Gone Girl

When Bonnie first posted her idea of a blogger book club, I knew I wanted to join. 

For someone who loves book as much as I do I'm honestly surprised I haven't been in one before now. 

 

February's book was Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. 

So many people have talked about this book that I had it on my to read list even before it was picked for the book club. 

I don't know if I've ever both loved and hated a book at the same time like I did this book.

And not just during parts, through the entire thing!

It kept me turning the pages, and had plot twists I never saw coming, which is rare for me. 

I never felt connected to the characters. 

I simply disliked them all and if there had been some way no one could have won I would have chosen that ending.

At first, I felt bad for Nick, I knew in my gut he didn't kill his wife, but something was up with him. 

Who doesn't tell the whole truth in a murder investigation if they are innocent?

I also loved Diary Amy, but I couldn't figure out how Nick and the diary's portrayal of her could be so opposite unless Nick was a complete jerk.

Once I knew the diary was a complete fabrication it at least made me feel like I wasn't crazy. 

I absolutely hated the actual Amy.

She was evil, manipulative and calculating, but also weak. 

She could have just walked away, instead she desires to destroy the people around her. 

She manipulates everyone around her to do her bidding. 

Yet, Nick can easily play her and make her want him back.

Nick's year long affair and the games he plays removed all my sympathy for him as well. 

Basically the characters are all self-serving and manipulative, refusing to let the other move on and be happy with their lives.

However, the plots twists and turns had me consistently second guessing myself and hurrying through the book to find out more. 

While I did enjoy the book I don't know if I would recommend it to others. 

For one thing, there was way more cursing than needed to get points across.

Also, I was left unhappy with the turn of events. 

I think I would have felt better if they had ended the book after she came back. 

The ending dragged out with no favorable end for any character. 

 

Have you read Gone Girl?

What did you think of it?

Do Opposites Attract?

One of the downfalls of going to work so early in the morning is no music!

Seriously, I search through every channel and am lucky to hear one or two songs.

I do get to hear all the morning talk shows. 

Typically it's not too thrilling, but every once in awhile it provides a good discussion topic.

Recently the topic was if couples work better if they are really similar or opposite.

Apparently, dating sites match people based on how many things they have in common.

 Kyle and I probably would never have been matched.

Core values and goals, of course, but the day to day things not so much.
I'm a first born, this means I like organization, planning, and following the rules.
I don't tend to bend much.
Kyle is a third born, baby of the family.
He is super go with the flow, not easily phased, who cares if we're late type person.
 He is crazy laid back.

Kyle builds computers and plays video games.

Sometimes he drives me crazy.
I mean, what is a goal oriented, go by the book person supposed to do when confronted with someone who could care less about her well laid plans?
I never am late, ever. Kyle likes to leave when things start.
I knew what college I wanted to go to, I went.
I knew what I wanted to do when I got a job, I found the best program and got my Master's.
That's just not Kyle.
But, if Kyle was just like me we probably wouldn't be together.

I like to read and watch TV

Thankfully, we did attract, opposite and all.
We truly balance each other out.
I'd like to think I make Kyle more conscientious about what's going on around him.
And maybe a little more organized.
I know that he had made me more relaxed.
He might not always see it, but I know it's true.
I'm okay with being a little late most of the time.
If things don't go exactly as planned I can handle it.
I don't even bother him immediately to clean up things.
Immediately is the key word here people,  lets not get crazy.

Neither of us are perfect, but I like to think that we're perfect for each other.
We work well with each other.
We keep each other on track and help balance the other out.
We still agree on the big things and we work around the little things.
In the end, I don't think it matters if you are the same or opposite as long as you are willing to commit to that person no matter what comes your way.
Committing to each other when it's hard to get along and when it seems like the easiest thing in the world.

If you're committed to each other, then you can get through the days when you just plain don't like them. And some days that's perfectly okay.

The Other Side

While there are many times that I am utterly shocked in a negative way about what comes out of my student's mouths there are also many times where their complete innocence has me laughing out loud. 

Sorry I'm not sorry for laughing at my students. 

They don't know I'm laughing at them, it's all good. 

This has nothing to do with this post. Pictures of my class is probably a no no!

Here are some of my favorite student quotes from this year.

Our last unit was on neighborhoods. We were reading a book about maps.

Me: Then you turn east

Student: East, you mean like the Easter Bunny?

Yes, exactly like the Easter Bunny. At least he understands word parts?

One plus about Kindergarten is that you get complimented a lot on your clothing choices. 

It's nice to know my jeans, Toms, and sweater are so appreciated. 

One morning I was wearing a statement necklace. 

Student: I like your necklace, it looks like bouncy balls!

