Sunday, July 30, 2017

ARE YOU TREATED DIFFERENTLY BECAUSE YOU READ A LOT?

My mom read to me all the time when I was a kid, which started my obsession with books. Because I enjoyed reading so much, it only made sense that I enjoyed studying in school. No matter where I went, a book traveled with me. I read just about anything I could get my hands on including Harlequin romances, The Godfather, Sidney Sheldon and more.  I really wanted to learn, learn, learn, or escape into other worlds. 

But I was also a serious tomboy heavily into sports and hanging out with the guys. Better at extreme sports than a lot of the boys, no one seemed to think that was unusual. But being a reader - that was a different story.  I didn't really understand it at the time, but often I was the butt of jokes and considered a nerd because I always carried a novel. I wouldn't say that I was bullied necessarily, but there were definitely occasions that I felt ...different or as if I didn't belong. 

Even now, there are certain situations when people see me carrying a book versus a phone that causes a few double takes.

Most people have rigid ideas about nerds, but here are 3 definitions on what that word really means.


  1. A person seen as overly intellectual, obsessive, or lacking social skills. Such a person may spend inordinate amounts of time on unpopular, little known, or non-mainstream activities, which ... Wikipedia
  2. A person who behaves awkwardly around other people and usually has unstylish clothes, hair, etc. — nerd in a sentence.    https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nerd
  3. A person who could be one of the most dangerous people in the entire world. Nerds have invented machine guns, assault rifles, armor piercing ammunition, high explosives, etc. www.urbandictionary.com
I'm not sure if those definitions are truly accurate these days.(if they ever were) Just because we spend a lot of time in bookstores or in libraries doesn't make us socially awkward.  It just means we just love to read. Now, I'm the person that everyone gives their unwanted books to when they're doing Spring cleaning. I get the  magazines that no one wants anymore.  I even have random novels left at my door!
There are a zillion blogs specifically dedicated to books/authors and we're ranting or raving about books all the time! We're the cool kids now! Being a reader is almost like being a rock star because we get tons of attention. Yay!

MANGO LOVE - I totally adore the tart/sweet taste of a mango, so coming across this recipe from Bon - Appetit was perfect.  This particular recipe comes from the Pub Royal in Chicago and is a big hit with patrons.  Mangos can be addictive, so Joy from joyousreads.net/ and I really need to watch ourselves. (lol)






FROZEN RUM-MANGO LASSI

INGREDIENTS
11/4 Cups Peeled Fresh or Frozen, Thawed Mango Pieces
1/2 Cup Gold Rum
1/4 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
1/4 Cup Golden Syrup or Honey
2 Tbsp Plain Whole Milk Greek Yogurt
Pinch of Kosher Salt
1/2 Tsp Ancho Chile Powder
Mint Sprigs - this is the one plant I can actually grow


INSTRUCTIONS
Puree mango, rum, lemon juice, golden syrup, yogurt, salt, and ½ tsp. ancho chile powder in a blender until syrup is dissolved. Add 4 cups ice, and puree until mixture is smooth. Divide the Lassi among glasses. Garnish each with a mint sprig and lightly sprinkle with more Ancho Chile powder.  This drink works well without alcohol or the extra heat.



NEED MORE FREE BOOKS?


www.freebooksifter.com

www.bookcrossing.com/

www.bookmooch.com
https://openlibrary.org/




PET SMARTS

According to a recent survey, pets want us to get our rest while sleeping, so statistically 56% will never wake us up. 

But there are those few who could care less, and will stop by for a visit at least once 30% of the time.






69 comments:

  1. I sometimes cringe when friends and family who know me as a book nerd tell others to go to me for book recommendations. I can only recommend book to people whom I know.

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    1. Wow! That's super interesting, but speaks to how you're respected because of all your expertise. Hugs...

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  2. I was a very similar child. I adored books and always had one on me, but I also enjoyed playing hard particularly in sports. There were moments when kids and adults would look at me funny because I knew something that seemed to come out of the blue for them and I would admit sheepishly 'I read it in a book'.

    Yum! Mango Lassi sounds good for a summer drink.

    Have a great Easter, Ro!

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    1. Super Sophia, I always consider myself as super quirky because I know these random trivia things that most people could care less about, because I read about it somewhere, too. (lol) I'm thrilled to know that I'm not alone. Hope your Easter was fab!

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  3. the love of reading is something we should all develop, it's a very good thing to able to read and enjoy a book, our mind needs something to distract from the messy things in life or that's what I think anyway

    have a lovely day.

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    1. Because of blogging I've met more readers than I ever have in real life. (lol) Hugs...

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  4. I hid that I was a reader in middle school and high school because I didn't want to be labeled a nerd. I wish now I hand't spent so much time and energy trying to be someone I wasn't. I was popular enough but I think I would've been happier if I had just been myself. I am glad that being a reader or being a little nerdy is considered way more socially acceptable than it used to be.

