Not off to a good start

The very wealthy main character's name in American Heiress is Cora Cash. Maybe I should change my name to Ginny Money.

Books and sharks

After Saturday's city and bar hopping Sunday was decidedly more low key. I spent the day reading and watching Netflix. I've read three books since January 1st so I'm well on my way to my goal of reading 30 books in 2018. In between my reading I watched 47 Meters Down on Netflix.

There is no way I would ever get into a cage to swim with sharks and scuba diving also freaks me out. Relying on a tank for air when you're deep underwater would make me feel claustrophobic. You can imagine my blood pressure during this movie. I'll stick to hotel pools and staying on the beach thank you very much.

Besides my reading goal of 30 books I've also decided to blog more in 2018. I was going to be really ambitious and attempt to blog every day but realistically I know that's not going to happen. I think I'll aim for a solid 3 days a week and see how it goes.

Did you miss me?

Derek pointed out that I haven't been on social media or posting to my blog like I usually do and he's right. I've been keeping busy with non-internet things which is good.

We should be putting down the deposit for our wedding venue this week. I'm glad to have that settled. It also looks like we have an apartment. Our current apartment still hasn't been rented yet so people are still coming in and out to look at the apartment. I hate it but what can you do?

I've read two books recently, A Court of Mist and Fury (loved it) and Hidden Huntress (did not like it). They are both the second books in different series. A Court of Mist and Fury was better than the first book while Hidden Huntress went way downhill from book one. I'm going to try to break away from the YA genre for the next book I read. Or am I?.....I fully admit that I am a YA junkie.

I stayed over my mother's place on Saturday night for Mother's Day. We did some shopping and I met her neighbor Tiffany who is afraid to swear in front of me because "you look like you're 20 years old!" I will take the compliment. I may look young but I don't think I could pass for 20 anymore.

Derek and I went out last night for dinner and listened to some live Irish music and witnessed a young woman and a much much older man canoodling at the bar. I snapchatted it of course because I'm a horrible person but at least I admit it.

I'll try to be better about updating here. I can't let down "my fans".

There's whales! There's burning islands! There's cannibalism and urine drinking! Why you should read (and possibly watch) in the Heart of the Sea

I used to be part of a book club. It was pretty fun but it ended up turning into a drink wine and eat cheese club. Also fun but we slowly stopped reading books.

One of my favorite books we read was In the Heart of the Sea. It's the true story of the Whaleship Essex. This story is what inspired Herman Melville to write Moby Dick.

It's been a while since I've read the book but let me tell you what I remember.

The ship was a whaling ship (obviously) from Nantucket. Whale blubber and oil was big business back in the early 1800s. The book gives you some history about the whaling industry and also very vividly describes what it's like harvesting whale blubber. It's smelly and disgusting and do not read this book while eating.

While out looking for whales the ship is attacked by a giant white whale. This whale was pissed. I mean he didn't just run into it like oops, sorry about that. This was premeditated boat destroying. He hit the boat once and then swam back a bit so he could come at it again at full speed.

Pissed off whale vs. boat. Guess who won.

The ship is destroyed. The whale swims off like "my work here is done boys". The crew had to abandon the ship and try to survive in three small whale boats.

There's storms, there's urine drinking, cannibalism and an island gets burned down by mistake because of a prank. OOPS. Not all in that order but it all happens. I don't think I'm ruining anything by telling you not everyone dies. I mean the story couldn't have been told if everyone just disappeared at sea.

If you're into history and/or really interesting survival stories I highly recommend the book. I have not seen the movie yet but it stars Chris Hemsworth as first mate Owen Chase so at least there's eye candy. There's also whales if they're more you thing thing.

Totally looks just like the real Owen Chase!

The resemblance is uncanny.

Ginny's got a new toy

Today I finally set up my Fire TV Stick and let me tell you it's awesome. Set up was super easy. Within five minutes I was watching a Robin Williams comedy special. I have Netflix and Amazon Prime so I have plenty of movies and tv shows to watch. So far I've experienced no lagging and it connects via your wifi so I can use my laptop while watching if I so please. You can also download the app and use your smart phone as a controller. A+ my friends.