If you want to impress a Kindergartener identify with their interests.

I can't tell you how cool I was for seeing Wreck-It Ralph.

We're learning about different types of energy in Science right now. 

The other day we were doing a sorting activity on objects that give off light, heat, or both. 

Me: Can someone tell me something that gives off light and heat?

Student 1: A bombfire!

Student 2: Like a bomb?

Student 1: No, don't worry, they just call it that because it gets really big!

At least he can justify his answers!

 

2 Ingredient Fudge

I don't think it's a surprise that I like simple recipes. 

This is the easiest fudge recipe ever and it still tastes just like fudge!

Last year a friend of mine made a strawberry fudge and said she found the recipe on Pinterest,

so of course I had to try!

Original Recipe

I'm not a fan of strawberry, but the recipe said you can mix and match with any flavors. 

It's so simple, 

take any flavor chocolate chips(12oz) and any flavor icing(12oz).

 

I chose semi-sweet chips and cream cheese icing. 

Make sure the icing isn't whipped.   

Dump them both into a bowl and microwave for 30 second intervals.

Stirring until smooth.

Pour into a greased 9x9 pan and allow to sit till hardened.
  This is my favorite combination because it tastes exactly like regular fudge. 

Linking up with Melissa, Amber, and Sarah

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The Way to My Heart

I love holidays. 

All of them!

So of course I was ready for Valentine's Day.

We had a great time at school celebrating!

We made a new bulletin board for the back wall on the 100th day of school.

All of the students got to give reasons they loved Kindergarten and people they loved in Kindergarten.

We passed out Valentine's Cards and let me tell you, my class was so sweet. 

We spent the rest of the day doing heart activities, reading valentine's books, and watching a valentine's show. 

My Valentine to the class

It was a great day!

Then, I went home to my wonderful husband. 

We've never really celebrated Valentine's Day too much. 

Typically, we'll do something small and then maybe dinner and a movie. 

When we were dating we never even celebrated on the actual day. 

Christmas and our anniversary were right before Valentine's Day, 

so it's a lot packed into a few months. 

My husband definitely knows me, I came home and he had spent the day doing the dishes and cleaning the bathrooms and our bedroom. 

He even dusted!

It was wonderful, we ordered in pizza and Kyle got cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory.

I, of course, made him some yummy treats. 
   2 ingredient fudge                                                 Homemade Chocolates  

Reese Cups

Love Is In The Air

How long have you been married?

Me: 1 year
Kyle: A year and 1 month 
 

Where was your first date?

Me: Well, we dated twice. Plus, we were in high school. So I don't know if we ever had an official first date. The second time we dated we went on an accidental date before we were officially going out when our friends baled on us last minute. We went to Kyle's sister's wedding for our first "date" after we were dating the second time. Confusing, I know.
 

 Kyle: I would probably say my school's prom was our first real date.    

Where was your first kiss?

Me: At church
Kyle: At church, right after she had changed from some event. It was a really bad time. 
 

Who first said, "I love you"?

Me: I would guess him, but neither of us can remember the first time we said it. Whoops!
Kyle: I think it was me.
  

What were your wedding colors?

Me: Navy and Silver.
Kyle: Blue and Silver.
  

What is her most commonly used phrase?

Me: I honestly have no idea.
Kyle: I don't think she has a common phrase.   
 

Who is her celebrity crush?

Me: I've never had crushes on celebrities.
Kyle: Girl wise it would probably be Jennifer Aniston or something.
  

If she was ordering drinks for both of you what would you each get?

Me: Cokes!
Kyle: Coke.

What is the best meal she has ever cooked you?

Me: One Valentine's Day I learned how to make Chicken Parm and made it for him for dinner. 
Kyle: Valentine's Day a few years ago. She made Chicken Parm. Just because that day was memorable. The chicken was really good and then she made really good chocolate guitars. It was just an overall good meal.
  

What is the worst meal she has ever cooked you?

Me: Right after we were married I made a chicken dish in the crockpot. It had cream cheese in it and it completely burnt to the edge while I was gone. I think that was the only time we've ever had to scrap a meal. I've never cooked anything in the crockpot that requires cream cheese since. 
Kyle: There was something that she used to make really well and now she's having trouble making it just right.
  

What is the most-played song on her iPod?

Me: It changes based on my mood. Glee soundtracks and Taylor Swift songs are my go to, so one of those for sure.  
Kyle: I'd have to say a Taylor Swift song. Don't ask me which one because she listens to all of them.
  

What would she say is your most annoying habit?

Me: Timeliness!! He is never ever on time for things and it doesn't bother him at all. 
Kyle: Probably not doing the dishes right away.
  

What is the last thing she does before she goes to bed?