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    1. Yeah, sometimes as kids we want to fit in, but like you, if we could just have been ourselves without being judged that would have been so much better. I'm glad that people who read these days have an avenue to talk about books via blogging. But I think people are more inclined to deal with a reader a little more too these days. Hugs...

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  5. I was never labeled a nerd but I never made friends easily. I always kept to myself and didn't understand until I was in my 20's that I was really different and why. I have a personality disorder called Schizotypal Personality Disorder. I've had it all my life and just didn't know it. I don't feel or show much emotion and I think differently than others. I had to learn to mimic others emotions so I would seem normal. It took a long time to learn to do that but I do it now without a problem. I read a lot because I can be wrapped up in another world and not have to worry whether or now I'm acting correctly.

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    1. It's amazing how many things we went through back in the day that didn't make sense until we were grown. I was watching a medical show on television where a doctor had similar symptoms, but they called what he had a type of autism. I really enjoy your personality and the way you think, because it makes you unique and interesting. Books do have a way of wrapping us up in their world, right? Hugs...

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  6. I am a true bibliophile! I love and collect books and I also have a social life. I cannot ever have to many books! Hard cover, soft cover, pocket books, table coffee books, subjects A thru Z, I read through all four seasons! I love new books, old books, books that are falling apart!!! I just love books as you do RO and I grew-up with my books, too and I also read to my children and grandchildren. I've lost count of how many books I own but I always want more of them :)

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    1. Yay! I'm totally with you Jan! Books and reading are my life, and there's always something new to find and learn. Too many books to count for sure! Hugs...

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    2. Hey Jan! I stopped by your revamped blog and really like how you've spotlighted your amazing artwork. You are so gifted and blessed! Hugs...RO

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  7. My grandmother is responsible for my love of reading and the Philadelphia Phillies. I also inherited her trait of watching a Phillies' game on television and returning to where I left off in my book during the commercials. Enjoy your Sunday, RO!

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    1. Big hugs to your grandma for giving you such a healthy love of books. Reading makes life a lot more interesting and fun! Hugs...

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  8. Ha - Harlequin romances, The Godfather, Sidney Sheldon and more - ME TOO! I'd pick up a book my mom put down and ask could I read it. I still love to read but I only did it on my time at home when I was in high school. I wasn't one to have my nose in a book during school hours. But as an adult I didn't care. I remember starting a new job and staying at my desk to eat and read my book. The receptionist who was a very sweet busy body said, "Hun, you're going to have to start going into the lunch room the socialize or those girls are going to think you are stuck up." So I gave up my lunch time book reading and got into The Bold and the Beautiful. LOL!

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    1. LOL! I've watched The Bold and Beautiful a time or two. I really adored Sidney Sheldon for sure. It's sad that people think we may be stuck up just because of our love for reading, but glad you were accepted and treated wonderfully. So glad you came by to say hello. Hugs...

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  9. I came to reading late (mid-20s) and found blogging not too long after that. That's pretty fun you've had random books left on the doorstep. lol

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    1. I think I remember reading one year that you didn't get into reading until later in life, but to me, it seems as if you've always been a reader because you have all this knowledge about a zillion authors! Yes, it's neat that I get front door delivery, and very kind of people. Hugs...

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  10. Being able to read is magic ... just ask my grandchildren.
    It is a joy to see them sitting reading, I so hope this stays with them.

    Not everyone has the opportunity to read, some may find it difficult ... there is nothing more rewarding than to sit and help those who find it more difficult and slowly see them appreciate and enjoy the written words come to life.

    All the best Jan

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    1. I agree Jan. The escape, the excitement and the knowledge are things I live for with every novel. I wish my mom was still around to tell her of my appreciation for reading that she started so early in life. It is fascinating to see people get into books. Hugs...

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  11. Reading is one of the most enjoyable past times I think. There is so much you can learn from reading, regardless of whether it's fiction or non-fiction. My love of reading started 10 years ago as a way to escape a sad situation that had happened in my family, and it has stood the test of time over that period now becoming a passion. Hugs :-)
    P.S: BookNERDS are cool! LOL

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    1. Hey There Shaz, and thanks for stopping by. My life would be nothing without books. I'm sorry you had a sad situation but glad you received some therapy and relief from novels. Like you, I agree that books are a passion. Hugs...

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  12. You mentioned Sidney Sheldon...that makes me want to reread "The Other Side of Midnight." Oh, and thanks for the Mango recipe! Have a good week.

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    1. Sheldon was a master at storytelling and The Other Side of Midnight was a great one. Not supposed to eat a ton of mangoes, but sometimes can't help myself. lol Hugs...