So the MBTA is kind of sort of but not really running tomorrow and they're saying it may take 30 days before the T resumes normal service. That's if we don't have another blizzard.

I think I'm walking to work tomorrow which will take me at least an hour and it's going to be in the single digits.

I'll take my calls from down here thanks.

In other news that makes me want to cry the Fifty Shades of Grey movie broke some President's Day opening record. I mean who doesn't want to watch a man abuse a woman on the big screen staring two people who hate each other in real life.

What I Consumed This Weekend

• Did you watch S.N.L. 40th anniversary show? As per usual with S.N.L. there were some hits (Celebrity Jeopardy) and some misses (Bass-o-Mastic). I'm waiting for Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon to have their own show, I just love them together.
• On the Bachelor Britt needed the whambulance and Chris attempted to rap the whitest rap of all time. "Family means everything so does an engagement ring." I feel a little ill just typing that.
• I finished reading Radiance by Grace Draven. If you like fantasy and romance I highly recommend it.
• Everything Karmin puts out is just amazing. They're not afraid to try out different styles of music and always nail it. I've been listening to Yesterday on repeat.

And I'm out!

*I am an amazon affiliate so if you buy the Fire TV Stick through the above link I get a percentage. 

Always check a secondhand book

Looks like it's in good condition.

Let's take a peek inside.

Handwritten cliff notes!

I can't wait to read about Boswell buying lots of cheese.

I think I won the fashion swap

Last night I attended my very first fashion swap. I made out like a bandit.

Shoes, clothes, jewelry, cat hat - I've got it all. Thank you Fiona for hosting. I can't wait to do it again.

So I have few thoughts going on in my head about things I've been watching and reading and I thought I'd share them on the blog.

I FINALLY read the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. I picked it up at Goodwill because it's about time I read this classic. It was much shorter than I expected and was a quick and easy read. I mean I would expect so, it is a children's series after all. The scene where Aslan is sacrificed on the stone slab by the White Witch is so descriptive. You're also getting Susan and Lucy's reaction who are watching this whole thing happen. I got a bit choked up despite knowing that he comes back. We all know I'm a fan of cats, lion and domesticated.

I kind of want to try a Turkish Delight now although the photos I've come across online don't seem exactly appealing to me. If you've tried some let me know.

Moving on to what I'm watching.

The Paradise took over a good chunk of my life. I'm talking hours here folks. Damn you Netflix and your making it so easy to binge watch tv shows!

The costumes and the characters are fantastic. Total Victorian era fashion eye candy but beyond that the show is just good. The Paradise follows a young woman Denise who starts work at one of the first high end department stores in England. Of course she falls in love with her charismatic boss Mr. John Moray. I really can't blame her, Emun Elliot is wonderful as Mr. Moray. I was also happy to see Elaine Cassady who I became a fan of after watching Harper's Island. If you like Downton Abbey I would give The Paradise a shot. I think you'd like it. The show is based off a book by Émile Zola which I have not read but probably will now that I've seen the show. Season 2 is currently airing on PBS.

Sometimes I wish I lived in Victorian times but then I remember how much I like yoga pants, modern medicine and being able to support myself. It's the dresses, I just love them.

Something I have been puzzling over all day. What did Renee Zellweger do to her face? She Jennifer Greyed herself. She looks like a completely different person. I can't imagine this will be good for her career. To clarify, I don't think she looks horrible it's just that she looks like someone else.

Well that's enough rambling from me today. Back to binge watching.

Don't do it Lucy!

I've started reading the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and I'm a bit concerned.

When Lucy discovers Narnia the first person she meets is a faun named Mr. Tumnus. Mr. Tumnus is wearing no shirt, a red scarf and carrying parcels. He invites Lucy back to his cave for tea, toast, sardines and cake. I don't think the sardines sound very tempting but to each his own.

