Book Review: Love Warrior

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.

December Noteworthies and Book Reviews

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.

A photo posted by Truly Blessed 👩🏻🐶 (@trulyblessedssl) on Jan 1, 2017 at 9:13am PST

A photo posted by Truly Blessed 👩🏻🐶 (@trulyblessedssl) on Dec 31, 2016 at 3:40am PST

A photo posted by Truly Blessed 👩🏻🐶 (@trulyblessedssl) on Dec 10, 2016 at 12:06pm PST

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!

October Noteworthies

This month, I coordinated not one, but two weddings!  The first wedding was at La Venta, a beautiful venue overlooking the ocean in Palos Verdes.  I truly felt blessed to be a part of this couple's wedding.  The Bride and her family were so gracious and sweet and they made my job so easy because they were so organized and go-with-the-flow.  I was also really fortunate to have my sidekick by my side partnering with me throughout the day.  It's amazing how well we work together and how much fun we have - it hardly feels like work at all!

A photo posted by Truly Blessed 👩🏻🐶 (@trulyblessedssl) on Oct 1, 2016 at 9:21pm PDT

My second wedding was at Figueroa House in Los Angeles.  It was raining pretty hard in the morning, but I promised the bridal party it would stop come time for the ceremony to start, and praise the Lord, it did!  Everything went according to plan with no major glitches - whew!  Now, I do have to say that I do not recommend this venue.  The venue coordinators were not pleasant to deal with as they were "fake nice" the type of nice where it's obligatory with an underlying tone of arrogance to boot.  They require onsite pre-production meetings, the couple to buy wedding insurance, the couple to rent basic 6' tables and trash cans (yes, even trash cans!), and the staff was just overall very hands off with everything, and complained when the bartenders had to bus the empty drink glasses because the caterers weren't cleaning up their glasses quick enough.  Ack, so high maintenance!

I also attended mid-week service at Angelus Temple to see Nick Vujicic speak.  This guy is truly amazing beyond words.  He has such a wonderful spirit despite the fact that he does not have any limbs...yes, you read that correctly.  He is truly a testament to how wonderful God is and how He can use anyone who is willing to follow Him to reach millions of lives.  I highly encourage anyone who has never heard of him to Google him.  Even if you aren't religious, you will still be inspired.

A photo posted by Truly Blessed 👩🏻🐶 (@trulyblessedssl) on Oct 13, 2016 at 9:05pm PDT

 

And, time for my book review.  I read The Girl on the Train literally in. one. sitting.  I don't think I am going to see the movie because I can't imagine the movie being able to top what I imagined in my mind while reading.  This book leaves you in suspense until the very end and is very difficult to put down.  It is a good mindless read if you want to just "get away".  It's basically about a woman who has gone through some rough times and finds herself single, barely existing, but rides the train to and from every day.  The train stops at a particular stop most days where she is able to observe a couple whom she idealizes in her mind until one day, something changes and she finds herself getting involved and way in over her head.

Finally, hoping you had a Happy Halloween!  I was disappointed that I didn't get one trick or treater again this year.  Gone are the days where kids trick or treat in their neighborhoods, but instead, their parents drive them to the popular streets where houses are fully decked out and swarms of children are going door to door where homeowners don't even have the time to close their front doors before their doorbell rings again.  Sad.

September Noteworthies

Fall is upon us!  Hopefully this crazy hot weather will start cooling down.  I escaped the heat for a super quick 36 hour trip to Seattle to visit one of my good friends.  Staying at her beautiful home was similar to staying at a resort.  She lives right on Lake Washington and the weather was perfect!  We had dinner at my favorite restaurants in Seattle - Purple Cafe and Potbelly, took an early morning walk to Starbucks, went for a 3 mile run, and had a delicious hot pot meal her Mom prepared for us.

 Taking a moment to relax at the end of the pier that extends from her backyard (seriously!)

Kayaking on the lake!  Her 6 year old had to teach me how, lol!

 View from her living room!

So, BOOK REVIEW.  I read the most amazing book this month, best out of the nine I've ready so far for 2016!  The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah!  I had been waiting for this book to become available for over a month now at the library, so I finally ended up buying my own copy, and am so glad I did!

