Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Reading Update and I’m Stepping

I got my exercise step this past weekend and have actually started to use it! On Sunday I tried the first exercise on one of the DVDs I purchased. Had to stop half-way through the first exercise (about 13 minutes).

Man, I don’t remember stepping to be so hard, but then I was going to the fitness center on a regular basis back when I took those classes.

But I wasn’t going to let that discourage me. On Monday I was back at it. And finished that first exercise! Yeah, it was only 26 minutes long, and included a lot of marching in place (rest stops), but I felt good. Good enough to try exercise 2 on Tuesday.

Apparently I need those rest stops. Exercise 2 was pretty much the same as exercise 1, but without the rests. I had to stop and rest a couple of times. I’m not quite ready to step non-stop for 22 minutes.

But I’m still not discouraged. I worked up a sweat (and got my heart rate up there, too). I have a feeling this will be a MUCH better workout than just walking. At least I hope so!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #39


Dates read:
September 27- October 3
Title: The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea
Year of publication: 2020
Author: Kerrelyn Sparks
Genre: Fantasy romance
Series: The Embraced #5/Embraced by Magic #2
# of Pages: 359
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: Raised on the magic-seeped Isle of Moon, Maeve is used to unusual powers—and the way they fuel the politics of her world. But when she discovers an ability to shape-shift at will, she knows who she wants to share it with first. Brody, the enigmatic, infuriating shifter-spy has always made time for Maeve. But it’s been almost two months since she’s seen him. And though no one else believes Brody is in danger, Maeve is more than ready to rescue him herself.
    The rumors Brody’s investigating are terrifying: a secret army of magic-users, in the service of the cruel Circle of Five. But when he uncovers the identity of one of the Five, the mission becomes personal. Cursed as a boy by the Sea Witch, Brody can spend only two hours a day in his human form, a restriction that limits his future and muzzles his heart. Plus Maeve teases him for being such a pretty doggy instead of appreciating his manly charms. To win his freedom, he must take on a terrible disguise. And when Maeve finds out, she’ll unleash a tempest like no other…
My thoughts: I liked this series very much. This was supposed to be the end of it (5 sisters, 5 stories), but it appears Kerrelyn got the go-ahead to write more. Yay! I look forward to seeing what else can happen in this world (and who will fall in love…).

So… Are you reading more now during the pandemic than you did before COVID hit us? At first I had slowed down, but reading is starting to interest me again (or maybe I’m just reading the right books). It’s encouraging in any case. I almost thought I’d lost interest for good! Which means I’ll most likely get back to writing soon. The only one stopping me is me.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

4 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Good for you! Keep stepping. Getting your heart rate up is important.
I've actually been reading a lot of graphic novels.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Alex - I never could get into graphic novels for some strange reason...

Unknown said...

My reading has stayed the same, though my writing output has definitely been less this year. Don't know if I can blame the pandemic for that.

Good going on the stepping! I used to enjoy that. Don't know if I would now. :)

Jennette

Stacy McKitrick said...

Jennette - I think if you enjoyed it before, you can still enjoy it (especially if your room is large enough, like mine is). Just got to start out slow and find the right instructor on the DVDs (or check out YouTube--there are people giving classes on that, too). Gave my legs a rest today, but I hope to be able to do this daily (and longer).