Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts

It's almost Thursday! Which means it's almost Friday! Which means it's practically the weekend? Yes? No? Damn. Link up, link back, say hi, be understanding of my horrible commenting these days.

1. It's not that I'm okay with having a cold, because I'm not, but for the first time in two years I can actually load up on cold medicine. Also, when a child is sick feel bad for the parents. Mom and dad are already feeling super sad for their little kid, but meanwhile they're the ones that turn into a human effing Kleenex and has to subject themselves to the whim of an unhappy little person that is already a tiny bit volatile in their unsick state. So, if you can't read between the lines, I had to deal with a sick kid and am now sick myself so feel bad for meeeeeeeeeee. But not really, because I can now take my favorite cold medicine that has my most favorite side effect EVER: "may cause excitability." Achoo. 

   

2. I signed up for Artifact Uprising two weeks ago and was given 25 free prints (only the price of shipping, which was about six or seven bucks). I loved the quality of printing on heavy card-stock and will definitely use them to print Instagram pictures in the future:

3. I'm also a fan of my new necklace:

[Christine loves Scott? Sawyer? Soda? Saturdays? Starbucks?]

4. I just honestly filled out my first-ever workplace satisfaction survey, which is sad, considering I've worked in the district for ten years. I was honest... I hope they really are anonymous. And read. And considered. 

5. I'm considering a monthly, or yearly if I like it, membership to Gaiam TV so I have access to a ton of yoga videos. I've started doing PiYo at night occasionally and I really started missing yoga. Part of it is the studio itself, but it's also the practice. You can do the first month for a buck, so I can't really argue with that!

6. Sawyer is walking... sort of. He can take a few feet worth of unassisted steps (yay!) but has absolutely no desire to take the initiative. I'm trying to give him any opportunity I can to get him on his feet... even if that means he takes off with the stroller.

7. I've been telling my husband about what I thought was a unique conspiracy theory about the Clintons paying Donald Trump to run to put yet another wrench in the Republican Party. Apparently that's a thing already! Part of me hopes it's true just so I can see the looks on his supporter's faces to see they've been duped BY THE CLINTONS!

8. I ordered twenty binders at work to supposedly organize every single IB novel and AP lang unit I teach. This is a very, very ambitious undertaking that would make life so much easier, that I'm optimistically hoping will be done by the end of the year. Part of me is always nervous about what I'll be assigned to teach the following year, so I'm concerned I'll do all this work for nothing. 

9. Despite its gains today, the stock market has been having a rough time lately. This is bad news for many, but good news for people like me who are considering investing. I have a little bit of money that I'm trying to work up the courage to play with, but I'm having trouble cutting the cord. This is why I don't gamble when I go to Vegas! I'm so worried that I'll lose money that I just don't put in any to begin with. Realistically, though, I know that right now is the time. I don't know what to do and I don't want to pay for financial advising. I thought about downloading an app and "practicing," but then I'll still miss this window of opportunity. Investing and overthinking are a hard combination. 

10. And because it's National Dog Day, here's one of two:

The Decorating/Remodeling Itch

One of the side effects to being home this summer is that I've been looking around our home, which we've lived in for almost four years, and have been wanting to make some changes, big and small. We did a lot of painting when we first moved in, but other than that we were very lucky that the previous owners had taken excellent care of their carpet, had upgraded the kitchen (although the cabinets could use some TLC), and had done a beautiful job on the yard and pool. 

There are a lot of minor things that I'd like to do, and are mostly of the decorating sort. Maybe I'll do a post on those, just to help me prioritize. Basically, though, it's artwork, mantle ideas, laundry room decor, etc.. 

