Category: Random

My Unread Library

Most people who are into books, I think, have the tendency to pick up volumes when they see a good deal, and then not have time to read them all. I am one of those people– and so this year I’m going to make an effort to read through a big chunk of my unread library! Some of these books are partially read, some of them I’ve had for (ugh) years and still haven’t gotten to. Changes are afoot!

Books

One of my problems is that I have quite a few “heavy” books on here that I’m never “in the mood” to read. I’m sure if I make myself invest the time, I’ll be happy I did. I’m not gonna force myself to read 50 books this year, or even 12 for that matter, because between work and life I am always busy. BUT! I’m definitely trying to go “screen free” a couple of nights a week and spend that time reading or playing board games or other interesting activities.

Below is a partial list. I have more unread books, but these are the ones on my “hit list” for the near future. Have you read any of them? Did you like or dislike them? Anything I should know!

A Passage to India – EM Forster
Don’t Stop the Carnival – Herman Wouk
After Long Silence – Helen Fremont
Suite Francaise – Irene Nemirovsky
Maps for Lost Lovers – Nadeen Aslam
Reading Lolita in Tehran – Azar Nafisi
A Bloodsmoor Romance – Joyce Carol Oates – working on right now!
Daughter of Fortune – Isabel Allende
The Joy Luck Club – Amy Tan
Madame Bovary – Gustave Flaubert

There are more on my Kindle but I won’t go there (right now).

Many of these will be found at your local library! If you want to read along with me shoot me a message! Maybe we should do a monthly reading club? I enjoyed when A Beautiful Mess had their “book of the month.”

Clicked…

A lot of bloggers I like post these little Friday “recommended reading” posts, and I came across a lot of stuff interesting to me this week (and last week) that I thought maybe some of my friends and readers would be interested in.

There’s a new book out in the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, but it’s written by a new author (Stieg Larssen passed away). This is a controversial development for fans of the series. Check out this interesting NPR piece for a couple of perspectives. I have the book on hold at the library and will be getting my mitts on it this weekend! Can’t wait.

Ever wonder why pop songs all sound the same? They are written by the same bald Scandinavians. This is a bummer, but most of the songs are pretty solid so I guess they know what they’re doing.

Two San Diego-centric links: This cool old bandshell is a case study in the fact that San Diego almost always lets cool old things fall into disrepair. I feel we could be a little more like LA in this way (what with The Forum and the Hollywood Bowl, to name a couple). On the positive side, this very cool art installation (not sponsored by anyone, just the photographer/resident) gives me hope for neighborhood unity through diversity!

I’m trying my hardest to hop on the Podcast train. I need something to occupy my mind while exercising, and our condo’s workout room does not have a TV. So, like the rest of the internet, last week I discovered Limetown which from what I can tell after two episodes is like LOST meets Serial. Very highly recommended!!

I hope you like one or all of these links! Got something to share with me? Put it in the comments!

Life, Lately

Happy St Paddy’s Day, everyone! This post has nothing do to with today’s pseudo holiday but I figured I would at least mention it. Hope you all find a pot of gold or a four-leaf clover somewhere today! Has it been a month since my last post? I’m so sorry, you guys! I have a lot of things swirling around in my head but no time to put pen to paper fingers to keyboard and squeak out a blog post for you all.

I got a new gig–it’s an honest-to-goodness desk job, Monday through Friday, PTO, the works. I’ve worked two weeks and I really like my coworkers and my office. The super old building is covered inside with pressed tin: the walls and the ceiling, and the bathroom too! I steal moments to gaze up at it, I’m sure my coworkers think I’m bonkers.

photo 1

I haven’t quite left the old gig yet which lends to my blog silence. Playing the balancing act has been doable the past two weeks but I sure am tired. The extra money will help out since…

We’re really getting serious about buying a house. Well, a condo. It is so scary to type out for the world to read! It’s one thing to think about it, tour places, stash away money, draw out budgets and dream about decorating the inside, but it’s another thing to make the announcement to people knowing that home-buying has been a rocky road for many in the past five years.

I have some good posts outlined in my head but I haven’t been able to write and photograph for them. I do want to make it a priority though especially with the prospect of a new home. I hope you keep me accountable! When someone says to me “I hope to see a post from you soon,” or “I’ve started following you,” it’s just the right nudge I need to sit down and create!

Paris shirt

Thanks, guys. I’ll be back later this week!