October 30, 2013

Fearless by Eric Blehm





Last month’s book club choice was Eric Blehm’s Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown.  The title is not something I would have chosen on my own, but it was suggested to me by one of the club members.  I was surprised at how much I liked and got out of the book.  I definitely shed some tears, but more than that, the story of Adam Brown’s life really made me think.

Adam Brown grew up in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  Throughout Brown’s childhood he showed his kind spirit by standing up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves.   He exemplified driven and determined behavior through his performance in football and his unwillingness to ever give up.  Most importantly Adam was a trustworthy and giving son, brother, and friend.   No one would have expected Adam to fall in with the wrong crowd or to betray their trust, but when he did, he found it within himself to turn his life around, overcome his addiction, join the Navy, and be the man he and his family and friends always believed him to be.  Adam Brown lived a life unique unto himself, as do we all.  But Adam’s drive and his sacrifice make his a story worth publishing.
  
Personally Brown’s story spoke to me about self-motivation.  He over came so many obstacles to achieve his career goals.  He always pushed through the hardest times, he never gave up and, he did anything and everything he could to fulfill his personal goals and take care of his family. 
So when I don’t want to get up and go to work, take the dog out, exercise, or do any other number of minor daily tasks, I think about Adam Brown and his unwavering dedication to self-improvement.

Who would I recommend this book to?  Anyone and everyone.  
Still not sure?  Check out the book trailer or website.  You can also visit Eric Blehm's site for more information.


Note: The writing style is not what I’m used to, so it took a little getting used to for me.  I typically read fictional literature, and Blehm’s writing style is more on the journalistic side. 

October 16, 2013

South on Main to Wicked

Before the show left town on October 6th, we were able to catch a showing of Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz at the Robinson Center Music Hall in Little Rock.  I had never seen the musical before so I was really excited, and I was disappointed.  The show I saw was witty, funny, and boasted amazing talent.  I'd recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it.  Unfortunately, photos were not permitted.




Before the show we tried out a new restaurant in town.  South on Main serves up a sophisticated southern cuisine.  The atmosphere is really neat.  We sat at a small table by the window in two really comfy, colorful armchairs.  They serve water in cute blue mason jars and roll the silverware in blue patterned clothe napkins.  Some menu items are fried, others roasted.  There's pork, chicken, or fish to choose from.  And if you're a vegetarian, they've got you covered too.  I ordered the roasted Drum with Arkansas basmati rice and summer vegetables.  It was so so good.  He had the pork chop served with cabbage and a fried egg to make the entree even more rich and delicious.

The bar offers a creative cocktail menu to be sure.  I had a Corpse Reviver #2 to start; a yummy gin cocktail served with fat brandied cherries.  For my second drink, I decided to stay with gin and ordered a Blackberry Bramble.  Rather than using muddled blackberries, the bartender makes it with a blackberry liquor.   Very yummy AND pretty; its served with a lemon wheel.  He decided to play it safe with beer and ordered the Diamond Bear Pale Ale, a popular beer brewed in Little Rock, AR.


And dessert... it was amazing.  We ordered the donuts.  I had never had donuts from anywhere other than a typical donut shop before that night.  I can't even describe to you how good it was.  All I know is it was topped with coffee whipped cream, and it was to die for.  



If you're in town be sure to stop at South on Main and stay a while.  You'll need some time to make it through the delicious food and drink menus.  

October 10, 2013

Science After Dark

I haven't taken many pictures lately, therefore I've been lazy updating my blog.  So sorry.  Anyway...

The last Wednesday of every month is adult night at the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock.  So last month we went to check it out with a couple of friends.  The theme was "SeptemBEER."  In the front room they had some booths set up.  Bosco's brews their own beer so naturally a representative of their's was present.  Also, the Central Arkansas Fermenters were there promoting Little Rocktoberfest 2013 and selling brewing starter kits of sorts.  There were also informative and fun stations regarding the history of beer and a beer tasting challenge.

After grabbing a drink at the cash bar and checking out the set up, guests were able to explore the museum itself.  There's all sorts of natural science information on display ranging from magnetism to reptiles to weather.  There is a really interesting tornado room that highlights the experiences of those in Central Arkansas during the tornado of January 1999.  Like I said,  I've been lazy with the camera, so this is about all I have.

I would have preferred to upload the slow motion video I took of this exhibit but I'm having a lot of trouble.  If you can tell me what I'm doing wrong, please do.

We were excited to find something new to do in town.  Next month the theme is "The Science of Fear."  Could be pretty cool.  Click here for more information about Science After Dark.