A Good New Author and a Happy Halloween!!

I have not been well this week, and so finished a book I've been reading. This is my second book by this author, Ethan Canin, whose writing is classic and beautifully descriptive. This book, Carry Me Across the Water, was not as good as the first book I read by Canin, America America, but both demonstrate his ability to convey characters and stories in a fluid, soothing manner. They are not the most compelling reads, but if you love classic literature and descriptive writing, this is an author you ought to read.

As for being sick--I'm starting to wonder why it is that when I get motivated and pumped to get in shape, my body responds by getting shin splints or the flu? The good news is, I haven't had an appetite, so I haven't gained any weight, but I don't think I've lost any either, and I want to for this weight loss challenge with my personal trainer. So far, in three weeks, I've lost 7 lbs. I still have a long way to go, but I can tell that I'm getting fit and I feel great. I think that's the most important aspect of all.

My little dance troupe and I performed Thriller twice more this week. Once for the ward Primary party and again tonight for the Special Needs Mutual Halloween Party. Yesterday, I about passed out--I probably should have stayed home in bed. Tonight I felt a little better, which was good because after our performance, we taught a simplified version to the kids. It was so fun! Then we all did it together twice. So fun to see those cute kids smiling and walking like zombies with their "monster hands." I'm glad I felt better because it was worth it. Nice to have friends who'll participate in this fun events.

As for Halloween, this year I have an "awesome" blue power ranger (Tyler), Cleopatra (Madeline), and Harry Potter (Mitchell). As for Jake, I think he takes after me in the not good at costume department. This morning he came upstairs in tights, a pink ballet tutu, a hot-pink furry coat, a basketball jersey and a batman cape. He threw on my orange Daphne wig and we called him Fancy Nancy for his school story book parade. I still don't know what he'll dress up like on Halloween, I just know he wants to pretend to be dead on the lawn and scare people. At least he's creative. Pete and I went as Fred and Daphne from the Scooby Doo gang. Pete looked classic in his blond wig. Mine was a bit too orange, and I'm not as svelte as Daphne, so I didn't pull it off too well, but it was a fun idea. I'll post pictures tomorrow. Happy Halloween!!