Happy 4th!

Ugh. So glad for that half day from work and having tomorrow off. Between new lesions that showed up on my MRI—that most likely account for my inability to move very fast and feeling tired, dizzy, and nauseous—and this antibiotic (it's some strong stuff) I'm taking for my ear infection, I'm one helpless basket case. Got home in time to throw up. I hate throwing up. So on the couch I went for the rest of this evening. I did finish Barefoot (read my review post here).

I managed to stop by Archiver's before leaving the city. I signed up for an acrylic album workshop (Chance would be so proud) and bought some fabulous paper for which I hope to have enough energy to make some cards with this weekend. Also to do this weekend: bake some cookies and research about my new lesions.

New book to read

Last night Chance called me asking for book recommendations. She was on her weekly KateDate; this time at Borders. I take book recommendations from other people because I'm never good at picking out books on my own. In fact, it overwhelms me. Get me a book, and I'll read it. I don't trust my judgement when it comes to picking out books.

Chance called back later to gauge my interest in starting a virtual book club with her and Kate. So they picked out Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand as our first pick. We'll be starting up another blog shortly that will detail our reads. Look for it soon. Until then, I'm off to buy a book!

Bye, bye Blueprint

Not too long ago I subscribed to the Martha Stewart-endorsed magazine Blueprint. Unlike her magazine Martha Stewart Living that delves more into topics that will interest a older generation (but I still love the design and the step-by-step food and craft instructions), Blueprint was geared for the younger (post-college, early career) women who want more designerly products and treatments. But alas, the magazine didn't make it—at least in print form. I received a post card telling me as subscriber that the print publication had ceased and that my remaining subscription will be honored with Martha Stewart Living. Another one bites the dust. I was actually pretty surprised, because this magazine struck a chord with me. I loved the edgy, fun font and the photography. The topics tended to be geared more toward young women who are into designer clothes and living in the Upper Eastside of Manhattan. A far reality cry for a mid-western mentality that includes window shopping at Old Navy and Target. Maybe it was too much eye candy.

Lobsters mark the spot

All the right pieces for a lobster skirt (J. Crew) in the fall.

---

To watch: Soprano's James Gandolfini's Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq is no Italian mob documentary. Alive Day Memories gives you an inside look at those who've served their country in the Iraqi war—a true guerilla war. The loss of limbs, eyesight, and enduring other tramautic injuries may have robbed their bodies, but not their national spirit.

To read: Jane Austen's Mansfield Park.

The end of Harry Potter

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the last book in the magically creative series, is done—at last. Finished. I was one of the thousands who waited for the stroke of midnight on the 21st to find out the fate of Harry Potter. While others dressed as evil Umbridge, wise Dumbledore, and even the weepy Whomping Willow, I stood, in my Muggle best, waiting...for what, I did not know. Would Harry live? Would Ron and Hermione? One thing for sure, Voldemort would surely die.

The book was fantastic, even deserving a second, more thoughtful read. Although I'm sad to see the journey has ended, it'll always be on my shelf, should I want to experience it again. It also serves as a reminder at what we can accomplish if we set our minds to it. J.K. is a true inspiration.

The reluctant hostess

I've never "entertained" before. The mere word frightens me. How can I, a homebody, book-reading, card-making, TV-aholic knitter, entertain anyone? I look to be entertained. So, when I came across Amy Sedaris' book, I was intrigued. Maybe that's the exact approach I need to take to entertaining.

The In Laws keep asking when I'm going to have them over for dinner. Maybe a slight alcohol buzz would make the whole ordeal easier to bear if I didn't take it so seriously. I'm buying this book. I hope it gives me the courage (liquid or otherwise) I need. What could go wrong? Well, they could always remark on my dingy, stained carpet...