What I Read In January!

"I'm going to try to blog about things other than what books I read" - me, in December. Me through the entire month of January: I am exhausted. I have the SADs real bad. I always struggle a little more in the winter than summer months, but this winter has been tough. I've been taking a lot of things personally and essentially hibernating because I don't want to deal with it. So, rough month for mental health, but I did get a lot of reading done! If you missed what I read in December, you can catch that here. Linking up with Steph & Jana for Show Us Your Books!

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The ABC Murders: Again, another month with lots of Poirot novels. I regret nothing. I've started looking for Agatha Christie novels in used bookstores. I'm turning into a monster. I love it because I have yet to figure out the murderer. Cannot get enough. Highly recommend all of them.

Cards On The Table: This Poirot novel taught me about Bridge. A card game I didn't realize I might be interested in until reading about people playing cards. I think, aside from never being able to guess the murderer, I also love how quick these reads are. I can never put them down. 

Where the Crawdads Sing: I'd had this on library holds forever. To the point where I thought maybe I wouldn't ever get it or it wouldn't be as good as everyone said. I enjoyed this one, the main character really broke my heart. I saw someone on instagram say it was unreasonable that they were always going to Asheville instead of like. Charlotte or Raleigh. and I agree. I don't know anything about the history of North Carolina but I do know where Asheville is in relation to the coast. Anyways, this was a good one, kind of stressful, gets a little slow but not so slow you're like "ugh will this ever end?" just slow enough where you're like "okay I don't feel bad stopping after this chapter."

Murder in Mesopotamia: Poirot strikes again! I feel like I'm not giving good reviews of these because I love them all for the same reasons. There's different characters and new things I learn in each of them but like, again, baseline: I love that I can't guess the murderer and that I can breeeeze through them. 

Death on the Nile: I read this entire book during the Show Us Your Books Readathon and I regret ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. I liked that I technically had an excuse to read all day and not feel guilty or like I was avoiding dealing with something (reader, I was avoiding some things.) I even won one of the prizes for playing along, and I never win things! Anyways, this one is on a boat (obviously) and made me want to go on a river cruise up the Nile. I didn't guess the murderer but this time it was because they worked so hard to make me believe it wasn't who I thought it was! (maybe I have an Agatha Christie addiction forming)

The Last Town on Earth: I found this one from this linkup! It's a part of American history I didn't really know much about. I feel like I should remember the Spanish Influenza outbreak, but I really don't think we studied it. This one made me cry and feel all sorts of things for the main character. The author kind of lost my attention for a little bit, but I wanted to know how it all ended. I realize that I didn't give any stars up until this point,  but I give this one 4. Maybe 4.5. It was an interesting story and like, timed well with the whole flu situation going on now.

That's it! That's everything I read in January! I've set my goodreads goal at 50 this year, so hopefully I can keep this pace up. I've been trying to read a chapter or two every morning instead of mindlessly scrolling through twitter, because man is twitter making me feel tired all the time. Now I'm currently reading The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, which I learned about when I found out a bigger name author had basically stolen her premise and work! 

Currently: March

Literally two days ago I was writing about how I wanted to be more proactive and schedule posts ahead of time because I’m done procrastinating, and here I am writing a post in my down time, four hours after I meant to have it live. Whatever. In my defense, I went to file for my homestead exemptions, which took the least amount of time. Now I have to figure out how to file my taxes, it was so much easier when I just filled in my W-2s and pretended I would get any money back for paying student loans back. (LOL, cute little innocent Kasey) Anyways, let’s talk currently!

Reading: Big Little Lies. I’m tearing through it. I forgot how light reading could be when it wasn’t tiny, tight print for 850 pages. I’m absolutely going to finish it before the weekend is over. Maybe I’ll try my hand at writing book reviews, I don’t know if I could do them without spoiling things… Also I joined the Book of the Month club, we'll see how that goes....

