Pregnancy Update at 40 Weeks

As this post goes live, I am sitting in the hospital getting ready for my c-section at 1:30pm. Hopefully all goes well and an update will be put on here soon.

Due Date: Today. Somehow I always knew that Arthur was not going to make his appearance before his was forcibly removed on my due date. Stubborn and independent, just like his father.

Weight Gain: In total, I gained 40 pounds. Definitely over the recommended weight gain, but I'm completely okay with it. It happened, it's done, now I just need to start focusing on losing the weight and regaining my strength and endurance. Thank goodness I have access to a pool and gym steps from the apartment.

Symptoms: The BH contractions stopped this past weekend. I didn't have any more. So much for labor progressing naturally.

What’s different this time: Another c-section, but I know what to expect this time. Just hoping that recovery goes well.

Cravings/Aversions: Absolutely none. It's weird, but overall I just didn't have any unusual cravings. Early on, my nausea caused all kinds of aversions, but thankfully those let up after a few months.

Sleep: The past couple of nights have been rough. I haven't slept well at all. Not good considering I won't be getting any sleep now.

I am loving: Feeling that I got so much done before the baby came. I have most of our Christmas cards done. I finished a ton of Thank You and Arrival cards. I prepped our Project Life albums. Introductions pages are done, supplies are organized. Now I get on to the business of being a mother again.

I miss: Sleep. I hope that I can at least get a few hours here and there going forward.

I am looking forward to:Meeting Arthur!!!

I’m spazzing about:The fact that J hasn't installed the car seat or hung the curtains. I hate loose ends...

Best thing about this week:Finally meeting my new son.

Milestones: We made it to 40 weeks.

Movement:Not quite as active as he was a month ago, but he loves being fed.

Exercise/Diet:Nothing really to report. I hope that I can get back to swimming soon.

Labor Symptoms:Nothing at all.

Preparation:I've done all I can do at this point. I'm sure that I forgot a few essentials, but that's why we have Amazon Prime.

Arthur’s Stuff:I haven't bought him anything this week. Eventually I'll pick up a few things here and there, but he's flush with clothes for the first few months.

Music Monday -- The Civil Wars "The One That Got Away"

I recently picked up the new The Civil Wars album. And the first song is just amazing. I had to share it with you today. I love the voice combination of Joy Williams and John Paul White. Just gorgeous!

Lyrics:

I never meant to get us in this deep I never meant for this to mean a thing Oh, I wish you were the one Wish you were the one that got away

I got caught up by the chase And you got high on every little game I wish you were the one Wish you were the one that got away

Oh, if I could go back in time When you only held me in my mind Just a longing gone without a trace Oh, I wish I'd never ever seen your face I wish you were the one Wish you were the one that got away

I miss the way you wanted me When I was staying just out of your reach Begging for the slightest touch Ooh, you couldn't get enough, mmm

Oh, if I could go back in time When you only held me in my mind Just a longing gone without a trace Oh, I wish I'd never ever seen your face I wish you were the one Wish you were the one that got away

Got away from me Got away from me Before anybody has to bleed

Oh, if I could go back in time When you only held me in my mind Just a longing gone without a trace Oh, I wish I'd never ever seen your face I wish you were the one I wish you were the one Oh, I wish you were the one I wish you were the one that got away

Sunday Sunset #34

Book finished: Anansi Boys; Her Ladyship's Companion; The World is Flat; Iron's Prophecy; Lady Susan

Reading: The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

On the Nightstand: Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides; The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Making Lists: Grocery list for after I come home from the hospital. I tried to create a meal plan with corresponding grocery list so we don't have to live on fast food afterward. Now I just need to get J to go to the grocery store on next Friday or Saturday...

Around the house: Mostly I've been relaxing this past week trying to rest up before Arthur arrives. I did manage to vacuum the entire house in preparation.

From the kitchen: Nothing new this past week, but I have been finishing filling the freezer with meals (particularly marinated chicken). I also made a nice list of what is currently in the freezer so we don't forget anything.

