The Death of Barnes and Noble

I am sure you've all heard about the impending doom of Barnes and Noble. My first reaction was probably not one that the good ole booksellers would appreciate. But it was met with a solid "Meh."

There is a time when this would have been completely untrue. No one loved Barnes and Noble like I did, even though their theater section was the most pitiful shelf in the store and they probably would have been better without it so as not to embarrass themselves.

And I absolutely see where the closing of the book stores leaves us as society. It's almost like saying that books aren't as important now. I disagree with that entirely and I love reading. I love it. I can see how the browsing culture of America would be lost without a book store to browse in.

It's just that I don't even remember the last time I was in a Barnes and Noble. Racking my brain which has a pretty decent memory I can recall going there last Christmas season. (Like Christmas 2012.) But I am certain I was there with my friend Kathryn and she made a purchase and I did not. OH! We went to one last summer in a town over and bought Polar Bear Polar Bear. Now this may be because my local B&N is located at our mall.

I am firm believer in the mall. I grew up in Minnesota. The MoA was a mere 10-15 minutes away depending on the lights on Hwy 13. I love a good mall. My local establishment is not a good mall. It is poorly laid out and truthfully there isn't a whole lot of interesting stores that draw me in. I do like Gymboree but I usually wait until we're visiting in Minnesota because... no tax on clothing. So location could have everything to do with it. I'm not sure.

It could be that my life has significantly changed from the girl who would kill hours looking at all the books on the shelves and coveting the many seasons of television on DVD. When Husband and I were dating we'd spend a lot of time browsing together and talking about books. I just don't have the time to go there and kill a lot of time. And I have never been a coffee drinker so I am even less likely to go and sit.

But it's not even about that or the death of books. It comes down to budget. It is cheaper to get a book on the Kindle. Sometimes by half! And I don't have to load up a toddler to get it. Perhaps that's lazy. Perhaps that is just what the "death of the books" group think of me and my generation but I am a LOVER of books. I just am out of room on my bookshelves x a million. I have boxes of unpacked books in my basement and that makes me sad because I love my book collections.

I was just thinking about where some of it will go when the third bedroom becomes a nursery. That's where my Trixie Beldens are and Cherry Ames and other old school series are currently stored. I don't want those going to the basement but I'm not sure where they're supposed to go!

So for me the Kindle makes sense. It's cheaper, it takes up less space and I don't lose anything by reading them on an electronic. I know the book people want me to miss holding a book but it's actually lovely not having the weight of a hard bound, new release and still being able to read a book the day it comes out.

There is something exhilarating about rushing out of a Barnes and Noble with your copy of Harry Potter to your brother waiting in a running car. (Because we always had a plan to get the heck out of there and read! Plus I was the crazy who camped out the day before for a wrist band so I could be one of the first in line to buy the books so my plan was brilliant actually.) But at this point in my life it is just as exhilarating to turn on my Kindle at 12:01 (Sometimes it goes with PST so it's 2:01) and there is the book you pre-ordered a long time ago.

And I do still browse. On Amazon. And I get books all the time that I never would have ordinarily picked up. Because with Amazon they recommend things I might like based on what I've read PLUS I get to read reviews others have left. I have never lived in a cute little town where my local bookseller would be able to recommend for me personally. In fact when I was younger I had read so much that when they would suggest something it was usually a reread for me. I do still visit our local library and utilize both the paper copies and electronic copies of books. But you all know that relying on a library for a new release is a moot point.

My greater point here is that I am certain that Barnes and Noble serves a purpose in the world, but just not in my world. I would be sad to lose that option definitely, I just do not utilize it enough for it to impact me on any great level.

I am exactly the kind of person the Barnes and Noble executives hate. And I am not going to apologize for that. But if the death of B&N actually comes, I will attend the funeral to pay my respects. 

The Big Ultrasound Is Coming

We are just seven short days from the exciting ultrasound. My OBGYN actually changed policies from 2011/2012 and I had an 8 week ultrasound this time around. But, you know that it's really just a cute little speck in a salt and pepper blob at that point. I am looking forward to making sure this little Bundle Bean (as we are lovingly call him/her currently) is growing well and healthy. (Or start a plan of action if not.) I'm also excited to learn the gender. We are definitely "find out the gender people."

