What I'm into this week: 3/17/17

Reading

I'm still going through my dystopian literature phase, so I am re-reading Fahrenheit 451. It's not as dramatic as I remember, but it's still a book I find new things in every time I read it. I especially love that my yellowed, tattered, paperback copy has my notes from when I was in highschool. It's interesting to see what I found important back then, when I was just learning to think critically. There are so many parts of this book that resonate with me. The biggest thing being I am glad now more than ever that I cut the cord and stream everything. It's made me pickier about what I spend my time watching. I'm not trying to be a snob about it - there is definitely a time and place for mindless entertainment. It's when that mindlessness takes over all of your habits, like Mildred in this novel, that I have a problem with. If you haven't read Fahrenheit 451, please pick up a copy. It's a quick read and I think one of the most essential books in American literature.

What I'm into this week: 3/3/17

Reading

I have been in a reading mood this week. I polished off Brave New World and then dove right into Dark Matter. Brave New World being a dystopian classic, I felt like I was missing out on something because I hadn't yet read it. I was familiar with the premise, but it's still nice to read the actual novel. I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing that I didn't find it all that dystopian. Maybe it's because it's older and I've read so many other, more shocking dystopian novels that are much newer. People having frequent sex for fun while using protection? What's so scary about that? People popping a soma anytime they are distressed? Um, isn't that basically how people use Xanex today?
I flew through Dark Matter - I couldn't put it down. It was mostly fast paced and pretty darn nerdy. It touched on some really heavy physics, without being overwhelmingly specific. It's also, at it's heart, a love story. I enjoyed it and honestly wouldn't mind a sequel. It's worth a read if you enjoy a good sci-fi romp that isn't too far out of the realm of possibilities.

What I'm into this week: 2/3/17

Reading

I just finished The Thousandth Floor. It was a super quick and easy read and I couldn't put it down. It was the perfect distraction from reality. Think Gossip Girl meets not-so-distant future New York. Pretty sure it qualifies as teen lit, but I don't care, it was fun, lightweight reading.

Listening

Dear Sugars,
I have a problem. I can't quit you. I've given up on music, tv, and movies.
Seriously, what did I do before this podcast? Why did I not discover this sooner?! When I asked on Facebook for podcast recommendations, this was the one that almost everyone agreed was amazing. How could something live up to that kind of hype? Well, it does. I want Cheryl and Steve to solve my problems for me! They give sound advice with lots of empathy. They're like the older siblings or cousins we all wish we had. I love their message of "follow beauty", no matter how it appears in your life.

Crafting

I was so excited to start two new projects this week! I started on the Stitch Sampler shawl for a friend. And then a pokeball hat for said friend's daughter.
....and then I realized I put them both on the wrong needles and had to rip everything out. Sigh. I don't want to say they were perfect and amazing and that I'm getting to be a great knitter, but I had made really solid progress. Poo. I hate having to start over. But I love that with knitting I have that option. When I picked up my crafty pursuits, I really thought sewing would be my thing. And I do still love it. Knitting was more of a what the hell, why not pursuit. It's become my go to activity to relax me.

Beauty

You have got to try Sephora's cleansing water. I tried it at a friend's house in November and immediately went out and bought the biggest bottle they sell for myself. It's one of the best makeup removers I have ever tried. Most removers that are strong enough to get waterproof mascara off tend to sting my eyes. Not this stuff. It's gentle and I dig the scent. Plus my skin feels great after using it. I love it so much that I sent my sister a late night picture text of the stuff telling her to buy it immediately. You know it's love when I risk waking her up with a text.

What I'm into this week: 1/13/17

Reading

I'm currently reading the third book in the Outlander series, Voyager. It's along the same lines and just as long. I'm not super excited about this book or the series in general. It's pretty much porn set in a historical setting. I read it because it puts me to sleep fairly quickly, yet is also entertaining while I'm still awake. Not exactly a ringing recommendation there, I know.

Listening

"Is depression funny?"
Not usually, but it is when you listen to The Hilarious World of Depression. This new podcast is amazing. The premise is John Moe talking to comedians who suffer from all kinds of mental illnesses. A friend pointed me towards this and I'm so very glad she did. I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to scream "Me too!" during almost every episode. Aside from tackling a tough topic with humor, it's incredibly relatable, sensitive, emotional, and, above all, hopeful. In episode 3, when Sam Grittner talks about his blog post on his suicide attempts and the response it got, I had to pause to wipe tears from my eyes. In episode 5, when Andy Richter talks about people always asking when he'll be able to go off his meds, I screamed "Yes! Why do they keep doing that?!". Why do people do that? There really is such a stigma around mental health and getting care. Is it just like that in the US or is this a world wide thing?

Crafting

I'm getting ready for the local Women's March, so I need to make my pussyhat. It looks like a quick knit, thankfully, because I haven't even purchased yarn yet, so I'm a bit behind. This weekend will be full of frantic knitting. Also, I really hate pink, so it's going to be hard to find a color of yarn that I am willing to wear.
On deck is a sampler stitch shawl for my friend Alisha. I'm super excited because she is so excited to get a shawl and the yarn she's picked out is amazing.

Beauty

We did our Christmas gift exchange with my immediate family in January this year. Mom got us both this First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream and I am loving it. The scent is pleasant but very faint. It's not greasy at all. I think it's going to be great for healing dry hands this winter.