Sunday Post – 29 December 2019 @kimbacaffeinate @readingreality @Tynga

Posted December 29, 2019 by Anne - Books of My Heart in Sunday Post / 44 Comments

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly  @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received.

Stacking The Shelves is also a weekly meme hosted by  Tynga’s Reviews and Marlene from Reading Reality.  It’s all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

Well, it’s been a week with all kinds of ups and downs.  I’ve been working various projects around the house, and trying to read the last few books this year. I was also trying to figure out stuff about my Audible membership and Audible Escape which worked out very well.  I was able to sign up for both again with deals.

The weather has been fantastic and I still needed to get my Harley inspected for the new registration.  I tried to do that on the 24th but I’d let it go too long and it wouldn’t start even with a jump.  I ordered a $20 trickle charger which arrived Friday.  I plugged it in, charged it up in about 4 hours and it started. I should have bought one years ago. So Saturday morning I went and got the inspection.  It was 70 and such a beautiful day.

Christmas was relaxed. We didn’t even get up until noon. My daughter didn’t finish decorating the tree until that day, didn’t open her presents until about 4 in the afternoon.  I made mini cheesecakes the day before and we’ve been having tasty eats all week.

Thursday was a long day of moving things out of the kitchen and tearing up the linoleum.  It went easily enough since it was not installed well.  Although there were quite a few staples to remove and some glue messes to clean up.  But things were ready for the new kitchen flooring. It’s luxury vinyl instead of linoleum.

Friday was a pile of people not doing what they promised.  The installers were supposed to come between 9-11. That way they would be done probably mid-afternoon and I could clean up and get things back in place.  Instead they didn’t arrive until 3:30pm after I made 8 calls.  They did arrive and do good work but the schedulers sucked.

As long as I was on the phone warpath,  I returned a call from the 529 plan I have.  I had tried to request a withdrawal earlier in the month when I paid my daughter’s tuition for spring session.  The administrator changed in October.  They had messed things up putting in the address from when I created the account in 1996 and a bank account I didn’t recognize.  Anyway, even though it was supposed to be done mid-month, they told me on Friday, it would have to wait 30 days since the bank account changed. I said no, transfer me to a manager.  When I talked to her, I pointed out the bank account was the same as the one I had in 1996 and I did not change it, their fucked up conversion had.  She looked up my original application and saw it was the same.  So she is going to try to fix it this next week.

Then I had a call with AT&T about my Internet service.  I transferred my service when I moved in July. It was supposed to be one rate until September when my deal ended, and then it would be $50 for 12 months, and then it would go up to$100 a month but I could call and get some other deal. But it went to $50, then the next month $60.  I called in November with all the people’s names and confirmation numbers and they told me it was fixed.  So now it went to $60 again this month.  I called and again have a name and confirmation number, and the $50 a month is now supposed to last until 12/27/20.  We will see.

I am incredibly happy these things are done and this next week we can enjoy our new flooring, and work a few more projects, and have a couple medical appointments.  I still have much I want to do but things are getting finished.  I worked on my linen closet and got about halfway finished.  The shelf in the cleaning closet is up, the hooks for laundry baskets in the laundry room, the fire extinguishers are hung, the paper towel holder in the kitchen, and the mirror hung over my daughter’s dresser.

Sunday (today when you are reading), it is going to rain, so I hope to get some pictures hung finally.  But I’d also like time to just read and relax finally. There is the fun, but very time-consuming flannel project to continue, also. I have blog posts to work on for next week like all the year end challenge posts.  I’ll do my December reading wrapup next week.  Happy New Year!


Thank you so much to everyone who participated in Top 10 posts this week!

It was so much fun to see everyone’s lists, such great choices.  I will definitely do it again for 2020 with a new graphic and minor changes, so keep it in mind.


 

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga’s Reviews and Reading Reality.  These are the exciting ARCs I received this week (If you click on the cover, it will take you to the Goodreads entry):

 

NOTHING.

 

(If you click on the cover, it will take you to the Goodreads entry)

       

I had digital credits from no rush shipping at Amazon so last week I bought Bone Crossed and this week I bought River Marked and now I own all the ebooks for the Mercy Thompson series. I read them years ago in paperback at the library and have gradually been buying them as they are on sale or I have gift cards or coupons or something.   The 3 books in the All Souls trilogy were on sale as a bundle for $1.99.

                       

I want to read everything Loreth Ann White but I like the audio versions. Since the books are on KU,  I can check out the Kindle version and get the audios for $1.99 each.

             

           

Next I used my last 4 Audible credits so I could cancel my Audible membership and then re-signup with a deal.

Then I decided I needed the Vesik series box set which I could get 3 books for one Audible credit.

 

Now the really scary one. This is all the Kindle and Audible freebies I grabbed this past week. You can see why I need to do Thrifty Thursday to be sure I read a few at least one each month.

