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Sunday, May 17, 2020

Sundays with Sam - The Sunday Post



Sundays with Sam is a combination of Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

My Week in Review

It's a beautiful day outside as I write this (Saturday), and I actually did go outside today. On Friday, I got a global email from my company, stating that as parts of the country open up again, they will be taking their time. I was impressed with the numbers. I think it was 24,000 on site and 180,000 working from home. Wow! With that, I was thinking I would be home a bit longer, and downloaded that Couch to 5K app. So, back in the day, I used to run a lot. I practiced in the morning and afternoon, and ran all three seasons at school as a distance runner. Before I even graduated high school, my knees were shot, and I haven't run in a really long time. I though I would try, and just do short, easy, 30 minute jogs. Let's see how this goes. In my mind, I can be 95 pounds again, but in reality, that will never happen. But, hey! It can't hurt to try.

So, yeah, I worked. We had a WebEx meeting with my high ups (skip level meeting), and there was one person, who just didn't understand how to mute their phone, even after it was brought up during the meeting. *sigh* We had a massive tech issue on Thursday, and though I didn't get much work done, I did catch up with my co-workers. That was nice.

Other than that, I just tended to my island home on Animal Crossing I am trying to get a 5-star rating (I have 4-stars right now), and it all about the scenery. I am started to working on yards for my residents, and you can see Bluebear sitting NOT in her own yard. I loved it though, because she invited me to sit with her. The next picture shows the extreme I will to to to find a quiet place to read. I don't know if you can see it, but that piece of land is in the cliffs, and it's detached from all other land masses. I use my ladder to get there, so nobody can follow me. The last picture is at the tailor shop. Those are Kiersten's designs on display. I love them so much, I want all my residents wearing them.


I apparently won a book from YallStayHome, but I won't say anything until I receive it. You guys know how these things sometimes turn out. But, I am excited, because it was one of my CWW picks.








Let's Discuss!
  • Margaret asks Goodreads to pull itself together (yes, to all of these things)
  • Dani wants to know if you're a series quitter (I am)
  • The Orangutan Librarian talks about who she would and wouldn't want to be in quarantine with


On the Blog:
  • Monday: #AmReading YA - Hunting November, Just a Boy and a Girl in a Little Canoe
  • Tuesday: TTT - Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
  • Wednesday: CWW - Accidental, See No Color
  • Thursday: #AmReading YA - All the Things We Never Knew, Life After Juliet
  • Friday: Discussion - The Thing About Endings


STACKING THE SHELVES

Bought/Free


Edelweiss/NetGalley


What I Read Last Week

There are a few pubs out there, who, I guess, consider me Z-list, and get really, really late approvals from them. I got approved for Say Yes Summer on Monday, and the book came out Tuesday. You know what though? I am not mad, because I LOVED IT SO MUCH! It made me happy in the same way as 10 Blind Dates. It had family, friendship, a little romance, and it was just fun and sweet. One of my favorites this week along with The Book of Broken Hearts. Wow! That book was so touching, and I alternated between laughing, smiling, and sobbing.

Books

Audiobooks


What I Am Currently Reading

The Boyfriend Project is excellent. I never read the synopsis, and therefore, went in not knowing much, but it is delighting me. I am really happy with the pace of it, after a few recent romance books that were moving way too slow for me. I love the characters, the premise, and bless my nerdy heart, they are computer geeks.

Diary of a Mad Fat Girl is really funny. I am enjoying it a lot as well. I was excited, because it's set in Mississippi, and I needed that for my reading challenge too. Bonus!


What I Plan to Read

Lots of adult books this week. Who am I?
How was your week?
Let us know in the comments!

50 comments:

  1. Ugh tech issues. And it sounds like your company is pretty forward- thinking about all this. I know someone whose company is distinctly NOT, and it saddens me to see. Animal Crossing looks amazing, and so relaxing. I wish we could just go into that world for a while.

    Oh cats and laser pointers!

    And quarantine dog- awesome. :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. When people complain about little things at my job, I look at my company as a whole, and they are pretty generous. I cannot benefit from most of their programs, but it's nice to know they exist, and are something my company believes in. They are doing right by the people, who have to report on site too, which is not the case with many.

      I am stressing myself out with AC trying to reconfigure my layout, spending 100,000 bells to do something, which I found out I cannot do. *whomp, whomp* It is rather fun though. I am not an intense player, so I kind of just go with the flow.

