michigan

I was feeling a little lazy this morning and almost decided against a Sunday Salon post, but then I realized that I may not have a chance to write one the next two Sundays so I better post one today. As I started writing, this post became much more about my life in general than about books. But you’ll still find a condensed reading/blogging update at the bottom.

Next weekend, my best friend from law school, Susan, is coming for a last minute visit. I haven’t seen her in over a year and she’s never seen where I live now (I actually think she’s never been to Florida). We’re going to squeeze a quick Wizarding World of Harry Potter trip in (which I promise I will actually post about this time) followed by a stop at Downtown Disney to soak up some Disney atmosphere. Then we’ll head back over here and spend the second day at the beach. I don’t think I can adequately explain how excited I am for these two days. I would give just about anything to be able to see Susan every day again. At least we have our daily emails.

A few days after Susan leaves, I’m heading up to Michigan for a long weekend for my little cousin’s wedding. I’ve got just about my entire time there planned with family and friends and I am hoping (fingers crossed people) that I get a little fall weather. I haven’t seen fall in three years and I would love to experience just a touch of that fall feeling (the crisp air, that fall smell, you know what I’m talking about). Fall was always my favorite time of the year and I really miss it living here (but ask me which place I prefer come January).

As for books, I didn’t manage to read much this week. I had a lot going on in the evenings and I spent my Saturday attending a conference and then watching Michigan’s incredible win over Notre Dame (but I am going to wait a few more weeks before joining in with those Heisman whispers surrounding Robinson). I have a feeling my reading is going to wane a little the rest of this month but sometimes you need to focus on the real world a little and that should be fun.

This week I reviewed Ape House and Mr. Peanut. I also found a nice discussion on my Reading Speed & Speed Reading post. Then I kind of disappeared.

Since I didn’t do much reading, I’m going to skip my usual Just Finished/Currently Reading section. I’m still listening to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on audio. My print book is Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut.

I hope everyone had a wonderful week and is enjoying their Sunday. Anyone reading anything fabulous?

I got several book-related Christmas gifts that I’m super excited about and want to share with you all.

I first heard about reading wedges on twitter. I’ve been having trouble finding a comfortable reading position because my back has been just generally sore lately and I think my poor posture while reading may be part of the problem. So the solution was to ask for a reading wedge for Christmas. My mom bought me the Brookstone Bed Wedge Pillow and I’m already in love with it. I carry it from my bed to the couch to the chair and basically use it wherever I go. It has made sitting down and reading a book or watching tv or typing on my laptop much more enjoyable.

Another problem of mine has been that I married a high school teacher who gets up very early in the morning. This generally means that he goes to bed much earlier than I do. Now, thanks to my new LightWedge reading light, instead of going to sleep at an absurdly early hour, I can happily read the night away without bothering him. I wanted this type of book light because I thought it would be subtler. I have only used this in the car so far and it seemed a little bright for the driver (although Ben kept telling me it was fine). I will test it out further next week when school starts back up. This was a gift from my in-laws who generously gave me both the original and the paperback size.

Finally, and what might be my favorite gift of all, is my University of Michigan Snuggie. It’s another gift from the in-laws (my mother-in-law went to Michigan State so she must really love me). I know you all are thinking, “what does Michelle need a snuggie for, she lives in Florida and it’s never cold there.” Well, (a) I currently have the heat on and while it may not be freezing, it is definitely chilly, (b) I am always cold and the air conditioning is usually set way too low for my comfort, and (c) you can put that maize “M” on anything and I will use it. If only I had a bowl game to watch while wearing it. [Do you think that’s why the guy in this picture looks angry?].

And there you have it: my reading accessories. I’ve been in a little bit of a reading rut these last few weeks, so hopefully the opportunity to use these new toys will get me reading again.

Did you get any fun reading-related gifts over the holidays?

my books. my life.

Sunday Salon 9.12.10

More Christmas Goodies: Reading Accessories Edition