A Chainsaw Expert & Mazerunner

1.  It's nice to know that as a brand spanking new blogger (kind of), my words are really getting around to the people that need them.  For example, if you need help chainsawing something, Ricole Runs is your gal.  Forget that she's also a brand spanking new owner of a electric chainsaw and has only chainsawed once, but look - I am writing about it more so you know I really AM an expert!  So to the person who searched: "her chainsaw", I'm so glad you found me.  I am here to help!  But I also promise to not utter the words CHAINSAW after this post.  Not for....at least... 5 more posts (the center has to be at least... three times bigger!  Zoolander anyone?).

This is pretty much EXACTLY what I looked like when I was chainsawing the tree.

2.  I finally finished the book Mazerunner.  I tried to write a summary, but the book's plot is weird!  So I gave up.  So, commence description according to Amazon: "When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.  Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.  Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind."

See, I told you it was weird.

Anyway, I expected a lot more from this.  I keep reading Hunger Games knock-offs that disappoint.  Even the 3 Hunger Games books seemed to decline as I went on (I'll probably face the chopping block for that statement).  I read the first two Matched books (Matched & Crossed, 3rd one not out yet), and they were similar to Hunger Games, but not as good (and the 2nd one worse than the 1st).  This was also similar to the other two series, in that it's an alternate future reality, crazy weird things are happening, and it's written for teens.  But I struggled to even finish the book, and although I found the plot interesting, I just could not get "hooked" into the characters or the writing.  I doubt I'll read the 2nd and 3rd.  End tirade.  

3.  Yesterday I ran 6 miles with Jordanne and Lisa.  I felt sluggish and slow and perhaps starving hungry, I'm not sure, but my stomach didn't feel right (it wasn't growling or anything either though, and it felt bad the rest of the night).  But it was great to finally get a run in with them and get to catch up!  This is what the trail looked like:

Needless to say, there was some major Warrior Dash-esque obstacle-coursing going on!  

4.  Cooper is adorable.  Enough said.  Here's a picture to get you through your day:

Cooper says have a great day everyone!

What questions do you have about chainsawing? :-) I will google search it for you.  What are your thoughts on Hunger Games, Matched, & Mazerunner?  Have any good book recommendations for me?