Stranger Danger! Stranger Danger! Apparently Lucy never learned the danger of going to a strangers' house. I especially would be weary of a stranger in the woods with no shirt on offering sardines and cake. Luckily for Lucy Mr. Tumnus feels guilty for luring her into a trap and lets her go. I mean this is a children's book guys!

How about we don't shame people's reading choices

I finished reading The Fault in Our Stars and as predicted there were many tears involved. I don't even know if I can handle the movie. I might need a little time to recover before I attempt to watch it on the big screen. It was a very good book though and I enjoyed it immensely. It gave me all the feels.

Speaking of YA novels I've seen quite a bit of discussion going on regarding this article on Slate. The headline reads "Yes Adults Should be Embarrassed to Read Young Adult Books." What a load of crap. I read YA novels because I enjoy them and no I'm not embarrassed. No this is not taking me away from reading "adult books" as I read those as well. There are good YA novels and bad YA novels just there are good and bad books in every genre.

"But if they are substituting maudlin teen dramas for the complexity of great adult literature, then they are missing something."

So there is no value in reading something I enjoy? I have to read complex adult literature or be ashamed? I can't appreciate a good story or writing because it's a YA novel? Bullcrap!

I could go on but I think you get the point.

Read what you want people, just read something! I don't care if it's fantasy, YA, romance, sci-fi or a "classic". Don't be embarrassed for liking a certain genre, be embarrassed for the writer of this article who is shaming people's reading choices.

Dropping Acid (it's not what you think it is) and Mr. Pamuk is Four?

I kept seeing one book pop up over and over again when I was searching for recipes for GERD - Dropping Acid the Reflux Diet Cookbook and Cure. Not only does is have great recipes but it also talks about how acidic our diets are in general due to prepared foods being increasingly acidified to prevent growth of bacteria and to extend shelf life. It makes sense to me. Eat less processed crap!

Work has been pretty busy the past two weeks which is good for my eating smaller meals plan. Keeps me distracted so I'm not tempted to eat too much. I'm getting used to it though and the frequent smaller meals are keeping the hunger pains away. I was very proud of myself today when I only ate half of this giant chicken salad sandwich.

I was talking with a former co-worker about the upcoming Divergent movie via email and he pointed out that Four was Mr. Pamuk on Downton Abbey! How did I not realize this before??

Your fate is much better in Divergent Theo.

The Boston Marathon safety protocols have been revealed. No bags, no strollers no unregistered runners or baggy clothing. There are a few problems here. If it's cold on Marathon Monday people will be wearing jackets. That could be a problem. Also people often have to run across the course to get to the other side of a street. Are you going to get in trouble for that? I don't know but I do it every year so I can get to the spot where I watch and to the bar I like to go to. I guess I'll have to leave my purse at home too which I'm ok with. 

It's going to be weird for sure but I still plan on heading out in Brookline like I usually do. We can't let fear rule our lives and I want to be there to support the runners (by drinking beer and cheering of course).

Why don't you make like a tree and get the hell out of here!

I made a Cheater Pot Pie the other night. It was pretty quick and easy which it should be or I'd change the name to "too much work pie". I swapped one of the cans of cream of chicken for cream of potato. I also used more canned chicken (sounds gross but it's not bad) than the recipe suggested. Next time I will not be lazy and I will use normal chicken like normal people.

Kitty picture time. Bosco is a ham and he likes to grab onto my hand and just sleep with it like that. Weird but adorable. Sometimes I put objects near him to hold like a hair brush or the remote.

Mr. Binx is like yea, whatever, I'm not in the mood to be that disgustingly cute.

The trees need to get it together. Some are still very green while others have almost no leaves left. GET IT TOGETHER TREES.

My boss did not want this bag full of swag from a bank. He gave it to me. It contained a giant beach towel, a water bottle, a frisbee and travel diary?? I tossed the travel diary as it was small and didn't really have any room to write. I'm very excited about the beach towel. Who knew I really liked beach towels? Just discovering this today.