Me: Watch TV. I fall asleep to whatever TV show we're currently watching every night. 
Kyle: The last thing before she truly goes to bed is give me a kiss good-night. Although she kinda falls asleep while we watch Friends at night.
  

If you could throw out one item of her clothing what would it be?

Me: I really don't know if he even cares.  
Kyle: I'm going to go with a safe bet. Probably one of those sundresses because she has so many of them and doesn't want to wear them anymore.
  

What would you say is your favorite thing about her?

Me: We played a game at my bridal shower and he said then that it was the fact that he knew he could always trust me.
Kyle: It might sound dumb, but her reliability. If I need her to get something done I know she'll do it and I don't have to worry about it. And her butt :)

What's her go-to drink at Starbucks?

Me: If I'm going for basic, iced coffee with milk and sugar. Something more "fancy", java chip frap.
Kyle: She gets something basic, I want to say iced coffee. I'll say iced coffee, but when it's in season anything that has pumpkin in it. Like Pumpkin Spiced Latte.
  

What's her blog's name?!

Me: Come What May
Kyle: I think it's Come What May 

High Five For Friday!

  1. Harry Potter World, duh!  

 

2. National Pancake Day!

 

 

3.  Does anyone else like peanut butter on their pancakes?

 

4. New haircut

 

 

5. Lonely little parking space. 

Kyle and I pulled in right around the same time and both parked in visitor spots.

Now neither of us are parked outside our condo!

   

And the Cycle Continues

Does anyone ever like their hair after they get it cut?

It seems to me that if I know what I want my hair to look like, that's not what I get.

If I want a trim, bye-bye 5 inches!

 After having long hair in varying shades for most of high school, 

I decided to cut it shorter in college. 

Thus began my cycle of growing my hair long only to chop it off and want my long hair back. 

When Kyle and I got engaged, I began the process of growing my hair long again. 

Wedding rehearsal, December 2011

But as soon as we were married I cut it really short and donated it to locks of love.

Something I'd wanted to do for awhile. 

February 2012

Despite everyone liking it, 

I absolutely hated it!

It was nothing like what I wanted, go figure!

So I began the long process of growing it back out.

Last weekend

Of course the second I cut it short I decided I want it long again!

This week I finally went in and got it trimmed and layers put in.
I really just wanted it to grow out blended since I finally got ride of those bangs!

Hello layers you can't really see!

Hopefully it'll be long again by July! 

Clearly I'll need long hair for my best friend's wedding!

Now let's just hope I can talk myself out of cutting it again as soon as it gets long!

Do you like your hair after you get it cut?

Theme Park Tourists for a Day

Kyle and I have season passes to Universal. 

Living in Florida, we're no strangers to theme parks. 

We've had season passes to other theme parks over the years and it's not a huge deal for us to go for the weekend. 

When we go to theme parks we like to take our time. 

We show up when we feel like it, 

mosey around the park doing things here and there, 

then when we get tired we leave.

We maybe will go back to see fireworks that night, or not. 

We do have season passes and free parking!

This weekend we went to Universal with 4 of our friends, who all have season passes as well.

We don't like to leave to go on trips too late, but luck was not in our favor. 

Once everyone got ready to leave it was after 8 pm!

We finally made it up to Orlando and talk turns to our plans for the next day. 

Imagine our surprise when it was decided that we needed to be at the park 30 minutes before it opened so that we could get in right at 9am!

We rushed to the park and quickly started jumping on rides. 

And I do mean quickly. 

One perk of being a crazy tourist and getting there right at opening is there are no lines!

We then proceeded to race back on rides over and over again. 

Who are these people and what happened to our friends!

First ride of the day!

I finally needed a roller coaster break and just needed to sit for a minute. 

Thankfully my wonderful husband was okay with relaxing with a butterbeer while everyone went on Dragon Challenge again. 

Oh, and did I mention it was in the low 60s?

That's like freezing for us south Florida people!

Keeping my toes warm!

After bouncing through every ride multiple times that anyone wanted to go on. 

And popping into ALL the gift shops, 

ain't nobody got time for that!

I was ready to call it a day, 

but it was only 4:30 and the fireworks weren't till 7!

Who stays all day?!?

Tourists, that's who!

I made everyone go on the kiddie ride so I could take this picture. That's right, I take photos on rides!

I decided I was over it and we were heading back to the hotel. 

Thankfully Kyle views theme parks like me and was more than accommodating.

AKA he was ready to go too!

We did have a wonderful time, 

and will undoubtedly go again with them.

However I did feel more like a tourist than ever before, 

trying to cram every possible thing into one day. 

By the way, we were also going the following day...
Not to mention those season passes!