But then there's the Big One. We want to replace the carpet in our living room, great room, and dining room areas (who puts carpet in a dining room?!?!?!) with a hard wood that will stand up to the dogs. I don't want laminate and we're not sold on the tile that looks like wood (although I think it would be awesome in a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room), so I think we might consider bamboo. I know there aren't a ton of options, but there are some if you're willing to pay. While we're doing the floors, we're also going to redo the bannister and stairs, with the same flooring (with a carpet runner). We aren't a fan of light wood, which is what the bannister is right now. Since our house will be a mess we will repaint the great room and upstairs hall it leads into, possibly have a custom made bookshelf put in, and buy new light fixtures for the entry way and dining room. 

Did I mention that we don't finance things like this? Right now we're saving, and depending on what the next year brings, it may be possible next summer, or the one after. I'm hoping when the time comes it can be coordinated to happen within a few weeks. Pipe dreams, I know. If only I could book a month-long vacation and come back to perfection. 

Anyway, it's fun to look at ideas on Pinterest. Here's what we have and the direction we want to go in:

[currently]

[want; source]

[currently; the berber is nice and in good shape, but it's light and not what we want]

[something like this; the staircase is great too!]

[our current IKEA bookshelves; they do the job but are very basic]

[a little more sturdy; source]

[in dark wood, but love the design!; source]

[current outdated fixture]

[option; a larger version of this]

[or something like this]

[Good God, I LOATHE this monstrosity. I may convince my husband to replace it sooner]

[I love this but it might be too high? Or maybe I'm just used to the hanging light we have?]

[a bit shorter than these are, but I like the idea of three small lights]

[I like pendant lighting but will it go out of style?]

[we'll stick with a neutral for paint; our current one has a too-yellowish base]

I wish we were DIYers, but the honest truth is that we are not. I'm very jealous of people that decide they're going to put in a new light fixture and hop on down to Home Depot. We're more of the "wait an extra month and save to hire an electrician" sort. But man, if you want something edited or written for you, we're the couple to go to. 

Any plans to change things up at home? 

What the Hell?

There have been several "what the hell?" moments in my life lately, and I just need to get them out there. I'm not a complainer but have done my fair-share of listening to people bitch and moan over the years, so I'm just returning the favor to the universe here for a hot-second. I understand that it could be much worse, as I am not dying of cancer, walking uphill for water to carry back on my head, or a recovering homeless drug addict, but here I am running my mouth. Indulge me. 

1. There is a weird water running sort of noise that comes up in our home every so often (maybe once or twice a year?). It makes me super paranoid, as I imagine something crazy happening in our pipes that will result in massive amounts of repairs being required. I spent several minutes going over our past water bills and saw no increases during the times that I remember matching up with this noise before. I don't want to call a repair man, but if it goes on for more than like a week I may have to. 

2. I've been going to Starbucks a little more often that I should this summer, but I refuse to give up my Sunday morning coffee-run. I go alone, before I grocery shop, and it's become a nice ritual that lets me sit, uninterrupted. When school is in session this is even more sacred, as I need the short break even more, not to mention the caffeine (their coffee always seems to have more than what I brew at home). Anyway, my local Starbucks is closed for renovations... for the second Sunday in a row. It makes me very angry.

3. We're sort of on the cusp of toddler-eating pickiness- I can feel it. Sawyer used to eat any sort of chicken, but lately it has to be of the nugget variety. Anyway, I thought I did a good job making sure he's consuming enough healthy calories and that he's not eating junk food. Recently, someone made me feel really insecure about what I feed him and now I'm second-guessing it at every meal and when I'm buying him things at the store. And I typically couldn't care less about what this person says, which makes the whole thing even more aggravating.

4. It has been super humid and rainy for the last twenty-four hours here in Southern California- I don't remember the last time we had this sort of weather in July. It's great, because of the drought, but puzzling. And all the talk about El Nino? 

5. I have a horrible fear of earthquakes- I can face steep heights, hairy spiders, or freakish clowns, but even thinking quakes makes my anxiety heighten considerably. The other day our  annual homeowner's policy came in the mail, and, like every other year, the information about adding a supplemental earthquake policy came with it. I reviewed it and decided that an $80,000 deductible and and extra $1,000 annual premium was probably a poor financial move. And then an article came out in the New Yorker about some plate or fault or something in the Pacific that will basically demolish the West Coast WHEN it decides to shift. We're all going to die. I guess #1 on my list shouldn't matter, since my house is going to be reduced to rubble. 

