Current Reads.

I want to share a couple books I've been reading/have read lately.

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand


I am currently on page 807 of this nearly 1200 page book. I love it! it's a page turner and is INCREDIBLY relevant to what our nation is faced with today as we edge closer and closer to socialism! I strongly believe this should be required reading in high school! Even if just the cliff notes.

Here is Wikipedia's description:
"The theme of Atlas Shrugged is the morality of rational self-interest and portrayal of self-loathing of monetary values within a once thriving "New America". It advocates the core tenets of Rand's philosophy of Objectivism and expresses her concept of human achievement. The book explores a number of philosophical themes that Rand would subsequently develop into the philosophy of Objectivism.[5][6] It centers on the decline of Western civilization, and Rand described it as demonstrating the theme of "the role of man's mind in existence." In doing so it expresses many facets of Rand's philosophy, such as the advocacy of reason, individualism, the market economy and the failure of government coercion."


The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ángel Ruiz


My good, and life-long, friend Jamie lent me this book. It was a quick weekend read. Started out difficult to get into the mind set the author takes you to, but after the first few pages, it's really good, practical.
Wikipedia mostly discusses the author in it's listing, but does go on about how Ruiz "advocates personal freedom from agreements and beliefs that we have made with ourselves and others that are creating limitation and unhappiness in our lives. Ultimately, it is about finding one's own integrity, self-love, and peace within this reality." The Four Agreements are:
* Be Impeccable With Your Word.
* Don't Take Anything Personally.
* Don't Make Assumptions.
* Always Do Your Best.


33 Million People in the Room by Juliette Powell


I'm in the middle of this book. It's more of a reference and idea book for me, and one that I get to when I'm thinking of the subject. I like it a ton. It's easy to follow and understand and the author, while a very successful expert in the subject matter, talks to the audience of the book through her writing in a very level and easy to understand and implement way. I'm looking forward to incorporating some of her suggestions into my own social networking.

The authors Web site describes the book as:
"33 Million People in the Room offers practical tools and advice for optimizing every stage of your own social networking initiative, from planning through measurement. The techniques can help you build your company, introduce new products and services, and strengthen your brands, whatever they are: business or personal."

The Complete Book of Running for Women by Claire Kowalchik


Last, I've just started leafing through the following book. I don't think it's one I'll read cover-to-cover, but one I'll reference certain topics and tips/training techniques. I'm probably most excited about this book! Like the financial books I seem to not be able to pass up or put down, this one I believe will change me and have lasting effects.

Simon & Schuster list the following description for this book:
"Authoritative and friendly, The Complete Book of Running for Women is a sourcebook for both beginners and long-time runners. Along with wisdom drawn from the author's personal experience, you'll find advice from the experts: coaches, exercise physiologists, nutritionists, doctors, and other women runners. Including question-and-answer sections and a complete list of resources, The Complete Book of Running for Women tells you everything you need to know to be off and running toward better health and richer living."

Meetings. Meetings. Meetings. The all important meetings.

Ever feel like you are stuck in a cycle of meetings? Meetings set simply to discuss previous meetings and schedule the next meeting? A meeting about a meeting with no agenda and therefore no accountability?

Recent Reads

I have recently finished a few books.

The first two were financial awareness/education based. Which, I am obsessed with these types of financial self-help books and have learned a lot from the. Recently I completed two.

On My Own Two Feet, by Manisha Thakor and Sharon Kedar.
This book is a guide written for women as a guide to teach women how to balance desire to live well with the need to save and invest for tomorrow. It is a quick read and written in a lively, upbeat tone. Where as some educational, self help type books are boring and a chore to finish - On My Own Two Feet was easily to read and interesting enough to keep me eagerly turning the pages.



