Weekly check-in

Sunday, February 5, 2017 Permalink

Okay, so… the choice is yours: weather news; or no weather news during this intro-chit-chat?

Argh, dammit… here goes. It’s bloody hot. We need rain. My grass is brown. And did I mention it’s been bloody hot?

In related news, I think there’s a career awaiting me as a weather girl. 🙂

What I read

‘Twas an okay reading week. Despite the hot weather. 😉 My reading plans went out of the window with the arrival of two new books, both of which leapt to the top of my TBR pile.

JD Robb’s In Death series are my comfort reads. I’ve read them all (some several times) and own most so Echoes in Death kicked off my reading week. I then read Lisa Gardner’s Right Behind You (the 7th in the Quincy / Rainie series). I’d missed the one before (I think) and it really doesn’t matter.

And finally I got to Love, Lies and Linguine by Hilary Spiers, which I’m still trudging through.

What I wrote

I struggled with a post I wanted to write about routines and ‘to-d0’ lists. And my voice in general, before finally churning out something about my arbitrary ‘no reading during the day’ rule. Amongst other things, including guilt over only working part-time and not feeling like a productive member of society. Or something.

And I reviewed some books:

Rattle by Fiona Cummins – a creepy and macabre thriller
The Girl Before by JP Delaney – a twisty psychological thriller
Rush of Blood by Mark Billingham – which was an accidental re-read so I just reviewed it in Goodreads (and on NetGalley)
Echoes in Death by JD Robb – which I loved.

What I did

I did a bit of entertaining and had a former work colleague (from my old life in the full-time workforce) over. She and her husband retired here a few years ago. I’m not great at keeping in contact but we try to catch up every 2-3 months. I also caught up with my local bestie and delightful godson.

And I bought some plants! I’m trying to do something with my study and had decided some greenery might help.

What I plan to do

On the work front I need to start doing some travel planning. My part-time job requires me to visit communities across my region a couple of times a year. The longest trip is about 3.5hrs each way but most are about 2hrs each way. It means I need to sort myself out on the audiobook front as it’s a great way to pass the long drive to and fro!

I’m also hoping this week to try a couple of new things: namely a different yoga class (power yoga) at my yoga studio AND… something called ‘dancing in the dark’.

I’m struggling to do enough / any cardiovascular exercise but used to love Body Jam (dance) type gym classes. I don’t enjoy Zumba: the music or monotonous dance steps; but I gather this involves a dark room filled with people dancing about in an uncoordinated fashion. (A bit like my nightclubbing of the 1990s!)

I’m not sure how I’ll go as I’m not great at having to go ‘out’ and do things at night. Longer-term readers may remember my ill-fated Italian language classes last semester. I think I went to 4/8 classes and at least it was something I went to straight from work. These classes are in a nearby town at 7pm!

Anyway, no doubt you’ll hear all about it next Sunday! In the meantime, do you have any exciting plans for the week? 

I’m linking up with Kimberly from The Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Kathryn from The Book Date.

72 Comments
  • Jo
    February 5, 2017

    I’m liking the sound of that dancing in the dark. I want to find a yoga class when I move north – in fact I’m considering forgoing a gym membership for the first time in about 30 years and relying on walking, yoga and swimming. We’ll see how that works out.

    • Debbish
      February 5, 2017

      I don’t miss gym classes – or perhaps only the rigidity of having something I have to go to at a certain time. But I don’t miss the guilt of not going! Swimming would be good. I’d be happy with yoga and walking if I could motivate myself to walk more!

  • Kate W
    February 5, 2017

    Dancing in the dark sounds like such a good idea. I used to go to nightclubs frequently – and did lots of dancing. In retrospect, it kept me fit! I very occasionally go dancing now – it’s always fun (and the legs hurt the next day!).

    • Debbish
      February 5, 2017

      Kate I’m depressed to say I do not remember the last time I went out dancing. I was on a diet program in 2011 (Michelle Bridges 12WBT) and the finale was in Brisbane and I went to that and danced there… but that was about July / August 2011. And I was busy gaining 35-40kg after that so had no time for dancing!

      I get hot and sweaty really easily so the idea of dancing when out horrifies me now but if I’m SUPPOSED to be getting hot and sweaty then I think it’s okay.

