Month: December 2009 (Page 3 of 3)

if you know me, you are well aware that i read. all the time. “book whore” has been used in such context. there is nary a book i haven’t enjoyed in some way, save the occasional pointless romance or Special Topics in Calamity Physics. i can generally find redeeming qualities in most literature.

so it puts me in quite the pickle when book club requires that i give away one of my precious paperbacks. each year we do an exchange of both a piece of crap – known amongst some as “white elephant” – and a good book (or that we hope is good, if we haven’t read it).

i have several books that i know my ladies would enjoy. i enjoyed them immensely, so i’m not real anxious to give them away. what if i were to “need” it again? now, rarely have i ever reread fiction (a few non-fictions have had reruns, and they were just as enjoyable on round 2). i don’t mind loaning the book… but giving it away?! i know, i seem like a spoiled brat. i think i’d much rather buy someone their own copy than give mine… which seems… silly.

i need to wish that my beloved book will bring as much joy to reader #2 as it did #1. that general quality is in me – if you know me, you know that i quote, cite and recommend books midstream of about any conversation. while there was a time that my mom could say “i have a pill for that” i could also toss in “i read a book about that…” probably, to a fault.

so as i gaze over my shelves i think i have a selection. but it’s hard. clearly there are deeper issues at play here – hoarding, or my need to be in possession . sure, i want you to enjoy this book, but i want you to enjoy the library’s copy. or my copy, but give it back. why? WHY?! i probably need to see a shrink. or read a book about that.

i just finished a homemade life – by the author of Orangette. i’m not going to lie, i cried a little at the end – and i’m already married and i haven’t lost a parent. but if you love good writing alongside good food it’s a spectacular way to end your day. i’m not an adament follower of her blog, but after finishing the book i think i should be. it might inspire me to make things that don’t involve cream cheese. i’ve got a list of 2 people who may or may not get it for christmas. but since i borrowed the library copy i’m not compelled to feel at a loss for giving “mine” away. they’ll have their own.

i’m curious as to the next book club selection… jill seems quite hopeful and really, she’s got the best track record of any of us when it comes to good picks. here’s to hoping my white elephant comes packaged with something i haven’t already read!

so you get scattered thoughts. let’s switch it up and go bullet points. (i warned you i’ve been scattered).

• if you love me you’d get me a subscription to relevent for christmas. it’s been far too long.
• the haircut looks great. short and straight?! it’s like you don’t even know me anymore.
• the cutest baby on the block just had an amazing day with not one, but two grandmas. lucky guy.
• cracker barrel can grill my sourdough any day of the week.
• sometimes you have to suck it up and be an adult. even if the kids started it.
• pictures are scheduled, but now who’s going to address all the envelopes?
• after a long week, the leftovers are finally taken care of. and now we have an empty fridge.
• i found out today that the Wine Merchant sells non-alcoholic wine. if you really loved me it would be on my doorstep, pronto. no, it’s not welch’s. i asked.
• another day that jj didn’t get fired. i think we can call that success.
• if you were to earn a varsity letter in cornhole, what would the letter be? and what color and on what type of jacket would you display it?
• i really, really, really hope dave doesn’t hate me.
• on a similar note, i’m really, really, really proud of a friend.
• and once again, thanks to maternity pants, my ankles are cold.