ESCAPE REALITY WITH READINGS

Since I actually have some what of a “free” summer, I have been able to finish a novel on my to read list. I am currently working my way through another book as I type this too!

My summer to read list (in no particular order):

- What Was Lost by Catherine O’Flynn
- A Nervous Splendor by Frederic Morton
- The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein
- The Truth About Delilah Blue by Tish Cohen
- Three Cups Of Tea by Greg Mortenson
- Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella
- The Twins of Tribeca by Rachel Pine
- Guns Germs And Steel by Jared Diamond
- Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky
- Nine Parts Of Desire by Geraldine Brooks
- The Postmistress by Sarah Blake
- The infinite Wisdom of Harriet Rose by Diana Janney (currently reading)
- I Am The Messenger by Markus Zusak

There are more novels I want to get my hands on, but for now this seems like a good amount to start with. All I have to do is stop by a book store and pick up a few on my list; then enjoy it in the comfort of an air conditioned home (since there is a heatwave outside) on a comfy couch.

Question: What novel are you currently reading/or want to start?

- C

THOSE DRINKS WITH BENEFITS

Milk is a great drink that will definitely benefit for the long run in the future. The main reason is that it makes your bones stronger because of the calcium. Along with that, milk also has important vitamins such as A and D, with lots of muscle-building protein. The same goes for chocolate milk as well – except it has caffeine and refined sugar in it. If you plan on drinking some, go for lower fat options like 1% or skim.

Soy Milk is an excellent alternative if you happen to be lactose intolerant. It provides vitamin E, but it is less in saturated fat than cow’s milk. If you plan to go for this option, look for brands that offer calcium along with vitamins A and D. As for flavoured types, be warned though, it may contain sugar to make the drink sweeter.

Water is essential to everyone because it helps flush away toxins stored in your body. It is calorie-free and a perfect way to get fluids your body needs. The old saying, “drink eight cups of water daily” needs to be taken to heart seriously. It may seem like a lot of liquid, but your body need fluids.

- C

AMATEUR YOGI ADVENTURE PART 4

Two Sundays ago I was supposed to go to a morning yoga class with and old classmate, but she bailed last minute due to running errands before work. It did not matter much since my two co-workers/friends planned to come with me. I encountered a delay with the TTC (public transportation) in the morning, and thought about whether I wanted to take a taxi to be at Lululemon early/on time. When the train was running smoothly again, I basically speed walked my way to the store. When I got near I saw the doors slowly close on me, but I was lucky and someone opened it on my behalf. My two friends got there when the class started, and did not have luck getting the door opened for them. So I did yoga alone, with a small class due to the rainy weather outside that morning.

After the class, Jenn (one of the people I work with) told me to go to Good Life Fitness for its yoga session. So having nothing to do I went to check what difference a free and paid class would be like. Ironic as it is, both places (and helpful instructors) did the same program : plank, lower, upward dog, and then downward dog. The only thing Lululemon did not cover was various styles of breathing technique. Overall I say both places are relatively the same, with minor differences as expected. At the end of exercising for two hours, I enjoyed a nice rest…and boy did I need it!

- C