Book buying update #3

I have survived week three. It hasn't been too bad, particularly as a very kind colleague from another library sent me a parcel of two books about libraries, one to borrow and one to keep. Thank you very much Owen for brightening up Wednesday morning and helping me along the way.

But...


I have a few small confessions to make this week. I have started buying Christmas presents and they are mainly books - so I have still been able to get a kick out of internet parcels arriving. I have bought a range of lovely children's books for my two small cousins (6 year old girl, 3 year old boy), The cloudspotter's guide for my Mum (requested by her) and The third Rumpole Omnibus for my Dad (we borrowed vols. 1 and 2, and he lamented the fact that there wasn't a third - the Book Depository came up trumps). Book depository had the best price for both of those, and I was able to benefit Paperback reader by using the link in the top lefthand corner of her page. I also picked up 2 books in the library sale for an early Christmas present for a friend; the fact that I also wanted to read them is obviously beside the point as it only cost me 40p. On the plus side, I have only a few more Christmas presents to purchase - notelets for my Gran, and something for my boyfriend.

I have also made two more non essential purchases this week:
I bought an advent calendar for my boyfriend filled with lovely fair trade 70% dark chocolate; presents were off the agenda, but he's in need of chocolate and cheering up.
I had my nose pierced! This is something I have been longing to do for years, but never quite had the courage to do. I had a wonderful outing with one of my oldest friends on Thursday to Selfridges in London, where there is a piercing studio and I took the plunge. I'm keeping it fairly secret as I am desperate to surprise as many people as possible. I have absolutely no idea how my Mum will react when I see her tonight (although I have already told her partner!).