Monday Musings

My week: It was a good week here. Wednesday I got a much-needed haircut and highlights. Then my birthday was on Friday and it was pretty great! I had the day off work, and I spent the morning reading and hanging out with Alohi, then Jarrod and I got a couples massage, took Alohi to the dog park, and went out to dinner at a restaurant I've been wanting to try for ages. For my "birthday cake" I got an absolutely divine chocolate souffle (with vanilla bean ice cream and raspberry sauce -- and piping hot out of the oven; this place bakes your dessert when you order it!), the perfect end to a good day!

Reading: I was so very excited to read "House of Leaves" by Mark Z. Danielweski, a book that's supposed to scare the pants off me. But I found it to be odd, boring and ramble-y, so I set it aside for the moment -- I do want to get back to it, though.

Instead I read the new Dan Brown novel, "Origin." Not my favorite Robert Landgon book, but I blew through it all the same.

Then, just as quickly, I devoured "The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn, a dual narrative set in WWI and WWII. It was allllmost a 5-star read. If you like historical fiction, definitely pick it up!

I really should go back to "House of Leaves" now but instead I'm going to read "The Keeper of Lost Things" by Ruth Hogan because it's due back at the library in a couple days. I tried to read it a few weeks ago and couldn't get into the first chapter, but I think I'm more in the right mindset for it now. After two page-turners, I won't be as antsy with a slower pace.

Watching: We watched the movie "Eddie the Eagle" this week; I wasn't entirely sure what I was getting into but it ended up being adorable and inspirational. It's set in the '80s and based on the true story of a quirky British Olympic ski jumper who had a dream and followed through despite the relentless obstacles in his path (helped along by rather dashing ex-jumper-turned-coach Hugh Jackman).

Also, "Stranger Things" season 2, "This Is Us," "Poldark," "Grey's Anatomy."

Eating: Cake!

Baking: Chocolate chip pumpkin bread.

Buying: On my birthday, I finally ordered these bookish earrings from Etsy that I'd been lusting after for YEARS.

(Etsy shop: Coryographies)

Receiving: My Amazon UK order! I really wanted the British version of the illustrated "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," and while I was at it I bought "A Close and Common Orbit" by Becky Chambers (the sequel to "The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet," which I loved); the British covers of the Wayfarers series are so much better!

Resolving: To take up scuba diving! It's something I've been tossing around and, even though I'm fairly nervous about it, I've decided that during my 32nd year I'm going to get dive certified. What better place to start diving than Hawaii? Also, I've made birthday goals to straighten my hair more often, start jogging, and get up early enough on workdays that I can walk (jog?) Alohi before I have to leave. We'll see how all that works out -- but, hey, I have a whole year to get it right! ;)

Blogging:
Monday Musings
11 Book Titles That Totally Grabbed Me
2017 Releases I REALLY Want To Read By The End of the Year
Non-Fiction November 2017 + Reading Goals
Non-Fiction November Week 1: My Non-Fiction Reading Year So Far + About Me

Looking forward to: Wearing my book fairy Halloween costume to work tomorrow! Also, trick-or-treaters! I love seeing the kids in costume, and we get TONS of trick-or-treaters in our neighborhood.

*I'm linking up with Kathryn of Book Date for It's Monday! What Are You Reading?