  • Stormi D Johnson
    February 5, 2017

    I am sorry it is so hot over there, I would like for you to pass some of that heat this way. 🙂 Maybe I could push some cold your way and together we could get warm weather….lol. 🙂 I am so ready for spring! I need to do some type of exercise but my knees are so bad it’s hard to find something that doesn’t hurt them. 🙁

    Have a great week!
    Stormi

    • Debbish
      February 5, 2017

      Stormi perhaps if everyone here in Australia flaps our arms in a certain way we’ll push the hot air in your direction! (Or maybe not!) We’ll just have to wait a few months until it sorts itself out!

      Are you still going to the PCYC I wonder? I remember you talking about you and your father going to a gym.

  • Drangonfly
    February 5, 2017

    Why is grass SO NEEDY??? UGH!!! Hope you enjoy the traveling and the audiobooks. I am a big fan of audiobooks lately. I have become a lazy reader LOL 🙂

    • Debbish
      February 5, 2017

      I know re grass right?! I thought about getting some sprinklers but then was reminded I’d need to keep putting them on ALL OF THE TIME. So… too bad. My grass can die. At least I’m saving on lawn mowing costs!

  • Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews
    February 5, 2017

    I’m with you Deb — it is been too hot for far too long here in south-east Queensland, very draining! Shame the Hilary Spiers title hasn’t lived up to expectations. And, I still haven’t read a JD Robb!

    • Debbish
      February 5, 2017

      I didn’t read the first book in the Spiers series Jo so suspect that’s got something to do with it. I’m not really enjoying the characters that much and suspect it’s because there’s an assumption we know a bit about them already!

      Well… if you decide to start reading JD Robb’s you’ll have a few to catch up on!

  • Laurel-Rain Snow
    February 5, 2017

    I enjoyed The Girl Before…and I’m eager to read my copy of Right Behind You.

    Interesting post on your arbitrary rules. I am retired, after a thirty-year career, and have no problem allowing myself to loaf around, reading all day, etc. But then again, I consider reading, blogging, etc., a kind of occupation at this point. I guess we can talk ourselves into any point of view about things…like having Champagne for breakfast (with a shot of OJ, it’s a mimosa!). LOL. Only on the weekends, of course. We do have to have some rules, even if we’re retired.

    Thanks for sharing…and for visiting my blog.

    • Debbish
      February 5, 2017

      Yes, I guess I can’t afford to retire yet Laurel and am not of retirement age, so can’t access the meagre funds I have or any government money in that respect. I guess I still wonder if I should be more ambitious or if I’ve kinda dropped-out in some way. And even if I have… if that’s okay?

      And I loved Right Behind You!

  • Greg Hill
    February 5, 2017

    I always provide a weather update lol- it’s like a habit. Like anyone cares! Although I like to hear about hot weather- if it can’t be hot here at least I can hear about SOMEONE having heat.

    Right Behind You look like a twisty little thriller.

    Dancing in the dark sounds fun (maybe)? Good luck!! Your clubbing comment made me laugh. 🙂

    • Debbish
      February 5, 2017

      I think I appreciate the weather comments on others’ blogs because nearly everyone is in the US, or a few in the UK…. so it’s interesting to hear how much snow people have had etc… Plus it’s like a world away sometimes! I was going to say it’s like me, at home, drunk in my bedroom… but I haven’t been that drunk for a very very long time!

  • charliegirl
    February 5, 2017

    I support your use of the AC and staying indoors during the heat of the day! My days are so long as they are now that I can’t imagine going to much of anything late in the evenings. I also live 45 minutes away from my job, so I’m just interested in going home after I do finally leave school. I hope you pick out the best audibooks for your upcoming trips!

    • Debbish
      February 5, 2017

      When I lived in the city I never did anything on weeknights as it took too long to get home (by bus / train) and to then have to go out again was just too hard. I don’t have that excuse here…. and I’ve been starting work earlier (8am or earlier) so get to leave about 4pm. It gives me more time of an evening but makes it harder to get motivated to go out again.

      I kinda wish this class was an hour or so earlier so I could go straight from work. I’ve got a friend coming to try it with me though so I think I’ll have to go dancing this first week at least.

  • Maree
    February 5, 2017

    I struggle with the productivity thing, too. I always feel like I should be apologising to someone if I’m reading or watching TV during the day. No matter how productive I might have been before I sit down with a book/favourite show. It’s a strange mind-set for sure.

    Have a great week 🙂

    • Debbish
      February 6, 2017

      I suspect we’re indoctrinated at a young age…!

