The catching up post

What I'm Reading

So, this is a post where I’m catching you up on what’s happening with me and if you would like, you can catch me up on what’s happening with you in the comments.

When I last left you, I wasn’t in the frame of mind for reading, with the passing of my mother-in-law late last month and a memorial luncheon my wife Kim and her sister held for family and friends on May 20. Without going into details, the luncheon had its hiccups, but we all made it through, after some long talks and time. However, as a result, I’m still not really in the frame of mind for reading.

I still have Exit Strategy by Martha Wells to finish and am waiting for the next in order of the Inspector Montalbano series by Andrea Camilleri to become available at the Free Library of Philadelphia.

I also have Broken by Jenny Lawson on audiobook to finish, with about three hours left. I would like to finish that this weekend as I want to cancel my Audible membership to start the month, but we’ll see if that or any other literary pursuits happen.

In the meantime, Kim and I have been binge-watching our way through Modern Family. We are in Season 8 and I’ll be honest that I think it’s starting to “jump the shark.” Kim doesn’t think so and wants to continue on until the end. She also says “I always do this” with shows, that I give up on a show that we have decided to watch together.

Keeping it honest here, I have in the past bailed on shows that I lost interest in, but usually they have been shorter run shows. And, at least, in the case of one of those shows, she admitted that it wasn’t worth watching until the end because the conclusion was unsatisfying. However, I also have bailed on longer run shows, including the many iterations of the CSI franchise with sadly CSI: Miami being the one that I am closest to finishing.

Like with books, I think time is too precious to waste on something that you are not enjoying. For me, it’s not a badge of honor to finish reading something I didn’t like. I turned 50 a couple of years ago and am approaching my 52nd birthday in a couple of weeks. I think that changed my perspective some, in that if I don’t give a **** about something, then I don’t have to give a ****, if I don’t want to…at least when it comes to reading books and watching TV shows and movies.

Next week, I’ll catch you up on my plans for my weeklong vacation during the week on which my birthday falls.

Until then, I’m out…

Whassup with you?

Published by Bryan G. Robinson

Blogger formerly known as Unfinished Person. Still an unfinished person...

Published

13 thoughts on “The catching up post”

  2. I’ve been reading but very slowly. And not writing or reviewing at all. Since I’ve been reading nothing but review copies, I know I owe publishers a review. I am trying to get back into the swing of things, but I find myself avoiding my laptop at all costs when I come home every day.

    I am working my way through all fifteen seasons of Criminal Minds. I am midway through season fourteen right now. It has had its ups and downs, but I am bound and determined to finish it. I finished Dexter and that horrible, terrible, no-good final season. I can finish this.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. So sorry that the luncheon had some hiccups. That would put me in a weird mood as well. Definitely not a reading mood.

    TV shows are not working for me right now. Too distracted. No patience for lazy writing. We have one more episode of Marcella, Season One and I have been dragging my feet because it could have ended three shows ago.

    My mind is all over the place. Graduation for the girl tonight. A good thing to celebrate. Trying to grab a meal after with friends but it will be 9:30pm and most places are closed. One place is open until Midnight but only takes walk-ins. Well, guess where everyone will end up. Plus, 9:30pm is so late to eat but they have to be there at 5pm so you can’t really celebrate before and who would want to?

    I need to write a review today for Friday. If I get that done, I will be pleased.

    Like

  4. I’m so sorry about your mother-in-law.

    You are so right: if you stop enjoying something, then it’s time to give it up. I have no problem abandoning books and movies that I’m bored with. I just hop over to Wikipedia to find out what happens at the end.

    I just finished school, so I plan on reading as much as I can over the summer. I’m currently in the middle of three books including a science comic about the digestive system.

    Take care.

    Like

  5. Quick question – can you not finish listening to your audiobook after you cancel your membership? I was under the impression that you still kept your library.

    I’m still watching NCIS every Tuesday, even though the show really went downhill a few years ago. I still feel invested, though I’m not sure why. I’m certainly not excited about it anymore.

    Like

    1. Yes. I found out that I can so that won’t be a problem. I did use the last credit I had to before I canceled, on a book by Michael Curry, the bishop of the Episcopal Church.

      I gave up on NCIS, I think, after the whole Pauly Perrette “thing.” I couldn’t watch Mark Harmon any moreover after that. Not the same but similar to watching reruns of Arrested Development with Jeffrey Tambor. Just can’t bring myself to do it.

      Like

  6. Definitely in tune with your decision to bail out on things that are not giving you pleasure. Watching a tv show or reading a book shouldn’t be like a penance.
    It’s something I’m doing more of also the more advanced I become in years – I suppose its a recognition that we don’t have that many years left so why waste them.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. I am so with you that when you turn 50 you start to feel that you don’t have to spend time doing things that you don’t want to do. You could always take a break from Modern Family and go back to it.

    My daughter came home last Monday and I always read less when she is here, which doesn’t bode well for the summer.

    Like

Comments are closed.