Carol's Notebook – Page 185

It’s Read-a-thon Time!

April 6, 2019April 6, 2019 by Carol7 Comments

It’s Read-a-thon time! It’s Read-a-thon time! Today is Dewey's 24-Hour Readathon. I am actually not going to be participating much. I have to accompany kids for solo and ensemble this afternoon and I have to play at church tomorrow, so I'm going to sleep on time. But, Amber's Fall Break will be during the October read-a-thon, so I won't be participating at all then. And I do so love read-a-thons. I'm actually really hoping they do a reverse read-a-thon again this summer. I loved that time format. Opening Meme 1 What fine part of the world are you reading from today? I’m in eastern Ohio.2 Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to? I’m actually winging it today. First up will be a novella, Moonshine and Murder by Kathleen Brooks and after that we'll see. 3 Which snack are you most looking forward to? I have not planned very well. I'll probably make a stop at the store when...

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport

April 5, 2019April 12, 2019 by Carol12 Comments

The blurb gives a clear idea of what Digital Minimalism is all about. We've become addicted to social media/binge-watching/videogames. And our ever present smartphones are just increasing our dependence. Newport advocates stepping away from all social media for 30 days and then only add things that truly enhance your life, and even those need to be added cautiously and perhaps with rules attached. He makes some really great points although not revolutionary. I actually like the parts about what to do instead of endlessly scrolling and liking most. I already know I need to spend less time on my phone, but I like the suggestions he has. He stresses the importance of solitude. He wants us to learn new skills and make/fix things. We need to actually interact with people, preferably in person, but an actual phone conversation, not texting, is good too. I listened to this, ironically enough, via the Audible App on my phone. I think I need to pick...

The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad

April 4, 2019April 12, 2019 by Carol7 Comments

I have not read anything by Joseph Conrad before. Obviously, I've heard of him, but neither Heart of Darkness or Lord Jim ever made it to my TBR list. Honestly, I was looking for a classic audiobook available to "read now" from my library and came across The Secret Agent— the title grabbed my attention and the blurb made me borrow it. Verloc is our secret agent in London who works for Russia? Germany?—it's not really clear. Mostly he collects a check to pass on whatever rumors come his way and hangs out with anarchists. He also keeps on the cops' good side by sharing info with them. His wife Winnie marries for security for herself and her brother, but has no idea about the true nature of his work. Then, the rather nasty Mr. Vladimir, from "the embassy" tells Verloc that he needs to do more than observe to keep getting his check. He needs to do something, specifically blow up...

Sunday Salon

April 1, 2019April 15, 2019 by Carol7 Comments

I'm posting this on Monday because we got back late yesterday from taking Amber back to school. Week’s Highlights: We played a bunch of board games and finally watched Captain Marvel, which I really enjoyed. And I got through my first Spring District Conference at work, so that was good. Something I’m Loving: I'm loving my new Jord watch. (pronounced Yode, like Yoda without the a.) Isn't it pretty? https://www.instagram.com/p/BvgwGESHZmi/ You can enter my giveaway at https://www.woodwatches.com/g/carolsnotebook to win $100 towards a watch of your choice. If I won, I'd probably pick the Fieldcrest Maple. I think it would be a lovely, simple everyday watch and at $139 it's pretty reasonable (with the $100 e-gift). Reading: I didn't post any reviews last week; it was busy. But I did finish Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport and The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad. Hopefully, I'll get my comments posted in the next couple of days. Watching: We watched Captain Marvel this week which was just a fun movie. Playing: We played...

Loving my new Jord Watch (Review and Giveaway)

March 26, 2019April 15, 2019 by Carol4 Comments

I recently listened to Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport, on my smartphone, ironically enough. I’ll post my comments in a day or two, but it did make me start thinking about how pervasive technology is in my life. Even though we have device-free meals, that’s really the only time that’s carved out when I don’t just glance at my phone regularly, open up Facebook, scroll through Instagram. Granted, I know I’m not as bad as some people, but that’s not the point. Even my watch shows me texts so I reply instantly because heaven forbid someone should have to wait on me. How much time am I using on social media or Candy Crush that I could enjoy or use more productively elsewhere? Would it be better to have a specific time set aside for answering texts and e-mails and maybe actually calling someone occasionally instead? Technology isn’t inherently evil and neither is social media, but we need to use...

Sunday Salon – 3/24

March 24, 2019March 24, 2019 by Carol12 Comments

We had lunch today with David's parents and grandmother and dinner at my mom's house. Everybody wants to see Amber while she's home. Week’s Highlights: Amber's home for the week. Scrappy actually knows when we're close to get dorm now. Something I'm Loving: Maple Holistics sent me a bottle of their Silk18 Conditioner to try. I am always looking for a good conditioner. My hair is frizzy and uncombable without one. I have to say, I'm really happy with it. It's creamy and really does work. My hair is soft and even though I need a cut, I'm not pulling it back in a ponytail every day - a definite good sign. It's also silicone and paraben free. If you've ever wondered why that matters, check out this blog post: Damaged Hair Explained. Reading: So, I finally set aside Don Quixote. I just wasn't enjoying it enough to put off reading other books. I was over halfway through, so it made me a...