Writing: This post, duh. But also, I’m working on improvingmy handwriting in the bullet journal and coming up with some projects around the house to write about. I did this really cool construction project in the back yard, but I keep waiting for the flowers in the planter to perk up before I take the pictures of it. What would y’all like to see here?

Singing: Colour Me In: Damien Rice. I’ve been pretty hooked on Emily’s February 2017 playlist, and I have always loved Damien Rice. The weather has been nice, so it’s been a windows down, radio blasting, singing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs kind of week.

Grudging: Okay so speaking of the windows down, a piece of plastic broke on my car’s sunroof thing, so it wouldn’t close. I took it to the dealership to have them fix it and great news! It was only going to be the cost of labor to fix it! But also you have $300 of other things that need to be fixed too so go ahead and get that taken care of. So whatever, it’s cheaper to keep her, but I pick my car up & immediately open the sunroof, I need the vitamin D. I get home and climb up to see how it was fixed? THEY TOOK THE ENTIRE BROKEN PART OUT AND DIDN’T REPLACE IT. It wasn’t even a necessary part. Damn y’all, I have a drill, I could have done that. They also called and told me if I give them all 10s on the review the Jeep people send out, I will get a free car wash. I’m pretty sure that’s not how those things work….

HAPPY FRIDAY Y’ALL. I will be running a 5k for beer tomorrow at 8:30 tomorrow morning. That means beer around 9. You can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning J Do you have anything fun planned this weekend?

Currently & Some February Goals

So, in true Tuesday fashion, I just ran the coffee maker without adding water. So I'm doing great today! I have to be honest, I'm a little rusty/nervous getting back into this whole blogging thing, so today we're going to talk some goals and what's currently happening. Seems simple enough, right? 

FIRST OF ALL. Can we talk about the Beauty & the Beast trailer? PLEASE. I have easily watched it 25 times since last night. #sorrynotsorry I'll just leave it here in case you've been under a rock for the last twelve hours. I am 28 years old and not even a little ashamed to admit that I am so excited and also that I cried when I watched it. Obviously, I definitely just bought my ticket for opening night..

I'm currently planning (possibly entirely too far in advance) a trip to Ireland & Scotland for next summer. Yeah, next summer. I've been daydreaming of Ireland for as long as I can remember, so my thought process was, if I start saving now I can skip the "save money by staying in hostels with 96 of your closest friends" and splurge on a night in a castle or something. Plus, I made a savings tracker in my bullet journal where I get to color every time I save $10. 

SO let's talk goals! It's a short month, so I'm making a short list.

1. Blog three times a week: I've been overthinking and trying to come up with perfect content and pictures, so I've been hesitant to post anything I don't feel is perfect & forgetting that the real joy is the writing itself. So here we go! 
2. Workout every day: I want to be able to do a three minute plank, so I figure if I do one every day, by the end of the month SURELY I can do it. Also I'd really like to get over 10,000 steps every day so my fitbit stops judging me.
3. Keep the house clean: Somehow, I am a person who has someone to clean the house (I feel that it's worth the money to not have to be the one to deep clean the bathroom.) and yesterday was the first day. My whole house smelled like pinesol, it was amazing. I'm constantly pinning all of these "hacks" to keep your house clean, surely I can read one or two of those articles. 

So that's what I want to knock out this month. I'll be using my bullet journal to keep myself accountable, and here, and instagram. What are you trying to accomplish this month? 

Sorry, I Can't, I'm Reading an Awesome Book.

We can just count this as a lately post, right? I would tell you oh sorry I've been away I've just be oh so very busy. That would be a lie. The reality of the situation is that I've been reading the Outlander series. Can't put 'em down. Now, the real issue with this addiction is that all of these books are a minimum of 1200 pages. My mom is reading them with me, she got ahead of me and jokes when she gets her book club books "oh this one I'll read in a day, it's only 300 pages!" So that's where I've been. I've only got two left. I don't know what I'm going to read next, any suggestions? 