Crafting: No pictures until J can fix the upload bug, but I promise that I did a ton of crafting this past week. I finished my intro pages for both Project Life albums. I'm just waiting on the delivery of pictures. I think I've decided that for the time being, I will create the journaling and inserts for each week's spread and leave spaces for the pictures i want to print. Then, I will wait until Walgreens or Snapfish or Shutterfly have a sale and print the mass of pictures (probably once a month). I also finished my Stamp Club homework for October (won't be at the meeting obviously) and started in on the Christmas cards. So far, I've finished almost Christmas cards. My hope is to finish close to 50 cards total.

Watching: Catching up on some of our currently airing shows: HIMYM, Castle, SHIELD, New Girl, etc. We've also been watching a ton of QI past episodes. Love Stephen Fry! And I started watching Sleepy Hollow. It shows some potential. I'm enjoying it so far.

Pregnancy Update: No changes. Still on track for Tuesday surgery.

Day Zero Project Update: Week 104-108

Instead of daily posts, I thought it would be a lot easier for me and you if I did weekly update posts. These will track my progress each week. I will highlight what I’ve done, what I want to do, and any interesting tidbits. Sometimes I’ll add pictures and/or links. Hopefully these posts will keep me accountable to me list…

What I Did

5. Make a playlist of my favorite 101 songs (98/101)

Dave Matthews Band "Two Step"
Dave Matthews "Grey Street"
OAR "Patiently"
The Avett Brothers "Love and Hate"
Jamie Cullum "Blame it on My Youth"
Sara Barellies "Uncharted"
Alexa Wilkinson "Waterline"
Bright Eyes "Four Winds"
Jack's Mannequin "Holiday from Real"
Death Cab for Cutie "I Will Follow"
Joss Stone "You Had Me"
Iron and Wine "Flightless Bird"
The White Stripes "Fell in Love"
Jimmy Eat World "Bleed American"

7. Watch 10 foreign films (4/10)

Shaolin Soccer

24. Keep a journal for this project

27. Make a list of 101 inspirational quotes (101/101)

37. Pass 250,000 pages read for my 1,000,000 pages challenge — 5134 pages read this period giving me a total of 154,262 pages so far

60. Try 30 new recipes (30/30)

Skinny Chicken Parmesan
Honey Mustard Chicken
California Quesdaillas

Overall Progress

33/101

FF #34: Pattern Play 2

Another fun pattern play. I saw this skirt and just had to create an outfit around it. But I wanted something quirky and young. I love the basic plaid shirt to give ground the skirt and inject some color. And the boots and tights just scream 1990s to me. I think the grunge of my younger days to coming back to me.

Shirt top $33 - 77onlineshop.de

Topshop circle skirt topshop.com

Valentino studded boots valentino.com

REINHARD PLANK crown hat farfetch.com

Boohoo suspender boohoo.com

Lady Susan by Jane Austen

Title: Lady Susan

Author: Jane Austen

Genre: Classic 1805

Pages: 95

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Jane Austen; ebook; Fall into Reading

How I Got It: iPad read

The early epistolary novel LADY SUSAN depicts an unscrupulous coquette, toying with the affections of several men.

Right away, I could tell that this was a very early work for Austen. It has glimmers of wit and critique of society, but doesn't live up to her six finished novels. Instead of a main character we can follow through the trials and tribulations of society, we get Lady Susan. She is thoroughly unlikable. Therefore, I didn't care if things worked out for her at all. Having a likable main character helps Austen navigate the rest of society. This early novel just doesn't reach the bar.

Iron's Prophecy by Julie Kagawa

Title: Iron's Prophecy (Iron Fey #4.5)

Author: Julie Kagawa

Publisher: Harlequin Teen 2012

Genre: Paranormal - Fey

Pages: 66

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Paranormal - Fey; Mount TBR; Fall into Reading

How I Got It: iPad Read

Meghan Chase is finally getting used to being the Iron Queen, ruler of the Iron Fey. Her life may be strange, but with former Winter prince Ash by her side at last, she wouldn't have it any other way.
But when they travel to the Summer and Winter courts' gathering for Elysium, the oracle from Meghan's past returns with a dire prophecy: "What you carry will either unite the courts, or it will destroy them."
Now Meghan faces a devastating choice that may determine the future of all fey—and her and Ash's unborn child…

Picked this one up as a free Kindle book to continue the Iron Fey series. I wasn't hugely fond of The Iron Knight, but felt like I wanted to continue Meghan Chase's story. This was a nice wrap-up to the cliffhanger after Ash won a human soul. But it did leave me wanting more. I may just have to read The Lost Prince now...

