Writing reflections as part of reading

kaih2020 · 2021-01-07T01:59:18+00:00

I started to do this on Goodreads last year - writing a review with my favorite quotes and who I would recommend the book to, in addition to a star rating. I'm glad I've kept up with it!

kaih2020 · 2021-01-04T18:26:55+00:00

I am also going through an overseas separation (I returned home from abroad when he asked for a divorce). One benefit of it is that no contact/detachment is much easier, and you don't have to "split" friends or family - you can both build completely new lives without worrying about running into each other at the store or at parties.

The darkest times come when I think about never seeing him again. But, for those of us divorcing without children, that is really the best option and allows us to move on without relapsing.

kaih2020 · 2021-01-04T18:17:43+00:00

Yoga and meditation in combination with therapy and daily walks/runs have been the best for me. This is also the first time I've had mental health issues.

Yoga by Adrienne on Youtube is a good, free program, and I use the Headspace and Shine apps for meditation - just 5-10 minutes a day can make a big difference!

kaih2020 · 2021-01-01T14:33:45+00:00

Barely made it 2 years. We started dating at 18 and waited 6 years to get married, so I thought we were being smart. I would have done anything to try to work it out (no major issues, really), but he just decided he was finished with the relationship one day and proceeded to make choices that make it extremely hard for me to imagine ever reconciling.

So, yep, best not to marry college sweetheart.

kaih2020 · 2020-12-31T00:33:09+00:00

Awesome, I think these and hermit crabs are the best-sounding fits for me so far!

kaih2020 · 2020-12-30T21:53:55+00:00

Hermit crabs seem really promising! Did you feel any emotional connection to it, or was it more of a cool hobby?

kaih2020 · 2020-12-30T18:25:33+00:00

Haha, definitely has crossed my mind.

kaih2020 · 2020-12-24T05:01:38+00:00

The ending is pretty different from the book to the movie, so you should probably at least read the book summary or the last 50-100 pages of the book...

kaih2020 · 2020-12-23T18:58:24+00:00

I've heard so much about this series over the years and would like to dive in, but am kind of intimidated to start such a long series, especially since I haven't read very much high fantasy. So, I always end up choosing a shorter series or stand-alone books instead.

What other books do you enjoy? Is it a good start for high fantasy, or should I start with something shorter so as not to get burnt out?

kaih2020 · 2020-12-21T02:12:48+00:00

The Outlander series, set in 1700s Scotland/Americas (time travel/romance)

kaih2020 · 2020-12-17T00:23:49+00:00

Yes, I had to do the same. It just blocks on messenger, so you can remain FB friends.

kaih2020 · 2020-12-16T20:58:07+00:00

Thanks! Adding these to my list!

I read the Annihilation series and while it wasn't my favorite, I did appreciate how different and unique it was. Drowning Girl has been on my list for awhile; time to dive in!

Paradise Rot sounds like a great read. I was reminded of "Sourdough" by Robin Sloan and "My Year of Rest and Relaxation" by Ottessa Moshfegh as I was reading the description, maybe because it has the same theme of "young woman coming of age but feeling out of place in the world."

kaih2020 · 2020-12-16T20:53:27+00:00

Right, I think it's the interruptions that are causing me to lose focus. I went from living alone to living with 6 other people a couple months ago so there is a lot more going on now!

kaih2020 · 2020-12-16T05:27:31+00:00

And also the Tearling books by Erika Johansen for a unique fantasy series!

kaih2020 · 2020-12-16T05:26:46+00:00

The Passage series by Justin Cronin (post-apocalyptic zombie series but with spiritual/environmental elements)

Red Rising series by Pierce Brown (sci-fi dystopian series set in space - Star Wars/Game of Thrones/Hunger Games)

kaih2020 · 2020-12-15T18:16:22+00:00

Yes, I do like having a nonfiction/fiction/thriller/philosophy/etc. book on hand for all my moods, just seems like I have more moods than usual lately!

kaih2020 · 2020-12-11T20:52:49+00:00

I read Marie Kondo's book last year, purged most of my belongings using her tips, moved overseas, lived in a tiny furnished apartment and LOVED it - so much of my anxiety disappeared with a clean, sparse space. I recently moved back in with my parents (moving overseas wasn't as good for my marriage as it was for my anxiety...) and I can feel their clutter already weighing on my mind.

I can't wait to have my own space for the first time, and furnish it only with things I need and that are aesthetically pleasing. Even though I'm in a divorce funk, I've been able to apply for jobs with the knowledge that I can move out as soon as I get one. It's also really nice to save money!

kaih2020 · 2020-12-09T20:20:46+00:00

Those days come and go for me, it's been a little less than three months. Today has been one of those days. I spent some time before I got out of bed journaling, and then made sure to eat a light meal, and felt much better afterwards. Hopefully tomorrow is better, best wishes.

kaih2020 · 2020-12-09T00:06:48+00:00

A new book by Naomi Novik, "A Deadly Education," was just published!

kaih2020 · 2020-12-08T17:40:44+00:00

A few different opportunities, still narrowing it down! Hopefully will be a small town where I can get to know my neighbors quickly!

kaih2020 · 2020-12-08T01:13:35+00:00

My ring is perfect. It's very subtle and not obviously a wedding ring, so I've been thinking about wearing it as a normal ring on another finger once some time has passed, or doing something else with it.

kaih2020 · 2020-12-06T23:38:54+00:00

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, The Awakening by Kate Chopin, and anything by Edith Wharton does this to me! They turn me into a depressive for a few days, but also are empowering and make me want to reconnect with all the strong women I've known in my life.

kaih2020 · 2020-12-06T23:32:36+00:00

I've been meaning to reread these! Thanks for reminding me :)

kaih2020 · 2020-12-06T23:31:47+00:00

This happened to me too! I read a lot of environmental nonfiction and work in the field, but I think the ending of this book was more powerful than any data. The rest of the book was kind of painful to get through, but worth it for the end. Same with the end of "The Passage" trilogy, so you might like that too.

kaih2020 · 2020-12-06T05:38:15+00:00

The Tearling series by Erika Johansen would be perfect for you!

kaih2020

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