Welcome to My Sunday Post!
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer. Basically it’s a chance to talk about the books you bought, borrowed, blogged about, and read for the week and what’s coming in the week ahead – and then share them with a much wider blogging community. Check out the details here.
News at Home
Sorry for yet another long absence – especially considering that my last update included references to being sick. If I worried you, I’m sorry – I’m alive, just super busy with the job. But things are looking up. This past week I arrived at work a full 30 minutes later than I have been all year. I wasn’t late, I just am no longer feeling the need to be freakishly early. Woot! Does that mean things are going great? Nah. But I’ve figured out that no matter how much work I do, they won’t go great. So I’m not killing myself quite so much. I managed to leave most days by 5:30 or 6 which is another huge improvement. If I can keep this up, I might actually get back to a normal life soon! This upcoming week will be the first week EVER that I haven’t had to pay for copies over the weekend just to have what I need for the week. Yes, I’ve been paying for copies. But not this week! *happy dance* I actually have my shit ready for Monday AND Tuesday already. Hell, I even have some of my copies for Wednesday – Friday! It’s a miracle. *knocks on wood* My goal this week is to continue getting to work on time, but not early and leaving by 5pm. Because seriously, it’s just not worth it.
Now if only I could stop working once I get home. I’m still working on that part, but I’m getting better at it. I’ve only done like 2 hours of work so far this weekend and I don’t plan to do more than like 2 more hours today. That’s a huge improvement from when my whole weekend was working. In fact- here’s what I’ve done this weekend… My brother (who I haven’t seen since school started) came over Friday evening. My brother, me and Kiko went to dinner, then we hung at the apartment having drinks and watching a movie. My brother stayed over and I slept in until 11am. Then we went out for brunch and I dropped him off at home. Then I spent the evening with my step-son, came home, had dinner, watched some tv and blogged (while drinking) for a few hours! Sunday (today I guess now) I plan to get a massage (yep, I’ve decided I need a monthly massage), get a mani & pedi, do 2 hours work, and relax! We’ll see if it works out that way, but that’s the plan.
If by some miracle I can pull this off, you might start seeing a lot more of me around the blogosphere! Yay!!
On a sidenote, I had my appointment with the surgeon this past week. Turns out I need surgery sooner than later or I might end up with some serious complications because of gallstones. Boo! The most frustrating part is that my rapid weight loss probably contributed to my gallbladder getting lazy and developing stones 🙁 Anyway, I’ve scheduled surgery for November 20th. That will require me to miss three days work, which is the best I can pull off. Hopefully they won’t give me any trouble and will allow me to still take days off for BEA (haven’t requested yet… getting nervous that they’ll say no!). Cross your fingers for me that it’s not a challenge.
Blog News
I have reviews scheduled!!! I spent about 2 hours setting up posts and I’m so excited to have reviews for you all week!!! They aren’t necessarily my best ever, but it just feels good to be getting back into the groove. Hopefuly I’ll be able to start doing some real visting in the days to come too!
#FitReaders Update
I’m really hoping to get back to the gym this week. I miss it and while I’m still losing weight, I think I’ll be much happier if I can get back to my zumba. I’m still eating my diet of granola bar and skim milk for breakfast, ensure for lunch, and something super light for dinner most days – so my diet is good. And teaching kinder easily gets me 10k steps a day during the week!
Last Week on the Blog
Nothing since the last Sunday Post 🙁
This Week on the Blog Look For:
Sunday
Sunday Post | I May Survive!
Monday
Dark Heart of Magic by Jennifer Estep
Tuesday
The Duke’s Perfect Wife by Jennifer Ashley
Wednesday
Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
Thursday
When a Scott Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare
Friday
In the Air Tonight by Lori Handeland
Saturday
October Report Card | #2015HW
How was your week?
