One Word a Day: July 2020

July 1: I hit a move burn high of almost 900 calories today!

July 2: Today was the start of a 4-day weekend which was SO needed.

July 3: We enjoyed the pool today with neighbors because it turned into full-blown 100 degree summer here overnight.

July 4: Happy birthday, America!

July 5: I got to swim with Susie and Karin in Karin's pool, and I haven't been able to spend much time with her since baby Emmett was born in May, and it was MUCH needed girl time.

July 6: I really wish I had taken today off because I did NOT want to be back at work.

July 7: We had a random, unexpected rainstorm today which made the temperature fall into the 80s, and we spent a lot of time outside.

July 8: Today reminded me of early quarantine days where the kids were insane and I was so busy with work - it wasn't a fun day!

July 9: The kids had an impromptu sleepover with Brent's parents, and I sat on the couch for over 3 hours reading, it was glorious.

July 10: The girls and I got hair trims today, it was so nice and much needed!

July 11: It was SO hot today, we swam with friends and had dinner together.

July 12: After both girls falling off their bikes during a ride, another mom in the neighbor brought her pet turtle outside to distract my crying girls, #ittakesavillage

July 13: Brent was gone today working at his family's deer lease, and I worked and solo parented.

July 14: Our canvas prints arrived, and I love them so much.

July 15: My newest Target bathing suit came, and I swear this was a highlight of the whole summer.

July 16: Madison was here this week and the kids swam every day!

July 17: We went to see Brent's cousin and stay the weekend, they have the most amazing pool and backyard.

July 18: Lots of swimming and playing today - I think I spent 8 hours in the water today.

July 19: We drove home from Brent's cousin's today and were all tired.

July 20: I went for a run with Kelly today, and we ran 3.5 miles!

July 21: Today was insanely busy at work, ugh.

July 22: We went to see my parents today, and we hadn't seen them in several weeks.

July 23: Trent's bestie came over today for a 2-night sleepover, and the girls spent the night with Brent's parents.

July 24: Another busy day at work, sigh.

July 25: I took the kids to my parents and took them plus my sister's kids to the park for a fun adventure and traded Miles for the girls for the night.

July 26: It was a nice Sunday - traded kids with my sister, and I love when we can be together plus it was nice to relax after such a stressful work week!

July 27: I ran 3.75 miles today, this was a high for my running since COVID, and I started running again.

July 28: Today was the girls' recital AND book club - lots of fun!

July 29: Kelly and I ran again today - first time I've run twice in a week in forever, it felt great even though it was super tough.

July 30: We left on our coronacation today!

July 31: On our vacation today - we took a guided nature hike, spent a lot of time in the lake, made s'mores and watched The Little Rascals.

July 2020 Reads

I had a good month of reading in July, and I'm ready to share it with y'all! I like how there can be twists and turns in my month - several books I read this month I didn't even have on my radar when the month started, and one book I reserved at the library TEN months ago, and it finally came in! So let's dig in.

The Ballad of Songs and Snakes by Suzanne Collins - Erika posted about reading - and loving - this Hunger Games prequel, and I didn't even know there was going to be one. I don't know that I would have read without her enthusiastic review. BECAUSE it's about President Snow when he's younger, and I didn't think I could enjoy a book where that vile person was the main character. However, this book doesn't make you like him or enjoy him but it helps you understand him more, which I found interesting. You also learn more about how the Hunger Games came to be the way they are by the time Katniss is involved. It was a really good book, and I'm glad I read it! Anyone who was a fan of the original trilogy will enjoy it I think.

The Hunger Games trilogy  by Suzanne Collins - After reading Ballad, I just had to go back and reread the original trilogy. I read all 3 in a week and was really happy to go back to the world of Panem with Katniss! Trent has been asking for over a year to read the series, and I finally gave in, so it was also fun to talk about the books with him AND we watched the first movie together. I love sharing a love of reading with him!

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord - This was a really adorable YA read about 2 kids at the same school who end up in a Twitter war over their family restaurants. It was cute and cheesy, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Whisper Network by Chandler Baker - This is the book I waited 10 months to read! It follows 4 women who work for the same company and what happens with a list of 'Bad' men makes its way around Dallas. It was a bit of a thriller with some twists {that I didn't expect}, and it had an interesting timeline where you knew someone died but didn't know who or why and you kept getting bits of police interview transcripts and legal depositions as the timelines met up. I liked it a lot and it kept me guessing, but I would still say - even though I continue to read these types of books - they aren't my favorite. Enjoyable for sure though.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte - I have no idea what to say about this book. I read it for a few reasons - 1) I set a goal to read 2 classics this year, 2) my BFF Kristen loaned me her copy easily 10 years ago, and 3) it would get a book off my TBR pile. I started it in June, and I didn't finish it until late July. It was really difficult to get into because I didn't like quite a few of the main characters. It is supposed to be an 'epic' love story, but one of the love interests is a vile person. But then I read a review that talked about it being a 'gothic' story and that made a lot more sense. After sitting with it for a little while and thinking about it, it is like a soap opera. A LOT happens, and it's a crazy story. But it's also written in the 19th century way {meaning hard to get through}. So I'm torn. Anyone else read it? Would love to talk about this one!!!

The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon - This was an absolute DELIGHT! Samiah and Daniel work together {except he's actually working undercover for the government trying to uncover a money laundering scheme} in AUSTIN {nice little surprise to see my town!} and immediately have feelings for each other when they meet. But Samiah was just triple-timed by the last guy she was dating, so she swears off men. You can guess what happens next... {grin} While that description might make it sound cheesy, this totally wasn't. Both Samiah and Daniel were people I genuinely liked, they were just really good people. I also liked that the booked talked a lot about being a woman of color in the technology field and how hard Samiah had to work - I always love when learning happens while being entertained. The book covered a lot of topics that made me think while being really engaging and enjoyable. I loved it!

Failing Up by Leslie Odom, Jr. - I ended the month with a quick little read by Aaron Burr, ha. Partially a motivational book {which I normally don't go for} but also Leslie's story about making it big in Hamilton. This was a really enjoyable book, and it makes me love Leslie even more. He seems like such a genuine and great guy!

Nothing new to report for my reading with Trent and Drew. Trent and I are still reading Stamped. We are both really enjoying it, and Drew even listens too sometimes, and we are having great dialogue. It's taking so long because...we can't find it right now ha! Drew and I are still reading Lightning Girl. Lately she has been reading with Paige and me for Paige's bedtime or she's listening to Stamped, so I would say we only read Lightning Girl once or twice a week. We should easily finish it in August though because we are super close!

Last up - My favorite book for the month was The Boyfriend Project. It really was such a fun book!

What do you think? Did I read anything that interests you? I'm already excited about what I've got checked out in August!!