Saturday, May 7, 2011

What I've Been Reading

I've read some interesting books recently on my Kindle - which I'm obsessed with, BTW. Generally I stay in the chick-lit genre of books, but in April I expanded my library to include other types of fiction novels. No regrets, here. These are the books I read:

Room by Emma DonoghueIf Oprah were to read this book, she would book the mom and her son on the show immediately. But, since it's not based on a true story, that would just be a hypothetical scenario. This story is told from the perspective of Jack, a 5-year-old boy living in a single room his entire life. To his Ma, its a prison cell, but to Jack, it's all he's ever known. Very compelling and heart breaking story as you discover why they live in Room. It's our book club book for May, so I can't wait to discuss it next week.

This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper


A laugh out loud funny book, that is as equally moving as it is awkward. When Judd's father passes away, his dying request was that his family (including mom and three siblings - and their families) sit shiva after his death. Putting the family together under one roof again brings out the good, bad, and unexpected in all of them. I loved it! Great up and coming author!

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

In another attempt to get on the Jodi Picoult bandwagon, I read this novel about a school shooting, told from the perspective of the many characters involved in the massacre. I did like the book, actually, it was an insightful look into the ramifications of bullying, in what I would call an extreme case. She really likes to put her characters through the ringer. For example, one couple never got to see their children graduate high school - both of their boys were taken away from them too soon (a little tragic, no?). Anyway, liked the book until the TERRIBLE ending. No more Picoult for me.

Happy Reading!
B

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Our Italian Vacation!

J and I just took a dream vacation to Italy. We started in Rome, then went to Florence, and our last stop was Venice. It was absolutely amazing - beautiful weather, museums, churches, and fabulous food (we especially loved the pizza)! We had a great time. It's so nice to get away together and just be together, uninterrupted and not distracted. We don't get enough time like that! Anyway...here are a few photos from our trip! Enjoy!

The Vatican - see the top right hand corner of the building - that's where the pope comes out and waves to his people weekly. Not when we were there, though...


On our 3 hour tour of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum - so fascinating to think about how long these buildings have been around!

Here we are in Florence, enjoying happy hour (at 3 in the afternoon, no less)

After a delicious dinner in Florence

We loved eating pizza for lunch EVERY SINGLE DAY!


Sunset at Michelangelo's Piazza with my hubby :)


Our swanky hotel room in Venice - we had to climb 75 steps to get to it! Holy moly!


The Rialta Bridge - the most famous bridge in Venice! Venice was amazing - its just a big labyrinth. No cars, you can only get around by boat. It's incredible.


St. Mark's Square - where all the action happens at day and night. It was fun hanging around here at night when orchestras were playing and people were just calmly wandering around. So peaceful!


I know....how cute are we, kissing in our Gondola?

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Ciao...

That's right, blogging friends, we are heading off to Italy in less than 24 hours. It's a dream vacay for J and I and we are really excited. We'll spend the first few days in Rome, then a few days in Florence and then end the trip in Venice.

Can't wait to share pictures when we get back!

And I can't wait to use the phrase "when in Rome..." excessively over the next several days. Sorry, J.

Ciao -
Brittney

Monday, March 21, 2011

Spring Break 2K11

I spent my Spring Break in Scottsdale, Arizona, with two of my best friends - Hannah and Leah. We work together at SBS - Hannah is the technology whiz of the school, and Leah teaches 2nd grade and coaches cheerleading with me.

Why Scottsdale, you ask? Because we wanted somewhere hot, and not packed with crazy, college Spring Break-ers! It turned out to be the perfect destination!

We spent the week laying out, getting massages, eating at fabulous restaurants, shopping, reading, watching the Bachelor finale (yay, Emily!) and doing some drinking! It was so much fun and we met some really nice people there - including some minor league baseball players!

Here are a few fun & crazy pics from the week!


Great trip with two of my absolute favorite people!

Brittney

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Me from A to Z

Thanks, Sara for this fun blog idea! I'm trying to save my brainpower for heading back to work this week, so this random post is perfect!

A. Age: 26
B. Bed size: king (and loving it!)
C. Chore you dislike: cleaning the leftover queso out of the dish - makes me want to gag!
D. Dogs: Charley, the cutest cocker mix ever!
E. Essential start to your day: breakfast - usually brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts (low-fat)
F. Favorite color: PINK!
G. Gold or silver: silver
H. Height: 5'4"
I. Instruments you play(ed): piano
J. Job title: Communications Coordinator & Varsity Cheer Coach at SBS
K. Kids: someday...
L. Live: in Houston, Texas
M. Mom’s name: Lynnette
N. Nicknames: Britt, BFord
O. Overnight hospital stays: 3 nights for appendix in 1997
P. Pet peeves: when people spell my name wrong
Q. Quote from a movie: "Sometimes, I guess there just aren't enough rocks"
R. Righty or lefty: Right
S. Siblings: 3 older brothers
T. Time you wake up: as late as possible
U. Underwear: mostly all from Gap Body
V. Vegetables you don’t like: spinach, asparagus, beets
W.What makes you run late: see "T" - sleeping
X. X-rays you’ve had: teeth, back, wrist, stomach, ankle, foot....probably more.....
Y. Yummy food you make: cookies!
Z. Zoo animal favorites: monkey? cannot tell you the last time I went to the zoo!

I'll post about my Spring Break trip soon!
B

Sunday, March 13, 2011

It's Almost Spring!

10 Things I'm Excited About this Spring:

1. Spring Break girls trip with these two! We are headed to Scottsdale to max and relax at a resort! I hope to come back without bags under my eyes and very tan!


2. Wearing my white jeans! (after Easter, of course)
3. Italy with Jeremy - our dream vacation! We are headed to Rome, Florence and Venice!
4. Taking long bike rides...hint, hint, Jeremy...
5. Nice afternoon jogs at Memorial Park.
6. Spring shoes! And pedi's!
7. Maybe seeing these people....8. Beginning and ending our bathroom remodel project!
9. A scrapbooking weekend with Jenna Fones!
10. My birthday!

Until after Spring Break -
B

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Does everything have a "Day"?

Happy Pancake Day!
(seriously...there's a day for this? let's just have consecutive "margarita" days)

To celebrate at the Ford house, we'll be having.....chicken parmesan? Yea, hubs didn't get the "pancake day" memo. Nevermind pancakes are one of my favorite foods....shouldn't he know this about me? Probably not - I love almost all breakfast foods. Poor thing, I probably confuse the heck out of him.

Until next time...
B
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