Wednesday 30 November 2016

Book Club: The Circle

Book The Circle by Dave Eggers
Image Via Chapters Indigo

Book: The Circle
Author: Dave Eggers
Indigo Summary: 
When Mae Holland is hired to work for the Circle, the world’s most powerful internet company, she feels she’s been given the opportunity of a lifetime. The Circle, run out of a sprawling California campus, links users’ personal emails, social media, banking, and purchasing with their universal operating system, resulting in one online identity and a new age of civility and transparency. As Mae tours the open-plan office spaces, the towering glass dining facilities, the cozy dorms for those who spend nights at work, she is thrilled with the company’s modernity and activity. There are parties that last through the night, there are famous musicians playing on the lawn, there are athletic activities and clubs and brunches, and even an aquarium of rare fish retrieved from the Marianas Trench by the CEO. Mae can’t believe her luck, her great fortune to work for the most influential company in the world—even as life beyond the campus grows distant, even as a strange encounter with a colleague leaves her shaken, even as her role at the Circle becomes increasingly public. What begins as the captivating story of one woman’s ambition and idealism soon becomes a heart-racing novel of suspense, raising questions about memory, history, privacy, democracy, and the limits of human knowledge.
 
What I have to say: 
This book reminded me a lot of 1984 by George Orwell, but set in the digital age. The Circle as a company reminded me a lot of Facebook and Google, which makes me wonder how close are we to be living in the society/lifestyle/etc that is portrayed in this book. There are no chapters in this book, which I personally didn't like, but I did enjoy the book. Mae is a bit two-dimensional, but I think that goes to show how much of a follower she is, willing to buy into whatever The Circle is telling her, not to question anything. I would hardly describe this book "a heart-racing novel of suspense", but it was still a good, interesting read.
 
Final verdict: 
I recommend it! I have already lent my copy of this book to my sister. This was the November pick for my book club, and we all enjoyed it. As stated above, essentially 1984  for the digital age. 


Wednesday 16 November 2016

Currently- November Edition

I have decided, after years of blogging, that I would jump on the 'currently' blog posts. I always enjoy reading other blogger's 'currently' posts, so I thought I would do my own, so here we go:

Watching
Image Via Fansided
 I am binge watching Don't Trust The B In Apartment 23 on Netflix. Halfway through the second-and final-- season. Love this show!

Image Via Chapters Indigo
The Circle by Dave Eggers is the book selection for my book club this month. I think this will be a good book! Look for a review later this month.

Listening
Image Via Wikipedia
Image Via Wikipedia
I have been listening to a variety of Christmas music, including Pentatonix That's Christmas To Me.

Planning
Image Via Birdlitt Moving
 I am moving! Between conference planning, I am planning a move. Moving is a hassle, but...

Feeling
Image Via Quote Addicts
...it's exciting too! I'm dreading packing and actually moving, but I'm excited to have a new place, especially one that is all mine!

Wanting
Image Via Soda Stream Canada
 I got my dad a Soda Stream last year for Christmas and he loves it and uses it all the time! I've been known to make a bottle or two for myself and bring it home with me...so I would love to have one of my own.

Loving
Image Via Modcloth
I received the Loch and Key Scarf in two different subscriptions boxes and I LOVE it! It's so comfortable, lightweight but warm. I like that it can be used as a scarf or a blanket- which is what I use it for.
July // August // September // 


Tuesday 15 November 2016

Hey, It's Ok

http://www.airingmylaundry.com/
With Amber from Airing My Dirty Laundry

To be amazed that Donald Trump was elected President. America, how did this happen? 

That I am listening to Christmas music. Since I am Canadian, Christmas is our next major holiday.

To be looking forward to taking some time off next month...it's going to be a busy month, but it'll be nice to have a little break from work and to spend time with family and friends. 

That I don't like weddings. They are so...ugh. I try to avoid weddings and anything wedding related as much as I can. 

To be counting down the days until the end of 2016. 2016 has been a great year, but I will officially be ending my relationship with the my apartment building. They have been nothing but a headache and super difficult to deal with.


Monday 14 November 2016

Inspire Me: Drink and Dance

Happy Monday! I had a quiet, relaxing and productive weekend! I finished the majority of my Christmas shopping, did some decluttering and pre-moving prep, and made a dent in my reading and Netflix watching lists. It was nice to have some down time. 
 
Within a month, I have been the lead on three multi-day conferences. Two are done, one more to go. On top of that, I'm moving in less than three week (eek!!), the company that own my apartment has been a nightmare to deal with- issue after issue after issue- and I've also had a couple of things going on in my personal life that have been...not the most positive experience. Saying things have been busy and hectic is an understatement.

With everything that has been going on it's so important to remember to take some time to relax, unwind, and have fun!! It's the midst of everything that is going on, I am so lucky to have family, friends, and co-workers who not only make sure I take sometime away from all the 'serious' stuff, but who will, metaphorically, drink champagne and dance on the table with me.

Friday 11 November 2016

Lest We Forget

Remember the sacrifices that our brave men and women have made fighting to give and preserve the freedom we share today. With bravery and strength they serve. With respect and gratitude we thank them.
 
In Canada, today is Remembrance Day. This is the day that we honour and remember members of our armed forces; those who have served, are serving and, especially, those who have fallen.

There is a section of highway in Ontario, which has been named the Highway of Heroes. All of our fallen soldiers travel this stretch of highway and many Canadian line the overpass to pay their respects. It's a very moving tribute and a way for Canadians to say one of their final 'goodbye' and 'thank you' to our fallen heroes. 
 
Highway of Heroes by The Trews

 
Lest We Forget.