Why I Almost (but didn't) Read "50 Shades of Grey"

Ok, here's the thing about this post: it is not meant to judge anyone who has read the book or will read the book. Just a collection of thoughts on it.

A lot of people I know have read it. It's become a bit of a cultural phenomenon. I was curious. I've heard it's terribly written and that it's utter trash. So why does everyone keep reading it? Surely there has to be something interesting about it. So, I even went so far as to put the Kindle version of the book in my cart and download it. In fact, I thought I had downloaded it, but it turned out I didn't actually click the button. I knew going into it that this book was not your everyday Harlequin Romance; that it was a bit more than that. After a good friend of mine asked an important question, I decided I would opt out of reading it. That question she asked was, "Why on earth would you subject yourself to that?" That's a very good question.

As a woman, why would I subject myself to that? The book is about a young, virginal, niave, and inexperienced girl who enters into a contract to essentially be a sex slave to a much older, very rich man. He essentially emotionally (and I think sometimes even physically) abuses her. I've read many reviews of the book and I noticed three things. First, the book doesn't seem to actually have any sort of love or commitment (aside from this alleged contract). I am of the opinion that any contract like this is unhealthy (even though I know some people in that lifestyle would vehemently disagree with me; but that's my opinion on it), but it is especially unhealthy when there is no underlying trust or love present. Second, why does the main character see this as OK? Why do readers see this as a grand romantic gesture? This is the same issue I have with Twilight: Edward is manipulative and creepy (watching Bella sleep? weird. Having to restrain himself from draining her whole body of blood? very creepy.) but it's seen as completely normal behavior. Ladies, if a man is actually like that in any way shape or form... that should be a HUGE RED FLAG. A great relationship does not start with one or the other part of the couple having control of the other person.

As a Christian and as a wife, why would I subject myself to that? Erotica is the same thing as pornography. This book, and tons and tons of other books, movies, and television shows, make sex into something very cheap. It's just something people do; sometimes without even any commitment or intention of loving the other person. I believe that is a gross misuse of sexuality. I believe God intended sexuality to be expressed between a husband and a wife, joyfully and without baggage. Pornography and erotica, in my opinion, simply invite outside thoughts, addictions, and images into your bedroom. That doesn't allow for sexuality in marriage to thrive or be exclusive or bring glory to the Creator of sexuality. Marriage should be protected at all costs, and a big part of that is guarding your sexuality. One of the vows I made to my husband was to "keep myself for you only". That includes what I put into my mind.

I'm just really curious as to why this has become such a cultural phenomenon? Why are women everywhere so interested in this? 

Again, if you chose to read the book I do not think less of you or think you're somehow a terrible person. I'm just sharing where my heart is on the matter, that's all. :)

All my bags are packed...

...I'm ready to go...Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane.

I leave tomorrow morning for our vacation. See you when I get back! :)

Style File 6-25-12

Well... My Vlog is turning out to be sort of a pain. I'm not very good at editing so I need to shoot one that isn't in need of a ton of editing. So...it'll likely need to happen post-vacation. I know that's a bummer, but that's the way my life is right now. I have been trying though. :( But! I have a style file for you. The new place has some cool places to get outfit pics, so I'm really excited about that. This one features Louisianna, because she needed a walk and it was really good lighting for a shoot... Enjoy!

 So, you know I like dresses... well I like dresses even more in the summer. I'm on the go more, and dresses are easy. Grab one, grab some shoes, maybe a belt and some earrings and out you go! Plus...they're way cooler (as in temperature) than jeans are!

 I just picked up these espadrilles a couple weeks ago and I'm not sure why these are my first pair ever. I mean... they're so comfortable, even though they don't look it. My back definitely doesn't hurt after wearing these like it does after a day in stilettos. On that note, I didn't walk very far in these ;) and I don't recommend navigating loose gravel on railroad tracks in them. Just sayin'.

 This is my sock bun. I managed to get it perfect this time, as in the pony tail wasn't too tight so my head didn't hurt at the end of the day. It was supppperrr humid on this day, so I did have a lot of crazy fly-aways but my hair was up off my neck and that's what counts!

 It was hot. Could you tell?

Dress: target
Sunnies: Target, like two years ago
Espadrilles: DSW
Belt: H and M (I think?)

What I've been Pinning Lately

I am loving Pinterest. It's great. Here's what I've been pinning lately (it's heavy on vacation and home decor stuff...)

 

 

Vlog- Delayed

Ok, just so you know, I have filmed my vlog TWICE but neither time I liked it. And can I also say that video editing is brutally difficult? It is. I have no idea what I'm doing. So I'm going to try filming something again today that require minimal editing of my stupid comments. Ha. It'll go up on monday! Promise! :)

Sneak Peek: The New Place

 Well! After a whirl wind weekend, we moved to the new place! We picked up the keys on Friday night and brought over some small stuff in the cars. Saturday morning we woke up bright and early to bring stuff over and then loaded up the UHaul. With the help of some awesome friends, we were able to return the truck by 2pm and started unpacking. I was shocked at how fast the unpacking went; we were pretty much done on Sunday evening. Brad and I both took the day off yesterday to finish up some odds and ends (books in book cases, for example), work on homework, and recover. We were so tired and so sore. I think the next move we are hiring movers. It was brutal. I have many bruises! But we are here. I am so ready to start on some of the (many) projects we have to make this place ours.

Here's a sneak peek of our living room! I plan on doing a Vlog tour and posting it later this week. As you can see, the living room is mostly put together. Most spaces are put together, but need some help getting settled. Especially our bedroom... it's gigantic and we just don't have enough stuff! ha! Never thought I would say that!

So far, we love it here. It's a great location for a lot of things, so far its a lot quieter, and just in general a better place. We are down a workout center (bummer), but I did go run outside this morning. Thankfully we're at the point in summer when it's light out at 5:45am. But we will need to get Y memberships (which I am looking forward to.Yoga classes!). My run was great this morning. I have sort of felt like I'm on vacation since we moved..haha. My run this morning definitely felt like it. There's something about running in a new place that is just so energizing and different. I've only felt it on runs during vacation (like in Boston Garden, for example). Maybe only runners will understand that. Our new Master bedroom is gigantic with a huge vanity so it makes it feel like a hotel, which  adds to my feeling of vacation. I'm sure as things settle into normal it'll feel less like vacation. Or maybe not and my quality of life will simply improve! ha! One can hope.

Speaking of being on vacation... I am not actually on vacation and need to go to work. Off to the shower! Have a great Tuesday and be looking for a Vlog and a DIY project list coming soon.

Instagrams and and Update

I see these pretty flowers every day on my way to the workout room. I love the colors.

Louisianna waits very patiently at dinner just to see if she's going to get any of our food.

Sometimes...this is what happens when we're packing.

Carnival at Mount Trashmore! This is from the top of the "Mountain".

Beautiful sunset on our walk with the dog last week.

 

 

It's a very difficult life, being a dog.

Ok. So. We are moving this weekend. I'll definitely put up a tour of the new place once we're in and settled. I also have plans to document several DIY projects that we have planned: refinishing the dressers and night stand, refinishing the dining room table, and painting a couple rooms. Who knows when we'll paint; that may not be until December. ha! But I do have a couple interior decorating things that I'd like to do and I'll be sure to keep you updated on those.

I also have a couple recipes to share with you.

And we're going to London, Paris, and Rome in THREE AND A HALF WEEKS. I will also be posting about that. :)

Lots to look forward to over here with Team Boyce.