Sunday, April 5, 2020

The Sunday Post [43]

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly at the Caffeinated Reviewer! It's an opportunity to share news, post a recap for the previous week, showcase books, and highlight what's planned for the week ahead.

News: 

I love checking in with everyone on Sundays! I know the world is a chaotic mess right now, but we seem to be finding small bright spots in all the madness. Like spending more time with family, or getting to do certain home improvement projects we've been putting off! There are hassles, sure. Homeschooling when you're not prepared for it, being stuck in one place with said family, and being unable to find everything you need for those home improvement projects, but we're all making do with what we have.

My husband has been collecting wood other people are tossing out and turning it into wonderful and useful items for the house! (He does ask for and then clean everything he uses, haha.) We've been getting the garden ready for planting, and I've been talking with a local nursery about picking up some flowers and plants. It's important we continue to support our local businesses during this time (for those of us who can), because they're getting hit really hard right now. We want them to still be around when this is all over!

I know a lot of you are buying gift cards for bookstores, and I think that's fantastic! I love seeing those giveaways, and want to do one of my own. There are people being assholes right now, yes. They're hoarding essential items, or trying to make a profit by overcharging for them. However, there's still kindness to be found. People are leaving toilet paper on their porches for delivery drivers, or placing some in a Little Free Pantry. A lovely person knew we were struggling with finding toilet paper in our area, and sent some to us when they found a surplus in theirs. If we could all work together during this crisis, and not solely for ourselves, I think weathering this storm would be less scary.

Previous week on the blog:

What I'm currently reading:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1534425179/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&linkCode=ll1&tag=doyoudogear-20&linkId=5daac70da95f053ff641a4bebdfa237c&language=en_UShttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1984831925/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&linkCode=ll1&tag=doyoudogear-20&linkId=bacf25893e665a5823a797b891b447e3&language=en_UShttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1848457707/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&linkCode=ll1&tag=doyoudogear-20&linkId=53f244e21ef1420c3d8d4db6f38f2019&language=en_US
Chasing Lucky by Jenn Bennett 
House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig ๐ŸŽง
Night of the Dragon (Shadow of the Fox, #3) by Julie Kagawa 
  • Chasing Lucky still isn't wowing me like I'd hoped it would, simply because the main character is incredibly frustrating. 
  • House of Salt and Sorrows has been a wonderful audiobook so far! The narrator is fantastic, and I'm very invested in what's happening to the Thaumas sisters. Right now I'm suspicious of everyone, so I'm constantly second-guessing what people do and say.
  • Night of the Dragon is everything I wanted and more! Things are slowly coming together, although I'm sure Kagawa isn't finishing throwing me for a loop. I cannot wait to see how this series concludes! 

What I plan on reading next: 

https://www.amazon.com/What-I-Like-About-Me/dp/1682631605/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&keywords=9781682631607&qid=1586098833&s=books&sr=1-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=doyoudogear-20&linkId=e80ff50c280fcf3e9578c18f20347ad2&language=en_UShttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1982121432/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&linkCode=ll1&tag=doyoudogear-20&linkId=7d455e90c46683219dcca9175f30f79d&language=en_UShttps://www.amazon.com/Song-Below-Water-Novel-ebook/dp/B07WYSFYRN/ref=as_li_ss_tl?adid=082VK13VJJCZTQYGWWCZ&campaign=211041&dchild=1&keywords=A+Song+Below+Water&qid=1586098935&s=books&sr=1-2&linkCode=ll1&tag=doyoudogear-20&linkId=cd49cc8e513a585f779e274933133f2f&language=en_US
What I Like About Me by Jenna Guillaume
The Roxy Letters by Mary Pauline Lowry
A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow

Roberta from Offbeat YA and I are going to buddy read A Song Below Water, and I cannot wait to dive into this one with her! Pun definitely intended! ;)

What I'm watching:

We were disappointed when there wasn't a new LEGO Masters this week, and were worried it had something to do with the coronavirus. Fortunately, that wasn't the case, and there will be a new episode on the 8th! They're almost to the finals, so we are very invested, haha. I'm trying to limit my television time so I can squeeze in more reading, but it's hard when the kids are watching something I also want to see. For example, they watched Onward yesterday, and I kept sitting down instead of doing housework (which was the reason they were getting to watch a movie in the first place). 

Challenge updates:

Something funny I stumbled across this week:

"Out for a hike. Just crossed paths with a guy who warned us about ticks. “No one likes Corona with Lyme,” he said. Granted I’ve been trapped inside for a long time, but I found that pretty darn amusing." ๐‘‹ J. Courtney Sullivan, @jcourtsull

34 comments:

  1. I'm trying to find something to smile about right now and it's hard.

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    1. I'm trying to focus on family and enjoying this time I have with my kiddos. I know they won't be young forever, so it's the positive I'm clinging to.

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  2. Despite all the grim and scary news, it is encouraging to see all the random acts of kindness and people looking out for each other. Too bad Chasing Lucky isn't wowing you. :( I always struggle when I have issues with a main character. If they're not likable it's hard for me to get invested.

