Ear Aches, My Birthday, and Book Reviews

I am now on day 8 of having ear issues. I got a cold/sore throat late last week, and all was fine until an ear ache popped up in one ear. I haven't had one of these since being a child, and I'll tell you what: it hurts. A lot.

After one day of an ear ache in my left ear, the illness switched to my other ear. Now, while pain is gone, I have a persistent ringing (is the ringing always there and I just can't hear it?) and constant blocking of my hearing. I'm trying everything to drain the liquid, but no luck yet.

The other exciting news (as if my ear aches are exciting) is that it was my birthday this past week. 34. Wow. 10 years ago I was married to someone different, had only completed my AA degree, and was about to experience a pretty difficult year ahead. Now a decade later, I'm married to someone new, have a child, hold a Master's degree (and am currently applying to pursue a second one), and am living in Cambodia. How times fly and change.

It was a bit hard to truly enjoy my birthday due to my ear issues, so I'm trying to make the best of it now and move forward positively in my 35 year of life. Next year, though, I'm going to blow it out of the water for my 35th.

Lastly, book reviews. I realize this might not be something you care too much about, but I'm doing it more for me than anyone else. I also read something about how long book reviews can discourage someone from reading a book, so I'm going to keep it short to avoid that. There is never any harm in reading a book, good or bad.

• The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath: this was the first time I have read anything by her, and I have to say I enjoyed it. It was, however, a bit dark. Basically this book details the protagonist's struggle with the outside world, her sexuality, and her deep inner thoughts. A well-written and good read but don't expect the sun to shine too brightly within it.
• Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris. Honestly, I didn't really get this book. I picked up the sexual identity struggle, family dynamics, and life exploration aspects of it all, but I really couldn't make sense of it as a whole. To me, this book was a rambling narrative about life. I have, although, listened to a NPR segment with Sedaris since reading this book, and I am still intrigued enough to read another one of his books that is on my Kindle. I'll let you know what I think when I am in the mood to pick up another one of his books.
• Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. I was interested to read this after the last two because I miss being in (or at least reading about) nature. This satiated my nature-reading desire. I'm surprised it took me this long to read the book since it's pretty famous. My thoughts on it: so-so. I didn't particularly over enjoy it, but it wasn't bad. Just not life-shifting, if you know what I mean.
• Catching Fire and Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. Yes, these are the last two in the Hunger Games Trilogy, and yes, they're meant for teens. Are they a light read? Yes. Full of suspense? Yes. Are they literary? No, but that's why I read them, especially after the above three.

Currently reading, you ask? Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void and rereading A Confederacy of Dunces (one of the most brilliant books ever).

I'll leave with a few pictures from my birthday weekend adventure. Many hugs to you all!