Daily Chat

[Lára]

I had a free day today so I searched for another bookstore, since my favorite doesn't exist anymore, and meant to buy Crown of Midnight but I've seen black editions of the Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, so bought them instead. Tomorrow or the day after I'll come back and get the Crown of Midnight. I was just too excited today to think

[Kevin]

Lára wrote: "What's yellow coat?
About the series, I'm still on book 3, have about 50 pages but someone told me the end so I gave up on it"
She was at a book signing and a man in a yellow coat told an important part of the book

[Lára]

I´ve just found out that one of my friends has a liver cancer. I want to give but he donesn´t want it. I´ve been crying for about an hour while I talked to him but he-s so stubborn. He seems completely at peace

He has couple of months

[Kevin]

Lára wrote: "I´ve just found out that one of my friends has a liver cancer. I want to give but he donesn´t want it. I´ve been crying for about an hour while I talked to him but he-s so stubborn. He seems comple..."

If its cancer a donation may not be an option. It is very possible the cancer has spread throughout the body

[Lára]

He's got a new pet, canary. Tried to stay neutral for two days but it's not working... he's so cute (the canary of course)

[Tnkw01]

Lára wrote: "I´ve just found out that one of my friends has a liver cancer. I want to give but he donesn´t want it. I´ve been crying for about an hour while I talked to him but he-s so stubborn. He seems comple..."

God Bless you Lára and your friend. If he's at peace that's good thing but miracles happen everyday. I'll remember you in my prayers.

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

I don’t think I could have a bird. Too noisy.

[Lára]

Helen wrote: "I don’t think I could have a bird. Too noisy."

I have a parrot. it's a small one, a budgie (white with grey wings) and he's very noisy but I like it :) Can't really imagine living without a bird

Nov 17

So we've got a guinea pig today. Her name is Yuuki (after Yuuki Kuran from manga/anime Vampire Knight). I already have a parrot named Zero (also from manga/anime VK) and now I only need someone who I could name Kaname and I'm all set, all of the main cast are there :D

Too bad rabbit's name is Casper and canarary's Kalimero

Nov 18

I so love the movie The Ninth Gate by Roman Polanski. It's my favourite movie and I watch it at least 2 times a year, since I was 10 and I'm 27 now.

I'm watching it right now and I actually bought some whiskey and am trying to fill my glass and drink every time Corso does it. It't challenging! Can't really do it... but I wanna do it so I'm trying but I need some breaks in between. One bottle of that thing is... well for watching it 3 times. He does drink a lot

I feel like I have no free time at all so I'm trying to fill every single minute with something I enjoy, and this movie is just a perfect something.

(edit 1: couldn´t finish the challenge, was under the table after less than an hour (took 59,52 mins and 5 small glasses of the drink, wont´t drink never ever again!)
edit: 2. merged all into one)

[Virginie, Meow.]

Do people often talk to you when you're reading in a public space?

I take public transportation every day (sometimes 3 hours a day) and often sit in public parks during breaks to read. People keep sitting next to me to and starting conversations. I usually try to be polite and nice, 'cause I had very interesting talks with complete strangers in the past.

But these days, I heard some pretty mean/impolite remarks after I answer the unavoidable question "What are you reading?":
- "Fantasy books are for kids. Grow up a little!"
- "Ebooks are not real books. Young people these days, can't live without technology... Pathetic!"
- "Stop reading in English just to show off! You think you're so smart?!?" (I'm French)
- "Nobody wants ugly nerds like you anyway! Bitch!" (after I declined to give my phone number)
- My personal favorite: "You're lying! As if a fucking Asian like you knows how to read! Go back to your country, no one wants you here!" (I'm half khmer)

It happened to me a dozen times this year. I just don't get it.... Why interrupt my precious reading time just to be mean? WHY ?!? SO ANNOYING!

[Femmy]

I'm sorry that happened to you, Virginie. Those people need to learn some manners.

I think the Internet is eroding good manners in people. It used to be that only on the Internet, when we can't see the people we're talking to, that people feel they can say anything, even impolite and mean things. They don't feel like that they're talking to real people. They say things that they wouldn't say to other people's faces.

I now see that this behavior is being carried over into the real world. People are so used to saying mean things on the Internet that they don't hesitate anymore saying it to people's faces. It's a real shame.