      Delete
  2. That's great that your company has a conservative approach to returning to work. Mine does, too, for the most part although I expect to be heading back in early June. Good luck with the Cto5K! But take care of those knees. :) The Boyfriend Project sound wonderful. I'm about to go check it out. And just seeing Slammed makes me want to reread it immediately.

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    1. I am almost done with Boyfriend, and really enjoying it. The hero and heroine are wonderful, but the conflict is stressing me out, because I am seeing it from all side. Obviously, it will work out, otherwise, this author will hit my no-read list.

      Delete
  3. The little dude and I are about to begin Couch to 5k! Lots of people I know have taken up the challenge at the moment and seem to be doing well so fingers crossed for us both! (And our knees!)

    I love your Animal Crossing pictures. I must admit that I'm starting to get tempted to give it a go!

    I read a novella a while back by Sarah Ney which was part of her "Jock Row" series and it's made me curious about reading the others - I hope you enjoy it, and the rest of this week's haul. :)

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    1. Good for you two. I will be cheering you on. I only did day 1 so far, and it was fine. I am heading out for my second go soon. AC is fun, but it's a time suck. I don't know how I will keep up, when I go back to work. Right now, I play during my 15 min breaks, and I no longer have that commute sucking up 4 hours of time. I don't iron, wear makeup, or have to prepare/pack my food for the day either. I am so spoiled right not.

      I have read several Ney books, and they were fun, and this was free, so, why not!

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  4. Sunny weather is always good, I got to go out yesterday too. I appreciated the fresh air I was cooped up inside too much last week. Glad your company is being slow about getting people back in the office. Very sensible because no one wants to pull everyone in only to have to send them home again if there's a second wave. I'm amazed at how many people work for your company, though, that's crazy!

    Good luck with the couch to 5k... I have not exercised during lockdown beyond a walk now and then. I may regret this but thankfully I don't own scales so I can't see myself putting weight on at least.

    Your Animal Crossing island is so cute! Good luck with improving the rating, it sounds difficult but I believe in you.

    I have both The Boyfriend Project and Take a Hint, Dani Brown on my reading list. I think I might have a romance reading week next week, I'm excited. Hope you enjoy all of your books and have a good week next week.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. It is pretty amazing to see how many people they transition to work from home. I know they were giving out computers and monitors, and had to figure out how to provide secure and monitored lines on the fly for calls, but it happened.

      I kept saying I would exercise, since I had all that time that normally would be used to commute, etc, and then there was the fact that I didn't even work at all for a full month, but I would do a day or two, and then lose interest. The must success I had with exercise programs was when I was part of team (like in high school) or working with a trainer. In reality, I don't enjoy it, and if I can find something better to do, I will. Just being honest. I have to do more though. This is a time when I really need a buddy to push me.

      I hope the romances on this list are legit romances. I have been a bit disappointed by some of the more recent "romances", which were too light on the romance part for me to classify it as such. I know Hibbert will be good, but I am not sure about Desai. Waxman is women's fiction, but she usually has a romantic element in there, and I am pretty sure the CoHo will have romance. Let's hope they are all hits.

      Delete
  5. We are starting to ease up on things here and I hope people don't rush back into things. That dog on the couch is so like mine. LOL

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    1. That dog cracked me up. I know there are a LOT of people itching to get out, but there are quite a few, who are more cautious. We can only hope they balance each other out. Personally, I am ok with most of it. I don't really like going out, and I am fortunate that my company found me a work from home situation, but I would love a haircut.

      Delete
  6. "So, back in the day, I used to run a lot. I practiced in the morning and afternoon, and ran all three seasons at school as a distance runner."
    As a couch potato since 1966, I'm impressed 😂. Good luck with your app!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, Roberta, that was back in the 80s. Now I lack motivation, but I did it two days in a row. *cheers*

      Delete
  7. I do try to get outside everyday. I do like a brisk walk and am willing to put a few miles in but running and jogging have never been my thing. Good for you for getting back to it. It sounds like your company has done a great job of letting people work from home. It sounds like tech issues just happen from time to time. Nice new reads this week. I hope you have a great week, Sam!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I really don't like exercising. I had the most success, when on a team or with a trainer/class. It's so easy to just not do it, when you are on your own. I did two days in a row, so, it's a start. The app at least holds me accountable in some way.

