Reading My Heart Out

*from my other blog at Dilla Speaks Out

I just figured out how to do a TypeList and display the kewl books I am currently reading in my blog. (hey, did you know that if you entered the ISBN number, ‘they’ will make a search at amazon.com and display the cover page of the book as thumbnail and of course link you to the amazon page as well.. )

I have a few books that I read in any long periods of time. Not that I read four books all at the same time. I read one book, put it down… After some time, I read another book, then put it down.. Go to the loo, reach for another book.. You know what I mean? It serves different purposes, though.

An obvious example is that I always have a book for my reading pleasure in the loo. (We have magazines and such stocked up too) So, the criteria for a book to be eligible for contending in the Loo Category are: short stories/chapters, independent of each other, needs little or no analysis or thinking. Reader’s Digest, FHM mag, Stuff mag, Cartoon strips are ideal. I also have a book handy to read during commuting or idly waiting. Those lonely minutes waiting for someone to arrive can be very testy if you don’t have anything to distract you. ( I HATE WAITING!!) - I shall name this the Idle Category. The read must not require much thinking (again?) , small enough to stuff in my bag (you can have a big one if you have a big bag) and convenient to carry around. Ideal candidates include self-help books, fiction and Reader’s Digest. The next category, I have decided to name Just So Category coz I just so happen to like doing it at that time. These are my reference books for the activities I love; such as scrapbooking, cooking, face-painting, hair wrapping — in short, whatever that catches my fancy at the particular period. I do have a series of ‘IN’ activity that I participate in.. Sometimes the passion lasts long, sometimes it just whizzes me by. But most of the time, I would buy reference books to educate myself in the particular field. (Chewah! Just a reason, lah… Actually, I am a real sucker for books..) It helps too ‘coz it gives you a new perspective on your ‘passion’ and you are well-informed about the materials/choices that are available in the market. I wish I had another category called Bedtime Category , but I don’t. Simply because I have no time to read before bed - got 2 active kids to tuck in and other frolicking activities throughout the night. (heh heh heh)

So there you have it. Now, presenting my ‘Currently Reading’ list of the moment:

1. Idle Category: Why Men Love Bitches by Sherry Argov - This was actually a gift from hubby for our 9th-year bf-gf Anniversary. (28.04.1997) It was kind of a way of telling me why he loved me. So sweet… Still not done reading it. I am up to Tips No 65, I think. Still quite a lot more to go..

2. Loo Category: Dilbert and the Way of the Weasel by Scott Adams - We are all weasels — Ha ha ha. 2nd round of reading this. I just love Dilbert and the gang. Easy reading and reminds me not to take the office politics too seriously.

3. Just So Category: Total Scrapbooking by Sarah Mason & Karen McIvor - I started reading the book to educate myself about scrapbooking. It gives a detailed description on the materials and techniques needed to successfully scrapbook. There are lots of sample projects for ideas too. The presentation is also good as it comes in a ring bind. makes it easy to refer to the pages while you are working on any particular project.

4. Just So Category: Jamie’s Dinner by world renowned cook, Jamie Oliver - This is my 4th-year Wedding Anniversary present to myself. I was actually taken by the wordings in the front flap " Jamie’s Dinners is the people’s cookbook. Everything you’ll ever need to know to feed yourself and your family properly for life. What could be more important than that?" See what I mean?

The contents are cleverly sorted by kewl categories such as The Top Ten- Jamie’s all-time favourite dishes, Family Tree - learn to do the basic stuff and other kewl dishes can be derived from it , Five Minute Wonder - for the woman-on-the-go, Sarnies - Sandwiches glorious sandwiches, Desserts - My faves, Meat - you know; moos and baas (they have oinks too) , etc

The plan is that I would like to cook a special dinner for our anniversary - so, I asked hubby to get us a new oven for our Anniversary. (My stand-alone Zanussi 535 will be delivered today. Yeay! )We’ll be eating like healthy kings in no time at all…

Enough already, this talk about food makes me wanna check out the recipe and make my shopping list.

-dillz blogging out-