ABC Reads Challenge

Hello! I'm linking up again with Andrea and Mia this month for the ABC Reads challenge.

I have much less time for reading than when I was unemployed, but I see that as a good problem to have. So this month I was only able to read two books for this challenge, knocking out letters B and N.

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

I found this book to be really interesting, although perhaps a little dark. It is a fictional book about the actual last woman to be executed in Iceland for murder. Agnes Magnusdottir is tried and convicted for the brutal murder of her former master and lover. She is held on a local farm to await her execution, where her presence is not exactly welcomed or wanted. In the story, the reader learns a lot about the Icelandic people and lifestyle in the early 1800's, which I thought was incredibly interesting.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

The Nightingale is yet another book about WWII, but from the view point of two women who conspire against the Nazis in their own unique ways. The chapters alternate between the voice of Vianne and her younger sister Isabelle, which could be confusing at certain points. But Hannah does a good job at giving a very vivid, real telling of their stories and life in occupied France during the war.

So what did you read this month? Link up and tell us!

I'm still here!

Well, sort of.

Are you still here?

*crickets*

Ok, well, I'm going to do a little update anyway.

Life! It's so fast paced, and there's not enough hours in the day! For the first time in a long time, I find myself saying "I didn't have time to get to that today". It's kind of nice, in a weird way. After working a job where I literally had nothing to do for days on end, it's nice to use my brain again and actually have work to do.

I know that sounds kind of strange, but if you've ever had a job where you're basically left to rot, you start to really question your worth. But I'm starting to feel valued again, in a working sense. Which is nice.

My new job is keeping me on my toes, is challenging enough to be interesting, but it's not so fast-paced that it's stressful. My evenings are jam-packed with the things I couldn't get to during the day, or squeezing a workout in, or book club, or my new free yoga class (thanks new job!), that I'm just busy. All the time.

Except right this second, which is why you're getting an update from me.

This week we took Emily to "Kindergarten Connection", which is like a pre-Open House open house. We got to ride a school bus, walk around the school, meet some of the teachers, etc. Emily was very excited for it, but a little clingy once we got to the school. So I'm glad we have another opportunity to visit later in the summer before classes actually start.

Speaking of school, I was able to register for my grad classes this week! I'm going to try to swing 3 classes this first semester, and see how that goes. Sink or swim, right? I will hopefully be really settled at work, and running will take a back burner at that point (let's get this straight - I won't stop running, just doing less of it), and I hope that with plenty of good planning and family support, that I'll be able to handle a full load each semester and finish in 18 months.

Holy crap, that's scary.

But exciting! I'm so excited to start this program. I really wish I could start this summer, but I know fall is the best timing for me.

In running news, I ran one of my favorite 5k races yesterday, the HOPE Springs 5k, and had a great race! A new PR for me at 23:32, and I was 6th in my age group and in the top 10 for female runners! Which is crazy to think that 6 of my age group females made up that top 10 category. I love this race because it's local, and supports a great cause. I ran there for a warm up, and then ran home for a little cool down, rounding out a nice 7 mile day for myself.

So that's life right now. Thanks for checking back and sticking with me!