                     

                   

I had Beard Science on audio and the eARC but didn’t have the kindle version, so it was exciting to get it for free.  It’s CLETUS who is my favorite.  Run, don’t walk and get this book!

 

I really meant to cut back on freebies BUT  they are free so I guess that won’t be happening.

 

I’m not including things like reviews posted or upcoming as they are always in the right sidebar. And, my challenge status is also there.

If you like this and want to see me do the Sunday post, as often as I can manage, leave me a comment and let me know.

Anne

 

 

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Posted December 29, 2019 by Anne - Books of My Heart in Sunday Post / 44 Comments


44 responses to “Sunday Post – 29 December 2019

  1. Melanie

    It is supposed to rain all day here, too. I’m using that as a good reason to work on blog stuff. I’m almost completely caught up. I really love the All Soul Trilogy. I’ve also been watching the show. Also, White Trash Zombie on audio. I hope you guys have a great relaxing week. I still have to work, but only Monday, Thursday and Friday.

    Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart

    • Thank Melanie. You’ll have an interesting week. This weekend, work one day, another weekend, work 2 days, and another weekend. Sounds great to me. I have read All Souls but decided to buy it and also on audio for a re-read. I have yet to listen to White Trash Zombies but now I own them all as none of the libraries had the audio.

      While I have stuff to do this week I hope it is more relaxing, fun projects than the hard work projects. I hope to do more planning and prep for the Read-along and Library-Love posts, too.

      Have a wonderful week Melanie! Happy New Year!

      Anne - Books of My Heart recently posted: Audio: Heaven’s Keep by William Kent Krueger
  2. I find that seems to be the case more often than not with any appointments I make to get work done on the house. Glad the floor is in and it looks so good. Yay for a relaxing Christmas and that you were able to power through those frustrating phone calls. Nice job on the deals and hauls.

    It was fun doing the Top 10. Thanks for hosting!

    Have a great New Year, Anne!

    Sophia Rose recently posted: Reading Challenge Wrap Up for 2019
    • Even though those “fights” may not be over, I’m glad to have them finished for at least next week and time to relax before the school schedules hits.

      I really enjoyed seeing everyone’s Top 10 stuff and look forward to next year. Thanks so much for joining.

      Happy New Year to you!

      Anne - Books of My Heart recently posted: Top 10 Book Covers in 2019
  3. The floor looks fantastic! I hate making frustrating calls, I usually make sure I have a bottle of wine for when it’s over lol

    I hope this week is awesome for you and you have a very happy new year! xx

    • Thanks Michelle! I seriously contemplated starting drinking before they arrived but knew I needed to keep sharp so they didn’t just do sloppy work or something. So that nervous energy went into the calls. I wasn’t mean or shouty or anything, but I was firm about the situation with names, dates etc. I make notes when I am on the phone and those details make it harder for them to prevaricate.

      Anne - Books of My Heart recently posted: Top 10 Book Characters of 2019
  4. Well Anne I hope next week you won’t have to go on a warpath! But yes when you are renovating things can go south pretty quickly! On another note these cheesecakes seem delicious!

    • You have to be explicit in what you want, and sadly call them out on any bullshit. They told me several times over 5 hours that they would be there in 20 minutes. I said yeah right, you’ve told me that before.

      The cheesecakes were delicious and now they are gone but I plan to make cookies today. I make more sweets for the holidays. Before the cheesecakes I made fudgy brownies with a mint buttercream frosting, also tasty.

      Anne - Books of My Heart recently posted: Audio: Dark N Deadly by Tee O’Fallon
  5. I LOVE your new flooring, Anne, and I am so in awe of your success in sorting everything out (contractors, tuition, phone).
    I’m hoping to get some deals with my Amazon vouchers in the January sales. I used Black Friday and Cyber Monday to snag some last minute Christmas gifts and I’m hoping for similar success to get myself some goodies.
    Happy New Year, Anne, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your week.
    Here’s my Sunday Post
    Flora x

    • Thanks Flora. Sorting out and researching are two of my best talents. I enjoy researching; the sorting out is more frustrating. Why can’t they just do what they promised in the first place?

      I hope you will get some great deals on books you want to read. Happy New Year!

      Anne - Books of My Heart recently posted: Top 10 Books I Want in 2020
  6. You accomplished a lot …there would be no chance of getting tradies here between Christmas and New Year, and anything other than retail pretty much shuts down during that period. Your new floor does look great though. I’d love to get rid of our Lino and replace it with vinyl.
    You picked up some great audio books!

    Wishing you a great reading week and a Happy New Year Anne

    Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out recently posted: It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? #SundayPost #SundaySalon
    • I was surprised they had openings this past holiday week but decided to get the aggravation over and then have a second holiday sort of week to relax afterward without worrying about it. It was a good choice. The linoleum was installed in the past year for the sale of this home but VERY poorly done and falling apart, in less than one year! The vinyl is much sturdier and more waterproof. I’m having a field day with all the holiday sales. Thank you!