Seriously, do yourselves a favor and pick up this book right away.  It is so beautifully tragic!  The story takes place during WWII in France and centers around two sisters who struggle to stay alive and resist the German occupation of France.  They are both estranged from their Father and have walked different paths in life which extends into the roles they play during the war.  One of them met her husband early on in life and has built a family living simply on the countryside.  The younger of the two is rebellious and spontaneous.  Both do everything they can to persevere through the most trying times, witnessing tragedies along the way, but always finding strength to move forward.  Read it now!

August Noteworthies

This month, I want to start with my book review for a book recommended by my sister in law.

So heartwarming.  This is a story about a man who suffered the loss of his son, is a recovering alcoholic and decides to spend his summer traveling to different national parks with his late son while spreading his ashes along the way.  His RV breaks down and through that event, encounters two young boys who grew up in a troubled household and ends up taking them with him on his journey.  It was so beautiful to see their relationship unfold and how they unexpectedly changed each others' lives forever.  After finishing this book, I feel inspired to rent an RV and drive to the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon with Echo (although dogs are only allowed in limited areas at these parks, boo!).  And there was the cutest dog, Woody in the story as well and of course, I pictured him to look like Echo.  If you're looking for a book that inspires you to get out into nature and leave you feeling warm inside and bursting with love, this is a book for you!

This month was all about birthdays.  Happy birthday to my sister-in-law, my brother, J, and most importantly, my Mom who turned 60!  My brother and I took her to Mastros a day before her actual birthday and then we celebrated with the rest of the family on her actual birthday.  

I was also quite spontaneous this month taking two less than 24 hour trips just for the fun of it!  Earlier in the month, I flew up to SF and visited my old stomping grounds from when I used to work up there (i.e., ferry building, Miette's cupcakes).  Toward the end of the month, I went to Chicago and covered all the touristy stuff in one FULL day.  Think Navy Pier, the Bean, Buckingham Fountain, Soldier Stadium, architecture tour, Hancock building....yes, everything!

 The weather in Chicago was absolutely perfect!

Finally, I ended the month with an amazing time at Outcry where Kari Jobe and Hillsong Y+F performed.  I always love worship - it is when I feel most connected and at peace!

Hillsong Y+F. Kari Jobe. Sister in Faith. ❤️ #outcrytour #hillsongyoungandfree #karijobe #trulyblessed

A video posted by Truly Blessed (@trulyblessedssl) on Aug 30, 2016 at 1:23am PDT

Book Review: Big Little Lies

I finally finished my book for July.  I read Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty.  I heard that she has written a series of books and this was one of her first ones.  After having finished this one, I'm not sure if I am going to check out her others, not because it wasn't good, but because it wasn't amazing like some other books I have read.  Maybe it is my lack of brain cells but I found it difficult to follow so many different characters, remembering who was married to whom, and who's kids were whose.  I also wasn't sure about the synopsis of the book until I was halfway into it...seriously is it just me?  Basically, this book is about a group of women whose children go to the same uppity private school from all different walks of life.  You can expect the typical real housewives drama until someone is killed.  The parents of the school recall the events leading up to the night of the incident as the detectives try to identify who the murderer is.  If you like murder mysteries, this book will give you a good run for your money! 

Book Review: Sandcastle Kings

As June was quite uneventful with the exception of Vous Conference which I already blogged about, I'll jump right into my book of the month.  This month, I started two different books, both of which I could not get through!  This has never happened before especially with my goal oriented mentality where once I start something I must finish!  Seriously though, I couldn't get through the others, so I settled on Sandcastle Kings by Rich Wilkerson which I got as a gift from Vous Conference!

This book was an easy read and I enjoyed the personal stories Pastor Rich shared throughout because they were relatable and quite humorous!  I enjoyed the format of how the book was written by telling a few stories from the Bible and then highlighting Jesus' character and Christian values from those stories.  I most appreciated him explaining the meaning of Jesus dying on the cross for us as I think for those who didn't grow up in the church, that could be a difficult concept to grasp so having it dumbed down brings a little more gravity to the sacrifice that was made.  I recommend this book! 

Here is one of my favorite videos of Pastor Rich describing his shopping experience with his wife.  So ridiculous, but oh so true!

