A little this, a little that.

2014 has certainly started off full throttle. Whether I like it or not I am doing this and to avoid the events of last time when I ran a half (and couldn't run for 2 months post), I have joined a running group to keep me honest. So far, 2 weeks in, I seem to have survived the class, despite running up cat/boat house hill (NYers you will know what I mean) 5X consecutively at last week's class under the guise that it builds one's glutes, and running in the polar vortex. Surely it's only uphill from now on? Hopefully not literally.

The next semi change is that I have started a book club (well sort of), as of last week. Despite this being a fairly small book club, I feel confident that it can grow into a great thing. I love reading but sometimes I get far too caught up in TV shows or YouTube videos or even non-fictional stuff and don't set aside time to get lost in a book. I am also not very disciplined when it comes to some of the classics (*ahem* Lord of the Rings - took me a year on and off - I'm talking to you) so when I find a book that I love, I usually devour it. An example of this came from a great recommendation from the Cia when she stayed with us this past Christmas. If anyone is looking for a fun, light-hearted (yet poignant!) book, I highly recommend this one. Once I got started on it (I find if I don't concentrate from the get go, the book never takes off for me - anyone else like that?), I was addicted and read it at every opportunity. I was that person reading my book, walking along 3rd avenue on my way to work, praying for no collisions. Guilty. This is why one needs to balance a classic (read "I should really read this book to develop my vocabulary and cultural references in case I need to a) impress someone at a cocktail party, b) feel like I'm expanding my mind academically or c) see the movie") with an obsessive one so as to not become entirely addicted to a book and have no life outside of it. Speaking of which, I often am in a bit of a funk for a few days or so when I finish a really great book. I get to the point where I don't want it to end and actually feel like I've lost a friend when it's finished. Am I the only one? 

Anyway back to the book - here it is on the left (and don't worry, it's not too long, so you're less likely to feel the blues once it's over).

As I am starting with the book club now and we have chosen our book for next time, I may start doing mini reviews on this blog for anyone interested in tagging along. It'll also be a good way to keep track of what I'm reading this year in an online, visual, fun, kind-of-way!

Hope everyone's 2014 has got off to a jolly good start. Please let me know which books you are reading, have heard are good, plan to read so I can get some ideas. I think it's my turn to make suggestions next time and I need them to be good (read kick-ass)! 

                Here's to a happy and healthy 2014!