I don't like it when people say to me "Don't you want to be surprised?" Because, my friends, I do not know the gender now. It is the exact same surprise at 20 weeks as it would be at 40 weeks. If you choose not to find out the gender prior to birth, more power to you! I am apparently too much of planner to wait. I like calling my babies by name before I've met them. But that's just where I fall!

When I was pregnant with C I wanted a little boy very very badly. So badly that I was concerned that I would be disappointed if it was a girl.  So I began convincing myself that it was a girl. I was certain. And I was okay with that. I honestly did not believe the ultrasound tech when she told me it was a boy.

So this time around I have no idea. No stinkin' clue. My gut would say girl but I have no reasoning to this. Who knows? My pregnancy has been different but not so drastically that I would say with certainty it must be a different gender. My mom thinks it's a boy. Husband has no clue as well.

We really have no preference. I would love a little girl. But I really love my little boy and would not be even remotely disappointed with another. Plus we already have the clothes for a boy. (Not that I wouldn't reuse some of the stuff for a girl because I would absolutely.) Most of our "baby gear" is mostly red or primary colors so that it would be non-gender specific so it really I wouldn't buy much either way.

Meh. I am excited to be able to name our baby and talk to him/her as a person and not an it. I don't know why but knowing gender and the name helps me immensely. But that's just me. Plus I think it will be much easier to explain to C about his little brother/sister and not the abstract "baby." But again, that's just what will work better for our family. He does know about the baby already but I think he tends to learn with more concrete information.

One of Husband's co-workers found out yesterday that she's having a boy. Funny enough she has a little girl who is only 4 days younger than C so it's kind of funny our seconds will be close in age as well. Her announcement is just getting me more excited to know! I can't wait! One week!

The Weather and Television

So it's the smack dab middle of May and it's pretty chilly outside. I am not going to use the other "c" word that contains the word "old" because I am thankful we are not in Colorado and fresh off of snow. I am also pretty thankful I am not in Southern California in the midst of the fires. I'll take a week of mid 50s/low 60s over those options thankyouverymuch.

But it's also pretty gloomy out. So it makes it hard to do fun outdoor things. The zoo has been open for about a month now! And even still, we haven't been because: free week, (it can be all the free in the world but the crowd alone makes me cringe) Minnesota/Florida trip, I had a cold, C had a cold, rain, other activities and now cold. So we're overdue but I can't think of a day where the stars have aligned to make it happen.

UPDATED Of COURSE I post and start getting us ready for a Target trip and the sun comes out. On the way to the car he just wanted to play in the yard. When we got home he didn't want to be outside at all.

UPDATED AGAIN The sun was short lived. By nap time it became dark, rainy and gloomy once more.

I just hope it warms up for Memorial Day. It was super rainy and cold last year which was kind of a bummer but since that is C's birthday I will be kind of really bummed as his fun gift from us is a water table which won't make a whole lot of sense if it's cold. We are having just one family over for a barbecue and let the boys play. (They have a 3 year old and 22 month old.) We'll probably do a cake/cupcakes or something because we've already been practicing blowing out candles. But we're keeping it really low key. He'll be 2. I've got time for Pinterest parties in the future, when he may actually enjoy/appreciate/remember.

In other news... there really isn't much other news. We're kind of in a same old same old pattern. Which is nice actually. Predictable and boring mostly but I like it. In my television viewing habits tonight is the season finale of Grey's Anatomy and The Big Bang Theory. I loathe summer hiatus. It's the worst.

This will be my first real and true season of a Grey's finale on television. Last summer I watched all 9 seasons so I never had the pleasure of a Shonda finale and the WAIT. But Yang is my favorite and she's not coming back so the magic may be over anyhow. We'll see. Sunday I have The Good Wife finale and it's the same story as Grey's. In fact, this time last year I hadn't ever seen either show. I did manage to get my mom into The Good Wife as well. I am very interested in what happens this finale and I will be quite anxious I'm sure until the fall. I will not be giving up on Alicia anytime soon that's for sure.