 

May Noteworthies

This month was quite a busy one for me!  Aside from coordinating a wedding (more to come on that in a later post) and celebrating a friend's 40th, I kicked off May with one of my wonderful friends' wedding in Palm Springs.  I was flattered to be asked to deliver a speech during the reception, and though I was nervous, I was able to speak off the cuff and from the heart thanks to my many years of public speaking practice from Consulting.  

I met the groom when we were both at Deloitte and became insta-friends sharing the same sentiments over long and boring meetings.  I could tell there was something special about him and I was right!  I became his career counselor and he excelled in his job and even after I left Deloitte we remained close friends.  He is one of the few whom I can pour my heart out to over hours and hours of conversation or just be completely stupid together playing poker or taboo for two.  I am so thrilled he found his soulmate, a wonderful human who has the biggest heart.

I also celebrated my birthday!  Another year older, yet none the wiser.  I am grateful to have spent it with good friends and family.  The word that describes that day is peaceful which I am so thankful for because Lord knows I have had some pretty crappy birthdays in the past!  I had brunch, went to an Escape Room and closed out the night with KBBQ.

A photo posted by @trulyblessedssl on May 22, 2016 at 9:40pm PDT

 
Finally, I went to a Hillsong worship concert at The Forum by my lovely self.  I really feel most connected to God through music, so it was a very rejuvenating experience for me.  Though I was alone, I never once felt alone.

 

There's nothing more powerful and moving than one voice, one love... #hillsong #hillsongunited #allineedisyou #godisgood #hillsongempirestour2016 #worship #empirestour

A video posted by @trulyblessedssl on May 18, 2016 at 9:08pm PDT

So, for my book review this month, I read Me Before You by Jojo Meyes.  This book caught my attention after seeing the movie trailer on TV.  I fully expected to go into an ugly cry toward the end of the book as so many of my friends had warned me, but I didn't.  But, it definitely was sad and I do recommend it!  The book leaves you with conflicting feelings...sympathy toward Will and Louisa, the two main characters and it makes you think about what you would do if you were in either position.

April Noteworthies

Why is it that as the year progresses, time seems to fly by more quickly?  I can't believe we are already in May!  Aside from running the half marathon , April was pretty uneventful.

Echo has continued his agility classes and I have continued to fund it, le sigh.  I just don't have the heart to quit because he has his happiest moments there!  In fact, he has improved tremendously!

A video posted by @trulyblessedssl on Apr 23, 2016 at 12:27pm PDT

 
I have also taken the train more because I save on gas and parking.  I also get to squeeze in a little bit of reading along the way.  Double win!  This month, I finally finished The Story.  It essentially is the Bible, but rewritten in a way where it reads more like a fictional book.  I learned a lot more than I knew before, but truth be told, it was still rather confusing and a little difficult to get through.  I think I have been working on this book for over a year - eek!

Hopefully I will have a better update in May when there will be more happening!

March Noteworthies

Gosh, where did the time go?  The 1st quarter of 2016 has flown by and the only resolution I have been able to stick to is to read one book per month, which brings me to Redeeming Love.

This is a book I strongly recommend.  It is story about a young girl who was born out of wedlock, unwanted by both parents, sold into prostitution, grows up with self hatred, lack of hope, and mistrust toward everyone, but then meets a man who feels called by God to make her his wife.  Through his obedience to God, love, patience, and faithfulness, her journey to rehabilitation, to gain hope and trust in the world again unfolds.  Quick and easy read - definitely pick it up.  

I have also been training for my half marathon scheduled on April 9th, so every weekend has been consumed with long runs.  Luckily, I have friends who join me in this endeavor to make the time pass by a little quicker.  We've discovered that the long runs are much more enjoyable when you have a reward at the end.  I recently starting utilizing the metro by parking my car at a station, running to a cute street with a lot of bakeries and coffee shops where we pick up a coffee after a run and then riding the train back to my car.  It makes for the perfect Saturday morning.

I also coordinated another wedding at the Westin Pasadena and had the best team working with me that day!  Believe it or not, everything was on time and everyone had a blast!  I'll post a separate entry with more photos of their big day.  Congratulations to the newlyweds!

