My Choice of a Plane Read: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

This past weekend I found myself with a four hour round trip plane trip in front of me. Now, either I could sleep on the plane, make conversation with my unknown neighbors, twiddle my thumbs or read a book. After much deliberation I chose to bring a book. Those of you who known me know that I have plenty of unread books on my bookcase to chose from for situations such as this (I am what is known as a bookaholic), but I live for reasons to go to the bookstore so off I went in search of an exciting read. I must admit, I did my homework beforehand and had a pretty good idea of what I was going to get, so I walked over to the fiction section and scanned the authors last names.
... A... C.... H...
Nope, have to go around the corner..
....J..... K.. L
There it was, the first book in Stieg Larsson's Millenim series.

If I would have known that the literal translation of the Swedish title was actually "Men who Hate Women" I probably would have never picked up this book in the first place, but since it was cleverly named "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" I picked it up and gave it a chance. I must say, not what I was expecting at all, but very well written and gripping nonetheless. What initially starts out as an investigative reporter working on a very cold murder case turns into something I would have never imagined. Filled with twists and turns, suspect after suspect and lets not forget drama, I was not able to put the book down!*

Admittedly, it was a little dry to start out with, but after the set up, the introductions and all the back ground was out of the way, the meat of the story did not disappoint. If you like gritty crime dramas that do not hold back, I would recommend this book for you.
Now, I need to find someplace else to fly off to so I can get started on the second book!
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*On the plane, off the plane, by the pool, when I got back home. Clearly, I became addicted.

A Sunny Day Spent at Isabel in the Pearl - and a little bit about Tully's

I don't know what was inherently different about yesterday that made the day so wonderful, but lets just say that I woke up with a smile plastered on my face and kept that smile through out most of the day.
My 7am wake up call was no different than any other, aside from the fact that there was a little something on my phone which warmed my heart (hmm...), after hitting the snooze at least 3 times I finally got up because I tired of hearing the snide Republican remarks on the annoying AM radio station I have my alarm set to (when I had it set to a station that I liked I would find myself sleeping right on thru it, so only hitting the button 3 times is a much better alternative if I do say so myself).
I dropped E off at school and on the way home I decided to stop by the new Tully's that they recently put in on 78th and what I believe to be Hazel Dell Avenue (right next to the LA Fitness). I had heard many good things about this place from an ex friend up in Seattle and I wanted to see what all the hoopla was about. Because I was not dressed for public (what happens if I want to get E to school on time) I opted for the drive thru.
As drove away with my typical (of late) Grande Soy Vanilla Latte in hand I took a sip...
Backing up a few moments before this, when I was handed my drink I noticed that it felt significantly lighter than my typical drink, and there was water all over the lid. No big deal, I don't want my drink spat in so I didnt say anything. With my first sip I couldnt tell if the drink tasted so watery because of the fact that it seemed to have been held over the faucet or if the soy itself was actually watery but I was able to discern a very delicious espresso flavor which I loved. My final impression: Don't buy the soy from Tully's. I will give them one more shot with a regular, dairy variety, latte, but probably not any time soon.

After heading to the gym for a vigorous work out, which I am paying for today, I went downtown to meet up with my good friend Ivonne for our weekly lunch excursion. This week we opted for Isabel, a new, modern chic healthy food type of venue.
The food was great, very fresh, very tasty, and very recommendable. Our waiter was a little sketchy... but he left us alone for the most part so that was a plus in his direction. We arrived right during the peak of the lunch rush, but we didnt have to wait at all for our table, and we got a perfect corner seat right by the windows. It was chattery, but not loud at all, ideal for conversation. Most definitely a place I will want to try again.

Since the day was perfect for walking, almost with out a coat even, we decided to do a little window shopping before we went our separate ways. Breathing in the crisp fresh air, with the sun streaming on your face, with a slight breeze running through your hair, does wonders for the senses.. :)

Please stay tuned for more on Midnight's Dream by Salman Rushdie..

I just started reading this book today and I have to say that although I am reading this book for a class and thus did not have any say in its discovery and my subsequent reading of it, but it is actually a very interesting and enjoyable book so far!
Happy is the day when I actually look forward to what I am reading, instead of having to suffer my way through a 70 page book about the journey to the heart of Africa for over a week (Heart of Darkness is the book I am referring to in this instance).
Since more than one person showed interest in this particular book I think I will provide a review of it when I am done reading.
Oh the anticipation!