We renewed our lease through November, but with my fancy new job, I've decided I want to buy a house. I want a backyard and I really want a puppy. I also really really want a back yard and a place I can sit outside and enjoy my coffee and a good book. Or have people over for a party. (you guys are all invited to my housewarming. here's hoping I can save up enough by November and luck into a place in both my budget + the neighborhood I want....) To help with my savings, I downloaded this app. Qapital? I saw an ad on instagram + downloaded it, what I have set up right now is that every time I swipe my credit card, it rounds up to the nearest even number + saves that money. Since I downloaded it last Friday I've saved $20! That's like, .50% of my $5,000 goal... that's right, half of a percent. Baby steps. 

Baseball is back, so obviously I'm all wrapped up in that fo'sho. I hit my first game for the last season at the Ted soon Friday, but there's not much to say about this team right now... Not to mention the Can of Corn linkup I've been neglecting... guys I am the worst blogger lately. Thursday though! Thursday come back + link up with your best baseball memory. I am looking to read all kinds of stories that make me laugh and cry obvi.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm almost finished with An Echo in the Bone, so I must be off. What's new with everyone? Any first home buyer's (in probably a year..) advice? Any book suggestions? 

Currently

Hey do you know what is great for the blogger writer's block? A "currently" post! So how about a look at life lately?

Listening : To ALL THE BEATLES SONGS also Drink You Away #cantstopwontstop #ALLofhisfriends #Irealizethisisnthashtaghumpday #butimgettingaheadstart

Reading: I just finished Drums of Autumn so I'm on to The Firey Cross next. I might finish the entire Outlander series this before the spring. Then I'm going to need more suggestions guys. I've been the biggest bookworm lately. 

Planning: This Peru/Macchu Picchu trip. guys. it's going to happen. Right now I'm leaning towards the Contiki Inca Panorama but I haven't ruled out figuring it out on my own. Y'all think I can do that right? The travel bug is real y'all. So real. 

Drinking: A giant bottle of wine I bought in preparation for the #Snowmageddon16 (we got 1/4" it was incredible -- it was enough snow to be pretty and it was all gone by like noon Saturday. insert praise emoji here.)

Dreaming: of the summer. I am so over "feels like 11" HOW DO YOU PEOPLE UP NORTH DO IT? Also I hate that it's dark when I get out of work, it's like, what does the sun even look like. Remember daylight? Yeah, me either. 

Baking: GUYS I NEED SUPERBOWL FOODS. I'm having a Superbowl party. It's happening. I need food ideas because I gotsta be the hostess with the mostest obviously or no one would want to read subsequent blog posts about it. Any suggestions? 

What's up with y'all? Have you read the Outlander series? What on earth will I read next? 

If We Were Having Coffee....

If we were having coffee I would probably insist on sitting outside. There's actually no probably about it. I would also have already insisted at meeting at some fun, local spot. Like, if we're having coffee this weekend, I'll insist you meet me at Swift + Finch (even if all the Berry kids judge us)

If we were having coffee I would be gushing about the book I just finished, Joy in The Morning because I didn't even realize that Betty Smith (author of my favorite book ever, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn) had written more than one book. I'd gush on + on about how I have come to expect stories to not have a happy ending because life hasn't lately. I would also demand ask for new book suggestions...

If we were having coffee I would immediately apologize for the whole "life hasn't had happy endings lately" because I don't want you to think that I'm too sad or not as fun as normal. Then I would probably apologize for apologizing, and try to justify the whole thing with "the right stuff is just around the corner, I know it." Then I would insist on you telling me all of the fantastic things in your life. 

If we were having coffee I would tell you how I've started this bullet journal process because of Nina saying she read about Amber having such success with it. I might only be on day two, but I feel substantially more organized already. Plus, it lets me use the adorable journal Meagan sent me for the journal swap! 

If we were having coffee I would want to talk about literally anything except wedding season. Like how I have had it up to here with Bloglovin, or how I'm now stressed out about having multiple interviews rather than never hearing anything. I would probably want to whine about moving a little more. I promise I won't do it anymore after next weekend, at least until I have to move again. 

