Friday, November 8, 2013

7 Quick Takes: Complete With A Giveaway!

Joining Jen for this week's takings of quick!


1) My friend, Cari, wrote a book! (Yes! I'm THAT famous! I know an author!!) She wrote a fantastic account of her conversion to Catholicism. It's chockfull (that's a word, autocorrect?) of hilarious and beautiful stories of her journey to motherhood and Jesus. It's titled "Pope Awesome and Other Stories". But don't believe me when I say it's a must-read; go check out her many awesome reviews on Amazon! Or, better yet, just ask Kyle. He loved the book so much he read it right-side up, then upside-down.



2) What's that? I convinced you? You want a copy? Well, lemme hook you up, my brutha (or sistah)! I am giving away one copy of Cari's book for the price of one comment! Yes, that's right! I believe so much in Cari's story, that I'm willing to pay postage to send it to one lucky winner (you're welcome, Cari!). Just leave me a comment below and Sweet William will choose the winner on next Thursday (11/14)!

 Now, on to Life With The Dempseys! 

3) Maeve is in the process of choosing high schools to attend next year. Although we aren't newbies to this process, we haven't had to look at girls' schools until now. Due to a scheduling snafu, Joe had to attend one of the open houses with us last night and declared that, while the school "still smelled like tears and pencil shavings", it also smelled "a lot better --more colorful-- than a boys' school.".
 
Amen to that.

4) My running class was going really well! I even started running a solid 3 miles --albeit r e a l l y  s l o w l y-- without stopping! But this weird pain in my knee kept bothering me on non-running days.  Turned out, I have a bruised meniscus. This means that I had to stop running and walking immediately, rest the knee, ice it, and take ibuprofen. It also means that I will never again be able to run on cement or asphalt, only a cushioned track or dirt. Boo. But.....

5) Kyle to the rescue! Since my esteemed physician suggested swimming and cycling as safe alternatives, Kyle encouraged me to sign up for the Fall special at our local hospital's fitness center! They have 2 pools, recumbent bikes, the whole shebang! Now, I'm kickin' it with all the local grannies in the locker room as we prep for our aqua classes. 

6) Thanks to good ol' Jessica, I tried out this recipe for Brazilian Black Bean Soup this week. I thought, "2 different pork products in the same soup CANNOT be wrong", and I was not disappointed. Because I'm (obviously) in a generous mood today, I'm sharing the link with you.
 
7) Finally, this has been the best video I've seen all week. Takes me back to 8th grade gym class with Mrs. Barnish and her Jane Fonda workout videos:

 

29 comments:

  1. I would love to read her book! I teach RCIA, encountering many people who are searching for something, namely Christ! Hope I am the lucky winner!

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  2. Well, I already own Cari's book and can't wait to find time to read it a second time! However... I'd love to win a second copy to gift another mom in my life with. It's SO good!!! :)

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  3. I'd like to read her book, if you say it is good it must be!

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  4. Whatever happened to competitive aerobic dancing....

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  5. I LOVE that video! I had completely forgotten about that insane show. Not much is more 80s than that.
    On a separate note, I can't wait to read Cari's book, and am looking forward to sharing it with so many others who I know will love it, too.
    Finally, thanks for posting again. I missed your blog. :)

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    1. Aw, thanks!! I broke myself out of blogging paralysis for a great book!!

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  6. 4. Running is overrated and REALLY bad on your joints. That said, I REALLY miss running, however...walking in my 80's and 90's...a goal to shoot for!!
    7. BWAAHAHAHAHA....hilarious!!

    **now make sure William picks ME ;-)
    Have a super weekend!

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    1. It's what I had feared most, Tracy! But, yes, walking is now my new goal,
      Too!

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  7. I own Cari's book too but I'd also love to have an extra copy to gift to someone.

    That video. Why? Why WHY????? I have no words. I must go watch something else now to cleanse my mental palate. Something with no bouncing. Or spandex.

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  8. I would love a chance to win her book but that video... I have no words.

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  9. I am dying to read Cari's book! And I am dying because I just watched the aerobics video. Love the white socks/lycra combo!

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  10. I bought 2 copies so you don't have to give me one :-) I may end up buying more though bc so many people can relate to what she's saying!

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  11. Sometimes I miss the 80s. Just a tiny bit. :)

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  12. There are some things about the 80s I don't miss. Thanks for the chance for the book. :)

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  13. Oh! Pick me! I want to win. Come on. Pick me!

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  14. The Brazilian Black Bean soup was quite delicious. Hearty and just a bit spicy. I loved it!

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  15. Kyle did a great job in the video. He and Ken were in the blue shorty shorts, no?

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  16. Hahaha!! Love the may or may not be disqualified comment above!!
    I would LOVE a copy of this great (so I hear) story! Thanks MK for being so groovy!

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  17. Oh and I'm so glad you have an alternative to running!!!

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  18. Ooooohh pick me, pick me! And have I mentioned that you are the best runner, blogger, swimmer, etc. in the whole wide world? Flattery for the win :)

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  19. I would love love love to win Cari's book! It's not in the budget right now and I'm dying to read it!

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