6. Gas prices are absurd. Ridiculous. Infuriating. I just paid $4.39/gallon the other day. Apparently Southern California is being punished for some local refinery issues. And I have some driving to do the next few weeks. Also, an interesting, broad, observation: the more liberal the state, the higher the price at the pump (not 100% true, I know). I guess it's the price I pay to live with my people. 

7. In case you can't tell, I'm fiscally conservative when it comes to personal finance. Somehow, though, I got swooped up in the Nordstrom's Semi-Annual sale and bought a really expensive pair of boots that I've been eyeing for a logn time but had decided to hold off on, considering several unexpected expenses this summer. They're so expensive I'm not sure how I'll react the first time they get scuffed or it rains when I wear them. Is it weird to cry over boots? Nonetheless, where did this irresponsible spending come from? I was on the treadmill.... Sawyer was happily playing... Scott was at work... I had my Cheerios and coffee for breakfast... and then BAM! Into the cart, out comes the credit card. Yes, they were nearly half-priced, but still, so much. This is not like me. I am not a woman that spends money on footwear.  

8. Sawyer really enjoyed playing with the Thomas the Train Engine Track at Barnes and Noble, so I was thinking about buying him just a little train. The stupid little things are like ten bucks. I think not.

9. I feel like I've gotten absolutely nothing accomplished during summer break so far, and I only have three weeks left. That's probably the hardest of all of these to swallow. My husband suggested that I lower my expectations. I flipped him off. It's time to break out the big guns, I guess. That's right. A revised to-do list. 

10. I'm still stuck on my dental issues. I take such damn good care of my teeth and every time I eat something or bite down these two mother-effing temporary crowns remind me of the thousand dollar bill I have with the dentist and punishment for frequent brushing, flossing, and mouth-wash swishing. 

I feel much better, now. No joke.

Make me feel better. Any "what the hell?" moments for you lately? 

Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts

Link up, link back. Stop and say hi!

1. My husband told me to check out the GoGirl site for a good laugh (he saw it on Twitter, just to clarify). He was right. It's ridiculous. I guess useful if you do a lot of, like, biking? Or work at a construction site with disgusting porta-potties and men? But what do I know. Maybe this is a real thing that will catch on in thirty years sitting down will be seen as archaic. 

[source]

2. Someone once told me that when the jacaranda trees were blooming it was time for school to get out. Well, their abundance is spread throughout me neighborhood. A sign, indeed.

3. This week I'm conferencing with my students on their outside reading (700 pages of approved reading a semester) and it has been quite enjoyable. The periods go by very fast and it really is a pleasure to talk hear their opinions about books. It gives me an opportunity to sit with each student for a few minutes, which is a rarity.

4. Today I finally made it official- this was my last year as the yearbook adviser at our school. It's been in the works for some time, but the master schedule for next year came out, so I finally felt it was time to tell students. There was some scheduling difficulties for next year, so this was the best solution and allowed me to keep my IB kids together as seniors. Plus, I was planning on making next year my last. I found a willing, capable, replacement, so I feel pretty good about it.

[and that's a wrap!]

5. So Sawyer has one of those Sophie giraffes and  somehow he knows that when I say "break her neck!" he's supposed to bend her neck so she squeaks. I know we need to start being more careful about these sorts of things, and set a better example, but... maybe later. 

6. We're trying to put together some recommendations for next school year's English department book club and I recommended Still Alice by Lisa Genova, The Blazing World by Siri Hustvedt, anything by TC Boyle, or Euphoria by Lily King. 

7. I've had to couple being both assertive and apologetic a few time lately at work and while I'm proud of myself to sticking to my guns on a few things, this has only heightened my need for a break. 

