I started keeping (a little) better track of the books I've read this year, or at least since the last blog update.(June Reading Update) I'm just going to throw them all down with some comments. It seems I average about a book a week, plus whatever reading I have to do for school, not counting whatever trash novels (ahemNoraRobertsahemDanielleSteele) I read while flying back and forth over the pond on my international jet-setting adventures, of which there have been ahem several. This year more than any other has also been marked by books I've started but not managed to finish. Usually once I start something I see it through, but several books have been off-putting, boring, or, just not in a style that grips me, and I decided not to see them through. And I don't even feel guilty about it! (Zeitoun was one of those. I fully expected to enjoy it, or at least find it compelling, because of the Louisiana-Katrina angle, but just. Did. Not. Like.)
Between Shades of Gray, by Ruta Sepetys. This one is set in 1941 and after with a Lithuanian family's deportation to Siberia by the Soviets. If you love art, and love, and stories of human triumph, and aren't put off by the realities of labor camps and freaking cold weather, read it.
Flowers for Algernon, by Daniel Keyes. An oldie but a goody, and is really about the pulls between brains and emotion, interaction and introversion, love and acceptance. Science fiction story about a not-smart guy who is scientifically made smarter after a mouse named Algernon undergoes the same procedure. I may have cried. Fine, all right, I did cry.
Seraphina, by Rachel Hartman. LOVED IT! Music and magic and dragons!!!! C'mon, aren't you intrigued already/
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume. Somehow I never read this one as a kid and decided I couldn't live life without that rite of passage. Turns out, I could've.
A Brief History of Montmaray, by Michelle Cooper. Meh. Pre-WWII crumbling royal family on a crumbling island, kids and teens and distant-but-doting-but-strict aunts. It was slow but had a great, if pat, ending. I think I may enjoy this more if I read it in a different frame of mind. As in, not stressed out by school and feeling pulled in a bunch of different directions.
To Marry an English Lord, by Gail MacColl and Carol McD. Wallace. This one was a pretty fascinating look into the exodus of rich American women overseas looking for titles, namely late 1800s to early 1900s, and broke lords coming to America looking for moneyed wives. If that sounds interesting to you, go for it.
Before I Fall, and Panic, both by Lauren Oliver. In Before I Fall, a teenager relives one horrible day over and over and over. I thought it would be boring, or too much Groundhog Day for me, but the author miraculously hits another angle in each version, and gives the reader lots to think about. In Panic, teenagers in a small town play a dangerous and life-changing game for money. Hard to say more without spoiling anything. These books made me want to read everything else by Oliver (that I haven't already read.)
Sophie's Choice, by Willian Styron. I'd never seen the movie or read the book, and I rectified both those things this year. The movie was a better experience for me than the book, which I can honestly say has only happened once before (Memoirs of a Geisha, though I find many stories equally as enthralling on screen as on the page (Harry Potter)). The book is just too damn slow and meandering.
Unbearable Lightness, by Portia de Rossi. I knew this was a memoir about Portia and largely focused on her struggles with anorexia, but that's about it. It was fascinating, appalling, and beautiful. I just want to hug her and cheer for her and stalk her on Twitter.
Looking for Alaska, by John Green. I'm a fan of the author, but this was probably my least favorite.
The Grisha Trilogy, by Leigh Berduco. Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising. More magic, and special powers, and foreign lands!
The Shining, by Stephen King. Another case of never having seen the movie or read the book until recently, though of course there's so much in the pop culture lexicon that I felt I knew all about the story already. It made me remember why I used to love Stephen King so much, and also kind of why I outgrew him.
Graceling, by Kristin Cashore. (And Fire, and Bitterblue). This ranks up there with Seraphina as one of my favorite finds this second half of the year. Not a series exactly, but another trilogy. Fire was more of a companion book and then Bitterblue was kind of a sequel or epilogue even. More magic, and special powers, and foreign lands! Multiple strong and flawed heroines!
