Tag Archives: Lime is Bad

When So For Real Was Too Real: On Reviewing, with a Shout Out (and Apology) to Rebekah Weatherspoon et al

So Sweet by Rebekah Weatherspoon book coverI’ve been thinking about writing this post since October 2016. Rebekah Weatherspoon sent me an ARC of So For Real on October 16, 2016. I read it shortly thereafter. I’d think everyone in the US remembers we were gearing up for a major election … and … welp. So there was a lot going on, and I remember reading So For Real – I had loved So Sweet. I believe I wrote a “First Look” (a review) of that book and for So Right at Heroes & Heartbreakers. (Remember that site?) I’m even blurbed in So Right because I loved it so much! But I remember reading So For Real and – it’s definitely real. Kayla Bradbury née Davis goes through a lot. From what I recall, she’s struggling with newly married life, with friends, with her new business, with life. I meant to review it, but was putting it off because I wanted to love it more than I did … and I just so strongly associate it with the election cycle. I haven’t gone back to re-read it for that very reason. (Unfortunately low key the whole series…) I’m definitely a “mood reader,” which is also why I comfort re-read recent favorites, and sometimes avoid “old favorites” because I’m scared they won’t stand the test of time. Or my bad mood.

I have a highly developed sense of guilt. Not only do I feel bad for not reviewing So For Real (and others) since 2016 … I still feel guilty for agreeing to review a book in like 2005 or 2006 and not getting around to it. (I think I started reviewing books online in ~02-03?) There was a lot of school … and life kicking my ass. Not just the election but a massive cycle of doctors (when I talk about “surgeon #12” sometimes it’s because I literally had to consult with more than 12 orthopedic surgeons across the country. I’m up to at least 14 now…) Then there were the major surgeries… I was thinking the other day that I was pretty much drugged and out of it for a good chunk of the dumpster administration. (Silver linings?) Anesthesia brain is very real too. Unfortunately, that’s also just part of it. Let’s not get into the rest though. Continue reading

With Apologies, etc.

Hi friends! So … you might’ve noticed lately I’ve been not as great with posting things. I don’t even know for how long, but for a while now we’ve had the lovely and wonderful Sadie helping out with formatting and scheduling, which has been wonderful. (Side note, is there such a thing as green/purple color blindness?)

I’m something of a >.> control freak though, so I do the actual scheduling. And have had some oops.

I’ve tried really hard I think the past year+ but … just to address the all encompassing *waves hand vaguely* but also that we might be on hiatus, and/or I’ll be back dating posts (like this one!), which is the “apologies” part – to the wonderful review crew, and guest authors.

It’s also a bit of a “sorry not sorry.” In that … I really am truly sorry when posts don’t go up as scheduled. I really do try with A Little Bit Tart, A Little Bit Sweet, and I want to keep trucking on. Especially considering the hundreds of dollars (literally) I’ve sunk into this site.

… The “not sorry” part is though … there have been times I couldn’t (or can’t) walk, or times when I’ve literally lost my words. So … sorry (not sorry!) to the authors etc who can’t understand me not being able to talk or have words to me personally, outweighs the importance of their post or edits going up in a “timely manner.”

And sure, some people don’t know about all that shit I’m dealing with behind the scenes. And they don’t have to. But things are what they are. And I just wanted to explain to all of you … there’s just all this shit going on.

So – as it says – my apologies. Thank you for sticking with me. <3 Hopefully this too shall pass with good resolutions and such … and as before and always, I’ll keep on keeping on to the best of my ability. [And also sorry I’m just too tired etc to even find a picture to pretty this post up.]

Much love to you all. <3

A Little Bit Tart, A Little Bit Sweet Turned Three

This happened last month. I had this whole blogiversary bash planned out. But … do you guys remember last year? When I was trying to figure out a blogiversary prize? And then I joked that I was going to give everything to me?

Well… I kinda did that this year. :X

Let me explain.

I slacked off. Shamefully. I really stressed about it, and stayed up until 3AM or later on some nights, bu then I was like … you know what? This should be fun. And I do deserve a present. >.> This year has been … well, usual. From a death in the family the first week, to more deaths and drama and stress, and … just you know, it’s ok, and not ok. And that’s just how it is.

Then nearly every time I try to do something Firefox is just a bitch. I know it’s my fault, for having like a trillian windows open >.> But you have no idea how irritating it is to constantly deal with the spinning rainbow wheel of doom.

And damn. I didn’t want this to be an all whiny bitchy post. But to explain. I feel like I should say sorry, but I also can’t because I’m not sorry. I mean, I’m sorry for letting people down, for dropping the ball, but I’m not sorry I did it. (So wouldn’t that make this one of those hated “I’m sorry you got hurt” apologies?)

I WILL post everything, and back date, and do what I was supposed to, and starting now keep on schedule to the best of my abilities. I wanted to explain, and also to say THANK YOU for sticking with me, for being the strong, and for allowing me to give myself the gift of doing “nothing.”

I also want to blog about what I’ve been reading more – ME. And I welcome all of you to join me. <3 Then hopefully you like the new things I have planned in 2014.

Hugs and kisses!

 

Sandi’s Reflections on 2012

Hi friends! It’s time for Sandi’s monthly post! We’ve fallen off the wagon a bit, but hopefully back on it! I apologize for the delay – Sandi sent me her post on the 28th for the 29th… but it just didn’t happen. So… let’s reflect back on last year with her!

It’s so hard to believe that 2012 is in its last few days of existence.  Just a few days ago we thought the world would be ending, but it didn’t however we do know that 2012 is about to fade into hopefully pleasant memories for all of us.

For me personally it was a year of ups and downs without a doubt!  For a portion of the year I saw my professional life crashing around me, and wasn’t sure what I was going to do to salvage it, or if I really even wanted to.  What I did was listen to advice from some great friends (they know who they are) and put myself out there for a wonderful new position.  When talking about the opportunity after the interview I didn’t say if I get the job, but rather when I get the job, and now I’ve been in that wonderful new position for almost 2 months!  I can’t believe how the time has flown!

My reading life reached a goal I haven’t achieved in awhile.  I read over 100 books.  This was a combination of print, ebooks, and audio books.  I read some really great stuff this year.  I can’t even begin to narrow it down to a top 10 or even 20 list!  I would however say that Home Front by Kristin Hannah was a truly remarkable book, and even though it was a tear jerker, and many won’t read those it gave me a perspective on war and the impact that it has on families that I hadn’t previously had.

As I look forward into 2013 I have new goals to reach.  I have professional achievements in my new career field to meet.  I am not sure what those are yet, but I have a few days to decide.  I again want to read 100 books, and hope one or two of those have the impact on me that Home Front had.  Last but not least there is bound to be a personal goal to decide and strive to achieve.  Not a resolution per say, but something tangible that I can measure and see that I’m making progress towards.

So, curious minds want to know…what are you most proud of accomplishing as you reflect back on 2012?  What are you looking forward to in 2013?  Will you be setting goals?  Resolutions?  Just taking life as it comes?

Here’s to a safe happy new year for all!