What's New With Me: May Recap

I feel like life goes quicker when the days get warmer. Just me? I didn't even do much last month, and yet I still feel like it went by in a blur. Here's what I was up to last month. Starting halfway through the month since apparently I didn't do much the first two weeks besides a Mountain Mamas dinner where we didn't take pics- oops. 

Mother's Day- I feel like we had big plans for Mother's Day, but I don't remember what they were. Since it was rainy and horrible out we just hung out in my apartment, ordered Chinese food, and watched some movies. I also helped my mom with some admin stuff like writing and editing emails and helping her find a new lawyer for her landlord issues, which was probably the best present I could have given her. 

This is the only pic we took. She keeps doing this ridiculous thing where she looks up in the distance instead of the camera because she *thinks* she looks better this way. 


Keebler- I mentioned this yesterday, but we found he had a urinary blockage and needed immediate surgery last month. They said if we had waited much longer he wouldn't have made it. He has to stay overnight 2 nights, and use a catheter during that time. They also said we have to put him on prescription food AND snacks, so we finally got an account with Chewy. He seems to like it ok enough.

While they were checking him out, they also found an infected tooth, so we have to bring him back tomorrow to get that taken care of. We are currently looking into pet health insurance, so if you have one that you recommend, please let me know! 


Niece's Graduation- Blue's niece graduated from Johnson and Wales with a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition. We headed up on Friday and had a yummy dinner at Union Station Brewery before she and her sister went out on the town. The ceremony itself was on Saturday and was surprisingly short, which was appreciated! 

After the graduation we had some down time, so we headed back to the room to relax a bit and then up to her family's suite for snacks and cocktails before dinner. We met up with one of K's friends and her family at Fleming's Steakhouse, and the food was absolutely delicious! (I didn't take pics because the place was kinda fancy and I didn't wanna be *that* person!)

The Book of Mormon (musical)- I had been wanting to see this Broadway show since it first came out in 2011, but the prices had been way out of my range, especially after winning so many Tony awards. While perusing TodayTix (free app for shows in major U.S. cities, Toronto, London, and Australia) I noticed that they were *finally* on there at a discounted price, so I jumped on it. I had heard it was funny, I mean, it was written by the creators of South Park, but I was nearly in tears. It was so freakin' hilarious (if you're into that type of humor, which I most certainly am)! 

Right before the show started, Blue posted that we were there on Facebook. At intermission she received a comment- her old college classmate was the lead guitarist of the show and was currently playing, and would love to meet afterwards and give us a backstage tour. WHAT?! Um, yes we would, thankyouverymuch! He showed us the whole backstage and changing areas, and then took us down into the pit. Blue took music theory with this guy, and he let her noodle around with his custom made guitars... it was so cool and he was the nicest! He couldn't join us for dinner since he was playing the evening show as well, but it was an awesomely serendipitous event!


Haircut! Every two years or so around this time, I chop off my long locks to donate. I think I've been doing this since maybe 2007/2008? My biggest cut was in 2015, when I donated 15". This time I only got 9", but that's still enough to donate! Unfortunately I don't have any good "after" pics because the next day we got caught in a rainstorm and my short straightened locks got frizzy and curly, and I am still trying to figure out how to style it properly. If you have any frizz-controlling, short hair tips, please share! 

What were you up to last month?

Linking up with Kristen! 

Currently

I know that it's June, and my pic says May, but what had happened was... I made it last month, didn't use it, and was too lazy to make a new one. Also, all these things have been favorites or happenings in more than just the last 5 days, so I think it still fits. Anyway, here's what's been currently going on in my world!

Reading: Sugar by Deidre Riordan Hall for the PopSugar Reading Challenge. 

Listening To: I actually just learned that one of my favorite YA authors, Rainbow Rowell, has a bunch of Spotify playlists that she put together while writing her books. I've been listening to the "Lincoln" character one from Attachments. 

Watching: Game of Thrones... what did ya'll think of that ending? Currently watching Dead to Me on Netflix. I'm almost done with the mini-series- it's sooo good! I also just started watching Good Omens on Amazon Prime after coming to terms with the fact that I have no interest in reading the book. I'm only on episode 3 or 4, but I'm really enjoying it! 

Recommending: TodayTix. I recently used the free app to purchase discount tickets for a Broadway show, and it was so easy to use! They are available in most major U.S. cities, Toronto, London, and Australia! 