The Matched Trilogy, by Ally Condie. I read the first one a long time ago and never read the others. I'd kind of forgotten all about it when the first one fell in my lap again, and then I zoomed through the others. More distopian future YA stuff. The third book was a little predictable in its second half, but I really enjoyed the journey to getting there.
Dodger, by Terry Pratchett. I want to read more by this author! Tale of a young sewer-treasure-picker in Victorian London. He has encounters with Sweeney Todd and is mentored by Charles Dickens. Lots of literary and Victorian pop culture references. Super fun.
OITNB, My Year in a Women's Prison, by Piper Kerman. Book Piper is WAAAAYYYYY less annoying than tv Piper. So glad I read the book.
The Giver books, Lois Lowry. Never read these as a kid, glad I read them now. I didn't find them as life-changing as some people have, but the story is amazing nonetheless.
Without You, There is No Us, by Suki Kim. Writer teaches English in North Korea. Fascinating, depressing, and scary. Makes me want to read more about Korean history of the last 100 years. This book brought out all the feels. I want to help, and feel helpless, and want to learn, and am astounded at my own naivety, and cannot wrap my brain around the reality that is the situation in North Korea. How do you teach generations to think critically when they aren't allowed to be critical?
Yes Chef: A Memoir, by Marcus Samuelsson. I'm a fan of pretty much everything on The Food Network. Or at least, even if I'm not a fan, I will get sucked in and watch anything. I don't know how I found out about this memoir, but I have so much more respect for Marcus Samuelsson after reading this. He has really battled some horrible circumstances and overcome great obstacles, and you can tell he truly cares about food and cooking and some of the causes he mentions, and it all relates directly back to his own experiences.
I Don't Care About Your Band: What I Learned from Indie Rockers, Trust Funders, Pornographers, Faux-Sensitive Hipsters, Felons, and Other Guys I've Dated, by Julie Klausner. Ugh. Did not relate at all. Maybe because I'm a mature adult. And yet, I couldn't put it down. Damn. She got me.
My Drunk Kitchen, by Hannah Hart. I don't even know how to classify this, except to say that it's sweet and funny and the best non-cookbook cookbook I've ever read. Go watch her first couple of YouTube videos and see if you're not hooked.
Longbourn, by Jo Baker. (Thanks for the recommendation, Amy!) The last book I read this year, and a fun one to end on. I love all things Pride and Prejudice, including horrible fan fiction. But this isn't horrible fan fiction - it's awesome fan fiction! The P&P story unfolds from the point of view of the servants, who of course have their own lives and stories going on.
Okay, if you're reading this, let me know if you have any recommendations! (Here or on the Facebook post, either way, I'll get them.)
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Monday, December 15, 2014
Insomnia Strikes Again
Every few months I tend to go through bouts of insomnia. Sometimes I have nightmares, sometimes I can't fall asleep, and sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and can't go back to sleep. Last night was one of those nights I inexplicably woke up around 0100 and stayed awake until around 0330. I think I may have been a little bit warm, explaining the wakeup, but there's no good reason I couldn't go back to sleep. Here's a list of things I did between 0100-0330:
1. Counted sheep
2. Counted blessings instead of sheep
3. Got annoyed at myself for getting ^that song stuck in my head
4. Stopped being annoyed because I actually like that song
5. Surfed Facebook
6. Mentally reviewed my jambalaya "recipe" (methodology, more like) so I can write it down for a friend who requested it
7. Went through at least three revolutions of back-side-stomach-side and back trying to find a comfortable sleep position
8. Stared at my husband, mentally willing him to wake up and snuggle me
9. Researched plane tickets for my mom and mother-in-law to come visit
10. Updated my iPhone iOS
11. Went through a couple more revolutions of back-side-stomach-side-back
12. Played a couple rounds of Spades
13. Had conversation with Tony after he woke up to pee
14. Checked Words with Friends for new plays
15. Made a mental list of things to do today
16. Made a mental list of possible things to do on vacation
17. Mentally rearranged my mom's furniture to accommodate a grand piano (not against an outside wall, not near a fireplace)
18. Imagined all of my family at my mom's house singing carols and opening presents on Christmas Eve
19. Compiled list of people I need to call
Hm, I really wish I could round out this list with a 20th thing, but that's all I remember. I can say it was a productive couple of hours, but I'd much rather have the sleep!
