NaBloPoMo: I'm Lame 'Cause I Missed Four Days But I Have A Worthy Excuse!

I won’t admit to being a slacker for missing the entire weekend of NaBloPoMo. Or missing yesterday either. Last year, I didn't miss one day in November and I was really proud. This year, I'm cutting myself slack and not letting myself feel bad for missing a few days.

There are times when life knocks on your door and answering it is not an option especially when it's your out of town weekend guest with suitcase in hand. I wanted to devote my entire time and attention to her. That’s my excuse and I'm sticking with it. 

Backstory: I met Beth on my walk through northwest Spain this summer (the 500 mile Camino de Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage). Actually, she was the first person I saw after walking 6 miles virtually straight up the Pyrenees which border France and Spain. I'm sure I noticed her a moment before the frosty mug of bier in front of her. I was soaked with sweat, thirsty too, so I struck up a conversation.  

It’s not often, later in life that you meet someone and feel connected immediately. Like you’ve known them for years and it's incredibly easy. This was that and we became fast friends.

Her visit was a fabulous opportunity to show her the city of Chicago. The highlight was most definitely cruising the Chicago river on an architectural boat tour (yes, it was still running even for the cold November chill). If you are ever in the city, do it! Actually all the tours through the Chicago Architectural Foundation are awesome. Next time I'd like to take a tour via the "L"! 

We also messed around at The Bean taking "selfies" (because you can and it's probably the only place taking "selfies" should be allowed).

The Bean and Big Bags Under My Eyes!

A Backwards Look at the City Reflected Off The Bean

I also took my turn guest posting over at Yeah Write for NaBloPoMo. My post is about downsizing, which I am currently trying to do with my life. Please visit me and the other bloggers who are squatting at YW for the month of November and bleeding our hearts out!

I'd like to mention that someone said something very nice to me last night. I went to the gym to take a rope class (don’t usually workout at night) and told to a friend I was crabby.

He said, “Your crabby is like someone else’s good day.” I said, “Awwww! Frank that makes me feel better.” It really did. Even though my crabby is just the same as the next guy’s.

Day one of Bikram yoga under my belt (yet again). I’m back on it. It’s brutal. It’s sweaty. It’s mentally taxing. But there is nothing like the feeling of leaving that intensely hot room. I feel great, a shower will feel even better. I should probably do something really productive with my day.

But then this happens…

Also stop by tomorrow. Wednesday is book day and I’m reading some really great stuff!

I have a date tonight! I think we'll see a movie, either Dallas Buyer's Club with Matthew McConaughey or All is Lost with Robert Redford. I've heard both these movies will garner some award show attention. I'll review our choice in the next few days. 

It’s gorgeous in Chicago today. Get out in the fresh air at least for a little while.

**************************
I'm a day late and a dollar short for Linda Roy's "I Hate Mondays" but I'm here now. Mondays have really sucked for me lately. You?

I haven't been random over at Stacy's place for a while! Thank you for hosting!

WWW.Wednesday: All About Books!

Books are my favorite things in the world. I was recently accused (identity to remain nameless) of reading too much. I have no problem admitting it. And I’ve been reading instead of writing so that’s my excuse for an almost complete disregard for this blog. It’s been fantastic and if I hadn’t already committed to NaBlogPoMo over at Yeah Write, I would happily continue reading. My “tbr” list is long.

So for WWW. Wednesday at Should Be Reading (thank you for bringing everyone together) we need to answer these three questions to play along.

-       What are you currently reading?

-       What did you recently finish reading?

-       What do you think you’ll read next?

I am currently reading:

To say that I’m obsessed with this book is an understatement. I think about it all the time. I read it while I cook, wait in the car, etc… I even woke during last night (4:00am) seemingly unable to sleep and read an hour. I can’t seem to think about anything else. Only 300 pages left (At a point where wheels are falling off and I love when that happens) of nearly 800. I will be depressed when I finish.

And currently listening to:

I never think of myself as a YA fan but have read a few lately. This one (about 1/3 in) is, for me, outstanding so far. Ahhhh, young and new love. There’s nothing like it in the world.

I recently finished:

I really, really liked this light book. It was quirky. I love quirky. It kept me wanting to read page after page right to the end. Very sweet.

I’m not entirely sure what I will read next but it will be between two I have sitting next to my bed:

 Or...

Happy Hump Day!!!

WWW Wednesday: Books On Books On Books!

This is the first time I am participating in WWW Wednesday at Should Be Reading.

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

I am currently reading: 

On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan 

Loving every second of it. I’m desperately trying to finish it today even though I’d like to savor it!

I recently finished:

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (of Gone Girl fame) 

Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan (I guess I’m on a kick!)

I think I will next read: 

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walters (I’ve been wanting to read it for awhile) 

or 

Where’d You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple 

or 

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn. 

I have all three on order through Amazon so I hope they get here quickly otherwise I will have to start something I have lying around here.

What are you reading?

I love book recommendations so please share them!

Costco's Special Department

I found myself at that dreaded place again today. The one I kind of hate.

I usually don’t go. My more patient half does that for us because, apparently, he loves it (ICK!) and doesn’t mind. Orrrrr he wants something from me and thinks he’s scoring favor points (that was smart-alecky, sorry). Actually, he really DOES like going.

I’m not going to rant like I did last time but I still find that place terribly unfriendly. It actually, for me, turns a good mood into a crabby one stat.

Why don’t people smile? When you say please excuse me nicely, why don’t they move? Or if they do move, why don’t they acknowledge anything? It amazes me that people can live in such a self-absorbed bubble.

To me, it’s a giant, cement, freezing cold, way too crowded, not enough samples, unfriendly place.

Yet…..

There is one alluring department there. It beckons me with it’s come hither ways even though I pick a different aisle to traverse when bee lining to the meat case. Trying to keep my eyes forward, something always turns my head and always draws me to it. And then it’s over and I’ve lost again.

It’s the book aisle. I have a documented problem with buying/having too many books and I just gave more than100 away, so replenishing my library only seemed right.

Taking 20 minutes, I looked the whole thing over; opened every book that intrigued me. Then a light bulb pinged! It’s Christmas time, or almost. I should grab some titles for the book lovers in my world (One is to keep my non-reading hubby company, besides me, on vacation next month). Also, these book readers will swap after they've finished so I really have six to read, right?

And if you don’t know me super well, I will share with you my preferred approach to shopping for any gift. I employ the "One for You and One for Me" method.

So I bought these books. Three are gifts; three are for me.

 Guess which are which?

I also threw in “Downton Abbey” as a present possibility but I’ve been meaning to watch that series myself. I could probably watch it and re-gift it to my mother (she wouldn’t mind).

This is the reason I love Thanksgiving season. No gifts. I spend way too much at Christmas time with my approach to shopping!