AOE > Recent Status Updates

Extremely charming. Bits of information about each character and this universe come to light through the narration or by Rosemary and Ashby. Dr. Chef is my favorite character.

Finally finished! The book is beautifully written - word choice, descriptions of scenery and emotions, structure. I actually like the ending - not every protagonist will “get the guy”. Xishi and Fanli were practically together. I think of Xishi and Fuchai more as friends, a false romance. There was a lot of preachy-ness regarding The Man and resistance against him, which isn’t a bad thing.

Tragedy beautifully written. I knew Xishi couldn’t do all of this without guilt and feeling attached to Fuchai.

The moonlit, sultry, simmer of Xishi’s and Fanli’s romance now has sunlight. Fanli did not formally confess his love, but know Xishi knows he does. It would be interesting to see Xishi with the king while her forbidden romance with Fanli goes on. But that only creates fear and anxiety. The plot starting with Zixu’s death has gotteness choppy, more cohesive.

When so many lives, stake, and emotional turmoil are on the line, it is hard to grieve. But I don’t understand the transitions between the loss of a loved one and then the narrative is that nothing important happened.

The stakes have become higher and Xishi is in deep shit

Interesting read so far - a look into the history, sociology, and psychology of parasocial relationships with celebrities. Each chapter feels like a mini-essay, further reading will indicate if they connect or not.

Where did all this craftiness come from? As the story unfolds, we see how Xishi turns enemies into allies for her sake.

An almost devastating romance, and, of course, King Fuchai is not what Xishi expected. Wu Xizu is on her every move. “I will remember you.”

Typical, cute tropes. Understandable depth and denial of feelings regarding being a concubine for the enemy king. The narration is Xishi looking back - Fanli and/or Xhengdan will probably die 😭 good romantic scene

Fanyli is down BAD

In a sense, I can see where this is going, in regards to Xishi’s relationships with Zhengdan and Fanli. I like the book, but I am looking to fill the Harry Potter hole 😭

The author wastes no time getting to the main problem and outline of the plot. Two beautiful people, both probably outcasts, falling in love and living in lies to save the country. Very YA-coded. There are profound, beautiful snippets to describe the main character’s thoughts on life, death, and existentialism.

The most important priority is to sit at Christ’s feet and listen.
We all have the same 24 hours in one day, the most equitable resource of all human beings. The only thing more important than ministry is being ministered to (wow). [pg. 116]

Our lives are meant to be busy. When we love God and love people, life will be busy. God sustains us with his grace, power made perfect in weakness. [Facing the reality!]

Chapter 8 was profound. Rhythms give life, and hard work/productivity necessitate rest for finite human beings. A dripping faucet, being constantly “on” and giving, not having definite times of work and rest and play, makes life blur together. Fighting to get more sleep.
“The antidote [to busyness] is rest, rhythm, death to pride, acceptance of our own finitude, and trust in the providence of God.” [pg. 102]

This chapter spoke to me so much. It is as relevant today as in 2013. The three dangers of technology are addiction, acedia (busyness with lifelessness), and not learning to be in solitude. Because technology is here to stay, we must be thoughtful in when and how we use our devices, and accepting our human limitations. Flesh and blood is better than virtual.

It’s interesting reading this chapter as a grown adult without children. Children will be who they will be. The most important things, like in choosing a spouse: do my children know I love them? Do they know I love God? Who is the parent, and what do they do that overflows from their character?

1. List out priorities, and compare how your time, money, and resources are actually spent
2. Even God rested, so we must
3. Honor others’ set priorities, and don’t be offended if you are not a priority for them at the time

“Above all, I can lose sight of the good news that the universe is not upheld by the word of my power (Heb 1:3). That’s Christ’s work, and no one else can do it. Hallelujah - he doesn’t even expect me to try.”

I’m reading this cuz I wish to still live life and enjoy it, even in the busy seasons. How can I not be busy, be present with loved ones? Good diagnostic questions on pgs 21-22 and 41. Who is this activity for? Pats on the back and prestige are my pride struggles right now.

The last story is the most heart-wrenching one. There’s sympathy for Abino, and this is the first cat to openly try and approach its human.

The chapters regarding grace and “kindness” to yourself helped me more than the concrete advice for dishes and laundry. Do care tasks to serve you and your family, household for the future. Rest times for all people in the family. Joy in movement.

Have your systems and routines work for you, not you for your systems or check lists. Coordinate fair REST times with spouse, although work may look different for the two. Create momentum, confidence, thru small tasks and go from there.

Perfectionism is debilitating, and cleaning is never-ending

I’m not sure how to feel about this book. Excellent advice, and maybe I need to re-orient my thoughts on keeping house. Laundry techniques, new perspectives on failure and just living life in the season, and 5 things tidying are very helpful. Some tidbits that I cannot highlight cuz it’s a library book. Perfect is not the same as functional.

Tomoka actually had to return the cats! She relaxed… kind of. And Daigo finally stepped up, kind of :\

Perfectionism and lack of self-awareness is what entails new character

GHOSTS. I really enjoyed the story of the mom and daughter.

I like Koga a lot. A grumpy old dude figuring out life.