1. Counted sheep
2. Counted blessings instead of sheep
3. Got annoyed at myself for getting ^that song stuck in my head
4. Stopped being annoyed because I actually like that song
5. Surfed Facebook
6. Mentally reviewed my jambalaya "recipe" (methodology, more like) so I can write it down for a friend who requested it
7. Went through at least three revolutions of back-side-stomach-side and back trying to find a comfortable sleep position
8. Stared at my husband, mentally willing him to wake up and snuggle me
9. Researched plane tickets for my mom and mother-in-law to come visit
10. Updated my iPhone iOS
11. Went through a couple more revolutions of back-side-stomach-side-back
12. Played a couple rounds of Spades
13. Had conversation with Tony after he woke up to pee
14. Checked Words with Friends for new plays
15. Made a mental list of things to do today
16. Made a mental list of possible things to do on vacation
17. Mentally rearranged my mom's furniture to accommodate a grand piano (not against an outside wall, not near a fireplace)
18. Imagined all of my family at my mom's house singing carols and opening presents on Christmas Eve
19. Compiled list of people I need to call
Hm, I really wish I could round out this list with a 20th thing, but that's all I remember. I can say it was a productive couple of hours, but I'd much rather have the sleep!
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Food memories
I've heard it said that smells can trigger some of the strongest memories, and I believe that. For me, food smells are the quickest way to start a trip down memory road. The smell of a roux cooking, especially those first few seconds after you add your vegetables, is a very strong kickstarter for me. I used to love opening up the back door of our house and smelling something delicious and wondering what my mom was cooking.
A lot of our holiday celebrations growing up were with extended family, especially on my mom's side, in Baton Rouge. Our family is pretty big, and a lot of meals were potluck, but you could always count on a few traditions. Gumbo on Christmas Eve. Aunt Marie is in charge of the salad. Crawfish Bisque and Strawberry Shortcake at Easter. For a while now, my mom and her siblings have been having "lessons" from Granny on how to make the bisque, and it is truly a team endeavor. It's a lot of work to prepare the bisque, but the results are worth the effort!
Tony and I hosted "Thanksgiving" a couple years ago. I put it in parentheses because we celebrated in October before a deployment. It was a small affair, with a few friends over, and involved garlic mashed potatoes and a fried turkey. This year we will also have garlic mashed potatoes and fried turkey, but I think we will have over twenty guests! I am tremendously excited about it, but also a bit nervous because it's my first time hosting such a big shindig (aside from a wedding!) and I won't be back at home until Tuesday evening. Fortunately, we have a wonderful group of friends who a) will not judge us and b) are bringing some contributions, so I'm pretty sure most of my nerves are for naught. At least, I hope so!
Tentatively on the menu this year:
Caprese bites
Brined and fried turkey
Garlic mashed potatoes
Green beans (not casserole)
Balsamic and Thyme Carrots
Adult Mac and Cheese
Apple Cider Sangria
Pumpkin Pie
Maybes: Pumpkin Mousse; trifle; rolls or cornbread; stuffing; cranberry sauce
A lot of our holiday celebrations growing up were with extended family, especially on my mom's side, in Baton Rouge. Our family is pretty big, and a lot of meals were potluck, but you could always count on a few traditions. Gumbo on Christmas Eve. Aunt Marie is in charge of the salad. Crawfish Bisque and Strawberry Shortcake at Easter. For a while now, my mom and her siblings have been having "lessons" from Granny on how to make the bisque, and it is truly a team endeavor. It's a lot of work to prepare the bisque, but the results are worth the effort!