The Iron Fey

#1 The Iron King
#1.5 Winter’s Passage
#2 The Iron Daughter
#3 The Iron Queen
#3.5 Summer’s Crossing
#4 The Iron Knight
#4.5 Iron’s Prophecy
#5 The Lost Prince
#6 The Iron Traitor
#7 The Iron Warrior

Random Video Roundup

For all those geography and history geeks out there, I present to you a fascinating look at the border between Canada and the United States.

I love The Wizard of Oz, but this video was too good not to include.

This looks hilariously bad and yet there's still a part of me that wants to see it.

The video that sums up why I never went to see the movie, even thought I adored the book...

Love 5 Facts, and this particular one has so much fun I had to include.

The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman

Title: The World is Flat 3.0

Author: Thomas Friedman

Publisher: Picador 2007

Genre: Nonfiction -- Economics, Business

Pages: 660

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nerdy Nonfiction -- Business; Mount TBR; Book Bingo -- 3 rereads; Nonfiction Adventure; Fall into Reading

How I Got It: I own it!

"One mark of a great book is that it makes you see things in a new way, and Mr. Friedman certainly succeeds in that goal," the Nobel laureate Joseph E. Stiglitz wrote inThe New York Times reviewing The World Is Flat in 2005. In this new edition, Thomas L. Friedman includes fresh stories and insights to help us understand the flattening of the world. Weaving new information into his overall thesis, and answering the questions he has been most frequently asked by parents across the country, this third edition also includes two new chapters--on how to be a political activist and social entrepreneur in a flat world; and on the more troubling question of how to manage our reputations and privacy in a world where we are all becoming publishers and public figures.

I read the original edition of this book way back when it was released. That particular volume was given to a departing foreign exchange student. When I went to replace the copy, I picked up the 3rd edition and it proceeded to sit on my shelves and in boxes for years. I finally decided to read this edition.

Overall, I have to say that I've enjoyed both editions of this book that I've read. I have to say that Friedman's basic premise is fairly simplistic. Yet, I understand how people have misconstrued his concept of the flattening of the world. He doesn't actually mean that the world is equalizing, but that opportunities are becoming more accessible to people across the world. I find it very interesting to trace the progression of societies and globalization. Interesting reads, but I warn you that it's fairly dense. For the record, here's Friedman's list of 10 global flatteners:

#1: Collapse of the Berlin Wall
#2: Netscape
#3: Workflow software
#4: Uploading
#5: Outsourcing
#6: Offshoring
#7: Supply-chaining
#8: Insourcing
#9: Informing (Google and other search engines are the prime example)
#10: "The Steroids" (Wireless, Voice over Internet, and file sharing)

Her Ladyship's Companion by Evangeline Collins

Title: Her Ladyship's Companion

Author: Evangeline Collins

Publisher: Berkley 2009

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 330

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Romance; Mount TBR; 52 Books -- W41; Fall into Reading

How I Got It: I own it

Condemned to a loveless marriage, Lady Isabella Stirling indulges herself by taking a lover. But even though she knows Gideon Rosedale's passion was for sale, she's fallen in love with him.

All through the 300 pages of this novel, I kept waiting for something more. It wasn't bad, but it just deliver me any more than a stereotypical bodice-ripper style romance. The characters started out interesting, but over the course of the plot, I just didn't like them any more. Isabella's desperation for Gideon started to grate on my nerves. She started out so strong and ended up the damsel in distress. I just grew tired of her. Making Lord Stirling and Lady Isabella's brothers such caricature villains made the novel even more predictable. The sex scenes were generously sprinkled every few pages and overall were decent. But the ending... I think the ending was why I really knocked this one down to 3 stars. The ending and resolution was completely deus ex machina and I just couldn't take it all. Coincidences and perfect timing are the only ways to reconcile the ending. To me it just felt faked and forced. I couldn't get completely behind it.

Quote Wednesday -- Sanger

No woman can call herself free who does not own and control her own body. -- Margaret Sanger

With the birth of my third child nearing, I've been thinking about the issue of women and control of their bodies. While I have my personal beliefs, I cannot in good conscious demand that other women follow the same decisions as myself. Our bodies are ours to control alone.