A photo posted by Cameron Leung (@cameronleungphoto) on Mar 26, 2016 at 11:47pm PDT

 

Finally, I have been continuing Echo's agility classes because he just loves it so much.  He can hardly contain himself when we pull up to the building and will whine the entire time waiting for his turn.  I think agility classes really help build a dog's confidence, especially when they are able to conquer their fears.  

He was so nervous getting on the bridge because it wiggles.  
I know one day he will confidently walk through it.

Here he is in slow motion jumping over a hurdle! 

And this is my favorite video of all time.  This was the first time Echo had ever tried climbing the bridge.  I thought he would be really scared, but step by step, he quickly grew accustomed to it and I couldn't get him to stop!  Every time I would release him to start climbing, he would let out a loud yelp out of excitement.  It made my heart so happy to see him so happy!

February Noteworthies

This month, I finished yet another Emily Giffin book and I actually liked this one better!  Where We Belong is about a woman who is living the dream in New York City, but gets an unexpected surprise one day that changes her life completely.  This is a heart warming story that is an easy read - highly recommended!

I also ran in the annual Firecracker Run, but this year, I ran the 10K.  This was an arduous run requiring runners to climb 600ft over 3 miles.  Luckily, I trained for those killer hills, but it didn't stop me from feeling like I was about to keel over on the very last climb.  In fact, I achieved a new PR with 9:11/mi!

And yet another hideous photo of me at the finish line, but I think that the expression on my face says it all - I was exhausted!

Lastly, I watched An Act of God starring Sean Hayes at the theater (fancy schmancy!) after a friend raved about it on Facebook.  I think that in order to have fully enjoyed the show, I had to have been up to date with current events and have basic knowledge of the Bible.  I got the latter down, but I have no idea what is going on today in this world (I know, shame on me).  So, a lot of the jokes went right over my head, but as I looked around, I wasn't the only one.  A lot of the audience had fallen asleep in the middle of the show - at least I stayed awake!

Have a wonderful week!

January Noteworthies

Gosh, the first month of 2016 sure flew by.  Aside from my usual routine of going to work and working out, here are a few more noteworthy activities this month!

I finally finished another book.  My goal was to read one book per month in 2016.  Fewer than avid readers but really darn good for me.  

Emily Giffin is one of my favorite authors starting with Something Borrowed.  I do have to say that her subsequent books have not been as captivating as her first three, but it's not going to stop me from reading another one of her new publishes in February.  Definitely a non-thinking book if you want to just take your mind off things.

I enrolled Echo in agility classes because I have noticed how jumpy and easily startled he is.  Supposedly, agility classes help build confidence in dogs and the classes were offered at his daycare, so why not?  It's been really fun watching him progress throughout the weeks and he surprises me every class by conquering a new obstacle.  For example, never would I have ever imagined he would run through a small opening!  The first few tries, he would very cautiously dip one paw in then run back out.  Once he made it through though, he couldn't wait until it was his turn again!

I also went to an escape room for the first time, and it was a really fun time!  It's a great option to host a birthday at or to just have a unique good time with friends and family.  You are put into a room with 7 other people and as a team, you search for clues and piece them all together to escape the room before time runs out.  The one we went to is called Enigma Escape Rooms.  Parking was a little tough, and it initially feels a little sketchy because it looks like an apartment building, but it's totally legit.

And last but totally not least, I got to hang out with my new nephew!!  My favorite moments with him are when he is crying, but stops once I pick him up.  He is so precious!

Book Review: The Help

I have been a major bookworm lately, but the only book important enough to me to share is The Help by Kathryn Sockett. This book tells a beautiful story about black women working for white families during the civil rights movement and their fight and sacrifices to stand up for what's right. I highly recommend this book...I can't even rave about it enough! From page 1 all the way through to the last page, I was engrossed in the story and I had to stop myself from reading it too quickly so that I could "save" some for later! In addition, there is just enough mystery about each character in the book to keep you sitting at the edge of your seat through to the finish. You really grow to love the characters in the book, so much that I found myself laughing, rated G cursing, and tearing at the end...

"You is kind. You is smart. You is important."

Ah, so amazing!



Book Review: Time Traveller's Wife

Oh. My. Gawd. 

