You Know When The Men Are Gone

Grabbed From NPR's Website

Fort Drum recently hosted author Siobhan Fallon to talk about her book You Know When The Men Are Gone. It is a series of short stories set at Fort Hood. The local NPR affiliate was hosting a reading/discussion with her and I attended last week. I am really glad that I went. It was interesting to hear her stories about the book and her experiences as an Army spouse.

 I liked the book, but it was an intense read. All of the stories took aspects of military life that are very familiar to me, and stretched them into the extreme. The book is a work of fiction, and the stories intertwine around each other. It is  a quick read, and you could easily finish it in a day.

Purchase on Amazon

Have any of y'all read this book? What did you think?

5 Love Languages

I am sure that most of y'all have heard about The 5 Love Languages. If not, it is a book that helps couples figure how they express their love. Everyone shows love differently, and this book helps you understand the different methods. I have read it several times, and think it is really helpful and insightful. A few weeks ago I saw that there was a new version coming out. 

Amazon

The description reads; 

"Marriage is hard enough for the everyday civilian. But imagine marriage when you're separated by thousands of miles . . . when one of you daily faces the dangers of combat . . . while the other shoulders all the burden of homefront duties. Add to that unpredictable schedules, frequent moves, and the challenge of reintegration, and it's no wonder military marriages are under stress. Husbands and wives in all five branches of the military need a special resource to help them navigate marriage in the midst of it all. These men and women who are giving so much for so many need a way to love one another - a way that powerfully communicates to the heart.

The 5 Love Languages has a successful track record of helping military couples heal broken relationships and strengthen healthy relationships. Now this #1 New York Times bestseller has been adapted specifically for military couples.

Special features of the Military Edition include:

1. Stories of military couples from every branch of service who have found ways to use the 5 love languages in their unique lifestyles
2. A Decoding Deployments section at the end of each love language chapter, offering tips on how to express love when you are apart.
3. A new chapter, Love Language Scramblers, explains how to speak the love languages through some of the most challenging times of a military marriage.
4. An updated Q&A section to include questions specific to military marriage.

The 5 Love Languages profile will help you and your partner identify your love languages so you can put the principles to work for you immediately. Guided by input from dozens of military couples in all stages of their careers, authors Gary Chapman and former military wife Jocelyn Green offer you an unparalleled tool for your marriage with The 5 Love Languages Military Edition." 

I am really excited for this. It doesn't come out till September, but you better believe I will be ordering this puppy. It will be a needed check-in as Lane and I head toward homecoming and reintegration. 

My love language is Acts of Service. I would love to hear if any of y'all have used this book. Anyone else planning on picking up the new one?

What Am I Watching

I would do a weekend recap, but our weekend was stunningly boring. Lane had a week from hell last week, and just wanted to relax and watch an entire season of West Wing. I was perfectly happy to oblige. We did make it to the gym and cooked some fantastic meals. Ladies, if you ever want to create a meal that will make a man fall in love with you, this recipe for braised short ribs is delicious and very very easy. 

I am always looking for recommendations for movies to watch on Netflix watch instantly as well as new books. Here are some that I have recently loved. 

The Decoy Bride

This is a British Romantic Comedy that stars the other love of my life David Tennant ( from Doctor Who) and Kelly McDonald (who is the voice of Merida in Brave). This is a great movie if you want something fun and lighthearted to watch. It is your standard chic flick. 

The American Heiress 

By Daisy Goodwin

This is the cure for anyone having Downton Abbey withdrawals. It is very easy to read, and beautifully written. I absolutely loved this book. 

Archer 

I am sure that lots of you have already seen this raunchy cartoon show. However, if you haven't ( and can handle a fair amount of depravity) I think it is hilarious. 

I always looking for recommendations so if you found something on Netflix you love, please send it my way. 

What I Have Been Reading

Relative unemployment means that I have loads more time for reading. I really love to read and am grateful there is such a great library on post. 

Bringing up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman

Lane and I are still a ways away from having children, but I heard an interview with the author on NPR and was intrigued. I spent a summer in France and lived with a host family which gave me a brief look at French parenting. Although I wasn't so crazy about the author in the interview (I thought she came off very snobby), when I saw the book at the library I decided to check it out. I really enjoyed this book and finished it in about three days. It definitely good to read before you have children, as many of the lessons are geared toward newborns. 

Dune Road by Jane Green 

I didn't like this book at all. I generally like Jane Green, and really liked her book Jemima J. However, I found this really hard to get through. None of the characters made any sense, and all the relationships seemed totally forced and awkward. This is probably one of my least favorites in quite a while. 

I am getting ready to start reading Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. I like his books and find them really engaging to read. 

Are y'all reading anything good? I am always looking for recommendations and suggestions.