Pregnancy Update at 39 Weeks

It's Tuesday, which means another week down and still no baby. I don't think he has any intention of coming out on his own. So, we have another weekly update.

Due Date: Still on the schedule for a final appointment on October 14th and then c-section on October 15th. If all goes as planned, I should be home on October 17th or 18th.

Weight Gain: No idea if I've gained any weight this past week (we don't have a scale in the house), but I imagine it might be a pound or so.

Symptoms: Everything hurts... Feels like I completed a triathlon yesterday. Every bit of me hurts, but it's a constant ache with no real fluctuations.

What’s different this time: Actually it looks like I'll be having a c-section just like last time. Although I at least know what to expect this time. I feel like I'll be able to prepare better and gauge my recovery. Hopefully I will be able to heal just as quickly with no complications.

Cravings/Aversions: Honestly the thought of eating food feels a bit gross at this point. Everything is so compressed that I don't think I can fit any food in there.

Sleep: Back to hit and miss. Some nights I sleep like a rock, others I toss and turn. No matter what type of night I'm having, I have to pee at least 4 times before morning.

I am loving: Packing my hospital bag and diaper bag. I'm a planner. I like everything organized and planned out in advance. I finally got these packed and ready to go (not that I will need the diaper bag anytime soon). I also organized my under the crib diaper and wipes stash. Feeling very accomplished this week.

I miss: Alcohol. Feels like I list this every week, but it's so true...

I am looking forward to:Next Tuesday (or before if he decides).

I’m spazzing about:The fact that J just told this weekend that the new company wants to send the PMs to various offices in other countries! He's planning on taking the rest of October off for paternity leave, but beyond that, no idea. I just hope the company doesn't want him to leave before the middle the November. I would like to be physically healed before my live-in support system leaves for another country!

Best thing about this week:Seeing all the babies being born from the October board. I love seeing all the baby pics. Makes me really anxious to put my up next week.

Milestones: We've made it all the way without any major health issues. Very happy about this fact.

Movement:He's a little less active, but I'm convinced it is because there just isn't much room in there. He still gets pretty excited after I eat, but it's more like slow movements instead of kicks and punches.

Exercise/Diet:Don't make me laugh, it hurts...

Labor Symptoms:Nothing lately. The BH contractions have even stopped. I get maybe one or two a day and that's it.

Preparation:J still needs to install the car seat and hang the curtains. I keep telling him that I'm not supposed to be standing chairs. I would also like him to put together the bouncer we got from his parents this past week. Other than that, I made a few final purchases with our Amazon gift card from coworkers. I remembered to order a foam insert for the baby tub (until he can sit up on his own in the duck bath). I also decided to buy a monitor for night use instead of a bassinet. If it becomes absolutely essential, I can always sleep in his room on the twins' bunk bed. We discussed and decided that a monitor has more long term use than a bassinet. And through all this, I didn't buy any clothes. Very proud of myself!

Arthur’s Stuff: At our work baby shower last Friday, we received four very geeky onesies: one Star Wars themed and three Star Trek themed. This kid is going to be dressed awesomely! We also received a baby play gym and some sleepers and onesies from friends in Nebraska. Very cute!

Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

Title: Anansi Boys

Author: Neil Gaiman

Publisher: William Morrow 2005

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 416

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Neil Gaiman; Mount TBR; Blogger Recommendations; Fall into Reading; Bingo -- 4 from everyone but me; Fantasy Project

How I Got It: iPad read

When Fat Charlie's dad named something, it stuck. Like calling Fat Charlie "Fat Charlie." Even now, twenty years later, Charlie Nancy can't shake that name, one of the many embarrassing "gifts" his father bestowed -- before he dropped dead on a karaoke stage and ruined Fat Charlie's life.
Mr. Nancy left Fat Charlie things. Things like the tall, good-looking stranger who appears on Charlie's doorstep, who appears to be the brother he never knew. A brother as different from Charlie as night is from day, a brother who's going to show Charlie how to lighten up and have a little fun ... just like Dear Old Dad. And all of a sudden, life starts getting very interesting for Fat Charlie.
Because, you see, Charlie's dad wasn't just any dad. He was Anansi, a trickster god, the spider-god. Anansi is the spirit of rebellion, able to overturn the social order, create wealth out of thin air, and baffle the devil. Some said he could cheat even Death himself.

