Much Needed Distractions
The world is insane right now.
Pandemic, CHECK.
Political Drama, CHECK.
Winter Blizzards, CHECK.
My brand new dishwasher being on the fritz, CHECK.
While everything happening in this country and beyond is still a bit nuts post-2020, there are many welcome distractions. So, if it is hard to find the good right now, at least take some time to focus on the funny, interesting, and/or intriguing.
Below are some welcome distractions that I have let into my life. They have made tackling the pulse of our nation and unlimited loads of laundry much more tolerable.
Worth Watching
Sometimes I need a show that is just for me and not a family affair. An adult drama or comedy that does not require popcorn, blanket forts, and constant whisper yells at my children to be quiet so others can hear the dialogue. Here is what I have been watching lately in between PBS kids shows with my three-year-old and SNL reruns.
Bridgerton
Outlander fans rejoice! Bridgerton is on Netflix. This racy drama based on the book series by Julia Quinn, follows a prestigious family as they endure early 1800’s London society. High society and dance balls a plenty make for gossip, intrigue, and a secret rendezvous or two.
The diverse cast and beautiful wardrobes give this show binge worthy status. It will also make a person blush, flush, and then blush again as the bedroom scenes leave little to the imagination. The studio behind Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal produced this show and another season is already slated.
Reign
I have just started the series Reign and I am liking it. Obviously I am on a medieval times and Olde English kick based on my above mentions of Outlander and Bridgerton. Multiple friends recommended this series from the CW which is on Netflix to me.
So far the main characters are a Scottish Queen who is betrothed to the future King of France. England is mad at everyone and multiple assassination attempts happen to the young bride-to-be as she navigates French court with ladies in waiting and handsome royals.
There is a lot of mystery happening in the castle where the story takes place and everyone has enemies and alliances. So far the show is not too dark or scandalous and at times has a teenager feel to it.
The best part is the soundtrack. There are so many songs by The Lumineers. They are one of my fave bands and reason enough to watch this show on my own time.
Worth the Read
I cannot say no to a good book. I had a birthday in December, plus with the Christmas holiday it meant lots of novels in my stocking. Here are some of my favorite reads of late.
A Time for Mercy
No one writes a legal thriller better than John Grisham. His latest book, A Time for Mercy, was especially awesome because it is the third book in the author’s series with the character Jake Brigance. This was the main character in A Time to Kill which was a phenomenal book and also a fantastic film with Matthew McConaughey, Samuel L. Jackson, Sandra Bullock, and Ashley Judd.
There is a lot of lawyer speak in Grisham’s book and this one deals with justified homicide and civil court cases. It also digs deep into racism and life in the South. The story is set in the 1990’s and is a solid page turner.
The Unhoneymooners
Christina Lauren is a writing duo that knows how to create a good romantic comedy. I actually listened to this book, The Unhoneymooners, while exercising. It made me grin and giggle in between bursts of cardio. The story was fun as the opening chapters introduce a wedding setting where everyone but Maid of Honor Olive and Best Man Ethan get severe food poisoning. Hence the non-puking duo gets handed a non-refundable honeymoon trip to Hawaii. The only issue is Ethan and Olive cannot stand each other, or so they think.
Any romance reader knows where the story is headed, but trust me when I write that the chapters are fun, smart, and sarcastic. A contemporary love story with quite a few laughs is good for the soul.
The book is a couple years old, but this author also released a novel in October called In A Holidaze. I got it in hardback from the Book of the Month Club. I know–I know I’m a nerd, but the book was enjoyable and an easy read. Think Groundhog’s Day meets The Family Stone with a little Friends mixed in for a fun plot.
Worth Listening
In between music and audiobooks, I will give a good podcast a whirl. The first season of Serial is still my favorite podcast ever. Which reminds me that I need to make time to hear what mystery they dissected in the third season of the show.
A Girl in Space
I listened to A Girl in Space over the summer and enjoyed it. Usually I go for funny or true crime podcasts, but this one piqued my interest because the creator, Sarah Rhea Werner, is from my home state of South Dakota.
The fictional story follows a girl on a ship in outer space who has not had any outside contact for a long, long time. Then an even bigger ship comes calling and nothing is as it seems. The story takes place in the future and the voice cast is awesome. Werner narrates the main character which as the writer/creator brings next level passion to the plot.
I am the type of person that needs to carve out some things that are just for me, even if they are small things like a television show, podcast, or audio book. Me time is so important for us all!
What do you do to stay distracted from the craziness of the world?