Welcome to Offbeat Offline, where I bring you up-to-date with what went on in my life during the month just gone, give you a sneak peek of my next shenanigans, and share my favourite posts of late!
Hello sweeties! and Happy New Year! 🎉
What happened last month to yours truly? More health drama for the hubs (same stuff, only lasting longer than we would hope) and a string of other problems. Christmas isn't my favourite holiday in the slightest (this being an understatement), but now I'm officially DONE with it. Everyone around us was (apparently) in a buying/eating/vacationing frenzy, while we were (still are) just trying to get by while drowning in misery 😓. BUT! I got book mail, and a surprise visit from my favourite Doctor! Yep, I mean the Doctor who travels in a blue police box of course. And no, he didn't propose that I would become his companion and sightsee the universe with him, but it was a nice visit 😉. Wait, no, I'm not being delusional...more of that below...
📚 OOPS, I DID IT AGAIN. I read 1 book in December (to be precise, it was a reread...and I haven't even managed to finish it yet, given...everything), and I DNF 1. Great track record LOL. And again, the DNF one was an ARCs...😬 And, OK, 2 books in a month (or, well, ⅗ of a book and ¼ of another...) are an all-time low, but I beta-read a friend's novel too! which took time and dedication...
I DNF Infinity Gate by M.R. Carey (adult, multiverse), a NG approval. Gah. Either I'm having bad luck with my books or I've gotten sloppy with my requests. But I don't think so...for instance, since I loved The Girl with All the Gifts by the same author and I'm trash for multiverse stuff, I expected to adore this one. But alas! it was different from what I had envisioned...
I started rereading The Valley and the Flood by Rebecca Mahoney (YA, contemporary with a twist) for review purposes...I've only posted a mini for it so far, and now I want to write a full review...AM I STILL ABLE TO WRITE FULL REVIEWS??? This was the year of minis, after all...not to mention my current state of mind...
Normally, at this point, I would list the reviews I plan on posting and the Tell Me Something Tuesdays I mean to participate in during this month, but due to my ongoing home problems (see below) and my utter tiredness, I've decided to sit January out. However, as I anticipated in my 2022 wrap up, I intend to reprise my regular blogging in February (well, at least I HOPE to be able to), which includes the Tell Me Something Tuesday meme. Speaking of which, here is a list of the January and February questions, so that you can schedule your own posts if they strike your fancy.
- January 3rd: What are your blogging/reading goals for the new year?
- January 10th: Do you read classics? Why or why not? (a question I submitted)
- January 17th: Do you tend to enjoy spin-off series? Or are you hesitant about them?
- January 24th: Do you listen to author/book playlists? Do you create your own?
- January 31st: Do you reread series before reading the newest book if it's been a while?
- February 7th: Would you read a book by your favourite author if it was in a genre you don't normally enjoy? (a question I submitted)
- February 14th: Share some books covers you love
- February 21st: Time for a pet update! Tell us about yours
- February 28th: Which books are you looking forward to reading this Spring? (March-May)
🩹 NEVERENDING STORY. Despite the use of special medications, my hub's foot/leg ulcer isn't healing - actually, it's widening. There's still an infection at play that we can't seem to get rid of. So, more examinations, a fresh round of antibiotics, new and improved worries 😥. And I'm starting to crack, because it's been four months now, and I have my own health issues, and I'm just one person, and I can't go on like this...but I must...
🎁 A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE. One of the only two nice things that happened to me in...well, the whole year...was the package I got for Christmas from the lovely Karen - one of my oldest blogging friends. She sent me a couple of Doctor-Who-themed Christmas ornaments - a TARDIS replica and a Tenth Doctor (David Tennant) statuine, respectively 10 and 11 cm tall (3,9 and 4,3 inches). I borrowed my husband's smartphone to take pics of them, and they didn't come out half bad...Everyone, met Tiny TARDIS and Tiny Ten(nant)! 😃
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| To be precise, this is the Eleventh and Twelfth Doctor's TARDIS - you can tell from the St. John's Ambulance logo on the right. I enhanced its wintery look by adding a cotton wool bed to simulate snow... |
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| Tiny Ten(nant) is STUNNING! |
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| ...They even reproduced his acrobatic left eyebrow, for goodness' sake 😍. |
📖 BOOKED UP. The second and last nice thing that happened to me this month/year? Surprise book mail from my lovely friend Carrie, who sent me a copy of The Shadow Glass by Josh Winning (the book we both beta-read last year and more recently reviewed via NetGalley) and one of What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher (one of her favourite reads of 2022). Sorry I can't post a pic because the books only arrived two days ago, and I've been in over my head with my usual problems...not to mention, it takes me ages to come up with a decent pic (and aesthetic)...so here are the covers instead...
🥺 BAD SANTA. Here are the other highlights (so to speak) of December...a.k.a. all the gifts from the season (well...more like the year...or, more like the COUPLE of years...) that keeps on giving...
- My left wrist started hurting more than 2 weeks ago (on the pinkie's side)...I have an X-ray appointment for the 11th...I also need to book a visit with an ophthalmologist, because I see funny stripes and dots with my left eye, and I need to make sure it's just floaters...(...which would be bad enough because they get in the way so much 😩).
