Oops...I did it again.

"Hit me baby, one more time!"

This is how I feel about Harry Potter. Like a game of 21, who stays on 17? Hit me!
It is the same concept, only instead of cards and money flying down the drain, it's books flying off my shelves to be read again and again.

Here's how it happened:

We moved. Rather quickly. We were without cable and internet, so it was *destiny* or *fate* that it was the perfect time to catch up on DVD's. As if by a sign, or omen, most of the DVD's that made the move with us were of the Harry Potter collection.

One movie down, and I am ready to bust out the books. The thought really goes through my mind every time I watch them...I MUST read them again. Well, this time I bit the bullet and said what the heck.

Hit me, Baby! I am 1/3 of the way through #1. I almost feel sorry for those other books that are sitting on my shelf, that survived the move, and are still. just. sitting there. But not sorry enough to pick one up, and ditch Harry and the gang.

I live Vicariously Through Books

Don't we all...? I am sure there are a lot of good reasons why people read. Relaxation. Personal quiet time. Information. To escape.

I read so that I can experience life in all of it's different forms. As I finished the last Stieg Larsson book I was spent. I had basically just solved several murders with the help of my friends. It is really tough being a computer hacker and genius.

After that intense experience I decided I needed a reprieve. I began A Vintage Affair. For those who don't really know me that well I have always longed to be a fashion designer. Not that my current wardrobe reflects this, but it is that thing that haunts me from time to time. Anyway, in this book I am a fashion know-it-all. I run vintage clothing shop and spend my time buying clothes and imagining the people who used to wear them. Keep in mind that only the best and most pristine condition clothes make it into my shop.

I love this about books. What will I be next? Where will I go, and who will I meet?

Honestly, I am thinking about picking up a couple of books that I read last year...just to revisit those old friends.

This is what I got to look at while I was fighting criminals.

I'm Back!!

Not that I have been anywhere. I just feel back to myself. Back to the me who read at any free moment. Back to the me who wasn't too tired. Back to me.

What was my cure? A good book of course! Some of you may have noticed that I have seemed a lackluster when it comes to the books I have read the past few months. It seemed that I just couldn't find one that I was really "into." Finally, I broke down and cracked the spine on The Girl Who Played with Fire. Voila! Mundane book reading disease is OVER!

I'm only a couple of hundred pages into it, but so far it has been the first book that I come home to and immediately think, "Is it too early to read?" or "Is it wrong to devote four hours to a book?"

Thank you deceased Swedish author...You are much appreciated in my house this week!

Borders is Closing Down

Here are a few reasons why I appreciate Borders:

1. Their displays. They, in comparison to a certain other mass book dealer, actually display their books in a way that makes me want to buy them. Especially their Young Adult section.

2. The smell of coffee is not too overwhelming.

3. A few good finds can be had on the sale racks by the doors.


What people will do for a sale.....

I walked into Borders today just looking to see what I could see. I had no intention of buying anything unless there was like a 70% off sale to get my blood pumping. Apparently here in NWA, it doesn't take much for people to gather in hoards and clog up an entire book store.

It only took a 20% off sale....on SOME books. The line had about 150 people in it, with piles of books clutched to their chests. REALLY, for only 20%. It seemed a little ridiculous to me. ME, the book connoisseur of mass book purchasing.

I'm saving myself for the big sale...I don't like to put my goods out there for a measley 20%.

School Book Fairs

I have talked about my love of book stores. The smell, the lure of new books. It's a drug, and I know someone out there has done research on this very idea. If they can research watermelon seeds, they can research this!

Anyway...book fairs give me the same high. There they are, silver metallic boxes lined with the newest books. Tables filled with other books that won't fit on the shelves. It is all too much for me to take. Twice a year I am lured by these images. Enough to where I have to decide not IF I am going to buy any books, but HOW MUCH will I spend?

The second of these events is before me. I have taken the first scan of the shelves. I think I can get away with a mere 50 bucks. The trouble is the books. They look at me. As I walk by, they are practically screaming my name. Fifty dollars can quickly turn to a hundred. So because of the two snow storms I have thankfully eluded this drug. But 60 degree weather, and a library full of new books are just days away.

My debit card is burning a hole in my pocket.

OCD Cont'd

I promise this will be the last post about The Pioneer Woman...I think.

As far as food goes: I have made Chicken Fried Steak and Mashed Potatoes. As we speak there is a pork shoulder roasting in my oven. Even my mom is continuing the streak by making Maple Scones and Olive Bread. So far our consensus is....Everything is wonderful.

To more important revelations:

As I was blog stalking The Pioneer Woman, I noticed that she had a new book coming out. Not a cooking book, but a book about how she met her husband and the beginning of their life together. With my Nook in my hand I quickly downloaded and had it read in three days. Let me just say there is a reason that I enjoy this woman: a) good food b) great sense of humor c) relevant story line. Without ruining the book for some of you, she goes through her parents divorce and has a baby at the same time. Hmmm...reminds me of someone......ME!
I swear everything she said, I have felt and said. Someone finally understands me.

Anyway, if you are looking for a heartfelt, true story of love and the unexpected paths that life takes you down, all told with a large dose of humor...This is the book for you.

The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels--A Love Story

OCD

I have learned something new about myself today...

I may have OCD.

Not the washing your hands twelve times, flipping the light switch off and on, or re-locking and locking your front door kind...
Mine is special. It basically involves me latching onto an idea, a book, a person, a lifestyle, something and not letting go.

Case in point: I just spent the last two hours reading The Pioneer Women blog. AND the only reason I am stopping to write this post is that my husband is on his way home from the gun show, and I am still in my pj's at noon, no teeth brushed, no hair did. Sitting like a lump of obsessive tendencies in my chair. I need help.

BTW- I am cooking my first recipe from new hero tonight. I'll let you know how it goes.