Hi there, and welcome back to my blog. In this mid-month of September I’d like to introduce a brand new series in my blog called Here and Now, where I update you with things happening at the moment with me, and the world. I plan on doing this once every month, so hope you like it!
At the moment I am currently reading three books. One is a short story collection I’m slowly getting through and quite enjoying: Men Without Women by Haruki Murakami. Additionally I’m really into the detective crime thriller by Carla Kovach called Her Final Hour (34%). Since my recent readathon I haven’t continued with my audiobook of The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld, just because I am not in the mood for it.
Goodreads reading challenge update: I’m well over ahead of schedule for my goal this year, which I’m super happy about. I’m not sure if at the end of the year I’ll exceed my goal of 40 books or not, but overall I’m not rushing to read too many books.
After finishing The Office I struggled to find a series I want to start watching. I began rewatching Parks and Recreation with my boyfriend early on in the month and we immediately fell in love with it. I watched the entire series around three years ago and the second time watching it I picked up on a lot of fun and interesting things about the story and characters.
I also recently finished a BBC mini-series, Collateral which is available on Netflix. It stars Carey Mulligan as a detective in London solving one case of a dead pizza delivery man who turns out to be an immigrant. I will make a whole review of the series in the blog soon, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This month I haven’t been out the house much except for running errands. But other than browsing for jobs I’ve been developing a new hobby: crochet! I made a few amigurumis, which are basically stuffed toys made from handmade crochet, and it’s super fun, although does take some time.
As you might know I enjoy a few games in my phone and laptop here and there. Lately I’m still occasionally playing my favourite (and only game) on my Mac which is Stardew Valley. I’m at my third year in my second farm as a single-player and I have a good feeling about this farm and that it’s gonna make millions in the future. Additionally I’ve been playing multiplayer with the lovely Marina @ Books of Magic, and our shared farm is growing wonderfully.
What have you been up to, here and now in this lovely day of September? Let me know in the comments!
On another note…
This October, it will be 1 year since the start of my renewal of this blog. Though this domain has been running for over 6 years, I started book blogging and posting books, movies and travel posts only one year ago. Therefore I will be celebrating my first blogiversary by making a small form for you guys! In there you can send me your questions on me, my personal life, my blogging life, and my reading life. I will post a Q&A of all your questions in my blogiversary celebration. It will only take a couple of minutes of your time, so please go click on the picture below to fill out the form, I would really appreciate it.
I loooove Parks and Recs ❤ Planning to re-watch it this autumn 😀
The Child Finder is also on my list, might even manage to read it. Some books just don't seem to work as audio i noticed. I have this on my kindle so hope that will work out better 😀
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I know, it’s the best isn’t it?! I so far never had a bad experience with audiobooks, but this one is just not gripping enough for me to continue listening, although it could also just be that I’m not in the mood for it. Let me know your thoughts of the book once you read it!
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I loved Rene Denfeld’s novel The Enchanted, so I’ll have to look into The Child Finder. Isn’t Parks and Rec the best?!! I never get tired of re-watching it, and think it only gets better and better. I really enjoyed Collateral too, and thought it was gripping, thought-provoking, timely and just very well done.
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Yeay, thanks Jessie! I’m loving Parks and Rec the second time watching it… and I really enjoyed Collateral too! I’m making a review of the series soon.
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I’ll be interested to see how you get on with Denfield’s book! I enjoyed her debut but I’ve heard mixed things about The Child Finder.
Congrats being on track with your reading challenge 😊
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Thanks. I didn’t know of any reviews for the book as I started reading it. I’ll definitely let you all know about my thoughts once (or if) I finish the book 😀
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Oh, this is such a good idea for a monthly feature! It seems you and I are in similar boats for a lot of things; I just finished the Office last week and am searching for jobs, as well (my last day at my current job is today!).