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  13. Hi Ro - I used to read lots as a kid - then moved off into sports and work etc .. not much time for reading - though obviously still there. I know I need to learn lots more and read more of our literature ... my knowledge there is poor - yet something stuck somewhere along the line. Now I teach myself every time I post - it's always something I know little about - but now I'm passionate about learning ... so my early reading stood me in good stead.


    Nearly forgot - love mango - Cheers Hilary

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    1. Hey Hilary and Happy Thursday! I love, love learning, and one of the reasons I enjoy trivia so much. I still read a lot, but not nearly as much as I did as a kid. I think, like you, I got involved in other things, but I still carry one with me no matter where I go, AND i still visit the library and buy them. (lol) Hugs...

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  14. I don't think my dog cared more or less but knew when we got up was different from waking up in the middle of the night. But if she heard something outside, bark alert

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    1. LOL! Adam, you are always so funny! Good thing she noticed if there was an undesirable hanging around though. Hugs...

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  15. I read a kid too. In between dance classes, I always had a book with me so that I had something to do, and I read all sort of books. We spent a lot of of our free time at the library. My Mom was a big reader so I guess I inherited the gene.. :)

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    1. I used to dance too, Jenea! I've traveled all over the country and have a library card from a lot of different states. lol

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  16. I didn't start reading for my own pleasure until I was 16 and at that time when I was in school a lot of kids were reading books. So as a teen I don't think people even blinked about it. Ken doesn't think it's weird but some of his friends do and ask me are you reading another book? when they come over. lol

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    1. That's cool that a lot of other kids were reading books in your school Mary. It's interesting that adults look at us and scratch their heads, right? lol

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  17. I did often feel different, but I am not sure if it was because of my reading or because I was socially awkward at first and dressed differently. I since outgrew that socially awkward thing a bit luckily.
    I didn't really read at school during high school as I usually didn't have time to read for fun during the day anyway, so I only read at home and it was less obvious. In university though I often spent the breaks reading, but by then it seems no one really cared or treated me different because of that.

    I once made a mango lassi that was really good. I am not a fan of rum though, so I would skip that ;).

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    1. I think a lot of us went through that awkward phase as kids. it's interesting that as adults, some people don't notice, but others comment on it. Mangos are so yummy with or without alcohol, right? Hugs...

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  18. That sure is a great mango recipe, one of my favourite things to eat.

    I have been reading for a long time and it is one of the most relaxing things to do. Through ups and downs a book is a great companion. Greetings!

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    1. REading is definitely relaxing and fun for sure. You're right, a book is the best companion because it can take us to new and exciting places. Hugs...

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  19. I've always been a big reader, but luckily, people tended to just go with it and leave me alone. My family didn't mind and people at school were usually of the mind "yeah, Lauren's reading again..." If they thought it was weird, they didn't tell me. haha I'm sure I've gotten some weird looks when I bring books to certain places though...like the movie theater. I don't read DURING the film, but what are you doing to do when you're waiting for the movie to start?

    -Lauren

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    1. It's great when you get that support from others when you have a hobby that you love. LOL you're like me because books traveled with me to the movies and other places. I did read before the movie started though(lol) Hugs...

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  20. It's weird but I do get funny looks when I tell people how much I read.

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    1. It just seems strange to me that in 2017 people still have issues with people who read, the things we read, and if we want to talk about the things we read. Books and the discussion that goes with it just makes the world go round to me. Hugs...RO

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  21. you write beautifully .
    this post is so interesting and i really enjoyed it .

    my parents were not highly educated and nor they ever forced me to read .
    my grand father and my father told me stories mostly religious from their books which attracted me less though i learnt lot from them .
    i was nerd a book nerd but yes madly in love with learning .many time i bought something to eat wrapped in paper page and throw the stuff away because i read something interesting on it .i took it home and noted that piece of knowledge on my diary .

    it depends on the circle you live in .if you have people who are just like you will adore you more as it is a natural reaction .
    for me all kinds of positive addictions are appreciated and i adore your reading habits and specially admire that inspite of this habit you were brilliant in physical games

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    1. Baili, you are so wonderful and kind, and I love when you stop by. Isn't it wonderful the things our family teach us? You sound like me.(lol) Even now, I have a horrible habit of picking up free periodicals from the street because something looks interesting. Before you know it, things pile up. It's true, we do deal with different types of people who have varied reactions to certain. It keeps life interesting, I think. Hugs...

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  22. That's interesting. I think at one time "nerds" were associated with books, but I think now they're more associated with gaming and computer programming and such. I may be wrong. I do know reading can be a way socially stunted people get away, but it's also an escape for many extroverts. I suspect most of us who read are introverts, though!

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    1. Many people have a hard time believing it, but I am an introvert who just happened to work on becoming an extrovert. lol There are times I revert however, and really bury my nose in a book. I agree that it is definitely an escape for me, but now that I'm older, I find that I'm seeking more knowledge. I also agree that people are definitely looking at the computer people as nerds, but those nerds are often quite happy, wealthy and wise. (lol) Hugs...

