If you've never stared off into the distance then your life is a shame

Normally I'm NOT the person who is going to judge others on how they spend their time. But...two things:

1. The title of this post is a lyric to the song "Mrs. Potter's Lullaby" by Counting Crows. Love the song, love the album (This Desert Life).
   
   




2. I know there are people out there who just can't sit still and have to always be moving. I don't understand those people. And I feel sorry for them.

Last week I went to Myrtle Beach for a solo vacation. My parents had a timeshare there and I took it over after they died. Aaron wasn't able to go with me due to a trade show in Dallas so I ended up going by myself.

I drove and was a little nervous about that, only because I tend to get sleepy when I drive longer than, say, 20 minutes. Columbus to Myrtle Beach is 9 1/2 hours if you don't stop but of course you stop because... 9 1/2 hours. On the way down I split up the trip and spent the night in a hotel, but coming home I did it all in one day. Those last two hours were torture, but other than that what totally saved me were audiobooks. They kept me sane and awake.

I arrived Sunday afternoon and stayed until Saturday morning. The weather couldn't have been better - sunny and 70s every. single. day.

I slept in, I watched cheesy Lifetime movies, including the one about Aaliyah which was super disappointing because I later found out that her family wasn't on board and didn't allow Lifetime to use any of her music. I went shopping. I ate dinner several nights with friends of my parents who were also there. I read. On the beach. I sat on my balcony and "stared off into the distance."

Two of my purchases. I also got another ring, earrings,
a pair of boots and two dresses/tunics.
I don't have a shopping problem. Really.

I desperately needed this. Work has been insane and I have a lot of personal shit going on as well. And while those things don't just go away, a change of scenery and some serious "me" time allows a new perspective. I highly recommend it.

The last morning I got up before sunrise and walked on the beach.

Books, Books, Baby

I'm currently on vacation, but I couldn't miss Steph and Jana's linkup, especially since it's the one-year anniversary of Show Us Your Books!

The Martian by Andy Weir - Man, did I resist this book. Even though SO many bloggers raved about it, I really didn't think I'd even finish it, let alone actually enjoy it. Then my IRL book club selected it for September and I didn't read it before the scheduled meeting, which was then rescheduled so I decided it was a sign that I needed to read this book. I'm so glad I did! Yes, there's a lot of technical/scientific/mathematical shit that I eventually skimmed over, but there's also a lot of suspense/humor/sarcasm and that's what drew me in. I'm excited to see the movie, and knowing that Matt Damon is the star, I could hear him in the narrative. I definitely recommend this one.


Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll (Audiobook) - Last weekend I took a really long roadtrip by myself, and I knew I'd need something to occupy my mind and pass the time. I listened to this book and it definitely served its purpose. There were times during the book when I wanted more, but by the end I realized I didn't need more. I'd probably give this 3 1/2 stars if I could, but I rounded up because it kept me entertained while driving. I need to pick out another audiobook for the reverse trip.


Next up: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, and the bonus is that I'm reading it on the beach!

What have you been reading?