Starting Another Book

The Christmas Wedding

Before I end my day, I wanted to "jot down" that I went scrounging around my apartment for another book to read.  I know there are books around that I haven't read, which made me realize there are books I need to get rid of, too.  

I've always been a book reader, and for the last two or so years, I have put them down more than picking them up.  I will start one, and then lose interest, as my cell phone distracts me with notifications.  I will end up scrolling social media, reading my emails, playing a game, etc.  

I've made it a goal to read at LEAST 6 books this year.  My goal before was 12 books a year.  But, I have been juggling work, taking care of my mom, and trying to keep up with my own self-care.  I found a Christmas book in our utility closet.  So, I decided that would be the next book I read.  

It is titled "The Christmas Wedding," by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo.  I don't recall where I bought it, but before I started actively blogging again, I purchased a Christmas book because I wanted to start reading Christmas stories around Christmas, every year.  Last year, I thought I could watch Christmas movies, but I have a hard time sitting still long enough to watch anything.  My mind always wanders back to my cell phone (such a bad habit).

Suspect - Michael Robotham

“A cold wind was blowing from the north, and it made the trees rustle like living things.”
 ― George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones

Book Title:  Suspect
Author:  Michael Robotham
Genre:  Psychological Thriller, Mystery
Main Character:  Joe O'Loughlin
Story Setting:  England

Story Summary:  A psychologist, Joe O'Loughlin, has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. He has a former patient, Catherine, that was murdered and believes one of his current patients, Bobby, did it.  However, the plot twists, and the head detective believes that Joe did it, because he knows too much and has no alibi.  Joe goes on the hunt to find evidence that Bobby did it.  Meanwhile, he's struggling with his disease, his wife is mad at him, he's mad at his long-time friend, and people are dying all around him.  It's Christmas-time and he's just trying to stay out of jail, find the predator, and trying to get back to his family.

Review:  The book is definitely a page-turner.  I think Michael Robothom is a great writer.  I normally wouldn't read a book like this, but I am now more open to reading his books.  It was action-packed, and almost every page had a new twist.  I'm a new fan.

 

Lunar New Year

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” ― Oprah Winfrey

Me on Feb 18, 2024  

Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou!  That means, "Happy New Year" in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.  

I am of three cultures, Ilocano, French-Canadian, and Korean.  I was raised with two New Year's celebrations.  Mom always called it the Korean New Year, but as I got older I learned other Asians celebrated it and have other names for it.  Most people I knew, called it Chinese New Year or Tet.  I just call it Lunar New Year to be more inclusive to all people who celebrate.  

This time of year, people usually put money in a red envelope as a gift.  The Chinese have a phonetic saying, "Gung hey fat choy," which does not mean "Happy New Year," but more along the lines of "have more money."  How cool is that?  

It's like Christmas all over again.  Gift-giving and well-wishes.  I was able to give to a woman I befriended when I lived in Oregon.  She lost her teenaged son to gun violence a few months back (article).  And then someone stole her clothes off her clothesline, so her younger children had no winter coats and she lost all her scrubs for work.  I wish people would take into consideration that some people are really struggling in life and financially, and that taking from others is damaging them more.  According to her surveillance camera footage, it was a teenager who stole the clothes.  

I hope that my little bit of money, which was basically money earned from a gratuity, can be used for warm coats.  I hope everyone does better this year.  If January 1st wasn't the beginning of a New Year, at least we have February to start again.

새해 복 많이 받으세요 (Happy New Year in Korean)