I was just rereading some of what I have written...
In June I referenced a great 3rd floor apartment with a porch overlooking a park and said that it'd be great for a weekend morning cup of coffee....
That's where I'm sitting right now. Sometimes life really works out!
Monday, September 3, 2012
Once upon a time...
... I blogged here.
Then life seems to have happened! It's been terrific starting my new job. I have honestly adored every day that I've gone to work since August 6th. The kids started on Thursday, and they seem really terrific. The school culture is incredibly strong, and I can't wait to work at becoming a better teacher in an environment that is so supportive.
But about books...
So for a week or so I rode the T to work, which was okay. It's certainly less expensive, but it takes a lot longer (~1hr40 round trip instead of ~1hr). So, unless finances dictate otherwise, I'll continue to drive.
BUT when I took the T, it was a great opportunity to read. I read Rawhide Down, a non-fiction work about the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan. It was informative for two reasons: 1.) I knew nothing about said assassination attempt and 2.) I actually read a book about Republicans. In the increasingly partisan world that we're in, it's easy to avoid accessing media from "the other side"... I hope I never change my views and decide to someday run for Republican office. If I did, this post could stop that in its tracks.
Now I'm into two books.... The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson (slow and steady might have to win the race here) and Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. I'm actually listening to Bel Canto on my drives home from work, so I never listen to more than 30 minutes per day (on the way TO school I listen to NPR. Much love).
Thus, not a lot to report literature-wise.
FITNESS
Once upon a time, when I listed "fitness" and "camping" as two activities I liked and was mocked (mercilessly?) by my roommates, I decided to change my habits. I'm happy to say that I now really rely on working out, and that the camping thing is coming along. Brendan and I did a really nice day hike at Wachusett Mountain yesterday. We had planned to go to NH and do an overnight stay, but pinkeye kept us here. Gross. I hope it goes away soon and never comes back.
I'm now a member of the Judgment Free Zone (if I could do the copyright symbol here I would...) at Planet Fitness in Eastie. Hopefully this means that after work I go to the gym instead of coming home. I know myself well enough to know that if I make it back here and a.) Brendan is here or b.) it's supper time, then there would be no working out.
My wedding dress came in this week. I haven't gone for a fitting... because I need to Planet Fitness to the best of my ability for another month or so before I go down that road. Summer parties, cocktails, and cookouts put me a little bit farther from "wedding ready" than I'd like to feel when trying on MY WEDDING DRESS :-)
Enough rambling for today. Happy September. So far it's rocking....
Then life seems to have happened! It's been terrific starting my new job. I have honestly adored every day that I've gone to work since August 6th. The kids started on Thursday, and they seem really terrific. The school culture is incredibly strong, and I can't wait to work at becoming a better teacher in an environment that is so supportive.
But about books...
So for a week or so I rode the T to work, which was okay. It's certainly less expensive, but it takes a lot longer (~1hr40 round trip instead of ~1hr). So, unless finances dictate otherwise, I'll continue to drive.
BUT when I took the T, it was a great opportunity to read. I read Rawhide Down, a non-fiction work about the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan. It was informative for two reasons: 1.) I knew nothing about said assassination attempt and 2.) I actually read a book about Republicans. In the increasingly partisan world that we're in, it's easy to avoid accessing media from "the other side"... I hope I never change my views and decide to someday run for Republican office. If I did, this post could stop that in its tracks.
Now I'm into two books.... The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson (slow and steady might have to win the race here) and Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. I'm actually listening to Bel Canto on my drives home from work, so I never listen to more than 30 minutes per day (on the way TO school I listen to NPR. Much love).
Thus, not a lot to report literature-wise.
FITNESS
Once upon a time, when I listed "fitness" and "camping" as two activities I liked and was mocked (mercilessly?) by my roommates, I decided to change my habits. I'm happy to say that I now really rely on working out, and that the camping thing is coming along. Brendan and I did a really nice day hike at Wachusett Mountain yesterday. We had planned to go to NH and do an overnight stay, but pinkeye kept us here. Gross. I hope it goes away soon and never comes back.
I'm now a member of the Judgment Free Zone (if I could do the copyright symbol here I would...) at Planet Fitness in Eastie. Hopefully this means that after work I go to the gym instead of coming home. I know myself well enough to know that if I make it back here and a.) Brendan is here or b.) it's supper time, then there would be no working out.
My wedding dress came in this week. I haven't gone for a fitting... because I need to Planet Fitness to the best of my ability for another month or so before I go down that road. Summer parties, cocktails, and cookouts put me a little bit farther from "wedding ready" than I'd like to feel when trying on MY WEDDING DRESS :-)
Enough rambling for today. Happy September. So far it's rocking....
