Room by Emma Donoghue

Blurb:
To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It’s where he was born, where he and his Ma eat and play and learn. At night, Ma puts him safely to sleep in the wardrobe, in case Old Nick comes.

Room is home to Jack, but to Ma it’s the prison where she’s been held for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for her son. But Jack’s curiosity is building alongside Ma’s desperation — and she knows Room cannot contain either indefinitely. …

Told in the inventive, funny, and poignant voice of Jack, Room is a powerful story of a mother and son whose love lets them survive the impossible.

My thoughts:
This book was really something else.
I've picked it up several times on one of my, by now, almost weekly strolls through the book store. But I had put it down every time, until I coudln't resist it any longer. Very good decision!

We join Jack and his Ma on his fifth birthday. The boy has grown up believing that Room is everything there is. Outside Room is... nothing. And everything in TV is not real. Just he and Ma are, and Old Nick.
When Ma tells him a story, a new story, and explains that there is a entire world outside Room, Jack has a really hard time believing her, of course.
From that day on Jack's head is full of questions and he is not sure if the whole world can really fit in there. Soon the little guy will find himself on an adventure he didn't dare to dearm was possible.

Told in the voice of the five-year old, brave and absolutely adorable Jack, it gives the story a whole new twist. Room will let you explore the - declaredly strange - world throught the eyes of an extraordinary, pure child.

I really enjoyed reading this book. True viciousness told in such an innocent voice will send a chill down your spine and get you the giggles at the same time.

Summer and the City by Candace Bushnell

Since I am an enormous Sex and the City fan this was a must read for me!

Blurb:
Summer is a magical time in New York City and Carrie is in love with all of it—the crazy characters in her neighborhood, the vintage-clothing boutiques, the wild parties, and the glamorous man who has swept her off her feet. Best of all, she's finally in a real writing class, taking her first steps toward fulfilling her dream.

My thoughts:
Finally, New York City! Carrie has arrived in the big smoke and the adventure begins right away. Glamurous parties, meeting various artists, manager and wanna-bes and trying to succed in her writing class - that is how Carrie spends her days in the city that never sleeps.
With Samantha and Miranda on her side, the three girls try to leave their marks on New York's streets and men. There is so much to see, feel and do, and while exploring the city, the fashion and all kind of heartbreaks, this amazing friendship develops.

I have read The Carrie Diaries last summer and was really looking forward to this one ever since. I couldn't put this book down and finished it within a week.
It was great to see what had happened at the beginning; how the girls met and over what they've bonded.
Everyone who enjoys the series and movies about those four amazing ladies and their New York life should give this a read.

Yes, no, maybe...? I don't know, can you repeat the question?

We have a new trainee in our department. He's 15 and so shy, but nice. And I've been dragging him around the company all week, to get to know the different departments, you know.
And we've been talking about what he wants to do after he's finished school. Obviously he doesn't know what he wants to do, and he doesn't have to. Because he's only 15. There are loads of other things to worry about. Like... I don't know, girls and football and acne.

Lucky him!


I've been thinking about decisions. Because I have to make some of my own very soon.

Isn't it wonderful when you're only 15 and you think the most difficult decision you have to make is whether to wear the pink or the blue dress? No, kidding, I know being a teenager is hard.
But really, deciding which career you want to take or what country you want to live in makes picking the colour of your dress look like the easiest thing ever.

And it never stops. So, like, when you have decided to move out, you have to find an apartment. And it's not only the building you have to think about... Do you like the street? How far away from work is this place? What about city centre? Are there enough mice to keep your cats busy? Can you actually afford all this? God, growning up can be so hard!

When I was 15 I was hardly aware of the fact that I'll ever have to leave school. And get a job, and start dating, and buy make up, and pay bills, and drive a car. (Yes, we didn't wear make up when I was 15.) All the decisions I had to make were if I'd do my homework in the morning or not at all. Or if I want to sleep over at this friend's place or the other's. Or to which party I'd want to go at the weekend. And what to wear. Those were the hard decisions. I didn't even think about the years that would come after 18.

Now, facing an occupational change, I have to make some of those decisions my 15-year-old self wasn't even aware do exist. The funny part is (there is always a funny part), that I am not even really worried. About finding a new job. But that's just due to one fact - there are more important things to worry about. Can't be? Oh, you have no idea.
But to everyone who's crapping their pants about their work-related future, do not fear, you are not alone! There are millions of other people sending out countless applications. And one day I will have sleepless nights and a throbbing head, too, because I actually know where I want to be, but am not sure how to get there.

But until then, I am going to focus on the things that have to be decided now. Because - I have no choice. Someone has to decide them, and since this is my life, I figure I am the one who should make them.


So, you sweet little strawberries, now go and enjoy that beautiful weather. Making decisions is always easier while filling up on Vitamin D. Sun, sun, sun. Fun, fun, fun.

A blast from the past

As mentioned in my previous post, I went out for dinner with an old friend. We haven't seen each other in about two years and I was really looking forward to catching up with her. As we all know, a lot can happen in two years.
We sat in that bistro for over four hours, chatting, laughing and remembering. There are loads of things to remember. And to laugh about. It was so much fun and I felt happy and really grateful.

Throughout the evening we've recalled awkward situations, adolescent antics, crazy adventures and how that "one special guy" broke our heart. It was fab-u-lous!

After we've said our good-byes and I went home, I thought about how much had changed and happened in the past few years. And that night, I thought of just how amazing it was back then - and how glad I am that all that is in the past.