If we were having coffee I would probably make you listen to a bunch of new music too. Like this one by Dwight Yoakam. Then I would probably jump up and go "OH it's time for lunch! Let's find something with a patio + acceptable lunch sangria!"

What would you tell me if we were having coffee? Any book suggestions? Have you read Joy In The Morning? How are you doing?  Have you tried the bullet journal system? 

Currently

IT'S APRIL TOMORROW YOU GUYS. APRIL. Can we just have a moment of silence for winter? Just kidding. I'm really glad winter is over. I mean at least I think it is. We had a rough weekend though. ALLEGEDLY it's going to be 80 this week. EIGHTY DEGREES. girls hit your hallelujah! 

C U R R E N T L Y  I AM:

reading Lincoln in the World, Cross Bones, and Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire. Yes. Three books at a time because I'm apparently incapable of focusing on one story. I keep Bones in my purse, Harry Potter for the bath (is that an overshare? sorry...) and Lincoln for anywhere I get a chance to read it.t

drinking COFFEE COFFEE COFFEE. but I'm looking forward to warmer days, some spark samples from Jen, and brainstorming what fun cocktail I'll make for Thursty Thursday....

soul searching: about a potential career move + whether or not it's the right choice. there will be yellow legal pads + pro/con lists. Ted Mosby would be proud.

planning: a trip to Charleston AND that trip to Naples at the end of the month. April is a really busy month for me! #jetsetter

loving: all of these things from Friday ;; these Belgium sunset pictures from Life+1 ;; my beautiful sponsor ladies who are the real MVPs because they're the first! Lindsay ;; Meagan (who did a currently post today too #greatminds) ;; Kati Rose ;; Kerri ;; Melissa ;; Trish

jamming: Biscuits, obvi. also Missing You by Betty Who (ps spotify updated + I cannot seem to find the embed button. waaaaaah)

learning: new tricks in Excel, how to use my fun new tripod + remote with Ringo the Rebel, and how much of a pain house hunting in Atlanta is. Don't you just want to rent me a cute little bungalow in the highlands for like. less than $800 per person? YOU DO? THANKS!

What are you up to? Can you tell that I had major writer's block this morning? (oh, I guess you can now. way to show your hand there genius...)

Forthwith

Okay. So I know we lost an hour Saturday night or Sunday morning or whatever, and I know it's what we wanted after how much we hate it getting dark early, but man does spring forward throw my entire life for a loop. So, how about a currently post? I think I'll just work through the thesaurus for "currently" synonyms. Isn't "forthwith" a fun word to say? I think I'll start using that instead of currently. 

the one where joey uses a thesaurus

Anywhoodles, yesterday I took Cassie's AdProval class + I'm so excited to try it out! What's up goal chasing 2K15. I've noticed some new faces around here and I'm so excited to have y'all here too! Maybe I should use the thesaurus on the word "excited" 

accurate depiction of my life right now. haha

30 Days At The Barre Confession: GUYS. Tomorrow is officially day 30. DAY THIRTY. I don't want to lie to you. I did get sick a week before last + I had to miss a day. But I figure, it's close enough. I'm going to go one extra day on the end, but I didn't want to cheat. I didn't want to tell y'all I did thirty straight days when I really had to take a day off. I was a very pathetic little princess that day. Literally in bed at about 4:45 pm. BUT we're keeping up + now that the 30 days are over, we're still going to go at 4 - 5 days a week. Apparently I'm a gym rat now....

Netflix Binging: Currently hooked on Gilmore Girls, HIMYM (BUT NOT THE LAST SEASON. I REFUSE. #notoverit) and seeeeeeriously considering House of Cards + The Mindy Project. As far as real life TV, I'm obviously about two weeks behind on everything. I don't know how How To Get Away With Murder ended, nor what has happened since Olivia Pope was found, nor whether or not Deacon has talked to Rayna about his liver. Priorities or something.