8. I have tracked all my expenditures for the last four weeks to make sure to stick to my weekly allotment (this is self-imposed, since my husband and I keep separate accounts). I budget a certain amount per month for gas, food, entertainment, and personal purchases, and then divide that by four. I came in right under budget and, predictably, my biggest expense is gas (about $130 a month) and then food/coffee. I've never done this before, but I've found that it keeps you on track in the same way as calorie counting does.

9. Last weekend was gloomy and drizzly, but this weekend is supposed to be sunny and in the nineties. I think it's time to brown up these white legs and get in some pool time. 

10. I'm reading The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd right now for book club and it's... okay. It's nothing that I feel hasn't been done before, and, as I've described it to a few people, it's "the Oscar bait of books." Granted I'm only about 100 pages in, so I could change my mind, but so far I just don't think it's anything innovative.

Things I Refuse to Feel Guilty About

[Nope. Not going to either]

1. Honking at people. The asshole deserved it. 

2. Occasionally shelling out $20 on Smashbox lipgloss. 

3. Wanting what other people have. Land Rovers. Awesome patio furniture. Nice feet. Inner peace. 

4. Deeply caring about how much I weigh. I've weighed myself almost daily since college, not that I necessarily do anything about it. I'm a stats-driven person.

5. Desperately wanting a housekeeper to come just once, to deep clean. Just once, that's all.

6. Giving my baby a few ounces of formula throughout the day. He's primarily breast milk-fed but sometimes needs a little more. I refuse to let him starve, he's on the smaller side anyway.

7. Drinking, and loving, Diet Coke.

8. Thinking that Patrick Stewart is hot.

9. Throwing clothes in the dryer with a damn towel rather that ironing. Truth be told, I suck balls at it. 

10. Supporting various welfare programs but thinking drug testing should be required. I know it's very Republican of me (shudder), but I think it should happen. Those that use, especially parents, should receive assistance with rehab, though.

11. Generally not changing grades. You have to earn it. And no, crying won't help. 

12. Refusing to partake in organized religion but praying when necessary. Yes, I'm one of those people. I guess I use God.

13. Not baptizing Sawyer. Speaking of religion... My mom's family is quite Catholic, so I've been asked about this a few times. 

14. Liking Facebook. Educated, cultured grown-ups aren't supposed to support such a ridiculous habit, but I don't care. It helps me get in touch with people and is entertaining.

15. De-friending or blocking people on Facebook. If I wouldn't wish you happy birthday I'm cutting you out. If you're a family member that's annoying as shit but would notice if I de-friended you and would ask my mom I'm blocking you.

16. Liking Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.

17. Not being impressed with popular books. Even those that are liked by the literate crowd. 

18.  Not allowing things to get in the way of enjoying my time off with my baby. 

19. Caring and worrying about money. And wanting more of it, please.

20. Still listening to The Backstreet Boys, Sir-Mix-a-Lot, and Britney when I exercise. And possibly when I drive too... 

What about you?

Nonfiction Nagging: Walden on Wheels

Yesterday I finished Ken Ilgunas' Walden on Wheels, his story about how he handled his post-college debt (over $30,000 after his undergraduate). Part memoir, part travelogue, Ilgunas writes with an honest, fresh perspective about money, the post-collegiate experience, and discovering one's identity. 

Ilgunas' anxiety over his student loan debt reached a peak upon graduating, realizing that he didn't have anything lined up post-commencement. Adding to this worry, was his mother's sense of panic- she had cosigned, after all. Ilgunas decides that he will pay off his debt as quickly as possible, living in voluntary poverty until the his mission has been accomplished. He finds his way to Alaska, a place he had wanted to visit for years, leading guided tours, cleaning, and cooking. He slowly starts paying his debt down and stays through the winter months. And thus begins Ilgunas' journey that includes hitchhiking across the country, rowing for months, working in Hurricane Katrina clean-up areas, staying with a friend in Denver, and dealing with his parents' concern for his alternative lifestyle. 