  • Christy LoveOfBooks
    February 5, 2017

    I will gladly take some of that heat from you! Maaaan, I need to read the In Death series already. Good luck with your dark class. 😀

    • Debbish
      February 6, 2017

      If I could find a way to channel our heat in your direction Christy I swear I would do it!

  • Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight
    February 5, 2017

    Pass some of that heat over here. It’s been cold for this area, I actually had to put jeans and long-sleeves and boots on to do my grocery shopping one night.

    Ooh, dancing in the dark does sound fun! You’ll have to let us know how it is once you try it.

    Hmm, plants. I’m not a plant person. In college one of my roommates bought a plant for the living room. For a while, me and roomie #3 referred to it as “her plant.” And then suddenly it stopped dying and started growing, and then it became “our plant” even though neither of us ever even watered it I don’t think, haha. And that’s about the extent of my plantiness.

    • Debbish
      February 6, 2017

      I’ve always been a killer of plants but have 2 that have survived a year or two and other that’s at least 6mths old. It will be interesting to see how my latest go!

  • sjhigbee
    February 5, 2017

    I’m sorry it’s so hot for you – though I’d give a great deal to feel hot and sweaty. I LOATHE the cold and all week it’s done little else but rain and although in theory it’s supposed to be mild, the constant damp and low light levels makes it feel a lot colder. Suppose I should be grateful it isn’t snow or ice… I love the sound of dancing in the dark and look forward to hearing about it next week. I thoroughly enjoy my Fitsteps class which is based on dancesteps from the classic dances to give variety and was devised by Strictly stars Natalie Lowe and Ian Waite. Have a great week, Deb and hope the dancing goes well – I’ve become fitter a lot faster since I took it up. My Sunday Post – https://sjhigbee.wordpress.com/2017/02/05/sunday-post-5th-february-2017/

    • Debbish
      February 6, 2017

      I’ve not heard of Fitsteps, it sounds interesting. I used to go to (what I called) faux Zumba class… more Nicki Minaj than latin music and a lot of twerking. Most of the class attendees were older and the instructor was great so it was tremendous fun! In fact, it was near my workplace and I’d head into the city to go if I ever had a day off!

    • sjhigbee
      February 6, 2017

      We’re also all older. As is our lovely instructor, Louise – though she has a figure to die for. Your faux Zumba sounds like great fun, too:).

      • Debbish
        February 6, 2017

        Ah yes, our instructor was my age as well – looked much younger – and so much fun. I’ve really missed those classes since making my seachange!

  • Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog
    February 6, 2017

    Oh we could use some warm weather here 🙂 Trying new Yoga classes is always fun. Hope you enjoy them Have a great week!

    • Debbish
      February 6, 2017

      I have to admit it’s Monday now and my day off and I’m already apathetic about the idea of going out ‘later’ to the power yoga class. Which is worrying!

  • Laura @ Library of Clean Reads
    February 6, 2017

    Oh, how I wish it was bloody hot here in Montreal. Honestly, I think I was born in the wrong country. I love when books leap to the top of my reading list if what I’m reading is mediocre, but then again I get distracted way too easily. Hope you have a great reading week!

    • Debbish
      February 6, 2017

      Ha, I feel the same Laura as I love the cold weather… Queensland, Australia perhaps wasn’t the best choice of climates!

  • Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
    February 6, 2017

    I love the sound of the Dancing in the Dark class, Deb! It sounds so good 🙂 Have you ever watched the fitness marshal on youtube? He is AMAZING! I’d dance to his tune any day 🙂
    I think we all get a bit obsessed with weather every now and then. We had two days of sun, then it got back to raining again. And today has been horrible with fog and rain all day… Now it’s gotten dark, and I’m happy I can’t see the fog anymore 😀
    Have a wonderful week ahead and happy reading.

    • Debbish
      February 6, 2017

      I LOVE the Fitness Marshall, though miss the bigger girl in some of the earlier clips. I’ve actually contemplated trying to exercise to some of his YouTube clips! But not sure I have the space!

  • Kathryn
    February 6, 2017

    Dancing in the dark sounds fun at least although I get what you say about falling by way going out to classes. Can be challenging! Good to see you had a very good reading week. Ah I wish I had just a little of your hot weather, but I think we are going to not go above 21, although much of the rest of the country basks in good weather most of the time.

