It's been a while

I decided to be better at blogging....especially about my reading. I want to remember why I love/hate the books I'm reading. I'm also trying to diversify the genre I spend my time with.

I purchased a Nook last summer and I'm getting good use out of it. I love traveling with it because instead of killing my back with the three books I usually bring, I have a 1/2 pound Nook. Hopefully this will help me make it through my ridiculously long reading list.

I started reading "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott a couple of weeks ago but it has taken me nearly half the book to really feel like I was loving it. Now I can't put it down. I'm a sucker for a coming of age story so this is a four for one! I love how each little woman is so keenly aware of her own faults and tries to improve upon herself. I love how each character is always striving to be better, more caring and loving. I am also reminded of my sisters and the amazing bond that can only be found between sisters.

Now I'm off to a wonderful world of make believe, love and war. Stay tuned for my final review....

My reading list for the long, long flight

My VP gave me a homework assignment for my vacation. Thank goodness it was an assignment that I will actually enjoy! :)

She told me that I had to read Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Why this book? Well, it takes place in the 1920s on the French Riviera, which is one of the places I will be visiting. I've never read anything by Fitzgerald, so I am actually very excited about diving into this book on the plane.

I am currently buried under about 20 different to-do lists between the conference I'm planning (and speaking at three times!) and planning/preparing for my trip to Europe. So much to do, so little time to do it in! Eight days ...not that I'm counting!

I have an adorable nephew named Kyler Dude

I see London, I see France...

So my dreams are finally coming true, well at least one of them is. I'm going to Europe in two months! The plan is to be in London with my sister Elizabeth and her husband Kenney for the first couple of days. After that we're heading to explore the English countryside for a few days including Bath (Jane Austen anyone???) and a few castles. I have already purchased a new Austen novel and have every intention of re-reading as many as possible before leaving.


After that I am heading to France. I haven't decided whether I'm going to head to Normandy or Nice before hitting up Paris for five days. I am meeting up with my friend Michele (from DC). Yesterday we started planning out some of the details and can't wait to experience this with her!!! I already know I love traveling with her because in the last year we have taken trips to Vermont, Martha's Vineyard, Cincinnati and countless trips to the beach. I am making a list of all of my favorite old movies that take place in Paris. I must watch them all again before leaving.


I am so thrilled and can hardly believe I am finally going!!! I am taking suggestions on places to stay, eat, shop, etc. So leave some comments with your suggestions! Lucky for me I am surrounded by people who have either lived or traveled to both places. I have three coworkers who speak fluent French, a few friends and a roommate who lived in Paris for a semester. My
brother-in-law served his mission in London, so I will have my own tour guide there! I am also reading every book I can (which translates into possibly buying Barnes and Noble out, see picture below).

After a rough year in 2010, 2011 is definitely looking more like my year already!

*I'm pretty sure that I haven't ever used this many exclamation points in a single blog post. Sorry!!!!!! I am excited!!! ;)