Bookworm Brandee
I’m sooo glad you’re back! And in better spirits…it shows! I’m glad you’ve found a groove – sort of – and I hope you can stick with it and things get even better. And, of course, I’ll be glad to see reviews from you. But that’s just as added bonus. The most important stuff is you figuring out a balance for work and life, and getting well. (Sorry I missed you last week – I was at the State marching band competition in Pueblo, and then I got sick.) I am sorry to hear about the gallstones though – that sucks. And it’s too bad you don’t have the entire week of Thanksgiving off already so you wouldn’t have to miss work. But you have to do what you have to do and the school can suck it, right? My fingers are definitely crossed for BEA though. You *MUST* be there!! Alright, I hope last week was a win and I hope this week is off to a great start for you. {{{hugs}}}
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…#TravelingtoTerminus Review ~ For the Record ~ KA Linde ~ #ShelfLove
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
It feels good to be back 🙂 Finding a balance has been so difficult, but it’s so important. I can’t LOVE school – it’s just too much. Sorry to hear you were sick – hope you’re feeling better! I’ve had a cold since September and it won’t go away grrrr! I really really hope that I manage to get off for BEA still. I think I just might have to shorten my initial plan – I wanted to be there Tuesday – Friday (and travel in Monday) but that may be too many days. We’ll see!! Hope you’re having a great week 🙂 Hugs!
Teddyree
Good for you setting some boundaries and reclaiming time for yourself. It’s hard to keep a good balance. Fingers crossed you get that time off for BEA. All the best for your surgery and happy reading and relaxing
Teddyree recently posted…It’s Sunday/Monday: Check-In Time
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Thank you so much Teddyree 🙂 I really hope BEA works out, I’ve got a hotel booked already! Happy reading and have a great week!
Jen Twimom
Twitter: twimom227
Yea! Glad you are surviving and work is getting a tiny bit more controllable. Good luck with the surgery – I’ll be sending healthy vibes your way. *hugs*
Jen Twimom recently posted…Find Your Holiday Hero with Sourcebooks + #Giveaway
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Thanks Jen! It’s a relief that I’m finally getting to a healthy place with work. Hope you have a great week!
RAnn
Hope you feel better soon.
RAnn recently posted…The Sunday Post
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Thanks RAnn:) happy reading!
Jessica Samuelsen
I hope you feel better. I’m glad you will be back to posting reviews.
Jessica Samuelsen recently posted…Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves (#5) October, 25 2015
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Thanks Jessica! Have a great week 🙂
Kathy
Twitter: Nookbksnmore
It’s good to see you back! I’ve been thinking about you since we both have jobs we hate. I was working late hours too but I stopped for the same reasons you did. I am having a hard time keeping up with the blog but I try to read a little each week. Sorry to hear about the gallstones and I hope you feel better. I hope work gets better and you get some relaxation time.
Kathy recently posted…Weekly Wrap-Up #75
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Glad to hear you aren’t working too late anymore either! It’s rough keeping up with anything these days, so I know how you feel about the blog. Thanks – I think the surgery will do the trick and I get days off, so that’s a bonus 🙂 Hope things get better for you too – here’s to a great (or at least better than last) week!
Tiffany
Twitter: Angelized_1st
Glad to hear you’re doing well. Sorry you have to have surgery. Hopefully having that time off will be good for you, despite the circumstances.
Tiffany recently posted…The Week in Review: “Vroom!” (October 18th – October 24th)
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
That’s what I’m thinking too Tiffany – time off is a treat as long as I’m not in too much pain! Thanks so much – have a great week!
A Voracious Reader
I about gave myself a hernia sending you a massive dose of {{{posivibes}}. Don’t worry, I’m still sending them but I’m bending my knees properly now. hehe I’m glad you’re letting yourself relax some. Keep it up! And yay for the massage. You know, I’ve never had one by a professional. Hubby does a good job, but someday I want to see what one is like. And I’ve only ever had 1 mani/pedi (Mother’s Day pressie from hubby a couple years ago). I’m not a huge fan (maybe because I’m really hard on my nails, using them as tools and shit, so it seems like a waste of $$), but I wouldn’t turn down another. 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful week, Berls!
A Voracious Reader recently posted…The Sunday Post ~ 115th Edition
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Lol well good job, you must be responsible for my getting some decent nights sleep this past week! Keep them coming 😉 You really should treat yourself to a professional massage, they are just too great. I set myself up to get one a month from here on out.
