I started writing two versions of this. One blunter, more honest than the other. I’ve talked before about that fine line between being open about one’s life when it feels as if the overwhelm is, well… overwhelming; and the fear of pushing others away because of constant negativity, or having them eye-rolling at the never-ending pity party.
I know I’m often surprised and appreciate it when others share the bad stuff, but think I react better when they’re not people who do nothing but share the bad stuff.
Anyway… today I’m checking in and taking stock. In a mostly upbeat way! *insert beatific smile here*
Watching
Shitloads of stuff. I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump and probably getting closer and closer to cutting back on my reading and reviewing in a more organised way. As a result my television has been getting a workout. I’m not sure I can remember what I’ve watched since I last did one of these posts, but in the last few weeks I’ve watched:
Revolution (on 7Plus) an apocalyptic tale about what happens when the power goes off (permanently). It only lasted two seasons and the first was good, as was the second until part-way through and then well….
Mary Kills People (SBSonDemand) about a doctor who sidelines in euthanasia which was good but probably ended when and where it should have
Wayward Pines (SBSonDemand) another post apocalyptic tale, based on a trilogy by Blake Crouch. I enjoyed the first season but gave up a few episodes into the second season, cos life’s too short for annoying characters and a plot that repeats itself
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Netflix & SBSonDemand) which is so much fun
The Dark Tower (Netflix) 90mins of my life I won’t get back
The Stranger (Netflix) which I watched cos of Richard Armitage. It had loads of plot-holes and I can’t remember if the novel (which I’ve read and reviewed here) did as well
I Am Not Okay With This (Netflix) which was a huge surprise and I loved. Bring on season two!
Doctor Who (ABC) and I’m about to watch the final episode which ‘dropped’ overnight though doesn’t air until later in the week. I’m already seeing too many spoilers so must watch asap.
I’ve also just started watching Years and Years (on SBSonDemand) and though I’m enjoying it not sure I really want to go ‘there’ given there’s enough crappy stuff happening in the real world. And I’ve started The Witcher (Netflix). I don’t read fantasy or science fiction but watch a lot of science fiction on television. I don’t watch much ‘fantasy’ (Game of Thrones, The Hobbit etc) and so far I’m mostly confused but I think I’ll hang in there.
Pondering
Job options again. The hours in my contract gig have reduced to about 5hrs/week which of course I can’t live on so I’m looking for other part-time options, short contracts elsewhere (which would unfortunately be full-time and need to pay well), or some way to finally be brave or motivated enough to pitch reviews, articles/features to paying publications and sites.
Reading
Less than usual, but also TWO (yes, you heard it here first) TWO non-fiction books this year so far. I read Bri Lee’s Beauty a month or so ago. It’s a quick read… a long essay in many ways. And in just the last day or so I read Aussie singer / songwriter Clare Bowditch’s Your Own Kind of Girl which I also enjoyed.
Listening
I don’t think I’ve read any of Marian Keyes’ novels but follow her on social media as she’s such a laugh. She recently shared an interview she’d done on a podcast about failure and I. Cannot. Get. Enough. Of. It.
Her thoughts on her childlessness and on her issues with body image (size and taking up space!) despite being a feminist have really hit home with me. I’m keen to write more about it but my thoughts need to marinate for longer.
And that’s about it…. kinda.
What’s happening in your world? Any other TV-viewing / streaming suggestions?
** Linking up with Denyse Whelan and ‘taking stock’ **
March 2, 2020
Hi Deb!
Lots of suggestions there to check out – thank you. I often worry if I’m being perceived as too negative on my blog also. It’s a bit of a curse isn’t it? Second guessing if whether you should hit publish or not? I find myself trying to put different spins on my writing sometimes to mix it up a bit. Doesn’t always work and I resort to just hitting publish anyway.
Re jobs: Why not pitch and see what happens. Mrs Woog recently shared her email pitch to some editors on her blog and I think it’s brilliant. She writes that it has taken her a long time to get up the courage to pitch, so it seems to be a scary thing for everyone.
Best of luck with it all.
Sandra.
March 2, 2020
I did a newspaper & freelance writing course through the Australian Writers Centre 4-5yrs ago, (and had done shorter courses in the past) and am part of a Facebook group for graduates and I’m equally inspired and ashamed at my lack of achievements.
Fellow participants often offer suggestions re potential markets but then I can’t think of what I want to write about…. or it feels too ‘small’ a story / prosaic etc…
Though I read things others write and think, “I could have written that!” And I often do write similar things here instead.
March 2, 2020
I haven’t watched TV for such a long time. I like movies though and watch once a week when I’m at home or if it’s a new movie that I really want to see, I’ll go to the theatre.
March 2, 2020
I don’t tend to watch ‘live’ TV Natalie, mostly stuff later on ‘catch-up’ or streamed.