Monday, July 30, 2012
A long silence... broken.
Hey there. Can you believe July is over? Neither can I.
After going dark for several weeks, I'm finally back in Boston. B & I just moved into our new place after enjoying our month in Pittsburgh, Indy, S. Bend, Duluth, Sioux Narrows, Ironwood, Sarnia, and Buffalo. Man oh man did we drive or what!
While we were in Canada, I had the chance to read... a lot. I should have brought more books with me, because I finished them early and then was stuck with the boring books on my Kindle that I really didn't want to read... which led to me spending a lot of time playing Solitaire instead.
So, in the order in which I finished the books:
Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
Loved it! Maybe because it was set in France, maybe because I have a fascination with WWII (fiction and non-fiction), maybe because the human interest story was terrifically fabricated. I couldn't put it down and I'm so glad that I read it!
In case I forget... the book was about Julia Jarmond, an American-born journalist residing in Paris with her husband Bertrand and her daughter Zoe. She finds out the story of Sarah, a girl who was taken during the Vel d'Hiv roundup of WWII.
I'm hopeful that the ending will bring her happiness!
The Finest Hours by Michael J. Tougias + Casey Sherman
The story of rescuing the tankers Mercer and Pendleton off the coast of Chatham during a Nor'easter in Feb. 1952.
Bernard Webber was the leader of the crew that was written about the most. I liked that it talked about the difficulties Bernard faced while living in the public eye after the daring rescue, because fame is something that not everyone is born ready for.
What I found most interesting is that the CG36500 (a 36 ft. lifeboat used in the rescue of the Pendleton) has been restored and is now kept in Rock Harbor in Orleans. That happens to be right around the corner from Steve and Ana's summer place. I'd love to go see it.
The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris by David McCullough
To be honest, it took two attempts to make it through this book. I started it before I started Sarah's Key, but wasn't connected to any of the historical figures discussed, which made it really easy to put the book down. Eventually, I picked it back up and and I'm glad I did.
I love the way that McCullough connected different aspects of our culture to show who was in Paris at the same time. I've considered the timeframes of artists, inventors, and scientists before, but it was much different to think of these three groups all on the same timeline. They weren't separate segments of society but instead a group who spent time in each other's company and/or contributed to shaping ideas for each other.
One event that I'm embarrassed not to know more about is the Franco-Prussian war (1871). Reading about these events took me back to my junior year of high school and I could almost see Ms. Fox's outlines on the whiteboard... almost. Note to self: find out when Alsace and Lorraine were returned to France.
It was difficult to get into the story about Augustus St. Gaudens because I often have a hard time appreciating sculptures the way they should be appreciated. I guess the same goes for sculptors.
For all of the civil liberties that Napoleon III may have dismantled, he made so many of the architectural changes that I associate with Paris.... and I just assumed they were part of the original plan. It's sad to think about the people whose lives were disrupted in order to accommodate his work.
A Secret Kept by Tatiana de Rosnay
I liked this book by de Rosnay as well. It was also set in France... I guess that was the theme for my summer reading! This I also read in one sitting and couldn't put down. It's been quite a long time since I read a book with a flashlight under the covers, but this one fit the bill.
Without giving the ending away, I'm glad it ended the way it did. Had every little detail and story ended perfectly, it wouldn't have done the characters justice.
I'm disappointed that Antoine gave in and slept with Astrid, but I'm glad that they both seemed to realize straight away that it was a mistake. Also, Angele kicks ass.
Also read, but not worth recapping:
Ruthless - Cheryl Douglas
The Simple Dollar - Trent A. Hamm
Okay, I actually did enjoy this story of Hamm getting himself out of debt, but it made me crazy about pinching pennies on our drive home, which wasn't the best way to have a relaxing end to our vacation. It also was good to help me realize that our financial choices are just a reflection of our priorities: if B and I want to travel during the summers, then we will have to make choices to spend less elsewhere so we can take amazing vacations. I can hear Goodwill calling my name...
Bridesmaid Lotto - ?? (free on Kindle, can't remember the author)
A silly story about winning the chance to be a bridesmaid for someone rich and famous. It made me thankful to have such grounded women willing to stand up for me when I get married. Thank you KP, CB, AD, and KM!
Okay. That's it!
After going dark for several weeks, I'm finally back in Boston. B & I just moved into our new place after enjoying our month in Pittsburgh, Indy, S. Bend, Duluth, Sioux Narrows, Ironwood, Sarnia, and Buffalo. Man oh man did we drive or what!