- My mom started to feel unwell at Christmas, and ended up spending the whole morning after (and the early afternoon) at the E.R. (there was only one doctor on duty and tons of sick/injured people...😬). The staff performed bloodwork and an ultrasound, couldn't find any serious issues, but the doctor suggested a colonoscopy. Of course, there wasn't any short-term appointment available with the NHS where we live...as it's always the case...🤬 My mum took the first one they had, but if the symptoms worsen, she'll have to book an earlier paid exam...
- I'll probably need to change my central tap, because even after I called in a plumber to try and fix it, there's still a small water loss - enough to keep it slightly damp - and I might have to change some tiles in order to do the job (at least I have lots of spares, but...), plus to remove the toilet...
- My latest dye job didn't take...or better, barely covered the grey at the top...so much for ammonia-free products. I mean, they've worked so far (the previous hairdressers used dye with ammonia, while the new one doesn't, but she's dyed my hair five times already, and until the last one there weren't any problems...), so I don't have a clue what changed. I'm sick and tired of having to play Russian roulette with my hair...
- I turned 56 on the 14th...what fun. Great celebrations to be had in my actual predicament...
- I got my 4th dose of anti-Covid vaccine on the 22nd, along with the flu one...no problems on that front - not even arm pain. At least there's that...
- December has been an unusually warm month. We even went a number of days without turning on the heating (which is a good thing, with the prices we're having...). I mean, when the indoor temp is 20 C/68 F, who needs more heat?
PUBLISHING NEWS/TIPS
- None this month.
THINK-PIECES, DISCUSSIONS, ORIGINAL FICTION
- Sophia is confident that book blogging isn't dying - just evolving.
- The Orangutan Librarian has some thoughts on consumerism in the book community.
REVIEWS/RECOMMENDATIONS
- Kit shares 10 sci-fi/fantasy western books recommendations.
- Sam highlights the best YA books of 2022.
OTHER
- Kate started a 2023 Christopher Pike reading challenge (actually, her post is dated Nov. 30th, but I decided to include it in this round-up because...CHRISTOPHER EFFING PIKE???!!! LOL).
- Kit compiled a list of the top 10 games she played in 2022.
That's it for now. My next post will be up on February 1st, and it will be a new installment in my Offbeat Offline series, after which I'll try to reprise my regular blogging and commenting routine...unless the hubs situation prevents me from doing it...gah, did I mention I'm so tired? 😢
So, what were your highs/lows in the past month?
Happy new year. Let's hope it's a better one for you. I hope to hear better news about your husbands foot in February.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary - I hope your 2023 will bring better things to you too!
DeleteThat Tiny Ten looks fun. I'm not much into figurines or Christmas ornaments but it's great for fans.
ReplyDeleteI hope your new year is less tiring.
Have a lovely new year.
I'm not a collector, but those are really sweet - especially because they're the gift of a friend who wanted to make me feel a little better in a time of struggle.
DeleteThank you - have a nice, cozy and relaxing new year (if I knew you a little, that's what you're wishing for...???).
("know" you a little)
DeleteHugs Roberta! I'm sorry to hear you've been having such a tough time. I have been MIA because life has been overwhelming and I'm just now finding my footing. I hope that things start looking up for you very soon! Wishing you all - your husband, your mother and you - improved health and some answers to what currently ails you. And yay for your visit from the doctor ;) Happy new year - may it be so much better than last year!
ReplyDeleteHey! Thank you so much! I knew about your hiatus of course...I hope things are starting to look up for you and your family (*kisses Dante's forehead*) and you can go back to blogging soon. Happy new year to you as well!
DeleteNot a great month for you, but I am glad there were some highlights thanks to Carrie and Karen. I hope all the medical issues get worked out. That's really stressful. I do wish your reading year would have ended better though. Let's hope 2023 is kinder to you. Wow! I won't lie it was 60F the other day and 55F today, and I am enjoying it. Remember, I had ice inside my windows last week.
ReplyDeleteThank you - I hope 2023 has better plans for me, because really, "stressful" doesn't cover it 😭.
DeleteHaha, lots of DNFs this year, but I think it's mostly my fault - I should go back to being picky and researching my books more (though some of them don't even have an excerpt out when they land on NG/EW...).
From ice inside your window to 60/55...that's interesting 😮.
I'm sorry about your husband's ulcer. That sounds scary, and I know it's hard on you too. Also sorry about your mom, hopefully she'll be ok until the appointment and not have anything seriously wrong. Also sorry about all the other problems.
ReplyDeleteThose ornaments are so cute though, what a nice gift! And I feel you about how it takes you a while to get a photo of a book, I got one in December that I still need to photograph lol. I have so many floaters, so I feel you there too. We are both falling apart.
Thank you...it's one thing on top of another...sometimes I wonder if there's no one else to torment...maybe someone who actually deserves it 😢. I hope you get some respite as well. At least there's still joy to be had in the little things, but it's not enough to go around...