Tony and I hosted "Thanksgiving" a couple years ago. I put it in parentheses because we celebrated in October before a deployment. It was a small affair, with a few friends over, and involved garlic mashed potatoes and a fried turkey. This year we will also have garlic mashed potatoes and fried turkey, but I think we will have over twenty guests! I am tremendously excited about it, but also a bit nervous because it's my first time hosting such a big shindig (aside from a wedding!) and I won't be back at home until Tuesday evening. Fortunately, we have a wonderful group of friends who a) will not judge us and b) are bringing some contributions, so I'm pretty sure most of my nerves are for naught. At least, I hope so!
Tentatively on the menu this year:
Caprese bites
Brined and fried turkey
Garlic mashed potatoes
Green beans (not casserole)
Balsamic and Thyme Carrots
Adult Mac and Cheese
Apple Cider Sangria
Pumpkin Pie
Maybes: Pumpkin Mousse; trifle; rolls or cornbread; stuffing; cranberry sauce
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Gratitude
This time of year there are a lot of posts, articles, tweets, and Facebook updates about gratitude. Some folks elect to write one thing they are thankful for each day, and I always enjoy reading those. I've never done anything like that publicly, mostly because I don't want to come across as overly sentimental (though I am) or mushy (I'm that, too), and because I don't think most people are really that interested. But then I remember that most of the people who I am friends with are my friends precisely because of their attitudes and character. Also, I don't do it because if I started I might never stop.
Still, it's a good exercise to do. Scientific studies have shown that you can improve your own mental well-being by consciously considering positive things, choosing happiness, and looking for silver linings. That, of course, is a gross oversimplification, but it definitely jives with my personal philosophy. I believe if you look for the bad things in life, you will find them, and if you look for the good things you will find those, too. So why on earth would anyone choose to spend energy on the negative? Might as well spend your time and energy focusing on the good in the world.
Tony and I often lapse into military jargon in our everyday lives. We can't help it; we've become institutionalized! Also, I find it castle amusing to say "Clear to starboard" when he is about to make a left-hand turn and I am in the passenger seat. I say "Roger" a lot, too, though it is highly likely to be followed up by the very un-militaristic "-dodger, Rubber Duckie." One good habit that we implemented very early in our relationship is the nightly debrief. Stop thinking like that, you dirty hippie. I mean the hotwash of the day's events. Whoops, there I go again, lapsing into military-speak. I mean to say, each night we ask each other "What was the best part of your day?" It's fun and interesting, often surprising, occasionally sweet, and sometimes amusing. But it's a good way for us to turn our attention to each other and practice positive reflection. And I believe we are closer because of it.
I'm grateful for so many things in this world. Big things, little things, every day things, surprising things, and things it doesn't often occur to me to be thankful for until they smack me upside the head. All I can say is that life is good. I'm sure there are things I take for granted. It's natural, after all, but I make an effort to focus on at least one thing each day, even if it's just the fact that I have a working dishwasher or roses in the front yard. And always, always, I am grateful for the people in my life; my friends and family have been there for me in so many ways. Cried with me, laughed with me, patted my back and cheered me up when I am down, sent me awful puns because they know I love them, saved me the last cookie, loan me a car/shoes/cup of sugar. Usually with impeccable timing, too.
All I can say is that I'm a lucky girl. You could say I love a charmed life, or that I am blessed. I believe both are true, and I believe I bring a lot of that on myself by choosing to surround myself with good people and look for the good in life. Happiness is not a destination; it is a choice. And the more we practice choosing it, the easier it gets.
Still, it's a good exercise to do. Scientific studies have shown that you can improve your own mental well-being by consciously considering positive things, choosing happiness, and looking for silver linings. That, of course, is a gross oversimplification, but it definitely jives with my personal philosophy. I believe if you look for the bad things in life, you will find them, and if you look for the good things you will find those, too. So why on earth would anyone choose to spend energy on the negative? Might as well spend your time and energy focusing on the good in the world.