Based on some recommendations from both the blog world and in person friends I started watching Once Upon A Time. We are a little over halfway through season 1 and my verdict is still out. It's interesting but sometimes incredibly convoluted for no apparent reason other than they had to stretch a story out. But I really didn't think I was going to like it and committed to just 4 episodes initially. I still maintain the plot would have made a great movie. Only then we wouldn't have the complicated back stories for every.single.person which is maybe just fine with me.

Have a wonderful Thursday if you read this!

WWRW: Another Piece of My Heart

Once upon a time Husband got me a lovely Valentine's Day gift bag. The theme was "Red" and it had a lot of things that were the color red. Then he also got me a book that he thought I hadn't "Read." It was very sweet.

And I was full of happiness and joy. And sleepiness. Because the pregnancy fatigue was a dark cloud of sleepiness you see and I didn't want to read.all.the.things. I wanted to sleep.

But slowly the fog lifted and I recently, like Monday decided to pour into my Valentine's book. And boy am I glad I did.

So my book is Another Piece of My Heart by Jane Green.

And let me just say, if you are looking for mostly, non-smutty escapism for this summer this is the book for you! A very brief summary: Andi married Ethan, a divorcee with 2 teen-aged daughters. Sophia the younger daughter gets along well with Andi. Emily, the 17 year old, doesn't. 

The book reads like a Lifetime movie. And that is really okay. This is not some deep thinking book here, the ending is slightly predictable and while sometimes that bothers me to no end, it was exactly the mindless, feel good book I wanted. 

This is decidedly a book for adults. It is not super smutty at all actually but there are a few non-graphically written moments. There are some good conversation points in the book: parenting-what makes a parent. Abortion is discussed for a total of one page but is never deemed an option and it does play into the emotions of infertility fairly well. There are good looks at friendship and marriage and the trials and tribulations that come with those relationships are explored as well. 

Overall, this book probably should be a Lifetime movie. But it was a quick easy read. (I read it during nap time and only had a few pages left to finish when C woke up.) There is enough meat and substance that it is not a boring book but it is not a deep thinking book nor one that you'll wish kept going when you're done. 

Is this a book that will change your life or be one to think about for weeks? Nope. 

Is Another Piece of My Heart a decent poolside read for the summer? Absolutely. 

I hope you're having a good week so far! I am linking up with Jessica because I love linking up with Jessica regardless of what I've read! 

What's up with us?

So since I am sure you're all just DYING to know how my Mother's Day was I'll tell you. It was pretty great. We made it kind of a weekend. Of a lot of relaxation and nothingness which is my favorite kind of weekend in case you were wondering.

It's probably the hormones but my snarky has been coming out in mass quantities lately, and things that I would usually just roll with are starting to get on my N.E.R.V.E.S.

A for instance for you: we went to our little children's museum on Friday. We're members so it is really not a big deal whatsoever to spend only a short amount of time there. We got there, and it was pretty busy. Some first graders were on a field trip. Which is great. We avoided the areas they were gravitating towards and stuck to the easier places to play. So there's a little house area that is for the 4 and under set. We headed in there because it's for the littles. It's even designed small.

Well in storm these first grade boys and they are TERRORIZING this space. Throwing food and running amok. (Amok, amok, amok ala Hocus Pocus for y'all.) And then their chaperone (Blogger isn't recognizing chaperone as a word but I swear I am spelling it correctly.) came in the clearly marked area for kids ages 4 and under, and DOESN'T say anything. Well, she did tell them to stop running in front of C and other smaller children.

We left the house and went to play at the water table which is C's favorite anyway but I was miffed. I am currently at the point of not saying the words that come to mind because I can't tell how emotionally charged they're going to be.

In other C news, he is talking more than ever. I think that sentence is dumb because unless he regressed wouldn't that sentence always be true? Not that regression isn't a serious and scary thing because it is but then that sentence wouldn't make sense anyway.

We are still SUPER into the letter C but he is starting to find other letters that interest him. He knows that J says "Jump" and he is starting to show some interest in P as well. (Which is his middle and last initial.) His favorite number is 2 which is good prep for the upcoming year.

