Weekly check-in

Sunday, June 5, 2016 Permalink

The weekend started miserably here on the east coast of Australia, with heavy rain, king tides and big winds. We were whipped about by some storms but in my part of the world most occurred while we slept like babies and the aftermath wasn’t as worrisome as weather forecasters predicted.

Today, on the other hand, is magnificent. Sunny and breezy. 

book reviewing and blogging

What I read

I started the week with Die of Shame by Mark Billingham before having a lengthy break. Ostensibly I was waiting until I caught up with my reviewing, but in reality I was just feeling lazy and not wanting to do any reading or writing at the end of my working day. I did however, catch up on some taped TV and final episodes (ever) of Castle and CSI Cyber. 😉

Eventually I recovered and read The Teacher’s Secret by Suzanne Leal which started a little slowly for me, but eventually came together. It follows a number of characters whose stories ultimately coincide.

the teacher's secret

And then I read a new arrival which I allowed to leap-frog my TBR pile, The Twisted Knot by serving police officer and therefore queen of anonymity, JM Peace.

the twisted knot

What I wrote

This probably won’t come as a surprise, but I reviewed some books:

The Dry by Jane Harper – a thriller which wonderfully depicts the dichotomy of outback Australia
Venice by Nick Earls – a novella I very much enjoyed and reviewed in Goodreads
Spare Me The Truth by CJ Carver – an enjoyable tale of a man discovering he’s got a secret past
Die of Shame by Mark Billingham – a standalone thriller set amidst an addiction recovery support group.

Venice_FC

I also wrote some other exciting stuff:

The i in team – my thoughts on exercise and the fact that most of us are into either group classes or individual workouts
How am I doing? – about the fact I recently asked my boss for feedback on my work performance, and wondering if that’s weird.

What I did

I’ve already mentioned that I had a slow reading and writing week. I had a few personal commitments, including the requirement to wear a bloody blood pressure monitor for a 24hr period. I expected something like a heart rate monitor. Something subtle. But nope. The cuff pumped itself up every 30mins during the day and (from 11pm to 6am) hourly at night. I noted it didn’t work sometimes so became quite vigilent at making sure it got a reading each time, and activated it manually if it didn’t. Surprisingly my readings were REALLY low which was good. I’m already on BP medication, so my doctor wondered if my BP was usually only elevated in her office, and that may indeed be the case. (White coat syndrome!)

bp monitor

I’ve got no news on the apartment-selling front and my Open House was cancelled on Saturday because of the weather.

What I plan to do

I received some new books – hard copies and (for a change) electronic copies. I thought I’d share a screenshot of my NetGalley shelf as some of the books there aren’t being published for ages so I’m just leaving them sit there for a while.

book blogging

As usual I’m yet to add my new arrivals into my obsessively chronologically-sorted TBR pile – which I often ignore anyway. But hey, I’m a control freak and it makes me feel better…

And that’s it for me on the book reviewing and blogging front.

What are your plans – reading or otherwise – this coming week?

I’m linking up with Leanne for the Lovin’ Life Linky; Kimberly for the Sunday Post; and Kathryn (tomorrow) for ‘It’s Monday!’

52 Comments
  • Michelle Weaver (@pinkypoinker)
    June 5, 2016

    My blood pressure goes up every time I go to the doctors too. Knowing my hypochondria it would probably go up every time the automatic cuff puffed up. I adored the rain yesterday. I stayed in bed ALL day. Today is lovely because I can get my washing dry 🙂

    • Debbish
      June 5, 2016

      As I live in a unit I rarely hear the rain (no roof!) but it was heavy enough yesterday that I could hear it outside, so just lovely!

  • Greg
    June 5, 2016

    Beautiful picture- looks gorgeous there. Funny how fast it can change huh? Glad your reads were good- and congrats on the good BP results. That’s always good to get news like that.

    I’m looking forward to The woman in Cabin 10- looks like a good thriller.

    • Debbish
      June 5, 2016

      I keep deprioritising it Greg as I’ve others which are published before The Woman in Cabin 10 but looking forward to it!!!

  • Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
    June 5, 2016

    My blood pressure is always low. Sometimes too low. Although there are days I feel like it is boiling!
    White coat syndrome? Is that a thing?
    Huh!

