Read this and thank me later

How cool is Mindy Kaling? I used to read her old blog, Things I Bought That I Loved, in the yesteryears of the mid 00s. Back in my non-profit lawyer days, I was so jealous of her Hollywood budget. Girl is damn funny and I definitely bought a few things per her hilarious suggestions. Her book, "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)" came out a few days ago and I'm already 68% through it (ever since I got a kindle, I no longer think in page numbers). I haven't laughed this much while reading a book since the first time I read "Me Talk Pretty One Day" (David Sedaris, I heart you big).

Seriously folks, if you're looking for a good time, read this book. Even though she's famous and a successful tv writer and actress, it's so easy to relate to her merciless stories about camp horrors and jobless struggles post-college in New York. You feel like you're chatting with her over coffee and cookies as opposed to lying in your bed laughing so hard that your husband gets irrationally angry at you for having such a good time without him. I now want to move to LA and stalk Mindy. We'd totally be besties, assuming she's into a whiny mom and her even more whiny baby.

Check out the recently revived shopping tips section on her website.

Book It Real Good

When I was a kid, I used to love going to the library. I've always been a big reader and I was so excited by the existence of a whole building devoted to books. Why yes, I was a total nerd. I borrowed books all the time and would challenge myself to see how quickly I could finish them. My parents weren't that strict about television and I distinctly remember heading off to read most nights once I'd had my fill of my favorite shows, Family Ties, Facts of Life, The Cosby Show and...I watched a lot of TV, but I read even more. Judy Blume was my therapist. She taught me how to wrap my head around a best friend breakup, my parents' divorce and the idea of sex (I still blush thinking about "Forever.")

Now that I have a kindle, I hardly ever borrow books from the library-though maybe I should use the Google to see if there is a digital loaner program? There is! Best. Day. Ever.

I'm trying to cultivate a love of reading in Mr. Monk. Mostly, he just finds books to be the perfect size for throwing and chewing. One of our favorite activities is the storytime at the local library. We went this morning and the babe loves hearing the rhymes and playing with all the books. He tends to pick up the same ones that we read over and over at home, so I know something is getting through (even if it's just the color of the cover).

These storytelling playgroups are divided by age groups and FREE! It's so fun to see all the different babies with their mamas, nannies, grammas, cousins, and the occasional confused older teenage brother. Check out your local library for the kids' schedule.