With all that's going on locally/nationally/globally, I haven't been able to read at all in the past week or so. Just can't concentrate. Which is unfortunate because if ever I needed the escape of books it would be now. I decided I needed some total brain candy. Something I didn't have to give a lot of thought to, something easy. Because seriously, who can handle an angsty read right now? (For the record, I picked up Bad for You by Abbi Glines. Total brain candy.) So I'm going to share some of my favorite feel-good romances. No angst allowed!
So is everyone else's days feeling more and more surreal? Businesses shutting their doors, food shortages, restaurants and malls closed... it's so strange. People are fearful, not knowing what's coming next or how bad it's going to get. And then there are the idiots who are carrying on as usual, gathering together, as if they - and everyone around them - are invincible. As if this is all one big vacation. Those people make me ragey.
The Husband and I went to the Commissary yesterday (the grocery store on the Navy base where we do our shopping). They were opening at 9 AM and we got there a little early thinking it might be crowded. We arrived to a line of about 150 people, snaking all along the front of the building waiting to get in. They were checking every person's ID - no visitors/guests allowed inside. Most everything was well stocked, but there were also limits in place. We kept our distance from people as much as possible, but one woman actually put her hand on my back to move around me and I thought I was going to lose it. First, even under normal circumstances, don't touch me. Personal space, people. But now... seriously? Gah!
It's funny how quickly your thought process can shift when there is a change in the norm. Without being conscious of it, I've found myself reaching for the fresh foods at home first, saving the pantry and frozen items for later. I'm conserving more because any waste seems foolish and dangerous.
The Husband and I are both working from home and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. I'm working in our home office and he is set up in the dining room. We meet up for lunch every day in the employee break room (formerly known as the kitchen). In other exciting news, Robert was named Employee of the Week. (It still counts if I was the only one voting, right?) Fingers crossed that I get that honor next week. :)
We are self-isolating as much as possible and not leaving the house unless necessary. I keep seeing jokes about couple losing it because of the forced proximity, but there's no one else I'd rather be cooped up with. All this togetherness is the one bonus in this situation. It's like I get to see my best friend all day, every day and that's pretty awesome.
We went to check on my mom Friday night and took dinner with us. We had a picnic on her driveway - about 10 feet apart. It was kind of bizarre and pitiful - but also necessary now. No way will I risk her health.
For this week's 80's music fix: I was going to skip my 80's song this week but you know what, I need a little lift now more than ever. This one is actually from 1978, not the 80's, but whatever.
Not a thing. I'm finding it hard to concentrate on reading or audio books. If I do pick something up you better believe it will be the lightest, fluffiest, happiest book ever written. I can not handle angst right now. Ugh.
Just answer three questions and share what you're reading.
Day by day things get more surreal. More restrictions, more businesses closing their doors, entire cities on lock-down. The Husband and I are both working from home now. Whatever things are like in your area, I hope you're being cautious and staying safe.
Currently reading: I started Anticipating Spring on Sunday and I'm so happy to be back in this world. Each book in this series can easily stand alone but the characters are all interconnected. It's like revisiting friends. And getting Joe and Maggie's story... I've been waiting for this since the first book! It's told mostly from Maggie's POV but here and there are a few brief pages from Joe's perspective and I'm living for those. :) Current progress: 53% Currently listening: Two YA novels in progress at the same time? Who am I??? I'm just not particularly drawn to YA stories these days but there are rare exceptions. And these two authors are among them. When it comes to Simon, my love knows no bounds. My re-reads of this one are about to hit double digits, but it never gets old.♥ Current progress: 88%
Another Christina Lauren release that left me with mixed feelings. I haven't written my review yet but I will say that so much time was spent on the celebrity couple whose marriage was crashing and burning that it completely took center stage. And that left me feeling like too little time was given the main couple and I never really got to know them. Actually, despite it being from their POV's, they often didn't even feel like the main couple because the celebrity couple's issues were constantly the focus. It left me frustrated and feeling like the balance was off.
If you've been around here any length of time you know me making a TBR is an exercise in futility. I don't make TBR's. I don't plan what I read. And even if I did I wouldn't stick to it. I'm a total mood reader and never know what I'm going to feel like picking up next. But, that being said, I've also never met a list I didn't like. So, just because it's fun to peruse my GoodReads lists and imagine reading all the books, here's my Spring TBR. Disclaimer: This list has absolutely no bearing and should be taken with many grains of salt. ;-)
Like everyone else, I suppose, life seems to be consumed with coronavirus/COVID-19. Whether it's seeing the news reports online, hearing the talk (and the off-the-wall conspiracy theories) at the office, or just staying up-to-date with the latest CDC announcements, there's really no escaping it. There are confirmed cases in my city. Schools here are all closed for at least the rest of the month, all concerts and events are cancelled, the libraries are closed. And, naturally, grocery store shelves are empty because people do enjoy a good panic. It's all very surreal.
This Tuesday (the 17th) is when my area votes in the presidential primary so I'm curious to see how that process will be affected. Hopefully I can get in and out without too much of a delay.
Friday was my mom's birthday so The Husband and I took her out to dinner (nothing new since we have a standing Friday night dinner date with her every week). And yesterday my two sisters and I took Mom out to lunch at Chicken Salad Chick (love that place).
The Husband is working from home for the next two weeks and I'm actually a bit envious. My office hasn't taken that step (yet?) but I'm still daydreaming about working from home in yoga pants and a tee shirt. :)
For this week's 80's music fix: It's Hold Me Now by the Thompson Twins. Who were actually a trio. Don't question it... it was the 80's. :)
I will never, ever get tired of this one. On Friday I was craving more Simon in my life so I started a re-listen of the audio version (which is absolute perfection). Between the book and the audio this is probably my 8th or 9th re-read and it never gets old. ♥
