Treadmill Goals/Tracking

• Get on the treadmill (or equivalent exercise) daily
• Pace is fine at 30 min/mile, although I may up it on occasion
• Time range between 30 minutes and 1 hour per day
• Distance 1-2 miles per day
• Read the chosen book, which I won’t allow myself to read outside of my treadmill time, hopefully motivating me to reach or exceed the above goals (exception…at the end of the week where a book is highlighted, I will finish it off-treadmill so I can feature something new the next week)

Week 121: March 17, 2019 – March 30, 2019

DAY	PACE	TIME	DISTANCE
Sunday	30 min/mile	30:35 min:sec	1 mile
Monday	30 min/mile	30:40 min:sec	1 mile
Tuesday	30 min/mile	32:09 min:sec	1 mile
Wednesday	30 min/mile	30:07 min:sec	1 mile
Thursday	30 min/mile	32:02 min:sec	1 mile
Friday	30 min/mile	31:11 min:sec	1 mile
Saturday	30 min/mile	30:11 min:sec	1 mile

What I’m Reading

It’s a short story week! Note: Although I will try to avoid them, my weekly reading snippets may or may not contain spoilers, so read at your own risk.

What I #amreading: The Mutt (The Order book 1) by Kasia Bacon

I, Ervyn Morryés of the Black Mountain clan, know all about control.

As the only fair-haired Dark Elf in the Highlands, I had to learn to control my fists and my temper in the face of derision. 

To become the best archer amongst my peers, I had to learn to control my breathing and my movements.

But the day the half-breed called Lochan Féyes arrived at the training camp, my discipline faltered. Because—sweet gods—when I am around that aloof, blue-eyed assassin, my need is uncontrollable.

Kindle Unlimited:Amazon US | Amazon UK

What I #amreading: All I See by Nell Iris

Theo and Kieran have been together for five years. They’re very happy … behind closed doors. Theo accepted from the start that Kieran isn’t out to his conservative parents and has a lot to lose if they find out about his sexuality.

But a moment of sadness at a wedding changes things. Theo is faced with a decision: live the rest of his life in secret … or break it off with Kieran.

Or is there a third alternative?

Publisher | Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo

What I #amreading: Something New by Kris T. Bethke

When Caleb sees the man across the bar, he knows without a doubt exactly what he wants. Jake is beautiful and commanding, and the attraction sparks between them.

Going home with Jake is an easy decision, and what follows is exactly what Caleb wants. And needs. A little something new to spice things up

Publisher | Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo

What I #amreading: Snowed In: Nen and Anani

It is time to go to my son.

Nen waited to hear those words from the Vasilissa for fifteen rotations, since that time the snow wouldn’t stop falling. But now that he’s about to meet Anani, the love of his life, again, he’s afraid. What if Anani doesn’t feel the same anymore?

Anani, the guardian of the water element, was only seventeen when he was banished from his mother’s court. Heartbroken he couldn’t be with the one he loved, he lost control over his emotions and his power. No matter what he tried, the snow wouldn’t stop, and as a last resort, he was sent away.

When they finally meet again, Anani is hopeful but disillusioned. The law that kept them apart hasn’t changed. How will they be able to find their happily ever after? 

And what happens when the snow starts falling again?

Publisher | Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo

My favorite lines this week…

✿✿ SUNDAY ✿✿ – From The Mutt by Kasia Bacon

Masturbar tu-ehr uncäil assi iré!” I hissed at Verhan, adding a rude gesture to strengthen the message. Luckily, it sufficed to send my cousin on his merry way. He kept stealing curious glances as he retreated, turning his head back a few times and bumping into other recruits. I sighed, knowing he would be on me like maggots on a cadaver at the first opportunity.

“Have you just told him to go walk his uncle’s donkey?” Dry amusement tinged Féyes’ tone.

“No,” I lied. Although Common Elven and the Black Mountain dialect were loosely related and shared some similarities, it impressed me that he’d grasped it. But discussing linguistic intricacies was the last thin on my mind right then. “You were saying?”

✿✿ MONDAY ✿✿ – From The Mutt by Kasia Bacon

He cut such a forlorn figure sitting in this position, so young and fragile. The strength of my desire to console him both unnerved and overwhelmed me. He stirred all the protective and proprietary instincts I’d never known I possessed. The sadness radiating from him fueled my need to touch him, comfort him and press some of my body warmth into him.

✿✿ TUESDAY ✿✿ – From All I See by Nell Iris

With a fake smile plastered on my face, I raised my glass with the other guests and toasted the happy couple while my insides crumpled into a wistful mess. I forced myself to stay for a while longer; I had a speech to make and I would never let down Seamus. But after, I excused myself and escaped.

I’ve been standing here ever since. Staring at the lake, gagging over how perfect everything is at the O’Riordan residence. The lake is perfect, the lawn is perfect, the trees and bushes and flowerbeds are perfect. The people, too.

Except for me.

✿✿ WEDNESDAY ✿✿ – From Something New by Kris T. Bethke

I swallowed hard as he stepped up to the line and took his shot. From where I sat, I couldn’t tell how good it had been, but his big smile had to mean he’d done well. His chiseled jaw would make superheroes jealous, and the way his shirt stretched across his shoulders as he lined up another shot make my mouth water.

I was pretty sure I whimpered.

✿✿ THURSDAY ✿✿ – From Snowed In: Nen and Anani by Nell Iris

“This is not a time for insolence. I have let you keep your…powers…secret—” she spits out the words “—all this time. Are you going to make me regret it?”

The air sparkles with electricity as though a thunderstorm is approaching. Breathing grows difficult as if someone has circled my torso with a steel band and keeps tightening and tightening. The pull on my knees is unbearable and makes me stumble. Somehow, I manage to stay on my feet, but my arms fall to the sides. I avert my eyes, unable to endure the tornado building in her gaze.

“No,” I mumble.

✿✿ FRIDAY ✿✿ – From Snowed In: Nen and Anani by Nell Iris

The cat bumps his nose to Anani’s cheek and leaps up to his shelf. Anani crosses the floor and grabs a shovel hanging from a hook on the back wall, next to rakes, pitchforks, axes, and spades. “I would not be so presumptuous as to call him mine. He dignifies me with his presence when he is in the mood.”

I nod. Just like the enormous red cat with a kink in his tail that used to hang around me in the Vasilissa’s garden, He came when he was hungry or wanted cuddles, never caring if I had dirt under my fingernails. I hope someone takes care of him now.

✿✿ SATURDAY ✿✿ – From Snowed In: Nen and Anani by Nell Iris

With my face hidden in a sea of blues and reds and yellows, I let my tears fall.

It’s as if a part of me is missing. As if he brought my heart with him and left an empty space in my chest that’s full of fear and anxiety.

I need to know he’s well and not hurting. And I want him back by my side; we’ve been parted long enough.