books, books, books!

I always have a list of books that I want to read ranging from the latest chick lit to more inspired classics and award winning tales. Last year I started keeping track of the books I've read and I love looking over the list to see what stories I've enjoyed. When I look back at a year of books I can usually remember what time of year it was when I read something. Last winter I enjoyed Sophie's Choice by William Styron, a story of 3 young people in New York in the 1950s. I read The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillippa Gregory in February when I went to Orlando for work (I remember lugging around that fat hardcover and reading on the plane and in the hotel). This summer, I turned to Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert, the first non-fiction book that I've read in a long time.

Right now I'm reading Hurry Down Sunshine, by Michael Greenberg for my book club. It's a book that I wouldn't have chosen to read on my own, a father's recounting of the summer when his 15 year old daughter became bipolar. It's a topic that hits close to home and I didn't know if I wanted to spend my free time dwelling on it, but I've been sucked in by his recounting and can't wait to hear what the girls in my group think about it.

Last night I looked up a list of books that have won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. I was curious to see what books I'd already read and found that I've only read a few and have a lot more to add to my list including:
Gilead by Marilynne Robinson (my mom gave me this for my birthday a few years ago and I still haven't read it even after Kyle has raved about it. This needs to be toward the top of the list)
Empire Falls by Richard Russo
A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley

Side note: As I was looking at the list there are several years when no prize was awarded. I wonder if that means there weren't any books written that year that deserved the award or if they just got lazy. Any one know?

Once (twice)

I just finished watching the movie Once, twice. I was watching it while Adam was out shopping and he came back during the last scene. I wanted him to see the scene at the beginning where the two people play together for the first time in the music store. (If you haven't seen the movie you've probably heard this song, it won best song at the Oscar's last year) So we watched that part and ended up watching the whole thing over again! It's not a very long movie, but I usually don't watch a movie twice, and definitely not in one sitting. It's one of those movies where nothing really happens. There's no big action or even any real drama, it's just about people's lives. That's what I loved. It's such a simple movie about two strangers coming together and recording an album. She plays piano, he plays guitar. They both have lost love and rediscover it through the music. They get a second chance. The movie captures carefree moments that I long for in life. Walking on the beach, laughing with friends, just living. I'm sappy and sentimental and start thinking about how it compares to my life. I can't wait to head home for Christmas and see the girls next weekend!

So, if you haven't seen Once, and like music and simple movies, check it out. Let me know what you think.

Christmas memories

Adam and I went to the Nutcracker (neither of us had seen it before) this afternoon with friends Brad and Kelsey. It was put on by a local ballet with 6 professional dancers. It was in a beautiful old theater and we sat in the balcony so we had a great view of the stage with were close to the beautifully painted ceiling. I loved getting dressed up (and Adam was a good sport and even wore his red tie that matched my shirt). I also loved the music and the dancing. Maybe this will become a Christmas tradition.

After the show we came back to our place for a late dinner. Crock pot roasts are just so easy and tasty! We got really fancy and got out our good china. To finish out the date we drove around looking at Christmas lights and singing along to the radio—it even started snowing. This is my favorite kind of Christmas celebration, spending time with people. My love language is quality time and it really does translate into all my relationships. We exchanged small gifts which are always fun, but the time together laughing and talking is what really counts. Call me cheesy, but Adam and I are so thankful for our couple friends. We just love having people to do things with!