I’m the opposite re the movies. I went for the first time in years recently. (And not sure when I started preferring TV series / shows over movies as when younger I LOVED going to the movies!)
March 2, 2020
I listened to the episode Marian Keyes did on How To Fail. Just brilliant. I’d marked it to share in my 5 things next week. Claire Bowditch’s interview had a similar concept re taking up too much room that really resonated. Sarah has been main-lining Brooklyn 999 but I’ve only watched an episode or 2.
March 2, 2020
Yes, Clare’s book talked about something similar, which reminded me of the Marian Keyes interview. I’ve listened to it twice…. I love that she talks about knowing better (re body image, size, weight) but is unable to change her thinking.
March 2, 2020
Yeah it spoke to me too. I’ve just started reading Grown Ups & she’s written the bulimic character very very well.
March 2, 2020
I gather it’s a good book and I noted she said she hasn’t been bulimic but could understand the ‘need to diet’ and food addiction side of things.
March 2, 2020
The job thing is so hard. I hope you can find some part time options that suit you. I started watching a new (to me) show but I find that anything created by this person – I can’t really stand it the first time I watch it. But then I end up liking it. It’s really weird and I don’t know what it means.
March 2, 2020
What are you watching Vanessa?
March 2, 2020
I’m going to have to listen to that podcast – being tall I often feel like i take up too much space next to all those delicate little flowers being fawned over. Sorry the contract hours have reduced and I hope something good comes along for you soon to keep the wolf from the door. x
March 2, 2020
Thanks Leanne. I’m the same… 5ft10+ and I’m obviously overweight as well so….
March 2, 2020
I’ve heard great things about The Stranger. I’ve just read Lenny’s Book of Everything which I really loved and the Netflix documentaries Cheer (about cheerleading) and Miss Americana (about Taylor Swift) neither topics I’m particularly interested in but both super inspiring and lots to think about. Fingers crossed you find something that you enjoy and pays well work wise but I really think you should get pitching and get paid for some of your ace reviews.
March 2, 2020
A lot of people are raving about Cheer and quoting the coach or others in the show. I don’t usually watch documentaries (like not reading non-fiction) but might give it a go!
March 2, 2020
I love all the stuff you’ve been watching! We also watch Brooklyn Nine Nine, along with Star Trek Picard, and I’m halfway through GLOW, and watching Riverdale and I think Dynasty comes back soon. I still have to watch the latest season of You as well lol.
Di from Max The Unicorn
March 2, 2020
I don’t have whatever platform Picard is on so haven’t seen that. I’ve not watched GLOW but know it’s popular.
For some reason I wasn’t able to watch You. It didn’t not like it but perhaps it’s because I remembered the book so well I just couldn’t stand to watch the show but everyone raves about both seasons. (PS. I liked the first book but not the second.)
March 2, 2020
What a great list of shows to note down thanks for that! I don’t seem to have time to sit down and devote to just watching anything at the moment but have managed to read quite a bit lately which I’m happy about. I watched ‘You’ after reading the book and found it a bit creepier than I remembered! I might look for that podcast for a listen. Thanks Deb, good luck on the job front, it’s not much fun by the sounds of things! #lifethisweek
March 3, 2020
Thanks Deb. I tend to be in either: TV watching OR reading mode. Sometimes I binge-watch TV when I get behind in my reviewing and aren’t ‘allowed’ to read any more books until I catch up!
March 3, 2020
I don’t like the way we are made to feel bad for being negative. Sometimes things just feel crappy or are crappy or for whatever reason are just too hard for us to deal with. I think that’s allowed. I also think the only way to exorcise the demons is to let them out and deal with them, one way or another. Maybe the blog isn’t the place for it, as long as you have a person to vent to in person. Or maybe the blog is the way to offload and leave a cheerier Deb for your friends. I don’t have the answers….
March 4, 2020
Needing an ‘outlet’ is hard Lydia. Last year I felt like some friends distanced themselves from me and I was sure it was because I was being too negative all of the time… stress about the lack of job, money etc. I think I mention in today’s post re social media, as I live alone I tend to use SM as a bit of a place to vent or just to share thoughts I guess. Nothing esoteric, usually just whatever is on my mind at that moment. Currently, for example, it’s the woeful state of my yard and fact I cannot bear to look at it and my annoyance that my mowing company is ignoring my calls / messages re their ETA! (Two weeks and counting!)
March 5, 2020
Glad you are blogging again. I always enjoy catching up with you because I think sometimes ‘we need to share.’ I know it helps me. I hope, along this road you are travelling in 2020, that some work that is ‘just right’ pops up for you.
Thank you for joining in Life This Week. Next week’s optional prompt is Share Your Snaps. Hope to see you linking up too. Denyse.
March 6, 2020
Thanks Denyse…. I’m actually trying to think of a topic for today’s blog post. Mostly it’s random stuff that comes to mind, all tiny inconsequential things…