People must have thought I was crazy on my flight into Denver this morning because I was sniffling and wiping tears for about 20 mins straight!  This book moves you to your very core.  For those who have been living under a rock and have no clue what this book/movie is about, it is a love story about a man who time travels and a young girl who later becomes his wife.  There are moments of bliss because their love for one another is so sweet and tender, moments of inspiration because the patience, understanding, and acceptance they unconditionally give to one another is so selfless, moments of anger because you can't believe such tragedy could happen to such wonderful people, and moments of reflection where you're just in awe of how the story unfolds and finally comes to an end.  I highly, highly recommend this book (not so much the movie)!  I do have to say though, my next book will be a chick-lit book; no more bawling my eyeballs out!

Rating: 10/10

Book Review - Something Borrowed, Something Blue!

I absolutely LOVED Something Borrowed and Something Blue written by Emily Giffin!  This is a 9/10!  I've reserved 10 for non-chick-lit books that move me.  I first picked out these books because of their pretty pastel-ly colors.  Never would I guessed they would quickly become my favorites!  I read Something Borrowed a while back, but I only got 3 hours of sleep last night because I didn't want to put Something Blue down!  You really grow to love the characters despite their shortcomings.  It's about two best friends, Rachel - plain Jane, and Darcy - NY's PR socialite.  Something Borrowed is from Rachel's perspective and her search for love and falling in love with her best friend's fiance.  Something Blue is from Darcy's perspective after "something" happens in Something Borrowed (I don't want to spoil it).  I literally laughed out loud so many times and then there were moments I'd be tearing.  The characters are so easy to relate to and the struggles and journey they go through will make you reflect on your own life.  Emily Giffin also wrote Love the One You're With and Baby Proof (pastel green and pastel yellow, respectively!) both of which are also wonderful and quick reads!! 

Next book: Time Traveller's Wife

Book Review and a Wedding!

Everyone Worth Knowing - By Lauren Weisberger
I just finished reading another chick-lit book written by the same author as Devil Wears Prada.  I have to say that this story was very similar to DWP in that it's about a young girl who's stuck in a dead-end job, quits and gets into event planning at a major firm hitting all the hottest parties while neglecting her family and friends, and then realizing that the job isn't for her because it's not worth giving up her life for (woops, I just gave you the ending).  She did have a love interest and the ending left me assuming...ASSUMING...I wanted that for sure happy ending and I didn't get it.  This isn't high on my recommendation list, but if you're bored and l-o-v-e-d DWP, pick it up!

Rating: 6/10

Congratulations, Maddie and Derrick!
This past weekend, I attended Maddie’s and Derrick’s wedding at Occidental College in Eagle Rock. The campus church where the ceremony took place was beautiful and the reception banquet room was bright and sunny. I first met Maddie during my journey to kick-off my career. She at the time had already begun work at a top company and I wanted to follow in her footsteps. I prepared my list of interview questions and potential answers and reviewed them with her over the phone. I was immediately impressed by her gregariousness, professionalism and eloquence and so began our friendship. Through the years, I have been fortunate enough to continually cross paths with Maddie whether it be over lunches because of the close proximity of our work locations, or at mutual friends’ outings. I am so happy that she has found her other half and wish them all the best!

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Woo!

Maddie in her beautiful kay po

Second Chance by Jane Green

This book was recommended to me by a colleague who told me that she "laughed and cried" while reading it. Any book that can trigger those types of emotions is my kind of book! On my book scale, 1 being I couldn't even finish it and 10 being I couldn't put it down, I'd rate this book as 7/10.

The story is about a group of friends who have lost touch over the years, but are reacquainted when one of their friends Tom gets killed in a terrorist act. There's Saffron an actress who is a recovering alcoholic and is secretly dating an A list actor who is strategically married to another actress. There's Holly who is in a loveless marriage and finds herself lusting over Tom's younger brother and struggles to walk away from her controlling husband. Then there's Paul who, with his lovely wife Anna, cannot conceive children. And then Olivia, who is newly divorced and strives to find herself again.

I think that readers can identify with the struggles the characters go through. It's about supporting each other through thick and thin, embracing what life has given to you, and standing up for what makes you happy. If you're in the mood for a chick-lit book that's a no brainer to read, definitely check this one out!