What I’m Reading: Lily and the Octopus

Posted in Book Review, Books, What I'm Reading by

27276262From Goodreads.com:
This is a story about that special someone: the one you trust, the one you can’t live without.

For Ted Flask, that someone special is his aging companion Lily, who happens to be a dog.

My review:
I! CANNOT! RESIST! A! BOOK! ABOUT! A! DOG!

Seriously though, I spotted this book while the the bookstore a while back and made a mental note to put it on my “Want to Read” list. The description of the book didn’t reveal too much, but I was intrigued enough to purchase it for my Kobo.

Lily and the Octopus is all about the slightly awkward Ted and his dachshund, Lily, that has shown him a lifetime of unconditional love. As Lily ages, Ted is left contemplating the decisions he has and will need to make in his life.

It’s hard to go any further describing the book without giving it all away, but it it certainly tugs at the heartstrings and is relatable for all pet owners.While I didn’t find myself reaching for the tissues à la Marley & Me it still made my heart hurt because I’m a dog person for life.

Aside from my emotional attachment to Lily, I cannot say that I love loved the book. The analogies were a bit bizarre and it took me a couple chapters to figure out what exactly was going on. Really, it reminded me of something that I would read in high school and then write an analytical book report on themes and meanings and parallels.

Lily and the Octopus was a decent read and if you’re a dog lover life me, you should most definitely pick it up and give it a go. Overall, I’m giving it 3.5 stars out of 5.

 

 

Never Have I Ever …

Posted in Confessions, Never Have I Ever by

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… Lived on my own. After high school I moved in with my dad for most of university, then moved in with Kyle, and the rest is history!

… Been on a blind date. The greatest thing about marrying your high school sweetheart is that you get to avoid the every-changing dating scene! I had to Google what Tinder is after hearing people talk about it. Hashtag: imanoldgeezer.

… Read a Harry Potter book. I KNOW. I watched the first movie though, if that’s any consolation?

… Passed out from drinking too much. I’ve always managed to brush my teeth and put pyjamas on, so in my books that’s going to bed, not passing out! ;)

… Watched Scandal, Game of Thrones or Sons of Anarchy. Or Mad Men. Or a lot of other really popular television shows, which is amusing because I watch a LOT of TV.

… Broken a bone. *knocks on wood* I’ve dislocated my shoulder a few times and required a sling, but I’ve never needed a cast for anything!

… Been to a Major League Baseball game, although I really hope to cross this one off the list soon.

… Ridden on the back of a motorcycle. They scare me, for realz, and I’d probably gross out the driver by getting the nervous sweats if I did ride on one.

… Consumed a Big Mac from McDonald’s. Maybe it’s the “secret” sauce, but it just doesn’t look appetizing to me. (Not that McDonalds’ food is stellar to begin with…)

… Cooked a turkey. While I can cook, turkeys are reserved for big family dinners and I’m a mess in the kitchen when it comes to time management. I’m getting better, but Kyle is way calmer and cooks an awesome bird, so he takes over chef duties when we have everyone over for dinner.

… Played beer pong or flip cup. Maybe I wasn’t cool enough to be invited to those kind of parties? I didn’t even know how to play flip cup until I saw Jimmy Fallon play it against Kate Upton on YouTube.

.. eaten a macaron. Or is it macaroon? Either way, I’ve never had one of those bizarre fluffy, pastel Oreos ;)

Anything on my list that you’ve done? Or care to share something that you’ve “Never ever?”

TGIF v.36

Posted in TGIF by

A high of the week was getting my mantle rearranged and looking spiffy with the addition of Norah’s portrait! I got an inexpensive picture frame for Norah’s picture and rearranged some stuff, and I’m really happy with how it’s looking these days!

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A low of the week was a total “mom fail” moment when I realized that one the nail on Norah’s left big toe was off in colour. I looked closer and noticed that it was kind of peeling, so I picked at it with my fingernail only to lift away the nail and see a new one underneath! A while ago she dropped a 2kg weight on her toe and it bruised but I didn’t think much else about it. I guess it damaged her nail bed enough to kill the old nail. Baaaad Mommy :(

An internet find I loved was this post on Life & Love by my amazing blog friend Holly, I related so much to it and it had me in tears by the end.

The best money I spent was on a $15 Slip & Slide for Isla to play on in the yard. She loves it, even though she hasn’t quite got the “slide” part of it. (And I’m not going to lie, while I paid for it the next day, I had fun too!)

My favourite Isla and/or Norah moment was Norah taking a bottle! I was so stressed that it was going to be a huge fight to get her to take one and get her weaned from nursing, but it’s turning out to be going better than expected. On Monday she saw me pumping and started whining so I gave her the bottle and she tried drinking out of it. So, on Tuesday I gave her a bottle instead of nursing before her nap and while she woke up and started crying when I put her in her crib, it only lasted about 10 minutes before she was out cold. Yay! We’re still nursing for bedtime, but once I go by larger bottles I think we’ll be well on our way to no nursing at all.

The song that has been stuck in my head is “One Dance” by Drake.

My meals of the week were:

Monday – Marinated Greek Chicken, Greek salad, and mashed potatoes.
Tuesday – Sausages with homemade BBQ sauce, green beans & carrots, and rice.
Wednesday – Pork tenderloin with potatoes and carrots.
Thursday – Hamburgers
Friday – Turkey at my mom’s!

My plans for the weekend are visiting with my brother, checking out the farmers’ market, and enjoying the sunny weather (providing the forecast doesn’t change).

Tell me, what’s going on in your life?