    • Debbish
      June 5, 2016

      Yes… I’m sure it must refer to stuff other than BP as well – changes to your condition as a result of being at the doctor’s!

  • Kathryn
    June 5, 2016

    OMG would hate to have to wear that cuff for 24hrs. You wouldn’t sleep much during the night. Looks like you have been doing quite a bit of reading and writing really. Enjoy whatever you read I hope.

    • Debbish
      June 6, 2016

      Thanks Kathryn… and yes the cuff was weird. I cancelled the meeting/s I’d scheduled cos it made a noise (a buzzing / ringing noise) as it pumped up. I figured that would be distracting. And embarrassing!

  • Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight
    June 5, 2016

    Glad the weather didn’t get too bad for you. I’m supposed to get some storms the next few days. I’m just crossing my fingers the power won’t go out.

    How funny that you mentioned BP because I’ve been thinking this week that I might have low blood pressure lol. It’s always normal at the doctors, but I feel like it’s probably higher than usual since I’m all stressed when I’m around doctors. (I assume that’s what White Coat Syndrome is?) But ugh, that sounds annoying to wear that thing for 24 hours. I stayed two nights in the hospital a couple years back, and I literally had bruises on my arm from all the BP taking by the time I left.

    But yay new books! Enjoy them and have a great week!

    • Debbish
      June 6, 2016

      I did have some bruises Kristen and the entire next day it felt like I was still wearing the cuff… strange!

      Hope your storms aren’t too bad and hope you don’t lose power!

  • kimbacaffeinate
    June 5, 2016

    Glad the BP went well. After my second baby I had to begin taking meds, its hereditary but thankfully mine is under control. Glad the weather didn’t impact you too much. We had some nasty storms but the lawn looks lovely! Have a wonderful week. The Twisted Knot looks good!

    • Debbish
      June 6, 2016

      Yes Kimberly, my BP is high (hereditary but also cos of my weight) but under control with medication I think.

      And yes, must check for The Twisted Knot’s release date. I keep losing the media releases that publishers send out with books. I take them out to read the book and never find them again… until I’m looking for something else!

  • divabooknerd
    June 5, 2016

    Oh the weather up there has looked terrible lately Deb, I was watching the footy last night on the Gold Coast and they looked as though they were playing in a kids paddling pool. I always have high blood pressure whenever I go to the doctors too, but don’t actually have it. It seems to spike and I always ask them to take it again before I leave. I only go when I really need to, so I’m always sick whenever I visit and I was told that also causes a spike in your blood pressure. I’m so happy to hear that it’s not serious Deb, you poor girl having to wear that cuff though, those things hurt like a bastard when they inflate. Hopefully you have a much more settled week this week and the weather stays fine.

    • Debbish
      June 6, 2016

      Thanks Kelly and our bad weather travelled south and got worse obviously. I was horrified at some of the pics of Sydney this morning!

  • charliegirlteachergirl
    June 5, 2016

    I think I also have “white coat syndrome.” My grandfather has it so bad that he’s had BP at heart attack levels in the doctor’s office. Within the last year I’ve noticed my BP is high whenever it’s taken. I thought the first time it was because some jackface had just plowed into the back of my car 20 mins before my appointment (and Round Rock PD refused to send an officer – know how to fix that next time!) but I’m starting to wonder if doctor offices are getting me worked up. Wearing that cuff must have been uncomfortable and a bit bothersome. Glad it’s over!

    We’ve had the same kind of weather. Rain, rain and more rain. It’s bad for some areas, really bad.

    I picked the man up from the airport yesterday right before lunch, and I’m just all heart-eyes. AND….drum roll, please…NO TEACHING SUMMER SCHOOL!

    • Debbish
      June 6, 2016

      Yay!!!! Holidays! I have to admit, I only work 5 days a fortnight now so really can’t complain. When I made my seachange I decided I didn’t want to go back to full time work, even though I was two decades off retirement (and the only money earner, being single!). It just means I need to live within my means and not expect anything too frivolous!

  • adventureswithabooknerd
    June 5, 2016

    THAT IS AN AWESOME LOOKING GADGET!!! I’m no stranger to medical equipment, but I’ve never used that before. It must have been exciting! I love having to use new medical equipment (I’m weird). I don’t like the new blood pressure systems though, I find that they squeeze my arm too tight. But, that’s what I get (every. single. time.). How’s the gym going?