Tony and I often lapse into military jargon in our everyday lives. We can't help it; we've become institutionalized! Also, I find it castle amusing to say "Clear to starboard" when he is about to make a left-hand turn and I am in the passenger seat. I say "Roger" a lot, too, though it is highly likely to be followed up by the very un-militaristic "-dodger, Rubber Duckie." One good habit that we implemented very early in our relationship is the nightly debrief. Stop thinking like that, you dirty hippie. I mean the hotwash of the day's events. Whoops, there I go again, lapsing into military-speak. I mean to say, each night we ask each other "What was the best part of your day?" It's fun and interesting, often surprising, occasionally sweet, and sometimes amusing. But it's a good way for us to turn our attention to each other and practice positive reflection. And I believe we are closer because of it.
I'm grateful for so many things in this world. Big things, little things, every day things, surprising things, and things it doesn't often occur to me to be thankful for until they smack me upside the head. All I can say is that life is good. I'm sure there are things I take for granted. It's natural, after all, but I make an effort to focus on at least one thing each day, even if it's just the fact that I have a working dishwasher or roses in the front yard. And always, always, I am grateful for the people in my life; my friends and family have been there for me in so many ways. Cried with me, laughed with me, patted my back and cheered me up when I am down, sent me awful puns because they know I love them, saved me the last cookie, loan me a car/shoes/cup of sugar. Usually with impeccable timing, too.
All I can say is that I'm a lucky girl. You could say I love a charmed life, or that I am blessed. I believe both are true, and I believe I bring a lot of that on myself by choosing to surround myself with good people and look for the good in life. Happiness is not a destination; it is a choice. And the more we practice choosing it, the easier it gets.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Baby steps
I read a quote recently that has really stuck with me. Well, perhaps maybe not quite so much because not only can I not remember the exact quote, but I can't remember who wrote it. However, that hasn't stopped me from thinking about it. To paraphrase, "All you really need to do to get good at something is tolerate being bad at it for a few years."
Pithy, isn't it? The more I think about it, the more it resonates. And the more I think about it! Many of my family members are musical, so I know there's a natural inclination there. However, I've tried twice in my life to learn how to play the guitar, and have pretty much given it up. I even received a beautiful little guitar as a gift from my dad, because he knew I wanted to learn. After about six months each time, I decided guitar was not for me, and focused my energy elsewhere. Mostly, my fingers hurt and the chords confused me, since guitar tabs are not like the piano and vocal music I'm familiar with. I figured I'd rather spend the time and energy getting better at something I know and love - the piano - than learn something new. Does this mean I didn't really want to learn how to play the guitar? I know it's not too late, but...but there's always a but.
(Heh, I said but. Three times.)
A new friend of mine and a blogger I've been reading for ages have each recently talked about running. One (from what I gather) hasn't run in a while and might get back into it, and the other talks frankly about her journey from non-runner to ultra trail-runner in five years. For those of you who know me, you know I don't like running. Truly. Just ask my husband. He will tell you about the glares and snarls and snarky comments. To me, it is a miserable experience. I've never been able to find a groove, and it's never been something I've been good at, but that doesn't keep me from trying every now and then. I suppose you could say I don't have good stick-to-it-iveness. I like the IDEA of running. I've run a few 5ks and 10ks, so I know it's something I can do, and I know the more I do it the better I get. But...but there's always a but.
(Heh, I said but again.)