Silk robe my mother bought for me at an estate sale. Thanks mom!

May I introduce you to Cheetah DJ 5000. He is dressed as the sorting hat from Harry Potter for Halloween. He takes requests but no Nickelback or Chris Brown because he has standards.

So I've been reading this book called the Selection by Kiera Cass. It's really kind of bad and I know it's bad but I can't stop reading it. It's basically the Bachelor but set in the future in a palace and the winner will be the future queen. The writing is mediocre at best and everything is very predictable but the plot moves along and it's good for a mindless fluff read. Clearly I need the Bachelor/Bachelorette to start again. I also need help.

Pride and Prejudice confession

I have never read Pride and Prejudice. I know! Someone take my lady parts and revoke my female card. Don't worry because I'm reading it now. I've never heard a woman say a bad word about Pride and Prejudice. I confess I already love Darcy. Is anyone shocked? Not me. It's funny because I feel like I already know the story so well. I've seen many adaptations but it's time to step up and actually read it.

My first Austen book was Sense and Sensibility and loved it. Weird that I read that book first.

And can we just talk about this scene in Sense and Sensibility with Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant. Oh my god I love it so much.


When I first watched this scene I was like, this would probably be exactly how I would react. Emma Thompson I want to hug you.

Ok back to reading.

Returning to "normal".

We're all trying to get back to a normal routine here but there are reminders everywhere you look. Signs, flowers, armed police and military. I take a round about route to get to work as I usually go down Boylston Street which is still blocked off. I can't watch the news anymore. I need a break.

I've been exercising and reading so let's talk about that. Now that it's not winter anymore I've been getting back into an exercise routine. It feels good. I've been waking up at 6:30 (which is an ungodly, awful, no good hour if you ask me) to exercise. I am so not a morning person. I also can't drink caffeine so REALLY not a morning person. Please tell me it gets easier. I mean I'm fine once I get up, it's the getting up part that I'm not good at.

I'm about half way through the Night Circus. I'm not usually one for a ton of description. I gave up on a book once because it talked about a tree for two pages. Not my cup of tee. But I'm surprised that I'm not bored by the description in the Night Circus. Someone wrote that the Night Circus was a slow burn. I forgot where I read that or I would link to it. I think that describes it pretty well. I'm a bit worried that the end will be anti-climactic but I guess I will find out.

One thing that is bothering me though is the fact the the two main characters, Marco and Celia, don't seem to really want to be in this mysterious competition or know why they are and yet they don't walk away? I'm assuming (and hoping) this will be answered as I keep reading.

Remember when we all hated the Great Gatsby?

I remember reading the Great Gatsby in high school and I hated it. Actually my whole class hated it. This seems to be the general consensus if you read the book in high school. I plan on reading it again without a teacher beating me over the head with "tell me about the symbolism, what does this symbolize, what was this a metaphor for." Some books you just won't appreciate in high school, especially when you have to dissect it to death.

The funny thing is suddenly everyone is all excited over the Great Gatsby movie coming out this summer and I'm all "remember how we all hated this book in high school? Remember that??!" Granted the movie does look good but I'm not going to pretend I've always been a Gatsby fan. I'm going to admit that I hated that book in high school and need to re-read it before I see the movie.

I wonder if it's a good idea to force the classics on high schoolers. A lot of the time they don't really appreciate the book and just end up avoiding the classics as adults because they remember not enjoying them in high school. But then what would you have them read? It's a fine line I suppose.

So the Great Gatsby is on my list of books to re-read. I know my tastes have changed and I think I'll appreciate it more the second time around. I'll still see the movie no matter what because I love Leonardo DiCaprio. Will this be his Oscar movie?! I hope so. I want him to finally win.

Any books you remember reading in high school that you hated? (Grapes of Wrath anyone. UGH!)

Also, I hope you were not forced to go see Moby Dick the musical in school. There are some books that just do not need to be made into a play and especially not a musical. The whale was awesome though. Kidding there was no whale, I would have enjoyed it if there was a singing whale or even someone dressed as a whale singing.