      Anne - Books of My Heart recently posted: Audio: Dispel Illusion by Mark Lawrence
  7. Wow, you had a challenging week! Kudos to you for not letting people off of the hook. It just saps so much energy.

    My first book by Loreth was In the Waning Light and I loved it. I’ve also since switched to her audios so I’m looking forward to you audiobook review.

    Have a GREAT week and enjoy the new year?

    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café recently posted: Best of 2019 – Top 12 Books
    • Thanks! I just take detailed notes with names dates, times and confirmation numbers which makes it harder for them to change to alternative facts. Which aren’t facts! I hate that people don’t just do what they say or are just flat out dishonest these days. And yes, it’s like those self checkouts where you have to accept poorer service or do more of the work for them, it does sap energy. And it wasn’t really challenging, so much as sad to have to expect it and prepare. I packed it all into one day for the dealing with things at least.

      I’m looking forward to a more relaxing week, since these issues should not crop up again this week at least. Sigh. At least I have the best audio books for listening. I have all the Angie Pelligrino ones too now.

      Anne - Books of My Heart recently posted: Audio: Heaven’s Keep by William Kent Krueger
  8. I love the kitchen floor!

    I used to get so frustrated with AT&T, and how the deals worked out. But now I don’t have them, and I just keep up on my streaming services. I like that! Internet is great.

    Enjoy your week!

  9. What a headache with the installers but I am glad you were able to get it taken care of in the end. It sounds like you had a wonderful holiday. We have been eating cheesecake here as well 🙂 Nice new reads. I just ran over to amazon and grabbed the All Souls Trilogy bundle. I hope you have a Happy New Year!

  10. Its raining here as well but prior to this, its been in the 60’s. Its strange! Sorry you had to deal with people screwing stuff up. I hate those issues because you have to rely on someone else to fix it. I’m not trusting enough!
    Hope you have a great week with no one to argue with!

    Samantha recently posted: #SundayPost: 2020!
    • Yes I don’t enjoy having to do other’s peoples jobs and document everything to make them do what they say. It’s like taking pictures of tags on the store shelves so they charge you the right price. Of course, they used to mark each item but now it’s just the shelf and they use the barcode.

      I was so happy to just let things on Christmas happen as they did.

      Anne - Books of My Heart recently posted: Read-along & Giveaway: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
  11. Every time I read your Sunday Post I feel like I am the laziest person in the world *lol* Holy moly – you are a busy bee! I will never understand why the companies who provide us with Internet etc. think their customers would be stupid as hell and don´t notice when they screw up things. I had the same problem a few weeks ago. Wishing you and your family a wonderful New Year´s Eve and a Happy New Year 2020.

    Vi @Inkvotary recently posted: Vicious-Das Böse In Uns by V. E. Schwab
  12. I don’t know how some people stay in business with such crappy customer service. Seriously. I’ve went through it with phone service this year and am always battling with our satellite provider. Sounds like you had a good Christmas at least and at least the floor installation is over. Looks great too!

    • Thank you! Relaxed is 100% the way to go. For some, it’s one of only a few days off work so it should be restful, not a blur of more work with activities and cooking, etc. I like to cook but doing 3 big meals a day is crazy. I cook a new dish at night and we do leftovers or snadwiches at noon. Breakfast is mostly a grab and go of protein bars, oatmeal, eggs or whatever people want to eat (leftover pizza, cookies!). I am going to make a favorite which is Swedish tea ring which is like cinnamon rolls one day soon though.

      Anne - Books of My Heart recently posted: January 2020 Library Love Challenge Link Up & Giveaway
  13. I hate dealing with things like phone bill when it’s supposedly on a discount. I’ve had to make those phone calls and it’s frustrating. But hopefully it’s all fixed. I had a lot of fun doing the Top 10 posts, thanks for hosting! I hope you and your daughter have a Happy New Year!

  14. I hope you are able to to kick back and relax a bit after having achieved so much. The floor was certainly worth the hassle – it looks fabulous:)). Yes… what a lovely relaxing Christmas Day! We were up with the sun and flat out with the cooking and entertaining until everyone went home at around 10.30 pm, which was lovely – but also rather shattering. I wish you a successful, happy 2020 with lots of wonderful reads, Anne:)).

    • Thank you so much! We didn’t do a big family event and I miss times when we did. It’s also lots of work and when people don’t live close it can be cost / energy prohibitive. I remember those days when I only got off Dec 25, and then Jan 1, and the first year no vacation days. I lived in Minnesota and my brother in Florida so traditions were set with different factors.

      It’s my choice to do so many things and mostly I enjoy them. I love to cook but it can be a huge time eater. At least I can listen to audiobooks while I do it nowadays.

      Anne - Books of My Heart recently posted: 2019 Library Love Challenge Results