Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read



This weeks Q: Let's step away from books for a second and get personal. What T-Shirt slogan best describes you?

Here's mine, beacuse we all know I love beer, and being a vegetarian!

This shirt is also a prelude to my Friday night! Hope yours is equally as fun as mine will be! :)

I've been reading the most awesome books lately and I couldn't wait to blog about this one in particular.

A while ago , Shaun pulled Myst by Rand & Robert Millet, and David Wingrove, out of a moving box and suggest I read it. I did- and decided I really wanted to try Fantasy Fiction out. So I developed a bit of a summer reading list through the library, and as the books slowly trickle into my town, I've been reading non-stop.

I developed the list from putting out a recommendation on Goodreads. I got quite a few replys and luckily, the library actually carried all of the books I was looking for!

I just finished reading Fire by Kristin Cashore. I was worried ( as it is a companion novel to her other book Graceling- which I have not read) that I would have no idea what was going on. But the story was brilliant, and I loved reading every minute of it.

The goodreads write-up as follows:

Beautiful creatures called monsters live in the Dells. Monsters have the shape of normal animals: mountain lions, dragonflies, horses, fish. But the hair or scales or feathers of monsters are gorgeously colored-- fuchsia, turquoise, sparkly bronze, iridescent green-- and their minds have the power to control the minds of humans.

Seventeen-year-old Fire is the last remaining human-shaped monster in the Dells. Gorgeously monstrous in body and mind but with a human appreciation of right and wrong, she is hated and mistrusted by just about everyone, and this book is her story
---

Now lets get a few things straight. Firstly, I don't usually EVER read YA novels. Most of the time I just feel like the characters are whiny, and I cannot relate to them. Secondly, I don't ( for some odd reason) usually end up liking female protagonists. Again, I usually find them awfully whiny. Not always, just usually.

This book was NOTHING like what I was expecting.

Fire is a beautiful character, and not just on the outside. Her ways of thinking, her bravery, her feelings, and how she works through problems were all very relate-able. I loved her character so much and I was rooting for her the whole way through.

I loved pretty much all of the characters in the book except for Cutter. I don't want to spoil anything but if you've read the book you'll understand easily why he's horrible. But even the bad guys in this one I loved. They were definitely characters that I got lost in and who almost made me late for work a number of times due to losing track of the time. The characters even have awesome names like Archer, Brocker, Roen, Murgda, ( Murgda just sounds evil!)etc. I often read books and wonder why an author chooses a particular name because usually the names suck, but I loved these guys. I really did.

Another highlight of the book was all the mention of colour. As the monsters are abnormally bright colours compared to the neutral colours of the landscapes, other people, and animals.It really let me use my imagination. There's even some spicy chemistry between the characters which is always exciting.

I got totally lost in this one guys. I know it seems like girlish YA novel by that above description, ( especially using the word 'sparkly') but it really was such an adventurous story. I'll definitely be reading Graceling one day.

Something else awesome? Kiristin Cashore is on blogger @ http://kristincashore.blogspot.com and her posts are quite entertaining to read.

I'm excited to read more Fantasy Fiction in the future and if you've ever wanted to give it a go- this book was so much fun to read!

I knoooow I just posted for the day ( see below) but I wanted to get this in here!

Crazy-for-books
To answer the question personally of which Genre I've always wanted to get into but cant: its Chic-Lit. I just think most of it is boring, ridiculous, and unrealistic. Everyone seems to be all over it and I wish I could get into it but I just can't!

I would love to be a part of this but there are just so many blogs, and mines not as review-ish. I dont think I could figure out all the bank-link whatever stuff either. Still fun to check out the posted blogs though!

Ok here we go- Last YOU:Being Beautiful post. I've honestly been putting it off. Not because I want it to be over, but just being I was dissapointed. The book, although filled with interesting information, didnt really do much for me other than raise some insecurities I was already dealing with. I tried to be as honest as I could with you about it- but that isn't really what I was going for. Oh well. Another book on the shelf.