Not recommending: Wine Country on Netflix. I was so looking forward to it with that all star cast (Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Rachel Dratch) but it was just NOT funny. It was like they were trying too hard. 

Loving: Summer Fridays! Our department just started participating in this this year, so every week 2 people WFH and then have 1/2 day off, and 2 people go in to the office (full day). I had to use up a few vacation days for this month, but looking forward to taking advantage of this the rest of the summer! 

Appreciating: That our fur baby Keebler is okay. He gave us quite a scare last month  when he started sitting in weird places like the bathtub with his bum on cold surfaces. We found he had a urinary blockage and needed immediate surgery. They said if we had waited much longer he wouldn't have made it- so scary! 

Looking forward to: vacation next week, The Handmaid's Tale (6/5- TODAY!), Big Little Lies (6/9)

Eating: Nabisco Good Thins Sweet Potato crisps. They are SO addictive; Blue and I nearly ate an entire box in one sitting! 

Drinking: Harpoon/Dunkin Donuts Summer Coffee Pale Ale. BLECH! It tastes NOTHING like coffee! 

Picking: Books for Book Challenge by Erin 11.0 that starts July 1st! I'm trying to use only books that I currently own this time around. New members are always welcome, so if this sounds like something you'd be interested in, find out more here! 

Going: To New Orleans later this month! My niece got an internship with Tulane University's Medical Center teaching the doctors about nutritional meal planning for the patients. 

Wishing: That my new deck was done. The landlord decided to redo the decks on all 8 of the apartments in my little complex, and it was only supposed to take a week, but apparently didn't do his homework. They took down all the decks (planning to build on top of the beams that go in to the basement), only to realize that the beams are not structurally sound, and now they need an architect to figure out what they're going to do. Meanwhile, all of my outdoor furniture is sitting in my kitchen and there's no ETA in sight :( 

Wearing: A lot of 3/4 sleeve tops and cardigans or blazers. Still not yet warm enough to go out without a jacket, but I'm ready for it! 

Celebrating: My best friend from college is pregnant! So I'll be celebrating at her baby shower at the end of the month! 

What's currently going on with you?

Linking up with Anne!

Show Us Your Books: April Reads

I'm not sure how to start this. It's like I've completely forgotten how to write, it's been so long. Also, I feel like I read these so long ago, and had actually completely forgotten I'd read  The Girl He Used To Know even though I really enjoyed it. I really need to write these reviews right after I read the books, but I'm pretty sure I've been saying that for months now and I never do it. Sigh. Anyway, here's what I got through in April. 

Daisy Jones and the Six- Taylor Jenkins Reid: 4 Stars
Category: A Literary Feast- Someone Who Fascinates You
hardback borrowed from Michael

"Loving somebody isn’t perfection and good times and laughing and making love. Love is forgiveness and patience and faith and every once in a while, it’s a gut punch. That’s why it’s a dangerous thing, when you go loving the wrong person. When you love somebody who doesn’t deserve it. You have to be with someone that deserves your faith and you have to be deserving of someone else’s. It’s sacred."

"You have to have one person in your life that you know would never do anything to steer you wrong. They may disagree with you. They could even break your heart, from time to time. But you have to have one person, at least, who you know will always tell you the truth."

"You show up for your friends on their hardest days. And you hold their hand through the roughest parts. Life is about who is holding your hand and, I think, whose hand you commit to holding."

Finally read my first TJR novel, and I understand all the hype! This read like a VH1 "Behind The Music" biopic, and also reminded me of the real story of Fleetwood Mac. I really loved getting all of the different perspectives, I loved how real and messy all of the characters were, and finding out who the "author" was. Blue is currently reading it, and she brought up a good point- it would be awesome if they made the actual music to go along with it, since there is so much description of the songs and lyrics. Apparently Reese Witherspoon will be adapting the book for a 13-episode mini-series though (with music!). No details on when yet, but sounds good to me!

The Girl He Used To Know- Tracey Garvis Graves: 4 Stars
library e-book 

"A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water."

Annika reminded me of Eleanor Oliphant with her social anxiety. While I loved the dual perspectives, short chapters, and double timelines, I didn't love the ending. It felt much too rushed, and I really wish there was an epilogue.


Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist- Rachel Cohn and David Levithan: 3 Stars
Category: BCBE Bonus Begins with "N," MMD 3 by same Author(s) 
library e-book

I think my timing might have been off for this one, but I just couldn’t feel the chemistry between Nick and Norah and the ending seemed forced. This could also be because I've read this author team's later works and they are much, much better. I still want to watch the movie though. 


Hello, Universe- Erin Estrada Kelly: 4 Stars
Category: BCBE Bonus Newbery Winner, 52 Weeks Children's Book
Kindle Unlimited

“The world looks different through newly opened eyes, Virgilio. It’s the trick of time. What you believe today, you may not believe tomorrow. Things change when you’re not looking. And then you open your eyes, and you see—”

Very sweet middle-grade book about friendship. I really liked the diverse cast (a deaf girl, two immigrant families, one feisty grandma) and they all felt like kids I would have run into at middle school.  I wanted a little more for the bully, but liked getting a clearer picture of why he was the way he was in the scenes with his father. It was a little slow but overall I really enjoyed this one, especially the ending.

Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman- Lindy West: 2.5 Stars
Category: BCBE 6 Words in Title, PopSugar Recommended by a celebrity you admire (Emma Watson- Our Shared Shelf)
library hardback

"Men, you will never understand. Women, I hope I helped. Comedy, you broke my heart." 

"My little victories- trolls, rape jokes, fat people's humanity- are world-building. Fighting for diverse voices is world- building. Proclaiming the inherent value of fat people is world- building. Believing rape victims is world-building. Refusing to cave to abortion stigma is world- building. Voting is world- building. So is kindness, compassion, listening, making space, saying yes, saying no. We're all building our own worlds right now in real time."

I’ll admit that I started watching the show first, and the book started off funny and relatable, but somewhere in the middle I felt she got up on her soapbox and stayed there for the rest of the book, with less personal stories and more preaching. I really wanted to like this more, especially since I didn't really like the show but they say the book is always better. This was not the case with this one, at least not for me.


North of Beautiful- Justina Chen: 3 Stars
Category: BCBE Bonus Starts with N, 52 Weeks Challenge Teen As Main Character, PopSugar book about a hobby (art)
library hardback

"Inertia is so easy- don't fix what's not broken. Leave well enough alone. So we end up accepting what is broken, mistaking complaining for action, procrastination for deliberation."  

"'Maybe that was the problem,' Jacob said softly. 'Don't we all need to feel needed? That we'd be missed if we were gone?'" 

"Even knowing that what I was doing was wrong, I jumped off my Before and reached for my After."

The author banged the message over my head, but I really liked the relationship between Terra and Jacob, and the moms. I was sure there would be more drama with the father, but was happily surprised when he started turning things around. 

Currently reading: Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want To Come- Jessica Pan

What are you reading? 

Linking up with Steph and Jana! 

Currently

This month was crazy busy with work and mom stuff. My mom fell at the beginning of the month, injuring both of her knees and cutting under her right eye socket. We were lucky it wasn't even an inch higher, so she didn't injure her eye, but it's not pretty! She fell outside running around too quickly as usual. This was a blessing in disguise because it forced her to slow down a little bit. At the same time, she's been dealing her her a-hole landlord. She was able to take some time off work to heal which she used to track down paperwork to take the landlord to court, search for a new apartment, attend court (yup, I'm not going into details but he was that bad that she's taking him to court), and enlisting me to help her pack and move her non-everyday things. Here's what else has been going on with me lately. 


Reading: Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want To Come by Jessica Pan on my commute and Dear Lily by Drew Davies at home. 

Listening to: Melissa Etheridge! I got the opportunity to see her earlier this month and she was so good without even trying. Loved it. 

Watching: Avengers: End Game! So, so good (if you're into Marvel/superhero movies). Also Game of Thrones- that last episode! GAH! No spoilers here though! 

Eating/Drinking: deep fried "Ripper" hot dogs from the famous NJ no-frills establishment Rutt's Hut, and craft brews from a new local brewery called Ghost Hawk Brewery. 

Admiring: This handsome boy old man! Keebler turned 7 this month!

Playing: At LSC: After Dark, an adults only event held every third Thursday of the month at our science center. This month's theme was Whiskey in Westeros, and there were tons of whiskey-infused cocktails, $5 eats, and photo ops! It was super crowded though, so I'd like to go again when it's less crowded to actually see the exhibits. I haven't been there since I was a kid. 

