I'm continuing my goal of reading one book per month and started the new year with Love Warrior by Glennon Melton.
This is about a woman who suffered from bulimia and alcoholism and then found purpose in her life when she found out she was pregnant. After she got married and had a couple more kids, she found out that her husband has had multiple affairs. Melton is really raw as she goes through a mind, body and soul transformation navigating through life and ultimately landing in a place where she finally learns to love herself. This is an easy read and is a book I would recommend.
Wow, almost a decade ago, I discovered Lagree Pilates on the reformer when my friend told me about Pilates Plus in Silverlake. I am not even sure if that studio is still there, but after I moved, I started going to a studio in Glendale that closed down, then Equilibrium in West Hollywood which also closed down and then I found Sweat Pilates in Culver City. But none of those studios compare to Studio Metamorphosis in Pasadena and Eagle Rock. Holy smokes...their Run/Shred workout where you run 25 miles on a treadmill then workout for 25 mins on the megaformer is killer. I was sweating so much my sweat was burning my eyes and I could barely see, but I loved it! The trainers there were all super toned, not to mention so nice. I am excited to see how my body changes as I take more of these classes. If you're in the area, I really recommend checking out this studio!
One of my friends was in Vegas for the annual CES convention, so I decided to be spontaneous and book a flight out to spend a night with her at the Cosmo. After all, who can turn down free accommodations in Vegas? We squeezed in a lot in the 24 hours that I was there! I got in around 2PM and immediately met up with her at the Venetian hotel. We made our way over to our hotel and squeezed in a quick workout. Well, I actually didn't work out but I did guide my friend through one of my HIIT workouts!
It was a beautiful clear night and the view from our room was breathtaking. I really love a skyline view.
Afterwards, we went to dinner at Scarpetta. We ordered the braised short rib on risotto for an appetizer and shared the lobster pasta, brussels sprouts, and cod. The food was pretty disappointing to be quite honest, but the bomboli dessert was pretty good. Afterward, we headed to the Palms resort up to the penthouse for a private party. I think my friends and I were the only females there. Keeping an open mind, it was actually a really great time meeting her coworkers. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard.
Afterwards, I was craving fries so I stopped by Wahlburgers and ordered the Walburger, tator tots and fries. Darn, it wasn't as amazing as I hoped it would be and I paid for eating all that grease the entire next day!
The next day, we ate at Wicked Spoon and oh my gosh, it was the absolute worst! I barely ate my $30 worth. The buffet was just horrible - wasn't it supposed to be one of the best a few years back? No wonder there was no line even at 11AM on a Saturday. I guess you can see the trend by now...we didn't have much luck with food.
Finally, I hit the tables before leaving and lost $80. Boohoo. But, my trip was still worth it because I got to spend quality time with my sweet friends!
This year, I didn't make time to create Christmas cards like I have in previous years. But, I also didn't want the the holiday season to go by without sending something to family and friends. I decided to go the digital route and send out a 2016 recap. Feel free to check it out!
I really didn't do much this month except for a pleasant discovery of a new hiking trail. I've only conquered half of the trail, but am looking forward to completing the full 8 miles sometime in the new year.
I can't believe it...I actually read 12 books this year, one every month! I am going to continue this goal through 2017 because I really do enjoy reading.
In November, I read Trusting God When Times Are Tough by Ed Hindson. I had been working on this book a while and finally finished it last month.
I didn't find that this book had a lot of new insights as someone who has ready many spiritual books. At the end of the day, it's just important to keep perspective and stay focused on God and not on our own desires and understanding, but trust that God has a plan and that His timing is perfect.
My December book was a long anticipated book written by my favorite chick literature author Emily Giffin.
Her books area always light and fun reads. This one was no exception. It's about two sisters who lost their brother in a tragic accident and 15 years later, they find that his death is interlaced with their current circumstances and independently, they work through years of buried emotions and secrets. I finished this book in two days, so obviously I recommend it!
Till the next book!
