Remember that killer bookstore I mentioned earlier this week, “Bookzilla”? Well, thanks to a visit from my favorite Mother-in-Law, I’m writing to you this morning from their cafe. Which happens to have a balcony that overlooks the Dubai Fountains. Nice view, right? Since most of my writing is done overlooking the construction adjacent to our flat, I’m certainly not complaining.
January has been a pretty full month. Besides travelling and hosting visitors, I’ve been trying to inject more fun into my life, and reading more than I have in a very long time. Even though I haven’t yet completed an annual review, 2013 is off to a promising start. Here are a few of my favorite things from this month. Please share your own January Faves in the comments!
Evernote (App)
When I first downloaded Evernote several years ago, I couldn’t figure out what to do with it. Sure it synced my notes between devices, but my notes were all jumbled into to one big mushpot of data, and it seemed completely nonsensical to me.
Then I read someone, Michael Hyatt probably, who said that although Evernote requires some devoted learning, it is a game-changer when it comes to organizing data. Well, I always need help bringing order to my world, so I invested in Evernote Essentials and dove in.
Hyatt was right, I just needed a little organizational hand-holding. This app is changing my life. It syncs to all my devices, and the desktop app allows for drag and drop from nearly anywhere: Web pages, email, you name it. I’m still exploring its capabilities and my own organizing preferences, which I plan to share once I get a little more settled in.
The Happiness Project (Book)
The Dude and I (and several friends) have really been enjoying The Happiness Project this month. Full of research on the science of happiness and encouragements to act toward a happier existence, The Happiness Project is giving us a lot to talk about. The “trying to have more fun” I referenced earlier? Inspired by The Happiness Project.
(Note: Because it stems from the things the author is experiencing in her thirties, I’d wager that it resonates best with the thirty-and-older crowd.)
Nashville (TV)
Sure I’m a little late to the game here, but having just discovered it this month, the Dude and I are already caught up and can’t wait for more. And I’m aghast that such soul-stirring tunes are flowing from a TV show. Sure the majority of the songs have a pop-country thread to them, but then you get gems like this one. Whaaaaat? High recommendations for Nashville, friends. You should definitely check it out.
(I owe both the Nashville and The Happiness Project discoveries to my friend Keri; don’t you just love getting great recommendations from friends?)
Pearls Before Breakfast (Article)
This Pulitzer Prize winning article washed through my mind for days after reading it. Gene Weingarten’s article overflows with humanity, beauty, and the arts. I can tell you it’s about a beyond-famous violinist playing a D.C. metro station during rush-hour, but it’d be kind of like saying Harry Potter is about a boy wizard going to school.
Carve out 15 minutes this week to read Pearls Before Breakfast. Let me know what you think.
(Super thanks to Trey Hill for this one.)
…what about you?…
What things did you love in January?
I have loved cold weather running! It is just so refreshing to get out in texas where it isn’t too cold, but it is brisk enough where you need an extra layer and ear warmers. -activity
My new hammered gold starbucks coffee to go mug. Such a good product. Perfect size, style, design and shape. Love it! Fave new-item for sure.
Oh my gosh. Cold-weather running sounds AMAZING! I don’t even run much but the idea of needing protection from the cold sounds divine.
And I looked up that gold travel mug. It’s pretty dang YOU, I must say.