What HAS changed about me though is that I'm now 24! My birthday was ok... I tend to get pretty depressed on my birthday. I got SO spoiled- especially by Shaun who got me a brand new pair of Hiking Boots!!!
AWESOME!

But back to what I was saying,birthdays for me are awful. I always think in my head that this isn't really where i pictured myself at (insert age here). So I struggled for about a week with this, and after some very nice, relaxing and fun days off I decided that it's time to buckle down and be the person I want to be.

Firstly I would like a new job, and secondly I am going to get in incredible shape. I don't care about weight exactly, but if I can turn most of my extra fat into toned muscle I'll be a happy camper! So I made an appointment with the gym for Monday for a consultation. I also went for a run today. I'm serious- it's going to happen!

So on with the last part of the book.Chapter 11- How to Find True Happiness.
I have listed below what it says, and how I feel about these steps/points.

1. being positive and generous.
Bah-humbug I have a hard time being positive lately. I'm homesick/lonely I guess. But I must say I AM TRYING VERY VERY hard lately and I think I might be coming around. I think being positive and generous however, is a definite key to real happiness

2.feeling empathy
I find this harder to do lately since I'm currently in health care and it is part of my job. I'm quitting my job and finding something else to do all together- and since I have decided that, I have kind of lost my empathetic way of being for a while. I know it will come back though.

3. finding authenticity
I think to me this means being honest and open with myself and others.

4.embracing emotion
... emotions other than sad.

5. Exploring spirituality
... reading these parts make me want to shoot myself. seems pretty BS..by this point i don't feel like Ive accomplished much by reading this book and I cant wait for a novel. I am incredibly not religious and not very spiritual ( I don't have anything against anyone who is- its just not for me)

6 Understanding happiness
ummm I'm trying! This part is about being comfortable with being uncomfortable ."Unhappiness forces you to think through problems to help you gain wisdom and perspective to think about what gives you happiness so you can set new directions and develop new ideas that may actually change your life- the whole book in one sentence, pg 327.

The next section talks about green living, not using plastic water bottles, or bags, etc, it was just randomly at the end of the book. glad to see it in there!

The end of this book gives you an Ultimate Beautiful Day Challenge, that you are supposed to do for two weeks. yea right. Who has two weeks to devote to this? If I had a free two weeks I'd definitely be doing something else. There are workouts at the end with some other stuff I didn't read, and an appendix of plastic surgery info and facts in case you didn't feel shitty enough already.

I'm glad it's over and I can tell you about what else I've been up to in Book land! Thanks for sticking that one through with me. And now I'll leave you with some final thoughts with the Dr's.

I'm one post away from finishing the YOU:Being Beautiful posts, but I though for a change of pace I'd add my two cents onto the Bookalicious Tag from YouTube.

Q: What % of books do you get from the library and what % do you get else where?
A: 70% Library and 30% bought ( usually if the library doesn't carry it)

Q: What character would you want to be and why?
A: Fire from Fire by Kristin Cashore. Not my final answer but she can control people's minds, has abnormal Ariel hair, and is devistatingly beautiful. Although I'm not sure I'd want to live where she does.

Q: What is your favorite book from your childhood?
A: Boober Fraggle's Ghost ( big Fraggle Rock fan)or Oh The Place's We'll Go. classic.

Q: What is your favorite book?
A: Margaret Atwood's Oryx & Crake and Aldous Huxley's Brave New World

Q: Which book series do you have all the books of?
A: I don't own an entire book series actually.

Q: Do you by used books or use swap.com?
A: I have bought used books before, but I have never used swap.com.

Q: Who is your favorite/hottest guy or girl in a book?
A: Robbie Turner in Atonement? I can't decide.

Q: What is your favorite book cover?
A: Ones that feel cool, like Sarah's Key or A Visit From The Goon Squad.

Q: What is your favorite type of book cover?
A: the plane ones where the cover is off and its just a solid colour with etched writing
but holds a great story!

Q: What was the first book you read?
A: I remember reading lots of Amelia Bedelia and Goosebumps books.

