all good things...

Welp....last day of surgery leave. Day 7 post op. Back to work tomorrow...definitely ready (especially since hubster is out of town this week) and feel just so incredibly blessed. Incision lines are still tender but things are healing nicely and for the most part I'm really pleased. I think at this stage in the game it's this weird meeting of being happy that things are pretty much done and then just being patient and kind with your body and letting it heal. Then moving into the acceptance and adjusting to what your body looks and feels like. Not that it's certainly any worse or crazy different than it was before but definitely still an adjustment. I still have to wear Spanx 24.hours.a.day to act as a compression garment over the fat grafting sites (except for showering...clearly...because...what?) which is HOT (both sarcastically figuratively and literally for sure) - it's probably a good thing hubby is gone this week because I am CRANKING that AC.

Yesterday I got the awesome opportunity to attend the first preview service of "The Story" . Its a new worship community that is a part of our home church - St. Luke's Methodist. I can't even begin to describe to you guys what a blessing our church (especially our incredible amazing sunday school class family - the Three Strands Class) is. It was an incredible meeting (at one of my favorite restaurant/bars) and truly one of the most authentic, biblical, exciting worship experiences I've had. So shameless plug -if you're new to Houston or looking for an exciting, open, authentic church home - check it out. It's a new church plant (of sorts) and isn't meeting regularly yet but will be doing a few preview services and will start having regular meetings in the new year. And if you're needing or looking for a really amazing group of young marrieds/young families to be a part of - come this way. You can come to class with me (and Alex).  Because I don't want to brag - but my church family is the real.deal. ya'll. Family. Thanks for being, and acting, and loving and walking and friend-ing and just being the church. Love you guys.

Ok On to book reviews. 

First so you know where I'm coming from - I love to read. I will read almost anything you put in front of me (clearly - even Twilight). I haven't even turned on the TV at all in days because I'd much rather get lost in a book for hours (sometimes much to hubby's chagrin). I do read on an kindle/ipad a lot just because it's cheaper but I really love to have the book in my hands. I love everything from essays, research articles (sometimes), biographies, historical fiction (my personal fave genre), mysteries, love stories, inspirational books, bible studies, adventure. Not a huge sci-fi or romance kind of reader. Definitely don't read horrors. I'm definitely a stereotypical Jane Austen lover and my favorite book of all time is The Count of Monte Cristo. I have surprisingly never read Harry Potter (I know...gasp...I know I need to and I've watched all the movies). I loved the Hobbit but didn't enjoy or make it through Lord of the Rings. I love C S Lewis but actually didn't enjoy Mere Christianity (loved the content - didn't love how it was written...snooze/had a hard time staying engaged). But in all things - I am a reader. Always have been. 

I started/finished the Breathe series this week (actually in 3 days). This series was recommended to me by a wonderful RN that I work with. 

So without spoiling the story (more than what you would read online...) I have to say I really enjoyed this series. That being said - it is completely a young adult/teen angst/romantical kind of series and an easy read. I didn't totally love the way it was written - I felt there was a lot of repetition in her descriptions of the character's interactions but it was definitely an intriguing story and heartbreakingly true for many out there who suffer unimaginable emotional and physical scarring from emotional and/or physical abuse by those that are supposed to love and protect them the most. I think it touched on how difficult it is for people whose parents have taught them and exemplified negative coping behaviors to escape that destructive cycle - but also how it is possible and how you do not have to turn to those same destructive behaviors. At the end of the day though - its a sweet love story, lots of teen/coming of age angst'y interactions, definitely some moments where you sit back and go "wait - aren't these guys supposed to just be like 19" and a compelling story of a very hurt girl coming of age in less than ideal circumstances and a testament to the steadfastness and need for love and community and friends that walk with you through thick and thin. Sweet story. Good read for the plane or beach. I'd give it a 7-8/10. 

Now I'm starting the Legend series:

I read The Hunger Games (loved it) and Divergent (liked it - hated the ending) trilogies so this was on my recommended book list. I'm only a few chapters in so I'll let you know what I think when I'm done! 

What do you love to read? I'm always looking for new recommendations!