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  23. Right there with ya, Ro. I was such a bookworm growing up. And I may not have been a nerd but I was socially awkward, at least until I hit high school.
    I've recently discovered mangoes and love them. Great recipe!
    We had a great weekend weather wise. Warmer today, but not unbearable.
    Have a pleasant evening.

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    1. I was just telling someone else that many people are surprised that I'm an introvert who took years to work on becoming an extrovert, but I still have a tendency to bury my nose in a book and ignore what's going on around me. I need to have books around me, though, to be comfy. I eat mangoes way too much(lol) Glad your week has been better and you're powering through the heat. I still secretly wish for an igloo to hang out in for a few minutes a day. *heh* Hugs...

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  24. I have had a book with me since I learned to read. :) I have read while pumping gas and gotten strange looks- but if I am at a good part I will take advantage of any time I get to read. My parents are big readers and I don't remember anyone ever really saying anything to me about it. Though- I was the only girl my age on my street and played with the boys- so if they said anything I may not have paid attention anyway. I had no idea what the term nerd actually meant.

    Thanks for sharing! :)

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    1. Ditto Stephanie! I totally agree that if we're at a really good part of the story, we hate to put it down, or pick it back up right away. Ironically, I never saw my parents really read, but my mother made a point of reading to me. I don't think the boys cared one way or the other, but the girls certainly did for some reason. Hugs...

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  25. I developed my love of reading from an early age. I have friends who can't understand my love of reading. I always have a book on me and every opportunity I get to read I take it. Thanks for the recipe. I love mangoes, so I am going to give this recipe a try.

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    1. I totally agree with you Nadene. As well as people say they know us, it's very strange that they fail to understand this basic trait we have of reading, or carrying books with us. I'm a mango fanatic, but need to watch the sugar content. (it's very hard-lol) Hugs...

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  26. I need to tell those stats to the critters since they don't seem to fall into the norm. Though, my cat will wake me when I'm having a nightmare:)

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    1. LOL! That's too funny Sandra! I hope they listen, but we know it will go in one ear and out the other, right? What a wonderful cat who wants to make sure you're okay. He or she sounds very intuitive.

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  27. Now that's interesting stats about the animals leaving us be in half the cases. I suppose that is true. Not all my pets over the years pestered me to get up. LOL

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    1. When I had my cat who was ironically called "Mini-Me"-lol, she slept either in the bed or on the floor in the bedroom, and she woke me up when she was ready for her breakfast. I pretty much woke up at a certain time every morning, and she kept to that schedule. If I didn't wake up quickly enough, she'd lightly touch my face with her paw and wait about 5 minutes. If I still didn't get up, she unleash her claws slightly and lightly knead my chest. Uh..ok - I better get up, huh? lol Miss that cat a lot. Hugs...

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  28. I think that first definition is really interesting because heaven forbid someone be "overly intellectual", you know? Like why is it bad to be smart, or studious? I never understood that. You go to school but are more popular if you act dumb lol. I was the same way, always had a book and I wouldn't trade that for anything!

    And it is nice that nerdy things, whether comic book movies or fandoms or whatever, are popular or more accepted now. Too bad that wasn't so much the case when I was kid. But it is progress :)

    I love mango smoothies. :)

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    1. You make a good point Greg. Why in the world are "not intelligent" people more dang popular? I carried books all the time, but I ended up being best friends with a kid who was gorgeous and never picked up a book she didn't have to. (lol) She ended up being a famous model and marrying a caviar king, and here I am blogging about pets who may or may not wake you up at night. (lol) What's up with that?

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  29. I was never treated differently because I read, but I might have been because at the same age you're referring to, I was writing a lot. I say 'might have', because I was so busy writing to notice what people were saying about me :-)

    I'm a nerd right now because of my love of Doctor Who, and my sheer joy at Wonder Woman finally making it to the big screen. I think nerdism is something to be coveted these days - who doesn't want to be a nerd?

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    1. I'm a serious Superhero fan, and have the comics, toys and dvd's to prove it, so I can totally relate to your love of Wonder Woman. I agree nerds rule! Hugs and thanks for stopping by!

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  30. I have always been a reader and never really hid it. I still spent time with friends and then read my flashlight into the wee hours. Nerds are cool as are bow ties.

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    1. I adore the look of bow ties, and always admire people who dare to be different for wearing them. I've done the flashlight thing as a kids, too. (lol)

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    1. I'll bet that's fun every morning, huh? lol

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  32. Just stopped by to say hey. Hope you've had a pleasant, productive day.
    Hugs,

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    1. Hey There Super Sandra and hope all is well! Rain today which is enjoyable, and starting to take advantage of birthday deals. (lol) Hugs...

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