Sunday, September 4, 2011

Sunday Salon: Pass the Scuba Gear James

 In a recent conversation with my blogging buddy James, he mentioned that he was so far underwater he needed scuba gear.  James always says the most perfect things at the most perfect times.  Scuba gear is what I needed this week.

For a girl who had NOTHING officially on the calendar, I sure had a stressful week.  I spent a day in the yard, two and a half (almost three) full days doing combative, angst-filled Treasurer business (my unpaid career it seems), and another day trying to catch up on e-mails, blogging, reviews and reading.  My husband was out of town, and my kids were working on my last nerve.  I did manage a nice long walk, just to prevent myself from having a coronary.

But!  Alas!  A long weekend is upon us!  Yesterday was filled with football, church and a Magical Dining Month dinner!  Some of you might remember me talking about this last year, but for the whole month of September, dozens of high-end Orlando restaurants offer a three course meal for $30 per person.  Donations are made to the Boys and Girls Club. It's a win-win. 

Mentally, I'm also gearing up for Book Blogger Appreciation Week starting September 12th.  Everyone will be posting on various subjects, I will be interviewing Anna from Diary of an Eccentric (and vicey versey), and I will be competing for Best Audiobook Blog.  A huge thank you to whoever nominated me!  I am going up against some power houses but I'm thrilled that this year I'm not alone on the list.

I'm also gearing up for my trip with Heather to SIBA in Charleston September 16 through the 20th.  We are road-tripping, so we don't have to mail 3.2 tons of books back to our homes.  We are currently planning what audios we will listen to on the way up and back. 

As far as reading was concerned this week, let's just talk about audio.  I finished "Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys, which was ultimately heart-wrenching.  I have a few complaints, but overall a real good WWII novel.  I'm also more than halfway through "Maine" by Courtney Sullivan, for my Skype book club.  No opinion on this one yet.  It is entertaining me, but also feeling alot like other beach reads (aka distressed women coming together to the beach to heal themselves).  Stay tuned.

My print reading was hoooorrrrrrible.  I'm still in the middle of Marisa de los Santos' upcoming release "Falling Together", and it is full of dear, lovable characters and snappy dialogue.  I just can't get any momentum.  I'm going to have to lock myself in a room and just finish it.  I've got way too many other things that need reading. 

Today, I have to take my daughter for horseback riding lessons, then perhaps a movie?  Burgers on the grill?  We will see.  I love long weekends, where you have half a chance to fit everything in. 

In closing, I'm going to throw out a teaser for next week's destination.  On Friday, my husband and I will fly off to the land of Dawn, the Bumbles, Fenway Park, seafood, the North End, cupcakes, who knows what else.  It is going to be short and sweet and packed with fun.

Happy Labor Day weekend everyone! 

        

19 comments:

Pam (@iwriteinbooks) said...

What a great metaphor! While I hate feeling under water I can totally appreciate the imagery on thus. Hope you have a great a restful week!

Jenny said...

I did not know about the Orlando Magical Dining month! Thanks for the heads up!

Frances said...

You so deserve to win for Audiobook category. The question here is not who nominated you but how many people nominated you. Enjoy Charleston too! Jealous. Best of luck in achieving a week without a single piece of scuba gear required!

rhapsodyinbooks said...

Oh you stole that word snappy! I used it for my review of Falling Together! If we continue to think alike, we might as well combine our blogs! except you'll be the ball of energy, and I'll be the slug...

Zibilee said...

Yay for your nomination! I still believe that your blog has the best audio reviews on the web. I have read conflicting reports on Maine. Some say that the characters are too unlikable and dysfunctional, and some say it's crazy involving. I will be interested to hear what you think. I also really want to read Shades of Gray, but like most things I haven't found the time for it yet. I am very excited that you will be on your way to Dawn and the Bumbles this week, and I hope you have a great time!

Unknown said...

On the plus side, once you put on the scuba gear the fist get much more interesting and unusual. :-)

bermudaonion said...

My head just spins when I read all that you do! I can't wait to see you and Heather at SIBA!!!

I'm reading Maine right now too and it's a little slow for me. I'm finding it interesting, but not compelling. I'm about a third of the way through and I feel like I'm still getting background material.

Heidenkind said...

Congrats on the nomination!

Unknown said...

I'm so pleased that you've company on the audiobook list this year. I've got my fingers crossed that you'll be victorious again - you get my vote anyway :-)

Julie P. said...

You guys are cute thinking that you can listen to an audio book in the car. I'm pretty sure if I were with a fellow blogger, I wouldn't be able to keep my mouth shut!

caite said...

no long weekend for me...I am working, in fact an extra day Monday which would have been my day off.
Save me a burger!

Unknown said...

A trip to Beantown, yay! One of my fave spots in the world!
Magical Dining Month is a great idea...they have something like that in NYC but I'm not sure if there's a donation involved. I'm going to check.

After a long, tough week, it sounds like you're having a good week! Enjoy! I hope you see a good movie.

Alyce said...

Congrats on making the long list for the audiobook category! I hope things settle down for you over there.

Carrie K. said...

Can't wait to read the new de los Santos - you know how much I love her! I have Shades of Gray on my shelf - just haven't found time for it yet. We started our school year this week, but only halfway - this week we add in history and science and geography for the boys and French for Natalie. Hopefully at some point our life will settle into a new normal and I can find more time to read!

Beth F said...

I'm with Julie -- I think I'd be blabbing the whole way there and back. Enjoy Boston!!!

Jenners said...

Combative treasury position … sounds fun -- NOT!

And I'm reading Falling Together too and not falling into as easily as I did into her previous books. : (

That sounds like an awesome eating opportunity. Here's to lots of fantastic $30 meals.

And you got my vote!

Melody said...

Congrats on the nomination, Sandy!
Have fun on your trip!

Melissa said...

You and Heather are going to have a fabulous time at SIBA!!

The Bumbles said...

I cannot wait wait wait to see you this weekend!!! Mostly sunny skies and 70's have been ordered up for you...