      Delete
  8. Wow! What a week! Your Zoom conference call immediately brought to mind the SNL Stay at Home Skit from the finale where Keenan Thompson was trying to do a church service through Zoom but no one was putting their mics on mute so everything kept echoing back to him! Lol. At least you have had nice weather! We had rain this weekend, which is no bother to me. As long as it doesn't turn into dangerous storms!

    I forgot to mention in my own post that I also won an ARC from the YallStayAtHome event too! I submitted the paperwork to them but was waiting until I received the actual ARC before posting it in my haul posts. Hopefully that will work out for the both of us. I didn't even think something could happen that would prevent it from being sent.

    Nice new reads too! All totally new to me ones but I hope you will enjoy them all!



    Here's my StS

    Have a GREAT day!

    Old Follower :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We don't Zoom, so, we don't see each other. We use a code to get into a secure website, and dial in for voice. I could hear music from one person, coughing from another, and even some laughing at a totally inappropriate time. It's mute, not rocket science. That paperwork for the ARC was odd. I will be responsible for the $1 in taxes. I have not heard back since I sent it though. So, waiting and seeing. Is yours also an ebook? I was excited about that part, since it's easier for me to read.

      Delete
  9. Good luck with C25K! I did that program years ago and loved it! I still love running. :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. A success story! I love it! I hate running and exercise in general, but at least the app will be some form of accountability, right?

      Delete
  10. That's great that your company is taking the safe approach to returning to work. Mine is too and I'm so grateful to it. I've been critical of some of their decisions in the past but the way they have put their employees first in their pandemic response has really impressed me and made everything so much less stressful.

    My son and I have been thinking about doing that Couch to 5K app too. He's so out of sorts from not getting in his full soccer workouts and I'm just in need of more physical activity in general, so we may be on that journey soon too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicci and her son are doing Cto5K too. I did two days, so YEAH, but I know I would stick to it more, if I was doing it with someone else.

      Delete
  11. We were able to spend some much needed time outside this week too. We stripped out all the plants from our front flowerbed and replanted. We were both very sore at the end of the day, but the yard looks so much better!

    We've been having meetings around us going back as well, and I'm glad to see our company is takin this very seriously. Temp checks and masks will be required for everyone.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. You are going to have to post pictures of all your hard work in the yard. I used to like to help my grandfather, when I was a kid. It was neat that he had a little farm, right there, in the middle of Brooklyn. My co-workers on site check in each morning at the cafe for a wellness check, masks are wore at all times, they are seated 8 ft apart, and all doors are propped open. I heard they are pretty much the only ones there. They are getting a per diem for breakfast and lunch at the cafe and "hazard" pay, which I totally agree with.

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  12. Oh gosh, people that don't mute is very frustrating. LOL That's good your work isn't having EVERYONE come back into the office. It's a weird transition - I guess we'll all see what works and what doesn't soon enough. Good luck with the Couch to 5k. I am SO not a runner, but I commend anyone that does.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. My state is still locked down, by we have sites all over the world. We have a large campus in FL, which is opening up, but they are not transiting the WFH people right away. The thing I like about running is that you don't need much equipment, and if the gym is closed, you can still run. You know?

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  13. We're only at phase 1 of reopening and not moving very quickly but Kevin's company said he'd probably be home until September - at least. They want to see how it all plays out and keep non essential people at home. Having said that, he had to go in for the past 2 weeks.

    I did the Couch to 5K years ago and it aggravated a lower back problem and gave me exercise induced asthma lol but I started it again and just stick the 30 seconds jog level and it seems to be what works for me.

    I'm glad you were able to get some sunshine. It was cold an rainy all week here and my mood definitely reflected that.

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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    1. I worry a bit about my back. I have a herniated disc, tendonitis in my hip, and sciatica, but so far, just my hips are hurting, but not too much. I like the intervals. Not sure I will ever be at 30 mins of jogging, but hey, I can dream.

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  14. I did Couch to 5K twice. I’ve always wanted to run an official 5K race, but that hasn’t happened yet. Good luck with it! Congrats on the book win! The first time I won a book, it didn’t show up. I was super disappointed, and it was a long time before I entered another book giveaway. I hope you have a good week.