Eventually, Ilgunas does pay off his debt and decides that he wants to go to graduate school without accumulating anymore. He's accepted into a liberal arts program at Duke and decides to live in a van (hence the title). Something that sounds so simple ends up being incredibly difficult on sanitation, emotional, and logistical levels. Living in a van can be smelly and lonely.

Personally, this got me thinking about my own loans. I'll be honest- I graduated from my undergrad at UCLA with about $24,000 in debt, added nearly $10,000 for my teaching credential (I had to take money out to live off of), and then an additional ten or twelve for my masters (it all becomes a blur at a certain point). I think I still owe around $25,000? I honestly don't even know, since my payments just come out automatically every month. And while I wish I wasn't paying $400 a month, I consider loans a necessary evil. I didn't come from a wealthy family, and frankly, I began my education as an adult. The expectations that parents must pay for complete college costs is ludicrous to me. Having some debt upon graduation is motivating- you have to get a job, you have to have a plan, you have to be responsible. There is no way I'll take out a second mortgage or ruin my retirement dreams to send me kid(s) to college. Help, yes, but provide a four-year free-ride? No. But, it is a personal decision, and I know plenty of nice people that feel otherwise. I digress. I guess that while I admire Ilgunas' quest to become debt free, I myself don't feel that level of urgency. I rather live comfortably for the life of my loan than shack up in a tent, Alaska, or van for a few years to pay them off sooner. But, like I just said, to each her own. His commentary about the idea of being indebted to someone, whether a bank or ones' parents rings partially true, though. I don't mind owing Sallie Mae, but the idea of owing a family or friend something makes me sick to my stomach.

I can't recommend this book enough, both for the thought-provoking aspect and the travel narrative. 

Fiscally Responsible: A Post About Money

[source; via AMC's Breaking Bad]

Last Friday I met with my two good friends, who also happen to be a couple (making for an even more interesting conversation), for happy hour and much of our evening turned into a discussion about money- everything from how we budget to what money actually means to us. When we left we joked about how old we felt, our tequila shooting evenings turned into something Suze Orman would appreciate. But in truth I really enjoyed our talk, as it's rare to find people that you can honestly discuss something so controversial and sensitive as money. It made me see my relationship with the dollar a little clearer and forced me to articulate things that had been bouncing around in my brain for years.

This post isn't meant to give advice, but to instead let me ramble on about something that I think about often and enjoy, albeit the stress it sometimes brings. I know that everyone has different experiences with money and is in different phases of their lives, so don't feel this is a blanket post for all. 

The Financial-Talker Types

I think so many of us are a bit squeamish about talking money with others, since it really is a very personal thing. My hesitancy often comes from motive, though. I feel like there are usually five types of people: those that are complainers, nosy, private, nervous, or open. The complainers may focus on their lack of money, their hatred of taxes, or how the spending habits of others bother them. Nosy people love to pry either because they need some sort of ruler to measure their own bank accounts against or because they relish in the details of other people's lives. Some are private, feeling that they don't owe anyone anything, while others are perhaps embarrassed, in denial, anxious, or disinterested. And then there are people that read like an open book- they'll happily provide you their most recent tax returns if you ask for them nicely.

Personally, I'm a combination of a few types. There are certain people, like my husband and some super-close friends that I'm very open with. At our happy hour conversation specific figures were even thrown over the table, and I didn't feel the slightest bit intruded on. I have no problem telling my students about how much my student loan or car payments are, or how much I spend on utilities (I don't go into how much I make, my mortgage, or how much my wedding ring cost, but instead practical things that may help them realize that the real world is expensive). There are some people, though, the nosy ones and people I don't know well, that I completely shut off around. I don't go out of my way to tell my family how much I make or what I spend on vacations or "luxury" items, nor would I hide the information if asked. Money does cause my a great deal of anxiety, though, evidenced by my semi-strict budget and constant second-guessing before purchasing items that are deemed necessities.

