Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling

from goodreads

4 stars

I got distracted and forgot to post yesterday! Gak. My husband's company Christmas party is tomorrow and I had to find an outfit. We usually don't go to the Christmas party, but Matt reached a milestone year with the company so its our time to go. I am definitely more a relaxed, comfortable clothes wearing type. Having to find something that was a bit more formal was a bit daunting.

I think I picked an outfit that stayed true to me though so that's good. Thank you Reitman's! What would I do with out you.

Synopsis

The next installment of Mindy Kaling's musings on her life in Hollywood and Show Business.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book. Sometimes you need a little light hearted fluff to get you through more serious literary pursuits. This was the perfect blend of dishing about Hollywood, self-deprecating humour and sage advice.

She has a great writing style. While reading it I felt like I was getting letters from a great friend, or at least a long distance pen pal you just can't give up.

I like how she keeps it real. We see the long hours and sacrifice it takes to be successful. It is not all frilly dresses and parties. I think sometimes we might want fame, or at least the money that can go along with it. But what we don't usually see in the tabloids or entertainment shows are the hard work, sacrifices, and ungodly waking hours that are involved. Seriously 6 a.m. does not exist in my world let alone 5. How do they do it?

I also liked her essay to the girl who asked her where she got her confidence. Sometimes the best answers are ones that take a while to figure out and can't be said right on the spot. I hope that girl is able to read her answer.

There were some essays that I have to admit I glossed over. The alter-ego email essay... it just wasn't for me. Kudos to you who did read it.

Overall this was a light, fun, informative and just nice read.

Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris

from goodreads

3.5 stars

There are times in life when all you can do is laugh. Things go awry, feelings of frustrations start to seep in and you just feel like you are in the middle of a big mess. (Mess can be figurative or literal.) Those are the times when you really need to take stock and have a great laugh. It is not always easy to do, but it is so necessary.

I was having one of those weeks. Miss P. kept on pulling my hair, and not a big handful (which I can stand) but only one or two strands. Ouch! I am in the middle of doing a major purge so it is frustrating when I don't complete everything that I wanted to do in the day. (Kids need attention. Who knew?) Tuesday I was a major grumpasaur by the time my husband got home. I was feeling so crazy.  That night I was able to pause and do things for me. I was able to feel refreshed and know that my lot is not too hard. These feelings are for a small time and things will get better. I will get better. And once I was in a more peaceful frame of mind I was able to recognize how much fun being a mom and being at home is.

So for all those who are having a rough week. It is only a blimp. Try to do something for you (I watched Sherlock) and then in those peaceful moments think of the fun.

Synopsis

This is a collection of essays from the serious to the absurd.

My Thoughts

This was a great collection of essays. It had me laughing, be serious and everything in between.

While reading I sometimes wondered how much really happened in real-life and how much was embellished or complete fabrication. His life seems so interesting that there must be some embellishment, otherwise my life is so completely boring, I must be missing out on things.

I loved the essay about how he started to pick up garbage on the side of the road almost everyday. I also loved the essay entitled Attaboy. This essay talked about how, as parents today, we are a bit weird when it comes to our children. We either think they can do no wrong or we are too pandering or just nuts. The following is an excerpt that had me just rolling on the floor. It started off about putting our children to bed and how that can be a challenge.

"In my house, our parents put us to bed with two simple words: 'Shut up.'... our artwork didn't hang on the refrigerator or anywhere near it, because our parents recognized it for what it was: Crap. They did not live in a child's house, we lived in theirs."

It then goes on to talk about trying to get our children to eat food, but you will have to read that for yourself. It is funny when you see the things you do through a different lense.

So if you are ready to laugh, and most of the laughing is at yourself, then read this book. I think you will enjoy it.