    Tanya @ Girl Plus Books

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    1. Same! If I dislike the main character, I just feel meh about everything else. I don't particularly care what happens to them, so what's the point? I'm going to keep going and see what happens, but it might not be a good fit for me.

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  3. I need to pick up the second book in Kagawa's trilogy. I really enjoyed the first book. I am sorry Chasing Lucky isn't better. Hopefully it will get better. I look forward to your thoughts on your next reads. I am especially curious about A Song Below Water.

    We watched Onward yesterday and really enjoyed it. I'm still not reading much. I am working part of the week from home now, and then half in the office. We are on skeleton crew at the office, and are required to wear face masks at all times. All the staff are either rotating into the office by assigned week or, like me, required to go in for half of every week for the time being. Our staff who are having to go out into the public are taking every precaution possible. Two of our sheriff deputies died as a result of COVID19 recently, which has only increased the anxiety around here. While my agency is separate from law enforcement, we do work closely with them and our clientele are often the same.

    I hope you have a good week. Stay safe and well.

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    1. Yes! Have you read her other series? I still need to finish the one with vampires, but The Iron King is another favorite. A Song Below Water is okay so far... I'm struggling to find my footing in the story.

      Onward was such a cute movie! I love that it focused on the brother's relationship, and the realizations the youngest had in the end. It was refreshingly different. Their mom was also a badass! Haha.

      I'm sure having to go into work is stressful, especially when people you've known or interacted with have died. I hope you have a wonderful week, and that you stay safe in this mess. <3

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  4. You will post pictures of the items your husband is going to carve out of that wood, won't you? Because I live vicariously ๐Ÿ˜‰. Seriously, I'm curious!

    The TP problem in the U.S. never ceases to amaze me. We've never experienced anything of that kind (so far). At least you have some good-hearted people out there.

    You have your hands full right now! I hope your kids aren't too feeling restless. As for me, the main problem is going to the supermarket. Since I work the afternoons Monday to Friday, either I have to go early in the morning (and still find a queue, if small-ish) or (if my husband isn't at work and can drive me) on Saturday after lunch...and I find twice the queue, though at least we're not forced to wake up at the break of dawn...so my afternoon is all booked ๐Ÿ˜ฌ.

    I can't wait for our buddy-read either! It's weird that we're finally going to read the same book at the same time LOL.

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    1. Yes! I usually post pictures on Instagram, but I can start posting them on here as well. We were making something together before the move, but I haven't felt inclined to jump back into it, haha. I'm sure I will once properly motivated. ;) So far he's made a coffee table, two bookshelves (one when we were dating, and another before he deployed the last time), a shelf for my son's room, the girl's beds, stuff for himself out in the garage (like a work space that rolls), a picture frame for his mother, and some smaller stuff.

      His next two projects are big... a new dining room table and a desk for me. <3 He's almost finished with a small shelf for my upstairs plants (catnip for the kitties). I can DM you pictures, or link you to my Instagram. Let me know!

      The hoarding issue is insane. I don't understand it! The kids are starting to feel a little restless, and I think it's because they don't fully understand why they can't go anywhere right now. I do believe they like having both parents home 24-7, but they miss going places.

      Yay for buddy reads! :)

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  5. Somebody my wife works with left her some TP on her desk after she had happened to mention in passing that we weren't finding any. then we were able to give my mom some after she was running out. You're right, there is kindness out there along with all the assholery lol.

    Gardens seem so important right now! :)

    Dude, I started Tales from the Loop. Awesome!!

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    1. I had to Google Tales from the Loop! It looks really interesting, so I might have to check it out. :) Gardens are VERY important right now! It gets people outside in the fresh air working with their hands, and then the end result is lovely.

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    2. I was outside a lot today (was in the 70's) and it was so nice. the fresh air helps a lot. Tales from the Loop is based on a book and so far it's pretty good- I'm halfway through- if you watch it let me know I feel like no one's talking about this show lol!

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    3. Okay, you don't have to pull my arm! ;) Jacob and I were looking for something new to read, so we'll try this (one night this week). Have you seen LEGO Masters??? Fun for the family! Being outside really does help. We have fresh air on the schedule twice (once in the morning, and one in the afternoon), and we alternate between walking, bicycling, hiking, and the trampoline. We're running out of options!

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    4. I have not seen LEGO Masters but I've heard it's pretty awesome! And I'm currently almost done with Tales from the Loop. I thought it started strong but the last couple of episodes have been underwhelming to me. Curious to see what you think if you guys try it. Hopefully it ends strong!

      Our new neighbors next door have 3 young kids and they are outside at times and I can just imagine what it would be like having them cooped up indoors. Plus I remember those days haha (mine are older now). Fun times lol.

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    5. Bummer that it lagged in the middle! We'll watch it soon and then you and I can discuss it!