Products of Our Environments

Like so many other things, our backgrounds influence our financial paths. Some inherit money from rich parents, while some may take responsibility for a family's debt. Some parents go out of their way to teach their children about money, while others may remain tight-lipped on the matter. Some of us use our parents as financial idols, wanting to replicate the solid nest-eggs they built, while others of us learn what not do by their examples. Personally, my family had no extra money left when growing up- my father was the primary source of income and after he died my mom had to compensate so that we could keep our house and survive month to month (no easy task with four kids, two of which quite small). There wasn't anything to fall back on and extra expenditures were incredibly stressful. This has obviously shaped my spending habits and need to save as an adult. It also has made me incredibly independent; I refuse to accept financial assistance from others and feel uncomfortable when people give me money or high dollar gifts. It's simply not what I come from.

Safety in Money

Nest egg, cushion, rainy-day fund- all terms that imply safety. A savings account may not buy happiness in some senses, but in a way it can. Having x amount in the bank provides some of us with a feeling that if those tragic "what-ifs" come true there's something to fall back on. This of course implies that there is a danger, to those people (myself included), of not having a certain amount saved. A danger of what, I'm not sure, but that's the point- I don't want to find out. Knowing that I have what I have in my savings account makes me feel better, it provides a comfort that if something happens with my health, job, car, or home I could probably make it through for awhile until a more permanent solution was found. 

I also am a firm believer in saving. I think there are a lot of people out there that believe that since they can't afford to save a lot that it's not worth the trouble. But let's say you won't miss $20 a month (that four mochas at Starbucks)- that's nearly $250 for the year. After four years of doing that you'll have $1,000, not counting interest. And maybe that's not enough to retire on, but it is the means to fix a car, hop a flight to New York, or just let keep growing.

Making Your Money Work for You

This topic definitely took the bulk of our conversation. Money should make money, if you're investing correctly. You should diversify your funds and choose where to place your money depending on your age, income, and end goals. Personally, I'm horrible with this. My retirement is through the teacher's union (which needs to get it's shit together with the state, so that it still exists in thirty years) and my savings is in a high-interest savings account. That's it. I guess the house is a long term investment, but other that that I have been way, way too conservative with my money. Some people excel at investing wisely, and have the balls to do so. They see the long-term picture, knowing that the market will go up and down and will probably always correct itself with a gradual upward motion. They don't panic when they lose a few thousand dollars and they don't get too attached when they gain. My reluctance to invest undoubtedly goes back to my upbringing; we never knew when something bad was going to happen and the idea of not having the  money  readily available, or losing any of it for "no reason," is too frightening for me. Interestingly, I adored playing stock-market games in high school and loved playing around with $500 I threw into some stocks a few years ago (but then sold when I got in a car accident... for a slight profit!). Bottom line- there are different types of saving styles.  

Budgeting 

I love to budget (given that I have money coming in). My husband and I keep separate accounts for all personal, recreational, and luxury expenditures, and a household account that is for our mortgage, utilities, groceries, pet expenses, and eventually for baby costs. Student loans, car payments, gas, books, video games, travel, meals out, etc... come from our own accounts- we take it a whole step further and even pay separately when we eat out. While some think we're crazy, it works perfectly for us. I can count the arguments that we've had about money in ten years of togetherness on one hand. There is no resentment, secrets, or issues with overdrawing. That's the key, though- you have to find a way to manage your monthly budget that works for you. I know exactly, within $50 usually, how much our household account needs each month, so we each deposit half of that. When it comes to my personal account I subtract my regular bills, allow $100 per week for gas and weekly expenses, and then usually split the remainder in thirds- a part for savings, a part for paying down a car or student loan, and a part for something "fun." This is of course flexible; I've been madly trying to pay off my car for the past year (and just did yesterday!), so everything extra has gone to that. I'm not a big shopper, either, so I don't buy a lot of clothes or "things." I am, however, more lenient when it comes to doing things- I'll drop $50 or $75 on a great dinner a few times a year, go to concerts or other events, or spend money to drive to cities to do new things with friends. Personal prefrence. I also tend to use my Amazon credit card for everything I can- I save the points and use them for Christmas gifts, paying off the balance each month (or sometimes each week, if I'm being really on top of things). Again, it works for me. 