[Tnkw01]

I'm sorry also Virginie. I agree with Femmy. Not only is it making people meaner, it also is making people dumber and incapable of thinking for themselves. "It has to be true, it was on the Internet". I know some people don't like Trump, but he's right about "fake news". Everybody is just so mean today. It makes me really sad that my kids and grandkids have to live in such a world.

[Jason]

That's really shit. The anonymity of the internet is a poor excuse for developing a habit of rudeness. I always thought London was a rude city but I read on the tube and bus to and from work every day and noone has ever spoken to me!

[Liam]

Wow Virginie. I'm so sorry you have to deal with all of that. It would be extremely annoying. You sound like a strong person to just be annoyed by it - people behaving like that can leave deep scars. I've always wondered myself what kind of terrible life they are having to feel the way they feel and want to direct it at other people so hurtfully.

The closest experience I can relate to is when I'm trying to get a lot of things done and really concentrate - for some reason people decide that's when they need to spend time with me. It takes so much time and energy to gently tell people to leave me alone. I must look upset when I'm trying to concentrate lol. I need to work on that.

Maybe if you tried looking angry when you read? You are probably too happy and content looking and it bugs them that anyone else should feel that way when they feel so miserable. :)

[Elise]

That is really rude. If I got comments like that they'd probably get an evil glare back. Vile humans. I don't really read in public anymore, but when I did and if there was person sitting nearby they'd never usually talk to me. Maybe seeing a book in my hands was a sign to them not to interrupt this person, which was more or less fine by me.

[Lesia]

I'm sorry you had to go through that Virginie. I'm trying not to socialize with people that start random conversations especially when I'm reading. If I'm immersed in a book, I definitely do not want to be interrupted and unless someone wants to share his positive view on the book I'm reading, I'm not interested in the least. So I'm basically being unapproachable.

[A.Roma 🇵🇸]

Virginie wrote: "Do people often talk to you when you're reading in a public space?

I take public transportation every day (sometimes 3 hours a day) and often sit in public parks during breaks to read. People keep..."

omg thats so horrible, im so sorry you had to go thorough that, i can relate a bit though, anytime im on the bus reading i get weird looks from people, like its not normal to read or something, try to ignore them they're idiots

[Virginie, Meow.]

Thank you for your kind words, everyone!
The worst part of this is that it's happening so often that I was starting to wonder if the fault was not with me somehow; maybe I was being oversensitive... You guys reminded me that such attitude is not normal, thanks :)

@Liam I tried looking angry while reading before. Deep frown, evil glare, I was almost snarling at people. The problem is that I usually become so engrossed with my current read that I soon forget to look pissed off and sport a big goofy smile hahaha :)

To be honest, I wasn't always merely annoyed at this type of behavior. I used to be baffled, then outraged (but usually too late to say anything). I would then be down for the rest of the day.
BUT I decided that they were simply not worth being so upset. So now, I look blankly at them until they shut up, very slowly say: "Airsick lowlander", smirk right in their faces, turn away and put on my headphones.

[Jason]

Airsick lowlander..... brilliant!
I love your attitude Virginie

[Tnkw01]

Yes Virginie, keep that good attitude.

[Virginie, Meow.]

Thanks, Jason & Tnkw01. I'll try to do so :)

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

I'm noticing more and more casual rudeness, it isn't acceptable!

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

April is here, being the sunshine!

[Virginie, Meow.]

Helen wrote: "April is here, being the sunshine!"

Easter! Chocolate! Yummy! >_<

[Tnkw01]

Happy Easter everyone.

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

I had a chocolate bunny for lunch :)

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

I can see sunshine! I may actually have to go outside. I’m so over winter this year.

[Ctgt]

Helen wrote: "I can see sunshine! I may actually have to go outside. I’m so over winter this year."

Still none here. Winter doesn't usually bother me but this one seems to be hanging on forever.

[Tnkw01]

I so agree. Here in the Southeast USA, it's still freaking cold. So much for global warming!

[Virginie, Meow.]

We have a pattern in Nice: wonderful weather during the week. Friday afternoon, clouds start rolling in. Heavy rain the whole weekend. The sun is back Monday morning.

It's been that way for 2.5 months now...

[Jim]

We're waterlogged & were in the 30-50 degree range last week. My neighbor (94 yo) was so antsy that he tried to mow Sunday, but got his mower stuck. I was moving hay from one barn to another & noticed, so I went over & helped him out. We chatted a bit. Poor old guy lives alone & was tired of talking to himself. I really need to drop in more often.