    • Debbish
      June 6, 2016

      Other than the logistics of having cords everywhere, the cuff was the worst thing as it hurt each time. The bottom half of my arm would go red before it would release. I adjusted the cuff a few times but it seemed to blow up to a different extent anyway… so hurt no matter what I did!

      I actually only made it to the gym for the first time today and it was okay. It was only water aerobics but I made sure I worked as hard as I could!

      • adventureswithabooknerd
        June 6, 2016

        Water aerobics sounds cool! I think that it’s best to do things gradually, so that in a little bit you can try something more strenuous (hopefully with out passing out). 🙂

  • Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
    June 5, 2016

    I’m glad your weather is getting better, and less wet, Deb! I need to start CSI Cyber, I haven’t watched much TV at all in a long time reading always takes precedence 😀
    You have some very nice looking books on your shelf! I really enjoyed The Sudden Appearance of Hope, and can’t wait to see what you’ll think of it.
    Have a wonderful week ahead and happy reading.

    • Debbish
      June 6, 2016

      I was never a huge fan of CSI Cyber Lexxie. The dialogue was a bit cliched and obvious… I constantly rolled my eyes at some of the obvious-ness of it all.

      But, I watched it nonetheless.

      I must check publication dates for my new books and get myself organised! Will let you know what I think of The Sudden Appearance of Hope!

  • Addicted to Happily Ever After
    June 5, 2016

    PHEW on the BP problem!! I’m sure it’s a white coat syndrome!!!! How can it not be when you’re there to make sure it’s okay?

    Thanks for sharing the beautiful picture of the coast! I absolutely LOVE seeing pictures from around the world! I can’t believe a storm came through there. It doesn’t even look like winter, either. Just bright and beautiful.

    Enjoy all your beautiful new books!!! Guess you’ll have to get back to reading, huh? 🙂

    • Debbish
      June 6, 2016

      You should have seen the pics out of Sydney – the combination of the storms, king tides and winds eroded a heap of the cliffs overlooking the ocean. We were fortunate. It’s still pretty windy now, but nothing too bad.

      And yes… I’ll have to step up my reading game! 😉

  • sjhigbee
    June 5, 2016

    Hm. I think quite a lot of us have white coat syndrome – I had to attend one of those MOT health checks at work and my BP was high, which was a shock… So I bought a small BP cuff and took my reading every morning 15 mins after I woke up, before I ate or drank anything, so I had a baseline reading and sure enough, it was fine:). Glad yours seems to be okay as some of the meds for high BP have some significant side effects. A relief that the storm came through without any damage. Have a great reading week with those new books:) This is my Sunday Post – https://sjhigbee.wordpress.com/2016/06/05/sunday-post-5th-june/

    • Debbish
      June 6, 2016

      Ah yes, my doctor suggested I get a monitor at home so that I can (well) ‘monitor’ it so that’s a good idea. My mother has one so I must just check it when I’m there every so often otherwise.

  • Lillian @ Mom With a Reading Problem
    June 5, 2016

    That pic is beautiful!!! Is that a view from your place? If it is I’d never be able to leave 😉 I’ve never heard of a 24hr BP monitor. I’ve done the heart monitor thing in high school, it was no fun. I imagine that the BP was even worse than my experience! So sorry you had to do it!! Hope you have a great week!
    My Sunday Post

    • Debbish
      June 6, 2016

      Yes Lillian, that’s the view from my place and I live right on the Esplanade in an apartment building. I love my spot but have had some issues so it’s on the market at the moment (which is kinda sad).

  • Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog
    June 6, 2016

    Oh that picture is beautiful and I wish I was there!! We have rain and clouds here. Glad the BP was ok but that sounds like it was not fun wearing the monitor. Have a great week!!

    • Debbish
      June 6, 2016

      It was certainly a lovely day yesterday Grace and today’s the same. Blue skies though cool with a bit of a wind. It seems winter has finally come!

  • laurelrainsnow
    June 6, 2016

    You have an awesome view…I don’t know if I could move away from that…but maybe you will have a similar view wherever you go.

    I am intrigued by The Teacher’s Secret and Die of Shame.

