Can't Stop. Won't Stop.

Okay, so I finally have all of my classes in order. Unfortunately, one of my “online” classes has pretty much turned into an on-campus one. I signed up for a “Concepts of Fitness” online class because it gives me my whole 3 credit hours for P.E. Then orientation came around, and it turns out, it’s only considered an “online class” if you already have some type of gym membership. Which I don’t. Go figure.

Now, this semester I decided to take all of my on campus classes earlier than the past two semesters because I was getting home around 11 pm before, and now the latest I would be getting home was 6:30 pm. Which is PERFECT because Emery still gets to see me on a daily basis. It was a good schedule and I had everything planned out. But, things obviously change and since I don’t have a gym membership I have to resort to using our school gym. They keep a log at check-in and my teacher said this was the easiest way for her to verify our “homework”. So, last week I decided to move my “tutoring” sessions to Monday’s and just leave my Wednesday’s free for gym. I’d be getting home around 8 pm, which still gave me time with Emery at home and it allowed me to get everything I needed done for my classes.

Well, Wednesday was my first day at our gym. The guy at the front desk gave me a mini tour, and let me know where everything was. I got dressed, and even though I was a little out of my comfort zone, I definitely found my groove. I LOVED IT! The treadmills were AWESOME and quiet. Way better than my old one. The stair master was also really cool! My weekly runs aren't even working all of the muscles that, that baby did. And the weight room had everything I needed, INCLUDING my favorite super leg press machine. I walked out of their sweaty, sore (in a good way), and feeling like I had a complete workout. Cardio and Strength training. I felt awesome!

And the best part about the whole thing, is that I got home by 8 pm like I predicted. Emery was still up and I was able to put her to bed later. Plus, it’s free! Who could argue with that?? I also felt more motivated. I like running with a partner (my sister-in-law sometimes runs with me) because I’m a bit competitive. I blame my dad for that. I find myself pushing to go just as hard as the people around me. And being at this gym was no exception. I still plan on keeping up with my latest fitness routine, but getting to hit up an actual gym is really nice too! I also figure that since this is for a grade, it forces me to get up and do this. No excuses. Which is exactly what I need. As bummed as I was at first, I’m actually pretty stoked about this. Yay to college helping me lose weight instead of gaining it!! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Book Review- Crow's Row

Overview

For college student Emily Sheppard, the thought of spending a summer alone in New York is much more preferable than spending it in France with her parents. Just completing her freshman year at Callister University, Emily faces a quiet summer in the city slums, supporting herself by working at the campus library. During one of her jogs through the nearby cemetery while visiting her brother Bill's grave, Emily witnesses a brutal killing-and then she blacks out. When Emily regains consciousness, she realizes she's been kidnapped by a young crime boss and his gang. She is hurled into a secret underworld, wondering why she is still alive and for how long.

Held captive in rural Vermont, she tries to make sense of her situation and what it means. While uncovering secrets about her brother and his untimely death, Emily falls in love with her very rich and very dangerous captor, twenty-six year- old Cameron. She understands it's a forbidden love and one that won't allow her to return to her previous life. But love may not be enough to save Emily when no one even knows she is missing.

My Review

Emily’s life could have been very easy. But she made it hard by separating herself from her family. Not that she didn’t have her reasons. Following the death of her brother she sets out to live on her own. This is where Callister University came into play. After finishing her freshman year at college she is the only one out of her roommates that decides to stay behind and looks forward to enjoying a quite summer alone. On her first official day of break she takes an afternoon run through the projects of her city. While on her run she meets a man in a grey sweater. And that’s the moment everything changes. A few days later Emily witnesses Cameron, the man in the grey sweater, commit a murder. Because of this, she finds herself being held captive by Cameron in a secluded home in rural Vermont. But as the days go by, she finds herself becoming more attached to the people who are suddenly in her life. And rather than be afraid she find herself falling in love. But everyone has their secrets, and these people are overflowing with them. Emily embarks on a personal mission to figure it out. However, her presence doesn’t go unnoticed. And just as she starts to wonder whether or not she wants to go back to her old life, tragedy occurs. Emily finds that she has to decide whether she can handle this life for the person that she loves, or walk away and pretend it never existed.

I loved LOVED loved this book! It was not at all what I expected. I went in thinking about “Stockholm Syndrome” and came out scolding myself for ever assuming such a thing. It took me in a completely different direction. This book kept me guessing. I was only able to guess two events correctly, but the rest was up in the air. These books don't come around often either. It was like a movie playing out before my eyes too. Everything had plenty of detail except for some of the more intimate “scenes”. Oddly enough, this did not bother me too much. And you all know how much I love me some steamy. So this is saying a lot about this book already. The story flowed smoothly, and the ending kicked me in the gut. I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love. I definitely recommend this book to everyone.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

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