I spent most of February recovering from surgery. I had big plans to read more, but ended up working on other projects (such as addressing wedding invitations) for some of the time I was laid up on the couch. Regardless, I still had time to get into a few things, so I’m linking up with Leigh Kramer again to tell you What I’m Into.
Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
Since I haven’t been able to work out since my surgery (and since there are 8 feet of snow on the ground) it was nice to read and daydream about runners in sunny Mexico. It’s hard to fit this book in a box, but if I had to I would bill it as memoir. It’s the story of the author’s adventures researching a tribe of gifted and elusive runners. There are no keys to becoming an ultrafast runner here, but the book is moderately informative and wildly entertaining.
Set at a tony prep school in the 80s, this novel was a near occasion of sin for me, encouraging me to indulge in my terrible habit of hating rich people. Though at times I got the similar characters – all Zekes and Dekes and Trips and Races – confused, it’s still easy to see why this book won so many accolades and fine reviews. I read it all in one snowy afternoon and recommend it.
If you are a music aficionado and you aren’t familiar with this Tony- and Pulitzer-winning musical, you are missing out! I have sung one of the pieces from this show for concerts and auditions for a while now (Listen here!), but didn’t know the whole show until I started rehearsals for a production of it coming up in March. If you are in the Massachusetts/New Hampshire area and are looking to get some culture the first weekend of spring, consider attending Greater Lowell Music Theatre’s production of Fiorello!
Vaseline Rosy Lips Lip Therapy
It’s teeny, it tastes good, it leaves a little pink behind. Under any other circumstances I would feel shallow raving about a lip gloss, but it’s winter and everything is dry and we must take what fleeting pleasures we might, mustn’t we?
Homeownership
Aside from the pure terror that overtakes you when you sign away your future and take on truly unimaginable amounts of debt, homeownership is pretty fun. I wish I could rave about our movers, but one of them quit in the middle of the move and they spent more time complaining about our stuff than they did moving things in. So while I can endorse hiring movers in general, I will leave our moving company unnamed.
We have transitioned into the type of couple that goes to Home Depot on a Friday night and uses the expression “bathroom vanity” without any eye rolling or sarcasm. I read Better Homes and Gardens now, and I have to conquer some stairs to reach the third floor unit. But the condo rules.
Lent
Truth be told, I’m not that into Lent this year. I feel as if I frontloaded my sacrifices this year, and it has been hard to get excited about spiritual refinement when I have spent so much time lately exposed to the refiner’s fire. I’m going through the motions of my Lenten observances and am sure that some meaning will be revealed to me in time.
VistaPrint
We used VistaPrint for all of our printed materials for the wedding and couldn’t be happier. The design tools are easy to use, the templates are lovely, and the prices are moderate. We could even afford return address labels and stickers for ease of envelope sealing!
Other than that, I’ve mostly been into healing. Even with a laparoscopic surgery, recovery can be long and erratic. There may only have been minor incisions but this was still major surgery, and I am so grateful to family and friends who have provided local support, and my friends around the world who have provided moral support. I am truly blessed.
What are you into lately?
Is that your house? It’s lovely!
Hope you’re recovering well!
Thank you so much!
I agree, that’s a beautiful house, so if it’s yours–congrats! No shame in the Home Depot game. I don’t even OWN a home and I read Better Homes & Gardens, soooo.
Vistaprint is pretty neat, isn’t it? We use it at work for business cards (I have some calling/semi-biz cards through them, too), but last Christmas I used it to make a calendar for my mom and she loves it. 🙂 So easy. The one thing I dislike is how expensive shipping is. Boo.
Thank you! We own the top floor.
That’s a lovely house. Years ago when I was married with kids, etc. and we had a house, I found the renovation game quite exciting, albeit hard work. However, so rewarding!
As a survivor of 2 laparoscopies, I totally get it. It seems like a wee thing, however, it definitely takes the wind out of your sails! Be good and gentle to yourself. You will get there, in time.
Blessings to you!
Thank you for your prayers and comment! Laparoscopic procedures can be very deceptive – tiny incisions, big impact!
Homeownershipwise, I just spent $11k on a new roof, including new plywood decking, vent boots, and skylights. HomeDepotwise, I bought a new toilet valve and seal ring I hope to install this week. Marriagewise, my wife at 64 is still the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Godwise, having a great time catechizing wonderful kids, recorded a lecture on Love, Marriage, and the bible for a catholic Women’s Conference, and had fun teaching Communion Retreat children about the Bible Food Pyramid.
Huh- looking at the above I guess I have a life after all.
whew! Lots going on there. Glad you got the roof taken care of but that is one awfully big project. I would definitely say that you have a life. Glad to hear you are busy and well.
I will add that I just finished reading “Black Prophetic Fire,” a discussion of sorts by Cornel West, who treats a half-dozen or so American Black leaders both individually, and all at once in a very readable and free-thinking format.
LOVE CORNEL WEST.