    Great screenshot of the NetGalley shelf…mine is pretty long, too, although I hope to sweep two more off this week. Well, you know what they say about plans.

    Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting my blog.

    • Debbish
      June 6, 2016

      You’ve reminded me I’m supposed to do The Teacher’s Secret review today Laurel, thanks for that.

      Not sure I’ll have a similar view if I move. This spot’s one of the best in Hervey Bay (no trees etc opposite) and as I’m not wanting to live in a unit again I think a house on the esplanade will be out of my price range. (Unless I went back to full time work or something!)

  • Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
    June 6, 2016

    I definitely suffer from white coat syndrome as well. The blood pressure thing sounds like a pain but hopefully you’ll be able to get the letter you need so you can start using the gym you signed up for! Sorry to hear your open house was cancelled. Hopefully this will be the week everything gets moving. Have a great week!

    • Debbish
      June 6, 2016

      Thanks Katherine and I hit the gym today, so yay! I’m not getting my hopes up re my apartment, which I think is sensible given the current economic climate!

  • Heather @ Random Redheaded Ramblings
    June 6, 2016

    That sucks about open house, fingers crossed that right buyer comes along soon!

    Have a great week!

  • Stormi D Johnson
    June 6, 2016

    I love that view of the water! Wish I had a view of water, I just have a few of trees and fields…lol. Some of those on your list I am curious about so can’t wait to see your reviews when they happen!

    Have a great week,
    Stormi
    Week in Review

    • Debbish
      June 6, 2016

      I’m trying to tell myself that ANY view would be nice Stormi – even if it’s of my own yard with some nice trees or something like that….

  • Mystica
    June 6, 2016

    Congrats on the bp results. That is a very nice view and you’ve got some nice reads in there as well. Enjoy the week.

    • Debbish
      June 6, 2016

      Thanks. It’s cooler here now so I’m thinking it will definitely be reading weather!

  • readerbuzz
    June 6, 2016

    Has anyone ever done a study on white coat syndrome? I bet it is a common occurrence.

    Enjoy all those wonderful books!

    http://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2016/06/that-happy-place-its-time-for-summer.html

    • Debbish
      June 7, 2016

      I’m sure they must have Deb… I know, I’ll google it. (Eek… a lot of references to White Coat Hypertension. Nothing however re White Coast Hypertension…. just in case you get it wrong as I did! 😉 )

  • admin
    June 6, 2016

    The Twisted Knot sounds interesting. I hope you enjoy your books!

    My It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? post.

    • Debbish
      June 7, 2016

      It was and I enjoyed it. And thanks muchly!

  • Hfineisen
    June 6, 2016

    Die of Shame and End of Watch are on my list. My daughter and I are attending a lecture this month with Stephen King discussing and signing his new book. We are quite excited. Happy Reading and writing!

    • Debbish
      June 7, 2016

      Oh… I love his ‘On Writing’ book – would be great to see him in person!

  • Literary Feline
    June 7, 2016

    I am glad you weren’t more impacted by the bad weather. Nothing like a storm to clear the air. What a beautiful photo of the day after! I need to get back to Billingham’s books. I really enjoy his work. How is CSI Cyber? I enjoy forensic investigative shows, but have never been able to get into the CSI shows. I’m not sure why. I am glad your Blood Pressure text showed normal results. Your new books look good. I don’t see any titles on there that I have requested–but you never know when that might change. 🙂 Have a great week!

    • Debbish
      June 7, 2016

      I have to say CSI Cyber has been the first of those shows I’ve watched. It wasn’t great – but survived two seasons I guess. And at least they knew it was finishing as there was a LOT of closure at the end of the final episode!

  • Nise' (Under the Boardwalk)
    June 7, 2016

    I have yet to watch the last Castle. I was losing interest near the end. Glad the BP reading were good. I started taking an essential oil along with me to the Dr and inhale before they come in to take the BP and it is lower! The Sudden Appearance of Hope looks interesting. Have a great week.

    • Debbish
      June 7, 2016

      Am intrigued by the essential oil option Nise’! What a great idea!

  • Silver's Reviews
    June 7, 2016

    Great week as always for you reading wise. Glad your BP was good after the ordeal. That would have been annoying.

    The Twisted Knot looks good.

    ENJOY all of your books.

    Elizabeth
    Silver’s Reviews
    My It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

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