So here I am, at the fattest and heaviest and most out-of-shape I've ever been in my entire life. There are many reasons for this, and whenever I think about them I get somewhat overwhelmed and ashamed, and also a little justified. Some of those reasons really are lame-o excuses, and some are the realities of my life making it difficult to get into ANY sort of routine, much less one I don't particularly find enjoyable. It's not just about running, though. I haven't found any sort of exercise regimen that I love or can stick with, and I know 100% it is mind over matter. I know myself well enough to be confident that whatever I choose must be enjoyable - or have the prospect of it. That's probably why I keep trying to "be a runner." I know I could be proud of my body and the distances I push myself to cover and the pace I can maintain, and I should be proud NO MATTER WHAT those distances and paces are. But I have been in a bit of a downward spiral. The more weight I gain, the less I want to do anything. My clothes don't fit as well and aren't as flattering (I know, it's vanity, but if I can't feel good and look good in all the super-cool gear is part of the point and motivation for me), and the extra weight makes it more difficult for me to exercise. And every time I slide back, it's just another little ego slap. It's not about looks, although I'm not gonna lie, that's a part of it. It's about my physical and mental health. I've got some very well-meaning friends and acquaintances, and a terrific and loving husband who compliment me on my appearance. Which is naturally, of course, great. But when I compare myself to where I have been, and where I feel I should be, and where I know I could be, I feel bad about myself. Some days I still feel great, and others not so much.
All of this to say, I'm going to do better, try harder. Maybe a little bit harder, maybe a lot, but I am making a conscious effort not to make excuses for myself any more, and find some things to do that will both challenge me and make me happy. Not just happy-I'm-done-with-that-
I'm putting this out there in the world, publicly, which of course will make it harder to ignore and screw up. Here's to positive peer pressure!
Also, maybe I should practice eating and drinking all the yummy Italian foods in moderation. That might also help. ;)
Pithy, isn't it? The more I think about it, the more it resonates. And the more I think about it! Many of my family members are musical, so I know there's a natural inclination there. However, I've tried twice in my life to learn how to play the guitar, and have pretty much given it up. I even received a beautiful little guitar as a gift from my dad, because he knew I wanted to learn. After about six months each time, I decided guitar was not for me, and focused my energy elsewhere. Mostly, my fingers hurt and the chords confused me, since guitar tabs are not like the piano and vocal music I'm familiar with. I figured I'd rather spend the time and energy getting better at something I know and love - the piano - than learn something new. Does this mean I didn't really want to learn how to play the guitar? I know it's not too late, but...but there's always a but.
(Heh, I said but. Three times.)
A new friend of mine and a blogger I've been reading for ages have each recently talked about running. One (from what I gather) hasn't run in a while and might get back into it, and the other talks frankly about her journey from non-runner to ultra trail-runner in five years. For those of you who know me, you know I don't like running. Truly. Just ask my husband. He will tell you about the glares and snarls and snarky comments. To me, it is a miserable experience. I've never been able to find a groove, and it's never been something I've been good at, but that doesn't keep me from trying every now and then. I suppose you could say I don't have good stick-to-it-iveness. I like the IDEA of running. I've run a few 5ks and 10ks, so I know it's something I can do, and I know the more I do it the better I get. But...but there's always a but.
(Heh, I said but again.)
So here I am, at the fattest and heaviest and most out-of-shape I've ever been in my entire life. There are many reasons for this, and whenever I think about them I get somewhat overwhelmed and ashamed, and also a little justified. Some of those reasons really are lame-o excuses, and some are the realities of my life making it difficult to get into ANY sort of routine, much less one I don't particularly find enjoyable. It's not just about running, though. I haven't found any sort of exercise regimen that I love or can stick with, and I know 100% it is mind over matter. I know myself well enough to be confident that whatever I choose must be enjoyable - or have the prospect of it. That's probably why I keep trying to "be a runner." I know I could be proud of my body and the distances I push myself to cover and the pace I can maintain, and I should be proud NO MATTER WHAT those distances and paces are. But I have been in a bit of a downward spiral. The more weight I gain, the less I want to do anything. My clothes don't fit as well and aren't as flattering (I know, it's vanity, but if I can't feel good and look good in all the super-cool gear is part of the point and motivation for me), and the extra weight makes it more difficult for me to exercise. And every time I slide back, it's just another little ego slap. It's not about looks, although I'm not gonna lie, that's a part of it. It's about my physical and mental health. I've got some very well-meaning friends and acquaintances, and a terrific and loving husband who compliment me on my appearance. Which is naturally, of course, great. But when I compare myself to where I have been, and where I feel I should be, and where I know I could be, I feel bad about myself. Some days I still feel great, and others not so much.