      Keeping three small children indoors and cooped up is making me feel much older than I actually am. ;)

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  6. I saw a video of a guy leaving TP and hand sanitizer for delivery people. That's really nice. You should post pictures of what your husband is creating. I'm curious. I agree with you though. We are all in this together, and why not support one another. (which we should always do, but whatever)

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    1. I'll definitely do that! He's super shy about his work, but I absolutely love it! He's agreed as long as I don't post pictures with him in them, haha. I'll try to do that one day this week. Yes! We should support one another ALWAYS, but definitely right now. There are people out there that can't afford the toilet paper we can't find. It's crazy.

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  7. It's nice to hear stories about people helping others, especially in little ways! We can all use a little kindness.

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    1. "Be a little kinder than you have to." It's one of my favorite quotes from WE WERE LIARS by E. Lockhart. It's actually, "Be a little kinder than you have to. Never eat anything bigger than your ass. Do not accept an evil you can change. Always do what your afraid to do.” ;)

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  8. HAH - that tweet is really funny.

    I was lucky to see Onward in theaters before everything shut down, and I really liked it. It's a cute movie, and I'm in love with animated Tom Holland. :)

    That's so sweet someone gave you some TP when they had enough. It's definitely great to hear these little acts of kindness. We'll get through this!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. I feel like yelling it at people when we're on walks! I'm sure they'd look at me like I was crazy though. ;) Lucky you! Onward was a really great movie. I'm sure we'll watch it again! Tom Holland is adorable. Chris Pratt is funny, too.

      We will get through this! Eventually. Maybe. ;)

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  9. LOL!! That tweet made me smile!!
    There are definitely some bright spots about all this. For one.. I definitely seem to feel like I should appreciate things way more than I did before.

    Stay safe and happy reading.

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    1. Yes! I never appreciated being able to drive to the store and just grab what I needed. Now I have to plan out shopping lists weeks in advance, place orders online and HOPE they have half of it in stock. There are so many small things I took for granted, too. Like walking around a thrift or book store for hours.

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  10. My father was doing that with wood a couple months back too, he made some nice benches out of pallet wood!
    Glad you guys are doing well!! :)

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    1. Yes! We have a bench out back that was made entirely from pallet wood! He's supposed to make some patio furniture, too. :) It's nice being married to someone that's crafty!

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  11. The selfish and nasty side of people is staggering in the UK. It can be pretty depressing but then you see the uplifting stories of volunteers and neighbours helping each other and you feel better. I'm doing ok with isolation as I'm not a social animal but I know more active people are struggling. We'll get there if we follow the rules!

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    1. People show their true colors in a crisis, that's for sure. I'm not overly social IRL, but love talking to people on their blogs or mine. Instagram and Twitter, too. IRL relationships are harder, because it's hard to find your people, you know?

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  12. I do love seeing all the kindness that is going around! It really does make me have hope for this world. ;) Glad you guys are healthy and keeping busy!

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    1. We're trying! I just wish I had more time to read! I feel like I'm falling further behind after the move.

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  13. That joke at the end def made me laugh out loud for real! And I do appreciate all the acts of kindness I see as well. It gives me hope for humanity. be safe, friend!

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    1. Same! When I stumbled across the joke on Twitter I heartily laughed and then repeated the joke to my husband. It's crazy that something so simple can be so hilarious. :)

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  14. I've managed to plant a few flowers and our nursery is still open so I might try to go again but only if it isn't crowded.

    That's one of the hardest things for me. This is my favorite season to get out in the yard and I wanted to plant things in my new yard. Kevin always took me to a huge nursery in Orlando for my B'day every April as my gift and I'm bummed I can't this year.

    But I did already have a hummingbird visit my deck this week and had deer sleeping in my neighbors yard. So there are still good things.

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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    1. Lucky! I've been trying to get the garden at this new house ready for planting, and someone (either a previous tenant or the handy man) has glued the hoses to their respective faucets. I don't know if they were worried about someone stealing them, or if they thought it would help with potential leaks, but the hoses themselves are garbage and need to be replaced. However, we can't replace them, BECAUSE WE CAN'T GET THEM OFF.

      I'm sorry you're missing your annual birthday trip! :(

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  15. I'm kicking myself for not getting a load of paving slabs delivered before all this hit! We knew we wanted to extend our patio and had been planning to do it this spring but we never put any slabs on order as we never expected this... It would have been a perfect time to lay them with the dry weather and all the extra time at home! Grrr. There's more important things, I know, but it feels like a wasted opportunity.
    Enjoy your flowers! We don't really have flowers in the garden but our veggie garden is well underway. :)

    I'm enjoying the stories of little bits of kindness. Much preferable to the tales of human douchebaggery which the media seem to love to fixate on... You know, because we're not feeling bad enough as it is. :/

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    1. I understand the feeling! There were some Spring projects we were looking forward to as well, but they'll have to wait until next year (like redoing the patio deck). I know some people are struggling because their homes were under construction when all of this happened. One person was having their kitchen renovated, and now the workers can't finish what they started. Can you imagine having to cook three meals a day on a piece of plywood?? I would go insane.

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“Stuff and nonsense. Nonsense and stuff and much of a muchness and nonsense all over again. We are all mad here, don't you know?”
― Marissa Meyer, Heartless