Kindle...read

I've always wanted to be what I call a "reader" - someone that, well, reads lots of books. Not necessarily great works of literature, but those aren't out of the question. I want to read a wide variety of books - biographies, historical, YA, series and just fun novels - fun ways of learning new things and even expanding a vocabulary (one of my many reasons for wanting to read).

So recently, in pursuit of these many books that I want to read - and in addition to my local library, I got a Kindle (it's an electronic reader from Amazon). Well, we got a Kindle (it's one that I share with my husband). The Kindle makes it fun and easy to read books. There is no page turning - only a "next page" button to hit. This makes my reading while eating my bowl of cereal for breakfast much easier. No trying to hold the book open and balance the spoon with milk.

And today, I got a new release book - delivered to my Kindle instantly. I pre-ordered it last night and it was released today. I got it this morning without having to go to a store - or be on a wait list at the library. Some books work like this - where the same day the hardback is released, so is the Kindle version. Some others are unfortunately not.

But I don't mind. The Kindle is just going to be an addition to my reading. I still love books - actual books. Original cover art (not a movie tie-in - huge pet peeve!!), turning pages, the smell of a new book and even using my favorite bookmark are still going to be a big part of reading for me.

The Kindle is a new fun tool, or toy, that I'm going to enjoy using. And with 1500 book storage capability, it's going to be great to travel with and help relieve my now overcrowded bookshelves!

Driving entertainment

There have been several things recently that I have found entertaining while in my car. The other day, leaving work, there was a guy in the car behind me, vigorously brushing his teeth - for quite a while, as we sat at the light. This was entertaining enough. But then the light turned green and the car in front of me waited to turn left, as I was going to do, as well as toothbrush guy. Well, toothbrush guy got MAD - started honking and waving his hand around - which was also entertaining because he was still brushing his teeth. Why was he honking? The light was green... Well, the car in front of me thought it would be best to wait for the oncoming traffic to pass BEFORE turning left. I thought that too. Apparently toothbrush guy doesn't care if there are other cars on the road. Huh. The conclusion to this story. He ended up turning left again and going back the same way from which he came. In a hurry.

And then today. Quite a gem in the parking lot of a store. A very expensive SUV parking in the hash mark lines next to a handicapped spot. The guy that got in the car in that handicapped spot left his cart in the parking lot - in FRONT of this SUV. Nice.

Stores of convenience

I really enjoy my local grocery store. Not only do I know where everything is, but the people there recognize me now. It really feels like a community. I also enjoy the many other things that are in the parking lot with the grocery. I can get really good (local) coffee, my nails done, my hair cut - and awesome Chinese food. It's great to be able to stop in one location and have all this so convenient.

The stock boy at the grocery store waves. They know me by name at the Chinese place (it's really good - so lots of takeout has been had recently!)
Living in a bigger city, it is nice to get some tiny taste of a smaller town.

Backlog Blog

November and December were busy and hectic, hindering me from actually getting to the computer to take time to blog. In January, however, I had the time. It was just looking at the list that I had made quickly of all my blog ideas and stories that made it overwhelming to get back and start again. So, my idea is to just jump in and do it. I'm going to take that list of blog topics and try to blog at least everyday (or every other day) and write about those things that have happened over the past few months. From silly things that happened, to trip and the holidays - that's what will be found over the next few weeks!

In January...

I will eat better... in January.
I will actually cook dinner... in January.
I will exercise every day... in January.
I will finally get to sleep... in January.
I will blog... in January.

AWESOME!!!

Crazy and Refreshed

For the past few weeks, work has been crazy. It's our busiest time. Well, it's supposed to be. There's this pesky recession that you might have heard about. So, we are anticipating that we will get busier, so there are temps that are usually hired this time of year - just waiting for me. I am the trainer of all new people and new things in my department at work. I enjoy it greatly. I love seeing people learn new things - and being able to explain it and help them understand. But it is very stressful. Not that it's stress in a bad way. Just stress.

So with training, there hasn't been much work to train with. So I've had to get creative. All the trainees have done well, thanks mostly in part to their talent and intelligence. Because MINE brain has been exploding.

So to relax this weekend... I cleaned out my closet. For most, this would be a miserable task. But for me - I love it. It gives me a sense of refreshing life - and the morning when getting ready. I am tired. But refreshed at the same time.

Besides work, the past few weeks I have been plagued with a cold that would not go away. Stuffiness and sneezing. With an army of vitamin C, I have now had a whole week being able to breathe! Yea!

And in the next few weeks, we are going to be getting our house repainted. I'm very excited for a yellower yellow on the house. And a dark brick red door!