Sometimes, when I go back in time, I think of how many mistakes I've made just a few years ago and how much fun life was. The friends I've made and lost over the years, falling in love and getting butterflies whenever I've seen HIM... Oh the memories!
But isn't that what your teenage years are all about? Making mistakes, losing and winning, loving and hurting? Just to explore the world and yourself and everyone else? Getting drunk, being stupid, partying the night away? Be wild! And I have done that. All of that. And it was incredible!


Some day, you want to know who you are. And I think, this is just such a big part of becoming that person. And, in all honesty, I am so glad I have done all those things back then. Because, really, I wouldn't want to do that now. Being a teenager is hard. Really, it is. But being an adult isn't any easier.
So enjoy it. Every mistake you make, every heartbreak, every crazy adventure you start, just enjoy it! Because one day, those will be the stories you'll laugh about for hours.

So, be wild, children. Be wild.

Excuse me, my hair needs your attention

At some point, probably when you're out for coffee with your girlfriends, you'll walk past a huge window, and because you're a woman you can't help but check your reflection, you will stop and look at yourself in shock... and then it hits you. You're hair is a bloody pile of fuzzy messiness! You look like a overused mop. There is no way to deny it - a new hair cut is needed, NOW!

And then it begins, the hour-long research for the new do. At home on your laptop, on the go on your phone even in the office at your computer. What should you get? Just a little trim or a complete new look? Fringe or not? Oh, and while we're at that, why don't you just change the colour again? Brown? Black? Red, green, blue, violet? Hm... or you could get some highlights.
The list of possibilities is endless. END-LESS!

After about three weeks you have cut it down to two or three options. Now it's time to get the votes in. So you go around asking every human being, that possesses even the tiniest bit of style, which one of these looks would make you look the least like you're still 16. Because you're actually 22 and would love it, if you'd stop looking like you did 6 years ago. In the end you will discuss all opinions with your best friend. Because she is the one who will have to look at you most often, she'll give good advice.

So when you have finally decided what to do to get this craziness you call hair under control - you need to find the right hairdresser. If you have a hair salon you trust and go to all the time, this won't be a problem and your hair will be shiny and beautiful in no time.
But if you don't... well, then you'll have to spent another two exhausting weeks trying to find someone you trust to run around with scissors.

This project won't only cost you loads of money for magazines that promise you to KNOW what kind of look would fit you, but also leave you being a nervous wreck at the end. Because, you know, one day, you'll have to do it all over again.

......

Yes, this was a very rubbish long post just to let you know that I am absolutely not frantic about my hairdo. Not at all. And why would you think I need a new haircut?

10 randoms

Since I have nothing to write about that wouldn't fry my brain, I thought I'd give you a litte bit more information about myself by sharing 10 random things - about me. I have found this over at A Martini Always Helps and thought I'd join the fun. Because I am just that bored interesting.

So here it goes.

1. I live out in hicksville. Barely 1,000 peeps. And I hate it. I have spent all my life there and it is driving me nuts.

2. I love the bestie more than anything. We communicate through facial expression and inside jokes. One day we're going to write a book.

3. One thing, the only thing, I always take with me is my phone. Which means that, theoretically, I am within easy reach at all times. Yeah, well, just in theory.

4. I love big cities. There. That's why I don't fit in here (in above mentioned enviroment). I've tried, I've failed. I need traffic and malls and public transport and big buildings. And no cows as my neighbour.

5. I have spent one year in the US of A. As an au pair. And it was the best decision I've made to date.

6. Once every now and then (everyday, really) I wish I was a cat instead of a human being. Because being at cat must be awesome!

7. Cake makes me happy. So do fruits.

8. This time next month I am going to queue up in a line together with loads of other over-excited fangirls to see McFly - four talented, british, gorgeous, incredible guys. In London. After that I will probably go up to heaven, because this will be one of the bestestes days of my life. Duh! (If you do not know who McFly are, stop reading this and stand in a corner!)

9. I'm a dreamer and dreaming is what I do.

10. If I'd win the lottery I would give some money to the people I love and spent the rest of my days travelling the world. And then buy loads of apartments in all the great cities. Wooop!

There we are. 10 things about me. Should I mention that it took me one hour to even find 10 random facts about myself?

So, your turn. Do the same and leave the link in the comments.
Remember - embrace the randomness!

Yes, you can be jealous of my life

...because three people have complimented my nail polish today! YES!



And those compliments have totally outbalanced that someone (who actually calls herself a friend of mine) has tried to motivate me by telling me that my biggest dream will be an absolute fail. Ah, yes, I'm a lucky lady.

Find the error.

Remember that thing I'm planning that I haven't yet told you about? No? Ah, still can't tell you what it is. But I've told some of my closest friends (obviously including person mentioned above), so they can start getting used to this idea. I mean, it's like life changing. Not exaggerating here. And I was hoping to get some support, of course. Haha, yeah...no...

What really bugged me about what she said is that she didn't even try to understand or accept that this is what I want. And I want it bad. It's not like I am forcing everyone to like what I'm doing. It isn't permission I am looking for, just a bit of support from my friends, some of whom I have known half my life.
And I don't want everyone to be happy with my decision or to throw a party for me. All I am asking for is a "well, if that's that you want, I hope it'll work out". (Actually, a party would be really nice too.)

Luckily I'm a warrior by nature. A bloodthirsty, bullish hamster. Terminator of negative influence. Meaning, this declaration of my dream ending as a big epic fail just made me want to work for it even harder.
And I've got to say that there really are people who are supporting me in this. Even tho I'm sure they think I'm nuttier than a fruitcake. That's alright.

Really kids, even if the people that want to bring you down are people you have known for a long time, don't let them. Don't let anyone bring you down! (insert manic hand gesture here)
If you want something, go for it. If you'll fall get up again and brush the dirt off your face. You're the only one who can tell yourself that you can't do it - and you don't have to listen.

POW! Deep.