Life | Book Chatter

It’s Independence Day here in the U.S. Also known as the Fourth of July. On this day, back in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted. These days, we celebrate it with a day off from work (for most of us), cook-outs and fireworks. The weather in Southern California is not cooperating though…

The View from my Front Door

The view from my front door is a gloomy one. Yesterday was sunny, and about 80 degrees, which is cool for this time of year. Today, it’s overcast and drizzly. Most of it will burn off (I think) but fireworks typically won’t happen with this much haze in the sky.

Our plans? Well, we normally head out to see the city’s firework’s display but this year we are avoiding the crowds and plan to just hang out in our own backyard. Fireworks are not legal where we are, but someone ALWAYS obtains them illegally so there is usually something to see. We are going to BBQ some teriyaki burgers & make smores.

As for the reading pickle I mentioned…

I am in the middle of reading several books right now. I am re-reading The Stand, which most of you already know about. I am really enjoying it but it’s an epic that demands my attention so although I am reading it along with three other books, I find myself having to go back to it more than the others. It’s sort of hard to switch gears between all of the books because they are all so different.

The other books are The Space Between Us, which I am reading for Lisa’s read-along, and Homecoming which I am reading for book club. All good, but my attention span is that of a gnat these days, so the brain is working hard trying to give each the attention they deserve. Balance is still something I strive for when it comes to reading. I can’t seem to find it. I either have way too much to read, or not enough.

On a personal note, the Boy’s grounding has ended so he may once again walk amongst society. He won’t get his computer back until school starts though. Many of you asked about him so you’ll be happy to know that he survived his offense, but just barely. I sure hope he learned his lesson.

Right now The Hub is fixing my brake light (the jerk at the oil change place loosened it to make a buck) and I am about to jump back into one of those books. I wish you all a happy and safe Fourth of July!

First off, doesn’t this drink look delish? See the little slice of cucumber? I’ve never even heard of Pimm’s before but it’s gin based and tastes of spice and citrus. When I saw this on NPR the other day, I felt the need to share it. The traditional Pimm’s Cup includes lemonade, but the photo that I included shows a variation made with pomegranate juice. Yum! I could totally see myself sipping that drink with a great book in my hand. You can view the recipe here. Thanks to NPR for the photo and the recipe.

My brain is in summer mode, but unfortunately, when you work full-time, that luscious feeling of summer doesn’t really hit you in quite the same way. I’ve been a tad stressed with the morning routine lately. Getting the little one off to day camp is difficult when she is so darn exhausted from all the fun she had the previous day. What a bear!! So by the time I get to work, I am ready for a break, but no, the boss doesn’t seem to agree so the projects keep coming.

What I’ve been trying to do is pack a nice lunch so that I can sit outside and read or hole up in somewhere to catch-up on The Hills. Yes, I watch that show and am quite addicted. If I manage to do that, the day passes nicely.

As for the weekends, I try to make it as summery as possible. Cook-outs, lots of reading, cold refreshing drinks (like the one above, which I have yet to try BTW). Anything that puts me in a summer mood because the work week sucks! There is no other word that describes how I feel. I like my work and all that but please, it’s SUMMER! Lighten-up a bit. Life will go on.

If you are in the same boat, wanting to kick-off summer in a big way but can’t do it large-scale because work or other commitments interfere, then let’s promise to do something this weekend that’s just for us. You know, something to put us in a summery mood. You can make the drink I shared above, or you can get all girly and paint your toes some hot, summer color, or you can hit your local Starbucks (book in hand) to enjoy one of their However You Want It Frappes. The Light Soy Strawberry Frappe (no whip) is yummy! I’ve indulged in a few.

Sound like a plan? I’m not quite sure what I plan to do myself but it’s happening because this girl needs a pick-me-up!

Chatting with friends about books and life…