I understand that a lot of people live paycheck to paycheck, or are seriously in debt, whether they're students, laid off, or manage in a single-income family. But there's power in being honest and aware about your financial state, even if it's just to yourself. 

Thoughts? 

Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts

Link up below! It's great seeing some new blogs pop up! 

1. I'm keeping track of the books I read on a Pinterest board, for some reason. To show off? To motivate myself visually?  I don't know, but for now it's fun.

2. I really love elbow patches- on myself, little kids, old crusty professors, it doesn't matter.

[source]

3. We had to buy poor Chomsky a slow-feed bowl bowl because in the last few months he's been scarfing down his food faster and faster (probably tied to the diet dog food... sorry buddy). I read Marley and Me, so you don't need to tell me twice about the dangers of bloat and labs. He's getting better at navigating it, but the first few feedings he was very frustrated and very slow. I'm thinking that the problem solving skills might do his cognitive level some good too.

[source]

4. So almost two weeks ago I had an issue with a red light camera (ie I made one of those snap decisions to turn right too late and got my picture taken). For those that don't have to deal with them in your city or state these little fuckers are expensive- $490 plus traffic school, of you choose (I may or may not have gotten one several years ago... in the same spot... that I'm never going near again). Anyway, the ticket came and the bail was blank, so I called the police department and left a message. By the time I had finished looking up the ticket online someone called me back and we started reviewing my driving record, the law, etc... At the end of the call he said he'd reduce my ticket... to zero. Thankful doesn't even begin to describe how I felt, considering I'm frantically trying to pay my car off before day care costs start up.

5. I've gotten into the habit of taking a half or so and dicking around on my computer as soon as I get home everyday, to relax. It occurred to me, miraculously, that I could instead use that time to read, so I've instituted a new "no technology" block when I get home and am so far finding it a much better way to transition from work to home.

6. I listen to this pregnancy podcast series on the way home from work (totally the same thing as going to classes, right?) and the other day I listened to an episode on hormones. The doctor mentioned that it takes men nearly a decade to experience the normal hormonal shift a non-pregnant woman experiences in a month. Insane!

7. I just got an Ulta coupon for 20% of my entire purchase that expires the day after payday. This is not good.

8. Speaking of blowing money, February is definitely the month to get back on track after recovering from the holidays in January. Prior to December I was paying my credit card off on a weekly basis and it worked wonderfully; I've still been paying it off every month, but it's so much more depressing to see that final total. I know I could just switch to cash, but I really like my points. February is also the month to get our taxes done, which always makes me incredibly nervous, despite the fact that I haven't owed anything to the IRS since I was about nineteen, we own a home, and both claim zero. But still.

9. I'm currently reading Five Star Billionaire by Tash Aw, which was long-listed for the Booker, and am really enjoying it so far. I love when authors initially follow a short story sort of format and then slowly connect the characters together. 

10. An old high school friend posted this link on my Facebook the other day (if you're reading, Suzanne, you always send me the best stuff) to an article about a secret library at Grand Central Station. Very awesome. Please, someone in NYC go and report back. 

Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts

1. It's such a good thing that Smart Phones weren't invented when I was in college- I would have never paid attention in class. It was hard enough staying awake and focusing the way it was.