Lola
Twitter: lolasreviews
I am glad to hear you’re okay, although things with your job still don’t sound too well. But it’s great that things are improving! I really hope you’ll be back to having a normal life soon. Take some time to relax this weekend, youd eserve it!
That surgery sounds nasty, I hope everything goes well. And that the school doesn’t make a problem of you taking days off for this and BEA. Looking forward to your review posts next week!
Lola recently posted…Sunday Post #149
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Thanks Lola 🙂 I don’t think my job situation will ever be good – it’s just not a good situation. But I’m learning to deal with it, which is about as good as I can hope for right now I guess. Hopefully the surgery works out to be easy and just a nice break from work! Have a great week Lola 🙂
Steph from fangswandsandfairydust.com
Twitter: fangswandsfairy
Glad to hear you are having success with weight loss. Several writers I know had gall bladder things last year – one right after losing weight. But the good news is how much better the gall bladder surgery is than it was 30 years ago.
I guess I didn’t know you taught kindergarten, but don’t get what it has to do with paying for copies. But I am all for a work/life balance and you seem to be enjoying family a great deal which is awesome!
Steph from fangswandsandfairydust.com recently posted…THE SUNDAY POST: Oh My Dahlias, Oh My Dahlias
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
My doctor said that weight loss often contributes to gall stones… Grrrr huh? But it’s better than the weight I guess.
Oh the paying for copies thing is that I need worksheets for the kiddos and because of our copy request system I’ve had to pay for copies in order to have them in time, rather than getting them printed at school. Hundreds of dollars copies already this year… 🙁 but hopefully this week is the state of me not having to do that anymore!
Bea
Twitter: BeasBookNook
Boo for surgery but I hope it helps, and I hope you can get the time off for BEA.
As for not working at home, well, that ain’t gonna happen. You’re a teacher now, you’ll be putting in unpaid prep hours. That’s a fact of life when you’re a teacher. That said, it is important to set boundaries and still have a life. Balance is a bitch to achieve but it’s necessary.
Good to see you back!
Bea recently posted…Sunday Book Share #164
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Yeah I can’t imagine not having work to bring home. I just don’t want it to consume my life anymore – which it didn’t this weekend, which was nice. My husband was just laughing at me because I was like, “well I get a whole week off because of surgery, that’s a plus” as if surgery is worth it to get time off work. That’s really not a good sign lol! Oh well, maybe I’ll like my job eventually… Have a great week Bea 🙂
Katherine
Twitter: KEPitts1
Great job setting boundaries! I know that’s not easy to do as there’s an infinite amount of work that needs to be done but you need to take some time for yourself or you’ll just be miserable. Hope all is going better and glad that you may survive! Sounds like you had a nice weekend with your family! Have a great week and good luck sticking to your goals!
Katherine recently posted…This Week in Reading – October 25
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Thank you Katherine! I agree, these boundaries really are essential if I’m going to be happy, I’m sick of being exhausted, sick and miserable! Have a great week 🙂
Terri M., the Director
Twitter: 2ndRunReviews
I think one of the hardest things in life is letting go. I just realized that as I clicked on the link in my email to head over to this post, your Sunday Post and my Scenic Sunday share a similar theme. I’m glad you are finding ways to let go and make the best of a difficult situation.
On a side note, I met a woman last week at ICON who is a teacher and looking to get into blogging, but isn’t necessarily keen on her students finding her online. I specifically mentioned your blog and a few of the measures I knew you at taken as you prepared for your first year of teaching!
