NUMBERS OF THE WEEK
STEPS: 1575
In fairness I had the flu and there were 2 days that I didn’t even get out of bed
WEIGHT: Down 2.2 lbs
This is 100% related to the fact that I had the flu. There were a couple of days I could barely drink water because of the cankers and fever blisters.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Shoppers Drug Mart Redemption Event
Every year I save up all my Optimum Points to use at Christmas. Sometimes it is just to stock up on everyday essentials: toothpaste, deodorant, Venus blades, etc. They also supply the stocking stuffers for my family. This year I went during a Redemption Event which means redeeming points and getting much more than their value: so in my case-I redeemed 400,000 points, usually a $400 value, now worth $700. My mother and I went bright and early, and were soon joined by my sister-a family affair. We met a lovely woman who was doing the same thing, and she informed us that her 2 cart endeavor usually takes her a few hours. We had so much fun and it’s a great feeling of accomplishment knowing that so much of our Holiday is already taken care of.
ALBUM OF THE WEEK
Beethoven Blues by Jon Batiste
A couple of years ago I was introduced to Jon Batiste indirectly through the writing of his wife Suleika Jaouad, who’s memoir Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted described their relationship from it’s earliest days (this is an incredible book 5 stars, highly recommend).
His being a jazz musician had me intrigued and I followed him from afar. This year he came out with an interesting album that leans on both his classical and jazz training, taking some of Beethoven’s most recognized music and injecting his playful, soulful interpretations. I found myself joyfully relaxed while listening to it. He is also the kind of human being you can’t help but adore.
BOOK OF THE WEEK
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Published in 1992, while I was still in High School, Donna Tartt’s debut novel has been on my To Be Read (TBR) list for a couple of years, ever since devouring her Pulitzer Prize winner The Goldfinch.
I absolutely LOVED this book! Every night I looked forward to reading it and diving into the captivating story of a group of young college students at a prestigious University in Vermont, studying Greek under the tutelage of an eccentric professor. Each character is equally captivating and even though you know from the outset what is going to happen, the book maintains it’s mysterious hold on the reader through every paragraph. I cannot recommend this enough-a very enthusiastic 5 stars!!