August Recap
August has felt so long. When I sat down to write this recap, I could not believe that all of these things happened this month.
I started my new job. Met my students and the other teachers at my school. Started to figure out a rhythm and routine.
Jackson and I have continued exploring our new home - finding restaurants and parks and coffee shops we like to frequent.
We have made some new friends. Said yes to nights out and afternoon walks.
We have found a church we feel called to put down roots and connect.
We have gotten new licenses, new library cards. Fixed my dead car battery. Went to the post office. Went to the DMV (which is called the BMV up here).
We are just getting back from a long weekend trip to Chicago.
It has been such a good month, but a long month.
Check out past editions of Currently here.
Reading
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center: 85/100
Genre: Romance (rom com about writing a rom com)
Premise: Emma & Charlie, two screenwriters, are working together on a rom-com script despite the fact that Charlie’s not really sold on love.
Spice: Closed door!
Thoughts: This book was really fun and just continued to solidify that I love Katherine Center’s writing. Her books always have emotional depth but also give me that happy romance feeling. Plus, I loved Charlie!
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter: 92/100
Genre: Young Adult Romance (rom com about rom coms)
Premise: Liz enlists her childhood friend / enemy / neighbor Wes to help her get asked to prom by her crush.
Spice: Closed door!
Thoughts: This is the ultimate young adult romance - prom, childhood crushes, the boy / girl next door, friend drama, parent conflict. It covers it all, and Lynn Painter does it so well. I love Wes and Liz! But especially Wes.
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan: 89/100
Genre: Romance with Literary Fiction
Premise: Nora, Hallmark movie screenwriter, is thrown for a loop when one of her scripts gets picked up for the big screen and the star decides to stick around at her house a few extra days.
Spice: Closed door!
Thoughts: Annabel Monaghan knows how to write, and her writing made it so easy to picture the story in my head. I loved the cozy small town vibe and romance she created. It gave me Gilmore Girls vibes!
One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid: 90/100
Genre: Literary Fiction with Romance
Premise: Emma marries her high school sweetheart Jesse, but then he goes missing over the Pacific Ocean. Years later, she is happily engaged to her childhood friend Sam when she gets a phone call from Jesse. He’s alive. Who is her one true love?!
Spice: I would give this book a 1/5 for spice. There are maybe one or two short scenes that don’t fade to black quite as quickly as I would prefer, but nothing that really bothered me.
Thoughts: This book had to on the edge of my seat - wondering what Emma was going to do, wondering what I would do in her situation, wondering what the people in her life thought she should do. I loved the discussion TJR opened up in this book around true love, love from your past, and how people change over time.
Watching
If you read this newsletter from a couple of weeks ago, then you would know we got rid of our TV. However, there is one show we have been watching a few nights a week, and that is Big Brother.
I had never watched Big Brother before this season, but I am so intrigued. Watching has become such a special treat for us whenever there is a new episode out. If you are watching this season, comment or respond! I want to hear your thoughts!
Listening
This song is giving me all the fall feelings.
I never would have thought I would have Post Malone on my listening wrap-up for the month, but I am really enjoying his new album - especially these two songs!
I have always been an occasional listener, but lately, I have really been loving listening to Sara and Destiny chat each week. It is the ultimate cozy, conversational, bookish podcast, and I love them!
Doing
Pilates: I tried reformer pilates for the first time this month, and I LOVED it. It was so relaxing and calming, and yet I was also shaking and so sore the next two days. There is definitely a learning curve, and it requires some balance. But I cannot wait to take more classes! I feel like it is so good for your overall health, posture, strength, everything. If you have never tried it, this is your sign to find a studio that offers a free trial class and sign up!
Library Trips: We have been making a trip to the library every Saturday. It is the best place to browse around (without having to spend money), sit and read, get work done, or just sip a drink and people watch. The highlight of my week!
Sabbath: I have talked about Sabbath before, but in the midst of packing, moving, and settling into our new home, I feel like I somewhat neglected this weekly rhythm. The last couple weeks Jackson and I have been really intentional about our rest, and it has been so wonderful.
A Quote to Leave You With…
“If you own up to not being perfect, life gets easier.”
- Annabel Monaghan, Nora Goes Off Script
Thanks for reading!!!
Take care,
Caroline