    • Debbish
      February 6, 2017

      Oh yes… I think I’ve mentioned I have Christchurch’s weather as one option on my phone and always looking longingly at the low digits. I note Melbourne’s had a lot of variable weather here – very hot and then cooler. We’ve just remained hot. Roll on winter!

  • Maureen Beatrice
    February 6, 2017

    Whahaha.. I definitely think you’d be a great weather girl! 😉
    I’m definitely going to check out your ‘Echoes In Death’ review. My review was up this week too!
    ‘Dancing in the Dark’ sounds fun. I haven’t heard about that before.
    Have a great week and happy reading!

    • Debbish
      February 6, 2017

      Thanks Maureen. Will check your review of Echoes as well!

  • Janet Camilleri (@middleagedmama1)
    February 6, 2017

    It’s too darn hot to exercise at the moment unless it’s in a pool I reckon. Look forward to hearing more about dancing in the dark!!!

    • Debbish
      February 6, 2017

      Yes, I’ve checked out other aqua aerobic options here and there’s a class I could go to before work 1-2 days a week. (And I’m tempted!)

  • inthegoodbooksblog ( Michelle)
    February 6, 2017

    I’m looking forward to reading The Girl Before. It is currently on my ever-growing TBR pile!!

    • Debbish
      February 6, 2017

      It’s getting a lot of positive reviews and I enjoyed it!

  • readerbuzz
    February 6, 2017

    I tagged along with my daughter-in-law to her Zumba class (probably embarrassing her to death with my awkward moves) but it was a good workout. I muchly prefer my beginners yoga class, though.

    • Debbish
      February 6, 2017

      I find the music and moves of Zumba a bit repetitive but it’s certainly a great workout!

  • Tracy (@Cornerfolds)
    February 6, 2017

    Oh nooo! Your poor, brown grass! Here’s hoping it rains soon! At least you were able to get some reading done!

    Here’s my Weekly Recap!

    • Debbish
      February 6, 2017

      True… though it’s so nice to read in the rain. Or winter! 😉

  • adventureswithabooknerd
    February 6, 2017

    Yes, you should totally stack up on audiobooks. What I do is I get them from the library, and move them to my phone so that I don’t have to worry about all of the discs. Have a good week, and happy reading! 🙂

    • Debbish
      February 6, 2017

      Ah yes… I’ve not had to visit my library in a very long time but I know they have audiobooks on offer! And yes, when I’ve listened in the past I’m able to plug my phone into the (work) car’s stereo to listen to my books.

  • Jane the Raincity Librarian
    February 6, 2017

    We joke here that every conversation has to start with a comment about the weather! It seems that the weather has just been out of sorts everywhere – we normally have very mild weather, but we’ve been walloped with two major snowstorms this winter, which is totally unusual. And some are predicting a hot summer, to boot – yikes!

    • Debbish
      February 6, 2017

      I joked in last week’s post that I WASN’T going to talk about the weather (as I tend to moan about it in summer) and I had lots of comments from those who usually live vicariously through our summers!

  • Cait @ Paper Fury
    February 6, 2017

    Good luck with the upcoming travels and I hope you find some excellent audios to devour! They are the BEST for car trips. And omg it’s insufferably hot. I’m melting. I don’t usually look forward to Autumn, but I kind of am this year!

    • Debbish
      February 6, 2017

      Oh yes… I’m not sure where you are in Australia. I gather Melbourne’s been getting some cooler weather but it’s not going to be under 30-something (as a maximum) for over the next week and we’ve already had a couple of weeks of it!

  • Ness
    February 6, 2017

    The weather is horrific. If you get anything done besides melting you’re winning. The body jam thing sounds interesting, even though I can’t dance!

    • Debbish
      February 6, 2017

      Well I haven’t danced for so long I’m nervous if we get to freelance for an hour as my moves are not only rusty but limited! Eek!

  • Amanda Barrett
    February 6, 2017

    I’ve been checking out the weather over east, it’s been awfully hot over there for many days running, so no wonder your poor lawn is brown.
    Perth was very cool for about three days last week and apparently we have more cool/wet days to come. I’m welcoming them as the cooler weather agrees with me more.
    I’ve also battled with the exercise thing. I’m currently trying to lose around 10kg. I’m not an active person and hate exercise or sports in general so its been hard. Lucky I have some friends motivating me. Today I did a beach walk after dropped my son at school with a friend which helps. I’m hoping to feel motivated to sign up to a yoga class soon too. Dancing in the dark sounds like an interesting concept though!
    Loving your books this week – good to see JD Robb with a new one, I’ll check back for your review. I also have The Girl Before and Love, Lies and Linguine to read.
    Have a great week Deb 🙂

    • Debbish
      February 6, 2017

      Well done on the walk. I’ve forced myself to get into my yoga gear so I go to power yoga tonight. But I’ve been thinking all day that I’d skip it!!!

