Welcome to this week’s Sunday Post. This feature is brought to you by The Caffeinated Book Reviewer, so swing by after you are done here and get the full list of participants!
Here is my April book reviews! My favorite read was Ask Me If I Care by Lani Lynn Vale! My least favorite was Sweet Haven by KC Lynn.
- [2 Apr] Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson ★★★
- [3 Apr] Sweet Destiny by KC Lynn ★★★½
- [6 Apr] The Highland Rogue by Amy Jarecki ★★★★
- [14 Apr] Ask Me If I Care by Lani Lynn Vale ★★★★½
- [16 Apr] Temper by Chantal Fernando ★★★★
- [18 Apr] Shielding Gillian by Susan Stoker ★★★★
- [21 Apr] Get Bucked by Lani Lynn Vale ★★★★
- [27 Apr] Wolf Born by Alyssa Rose Ivy, Jennifer Snyder ★★★½
- Shadow Flight by Christine Feehan
- Butterfly Bayou by Lexi Blake
Audio ARC thanks to libro.fm
Audio ARC thanks to Random House Audio:
The year known as April has finally ended. Man, that was long and tough. Here in Ohio, we are still under some fairly strict restrictions, but elective surgeries are allowed to move forward now, and several other businesses are permitted to open.
Teaching from home is so challenging. A teenager struggles when they are in class to understand some concepts. Trying to teach themselves math, English, social studies, and Science at home? Yeah, they are frustrated. If you have ever worked in a school before, you also know what this time of year is like…chaos. State testing is done, and we are just trying to hold down the fort. When you combine that with online education you have a disaster. Thankfully, our administration decided to cut our school year short by a week.
I filled out my new hire paperwork for my upcoming job. This led to a panic attack! I get very worried about what others think of me. What if no one likes me? What if I screw something up? What if I made a huge mistake by leaving my job for this job? So, my therapist is helping me work on some techniques to handle these intrusive thoughts. This is typical of my OCD-I focus on the obsessive side of things and must think about every possible contingency so I can be ready. Of course, I know that is impossible, but my brain insists that we consider everything so we are always prepared.
I have gained a few pounds since this pandemic started. So, I’m seriously cracking down on myself!! When I’m home all day, I snack all day! Ugh!
So, whats new with you this week? Did you read any of the same books I did? Did you find any great book deals I need to grab ASAP? Let me know in the comments!
I will give my kids credit as both of them seem to be doing awesome at the home school stuff, especially my son whom I thought would have a huge issue but he is still getting his therapies and following with the IEP. He totally impressed me with how well he is going.
My anxiety was doing pretty good and I was happy with how well I was able to handle it but the last two weeks I had to jump back on my meds because the thoughts were hard and the thoughts were starting to hurt. I am feeling better now but just need to keep taking them until I can get a handle on it again.
I am sending you lots of hugs because this world is hard and I totally understand!
I hope you have a wonderful week, Samantha! Stay Safe and Happy Reading! xx
I was thinking about how this last quarter of school should just be written off. Yes, there will be some kids who will be fine, but those kids that need a lot of support may not have been able to get it at home. I really feel bad for the teachers, if they decide to open school for just the final month or so. The kids are normally a bit insane by then. Now, being out of school for so long. I couldn’t imagine how challenging that will be. I believe this new job is a great move for you. I am hoping and praying you find an environment, where you can grow and flourish.
Yay for the school year ending early! I’ve heard it’s been really challenging. I’m with you on trying to crack down on my eating! I’ve gained a few pounds with the pandemic as well. I don’t think we’re the only ones, though. Most people have been eating and snacking a bunch going by Twitter and Instagram. Glad to hear you’re employing tactics to get yourself out of negative spiraling! Good luck with your new job!
I hear you about students having a hard time! My daughter is in her first year to become a vet and she said the same thing. That’s not fair for them especially as she needs to listen to remember and assimilate. Don’t fret, I am certain people will love you at the new work Samantha!
My daughter seems to be taking it all well. She does not like online group projects though. And people not responding to emails for it. I understand and agree with the analyzing everything to prep for the new job but I don’t think I stress over things so much. I just prepare. I hope to get The Guest list for audio review also, from the publisher.
Take care, be kind and sensible!
Anne – Books of My Heart Here is my Sunday Post
“The year known as April” lmao. So true! I feel so bad for the students, though- and the teachers as well, trying to make this all work. It must be unreal. My kids are older and seem to be doing okay but I know it’s tough for a lot of kids. So crazy right now…
Good luck wrth your new job, and yes I can imagine the anxiety is tough! Sending lots of positive vibes your way!
Hope you’re having a good weekend and stay safe!
Sorry about all the stress. I was a mess when I started my last job. Even filling out the paperwork was hard. Have a good week!
I can’t wait to see what you think of Shadow Flight….I LOVED IT , this series she has done has been amazing.
I can only imaginie how difficult it is to teach from home, but glad to see you are getting through this. I have a feeling things are going to get better soon. Sending you love and cheer.
I’m so thankful to teachers for all the hard work they are doing during this time. Yes its hard on parents, but it helps when you have teachers who work hard to help you plan the last month of school. I’ve had to ask a few questions and my son is only in 2nd grade, but still a lot of what he is learning I have forgotten, but I’m so glad to have his teacher who is great about helping parents navigate this time. I’m soooooo glad it’s almost over though.
I feel you on the “What If’s”… I’ve always had those questions each time I’ve switched jobs or moved and had to find a new job. It will be ok and it’s great you have a therapist to help.
Happy Reading!
I’m trying to help my Kindergartener with his online school stuff, and THAT is headache-inducing. I can’t imagine trying to help a teenager in high school. I think I’ve forgotten most of that, haha. I’ll send some positive vibes your way! Good luck with the new job application! Fingers crossed it goes the way you want it to. Also, HOW ARE YOU READING SO MUCH?? I can’t find the time.
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?? ?
Good luck with your new job. Happy reading with your latest batch.
I imagine it’s frustrating all the way around. Teachers trying to teach online, parents suddenly in the role of homeschooling in some ways, and kids trying to learn in a totally different environment. What a mess. It’s a miracle if any learning is really happening at all. I hope this new move if a perfect fir for you!
It must be a nightmare trying to teach at the moment. Distance learning is hard and when the students are used to being in a classroom environment it must be even tougher. I hope your new job goes well, any new job is stressful anyway, it’s the unknown which is the issue but I’m glad you’re working with your therapist on it because no one needs that extra anxiety.
I have thought so many times that I’m grateful to not be trying to teach in this madness. Did y’all actually have state tests? Texas canceled them, which I wish they would just do permanently. I’m glad y’all at least get to finish a week early.
Good luck with the new position – when so you start (I missed it, is it still teaching?
I hope joy have a great week – – hopefully may isn’t also a year! Lol!