When Bad Things Happen...

Something I have realized recently is that most people (including myself) have a morbid curiosity. When bad things happen we find ourselves stuck watching CNN or reading BBC World News articles. We want up to the minute updates so we know what's going on. Honestly, can you blame us?  We live in a world where we have come to expect these horrible acts to occur. The only real question is, when?

I first noticed this when the Paris attacks happened last November. I was leaving work for the day on a Friday afternoon when my coworker came running up asking me if I had heard about the attacks. I left work and hour later than I normally do because I was stuck to the TV watching the scene unfold. I then drove the hour long car journey to my mothers and listened to the BBC World Service. With hardly any updates, I went to dinner with my phone near me. I spent the rest of the night with my Mom and her husband glued to CNN. That same day, there was an attack in Beirut. It was lesser known than they Paris attacks but still just as horrible. I noticed this again yesterday, when I heard about the attacks in Brussels. Driving to work I heard on a local station briefly what happened then proceeded to listen to the BBC. Once I arrived at work, I sat at my desk with a live update tab open from CNN so I could periodically check it through the work day. I know for a fact that I am not the only one who did this, other coworkers but even family members as well. I have no tie to Belgium. My family is German and Native American, no one I know lives in these countries yet I feel the need to keep a constant update. Its almost as if we (some of us) feel the need to mourn with other nations. Our mourning may be less personal, but we mourn for what's to come. I for one am afraid to see where our world is going, the violence against innocent people just to get a point across.

Just a little random food for thought on this Wednesday! Sorry for the ramble, but let me know what you think of everything going on in the comments below.

Jaclin:)

Read With Me # 1

I love reading, I am a reader through and through. I usually go through spells of reading book after book and get completely lost in the characters and their stories. If you asked me 10 years ago what my favorite book was the answer would still be the same today, Harry Potter. The stories have such a deep powerful message below the interesting story and vibrant characters. I absolutely adore every bit of the series. Currently I have been delving into the world of Chick-Lit. I hate the name, but love the genre. Most books in this category are side-splitting funny and have a wonderful story about finding love or even yourself. I wanted to share with you guys some books that I have read lately but also one that I would like to read next!

1. Anything by JoJo Moyes. OOOOOOHHH MYYYY GAAAWWWDDDD (Chandla BIING!). I watched the trailer for Me Before You and instantly knew it was a book that I needed to read. I polished it off in a day and absolutely adored it. Her main character Louisa is incredible. She is quirky and constantly the but of her families jokes but doesn't let that get her down. I connected on so many levels with all the characters. It was beautifully written and touched on a subject that many would not dare to go near. P.S. I currently have the followup book sitting in my floor waiting to be read. I can'y bring myself to read it though TOO MANY FEELS.

I also read One Plus One that is also by Moyes, incredibly funny with a main character that is a completely joy. It follows Jess who has had a shit storm of a life for two years. Working two jobs and trying to take care of her daughter and stepson while her husband has been off doing god knows what for two years. It also follows Ed, a tech mogul who just got himself into HUGE trouble. He offers to help Jess when she is at one of her lowest points and their dynamic is to die for! I recommend to anyone with eyeballs and can read, because it would be terribly difficult to you know, read if you didn't know how. Okay, I am rambling. WOW. 

2. I recently started watching Outlander, its a period/scifi/drama type show. I had heard great things about it and decided to give it a go! 
Guys, IT IS SO GOOD! Honestly, I am only five episodes in and I just now am realizing its based off of a book. I know, I am way behind. Anyways, the show is incredible, the dynamic between Jamie and Claire is great. Claire is a strong willed independent woman and Jamie is the man that every woman want and every man wants to be. I am sure the books (yes books! there are 8 in the series!) won't disappoint.

3. Lastly, I will mention this series to my last breath SOZZ, Harry Potter. I have realized that Harry Potter is the thing  that not only brings me happiness but also helps me get through the tough times. There is no limit for my rereading or rewatching the series and I love it. I have been going through a rough time and decided to purchase the audiobook version of Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban to treat myself. I already have the CD version of Chamber of Secrets and I love Jim Dale who narrates them. POA is not only my favorite book but also my favorite movie, Remus Lupin holds a very special place in my heart. I listen mostly while I am in the car so its taken me a while but it felt like a great purchase on my part! 

What have you you guys been reading lately? Let me know in the comments below!

Credit to all picture owners. Each found via google search.