Yesterday it bounced up to 72 & this morning started out at 35. Lots of wind & a record breaking snow being forecast for tomorrow. My forsythias are finally in bloom after trying for a month, but they're pretty ragged looking. The daffodils are handling it better. I've never had them bloom so long, but they keep laying down after a freeze (we hit 18 one night) & then struggling back up again. March was long, weird, & wet. So far, April isn't any better.

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

We’re on 12, I haven’t actually been outside but the sun is beaming through the windows. I’ve been told it snowed in the night!

My forsythia is suddenly covered in flowers but my dafs gave up.

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

:( Managed to bully my way into the doctors. I have swollen glands in my arm that are really hurting, oddly as they sort of burn and are numb. Anyway, this GP thinks it's shingles. In sure I haven't had chickenpox.

[Jim]

Yuck. That's no fun. I did have chicken pox. Hope I don't get them.

[Tnkw01]

Oh no. I hope it's not shingles. Never had them but from what I understand it can be painful.

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

This really is painful. It burns, like bad, very dry eczema (I have that too), it feels like pulling, sort of like hair but internally, but also my arm feels numb-like-ish. Sort of pins and needles but without the pin feeling. Dr said she'd never seen anything like it except shingles. I suppose I could have had chickenpox mildly and mum not notice.

I haven't felt properly well since that flu! Okay doing the moan now :)

China M.... (?) City and City book is on bbc2 tonight. Anyone in the uk?

[Virginie, Meow.]

I had to google 'shingles' as I didn't know the English term. Shouldn't have clicked on the picture tab...
That looks reaaally painful :o

China Miéville? I've only tried Kraken by him and couldn't get past 50%... Not in the UK, can't watch it :'(

Are you going to give it a try? Did you read the book? :)

[Tnkw01]

Helen wrote: "China M.... (?) City and City book is on bbc2 tonight. Anyone in the uk? .."

Whaaaaaat?!? I am soooo jealous!

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

I’ve recorded it. I read one of his and I’m pretty sure it was this. If it is then the end really annoyed me!

Apparently the whole series is on iplayer but I don’t know if you can get that abroad. It’s the online catch up.

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

My garden has been mown, weeded and made beautiful. Now it's pouring!

[Jason]

Helen wrote: "My garden has been mown, weeded and made beautiful. Now it's pouring!"

Ah, so its your fault! I thought it was the chap I saw this morning washing his car....

[Virginie, Meow.]

I could also be me. I purposefully left my umbrella at home thinking 'nah, it's not going to rain. Not a cloud in view!'.

There's lighting and thunder...

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

Oops! It's rained here ever since but I am in north England :)

[Lára]

This is the 1st year that my lillies didn´t come out. I had them since 2012 and they always gave me blooms, but last year I moved and them with me so I guess they´re not yet comfortable.

My lemon tree, that I have since 2007 and that I planted from the seed, had his 1st fruits last year and even tho he´s not giving any right now (he moved with me), he´s bigger and more beautiful than ever.

[Jim]

I hope they bloom next year, Lara. We're still bouncing all over with the temperatures. Sunday I noticed the asparagus was starting to poke up & Monday it snowed. None of it stuck. Today we're supposed to be in the 70s. No wonder I can't get rid of this cold.
:(

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

We've jumped straight to summer this week, it shot up from 12 to 27! We're doing again at the weekend. Plants here have no idea what to do.

[Ctgt]

Still relatively cold here in the mid-atlantic states, low fifties(10) but also had a pretty stiff wind blowing at about 20 mph so it felt pretty raw.

[Jim]

We're bouncing around with the temps, down to freezing this morning. I want to get the hummingbird feeders out since it's about time for them to show up, but I've held off. The temperature changes have caused huge winds that would have emptied the feeders not to mention freezing them. It looks like that's at an end finally. I'll put them out tonight.

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

We’re cold again today.

I’ve never seen a hummingbird. My garden gets magpies, huge fat pigeons (2 of them), blue tits and a male blackbird. Which is great given its size (8m square-ish) and my cat. Last week, a sparrow hawk perched on the fence.

[Tnkw01]

Goodness, your back yard sounds great. We had the displeasure of a mother skunk having babies under our porch and we don't know what to do about it!

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

No skunks in my country. So they look pretty interesting to me :)