Borrowing: Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid from Michael. 

Finishing: Helping my mom with her move. This was just me moving things one evening of many after work. I'm SO glad it's over now!

What's new with you?

Linking up with Anne and Kristen!

April Goals

source

I mentioned last week that March was month work took top priority, and most of my March goals fell to the wayside. I did cut expenses (as in, I didn't buy anything except for necessities with the exception of beer on St. Patrick's Day), open a savings account (which I thought I had done months ago, but apparently didn't), finish Erin's Reading Challenge and started the bonus round, and made a delicious no bake Oreo-crusted peanut butter pie on Pi Day. I actually made two, one for Blue and one for work. Blue said it was like a more decadent over-sized Reese's, and my coworkers (who didn't know I baked) all made a point of finding me and telling me how good it was. It was perfect timing too because it was my boss's birthday, so double win! I also researched renter's insurance options, but didn't get it yet.  

Here's what I'm hoping to accomplish in April:

• Get renter's insurance already!
• Clean out dresser
• Clean out and reorganize kitchen
• Make 3 new recipes
• Make eye doctor appointment

Keeping it short and simple this month. What are your goals for April? Linking up with The Peaceful Posse!

Show Us Your Books: March Reads

Hello friends! Unlike my diverse reads last month, this month I stuck to mainly YA (with one classic thrown in, for a reading challenge). Make sure to link up with the hosts so I can see what you've been reading too! 

On the Come Up- Angie Thomas: 5 Stars
Category: 52 Weeks Book featuring music, PopSugar Book that should be a movie, BCBE Bonus Freebie
library e-book

I was unsure how to rate this one since I had given THUG 5 stars, but I liked this one even more. I think one thing I've seen other readers comment on was feeling a disconnect with these characters and storyline, but I didn't feel that way at all. I don't listen to rap music, but each time Bri mentioned a song, I played it immediately to get a full sense of what she was describing. I think that swayed me quite a bit. I also liked all the nerd talk (particularly the Star Wars bits). Such a well-told, important (and timely) story.

The Sun Is Also a Star- Nicola Yoon: 5 Stars
Category: BCBE/ Soon to be a movie
library e-book 

Loved the alternating POVs, and bits of brief histories. Loved the short chapters. Loved all of connections. And always love a good HEA! Can't wait to see the movie. 

Two Can Keep a Secret- Karen McManus: 4.5 Stars
Category: 52 Weeks/PopSugar Book Published in 2019
library e-book

Another one I was skeptical about because I enjoyed the author's debut so much, but this one was equally as good. Just like the other one, I had no idea about the ending until the absolute last sentence. And even then I needed a lot of time to digest! Solid psychological YA thriller. 

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating- Christina Lauren: 4 Stars
Category: PopSugar Book Written by Two Female Authors, 52 Weeks Starts with "J"
library e-book

My first Christina Lauren- finally! And I totally get all the hype! It reminded me a little of an updated and younger When Harry Met Sally. I thought the character development and growth was excellent and the dating stories funny, but also heartbreaking because I wanted Josh and Hazel together. Romantic comedy at its best. Can't wait to read more from this dynamic duo! 

The Field Guide to the North American Teenager- Ben Phillipe: 4 Stars
Category: BCBE Cardinal Direction in Title, Author Debut, Setting in Southern U.S.
library hardback

"To my mother, Belzie. I would have made a terrible doctor, Mom. People would have died."  

"He had a literal red neck and close-cropped hair hiding a prematurely receding hairline. It was a strong recession too. Like Obama's first term."  

"She smiled at him. 'Look, you still like her, right?'Norris nodded in spite of himself. He did. At this point, life would be much simpler if he didn't, but even the brief second that he'd seen her in the cafeteria had been enough to make his heart skip a stupid beat. Arrhythmia was giving a confirmation that there was still some active liking in his bloodstream."  

"'Do you think you're a good liar?' she asked, checking her watch again. 'Because you're not. Your face is like a pop-up book for every feeling in there.'"

I didn’t like the ending, but it left me feeling... hopeful? Overall I loved Norris and everything else about this story! I liked all of the pop culture references, particularly the movies- Can't Hardly Wait, 10 Things I hate About You, Mean Girls, Beverly Hills: 90210, Friday Night Lights. A great debut and I hope to read more by this author. 