Q: What is your favorite book to movie adaptation?
A: Hopefully it will be The Hobbit- Very high hopes
but for now I'd say, The Secret Life of Bees or Davinci Code

Q: When did you start your book blog?
A: Not long ago :)

Q: Where is the best place to read?
A: In bed or the tub or on a grassy hill with a blanket

Q: Have you written your own FanFiction for a book?
A:No

Q: If you could only read 3 books for the rest of your life what would they be?
A: Brave New World, Eating Animals & maybe The Golden Compass

Q: What is the longest book you have read?
A: I don't know for sure but I read The Davinci Code outside and had a REALLY bad leg burn/book tan line.

Q: If you were to write a book what would the title be and why?
A: I dont know yet but it would most likely be some kind of memoir or chick-lit fantasy

Q: How many books have you read last month?
A: 5ish?

Q: What was the last book you read?
A: Soulless

Q: Do you fantasize yourself in books you like.
A: No I let them take me somewhere else!

Q: What is your favorite bookstore?
A: Coho Books on Shoppers Row :)

Q: Hardback or paperback?
A: Paperback- bendable!

Q: Do you have more than one copy of the same book?
A: Nope

Q: Would you rather read about vampires or werewolves?
A: Werewolves I think although I'm getting tired of both.

Q: Do you own more than 150 books? If not would you?
A:Oh I wish I owned that many, but I certainly would.

Love the people in your life, and practice trusting and forgiving them. ( makes me happier just thinking about it!)
Love yourself and all of your imperfections- well work on this.

Chapter 10- That Loving Feeling
.. yay, this is my favourite part! I feel like in the last year most things have gone horribly ( Ill try to think of it as a learning experience), I moved to a new town where I barely know anyone, I am still trying to figure out what to do about my job situation, I don't see my family, I barely talk to my old friends, and although I'm loving my new ones, those kinds of relationships just take time to build. However, one particular aspect of life is finally going right for me- the way I want it to, just as I always wanted it to be. I am in so much love. I have the man of my dreams and I couldn't be happier with how much I love him. I could gush about him non-stop, hes so wonderful, and it makes me think that If I can keep him around I must be doing something right. I cant believe what he puts up with sometimes and that's the driving force behind me wanting to be a better person. Not just for myself, but for him too. He makes me feel more beautiful than anything Dr.Oz can write about, and motivate me more than the good Dr. too...

I have a new love for Dr.oz for trying to help people learn about themselves, and be healthier and happier. We need more doctors with a passion like his. You can tell, although hes famous, and rich etc, he cares about what he does for a living. Its very admirable. Dr.Roizen too but i don't think as many people recognize him as much. I am thankful for them both at this point! Enough of my schpeel- back to the book!

We start off my talking about attraction via pheromones, and the fact that a 'mate'.. I call him Shaun, can detect mine through the perfume and soaps, and still want to live with me makes me as giddy as a school-girl.They explain nerve zero as a nerve that runs from your nose and ends in the brain area that deals with sex on pg 289. They found it in whales and therefore think were similar..haha. hows that for a page-tuner?
The book then explains love, biologically. So interesting! After a few years your body chemicals that makes you happy with someone and give you a sense of togetherness recede; and therefore you need to reinvent your relationship at that point. That explains why a lot of people I know split around 3-4 years. good thing to kind of tuck away in my head.

SEXY TIME! I just have to share the fun fact on page 292 with you!- Men who have sex three times a week can decrease their risk of heart attack and stroke by 50 %-Women who enjoy sex ( holla!!) tend to live longer than those who don't. Great sex makes your body feel and be the equivalent of two to eight years younger-same for men who have 150-350 orgasms a year compared to the average of once per week-Having orgasms also help decrease general pain.

Increasing sex from once a month to once a week,according to researchers, is the happiness equivalent of an additional $50,000 in income for the typical American..... holy shit!?also men have 2.5 times the amount of brain space devoted to sex drive that women do. We really do have more important things to think about :) hahah spilled my coffee at that part... this was my favourite chapter of course.