OY

First Sunburn of the Season: guys. I was outside for like. an hour and a half. I had on sunscreen (not only do I wear it as regular lotion, but I specifically put on another layer of sport.) I don't see any red, but man does it feel like a sunburn. BUT IT WAS SO PRETTY AND SUNSHINEY OVER THE WEEKEND. I wanted to sleep outside. I think I would have if you had let me. HEY does anyone want to go camping this summer? PLEASE. 

READING: I'm really blowing the whole 100 books thing. I'm hoping summer brings time for more reading. I have to get on that. I really want to read Girl Boss + Mindy Kailing's book + Yes Please! Do you have any suggestions? 

That's what's happening on my end, what's happening in your neck of the woods? 

Currently.

Oh I always feel like when I do a "currently" post it's because I literally don't know what to write about, oh wait, that's exactly why I'm doing it... Anyways. The sun is out today and I'm only working a half day so obviously this is going to be short + sweet because I HAVE MISSED THE SUNSHINE. Weather induced depression is real, y'all. 

reading // Sherlock Holmes a Study in Scarlet I started it in London because I didn't want to leave yet. Can I go back yet? I want to go back. 

eating // goldfish crackers. because it's 9:30 am + that is a reasonable snack. 

drinking // McDonald's coffee, which is actually really decent coffee, but they HAD THE NERVE to make it to where not all sizes are $1, which really bummed me out. It's just about time for a cocktail.

planning// for someone else to make my birthday plans. I don't wanna do it. I just want them to be done. But I also don't want it to be a surprise. I don't like surprises. 

jamming // Cold One, by Eric Church. Because I wish it was summer y'all.

See? Short, sweet, 5 things I'm currently doing. Bonus: being incredibly lazy today. Sorry... What are you up to today? ALSO HAVE YOU SEEN THE BUZZFEED ARTICLE ON RON WEASLEY BEING ADORABLE? go on. here's a sneak peek. 

Thursday Things : Currently

If you follow me on Twitter, you know I had a burst of productivity on Sunday + scheduled a bunch of posts. Which is why me being late to the party + not having anything planned for today is such a surprise, turns out the Thursday post I wrote + scheduled for #Blogtober14 is actually for next Thursday. Oops. So, since I'm at a loss for today, I figured I'd hop on the "currently" train. 

reading // The Happiness of Pursuit and HP: Goblet of Fire. Blogging for Books sent me The Happiness of Pursuit and I'm being a terrible book review person because I still haven't finished it. I started it and read half the book in one sitting, and I just haven't made time to finish it. I either read twenty books a week or none..

drinking // tequila! just kidding, it's only 11 am. Water. always with the water, you know because I read on the internet that if you drink a gallon, your hair looks prettier. Now that I've been drinking a gallon a day, if I don't drink water I feel all needy and dehydrated. 

listening // my improvement on Spotify's '00s playlist. At this exact moment? What A Girl Wants. yeah c'mon. Check it out here:  

watching // I'm so behind on all my fall TV because Gilmore Girls is on Netflix. It's really all I've been watching lately. Oops.

wishing // that I could find my other boot. I seem to have lost one of my super cute boots. It's somewhere but you know, if I would clean my closet out like I keep saying I'm going to, I would know where it was. Maybe I'll get on that today. Maybe I'll find someone who will do it for me in return for a mean margarita?

planning // I have decided that for my 26th birthday [ugh gross.] I want to go to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Isn't that what normal people do for their 26th birthday? I've also gotten my little brother hooked on HP, so I figure if I take him too, it's even more legit, right?

craving // pizza. Send pizza please. I'll love you forever -- I swear. extra cheese oh and ranch dressing. oh my goodness..

You know how if you say a word too many times, it seems to lose it's meaning? I tried so many different fonts for that picture up there that I'm pretty convinced that I spelled "currently" wrong. It's a really weird word... So what's going on in your world? Tell me about your day!