Back 2 Happy

I'm getting back to happy. I noticed this as I was driving this morning belting out "When Doves Cry" and "Nobody's Supposed to be Here," to my husband's chagrin.  I realized that I haven't done that in a long time. Singing, although I'm no Beyoncé...I'm not even a Rihanna, makes me happy.  Now that I've acknowledged it...

Step one: cooking and learning new techniques.  

Step two: writing.  

It's high time for Monica to get back to Monica. Depression is real, and please know that a smile may be the biggest coverup.  Sometimes you smile and laugh to keep from breaking down.  That has been my existence for the past several months, but I'm finished with it. God has been too good to me; I matter too much to let my circumstances overcome me. 

However, I'm not completely out of the woods. I can just feel the light, and it feels good.  

Happy World Book Day!!!

#thanksinternet

This is very late in the day, but I wish all a very happy World Book Day!  

One of my favorite books written by a foreign author is "Little Bee" by British author, Chris Cleave.  Since the description is purposefully vague, I will follow suit.  This novel makes you experience every single emotion.  

I read it back in 2010, and  was so taken by the characters, that I suggested my mother read it.  5 years later, I still do not have that book.

This is why I don't lend things, especially to family and close friends.  

Looking at you mom and my beloved soror who still has my copy of "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks"

Anyway, I strongly recommend "Little Bee" to anyone who needs to escape for a while.

Ta-Daw! How You Like Me Now?!

Subtitle (inspired by my friend): "Gold star for you."

I finished "Girl on the Train" last night, and I must say that I'm pretty proud of myself.  I read most of the book (3/4 worth) Sunday and Monday.  I mean, it wasn't a difficult book, or even boring, but...excuses.

Color me excited for tomorrow's book talk!  There will be a special post sometime this week (or next) that covers the talk I'm attending tomorrow.  

I just hope everyone has my sense of humor.  

Stay tuned!

Challenge!!!

Okay, I know it's a bit of a sensitive topic now, but does anyone remember that episode of The Cosby Show  when Cliff was tap-dancing against Rudy's teacher?  Remember how he would say, "Challenge!" in the weirdest voice ever when he was finished showing out? No? Just me? Okay.  Well, that's how I felt when I accepted an invitation to a super-secret, members-only book talk this month.  

I can't be an elitist when I want to be.  

I kid, I kid! But really, as a member of The Young Friends of the Kansas City Public Library, I get all sorts of perks! This book talk is just one of them. :)  

Where was I? Oh yeah... "Challenge!" So, this book talk added The Girl on the Train  to my list of April/May books. 

Did she say "list?"  

Girl yeah she said "list!"  

If you ask me, she can't do it.  Challenge! 

After enjoying 8 mimosas at a brunch with the girls a few weeks ago, I decided to take advantage of the weather and do what any good Kansas Citian would...head to the Plaza to spend money! Instead of going to Banana Republic, Gap or Victoria's Secret, I headed for Barnes and Noble to let a book "find me." And find me it (they) did.  I walked out of there with two books and about $60 poorer.  

My new friends are: Sister Citizen  by Melissa V. Harris-Perry and Daring My Passages   by Gail Sheehy.  With the Book talk selection, I have nearly 1100 pages to read by my husband's birthday: May 15. Can I do it? Heck yeah! Will I do it? That has yet to be determined.  

Challenge indeed.  

Masochist: (n.) 1. Someone who takes pleasure in being abused; 2. Me