There will be one last post on this book on Wednesday- then it's gone and I can tell you about what else I've been reading!

Biology of Love

So I'm 23 for another few hours or so. I always FREAK out at this time. All I cant think about is how my body and mind have grown a whole 'nother year. I don't feel like I should already be 24- but this bday isn't freaking me out as much. As much. Today I decided I better have a pretty good last day of being 23.

I bought myself a chai latte from Starbucks, ( I never go there because its so expensive!) and got my hair done. I just got some cool bangs and a couple inches off for a healthy trim. It looks pretty good, but I always go through a missing the length phase for a bit. It'll grow. The sweet thing is that almost all of the dye has grown out of my hair and it looks sweet. The best colour on you is the colour you were born with. I also bought myself a really cute dress to wear tomorrow ( going to be a the bf's granny's 90th birthday family extravaganza- but I'm still gunna look darn cute) and a nice top for tonight. My Dad, Step-mom, and youngest sister also came up island for a visit and I haven't seen them in so long it was so nice to see. So today- I'm feeling a little beautiful. On with the book!

Part 2- Feeling beautiful- Hopefully this makes up for part 1!

Ch6- Energy and revitalization- I'm listening Dr.Oz- This is the chapter I have been waiting to read the most. I am permanently tired. Personally I think it's because I don't exercise enough and because my work schedule is a mess, often involving jumping between day, evening, and night shifts. pg 156 says "Let this chapter serve as your literary caffeine-Drink Up! And see if any of the tips might benefit your situation."

the chapter mentioned a lot about seeing the Doctor- but I just hate that- I'm not going to the doctor if I appear healthy- they just wouldn't really care, Id reel like I'd be wasting there time. I'm in the process of depleting the work related stress problem- but well save that for another post my friends~
The only real change I have made is that I am going to try taking a little extra DHA a day. I don't like taking things but if the benefits are so awesome I think I'll give it a shot. Its not too expensive for a big tub.
Favourite tip: A little booze at night keeps your cardiovascular system younger! the even said not just red wine in there folks. yep! you read that right! I with it said ' A LO T' but I'll take what I can get.
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Chapter seven was all about pain. I have been lucky enough to be able to count on my hands how many headaches I've had this year ( only 2 migraines) and I know people who get them all the time. I don't have any other type of pain but I totally feel for those who do. Although this chapter didn't pertain to me so much I'd hang onto this book just to be able to help a friend out at some point.

Chapter 8- Get in the Mood.
Straighten out your mind. OK! here we go!
It says a greater sense of community seems to have a major benefit. That totally speaks to me because I crave that sense. I want to make more friends, volunteer, do stuff. I'm totally a social person and since moving here I think this is the area I am lacking in majorly. I'll get there though. I'm getting there.
A fact I didn't consider fun: It says that extroverted personalities and neurotic folks have the highest divorce rates. I am both extroverted and a tad neurotic, although I like to think I keep the neurotic part in my head. I wonder if this is something I can change? Shaun is the exact opposite of this - even though were definitely a lot the same- not opposites in common interests and goals. Maybe I can pick up a few of his behaviours?

The personally quiz in this chapter was a light bulb for me. My personality doesn't really match how I feel about myself. ( see YOU Quiz post). According to this book my personality is pretty much what I'd want it to be... I guess I more or less just have trouble with the physical parts of me.

Chapter 9 was about worrying about stress and money. Im gunna hold off on that post maybe until I read some Gail Vaz-Ox lade too. I probably got her name so wrong.

Anyways so I'm off to go and turn 24. Nervous about meeting most of Shaun's big family! I really just want to chill out and relax. I know Ill have to be social which is fine, I just hope I'm not rushed, I eat good food, and I enjoy myself and try not to be too shy. That's all I can ask for. I don't know If I'll be able to get a picture of my dress but hopefully!

