50/50 Challenge: Work in Progress

I'm not even halfway through the year and I feel like I'm doing well with the challenge. For book number eight, I read a memoir by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, who has been on Top Chef Masters as well as a guest judge on Top Chef. I love reading about food and chef experiences. This book was great as it talked about his childhood, travels and of course, cooking. I enjoy reading about ingredients. One odd thing about me: I actually like reading recipes. I'm not sure what my food obsession is about, but I can watch hours of Food Network and can indulge myself in Food Network magazines and other food blogs at the same time and perfectly content. I like it; what can I say?

Also, I am nearing the 20 mark for new movies watched. The 18th spot goes to "The Company You Keep" a new drama from Robert Redford who is definitely starting to show his age. He just looks very...rugged. I enjoyed the film, but heard lots of complaints and have read other reviews from those who do not feel the same. I do not enjoy Shia LeBeouf. I didn't hate him in this movie, but still do not enjoy him.

However, for movie number 19, I have to say, it knocked it out of the ballpark for me. Of course, I'm talking about the movie "42" the Jackie Robinson for. I think it is a great piece of sports history, maybe just history in general, as it follows the story of how the first African-American baseball player to play in Major League Baseball left his stamp on the game. To imagine living in a time of such segregation breaks my heart. To see individuals triumph from that in such a huge way gives me hope for the human race.

Of course, you can read my full reviews on Examiner.com and subscribe too!

Book #8: Yes, Chef by Marcus Samuelsson

Movie #18: The Company You Keep
Movie #19: 42

50/50 Challenge: I've Finally Read More Books

Movies are easier for me for this challenge, but I am still chugging away slowly reading books. Good thing for book club which "forces" me to read! For book six, I read an oldie that I never read when I was a young girl. "Jacob, Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson. Did you ever read that one? It's about the twin sisters and how one is favored over the other? It was pretty good and descriptive and a very quick read.

When I was younger, I remember loving all things Judy Blume, The Babysitters Club, Beverly Cleary, the list goes on and on. I remember getting books as gifts instead of toys and loving it. I've always been a book nerd it seems.

The other book I read was also for another book club and it's a self-help book from 1984. It's called "What to Say When You Talk to Yourself" - ha! Isn't that the funniest name for a book? It's about self-talk, self-motivation, the pursuit of happiness, enjoying your life. One of the main points is that we are "programmed" from an early age with negative thoughts with a lot of being told 'no' and have that ingrained in us as we reach adulthood. We have to essentially reprogram ourselves with positive thoughts. Sounds too good to be true, but from personal experience, it definitely helps!

Maybe these aren't at the top of your book lists, but they were still short, easy reads. It's nice to step outside of the normal comfort zone of what I usually read. Currently, I'm reading "Yes, Chef" and it's fantastic. I love reading books about cooking and chef life.

I need to start building up my summer reading list. What should I add?

Book #6: Jacob, Have I loved - Katherine Paterson
Book #7: What to Say When You Talk to Yourself - Shad Helmstetter

I Am Going to Europe

I've always believed that dreams/goals are easier to achieve when you put them in writing. Whether you write it on a Post-It or in your journal or type it in your blog, then I feel once it is in print, then it will come true.

So I have added on my list of things to do: Go to Europe.

I've never been. And I've been dying to go. I have my passport with no stamps and I want to travel and explore as much as there is to explore. Therefore, with any luck and a whole lot of saving next year I will be traveling to two of my top places to visit - Italy and Greece.

I found this great website www.goaheadtours.com in which you can list the places you want to go and they will build an itinerary for you and tally up the total so you know exactly how much you need to save. This includes airfare, accommodations, meals, tours, etc. It sounds like heaven to me!

Not that long ago it seems I wrote a similar blog declaring how I was going to move to San Diego. How I was going to pack up life and live life as a writer by the beach. And that item on my to do list turned out quite well.