Nothing makes me really just how boring I truly am like these weekly recaps. But they're fun and a good reminder of my life so there's that.

Reading. Ill Will by Dan Chaon. Picked up The Readymade Thief, added a few to the library holds list, and my TBR is bursting at the seams. A culling is in order. Thanks to everyone who joined us for Show Us Your Books and the next one is September 12.

Drinking. Iced coffee. Gallons of iced coffee. It's becoming an issue.

Listening. Dylan Marron's Conversations with People Who Hate Me is fucking phenomenal. There's only 2 episodes thus far and I implore you to listen.

Diving. Right back into cheer mom responsibilities. The 6 week reprieve was lovely. I miss it already.

Raging. Let's get petty, shall we? Because I can't with the playground meet me at 3:00 after school fight between the two manchildren madmen that's currently compromising the safety and security of our entire planet. Rather, let's focus on WHY THE FUCK supermarkets have Halloween displays. This is ridiculous and inappropriate and unnecessary. Why are we in such a damn rush to get to the next thing? We haven't even started school yet! Look. I am a planner. I like to be prepared and I hate surprises. But this is bullshit. With all the talk of slowing down and living in the moment, retail works in complete opposition to that. All for a dollar or two. And it makes me so fucking angry.

Laughing.

Have a great weekend! I'll see you back on Tuesday with another round of bookish questions I stole borrowed from Litsy!

Hey! Remember me? I used to write regularly and then I abruptly stopped for no reason other than I have become incredibly lazy with nothing interesting to say. But I figured I'd stop by and recap a bit what's been going on. 

Reading. Lots of books. Picked up one new one from NetGalley (The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille) and have dwindled the library pile down to 3 but I think I need to let one go. It's just too…something for me right now and I can't do it. Next Show Us Your Books is August 8.

Watching. Ozark. It's a Netflix show with Jason Bateman and Laura Linney and it's absolutely excellent. If you have a chance, I highly recommend it. I've also been watching Snowfall, I'm Dying Up Here, and I am really looking forward to the new season of Ray Donovan. 

Eating. A new tomato sauce made with diced tomatoes, butter, a little bit of sugar, salt, and pepper. I have been purposefully making foods I can put it on almost daily. It's amazing. 

Grieving. Chester Bennington. I was on my way home from Myrtle Beach, listening to the OJ parole hearing (yes. I did) and scrolling through IG when I learned that yet another amazing and talented performer took his own life. I've written extensively about this topic but I feel the need to address it again. As someone who battles depression, it absolutely breaks my heart that someone's demons can make them feel they're not worthy of life. DEPRESSION LIES. It lies so hard. And not just to famous people. It doesn't care who you are, how much money you have, what you look like, or anything else. It's an unfortunate equalizer and I wish there was more I can do to make anyone suffering realize that they matter. Their lives matter. People want you here. I want you here, even if we've never met. I care about you. And if anything comes from Chester's death, it's more awareness of depression and suicide and hopefully it opens up avenues for discussion and awareness and education. Break the stigma. People's lives literally depend on it. 

Raging. Rehashing and recapping the horrors that 45 continues to inflict on this country is futile because as soon as you write about one thing, something new happens and it's a never ending shit cycle. You all know what's going on and I'm confident you're as appalled and disgusted as I am. Because the kind of hatred that he incites is despicable. It's beyond the pale. And it's fucking fascism. And if you don't think that what's going on smells like what happened in Germany, then we need to talk. And do not tell me that it's appropriating the term "Nazi". It's not. Nazism was born from a very specific political agenda rooted in hatred and authoritarianism and people being complicit and in denial and does that sound familiar? IT SHOULD BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT'S HAPPENING HERE. And I cannot take it one day longer. I live outraged on a daily basis due to the incomprehensible and inexplicable hatred of anyone who's not a rich white man. I don't fucking get it. Poor people, women, LGBT people…I simply cannot wrap my head around why their existence is so offensive and means that they are undeserving of basic decency and respect and access to services like food and health care. It violates the Judeo-Christian beliefs that he and his supporters and those afraid of him so openly and conveniently use when it fits their hateful and spiteful agenda and it makes me angry and sad and frustrated. The only comfort I have is knowing I'm not the only one and those with bigger and louder voices than me are using them to openly confront this despicable behavior. And also? The fucking Mets traded Lucas Duda. There really is no justice in this world. 

Laughing. So, to offset all the rage, here's what's making me laugh:

So that's the latest. I'm hoping to get back to normal at some point soon. I miss you guys and I hope you all are doing well and I can't wait to catch up! 

Quick apology. I know I’m not addressing the horrifying events going on in my country (see: the Philando Castile verdict, Nabra Hassanen, Charleena Lyles #saytheirnames or Missouri SB5 or all the health care bullshit just to name a few things) because I can’t. I simply can’t. Not without setting everything around me ablaze from rage a la Firestarter. I have so many thoughts and feelings and opinions and if I start, I won’t be able to stop. So it’s not that I don’t care. I care probably too much and maybe one day I’ll be able to sort it all out into cohesive thoughts. 

And now, the other stuff. 

Reading. Since We Fell. Picked up The Dinner and Everything Everything from the library (finally!). Got approved for a new NetGalley book that I probably won’t get around to until 4 years after it’s pub date. 

Watching. Nothing new but finishing up Bloodline and season 4 of Orphan Black and Fargo and waiting for Snowfall to start next month (that sounds weird but if you don’t know what the show is, it’s about the beginnings of crack).

Eating. Shrimp with zoodles and pesto. I genuinely have to stop myself from eating it 3 times a day.

Wanting. This tank top, if I wore tank tops. A friend from the gym found it and shared in on my FB and it’s very reflective of how much things have changed for me over the last 9 months. 

Wondering. Why the hell people feel the need to gossip and spread rumors about shit they know nothing about. I get it’s for your own sick enjoyment but really, leave me and my kid out of it. Because if you’re talking about us, you must be REALLY FUCKING BORED. Also, if you want to know why she missed a practice, FUCKING ASK ME. Don’t wonder aloud to people who don’t know us or make up stories. To quote Pink, I’m not here for your entertainment. The people who need to know know and if you don’t, then clearly you’re not one of those people. So shut the fuck up.

Loving. The person I drove behind with a “Ruth is the Truth” bumper sticker. Because as well all know, she is. 

That’s it for this week. Hope you guys have a great weekend and I’ll see you on Tuesday with my recommendations!