My Life: Work, Kids and Books

It's been a while since I posted and life has been busy. Here's the Cliff's Notes version of what's been going on in my life.

First, I'm no longer working two part-time jobs! Quitting my second library job was a difficult decision, but it was a good one. Juggling two part time jobs was just too stressful. And the compensation was just not enough to justify how stressed and overwhelmed I felt. Once I quit, I never gave it a second thought. It was definitely the right decision. I learned a very valuable lesson from this 6 month experience. I really don't want to work full-time or even more hours than I currently work. The job I have, while not perfect, is actually a good fit. And I've said this before but I'll say it again, one part time, low paying job is a hobby, two is a career. And that just sucks all the fun out of it.



Having more free time has come in handy in the last couple weeks as I've been busy getting Katie ready to start her Freshman year in college. It's been a bit bumpy at times, but we've gotten all the shopping done and Katie seems ready (resigned?) to go to college at the end of August. She seems a little less anxious now than she did earlier in the summer. She received her room and roommate assignment in July and was not thrilled to learn that she was placed in a "built up triple" (basically three students are put into a room meant for two. That means only 2 closets for three girls!). She has contacted both of her roommates on Facebook and one seems very friendly and the other is either not or very socially awkward. Time will tell. So far I'm not freaking out too much about taking her to college and driving off without her. I think I'm mostly concerned about how she is going to do - considering her level of nervousness. Again, time will tell.






Another reason why it's handy that I'm not working two jobs is that Madeleine had her tonsils out on Tuesday and I've been extremely busy taking care of her. We both knew that the recovery from this surgery was tough, but I'm not sure she realized how bad she would feel. And I definitely didn't realize how much care she would need. The poor thing is still in pain pretty much all the time (even with strong pain medication). She needs to take the medication every four hours around the clock, which means I'm up twice during the night. Plus bringing her ice packs, and drinks and trying to get her to eat during the day. It's tiring and heartbreaking. I wish there was more I could do for her. Hopefully, she'll turn a corner tomorrow. Everyone tells us Day 3 is the turning point. Fingers crossed.






In addition to all that, I'm also now reading up a storm for Reading Across Rhode Island. We had one meeting at the end of July and whittled the original list of 49 titles down to 11. We are meeting again at the end of August and I'd like to have read as many of those as possible. I have 3 more to go. One of which is 700 pages. Not sure I'm going to make it. Especially since I need to read two book club books before that meeting as well. Maybe I can squeeze one more in. A short one! Unfortunately, the list this year is not all that exciting. Nothing has grabbed my attention yet. I am happy to report that the book I nominated, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford is still in the running, but it doesn't look good. Of the committee members who have read it so far, the decision is about 50/50. But so far, no one book has really risen to the top. There are a couple I like, but I have yet to read a "WOW" book. I'll keep you posted about our decision and the titles involved as soon as I am able. And, of course, I'll let you know about any must reads I discover.

And my most exciting news is that last Saturday I attended a book signing by the best selling author and Rhode Island resident Ann Hood. She was promoting her latest book, The Red Thread, which is a really good book that I haven't had time to review. Ann was surprisingly down to earth and looked like any other suburban mom. She mentioned in passing that she had attended the book club meeting of one of the women in the audience to discuss this book. I attended this event with my friend and fellow book club member, Colleen. Colleen suggested we ask Ann if she would be willing to talk to our book club. What a great idea! Not one to be shy or retiring, I walked up to Ann during the book signing and asked her if she'd be willing to do it. She didn't even hesitate to say "yes." Really? I couldn't believe it. She will be at our November meeting. Now I have to think of some really good questions to ask so as not to embarrass myself. The pressure is on. Truthfully, I think it will be awesome. Ann is so easy to talk to and open. I jotted a few notes after her talk and I think the conversation will be quite natural. Again, I'll keep you posted.

Sorry I've been MIA lately. I think about blogging all the time, but finding the energy and time seems to be a problem lately. Hopefully, I get my groove back soon. I do still read all of your blogs, even if I don't comment every time. Again, lack of energy and time.