I can't believe for a minute that he is going to be 2. I mean, I know he is. And I understand that he has to grow up because that's what children tend to do. (Mrs. Doubtfire. I love that movie.) But it is so overwhelming that this little creature I brought into the world is going to be 2. Gah! He is such a sweet kid. I am very blessed.

And that is really what's going on with me. Not a whole lot. I hope all of you are well!!

WWRW: I Feel Tricked

So many moons ago I went to see Divergent (the movie) and while nestled all snug in my seat the previews began. And there was one that looked pretty good.

And I was like. "Oh I read that book..." Then I watched the movie I came for and began driving home.

On my drive home I pondered The Maze Runner for a moment.

And I thought to myself "Self, I do not recall enjoying that book. But that preview looks pretty good and you have most certainly matured since you read the book. Maybe give it another try."

I am here to tell you friends. No.

I was tricked into rereading a series of books that is disturbing and not remotely likable.

Should have gone with my gut.

I wish I had a better WWRW for you. Alas, I do not. But do not get caught up in the movie craze... the maze, depressing and just becomes so darn twisted you can't even believe it started in a maze.

Linking up with Jessica our hostess with the most-est.

The Random Thoughts Quick Takes

1. When to Turn Your Headlights On

A simple question answer for you: 

1. Is it raining? 

Then turn your headlights on.

2. Are you using your windshield wipers?

Then turn your headlights on.

3. Is it bright and sunny? 

You don't have to but if it helps you develop good habits then turn your headlights on. 

This is brought to you by the many number of people driving without headlights on during the crazy rain on the highway. The kind where your wipers are in hyper-drive, you slow down and you're thankful the toddler is asleep and buckled in safely so you don't have to worry about him. 

2. We're Still in Post-Vacation Mode

There's still some putting away to be done. And there's been a lot of pajama days since we got here. I'd be ashamed but... somehow I just don't care. I desperately need to clean the bathroom, it's bothering me though I know I cleaned it right before we left. So it's really not overdue it just bugs me. 

3. I Spent Last Saturday at Magic Kingdom

I am in post-Disney visit depression. Not really a depression but a "How was that a week ago?" and "When can I go back.?" kind of mind set. I knew going in it was going to be extremely crowded. And it was. Oh it was. The conversations I overheard ranged from inane to hilarious. 

I managed to NOT sternly yell at the kid in front of me in line for It's A Small World and I dedicate that to the grace of God. His family was paying zero attention to him and he would not move forward. He also continually invaded my personal space. By walking backwards. If you've ever been in a queue at Disney you know that "personal space" is a vague term anyhow but this kid managed to invade it. Even when I'd switch sides with Husband to get away from him. 

4. Spring is Here with a Vengeance

We haven't seen the sun since we left Florida. It's just rainy gloomy Spring. And the grass needs to be cut really badly. I think I may be the only person who doesn't actually like Spring. With Winter, you know it's going to be cold. And you just come to grips with that fact. Summer is the same way except for being hot. Fall, you know that it will eventually be getting cold so any day that's beautiful is a special gift. 

But Spring? It's just teasy and makes no sense. Is it warm today? Or is it back in the 40s for a week? Is it rainy? There's no reasoning with Spring. You have to account for all weather from flurries to upper 70s. Packing sunscreen and mittens in the same bag is not my idea of a lovely season. 

5. We've Entered Our Last Month with a One Year Old

It went so fast. I can't believe it. Memorial Day is going to come fast. 

6. I May Be the Last Person to Read #SOTG

Because I didn't preorder it. And I still haven't real ordered it. Is it loanable on Kindle? Anyone want to lend it to me? I perhaps wrongly assumed there'd be giveaways galore with this book and I was going to try my hand at that since everyone clearly already pre-ordered it or got an early copy. Ah well, I am sure I'll get around to it at some point. 

7. It's Friday

I know that's pretty obvious. But man I am excited for this weekend. We're going to get the house back in real order, we have brunch with friends this weekend and well... I am just thrilled about it being the weekend!