All of this to say, I'm going to do better, try harder. Maybe a little bit harder, maybe a lot, but I am making a conscious effort not to make excuses for myself any more, and find some things to do that will both challenge me and make me happy. Not just happy-I'm-done-with-that-
I'm putting this out there in the world, publicly, which of course will make it harder to ignore and screw up. Here's to positive peer pressure!
Also, maybe I should practice eating and drinking all the yummy Italian foods in moderation. That might also help. ;)
Monday, November 17, 2014
Tiny House
I'm still in a bit of a funk after being sick, but finally starting to feel like myself again! Today's post is another meme, because I am tired.
Someone's paying you to move into one of those tiny house everyone is talking about. If you can survive a whole year in that house with just the things on this list, you get a bajillion dollars. Tell us how you fill in this List Of Things You Can Take With You:
5 books
3 outfits
You have a fridge/stove/oven - but you can only take 1 counter-top appliance
1 DVD collection of a TV show (your budget doesn't allow for Netflix)
1 childhood artifact
They will give you ONE subscription to a magazine - what is it?
1) Pride and Prejudice, The Bible, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Watchers, and HP and the Deathly Hallows. If you know me even a little bit, four of these five will not surprise you.
2) It's all about the layers and the accessories! I will definitely want comfy stretchy pants, sweaters, blazer, pashmina, sneakers, boots, sandals, and comfy tank or tshirt for layering.
3) My countertop appliance would be a crock pot, but I seriously debated a food processor because it is more versatile. However, I use my crock pot all the time and don't even own a food processor, so that made the decision easy.
4) I don't have a favorite tv show, so nothing in this category really jumped out at me as a must-have. With that in mind, I think I would choose The Simpsons because there are a million episodes I've never seen, and I know it'll amuse me.
5) I don't have too many relics from my childhood. No favorite stuffed animal or anything like that. For this one, I think I would pick a deck of cards. I played a lot of cards as kids: with my brothers, with our grandparents and extended family, on the bus, and at school. And I know many different kinds of solitaire!
6) National Geographic. Hands down.
My initial reaction is that I could do this challenge. Yes, I have a bunch of stuff, but I'm an introvert and have spent a bunch of time in tight quarters on ships. My house in Astoria was pretty small and I almost never went in the spare bedroom, so I'm pretty sure this wouldn't bother me for one year. And who knows, maybe it would convince me to pare down.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
When to intervene
When I travel for work, I get to stay in a hotel room and have someone else take out the trash and make my bed. While I miss being able to cook, I love being excessive with the thermostat and having cable TV. On the flip side, I tend to be a light sleeper and all the strange noises can interfere with a good rest. I usually ask to be located away from the elevators, to at least cut down on the foot traffic going by my door.
This is my first time staying in this particular hotel, and so far my experience with the staff and room have been great. They have Keurigs in the room, and coffee. No tea, though. The first night here I asked about that, and the front desk people appropriated me a small assortment of tea bags from the breakfast supplies. And each day since then, at least one of them (there were three) has asked me how I'm doing every time I go through the lobby. Color me impressed. I also had tea with breakfast yesterday, and today the waiter brought me a fresh pot without me having to ask for it, within a minute or two of me being seated.
However, I did have an issue with some of the other guests. My next door neighbors, specifically. The first night, there were some loud conversations and phone calls, but as they died down at a relatively decent hour and I didn't lose any sleep, I just chalked it up to normal hotel annoyances. Last night though, I was woken up at 0130 by yelling, screaming, and torturous crying. The lady was hysterical, and both parties were cursing at each other. For a moment I thought it was a television, but it became obvious very quickly that the parties next door were having some sort of altercation. I don't know if they were drunk or what, but I tried to ignore it and go back to sleep. After nearly twenty minutes though, I had to do something for my own peace of mind and well-being. The question was what?