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. That's why I don't mention the book until I get it, though, this is an ebook, so I hope there aren't any big issues getting it to me. Maybe you will get to run that 5K if the world ever opens up again. I used to race 5K in cross country. Those were the days.

      Delete
  15. I attended YallStayHome and loved it. I spent most of my day watching/listening while I finished my puzzle. I won a copy of Cemetery Boys and am happy dancing as I can't wait to dive in.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Did you get your book yet? I got the affidavit and sent it right back, but haven't head anything since. Congrats on your win though. I like winning.

      Delete
  16. Holy Molly but your company is huge!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Yep. I don't even know if that includes our international offices. We are in almost every state in the US, and most other countries too.

      Delete
  17. Sorry about the work issues, love. That has to be frustrating!
    You got some great reads coming up! Can't wait to see what you think of them!

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    1. It wasn't the worst, and they knew about it, so they could not fault our low performance that day. I am very excited about Dani Brown and the new Waxman too. I have really enjoyed all of Waxman's books, and that's saying a lot, because not all women's fiction is good for me.

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  18. I really thought I would use this time at home to train for a 5k, but that has not been happening at all!

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    1. The weather is getting nicer, so I am more open to trying to be more active. I have to try, right?

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  19. Glad you are enjoying the Boyfriend Project! I grabbed it in my BOTM! I finally got my island up to 5 stars. It was a LONG process. I got my lily of the valley plant. Its pretty cool.

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    1. Congratulations on the 5-star rating! Right now, I am just carving outdoor areas. I know you have to cram a bunch of stuff on the island to get the stars, but the clutter makes me nuts. I like to keep it natural looking too, so I am not paving the whole place.

      Delete
  20. I love going on massive walks and hikes - so hopefully the weather will get its act together soon so I can get back to that. :)

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    1. The weather is something that easily deters me from doing anything outdoors. Hope you can resume your hikes ASAP

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  21. My husband is a runner, and he was having knee problems, but I know he misses it a lot. Good Luck with your new app and jogging routine :) I can see how Animal Crossing would be addictive. It looks like so much fun, and as if time would go super fast while customizing everything how you want it. I just started Say Yes Summer and am excited to hear how much you liked it! I have The Marriage Game and Take a Hint, Dani Brown for review in June also. I can't wait to see what you think of Slammed. It was the first book I read by Colleen Hoover's and I really loved it. I read it such a long time ago, but it's a book that lingered with me long after I read it. I hope you're havimg a great weekend.

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

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    1. I adored Say Yes Summer, and hope you are enjoying it too. It seems the love triangle is a dealbreaker for some, but they don't bother me that much. The Marriage Game is really good so far. These two have some great tension between them, and the big extended family just makes it even more fun. Slammed is an oldie, but goodie. I know it's a fave among CoHo fans, and I am excited to finally read it myself.

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  22. I am glad the company is going to be cautious and sensible and ease people back into work. It's great that you've started to jog again and move around a bit more - it doesn't have to be a marathon but any movement is good :) Happy to know you liked See No Colour as well ^.^

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    1. I hate jogging, but at least I'm trying. I would love to know a target for when we might go back to the office, just to mentally prepare myself, but since we are still on lockdown in my state, it's very much up in the air.

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  23. I have an Animal Crossing game for the Wii that I never got round to playing and I'm trying to find somewhere that I can get it set up again to give me a bit of exercise and fun. Animal Crossing just sounds like my kind of thing!

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    1. The WII was where I became addicted to the game, but it killed my wrists. So, I stopped playing at one point, and played sometimes on my DS. It's been fun though. I used to like the Wii Fit games. It would be a good way to start moving in a small amount of space. Alas, it was my daughter's Wii and it's in Chicago, about halfway across the US from me.

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  24. Glad that your company is doing its best to keep people home as much as possible. Even though Zoom meetings can be frustrating, they're much safer!

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

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    1. We don't Zoom, we have way too many people on our calls, and security is an issue with the information we handle. So, at least I don't have to see them doing whatever they are doing. I, for one, was playing Animal Crossing, so you know I checked my mute.

      Delete
  25. I hope you get your book from YallStayHome! I love the animal videos you shared (as always). I'll Be the One is also on my TBR!

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    1. I'll Be the One was really cute. I was very into the competition in the book, and the author did such a good job making me feel like I was part of it.

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