30 by 30 Reading List Update

In talking to my friends about their favourite books and trying to decide what to add next to my reading list, I discovered something surprising. Many people don't own their favourite books. I don't plan on buying any of these books at this point, so I'm searching libraries. For now, I'm going with those who do own their favourite books and that lead me to one of my co-workers, Donna.


Donna and I have discussed books a number of times and I know she is an avid reader, especially with her new Kindle. She gave me three books to read, being unable to choose her favourite.


The first book I selected was "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini, the author of best-selling novel "The Kite Runner," which I have yet to read.

"A Thousand Splendid Suns" is the intertwined story of two women, Mariam and Laila, who are forced to marry the same much-older man a dozen years apart. The story follows their lives, first separately, then as women of the same household, their struggles with infertility and having children and living in a place where women have no rights.


I absolutely loved this book. Not only was it well-written, but it gave incredible insight into the lives of the people of Afghanistan. I knew of the culture, but had never really felt the emotions or understood the struggles that the people, and especially the women, went through and continue to go through. I certainly wouldn't say I can empathize with the horror these women face(d), but I have a lot more sympathy for and knowledge of that part of the world now and that's a pretty cool thing to come out of a fiction novel.


Absolutely worth the read and I will be adding "The Kite Runner" to my list for future reading.

5 Favourite Comfort Foods

I don't know about everyone else, but I associate certain moods or feelings with certain foods. Here's my mood ring list of comfort foods.

Alphaghetti: When I'm sick, please open me some alphaghetti and throw in a movie.

Nachos: When I'm having a bad day or week, take me out for Jack Astor's nachos and I'll perk up in no time.

Chocolate: When I'm feeling blah and I have no one to take me out for nachos. Or when I have a headache. Or when I'm bored. I just love chocolate.

Mashed potatoes & minced beef: When I want a home-cooked meal, this is where I go. My mom used to make it just for me (even though my dad and brother weren't huge fans) and it still tastes like home to me.

Spinach dip: When I have to bring a snack. This one is more of a personal comfort. I know I make rockin' Spin Dip so I never worry about it going wrong when I have to be somewhere and bring food.

5 Guilty Pleasures

For list-it Wednesday, I'm going to divulge some very embarrassing guilty pleasures that I happily partake in. Perhaps there are people out there who share my sentiments?

Reality TV drama: Some friends and I got together every Monday to watch this past season of The Bachelor. That show is ridiculous and so much fun to make fun of! I also love The Biggest Loser and Survivor and basically any reality show that doesn't involve people cheating on each other. (The Bachelor doesn't count, they're not really dating)

Cadbury Creme Eggs: Yes, those things are disgusting sugar filled sugar balls, but goodness, they are delicious. I have to forcibly limit myself to no more than one a week.

Wardrobe Envy: Checking out friend's and co-workers (and sometimes strangers') wardrobes, making a mental note and finding the same thing for myself. I know, I know, don't buy the same clothes as your friends lest you show up to a party looking exactly the same, but I think I have a problem putting outfits together. I can do top and jeans, but when you start adding belts, sweaters and accessories, I'm kind of hopeless.

Singing in the car: Loudly. All. The. Time. This is a guilty pleasure because I am simply a terrible singer. I usually know all the words though so I think that balances it out.

Settlers online: Ugh, I debated even writing this one, even though I don't think anyone reads this blog. When AJ told me you could play Settlers online, I adamantly called him a loser. First of all, I thought Settlers the board game was way lame when one of my good friends told me about it years ago. Then I played and now I love it. Same thing happened with online. Because I don't get many chances to play Settlers. You can't play with two people and you can't play with friends EVERY time you see them. Playing online is so fast and yes, kind of fun. *sigh*