I didn't hear anything that sounded like hitting. No thumps or bumps or crashes to indicate shoving or falling. Just the yelling and crying. They were saying such mean things about each other, and the lady was pleading so hard that I debated police intervention. I couldn't justify such an infringement on anyone else's privacy though, since I had no indications that things were physical. Leaving my personal judgment aside (and yes, I have some pretty strong opinions on this), I thought about calling the front desk to complain about the noise. I didn't because I was a little embarrassed for myself, and slightly concerned the neighbors would hear me place the call and somehow know I was the complainer and retaliate. I know it's the staff's job to handle these kind of things, but that felt a little cowardly to me. So with my middle-of-the-night logic kicking in, I did something even more cowardly: I called the room, waited until I heard their phone ring, and quickly hung up. It went instantly quiet, and then I heard the guy say it must have been a wrong number. The lady started crying again, but as neither party was yelling any more, I fell back asleep.
About half an hour later, around 0230, I was woken by more sobbing, cursing, and yelling. I rolled over and tried to ignore it, letting my brain stay in that hazy half-asleep zone. I vaguely remember thinking I should do something, but I fell asleep again in spite of the noise.
I don't regret my action or inaction, but I have replayed the scenario in my head a few times since it happened. I don't think I did anything wrong, but I wonder if I could or should have handled it differently. I worry that someone was hurt, or could be. I wonder if I was misinterpreting or overreacting. I hope it doesn't happen again, and I hope I sleep better tonight.
What would you have done?
This is my first time staying in this particular hotel, and so far my experience with the staff and room have been great. They have Keurigs in the room, and coffee. No tea, though. The first night here I asked about that, and the front desk people appropriated me a small assortment of tea bags from the breakfast supplies. And each day since then, at least one of them (there were three) has asked me how I'm doing every time I go through the lobby. Color me impressed. I also had tea with breakfast yesterday, and today the waiter brought me a fresh pot without me having to ask for it, within a minute or two of me being seated.
However, I did have an issue with some of the other guests. My next door neighbors, specifically. The first night, there were some loud conversations and phone calls, but as they died down at a relatively decent hour and I didn't lose any sleep, I just chalked it up to normal hotel annoyances. Last night though, I was woken up at 0130 by yelling, screaming, and torturous crying. The lady was hysterical, and both parties were cursing at each other. For a moment I thought it was a television, but it became obvious very quickly that the parties next door were having some sort of altercation. I don't know if they were drunk or what, but I tried to ignore it and go back to sleep. After nearly twenty minutes though, I had to do something for my own peace of mind and well-being. The question was what?
I didn't hear anything that sounded like hitting. No thumps or bumps or crashes to indicate shoving or falling. Just the yelling and crying. They were saying such mean things about each other, and the lady was pleading so hard that I debated police intervention. I couldn't justify such an infringement on anyone else's privacy though, since I had no indications that things were physical. Leaving my personal judgment aside (and yes, I have some pretty strong opinions on this), I thought about calling the front desk to complain about the noise. I didn't because I was a little embarrassed for myself, and slightly concerned the neighbors would hear me place the call and somehow know I was the complainer and retaliate. I know it's the staff's job to handle these kind of things, but that felt a little cowardly to me. So with my middle-of-the-night logic kicking in, I did something even more cowardly: I called the room, waited until I heard their phone ring, and quickly hung up. It went instantly quiet, and then I heard the guy say it must have been a wrong number. The lady started crying again, but as neither party was yelling any more, I fell back asleep.
About half an hour later, around 0230, I was woken by more sobbing, cursing, and yelling. I rolled over and tried to ignore it, letting my brain stay in that hazy half-asleep zone. I vaguely remember thinking I should do something, but I fell asleep again in spite of the noise.
I don't regret my action or inaction, but I have replayed the scenario in my head a few times since it happened. I don't think I did anything wrong, but I wonder if I could or should have handled it differently. I worry that someone was hurt, or could be. I wonder if I was misinterpreting or overreacting. I hope it doesn't happen again, and I hope I sleep better tonight.
What would you have done?
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