caribbean on cable, then we went to Heather's house to watch the Gravity Games on ESPN …..her buddy Tom Haugen was competing in the Bike/Vert event and took 6th place overall! These stunts are really cool (and dangerous)….reminds me of one of my favorite movies from the 80's, Rad. Do any of you remember that movie? It has not yet been made to DVD and the VHS used is over $30. Hard to come by, I guess! Makes me want to watch it again….

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On Sunday I met a group of friends down at Bald Eagle Lake (near my house). We planned a little informal gathering and everyone brought their kids. Jere and Shannon also brought their boat to take some of the older kids tubing.