Weekly Recap #134: Week of 12/8 – 12/14

 

It’s time for another weekly recap post of all things happening on and off the blog. This week I’ll be linking to the Sunday Post, which is hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer and to Stacking the Shelves, which is hosted by Tynga’s Reviews.

This week took an unexpected turn when I realized I have so much vacation time on the books that if I don’t use some by the end of the year, I’m going to lose it.  My supervisor said that losing it would be dumb, which is true, so I am now off this week.  I’m not going to complain since I desperately needed a break, but it’s just going to be a staycation to get some things wrapped up for the holiday and around the house and then to get caught up and maybe even ahead (yes, I was totally laughing as I typed that last bit) on my blogging.  It also made for a hectic Wednesday and Thursday since I had to get everything wrapped up that I thought I would be working on this week and because we were closed for business on Friday to go and volunteer at one of the local homeless shelters.  I didn’t want to miss the volunteering so I had to step it up to make sure I finished in time.

Thankfully all went well and I was easily able to get all my work wrapped up and take part in the volunteer event.  The volunteer event was a different experience for us. Usually we go to a food bank or take part in a church event where we just help serve meals to the homeless.  This time, however, the folks that run the shelter basically turned over their entire kitchen to us.  We purchased what we wanted to cook for the residents, brought it in, prepped and cooked everything, and then served the 40-50 residents of all ages who came down for the lunch.  We then toured the facility and learned about the services they provide the residents to try to help get them back on their feet, while the residents, as part of their agreement to stay there, took over the kitchen, wrapped up the extra food, and then cleaned all of the dishes, etc.  It was a very positive experience overall, although I was definitely sad to learn that many of the chronic homeless in our area are veterans.

I honestly hadn’t planned to acquire any new books this week either, but my approval for Undercover Bromance came through (*squeals with joy*) and I got an invite to read Christina Lauren’s latest so I couldn’t say no to that one or to Hendricks and Pekkanen’s latest since I’ve loved their last two collaborations.  Then a couple of other unexpected approvals came through so here I am with 5 new books on the TBR.  Told you it wouldn’t take me long to replace all of the ones I purged last week, lol!  I’m currently reading Chosen, the sequel to Slayer, and am really enjoying it so far.  After that I have 3-4 books I need to read for upcoming blog tours. I’m really hoping to knock all of those out before Christmas so fingers crossed on that.

Anyway, I think that’s about it for me.  Have a great week, everyone!

 

WHAT I POSTED LAST WEEK

 

 

WHAT I’M READING THIS WEEK

 

  
    
 

 UPCOMING REVIEWS

 

 
 
 

 STACKING THE SHELVES

 

  
 
      
   
 

TOTALLY RANDOM

 

35 replies
  1. Sam@wlabb
    Sam@wlabb says:

    I have been slowly burning my vacation days. I have not worked a full week since October, I think. Glad to hear it was a good staycation. I was just writing my Emery Lord review and I was crying again. That book hit me in the feels in so many ways.

  2. Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
    Tanya @ Girl Plus Books says:

    Hooray for an unexpected week off! This time of year a staycation really comes in handy. The volunteer event sounds truly rewarding. And it breaks my heart that so many veterans are homeless. Something so wrong about that. They’ve given so much and deserve every helping hand and support there is. Congrats on all the arc approvals! 🙂

  3. Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café
    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café says:

    Congrats on that unexpected staycation! Those are some of the best times off. Sounds like that volunteer opportunity was richly rewarding.

    I’m also in for the Christina Lauren book, too (audio version), though I won’t get it until release day.

    Have a wonderful week💜

  4. Alison Flores
    Alison Flores says:

    Yay for the unexpected vacation time! I hope you enjoy it and get caught up and *gasp* even a little ahead on everything. LOL! Enjoy the books you picked up!

  5. Michele
    Michele says:

    I love a staycation – I am planning on taking a couple weeks at Christmas, so hopefully my clients will cooperate and there won’t be any tax “emergencies” before the end of the year. So many awesome books added to your TBR recently – I hope you enjoy them and I really look forward to your thoughts!

  6. Michelle @ Fitkittymama Reads
    Michelle @ Fitkittymama Reads says:

    Congratulations on the week off! And on all of the approvals! I’m waiting to hear if I got approved for The Honey Do List. I was lucky enough to get The Unhoneymooners a while back, so hoping I might get lucky again.

  7. Angela
    Angela says:

    That’s really awesome that your company does volunteer work like that! And to have the unexpected vacation? Really nice! (I mean, it’s your time you’ve earned, but still! I would have to have a couple days off just to get ready for the holidays.)

  8. ShootingStarsMag
    ShootingStarsMag says:

    A whole week off – where you still get paid – sounds lovely. I hope you can get all your Christmas things finished, and some blogging ahead. I definitely need to do some blogging ahead myself. I love that your work volunteered on Friday. My sister’s work did something similar earlier in the year, but it was at the Cincinnati Ronald McDonald house, where families stay when their kids are so sick and in the hospital.

    -Lauren

    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:

      Yeah, it really was sad to see. I’m just glad they have a place like that to go so that they’re not literally out on the streets.

  9. sjhigbee
    sjhigbee says:

    I am really glad that you are getting a few days off before Christmas – let’s face it, there is always so much to do at this time of year! I hope in amongst all the rushing around and sorting things out you also get a chance to sneak in a bit of reading… Have a great week, Suzanne.

  10. Kelly
    Kelly says:

    Me. That’s also me.

    Half your luck Suzanne and what a perfect time to have a couple of days off to rest and prepare for Christmas as well. I hope you’re able to get some serious reading in and put your feet up darling ❤

  11. RO
    RO says:

    I’m thrilled that your boss came to talk to you to let you know about our vacation time. Very important to take time off to relax when possible. I’ve seen some friends use a portion, and sell back the rest at the end of the year too. Lots of people know that I’m an Air Force veteran, but not many know that I too was once homeless, and through the grace of God, that is no longer the case. Like you, I feel that vets should never be homeless, and there are far too many who are in shelters, or their cars, or on the streets. Thanks so very much for taking the time to volunteer to help so many people in need. I wish I could come over to give you a HUGE hug of appreciation. RO

  12. Olivia Roach
    Olivia Roach says:

    Staycations can be so relaxing and nice, so I am glad you get to have a homely week to yourself. And I have to say, that volunteer situation sounds lovely and it’s so good to do your bit around Christmas. It must have been nice to take the reins this year! Congrats on getting approved for an anticipated release and I hope you love it x

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