*****

Another financial book I recently read (and forced myself to finish) was It's More Than Money - It's Your Life! by Candace Bahr and Ginita Wall.
I am a member of the Money Club for Women and was excited to order and get this book. It IS a good book. It's more geared towards women who are just picking up their first financial educating book. I would have enjoyed this book better had I not already read eight or so other financial advice books before it. It was the same old same old.
However, the authors did do a great job of using interactive tools to keep the reader interested and help the reader relate the ideas to their personal life and situation.



*****

OK. To the fun book. The Trouble With Catherine by Andes Hruby. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I could relate to the main character, Catherine, in SO MANY WAYS! I absolutely love when I casually pick up a book while browsing the sale tables at the book store, and it ends up being a book I absolutely cannot put down! This is one of those books so well written and so easy to relate to that when it's done, you miss the character.

If you've been through a jolting break up, while at the same time are trying to focus on a career ... this is a must read for women.



*****


And, the following is a fantastic, page turning, biography. To Hell and Back by Audie Murphy. This book is the memoir of World War 11 by Audie Murphy, America's Most Decorated Soldier during World War II. This book is intense, yet fun. To follow the lives of these guys in battle is a real in-depth look into the life of the World War II American Soldier. When this one ended, I not only missed the main character, I missed all of them - and would catch myself thinking about them and the scenes described in the book days after finishing it. It's real. It's intense. It's fun. It's a fantastic read! I'll definitely read this one again!

1,000 Times More.

I stole this from: xkcd at www.kxcd.com

Fantastic speech given by a 12-year-old

U-P-D-A-T-E-D

Here's my life update.

I have a new puppy! I love her. We've started a blog for her too!

http://maggie-faith.blogspot.com/

Work is going good. Slow right now - but it's the beginning of an off year.

The home is good. Ready to move on - but the market is prohibiting that for now. I just purchased a bunch of new furniture, so when that arrives in March, I'll have fun arranging that for a weekend.

Oh - and, I've updated my profile. Brandon brought it to my attention that I am not single, nor am I 30, anymore. So, a big "Thank You" goes out to the boyfriend for keeping me on top of things and honest! ;-)

Things I Need More of In Life.

Polka dots. Clear and ultra shiny lip gloss. God. Great running shoes. Hoodies. Water. Peanut Buster Parfait form the DQ. Greenbacks. Phoenix sun on my face. Debi's morning coffee. Manicures. Days off work. Dad's BLT's. Frequently flyer miles. Candles. Fresh grapefruits (not store bought). Polka dots. Hours. Sleep. Hats. Baseball games. Athletic ability. Balance. Mini skirts. Days off to go four wheeling. Discipline. Sharpies. Colorful handbags. Scarfs. Books. Patience. Time. Understanding. Family. Children. Insight. Polka dots. Color. Sunshine. Faith. Nap time. Hiking. Grill outs with friends. Friends. Strands of pearls. Hair styles. Running outside. Walks with Heather. Laughs. Winks. Mom's lasagna. Gym time. Fishing. Walks in the park. Black shoes. Mascara. Property. Room to roam. Giggles. Massages. Meditation. Pictures. Attention to the task at hand. Me time. Rest. Firmness. Memories. Nail polish. Marriott rewards. Beaches. Water. Risks. Flirting. Street fairs. Dancing. Meadows of wild flowers. Polka dots. Freckles. Courage to call in sick and really spend the day four wheeling or hiking or fishing instead. Guesses. Falls. Diversity. Ideas. Time. Writing. Advice. Pizza. Kites. Popcorn. Scary Movies. Gypsies. Eye Cream. Education. Exposure. Boots. Shiny objects reflecting light. Sparkles. Spanish. High fives. Space. Pants. Chill. Organic. Practice. Weekends. Plans. Relaxation. Thoughts. Material to read. Live entertainment. Fresh cut grass. Catch. Birthday parties. Positive people. Belief. Confidence. Savings. Smiles. Places to run. Wildness. Wilderness too. Mimosa Sunday's. History channel. Ghost stories. Holy Week Masses. Long lunches. Spa days. Face lotion. Good times. Closeness.