I will try and post again Sunday! <3

Chapter 2- HAIR :)

I got this one in the bag I'm sure. I take uber god care of my hair. I personally think its my best feature and I'm even almost done growing out the dye so its Au natural. I have my own thing I do to keep it this way. The book really didn't mention anything I didn't already know. It talked a lot about male pattern baldness- can't say I have that, and little to do with much else. I do like the fun facts in this book, particularly the Safari Secrets- explaining to us animal behaviours similar to our own.
I love having long hair, even if it is hard to take care of. I have a big face so short hair looks a little silly on me. Shaun says he likes long hair too, which is good because I really don't want to cut it off. I would though, if he preferred it short.
My FAVOURITE shampoo lately is Aveeno Revitalize. My hair was showing signs of its usual summer dryness and then I brought it back to life with this stuff. Aveeno scores once again!

Chapter Three- Teeth!

I have always tried to take intense care of my chompers. I have had dental work before- a scary looking crank mechanism to widen my upper plate, and a couple years of braces. However you'd never know it. My mouth is slowly going to back to the way it was - even though things aren't supposed to move once you've finished growing. Anyways, after all of that pain and my parents savings not-so-well-spent, I have come to HATE going to the dentist. Especially now that I don't have any benefits. It just costs way too much for me. My jaw still cracks and I remember at some point being referred to a jaw surgeon for evaluation, but I heard jaw surgery is the most painful thing on the planet- the thought of having it wired shut just makes my skin crawl. So I'm suffering with the aches of jaw pain for now. Until maybe one day I can brave the thought of getting it fixed. I heard it can cause gum disease ( Although you'd never be able to tell I can see the beginnings of it already- hence why I have been taking extremely good care of these guys lately) and headaches. Mostly its just kind of achy, and more I think about it-the worse it is. I need a sonic toothbrush. I also read mouth breathing is bad for you ( I mouth breath at night) because it dries out the enamel to create gingivitis and bone decay. Great. How much are dentures these days?

Chapter 4- hands and feet - I basically found this chapter kind of meaningless, taking care of these things just takes time. I like the look of clean hands, so I try to keep mine nice. Favourite product being Herbacin Hand Cream, and I like the Burt's Bees foot cream. page 125 talks about the dangers of high-heels and pedicures- can't afford either of those anyway.

Chapter 5- Body Shape
So last week I was feeling particularly bad about myself. I was really tired and everything was just getting to me. Anyways, Shaun took me for a walk- it was really nice out and I tried to look cute by wearing a tube top and shorts, even though I don't really like showing all that skin. I was just trying to get his attention I guess. Anyways, as we were on this decent walk I brought up my unhappiness with my body. I haven't done this (reeaaallly tried not to) in a long time because I think it annoys him, but trying to be open, I decided to share my thoughts about how horrible I thought I've been looking like lately. And guess what he said?..... Nothing.

Even though it was shady where we were, I pulled down my shades and shed a couple silent tears so he wouldn't notice. I was totally hurt. But it's true. I need a little work.

We've all heard of the 'pear shape is better than apple shape' metaphor for our bodies. And I'm a total apple baby. All of my weight is carried in my stomach area.
Waist-to-hip ratio. That's all the buzz these days and apparently just as important as BMI. I have heard you want at least a .8ratio which is usually awesome because that's me but guess what!? This lovely book I'm reading says ideally you're looking for a .7. SWEET DOCTOR OZ THANKS FOR MAKING ME FEEL LIKE SHIT. that is all. I hate this chapter.how badly I want the "jaguar like sleek" muscle look explained on pg.142

Anyways, I'm about fed up with this book. I was under the impression it was supposed to make you learn and feel better about yourself, not point out everything that is wrong. I desperately miss my novels, and wont be reading anymore self-help books anytime soon. Ill still tell you how the rest of this book goes, but hopefully I can make like this post and condense it into one or two more postings so we can get on with it.

