Books

I’m sure my mom is thrilled with that title. I can read. True story. I can read REALLY well.  I used to always say that the number one thing I was looking for in a guy wasn’t a sense of humor or stellar good looks. I just wanted him to be able to read. Thumbs up to The Scientist!

The most important thing though is that I ENJOY reading. As a kid I would visit my Grandparents during the summer in Pittsburgh. They didn’t have A/C and they had plastic on their couch. You do the math. What they did have was paperbacks. I specifically remember The Color Purple. I would read it over and over and over. When I was in college I convinced my friends to accompany me to the release party for one of the Harry Potter books. I immediately took it home, curled up in my bed and read the ENTIRE thing in one sitting. I then took a break for a day or so and DID IT AGAIN.

Over the years my reading has certainly dropped off. I’m busy with work, life and all the stuff that involves. Now that I’m done with school (WOOT!) I have so much more free time. I even made a goal of reading a few books for my 31 While 31 list. I’m slowly getting back into reading and I finally finished my first book in months, The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.

Holy good book. This book is about a young boy who falls in love with a book he reads. He goes on a quest to discover all the books that were written by that particular author, only to find that an even greater story than what was in his beloved book. The book follows him as he gets older, finds friends and foes, and learns more about the mysterious author. Eventually his life becomes intertwined with the author and the reader is brought right into the folds of the mystery.

Although this book took me a bit to get into it, I was so sad for it to end! I knew then that I loved this story! I totally recommend. TWO PAWS UP!

In other book news, my book club met up on Monday night at a new to me restaurant, Vapiano, in Back Bay. I totally didn’t read the book (bad book club member!), but I love to meet up with my friends for dinner.

As I walked up to the restaurant I felt like I was going to be charged cover. Doesn’t it remind you of a night club? All that was missing was for that carpet to be red and a big ol’ bodyguard. *Insert image of me doing the Night at the Roxbury Dance right here*

I was greeted by the hostess who explained what makes Vapiano different from your average joint. It’s a “fast casual restaurant with a twist”. So not a fast food place! Get that straight man.

The customer is given a card similar to a credit card that you use to order individually at stations throughout the place.  Order, swipe and enjoy!

I was a little overwhelmed by the whole ordering process so I just stood around for a bit and stalked my friends who had been there before.

Finally I decided on some tagliatelle with arrabbiata sauce. I checked in the guy making my sauce a few times. I think I was weirding him out.

I also convinced one of my friends to split the Mixed Antipasta with me. I was pleasantly surprised at how fresh and big this was.

Roasted Vegetables, Parmesan, Artichokes, Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Kalamata Olives, Arugula, Bruschetta

This might have ended up being an 80/20 split in my favor. Oops!

I also enjoyed a glass of Santa Julia Reserva Malbec. It was smooth with berry flavors and a hit of vanilla. Lots of flavor, lots of body and perfect for a rainy pasta dinner.

As we ate and chatted (and I listened to the book club discussion), I did a little looking around. I was totally digging the chandeliers and trees. I think I need a few of these in the lil’ living room!

This picture would be a nice addition to the house too.

When it was time to go we took our individual credit cards to the hostess stand to pay. I loved that we could easily do a check for each person! Then I hit the jackpot…gummi bears! Yea buddy! I realize its kind of gross to eat community bowl candy, but I can’t help myself when it comes to all things gummy.

I noticed that some people were getting take-out as we were leaving. I’m not sure if I loved the food enough to get take-out, but I would certainly be back. The atmosphere and the neat features are what makes this place so cool. I want to go back for some wine and chill out in the lounge too. I’m a sucker for the new and neat!

The weather in Boston isn’t really cooperating with my fun outing plans all week. So far it has rained on me every morning on the way to work. Humidity and my hair just don’t mix. I hope you guys are having some better weather!

Are you a book reader? Leave some suggestions for me! I’ll pick from one of the suggestions to read next. Maybe that person will get a fun gift from me too. 

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