While we were in Canada, I had the chance to read... a lot. I should have brought more books with me, because I finished them early and then was stuck with the boring books on my Kindle that I really didn't want to read... which led to me spending a lot of time playing Solitaire instead.
So, in the order in which I finished the books:
Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
Loved it! Maybe because it was set in France, maybe because I have a fascination with WWII (fiction and non-fiction), maybe because the human interest story was terrifically fabricated. I couldn't put it down and I'm so glad that I read it!
In case I forget... the book was about Julia Jarmond, an American-born journalist residing in Paris with her husband Bertrand and her daughter Zoe. She finds out the story of Sarah, a girl who was taken during the Vel d'Hiv roundup of WWII.
I'm hopeful that the ending will bring her happiness!
The Finest Hours by Michael J. Tougias + Casey Sherman
The story of rescuing the tankers Mercer and Pendleton off the coast of Chatham during a Nor'easter in Feb. 1952.
Bernard Webber was the leader of the crew that was written about the most. I liked that it talked about the difficulties Bernard faced while living in the public eye after the daring rescue, because fame is something that not everyone is born ready for.
What I found most interesting is that the CG36500 (a 36 ft. lifeboat used in the rescue of the Pendleton) has been restored and is now kept in Rock Harbor in Orleans. That happens to be right around the corner from Steve and Ana's summer place. I'd love to go see it.
The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris by David McCullough
To be honest, it took two attempts to make it through this book. I started it before I started Sarah's Key, but wasn't connected to any of the historical figures discussed, which made it really easy to put the book down. Eventually, I picked it back up and and I'm glad I did.
I love the way that McCullough connected different aspects of our culture to show who was in Paris at the same time. I've considered the timeframes of artists, inventors, and scientists before, but it was much different to think of these three groups all on the same timeline. They weren't separate segments of society but instead a group who spent time in each other's company and/or contributed to shaping ideas for each other.
One event that I'm embarrassed not to know more about is the Franco-Prussian war (1871). Reading about these events took me back to my junior year of high school and I could almost see Ms. Fox's outlines on the whiteboard... almost. Note to self: find out when Alsace and Lorraine were returned to France.
It was difficult to get into the story about Augustus St. Gaudens because I often have a hard time appreciating sculptures the way they should be appreciated. I guess the same goes for sculptors.
For all of the civil liberties that Napoleon III may have dismantled, he made so many of the architectural changes that I associate with Paris.... and I just assumed they were part of the original plan. It's sad to think about the people whose lives were disrupted in order to accommodate his work.
A Secret Kept by Tatiana de Rosnay
I liked this book by de Rosnay as well. It was also set in France... I guess that was the theme for my summer reading! This I also read in one sitting and couldn't put down. It's been quite a long time since I read a book with a flashlight under the covers, but this one fit the bill.
Without giving the ending away, I'm glad it ended the way it did. Had every little detail and story ended perfectly, it wouldn't have done the characters justice.
I'm disappointed that Antoine gave in and slept with Astrid, but I'm glad that they both seemed to realize straight away that it was a mistake. Also, Angele kicks ass.
Also read, but not worth recapping:
Ruthless - Cheryl Douglas
The Simple Dollar - Trent A. Hamm
Okay, I actually did enjoy this story of Hamm getting himself out of debt, but it made me crazy about pinching pennies on our drive home, which wasn't the best way to have a relaxing end to our vacation. It also was good to help me realize that our financial choices are just a reflection of our priorities: if B and I want to travel during the summers, then we will have to make choices to spend less elsewhere so we can take amazing vacations. I can hear Goodwill calling my name...
Bridesmaid Lotto - ?? (free on Kindle, can't remember the author)
A silly story about winning the chance to be a bridesmaid for someone rich and famous. It made me thankful to have such grounded women willing to stand up for me when I get married. Thank you KP, CB, AD, and KM!
Okay. That's it!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
The long journey back...
So you know how this was supposed to keep me accountable? The reason I haven't added anything for the last 2.5 weeks is because I've been slacking a bit. Sure, I've read two books. Neither was what could be called "literature"... so I'm just not even going into them now.
While my reading/working out haven't been as spot-on as I was hoping they'd be, we've certainly done a lot since leaving New Orleans on June 9th. We drove to Atlanta, spent a night, drove to Asheville, spent a night, drove to McLean, VA, spent three nights, and made it back to Norwell in one piece.
Since coming back, I found a wedding dress ( :-) ), and I think we've found an apartment. We hear back on it today. SO while not a routine in the slightest, I've certainly been busy.
Things I've learned so far in June:
1. I knew I like routines, but I don't know that I knew to what extent I depend on them. Man, can I be cranky in the midst of major life changes. Kudos to my wonderful fiance, Brendan, for supporting me during the last few weeks and having patience that I could only dream about.