PART ONE- Looking Beautiful



The beginning of the books talks scientifically about how beauty is perceived when we look at something, and based on ' the golden ratio' of phi=1.618, ( lengths from one element to another, the Fobonacci sequence=0,1,1,2,3,5,8,13 etc- each new # is the the sum of the two before it) we subconsciously judge peoples beauty. We prefer a mate who face is symmetrical and follow the 1.6 ratio.... really? I thought this book is supposed to help me have a better self-esteem!? I know without even measuring i don't have a 1.6 ratio. I have a long face, a huge nose etc etc. Come on Oz, you re not really helping at this point!

SKIN
GREAAAAAAT. Lets start off with the part of my body I despise why don't you. Gee Dr.Oz, you re really NOT winning me over. I have the skin of a 15 year old. Its super oily, and aside from the week after the one bad week of the month- its broken out. Know the weird thing? I take amazing care of it. I've tried every product known to man, and I cleanse, tone and moisturize ( and yes my moisturizer is SPF30) twice a day ( night cream at night) and everything! I keep thinking I'll grow out of it, but I'm pretty sure my hormones are messed, and or I'm stressed out. Ive tried changing my diet, getting better sleep, exercise- you name it- nothing changes my skin. So we'll just see about the rest of this chapter.

Fun fact, it mentions touching reducing cortisol ( stress-hormone which to my knowledge can cause breakouts) and increasing oxytocin( feel-good hormone) and I'm not too big on massage or touch, and I have boyfriend who spends more time touching his beer can,mouse and keyboard than me.... maybe that goes two ways.. but anyways.. I feel a fun experiment coming on!!
Anyways, back to skin care- ok- Maybe I use too much? I need to find something gentle and simple and I don't exfoliate much. I just don't know what to use anymore. I feel like I've just kind of accepted my skin and the fact that I'm wearing make-up pretty much always in public. I am super careful in the sun, and genetically, the women in my family aren't very wrinkled so I think I'm lucky in that sense. its just the flipping break-outs. w..t...f

The book suggests omega-3's over omega 6's. But I already know this. If you have been following this blog awhile, You'll know I have before mentioned my thing for food books. I think I eat relatively healthy. I don't eat very normally, I don't have a B,L,D type of day, but the foods I do eat are filling and healthy. I often snack in the day, and then have a well-balanced dinner. I do have a sweet tooth but I know, aside from maybe my vegetarianism-iron intake situation ( which I am also working on so I can give blood) I am well nourished, and full of omega 3's.. I'm pretty sure. I could be ignorantly just THINKING i eat better than I do, but I really don't think i can complain.

later...
Oh here we go. Stress. Yep. I'm 100 percent sure this is the cause of my skin issues. You finally got one Dr.Oz. OK- so if you re like me- washing your face with a course washcloth ( I currently don't have one :s) and mild soap is the recommendation, then using salicylic acid,benzol peroxide,azelaic acid and vitamin A creams or gels are supposed to work ( although if your like me,it doesn't matter because its the stress that causes them in the first place).

Well so far some fun facts I suppose. Nothing too life changing yet. I will probably post again Tuesday. I've actually almost finished reading this book but Ill space out my thoughts about it like this so you get a better idea of what the book is like.

Also just wanted to say thank you to those who have been reading- I am having the worst trouble with blogger and cant leave comments anywhere :( Dont worry though they are read and appreciated!

Here we go on the YOU:Being Beautiful book. To be honest- I want it to be over! As you read through the next few posts, I'm sure you ll understand why!

Positively, I love how this books has a ton and a half elements in it like illustrations, quizzes, and fun facts, because for fucks sake its like a massive textbook on trying to become a better person! Pardon my Le French.

The intro describes finding authentic beauty, which apparently comes from "closing the gap" between the Current YOU and the Potential YOU. ( that's on page 9) The Current YOU, is being the who-you-are-right-now I guess, and the Potential YOU is who you aspire to become. The Quiz is supposed to measure how far off you are from your ideal self. I can tell you before even attempting this quiz I'm about 10 miles off! I am almost 24 now and I totally remember daydreaming as a teenager about what I'd be like at this age. Funny enough to me, I thought out of everything I'd be happier of all things. Happier and richer and have a 6-pack. Naturally. Anyways, on with this quiz!

