Bookish Talk | Book Chatter

Did you all make it through Valentine’s Day? I know some people find it hard to make time for it, me included, but I got a nice surprise from The Hub. The Teen had been selling Singing Serenades to raise money for his choir group and unbeknownst to me, The Hub bought one for me.

After dinner, we grabbed some dessert and then he drove me to the park, which I thought was a little odd. He said that The Girl wanted to ride her scooter. Riiiight. That was a tip-off but I didn’t care. If you want to check out the serenade, click here. You’ll probably recognize The Teen down front. I was surprised and pleased as I secretly wanted them to come to my door. That link should work even if you do not have a Facebook account so if it doesn’t, please let me know.

Overall, the week was good. We settled into our new routine which included four days of track practice. The Girl did really well considering she was still so wiped out from last week. Today, she got to finally sleep in and they are off from school tomorrow so hopefully she can get a little more rest.

The Teen doesn’t really know what to do with his free evenings but he really needs to fill them with studying. I can’t seem to stress that enough but he is a TEEN and what goes through one ear goes right out the other. I have pulled my hair out over it but he is trying. I feel he could put more into it though. Ah, it’s a constant battle.

What else is going on? Oh, our weather. Sunny, warm days. No sign of a chill anywhere. My star jasmine is blooming and everything smells wonderful. When it’s like this, all I want to do is kick off my shoes and read outside. These types of days are made for reading. Funny, I say that about rainy days too. I don’t know how you guys in other parts of the country deal with all of that white stuff. It’s pretty. I’ve been enjoying the pictures but living in it? Not for me.

What am I reading?

Books

I am still reading Orfeo. I do like it quite a bit but I am reading it with two other books that don’t compliment it at all, so for now I’ve put it aside. The two other books? The Astronaut Wives Club and Among Animals, a short story collection. I must say, I am quite fascinated with the astronaut wives. They remind me a lot of the Stepford Wives from the classic movie of the same name.

What am I cooking?

I made linguine with white clam sauce last night. I was craving it but I had a terrible reaction right after eating it. There was no gluten anywhere so I really don’t know what happened but the response from my body was swift and fierce and sent me right to bed. I am still recovering today.

What am I watching?

We tried to watch This is the End last night but within ten minutes, we had to turn it off. The Girl was watching with us and it’s really not appropriate for her age range. Not good! So, we ended up watching Vacation again. I am looking forward to The Walking Dead tonight. Can’t wait, actually. We are also watching the Olympics here and there.

What do you have planned today?

This weekend, is the calm before the storm. I got up this morning to prepare goodies for the Super Bowl but in the back of my mind, I am thinking about the week of hell that is coming up, otherwise known as production week. Oliver is a tough show to do. It’s bleak but it has some amazing songs and it’s not everyday that your kid plays a murderer or is part of a gang of pick-pockets.

We’ll get through it. We always do. My son has been involved with this company since he was seven and he is now almost sixteen. My daughter, since the age of four. But production week would be so much easier if I didn’t have to work. With the double casting and in some cases, triple casting, the call times are all over the map. You have to really pay attention to the schedule and between my two kids, getting them fed and getting myself fed, since I am also back stage, can be a real challenge. Plus, they are still in school, so there is homework and studying that won’t be done since they will both have late nights ahead of them.

But, BIG but, it’s goes by quickly. By next Monday, we will all be breathing a big sign of relief.

As for today, I’ve prepped all the Super Bowl food for the oven. I just need to time the cooking just right so I can take the stuff over while it’s still warm. I can’t wait to just sit down and relax!

What am I reading?

I am reading Orefo by Richard Powers. It’s like nothing I’ve ever read before. Science and art collide and I am finding myself fascinated by it all. I am also reading Where’d You Go, Bernadette? and I am loving it.

What am I cooking?

I made a ginormous tray of Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas with cream sauce. I also wrapped little smokies with bacon and will sprinkle with brown sugar before I cook them up. I also made these Philly Cheesesteak pockets. I must have been starving when I planned all this stuff. It’s not like there’s going to be a big group of people there today but I guess it’s better to have too much than too little. Plus, The Teen can plow through a buffet like it’s nobody’s business so it’s best that I keep the food coming.

What am I watching?

Nothing, at the moment. The Girl has Gilligan’s Island on. I used to love that show but man, I cannot stand it now! Of course we’ll be watching the Super Bowl later and I will be recording the Puppy Bowl. I am a huge Seinfeld fan and Jerry Seinfeld and the gang have been having secret meetings lately. He said, that the meetings have nothing to do with the Super Bowl, but I am secretly hoping for a mini-Seinfeld reunion during today’s game. We shall see.

What do you have planned for today?

Chatting with friends about books and life…