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
Happy Sunday! I feel really old every time I say this, but August flew by. I cannot believe this is the last week! I am happy that the weather has been rather pleasant with cool mornings and not-too-bad afternoons. I am not a summer fan, so I am glad to say goodbye.
I had Tuesday off to drive my daughter to the airport, but I also took care of some things. I had to get a photo inspection of my car since I switched car insurance companies. I went to the closest place on the list, and the guy was saying he works on tips. Uh, no, the insurance company pays you. I don't know about you, but I feel tip culture is out of control. When I was teaching, I met with kids before and after school and during my prep periods - I got no tips. There are many instances in my job right now where I go above and beyond. Guess what? No tips. Everybody wants a tip for doing their job these days. Call me whatever, but I am not giving tips out for everything.
I have related my saga about the shoes that never came. Well, they didn't come again. So, I called Zappos, and they could not locate the package. Do you know the rep told me that if I wanted replacement shipment they would need to go to a different address. This is where I live! Where should I send them??? I just took the refund, and then I ordered them from Birkenstocks. Well, I tried the leather, the suede, the bigger and smaller size, and kids, the dream is dead. I will not have those shoes. I was sad and am trying to muster enough strength to order more shoes. I am going to be barefoot, I swear!
I saw this tweet from New Jersey Transit the other day about new schedules being in effect starting today. They list train numbers (who knows that!), and with some digging, I realized my morning train will have a time change. Most of the changes were a few minutes but mine is a half hour. I had it down to the exact time I needed to leave to arrive with ample time to find a nice parking space and get to the platform, and now, I have to figure that all out again. I don't know what the traffic is like later or the parking. I will be experimenting this week, it seems.
On the Blog
Let's Discuss
- Jen shares some cozy fall romances
- Davida talks about changing bookish opinions
- Lynn and Julie chat about ARCs
Stacking the Shelves
Netgalley/Edelweiss
- Toe to Toe by Falon Ballard
- And Then There Was You by Sophie Cousens
- Pick Me by Victoria Schade
Invites
- Bad Asians by Lillian Li
- A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage by MK Oliver
Read Last Week
My favorite book of the week was my audiobook, The Past. It was another, maybe the last, story in the Bluegrass Empire series. I loved that Bennett gave us the parents' love story and was happy to learn where it all started with Tommy and Fiona.
I was a little disappointed again this week. All the books were solid, but there were some I expected to knock me out given my prior experience with the authors. There was just that extra something missing, or maybe it was me. I don't know, but I expected more.
Find all my reviews on Goodreads
Books
- Perfect Fit by Clare Gilmore - ★★★★
- Say It Out Loud by Ashley Schumacher - ★★★★
- Crazy Spooky Love by Josie Silver - ★★★★
- Love Walked In by Sarah Chamberlain - ★★★★
Audiobooks
- The Past by Sawyer Bennett - ★★★★ 1/2
Currently Reading
To Be Read
- The Goode Girls of Maple Lane by Jaqueline Firkins
- We Met Like This by Kasie West
- A Spell for Midwinter's Heart by Morgan Lockhart
- Under the Christmas Tree by Robyn Carr
Let us know in the comments!
I am sorry for your train Sam! As a fellow commuter I commiserate! Now for the shoes...isn't it possible to buy them in a shop instead of ordering online? I confess that I rarely order clothes or shoes online as I need to try them.
ReplyDeleteThey used to have a train at this time PLUS the earlier one. I don't know what they are doing, but I hope it improves the on-time rate. It is so hard to find stores to buy stuff in. Everything is online these days. It's annoying to me because I am old and like to shop in stores.
DeleteI'm right there with you on tip culture being overdone. Why can't we just pay people a livable wage and call it a day? Good luck with your adjusted commute schedule. I changed locations 6 months ago and am still figuring it out, haha.
ReplyDeleteYou all agreeing with me about tips makes me feel better. I agree. Tips and TAX should all be part of the price. If you think someone went above and beyond, you can tip if you like. I thought it was just me. Well, the train was late both days with the new schedule, but it's nice getting to the other station later.
DeleteSorry to hear the shoes you wanted didn't work out in any size. Crazy about Zappos. I'm always reluctant to order from them. I think the tipping culture is out of control too! I go to the airport and buy a water bottle for the plane and the checkout display asks if I want to tip. I think that's insane! It's rude the guy told you that he runs on tips. Way to make a person uncomfortable. I tip well when it's food service because they don't make a lot and they have to deal with the public which is never fun. I know this firsthand. I have Ghost Business too and I hope we both love it.
ReplyDeleteI never had a problem with Zappos before, but I think they are partnered with Amazon now which still makes no sense because I get deliveries from them. Oh, you accepted my payment, let me tip you for that??? As if! I worked in a restaurant and only made half minimum wage. I am a 20% tipper and too lazy to make change which is always in the server's favor.
DeleteSorry to hear about the shoes. You would think they would be able to fix this problem. Tip culture is out of hand, way out of hand.
ReplyDeleteI give up. I hope the universe will bring me in contact with some great shoes one of these days. Until then, I will continue my strength exercises.
DeleteOh no, sorry to hear about the shoes and the train as well! I hope the experimentation is not too painful and you quickly find a solid new solution that works for you, Sam. I'm glad to hear that the weather at least has been cooperating! Hope the cooling down continues 😃 Looks like you have some exciting new reads on the horizon. Have a great week ahead and enjoy all the books!
ReplyDeleteThe weather is still great! I have my windows open right now and enjoying the cool morning air.
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