One whole week into 2012 and as far as I know I haven't broken a single resolution but then again that's not saying much as I can't recall what I resolved.
Oh, wait! I think one was something about my knees and taking positive action to improve my pain situation. If working out qualifies then I am ahead of that game. I did go, once. I was on the elliptical trainer for half an hour. With every step, ellip, or what have you, I felt a disgusting feeling of pain. It wasn't a sharp pain but did involve the sound of bone grinding on bone, with a pinch of loose cartilage or other organic matter being pulverized, accompanied by localized swelling.
For several days after I felt a distinct change in the status of my knees. Along with the stiffness and pain was added a general weakness in the joint, resulting in my knees giving way suddenly, and with no notice, the cheeky things. I guess you could say so far my resolutions are going gangbusters in 2012.
Reading
Basically, still reading all I was reading before:
Bleak House by Dickens (over halfway)
Striving hard to finish before the group discussion and I'm between half and three-quarters with a medium to pathetic chance of finishing on time. Still reading primarily from bedtime until I'm too tired to read further, which is usually a good hour or two. I've passed the rough patch in which I wasn't sure what was going on with a vague plotline and have passed through the much more fun and upbeat scene of Caddy's wedding to Prince Turveydrop. The deportment, I assure you, was impeccable.
A Long Long Way by Sebastian Barry (ditto)
Reading this slowly to savor.
A Magnificient Obsession: Victoria, Albert, and the Death That Changed The British Monarchy by Helen Rappaport
Nearly finished and will write the review today. It continues to be an exceptional work of history. Fascinating stuff.
Plus:
Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde
Reading for Readers Advisory Interest Group - a professional library group dedicated to reading a variety of genre literature, and next up is "Modern Romance." When I first heard this was the upcoming genre selection I felt my heart sink. I can read fantasy, thrillers, science fiction, graphic novels, etc., but I'd rather have the dry heaves than read romance.
So, I selected by going for something with subject matter I have interest in: old manor houses, British settings and characters, an artist, and a divorced woman being wooed, reluctantly, by an Irishman. Throw some flowers on that ancient, drafty house and my interest is piqued well enough.
I'm around a quarter through and, aside from the short-cut telling instead of showing parts and occasional clunky dialogue, it's honestly not that bad. I don't believe in romance, at least not the storybook sort, which I guess makes me a good test subject. If I think it's a fairly good read you know most readers of romance - minus the bodice-rippers, and you people can just forget it - set in modern Britain will have a good shot at liking it. At the least it proves I'm a fairly good sport.
Essays by Truman Capote
One by one I'm getting through a fairly chunky collection of Capote's essays at a snail's pace, which is intentional since it's a great way to dip into intelligent writing when I have a few minutes here and there. I'm a fan of his fiction - what little I've read - plus he was a southerner. Slam dunk. Will have more to say about some of the individual pieces in a future post. Hint: Mixed reaction.
Have to go switch the laundry, so that's it for today.
Ciao, y'all.
Amy - I don't think it would disillusion her. Victoria really bucks up after Albert dies. But it should give her a lot more respect for Albert. I know it did for me.
Posted by: Bluestalking | January 10, 2012 at 11:29 AM
Looking forward to your Magnificent Obsession review. Would this book disillusion my Victoria-loving 14-year-old daughter, do you think? I wonder if it's something to recommend to her.
Posted by: Amy | January 10, 2012 at 12:54 AM