Hello friends! OMG! Last week was THE most difficult week. Lots of stuff to deal with. Lots of deadlines. I was running all over heck with my head partially cut-off. I tend to hold it all in, so looking at me, most probably thought I was okay but inside I was losing my $hit. No kidding.
The highlight of the week was receiving my Murakami prize pack for the Fan Ambassador thing. I received it, fawned over the package and then fell into bed in an almost comatose state because I was so tired. The next day, I was going to tear it open but I thought it might be fun to record it even though I cannot stand myself on video. See how much I love you all?
Here is the “unboxing” in all its glory. This is a straight out of the camera recording and unfortunately, The Teen was out of focus with his camera skills in some places but that is what I get when I ask him to do it right after he wakes up.
As mentioned in the video, the giveaway details I am still pondering so look for it soon.
What am I reading?
With Murakami behind me (wiping a tear) I am diving into The Little Friend by Donna Tartt. I typically read more than one book at a time but I haven’t figured out which two to add to the one I noted above.
I keep mentioning an October read-along. It’s coming. It will be fun. It promises to fit the season perfectly. We will announce it soon.
What am I cooking?
I bought the most delicious Italian sausage to make some pasta. Sausage, sautéed with onions, garlic, sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms and a tiny bit of cream.
What am I watching?
We watched The Lego Movie which was actually very good. The Hub was not a fan at first, but he changed his mind about a quarter of the way through. It’s very different and very clever but still “kiddish” unless you are a huge fan of Legos. I know a lot of adults are.
I hope to hit church this morning and then the rest of the day is open. What do you have planned for today?
Book Chatter 
Wait?!? No squee!?! Where is it? Darn it. 😉 Kudos to The Teen. It looked like a good video to me.
I also was pleasantly surprised by The Lego Movie too.
Today? Reading. What else? 🙂
I loved your video! I am a huge fan of restrained excitement…squees are silly…lol…
Den has to mow…I am still watching Doctor Who…and dinner is Mediterranean Tuna Salad with local veggies…peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes!
Wow Tina a signed first edition!
I hope that you’re able to get some much needed rest today! Or this week anyway. And wahoo on the box!
I didn’t like the Lego movie the first time I saw it. I was so distracted by the animation/film, but the 10 billion times I’ve watched it since I’ve fallen in love. So.Much.Fun.
Re: Lego Movie
It was very clever. I ended up paying attention to the funny things like how the main character could not splay his legs apart during jumping jacks or how the head spun on Bad Cop. I remember Legos and being limited in how I could play with them just because of their design and I thought it was funny how the creators picked up on that.
At the end though, I felt sad. The whole father/son missed opportunity story line. How sad!!
________________________________
Loved your video… very impressed with your restraint 😉
We have had zero sun and tons of rain this week, but today is a beautiful day. I’m heading outside!
The restraint was impressive when it came to not opening the package but the video restraint was easy since The Teen was filming. He gave me ONE shot to get it right. LOL. No room for theatrics.
________________________________
Ti, I loved your video 🙂 And I loved how restrained you were – very cool customer. How exciting to get a signed first edition – that is awesome!! I’m glad you are half way through the book,because I’m itching to find out your thoughts on it. Hope you have a great week!
Oh you are so adorable, doing that video. And that book is adorable. Every reason for you to be jacked about winning it. Stupid cheaters anyway. Very very excited about our readalong! I’m thinking maybe I might need to actually buy the book, just to make it better. I’ll wait for a B&N coupon to come around. Let me know when you are going to announce it, and I’ll do the same! I’m planning on tying in some movies as well.
Nice job with the video Ti. You have class!
Fabulous! Looking forward to the giveaway details. Hope it will be international 🙂
Awesome job, and you look fabulous by the way. I’m sure you were thrilled to get your prize. Can’t believe you waited 3 days to open!
Aw, thanks! I waited and then I was worried it was the wrong stuff inside. The things a book lover worries about.
________________________________
Yippee! Wonderful prize. I cannot imaging not “squeeing” for a signed book from a favorite author! I cannot believe you had the will power to wait 3 days!
Can’t wait for these giveaway details and the October read-a-long! Even though I totally bailed on Desperation!
Awesome!!! Loved your video!!
I hope that this weeks goes better for you. And, I can’t wait to hear about your October read-along.
So far, the first day of school here is going well. Let’s hope it sticks.
________________________________
Great video! I am still afraid to try his books… But I have a couple now so I should just give it a try!
Which ones do you have?
________________________________
LOOOOOVE your unboxing! You should do more videos.
I SO hate seeing and hearing myself but I will probably do videos every now and then. Now that I have taken a dip, it wasn’t all that bad 😉
________________________________
I love your video! Was this your first one? You should do it more often. Your son did a great job with the video too. He should do it more often. :o)
It was my first video! I do not like myself on video. I don’t think anyone really does but I wanted to give it a try and I promised that one reader on FB I would do one if I ever got a signed copy! I had to keep my promise. I may do one now and then just to keep it fresh.
________________________________
Dear Murakami Ambassador Selection Committee, you picked a good one!
Ti, your video has convinced me to give this book a try. I’ve been writing and was a little afraid to read something with a structure so different from the story I’m working on, but now I can’t wait any longer!
The new book is definitely a quiet read. No over the top weirdness but it has really stayed with me and I have had loads of fun, thought-provoking conversations with other readers ever since I finished it. I have to sit down to write the review. That is the hardest part.
________________________________
Thanks for sharing the great opening of the beloved Murakami package!