Hello bookworms! I have missed you all! My October hiatus was a much needed break, but I’m glad to be back in the book blog world. I thought I’d share some highlights – and lowlights – from my hiatus.
Highlight – I met Elvis Duran!
I listen to Elvis Duran and the Morning Show every morning and I loved Elvis’ book,Β Where do I Begin? He came to the area on his book tour and Amanda and I went. He was flying back to New York the same night so he was on a time crunch and didn’t personalize books. They were all pre-signed, though. There was also a picture line, which was still taking much longer than they thought so by the time I got to meet him it was pretty rushed. That’s not awful, though, because I’m so awkward and can never think of anything to say anyways. It was a good night!
Lowlight – My friend passed away
My friend, Cindy, whom I’ve known for about 14 years passed away from cancer. I met her in my first adult job and worked with her for about 7 years (thought not all consecutively). She was one of my favorite co-workers and was kind of an Office Mom to me (which is kind of funny because my actual mother also worked there) and would do things like make me soup and hot chocolate when I was feeling under the weather. She retired a couple of years ago and we were all so happy for her, but it wasn’t long after that before she was diagnosed with cancer, amid several other health issues she was already having. She was such a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.
Highlight – I have a new niece!
She is beautiful and sweet and I get to meet her very soon! My brother and sister-in-law don’t like pictures shared publicly, so I apologize you don’t get to see her cuteness.
Lowlight – I had a major book slump
Of the 11 books I read in October, only one was 4 stars. There were a lot of 2s and a few 3s and a couple DNFs. I really don’t know what my deal is, but I kind of hated almost everything. I ended the month with a Lauren Layne ARC and that was my 4 star read. I’m hoping November will continue to improve.
Highlight – I met my Goodreads Challenge Goal
My goal for the year was 120 books and I ended October at 121 books. It is the one goal I meet every year π
Highlight/Lowlight (depending how you look at it) – It’s my birthday!
Today is my birthday! Which sounds like it should be a good thing, but I am feeling pretty old.
How was your October? Feel free to share links to any of your posts that I missed and need to check out!
Happy Birthday Steph! Love that you met Elvis Duran! I listened to him for many many years when I was in NJ!π
I’m so sorry for your loss.π
Thank you! A lot of people around here don’t seem to know who Elvis Duran is, so I’m happy you recognize him and can appreciate how cool it was to meet him! And thank you, regarding Cindy. She was such a great lady.
You’re back!!! YES!!! I’ve missed you! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! And congratulations on that new niece.
I’m sorry to hear about your friend. That’s so sad.
I’ve missed you too! And thank you! I got to spend my birthday meeting my new niece and hanging out with her big sister. It was wonderful. And thank you, in regards to Cindy. It’s really sad. She will be missed!
How wonderful!
Happy Birthday, Steph!!! I missed you!!!
I’m so sorry about your friend. That’s heartbreaking.
I noticed your book slump and had to chuckle at your comments that you must hate books anymore. LOL. I hate when those slumps happen. I had a few months like that this year – I wondered if I was ever going to pick up a 5 star worthy book. I’m glad you ended the month with a good one!
Congratulations on your new niece! And meeting your GR goal! π
I’m glad you’re back.
Thanks! I’ve missed you too. Thank you, about Cindy. It was very sad news to get. The book slump has been awful! I think I might just blame 2019 for not having as many great books as previous years haha. And thanks, about my niece! I got to spend my birthday with her and it was amazing!
Happy Birthday, Stephanie! π
Here’s wishing you a better November after all the highs-and-lows of October! xx
Thank you! I hope have a good November, too!
Hi Stephanie and Happy Birthday. I’m glad you’re back because I missed seeing your reviews! I hope you find some good and great books to read in November π
Thank you! Itβs food to be back!
A belated Happy Birthday, Steph. At your age, they are still highlights. At my age, there are two ways to look at birthdays. A. Oh my gosh, but I’m old! B. Well, are I lucky to be still ticking!
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend. It’s never easy to say goodbye.
Congrats on your new niece!!! I’m sure she is the apple of your eye.
Lol thank you! Although I do feel “Oh my gosh, but I’m old” at birthdays now haha. Thank you, about Cindy. It’s been very sad. The new niece is definitely a lift to my spirits, though! She is absolutely precious!
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