Your reading progress this year is amazing! Given that you’re working on three books right now and that we still have three and a half months left in the year, you’re set on completing your goal. You’re three books ahead of schedule, which is huge! It’ll be so great to cheer you on!
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Thanks Amber 🙂 best of luck for both of us on the job searching.
Yeah, I did set a not too hard goal for myself this year on Goodreads, but I’m still already quite proud of myself.
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I’m excited to see your thoughts on Men Without Women! I read some of Murakami’s work this summer, and it was kind of hit or miss (but the writing was always gorgeous), so I’m interested in seeing what you think of it!!
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I’m still reading it atm. I haven’t read that many Murakami either but this one is definitely a lovely read for me (so far).
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Love that you’ve been learning to crochet! It’s something I’d love to be able to do but I don’t have the patience hehe.
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Yeah, it does take a lot of patience. And surprisingly a high amount of counting and attention!
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Happy almost 1 year anniversary, Ayunda! I loved his post and hearing about your crocheting too- that’s such a relaxing hobby!
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Thanks, hope you don’t mind taking some time to ask me questions 🙂 I love crocheting, though I’m still pretty bad at it right now….
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Congrats on (almost) making one year! I’m new to your blog, but excited to play catch up. I was talking to a friend of mind who just finished watching The Office for the first time. They finished the entire series, looked for a new show for like a day and decided to start The Office again LOL It’s that good!
Oh and good luck on the job search! 🙂
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Thanks for dropping by Andrea 🙂 Ugh yeah, I couldn’t watch another show after finishing The Office for weeks…
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Oh do you do Amigurumi? Wow! What a talent!
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Yeah I do, they’re quite messy so far but I’m really enjoying it 🙂
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I accidentally deleted your comment from my blog. 😦 But thanks for stopping by. And congrats on your almost one year blogiversary!
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Aww it’s no problem, and thank you ❤
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I filled in the form. 😀 I think you can totally get to 40 books this year!
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Thanks Annemieke! Wish me luck 😀
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Oh keep up with the crocheting! So many things you can make!
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Yup, I have so many ideas I’m already confused on what to make next 😀
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*gasp* A Haruki Murakami book?? Last year, I bought my first Murakami book (1Q84) and started to read it… but never got around to finishing it. I really, really would love to get around to reading his books because I know they are so thoughtful and unique, but I don’t think 1Q84 is the best book of his the start with. Have you done reviews on any of Murakami’s other books, because I would love to read them. Anyways, great post! ❤️
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They are definitely unique, his writing style is just amazingly beautiful. I haven’t done any reviews of his previous books but I will post a full-length review of this one soon ❤
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I’m looking forward to reading your review then! 😊
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I’ve always wanted to try Haruki Murakami, but haven’t gotten a chance. Have you read anything else by him?
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Yes, I have read his other short story collection, Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman and I must say I’m liking Men Without Women a little bit more 🙂
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Great post Ayunda! I never watched The Office and Parks and Recreation, though I have a strong feeling I’d like both, don’t know what’s wrong with me. 😀 It’s great that you’re learning crocheting, I’ve always wanted to try that! I need a hobby. xD Aww, can’t wait to play more Stardew Valley with you, I promise I’m not traveling anywhere in the next few months, so we can play. 😀
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Hahaha sorry I’ve been MIA these past weeks as well Marina… hope we can play again soon 😀
Crocheting is really fun, and it’s nice to have an end product of my projects.
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Don’t worry, I’ve been MIA too hehe. 😀 Yay, can’t wait! ❤
Cool, I might research if there's such equipment to buy here, I desperately need a hobby! 🙂 I wanted to try felting, but can't find the tools here. 😦
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Oooooh felting sounds fun as well! It’s always hard to find affordable but also good crafting tools anywhere, I think 😀 Amazon is probably a good bet if you can’t find any local stores.
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Well for me, the hardest thing is to get something new going, like with this blog, it took me 2 years. 😀 I guess once I buy the supplies I have to do something with them hehe, so I’ll try Amazon. 😀
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