2. I really appreciate green space. When in McLean, Brendan and I sought out the nature preserve to go for a walk/hike(?). Since returning to Norwell, I have loved seeing the trees everywhere. We went for a run in Norris Reservation this morning. The apartment we applied for looks out on a park. It's a 3rd floor place with a deck that would be IDEAL for a weekend morning cup of coffee looking over the green in front of us. I really hope we get it!
3. I'm hard on myself. Okay, I didn't just learn this now, but I do need to let it go so that I'm a more pleasant person.
Gear switch: RUNNING
We're trying a 4.5 miler tomorrow as part of our training for the Falmouth Road Race on August 12th. I think with Brendan's motivation, I'll be able to do it! Plus, I'm going to download the new "Eccentric Energy" mix from RockMyRun, which won't hurt either!
<3
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Remembering WWII
As part of our New Orleans farewell tour, Brendan and I headed to the D-Day museum downtown today. It was a delightful day!
We talked a lot about the roles our families played in the war - we both have a grandfather who is a veteran. While our family members seem so close to us, stories of the war seem so far away that it is hard to believe they could have been involved.
One of the best gifts I ever received was one that I requested from my grandmother - a printed story of her youth that I'd never been privy to. It was such a different world, but so many of her values are still important today. Love the people who surround you. Treat your friends with care and respect. Prioritize. Sacrifice. And back to the first.... love. Always love.
We talked a lot about the roles our families played in the war - we both have a grandfather who is a veteran. While our family members seem so close to us, stories of the war seem so far away that it is hard to believe they could have been involved.
One of the best gifts I ever received was one that I requested from my grandmother - a printed story of her youth that I'd never been privy to. It was such a different world, but so many of her values are still important today. Love the people who surround you. Treat your friends with care and respect. Prioritize. Sacrifice. And back to the first.... love. Always love.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
TGI June
This week I'm thankful for:
- friends who come to visit (yay KP!)
- an air-conditioned home to rest my head
- family and friends who are excited to have us move back to Massachusetts
- my wonderfully generous fiance, who continues to make me smile every day
- Father Chuck at St. Joan of Arc, who this morning made my WEEK when he said he loved me
6 days.
They sang "Lord, I'm available to you" at SJA this morning... still never fails to bring a tear to my eye. I sang along... but at this point in my faith life, I had to ask... am I lying as a sing?
Haven't been reading. Except for reading Fifty Shades of Grey last week. I won't be purchasing the second and third books... I'll assume they end up happily ever BDSM after.
I'll be taking a trip to the library tomorrow to find a "beach read" for the next four days and to explore what audio books they have on CD for the drive home. Gotta love media mail.
- friends who come to visit (yay KP!)
- an air-conditioned home to rest my head
- family and friends who are excited to have us move back to Massachusetts
- my wonderfully generous fiance, who continues to make me smile every day
- Father Chuck at St. Joan of Arc, who this morning made my WEEK when he said he loved me
6 days.
They sang "Lord, I'm available to you" at SJA this morning... still never fails to bring a tear to my eye. I sang along... but at this point in my faith life, I had to ask... am I lying as a sing?
Haven't been reading. Except for reading Fifty Shades of Grey last week. I won't be purchasing the second and third books... I'll assume they end up happily ever BDSM after.
I'll be taking a trip to the library tomorrow to find a "beach read" for the next four days and to explore what audio books they have on CD for the drive home. Gotta love media mail.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Good fiction is always relevant
Here in the middle of exams week, I find myself with more free time to read. This morning, I read the end of Helen Schulman’s novel This Beautiful Life, a heartbreaking story of that fragility that defines even families that appear stable. Set in 2003, telling the tale of a high school boy who makes a bad choice by forwarding an inappropriate video of a classmate, the timeliness of her story could not be truer. Just yesterday, a man named Dharun Ravi was sentenced to 30 days in jail for spying on his gay roommate with a webcam at Rutgers in 2010. I didn’t follow the story closely the whole way through, so there are certainly intricacies to the case that I don’t understand.
His jail sentence will be over in a month, but his record will stay with him forever. Even if he hadn’t been convicted, he’ll always be “that guy that used the webcam to spy on his roommate.” In the story, Jake, the afflicted adolescent, is remorseful to the point where he resorts to painkillers to get some respite. Dharun allegedly has not ever offered an apology to the court or the family of his victim. While the intent of their offenses (Jake’s fictional and Dharun’s actual) differs greatly, it makes me think hard about everything that happens on my computer. Should I even be putting these thoughts out in public?
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