Overall, I really liked this novel, but it wasn't quite on par with Neverwhere or The Ocean at the End of the Lane. I think it had to do with the fact that I could never truly get behind Fat Charlie. Sure, he's gotten a bit of the short end of the stick in terms of his childhood and family, but the fact that he continues to be a sad sack throughout the novel bugged me a bit. While I don't like Spider's actions, I could completely understand why he did certain things. He was predictable, he was interesting, he was almost charming. I found myself wanting to read more about Spider's journey than Charlie's. For that reason, I took this one down a star. Don't get me wrong, it's still a great Gaiman story. It has the interesting little fantastical twists. It has wonderfully constructed sentences. The narrator (even not being first person) connects to the reader. I really enjoyed this one, just not quite as much as some of Gaiman's other works.

FrightFall Readathon -- Finish Line

Pages Read Today: 175 (Anansi Boys)

Pages Read Total: 1304

Books Read Total: 5+

Comments: And I'm rounding out the readathon with some Neil Gaiman! I'm so excited about my progress this past week. I knocked out five books and started on a sixth. I read over 1000 pages. I filled a ton of Reading Challenge slots. Overall I'd say it was a success!

Goals:

Read 3 books √
or read 1000 pages √
Review all books read √

TBR List:

Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
Cape Storm by Rachel Caine
Witches 101 by Melissa de la Cruz
Total Eclipse by Rachel Caine
Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman (in progress)
San Diego 2014 by Mira Grant

Music Monday -- Favorite Covers VII

While sifting through all our music, I came across a ton of songs (over 1000) that I wanted to add to my 101 Favorite Songs list. I had to narrow it down. As part of my narrowing, I decide to delete all covers from the list. But those are some great songs, ones I really love. So, I decided to give them their own series on Music Monday. If you like covers, stay tuned for some good ones. Part I,Part II,Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI.

Sarah Brightman "Dust in the Wind"

Original -- Kansas

Adele "Make You Feel My Love"

Original -- Bob Dylan

Mumford and Sons "The Boxer" (the live version is pretty amazing if you ignore the random yelling and talking)

Original -- Simon and Garfunkel

Regina Spektor "Real Love"

Original -- The Beatles

Reel Big Fish "Take on Me"

Original -- A-Ha

Sunday Sunset #33

Due to a bug, I still can't upload pics to my blog. I really wanted to share the nursery pictures, but hopefully I can soon. J's working on a way for me to get them in here without too much hassle. We'll see...

Book finished: Cape Storm; San Diego 2014; Witches 101; Gulliver's Travels; Total Eclipse

Reading: Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

On the Nightstand: The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon; The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman; Book club selection (I will find out tonight)

MakingLists: Last minute baby needs and grocery run before he comes. I think I've taken care of all the baby essentials (at least for the first few weeks). I just need to make sure we have food in the house for after we come home. I definitely won't be going to the grocery store and it's iffy whether or not J will take on that task.

Around the house: If I could upload pictures, I would show you the massive pile of cardboard boxes and packaging piled next to the front door. We have received so many packages of gifts and baby related purchases lately that's it definitely accumulated. Nothing's stinky in there, just a lot of plastic and cardboard. We really need to get this taken care of soon. I just don't have the energy to break down all those boxes and then haul them down to the trash room...

On the Job: This was my last week with the company. My team is moving and creating a new company and I got left behind. I'm okay with it, but I will miss the extra money. There was a mad scramble to get as much work out of me as they could before I left. Unfortunately they didn't have the new database site up and running until Tuesday and then my home internet was spotty all Thursday. Even with the crazy, I ended up finishing my tasks on Friday by the deadline and submitted my final invoice. Moving on...

From the kitchen: Lots of cooking and baking this week. I have no idea why as I still am not a fan of cooking. I made autumn spiced ham steak on Wednesday. Yummy! Easy and very satisfying. Caprese grilled cheese sandwiches and homemade baked potato soup on Thursday. I made sure to add a bit of cayenne to soup to kick it up a bit. Half went into the freezer for later. Plus I froze some various marinated chicken breasts for easy meals after the baby arrives. The freezer is slowly being stocked again. I am foreseeing lots of chicken breasts and takeout in my future. Nothing more complicated than that. I have lemon blueberry poppyseed pound cake and green chile pork stew ready to make this coming week. We should be eating good before the baby comes.