Terri M., the Director recently posted…Scenic Sundays 53: You Can Survive
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
The keeping a secret presence is really important to me. I made the mistake of mentioning I was a blogger to a coworker, but conveniently forgot to tell her my blog name / address. And she tried googling but couldn’t find anything but my author profile… So yay!!! We were in a meeting so it didn’t seem weird that I didn’t give her the address, but I have to be more careful. Close call! Anyway have a great week – I hope you’re letting go a bit too 🙂
laura thomas
It is wonderful to hear you are finding that balance. Keeps you sane! You are incredibly busy and should spoil yourself with the spa day. You’ll feel even more centered.
laura thomas recently posted…What’s New On My Bookshelf #133 and The Sunday Post
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Thanks Laura. The spa day was wonderful (even if I’m a little sore from working out those knots) and I’m just hoping work will go by quickly this week. If the weekends could only slow down and the work week could fly by it wouldn’t be so bad. LOL! Have a great week 🙂
Heather
Work/life balance can be a difficult one to get right but it sounds like things are getting easier for you.
I hope your surgery goes by well and I am sure you will make a quick recovery!
Have a good week!
Heather recently posted…The Sunday Post #23 – 25th October 2015
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Thanks Heather! It’s never been this bad before, but teaching is a whole different story it seems!
kimbacaffeinate
So glad to see you are slowly started to balance life and work. You will be much happier. Eep, you need to be approved for BEA because Caffeinated will be there!!! Sorry to hear about the surgery. Hopefully the recovery is quick. Stay sane Kim.
kimbacaffeinate recently posted…Sunday Post #184- Harry Potter
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Squee! Really?! Gosh so many people are going to be there that I need to meet – I have to go! I have hotel reservations, so I’m planning on it. Hopefully I won’t need off anymore between now and then and they will be reasonable! Fingers crossed!
Michelle
Twitter: Limabean74aol.com
Does this mean I get my Berls back? Because I have missed chatting with you almost every day lol. I am glad things are settling down and you are finding a balance.
Fingers crossed for your gallbladder, please keep me posted how it goes.
With all the early morning and late nights I can’t see them having a problem with having a few days off. You are a very hard worker!
Welcome Backish! 😉 I will talk to you soon! oxo
Michelle recently posted…Week in Read-view & The Sunday ~ Awesome Blog week!
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Hopefully!! You’d sure think that all the hours I’ve worked would pay off – but would you believe my pay get the docked for having to leave early for a doctor’s appointment? Despite being salary and all the extra hours I’ve worked without overtime! It’s so unfair, I can’t wait for this year to be over. I’ll keep you posted on the surgery 🙂
Stormi
Twitter: 1975
*Hugs* I am glad you are starting to find a bit of a balance. The amount of time you spend at work and just for kinder is crazy! I honestly thought that would be a bit easier than fifth grade…lol.
Crossing my fingers that they don’t give you any grief about having to take off as it’s not like there is much you can do you have to have that dealt with. I also hope they will still let you take off for BEA!
Can’t wait to see those lovely reviews up on your blog…you are missed!
Stormi 🙂
Stormi recently posted…The Week In Review #59
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Thanks Stormi, I miss blogging so much! I know, lots of people thought Kinder would be easier, but I had a feeling it would be harder… I hate being right. Maybe it wouldn’t be if I had the right personality for it though… Idk. Fingers crossed for BEA. I’m not requesting until after my surgery so they don’t get crazy on me.
Jan
Twitter: ReadrholicNotes
I hope you’re able to slow down some, Berls. It’s really frustrating when work takes over your life. I hope you have a fun and happy week! And yay for getting reviews scheduled.
Jan recently posted…Sunday Post: Oct 25
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Thanks Jan, I appreciate it 🙂 Have a great week!
Melanie Simmons
Twitter: mslimmons
I’m so glad that things are getting better for you. You’ll get the work life balance down. It can be hard when you’re starting out with a new job, especially when it is in a new field. I never would’ve guessed there was this much work outside of the classroom for kindergarten teachers. I knew it was a lot of work looking over the kids when they were there. And I knew that there was a lot of work for higher grade teachers grading tests and homework and stuff, but I never guessed that there would be this much outside classwork for you. I learned something today. I’ve always been amazed at teachers. They are so great and so under-appreciated in our society. It makes me sad. Keep up the good work.