DeleteHappy New Year, Roberta! I do hope 2023 is better than your 2022. I'm glad you were able to get a COVID booster shot. I too didn't feel anything with the fourth dose, which was a welcome relief since I got bad reactions to the first three doses!
ReplyDeleteThank you - and I'm happy to hear your body finally decided to accept the vaccine peacefully LOL. Happy new year to you!
DeleteI'm sad to hear about your DNF of Infinity Gate, I hope I love it anyway!
ReplyDeleteI think you'll like it...at the very least, I don't foresee a DNF...not a bad book by any means, only different from what I had anticipated...
Delete*HUGS* Roberta! Here's to a better year ahead. Take your time and get healthy! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Ah, to get healthy...maybe if I concentrate really hard...😂 😭
DeleteHappy 2023 Jen!
You know I'm obsessed with "Tiny Tennant" and now you have Tiny Ten(nant) and OMG lol T&T lol
ReplyDeleteI was kind of hesitant to get them because I assume you are not a Christmas decorator or collector of crap lol but I felt like you needed a personal Tennant to watch over you or at least give you a giggle. There's so much bad stuff and maybe something silly would make you smile.
I didn't have any problem with my COVID booster either, despite being knocked on my a$$ for the last one.
I decided to just go gray last year because the color barely holds at my temples now but the process is going so much slower than I expected lol I guess that's good but I was hoping to be done by now. I think it's going to take closer to 2-3 years!
I'm sorry to hear about your mom. That's pretty scary. You know my medical saga - I had a follow up appointment with my Dr January 6th but I can't get the echocardiogram until mid - February. I'm hoping against hope that I can get HIM after it's over. They won't book that far in advanced yet.
The whole everywhere seems to have broken down - no matter where you live.
{{hugs}}
"You know I'm obsessed with "Tiny Tennant" and now you have Tiny Ten(nant) and OMG lol T&T lol"
DeleteIf you think of something while both saying "Tiny Tennant" and spinning counterclockwise ten times, your wish comes true 🤣.
"I felt like you needed a personal Tennant to watch over you or at least give you a giggle."
😭😭😭 Perfect! 🥰🥰🥰
"I decided to just go gray last year because the color barely holds at my temples now"
I see lots of women our ages either going gray or cutting their hair (or both) because they can't cope with the hassle of coloring/styling it anymore. I sort of understand, because sometimes I'm just so tired, but...my hair is a huge part of my personality (as is the discreet make-up I use daily). Taking care of the image I want to project is an effort, yes, but I can't even imagine cutting my hair short or not dyeing it anymore. Do you plan on keeping yours long? Because even when you go gray, hair need some maintenance, especially if it's past your shoulders...
You mean you have an ECG in February and you don't know if your current doctor is still going to be in place by then? Goodness gracious, what would him be? dr n°8? maybe you need a Tiny Ten yourself...Good luck! 💚
My hair is longer than ever, just past my shoulders. I go every 8 weeks now for a trim and toner. As the gray grows out the permanent dye fades and turns a yucky orange color. The toner is just a temporary color though and she uses a cooler shade to start matching the gray tones more - instead of the darker brown I used to do.
DeleteNo, I wanted the same Dr who ordered these tests to do the follow up appointment. I had him scheduled for Jan 6th but I can't do my ECG yet. Because he's not my Primary Care physician (she's on extended medical leave) they give whoever is open. He's not taking new patients - I just happened to have gotten him that day. But I want the same fricking Dr just once lol They made a note in my file when I had to cancel as to the reason I want him again when his scheduling opens up so fingers crossed.
That's exhausting - and infuriating. I hope you can see him when the time is due!
DeleteUgh, so sorry you're dealing with all of that. Medical stuff, especially with family members, is devastating and exhausting. Sending good vibes, and wishing you a better 2023.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bobby! All the good vibes to you too. 2022 better give us a refund...🤬
DeleteYour Ten figurine looks awesome. :) And sounds like it was a wonderful gift. :D
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a good January and 2023. :)
-Quinley
Thanks - I love my Tiny Ten(nant)! 😉 And it was the right (unexpected) gift at the right time...
DeleteThank you, you too!
First of all, happy New Year. :) That was very cool of Karen. I want a TARDIS. Best wishes toyour mom, and happy b- day!! You have a ton going on but hang in there, I hope you have a nice January, and that things improve quickly! I just took a week break too where I didn't touch the blog (mainly due to my mom being n hospital also)- so much for new Year huh? Ha.
ReplyDeleteGo figure, I thought your mom was home and improving...I hope she'll get better soon!
DeleteThank you, and here's to a better new year for you too...I think we both paid our dues in 2022...
She goes in and out...
DeleteAmen!!!
Ugh. I hope the doctors can fix her problems!
DeleteI've yet to find an M.R. Carey book I love as much as TGWATG, and The Book of Koli was a major strikeout for me.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy your book mail and this new year brings better things for you! 🥰
I somehow missed your review by TBOK, so I went and read it...and I'm sure I would have the same reactions as you did if I read that book.
DeleteI need better things so much. At least I got book mail in the meantime 🎁🤗.
*so many hugs* Take care and go easy on yourself Roberta!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm trying...
Delete