Not because it was hard, but because (a) my daughter kept talking to me and (b) I kept getting distracted by The Oscars. And Twitter and Facebook. Also, I was trying to figure out which leggings to buy. Anyway.
Okay, I had to look at my calendar to see what I actually did this past week. Is that sad? It feels sad. I guess it’s a good thing I’m doing the Slice of Life challenge next month, huh? Anyway, that’s where I am. So yes, this past week I:
- went to a Hamilton trivia night (my team lost)
- went to the dentist
- went to a search committee meeting for the church’s new minister
- attended a plagiarism hearing as a witness
- visited an astronomy class as part of the pilot Teaching Squares program at my school (and learned quite a bit!)
- attended a student conduct hearing as a member of the conduct board
- went to see a student production of The Drowsy Chaperone, which was super fun (I love a good farce and a good meta-narrative)
- dropped in to a party I wasn’t invited to to visit a friend who was only in town for one night
- went to the Women’s March celebration and activist fair held by the local chapter of the march
And that doesn’t even count my regularly scheduled activities (work, gym, etc.).
Also, my daughter got into her first choice college (and the only one she applied to), so that’s exciting.
Oh, and in grown up news, I decided that I can’t afford to go to New York to see Hamilton next week so canceled that trip. It sucks but was also the right thing to do. The good news is that I was able to sell my tickets super easily, so yay Hamlet, I guess.
Last week, I read:
Wires and Nerve, Volume 1 by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I liked this, though I wasn’t a big fan of the illustrations. The characters just looked all wrong to me except for Iko and Wolf.
Anyway, Iko is amazing as always, and I really appreciate that this is addressing all the Lunar soldiers left behind, which I have to admit I hadn’t given much thought to at the end of the series. So I like that Meyer is pushing us to think beyond “the win.”
All of the major characters show up, which is also nice.
Ballet Cat The Totally Secret Secret by Bob Shea
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is super adorable, and it’s made even more adorable by the fact that it’s about friendship.
I also abandoned one book:
The Blazing Star by Imani Josey
2/23/17: Made it to pg. 68, even though I was pretty certain from the first chapter this book was not going to hold my interest. I was willing to give it a chance because THAT COVER. Oh well.
Currently, I’m reading:
I am still making my way through the audiobook of Hidden Figures. I have lots of thoughts about this, most of them related to The Fifth Season, which I still have not reviewed, but I think I have a way to come at it now. Also, don’t forget that racism is systemic, all-encompassing, and a thief. And if you think we’re “past it” or in a “post-racial world,” you don’t understand history.
I am a little ways through Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan. It’s cute without being twee, so I’m enjoying it so far.
In TV news:
I watched the first episode of Big Little Lies on HBO. First of all, it was written by David E. Kelley, which I was not expecting. Second of all, I way prefer Nicole Kidman with red hair. And third of all, I found myself wondering how people who haven’t read the book experience or will experience the show.
Also, Reese Witherspoon is pretty great.
Have a good week, everyone!
The Englishist 
Hooray for your daughter getting into college. My daughter is loving her freshman year, which is a big relief. I enjoyed Hidden Figures, and Short had its moments. I still don’t understand the appeal of Hamilton, but my daughters spent the summer singing it to each other!
LikeLike
Hamilton trivia sounds like a fun way to spend a night, even if you lose.
Congrats to your daughter and I hope you have a fantastic week!
LikeLike
You sure are busy!
LikeLike
UNDERSTATEMENT. This week is more chill, though. So far.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a busy week. Good news on your daughter’s college. She must be thrilled.
LikeLike
You are one busy person. Congrats to your daughter! That’s exciting. I am discussing canceling a New York trip also. It’s so expensive. I think I’m just going to see Hamilton in Chicago and call it a day. I watched Hidden Figures, but want to read the book now.
LikeLike
It would be less expensive for me to see it in Chicago, but I think we’re going to wait for the tour to make it to Orlando now.
LikeLike
Aw, no, I’m sorry you’re not going to get to New York for Hamilton. But hopefully you’ll have another shot at seeing it on tour somewhere. It’s coming to New Orleans not this year but next (I believe), and I’m hoping I can get at least a couple of my family members tickets to see it.
LikeLike
It’s coming to Orlando! So we just decided to wait until then. Much less stressful, much more approachable/manageable.
LikeLike
I’m enjoying Big Little Lies and have also been interested to see what non- book readers think. And having read it, I’m liking Reese’s portrayal a lot.
http://gregsbookhaven.blogspot.com/
LikeLike
I think she and Laura Dern are both fantastic.
LikeLike
I always enjoy some TV talk! We just started Gilmour Girls–wasn’t sure how my son would like it, but I think he’s hooked. Nice to see Ballet Cat here–how I love those books! Dance Dance Underpants (the 2nd one) seriously cracks me up–to the point where I can’t safely read it to a group. Hidden Figures sounds fascinating–I need a new audiobook so might check that out.
LikeLike
Hmm, I might have to check out Dance Dance Underpants then.
LikeLike
test
LikeLike
Short is waiting for me to pick up from my library. It feels like I’ve been waiting for it for forever!
I agree with everyone else here. Your week sounds crazy, but good crazy. Now that I am retired, just getting groceries is a big event. I listened to Stars Above by Marissa Meyer this week. I love finding out the back stories of these characters. I loved Hidden Figures, the movie and am now interested in reading The Fifth Season. Thanks for that.
LikeLike
Woohoo for your daughter. Bummer for not being in the room where it happens next weekend.
LikeLike
Hi there Akilah – congratulations on your daughter getting into the college of her choice! That is indeed wondrous. I own a copy of Little Big Lies – looking forward to reading it before watching the series.
LikeLike