Crafting: No card making this week. I did start my Project Life pages. I finished a transition/intro page for each of the albums, my ultrasound pictures, and prepped some inserts for baby's album. I'm still deciding on the best way to print my pictures. It would be nice to have an in house photograph printer, but I'm still weighing the time and money to invest. I ordered my first prints through Apple, but I prefer matte photos (they don't do those). If I want matte, I have to order through Walgreens or Snapfish, but can't pick up in store. Dilemma! I might just break down and ask J for a printer for Christmas. My other plan is to do the spreads and journaling without the pictures (but have the pictures saved in a folder) and then print a ton when Walgreens or Snapfish have a good deal (so I can get matte pictures). Still mulling it over...

Watching: Still working my way through Smallville S10. I only have a few episodes left. Woohoo! I also started watching the new season of The Voice on Hulu. Can't wait to follow the competition. J hasn't updated the server lately, so no new episodes of currently airing shows right now. Instead, I'm been watching him play GTA V. Okay, I'm usually writing posts of perusing the internet, but scenes do catch my eye. I think he's a bit tired of the comments from the peanut gallery. On the movie front, we finally saw This is the End. OMG! So hilarious! I loved it!

J finally updated the server last night so we binge watched some The League, It's Also Sunny, SHIELD, and The IT Crowd special. Fun fun! I'm really looking forward to seeing what they do with SHIELD.

Pregnancy Update: Starting to feel very whalish. I'm huge (although not anywhere near as big as with the twins) and sore everywhere. It feels like a ran a marathon yesterday... Still waiting to see if he wants to arrive before his October 15th extraction date.

From Nature: Sept-Oct in the Bay always seem more summer than July-Aug. We've had temps in the low 80s and of course sun. It feels weird when everyone on FB is talking cool temperatures, bonfires, and even snow. Plus, it freaks me out that we have trees whose leaves change color and drop and yet people are walking around in shorts.

Shopping Scores: Lots of baby related items. Along with all the gifts, we received a huge Amazon GC from work colleagues. I immediately loaded it onto my account, but restrained myself from a buying spree. Go me! I did order a baby monitor for convenience, but am reserving the rest of the GC until after he comes. I'm sure some of it will be used for diapers and such, but I imagine I'll pick up a few non-essentials along the way. Maybe some nice board books or a cute stuffed animal. I have my eye on an astronaut bear that is beyond adorable!

Project: Prepping for baby of course.

FrightFall Readathon Update #3

Pages Read Today: 266 (Total Eclipse)

Pages Read Total: 1129

Books Read Total: 5

Comments: I've officially finished the Weather Warden series! I didn't think I was going to make it through the nine books this year, but I did it! And added another 305 pages to my weekly total.

Total Eclipse by Rachel Caine

Title: Total Eclipse (Weather Wardens #9)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: Roc 2010

Genre: Paranormal

Pages: 305

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Seriously Series; Mount TBR; Fall into Reading;

How I Got It: I own it

Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin, her husband, the djinn David, and the Earth herself have been poisoned by a substance that destroys the magic that keeps the world alive. The poison is destabilizing the entire balance of power, bestowing magic upon those who have never had it, and removing it form those who need it. It's just a matter of time before the delicate balance of nature explodes into chaos-and doom.

Holy crap! What a way to end the series! I sped through this volume on the edge of my seat. I couldn't wait to see how Joanne got herself of the end-of-the-world situation she got herself into. The volume did not disappoint. Like most of of the books in the series, this one hits the ground running. The action starts right away and never stops. I loved that! We get a whirlwind of activity and yet we still connect to the characters. I loved seeing some of the side characters reappear, but glad that Caine focused on our main group. I was even satisfied with the ending and epilogue. Usually I hate epilogues, but this one was nice. Overall, I really liked this series. The middle books meander a bit from the main story arc, but everything gets back on track for a couple of explosive books at the end.

Weather Warden:

FF #33: Jewels of Every Color

It's fall! However, I live in Silicon Valley, so I never actually feel fall. I still wanted to celebrate the rich colors and textures of autumn. I absolutely adore these boots and want a pair. However, I have no idea where I would actually wear them... Being a SAHM can really limit your cute fashion choices.