      Apparently it’s the driest January / summer we’ve had on the Fraser Coast in 10 years!

  • Denyse Whelan Blogs
    February 6, 2017

    Good to catch up with your here today Deb. Thanks for linking up for #lifethisweek 6/52. Next week: LOVE. Denyse
    PS Ive signed up for audible and free for first book then $14.95 a month. So far I have two books and haven’t finished either as I listen out in the car. Each is about 7 or 8 hours. Good range on there, and pre loaded to my phone so I just plug in and my car systems plays them.

    • Debbish
      February 7, 2017

      That sounds good Denyse. I really only listen to audiobooks in the car as well so they’re great when I have lengthy work drives to do.

  • leannelc
    February 6, 2017

    Oh my goodness! You are a JD Robb fan – I LOVE her books (and I actually like her as Nora Roberts too) I’ve read them all and re-read a few as well. I haven’t read the latest one yet but plan to remedy that in the very near future!

    • Debbish
      February 7, 2017

      Her JD Robb books are a comfort read for me Leanne. I don’t really ALL of the other books she writes – just those that have a good romantic / suspense balance!

  • Tea Time with Marce
    February 7, 2017

    Rattle and Before the Girl sound great to me, adding to my thriller list. I celebrated my daughters 10th birthday this weekend with 10 of her friends, great fun. Wishing you some rain and a little less heat.

    • Debbish
      February 7, 2017

      Oh 10 x 10 year olds Marce – I guess they’re a little more independent by that age though aren’t they? Not TOO much trouble or require TOO much supervision and entertainment!

  • Jeann @ Happy Indulgence
    February 7, 2017

    OMG how freaking hot is it in Aus at the moment! I’ve been melting. I’ve got the Girl Before on my shelf but I’m too scared to read it hahah. Travel planning sounds amazing! I started back at gym this week, really need to get fit again.Have a great week Deb!

    • Debbish
      February 8, 2017

      I think you’ll enjoy The Girl Before Jeann. I thought it was going to be a bit “Single White Female-ish” for some reason, but it was intriguing and kinda hard to work out who the baddies / goodies were for a while.

  • divabooknerd
    February 8, 2017

    Thank goodness it hasn’t been too bad in Melbourne, just ranging from really warm to pleasant, February is usually a scorcher though. Those dancing in the dark classes sound like they could be incredible, hopefully it’s not like a dodgy rave party. I can’t wait to hear all about it next week!

    • divabooknerd
      February 8, 2017

      I forgot to mention last time that the new haircut looks gorgeous on you Deb! <3

      • Debbish
        February 8, 2017

        Oh thanks for that. I’m actually not liking it so growing it already! 🙂

    • Debbish
      February 8, 2017

      It’s been consistently hot here which has been horrendous. I kinda envy the weird Melbourne weather! I suspect the Dancing the Dark class will involve quite a few ‘older’ people, so should be interesting….

  • Di @ Book Reviews by Di
    February 9, 2017

    Personally – I like the weather news 😉 I hope that this weather breaks a bit soon! Sorry about your grass!!!

    Dancing in the Dark sounds … Interesting!!! I hope you will enjoy it! I can’t wait to hear some updates on that one. You made me chuckle comparing it to past nightclubbing experiences.

    I’m struggling with increasing inactivity due to a desk job and I don’t like it… Not much I can do about the job at this stage but I have to say – specifically going out of my way to exercise isn’t the most fun way to spend time. If only reading burnt more calories!

    I have had JD Robb on my TBR FOREVER and just haven’t managed to get around to her books. I need to do that!

    Sorry I’m having a slack week and only getting around now, but I hope you’re having a good one!

    • Debbish
      February 11, 2017

      I’ve not done as much blog commenting myself lately Di – I just seem to be all over the place motivation-wise. Although… I’ve already done and scheduled THIS Sunday’s post!

  • Sherry Fundin
    February 15, 2017

    Liking the looks of all your books.
    sherry @ fundinmental Sunday Memes

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