It also says on page nine that this quiz is based on validated studies, ( although I havent seen or read them) and a world expert psychologist from the University of Texas ensured it's accuracy. hmmmmm. As you might be able to guess, I am always skeptical of these 'studies' and 'accuracies', having spent my fourth year of university learning how impossible it is to get research approved, and how specific you have to be to publish any sort of research in order to 'prove' or 'disprove' something. But OK Dr.Oz, I guess I'll believe you, and thanks for telling me instead of assuming I wouldn't care if the test was legit!!

It said to use pencil so you can re-take it... but I'm going to use black pen.



---Post Test--- hum the jeopardy theme if you must...
The YOU quiz shows you how close your current you and potential you are to being the same. So I have a YOU-Q of68. The highest (obviously near impossible) score of being your potential you-q is 160. The lowest is 15. The average for a women is a YOU-Q of 95, and for men 99... just to give you an idea about where my self-esteem is at. I knew it would be low, I obviously don't need a test for that, but I kind of thought in my head that it was humbling and almost a good thing to not think too highly of myself, but on a real level... i really don't think much of myself at all I guess, which isn't a good thing if I want to be more like my potential self. Maybe it's a good thing I'm reading this book!

At first,I was thinking though- I'm in my sweats, I haven't showered today, eaten a proper meal, conversed with anyone, put on makeup, or even deodorant for that matter. I'm going out for sushi ( my absolute favourite) at my favourite Campbell river restaurant WASABIYA tonight and I plan on dressing up a little. I wonder after a nice night out with Shaun, looking good, and maybe after a little 'sexy-time' if my score would change? Of course I would want it to, and I'm sure it would a little bit but to be honest I don't think self-esteem changes overnight. When I think about 'my current self' i don't think of done up Alana, I think of natural, homely, sitting at home in my sweats Alana. That's the Alana that I wish was more confident, and attractive.

The book has arrived! Now we can start this thing!

OK, so, instead of doing a personal blog AND I book blog, I have decided to do both. A 2-in-1 if you will. There are two reasons for this.
Reason 1: Most of the time I just wanted to blog about the cool book I was reading
Reason 2: The personal blog got pretty personal sometimes and I'd feel embarrassed by it. I wanted to keep my blogs pretty secret and would often just be an emotional blogger.

A lot of my 'emotional blogging' stemmed from me wanting to deal with my personal insecurities and finding an outlet to vent about it. So in high expectations, I have decided to start this book blog with a self-help book with the ultimate hope of dealing with some of that stuff and moving on to eventually write a decent blog that I wont want to erase when I go back and read it.

I have never actually read one before, so I'm not really sure what to expect. I don't know( and highly doubt) if reading this will change and fix me persé, but I am curious to see what happens, and invite you experience it with me :) I DO NOT intend on self-help books or books that will make me think about myself to be the theme of this blog- I just thought this would be a neat place to start.

The Book

I have chosen to read Dr.Oz & Dr.Roizen's YOU: Being Beautiful. In my last blog, I was trying a health theme, therefore, this all links together. The message of this book being that health is beauty, beauty is health. I'm not trying to be vain in reading this. I am just curious as to what it's about. I've always wanted to read a Dr.Oz book but never had the guts to pick it up in the store. To be honest I'm actually embarrassed to say this is the book I am reading but I am so excited to read it and share it with you!

I honestly was not a huge Dr.Oz fan to start with but his books do seem very interesting. The YOU:Staying Young, YOU:On a Diet, YOU: Raising Your Child, and YOU:Having a Baby really have no meaning to me whatsoever, but this one, the apparent ' owner's manual to inner and outer beauty' definitely cocked my eyebrow. So we'll see how this goes. Trial-and-error perhaps, but no deleting. I'm seeing this one through.

Here's the YouTube promo ad- OK I laughed its SO cheesy- but still I'm pumped to read this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4mmQ7fKQ8g