Also part II when I googled Moby Dick I discovered there is a restaurant called Moby Dick House of Kabob. Weird.

I hate when a good book ends. It feels like saying goodbye.

I have a very overactive imagination. I think this is why I get so lost in a good book. It plays out like a movie in my head. I can see everything happening, the characters have voices and facial expressions. I've cried reading many books. While I'm reading the characters are real to me, I feel what's happening to them. I probably sound like a crazy person but I'm sure some of you can relate.

I recently finished the last book in the Infernal Devices series - Clockwork Princess. And oh boy all the feelings. I couldn't have asked for a better ending to a series. I was blown away with how well the last book panned out. I actually think it's the best book in the series which is rare. I've been telling anyone I know who likes YA novels to read this series.

A few of my favorite quotes:

"By the Angel, it just crushed Sophocles," noted Will as the worm vanished behind a large structure shaped like a Greek temple. "Has no one respect for the classics these days?"

"Will, and I have already been up all night copying down the relevant parts. Much of it was-"
"Gibberish?" Jem suggested.
"Pornographic?" said Will at the same time.
"Could be both," said Will. "Haven't you ever heard of pornographic gibberish before?"
Jem grinned, and Charlotte put her face in her hands.

Suffice it to say, the money outlaid upon hats rivals the annual income of a large estate or a small country. We fail to see why one small woman needs so many hats. She is unlikely to be concealing additional heads upon her person.

"The world is a wheel," he said. "When we rise or fall, we do it together."

He played of love and loss and years of silence, words unsaid and vows unspoken, and all the spaces between his heart and theirs; and when he was done he'd set the violin back in its box....

Gone Girl or the book of cray cray

I finished Gone Girl and all I can say is WHAT? I had so many theories running through my head and all of them were wrong. I know a lot of people didn't like the ending but I actually didn't mind it. It wasn't what I expected but once I thought about it, would I have been happy with an ending I did expect? Probably not.

I did not like most of the characters (besides Go). Sometimes that makes me not like a book (i.e. Perfume) but that was not the case with Gone Girl. I was too wrapped up in trying to figure out what was going to happen to care.

I was emailing/g-chatting with Lorraine as I was reading since she had already read the book. Once I finished I think our conversation was something like "_____ be cray cray". I will not spoil it by saying who is cray cray.

The rights to the movie have been bought so now I've been thinking about who I would like to see cast. I'm think Rachel McAdams for Amy, Leonardo DiCaprio for Nick and Krysten Ritter for Go.

I'm considering reading another Gillian Flynn book. Has anyone read her other books? What do you think of Gone Girl.

Well now you've really set me off. A mini Fifty Shades rant.

I'm reading Fifty Shades Darker. I'm trying to finish what I started but it's hard. It's so hard because the writing is still so bad. People have told me that it improves as the series continues. I have not seen that improvement. At least when I finish no one can say "well you haven't read the whole series so you can't say that it's bad".

At the very least it makes good blog fodder.

So what has set me off in Fifty Shades Darker?

Is it that fact that Ana pretty much stops eating after leaving Christian? That did annoy me but not as much as this.

  My inner goddess is doing a triple axel dismount off the uneven bars.

If you're a girl and you don't know that a triple axel is figure skating and the uneven bars is gymnastics I am revoking your right to have lady parts.

Who is EL James' editor? Did you even read this thing?

I looked in the front of the book to see if it says who the editor is and discovered this little treat:

The author published an earlier serialized version of this story online with different characters as "Master of the Universe" under the pseudonym Snowqueen's Icedragon.

I needed a good laugh. Some Snowqueen. She doesn't even know what a triple axel is.

I don't care if someone enjoys this series. I've read some books of questionable quality, but please stop saying the writing in this series is good. It's not. It's written by a Twlight fan girl woman, who wrote a series based on someone else's idea.

I have a feeling this book will be flying across the room very soon, much like when I read the c-section by vampire teeth scene in the last Twilight book.