Melanie Simmons recently posted…White Trash Zombie Gone Wild Audiobook by Diana Rowland (REVIEW)
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Thanks Melanie! You’re not alone, I think people think that the lower grades are easier but I think it’s a trade off on type of work – and I for one would rather grade than have all these projects to make and things to buy (it’s expensive too!). I just can’t wait for this year to be over so I can go to the grade level I belong!
Kim @ kimberlyfaye reads
Twitter: kimberlyreads
The balance between work and life is so important, but one that I struggle with at times, too. I’m pretty good at leaving the office on time, but terrible at leaving work at the office. Whether I’m actively working on things or just thinking about them when I get home, I have a tough time with it. I try to shut it off, but it doesn’t always work. I wish you luck figuring out the balance! 🙂
Kim recently posted…That’s a Wrap Weekly [14]
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Thanks Kim! I completely understand the challenge – I was just having massage and struggling to force work out of my head! I was like, “No work! You’re relaxing!” It just invades everything. Good luck keeping it at the office as much as possible, we’ll have to work on that together 🙂 Have a great week!
sherry fundin
Glad you are finding a balance between home and work. Keep it up.
sherry fundin recently posted…Sherry Shelves #57 – Books & Fun
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Thank you Sherry! I sure hope I can 🙂 have a great week!
Lexxie
I am so happy things are better for you, Berls, even if they aren’t perfect yet. And you are right to not spend too much time at work! I’m sure you’ll feel even better when you have more time to do things for you, things you enjoy, and maybe get back to your zumba again.
I’m sure having surgery won’t impact the time you’ll have off for BEA – and I know you’re coming to Chicago xoxo
Have a fantastic week ahead and happy reading *hugs*
Lexxie recently posted…The Sunday Post #55 – Fall Back, Slow Down, Change Time
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
I so hope you’re right about BEA! Technically we’re supposed to have 10 days a year and with my surgery I will have used 5 days. So that leaves me the five days for BEA, as long as I don’t get sick again between now and then. And they don’t make a big deal about me using all my days. I’m thinking I might just have to shorten my trip a little :/
Trish
The thoughts that you are still doing ANY work at the weekend freaks me out. But I’m glad that the whole picture is looking slightly better for you. And you are dead right not to give so much of yourself so keep up the not-arriving-too-early and leaving on time. Otherwise you’ll burn out and that won’t be good for you or the kids.
Sorry to hear about the planned surgery. You know what else contributes to gallstones. Stress! And you’ve had plenty of that too. So making time for things like watching movies and having massages are so necessary.
Have a good week Berls!
Trish recently posted…The Sunday Post : Get your Bookish News #90
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Oh I know, it sucks having to work on weekends, but honestly I can’t even imagine a future where that doesn’t have to happen at least a little. There’s just so much work to do to prepare – I think there’s more because it’s Kindergarten and everything has to be so hands on. That means a lot more prep work. But it’s a relief being able to work fewer hours, even if it’s still not ideal hours. I have so much work to do, but I’ve finally accepted I won’t get it all done.
I hope all is well with you – have a great week 🙂
Greg
Yikes, sounds crazy. You are super busy… somehow our society has decided it’s OK for us to work on our weekends too! Whats up with that LOL? Glad you’re getting some relaxation this weekend.
Sorry to hear about the gallstones! Take care and have a good week… 🙂
Greg recently posted…Sunday Post #114
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Thank you Greg! Oh I know, I was just talking to my brother about unreasonable expectations. If you get to work on time and leave on time, you’re not working hard enough (though if I could pull it off I wouldn’t care what people thought!). I know many work more than me though, so I shouldn’t complain. Hope you’re having a good weekend 🙂
Ramona
Twitter: RamonaWray
Sounds like you’re reclaiming some control over things, ducks – good for you! I think it’s bound to get easier – or, at least, to seem like that to you. There’s an old saying around these parts: God never gives you more than you can endure. Thinking of & rooting for you <3
Ramona recently posted…The Modern Book Tour
Berls
Twitter: BerlsS
Thank you Ramona 🙂 It’s definitely getting easier – even if I’m not loving it (or even liking it) at least it’s not killing me so much anymore.