Thrifted

Thrift Store Finds: The Hardy Boys

A few months ago I shared my Nancy Drew collection with you. When I started that collection I also started a Hardy Boys collection. Both began while searching through boxes in my Gram's basement. I've been keeping an eye out at all the local thrift shops for more of the series. Like the Nancy Drew Series, The Hardy Boys was created by Edward Stratemeyer. Franklin W. Dixon was a collective pseudonym while the series was written by various of ghost writers. The series is about teenage brothers Frank and Joe Hardy who, as you may have guessed, solve mysteries.

As with the Nancy Drew series, I plan on collecting more of The Hardy Boys books from the '60s as opposed to the reprints from the '80s. I really love the old books. Have you ever read any Hardy Boys? I hope you have a great week!

On Fitness

Today I want to share my personal fitness story. It’s a subject that I haven’t always been comfortable talking about because I was embarrassed by failed attempts to get fit. About 5 years ago I was in the best shape of my life but after working out all summer at the gym, I gave it up. I worked with a personal trainer at the time and when my sessions ran out I lost interest. Since then I’ve steadily put on the pounds. This is due to laziness, a disregard for eating well, as well as medication. Although I’ve tried over the years to get back in shape it never really stuck. I’ve reached a point though where I’m fed up. When I think of the person I want to be, it’s someone who is regularly active. So for about a month now I’ve been working out 4-5 days a week.

I started a ‘learn to run’ program 4 weeks ago. I’ve been pushing myself harder than I have in long time. Although I hit a wall in the program and it will take me longer than 6 weeks to be able to run 30 minutes straight, I push myself a little further every run. I have asthma and my inhaler only helps so much. It can’t fix how out of shape I am.

The first week, I lost 2.5 pounds, then .5, and the week after that the scale didn’t budge. I was slightly devastated but I’ve decided to push ahead. I know if I keep at it, the pounds and inches will come off. I was also doing Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred but stopped after 2 weeks. The runs burn me out but I will probably get back to her DVD. It’s intense but really works out your whole body. I’ve also been using free weights. I did a lot of weight lifting when I worked out with a trainer and I really miss it. Muscles are empowering!

Today’s walk/run was split 50/50 running and walking for 30 minutes total for a distance of 3.29KMs. Each run I go a little further and try to run an extra minute. At the end I am covered in sweat but it feels pretty awesome (after I catch my breathe that is!).

It’s never too late to get in shape. I have some great examples in my life to look to when I feel like eating cookies or sitting on my butt instead of getting on the treadmill.

Thanks for reading! I’ll keep you up-to-date on my progress!

June Reads

Well, we're about halfway through the year and I've read 8 books. One of my goals this year was to read 15 new books. I don't think I'll have any trouble reaching that goal. Not all my goals are being achieved but I'm halfway though a Learn to Run program and Grant and I have been cooking at home a lot lately. I haven't been drawing and I did start a Project Life scrapbook only to find that it really wasn't for me. I would consider trying again in the future though. I've done some sewing this year but my skills could certainly improve. I also bought a ukulele this year and I really need to learn to play it.

Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer: I have had this book for many years but it sat on my bookshelf unread until this year. The movie based on this book is one of my all-time favourites so it was a no-brainer that I should read the book. Although it is different from the movie I still loved it. The chapters of the book are written as letters from Alex to Jonathan chronicling their search through the Ukraine for a holocaust survivor and Jonathan's book chapters based on his family history. It's an incredibly moving and beautiful book. I look forward to reading more of JSF's books in the future.

How to Talk to a Widower by Jonathan Tropper: This book tells the story of a young widower coming to terms with the loss of his wife. I read this book in one night. It's sort-of a dark comedy but the story was actually quite good. I would definitely read another of his books if I was looking for a break from heavier reading. I don't want to call it fluff but it's something akin to that.

Before I Go to Sleep by SJ Watson: Oh man, this book totally hooked me. I read it in a couple of days and loved the ending. If you like thrillers this book is top-notch in my opinion. The first part of this book is an introduction of sorts to the main character. We learn that she loses her memory every time she sleeps and wakes up each morning thinking she's still decades younger than she actually is. After, this the book reads as her diary entries as she tries to retain new memories with aid of physician and the last part of the book is where things get really good. There is a film in production staring Nicole Kidman based on this book and I'm excited to see how it translates to the big screen.

Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan: This book was recently on the bestsellers list and I can see why. I inhaled this book and loved every second of it. I was enthralled by Susannah's decent into madness that had doctors at a loss for the cause. Even though I knew that she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder and was effectivaly treated, I was still eager to read her story. The book is well researched and well written and offers an insight into a disease that is just being brought to light in the medical community.

I'm also halfway through Kelly Oxford's book Everything is Perfect When You're a Liar and 1/3 through Diet for a New America by John Robbins. More on those next time! Find my January Reads here.

What are you reading? An recommendations?