2. Did anyone else read about the Claire Messud interview snafu? I'm definitely not a fan, but I think things were blown out of proportion. An interview from Publisher's Weekly commented on one of her character's being unlikable and that she wouldn't want to be friends with her in real life. Messud irritatedly answered that we shouldn't look for friends when we read and wanted to know if the interviewer would ask that of male authors or male characters. Cue the feminists and the feminist-haters. One of my biggest pet peeves is people disliking books because they don't like the characters, so I agree with her on that, and but I'm not sold on the gender aspect.

3. Confession: I'm eating chicken again, and have been for a few months. Not just any chicken, though, it has to be free-range, vegetarian-fed, and antibiotic/hormone-free (read: expensive as hell). I only eat it a certain number of times a week, and am generally really picky about what restaurants I'll get it from (never, ever, ever from fast food places except maybe Chipotle). Bottom line: being a good vegetarian is hard. Getting COMPLETE proteins on a daily basis is really, really difficult. I was eating plenty of protein, but I wasn't consuming all the necessary amounts of the nine amino acids. Anyway, since starting back on poultry three months ago my body seems to appreciate it and at this point I'm going to have to keep it up. This is definitely not something I am happy about (in fact I hate it), but at this point my health is more important. Eventually, many years down the road, I'll give it a try again, and yes, I still think bacon is disgusting (I think all meat is disgusting, for the record).

I've been really conflicted about even mentioning this, but feel that since I've wrote about being a vegetarian in the past it was the most transparent thing to do. I don't give two shits about what people think about my diet, but I do consider myself an honest person.

4. My new favorite thing to do is set the incline really high on my treadmill and read while I walk. Pages are being read while calories are being burned and glutes are being toned. It's a win-win-win. An hour goes by so fast with a good book.

5. I think there will always be a "poor" kid inside of me, despite the fact that I'm not exactly hurting for cash (nor am I hemorrhaging it, so please don't ask for any). We weren't quite poor growing up, but there wasn't any extra money. Our birthdays and Christmases were modest, and we didn't get new things just because we were at the store. We had to save money we earned for things we wanted and my parents had no problem telling us no (don't get me started on  spoiled kids today). As an adult with a decent job I still tell myself no, all the time. For example, I've been wanting a stupid $15 book light for months but have put off buying it because I "don't need to spend the money." It's ridiculous. And when I finally bought it I couldn't squelch the momentary feelings of buyer's remorse. I want to buy things all the time, don't get me wrong. Money and I have a complicated relationship...

6. Yesterday I had to get new tires ($654 bucks later...) and spent an hour sitting at Starbucks reading. Why don't I do that more often? It's so nice to sit outside, away from artificial light and computers with a book. I hang out in my backyard all the time, but it's nice to actually leave the house with the purpose of finding somewhere to read. When I was in college my ex-boyfriend and I used to go to the local coffee shop every Sunday morning for breakfast and studying, a tradition I'd love to one day start again (except not with him... not that anything's wrong with him, it would just be slightly weird).

7. I'm gracing my mom with my presence for Mother's Day. I know, best present ever, right? I haven't been home for a year and a half, for various reasons, so I suppose I'm overdue (my mom has been down in my area several times, though, so it's not like I haven't seen her). We're going to spend the day in Yosemite with my two sisters on Saturday, which I'm pretty psyched about. I need

8. I think a lot of people forget that friendships need maintenance, especially those that we make as adults. Friends that have been around since childhood or high school are different- those are the people you can go months without talking to and pick up right were you left off. Friends that are more recent, though, need attention on both ends. I think it's something we all forget.

9. I love, love, love it when my students start petitions in the hopes of changing my mind about something. I received one a few weeks ago so that a kid didn't have to change seats (I wrote "rejected" and "denied" on it and pinned it to my wall) and today I received an email trying to convince me to cancel the plans I had for class because the kids were tired after a test they had this morning. Eventually they will learn that my classroom is not a democracy. I spent to much money on my education to not be in charge.

10. I might buy a bike. That is if I remember how to ride one, get over the sticker price, and curb my fear of getting a flat tire fifteen miles away from my house.