My computer is a hypochondriac

My computer’s security thought it had a worm. It didn’t. But it worried and worried and as a safety measure, it blocked me from sending emails. My lovely friend C has spent all afternoon stroking and reassuring it, and on the phone to the helpdesk of the security system. It appears to be cured.

Have you found me C?

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This morning I had book club – we read Alias Grace this month. It’s the first book of Margaret Atwood’s that I’ve really enjoyed, although I still have issues with it. I’ve realized that I struggle with books that are fictionalized versions of real events. When I read fiction there’s no dilemma for me about what’s based on research and what is artistic license; if it’s good, I just believe in the world that’s been created but the same can't be said when it's fiction mixed with fact. I can't cope with a mixture. For some reason I don't know which bits to believe.

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A week or so I was sent a note about a bookcrossing group that someone was starting in Bangkok, and so tonight we met at Kuppa on Sukhumvit Soi 16 (one of my favourite restaurants). I went with my friend C, and I already knew one person there from my apartments, but all the others were new faces: lovely. Hello bookcrossers.

I love the idea of bookcrossing for the same reason as discovering someone who has read and loved the same book as you; it’s so lovely to share the joy you got from it. However, I have a small problem: I want to keep all my books – even the rubbish ones. There’s always something redeeming about them (how not to do it, gorgeous cover, or just by nature of the fact that they are a book and somehow precious). I tried to explain to C why (I wasn’t sure) but they are like trophies or a maybe a curriculum vitae. They go some way to explaining some of the stuff in my head, some of who I am. So I turned up at bookcrossing NOT having brought any books which was embarrassing as everyone else had books to swap. I promised them I would put myself on a 12 step programme to overcome needing to keep all books. I said I was uncomfortable taking books when I hadn’t brought any, and they were all the embodiment of generosity and said ‘take in advance’. What lovely people.

Having a crisis about my weekend away: the hotel is full and I can't find anywhere else to stay nearby. I want to look at mountains...