Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Gets in the way with reading


If you're a bibliophile like me and you're anticipating a 3-day weekend, you'd probably line up all the books that you're going to read. That was my original plan, but when Friday afternoon came, I developed a very bothersome cough and cold, which I prayed would go away Saturday morning.

But I was wrong. I wasn't feeling any better last Saturday. Perhaps it didn't help that we went to this late night screening of an independent movie somewhere in the metro. I woke up at 4 am with a splitting headache and an intense desire to see District 9. (You might be wondering why I'm up at 4 am on a weekend. I'm up every day, week days and weekends, at 4 am. If my body needs more sleep, I get up at 4.30.)

So of course I texted my close friend R. so that we can watch District 9 together. There I was strolling the mall, all the while coughing and sneezing and just generally feeling lightheaded. I was hoping to catch up on my planned reading when I got home, but I was just too tired.

Sunday and Monday came and went with me not having finished a single book. When you're sick, it's just sickening to see all those books around you and not have the stamina to read them. I did watch a lot of TV though, mostly from the Asian Food Channel and the Lifestyle Network. I now know more about tapenade and color schemes than I need to.

So, forgive me, dear reader, if I haven't posted a decent review lately. I'll be sure to catch up.

***

I was eagerly anticipating Catching Fire, the sequel to Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games. And since I know that today, September 01, is its official release date, I passed by two bookstores during my lunch break just to get myself a copy.

At bookstore 1
Me: Don't you have Catching Fire yet?
Staff: Sir, we'll have it on September 01.
Me: (5 seconds of silence, hoping that the fact that today is September 01 will sink in; thankfully, it does)
Staff: Oh, right. If you would give us your mobile number, we'll just text you when it arrives, sir.
Me: When will you have it?
Staff: September.
Me: Right.

At bookstore 2
Me: Don't you have Catching Fire yet?
Staff: Sir, we'll have it on September 01.
Me: (7 seconds of silence)
Staff: Oh, right. We'll just text you, sir.

So now I have two reserved books. Frankly, that's a happy problem.

11 comments:

Krista said...

OMG, that's too funny! What weirdos LOL! I can't wait for my copy of Catching Fire to come in the mail!!!Woot! Woot! The Hunger Games was by far my favorite YA read!

Thanks for stopping by to follow my blog. I'll follow yours too!

St Jude said...

I managed to read several books from my sickbed a few weeks back, it was an absolute feast, I haven't been able to read anything other than dusty old text books for the last two years. My book shelves are overflowing with books I've bought just waiting to be read. One more assignment then it's reading heaven. Clearly the bookstores don't possess calenders.

serendipity_viv said...

I am sorry to hear you have been poorly.
You sound like my hubby getting up at 4 every morning, he just doesn't sleep.

I am looking forward to reading Catching Fire too.

Jenny said...

LOL at your story of the bookstores!!

Charlie said...

I absolutely cannot read when I'm sick. A tiny old nurse said it this way when I was in the hospital: 'Anyone who comes here thinking they'll relax and read is a lunatic."
I sadly agree with her.

The Manila bookstores must hire from the same applicants here in Phoenix.

Peter S. said...

@Krista: The Hunger Games is my favorite YA read too!

@St Jude: You're lucky that you can read while you're sick.

@Viviene: I can't wait to read your review of Catching Fire in your blog.

@Jenny: Thanks.

@Charlie: "Anyone who comes here thinking they'll relax and read is a lunatic." - HAHAHA!

Patrick said...

I still read even if I'm sick. In my case, it's the perfect excuse to catch up on my reading. Well, I hope you're feeling much better now.

Hunger Games is in my wishlist already. I just can't afford to buy it right now. Hehe.

Peter S. said...

Hi Patrick! You're one of the lucky ones.

sumthinblue said...

You were sick din pala. Hope you're feeling better now.

Peter S. said...

Hi, Blooey! Thanks, I'm feeling much better.

chocowafer said...

Ahaha. I'm waiting for Catching Fire too. I actually won one from a contest though I don't know if I should wait for it (will probably take 4 months) or just buy myself a copy. :p