The Adventures of Tom Sawyer- Mark Twain: 3 Stars
Category: BCBE Published 100+ Years Ago, 52 Weeks Challenge Author Who Uses a Pseudonym, MMD Published Before I Was Born
Kindle Unlimited

If it weren’t for Erin's challenge I would have quit at 21%; it was sooo slow and didn’t pick up for me until nearly 60%. I guess I just don't like stories about kids? I don't know, but none of it really grabbed me and made me want to keep reading until more than halfway through. Even by the end I didn't really care about the characters. I haven't read Huck Finn yet, but I can already imagine why this is the less popular of the two. 


Currently reading: The Paris Wife- Paula McLain

What are you reading? 

Linking up with Steph and Jana! 

Currently and What's New With Me

Another unintentionally long absence... my bad! Currently work has been taking top priority and I have just not been making the time to sit and write in this space even when I do have time. I feel like I've been more interested in reading and not thinking too much when I get home, so I've been letting myself do that, which is kind of a grace in itself. But I'm back-ish, so here's what's currently going on. 

Reading: Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman by Lindy West and Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly

Listening to: Sweet but Psycho- Ava Max

Watching: Just finished Top Chef and loved the final three and the ultimate winner. I thought it was interesting how they moved the show to China and the contestants had to use new ingredients they've never heard of before to make their dishes and try to communicate in the markets. The OA is back and... wow. I think I'm only one episode into the new season but I'm already confused! I'm also two episodes behind of The Walking Dead, so no spoilers please! 

Appreciating: Neighbors who get me tissues, a thermometer and food when I'm sick, and paid sick days from work. It's all about the little things :) 

Wishlisting: Nothing at the moment! 

Posting: Inconsistently lately. I would say I'll get better but I'm not sure I will anytime soon, and that's okay. 

Considering: When to get my hair cut. Every two years or so I do a big chop (anywhere from 12-15 in, to donate). I usually like to do it when it starts getting warmer because it's really thick and keeps my neck warm in winter. Should be soon now! 

Experiencing: Not much besides work (which was brutal last month), but calming down a bit now. Work talk is boring though, so here's what else I've been up to. 

Went to see Captain Marvel which was AWESOME. Brie Larson even showed up to my hometown theater and was serving popcorn- how crazy is that?! And we were supposed to go see it that day too, but work- argh! Anyway, I loved her, badass female heroes, and all the 90's references. Already got tickets to see the new Avengers later this month! 

Blue has been nagging me to play the Super Nintendo I got her for Christmas, so we finally did that. Apparently I've lost all of my Mario Kart skills, but I'm still decent at Donkey Kong! (Gotta love that old school 16-bit resolution!)

Obligatory food pics! We checked out this brunch place called Toast City Diner in Montclair and it was DEEEE- LICIOUS! Blue got the Lucky Charms pancakes and I had a crab hash topped with eggs. Also made an easy, no bake Ore-crusted peanut butter pie for Pi Day, enjoyed a rare weekday off with sunshine, beer, and a book, Michael introduced me to my new favorite beer, Gunner's Daughter Milk Stout, and made it to Mickey D's in time for Shamrock shakes! 

St. Patrick's Day is always a big deal for my group of friends. I don't know if it's the green beer or spring in the air (surely it's not because any of them are actually Irish), but we always do a bar crawl and the whole town comes out. This year local former NFL player Plaxico Burrell (Steelers/Giants/Jets) also came out. You may know him better as the guy who caught the game-winning catch of Super Bowl XLII (Giants vs. Patriots), or the idiot who accidentally shot himself in the thigh. He was a total jerk but otherwise it was a successful Sunday Funday! 

I ended the month with a work conference in Denver, CO. I'll write a recap of the trip soonish, but overall I found it enlightening, through-provoking, and slightly stressful, particularly the part where they asked you to chart out where you are now, where you want to be, and your "Big Dream" (you know, what you would do if money and/or family was no issue); and then breaking each track down further by where you'd be in 3-5, then 10 years, what skills you'd need to get or keep in each track, how it'd affect home life, and if you'd have any regrets. It allowed the time and space to really think about these things, and then share with someone else. I'd never even been to an all-women's conference, so it was definitely a great experience overall! 

And now I have a cold. Blergh. 

What's new with you?

Linking up with Anne and Kristen!