It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from Book Journey to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. In Sheila's absence, join in sharing your Monday post on twitter #IMWAYR. Also linking to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

On the home front: Well you know what they say about best laid plans! The week was a chaotic one culminating in a weather event that caused flooding in SE QLD on Friday. Our suburb had one of the highest rainfall totals in Brisbane (285mm) and our garage and office/scrapbook room flooded. Not a lot of damage, thanks to my eldest son's help pumping out water. We still have a huge mess to clean up but it could have been far worse. Thinking of the families who lost loved ones in floodwaters. 

24 hours on, family were able to make it through from the Sunshine Coast to celebrate Callum's 21st. Hopefully this week I'll have a chance to look at the photos I took.

Ricky Martin's One World Tour was a fabulous concert with a mix of old favourites and new. And Ricky Martin in a kilt #HOT ... gives Sam Heughan a run for his money ;)

Photo: Instagram Ricky_Martin

#FitReaders Weekly Check-In

 

#FitReaders co-hosted by Felicia @ Geeky Bloggers Book Blog and Jen @ That’s What I’m Talking About. FitReaders is a great way to stay motivated, accountable and it's more fun having bloggy friends to check in with. If you also have a fitbit and want to add me, let me know :) 

I didn't quite make my target this week but it was close and I think the clean up from flooding counts as a workout. How did you do this week?

Fitbit Steps: 

Mon: 6153 steps 

Tue: 8016 steps ~ walk to concert

Wed: 11,538 steps 

Thurs: 9209 steps

Fri: 8636 steps ~ cleaning up from weather event

Sat: 8236 steps

Sun: 3662 steps

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Reviews & Posts: (click on title)

nothing happened here

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Finished last week:

Life is messing with my reading schedule, although I do only have a few chapters to go in Rose Under Fire

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This Week's Reading List: 

third time lucky with these three 

A DESPERATE FORTUNE by Susanna Kearsley ~ 20% done

ROSE UNDER FIRE by Elizabeth Wein (Code Name Verity #2) ~ audiobook. 80% done and loving it! I don't want to jinx it but it might top Code Name Verity??

WALLY THE WARM WEATHER PENGUIN by Stephanie M. Ward

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Reviews Coming:

CONSPIRACY GIRL by Sarah Alderson ~ my first Sarah Alderson and I really enjoyed it. Review Tue

THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE by Cynthia Hand (audiobook) ~ a departure from Cynthia Hand's usual, very moving. 

GREAT-GRANDMA'S GIFTS by Marianne Jones ~ sweet children's story

TELL THE TRUTH by Katherine Howell (Ella Marconi #8) ~ great installment, sad it's the last in the Ella Marconi series ... for now. I'm not ready for goodbye! 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from Book Journey to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. I love this meme, it helps me stay on track ... well, most of the time. In Sheila's absence, join in sharing your Monday post on twitter #IMWAYR.

On the home front: 

An emotional week and a big newsy post, just not on the reading side of things! Bear with me, I'm sure things will get back to normal after Callum's 21st :) 

I only get back to Toowoomba a few times a year (even though it's only a 2hr drive from Brisbane) so it was nice to take flowers out to mum at the Garden of Remembrance and spend time with a friend of 25 years. We had the yummiest lunch at the best Italian restaurant in town ... Woggies. Doesn't the dessert look gorgeous? Chocolate Bowl Strawberry Milkshake Gelato and it tasted as good as it looks!  

This special package arrived from my lovely friend Julie. All the way from M&M's World in Las Vegas to Brisbane, Australia ... a year's supply of M&M's haha and a cute M&M blanket for Mia. Feeling very spoilt, thanks Julie, you're an absolute sweetie pie xx

Check out Julie's blog too, she's a talented scrapbooker :))

And the final bit of awesomeness this week ... a surprise for Nonna :)

  

Lots to look forward to this week, Ricky Martin concert on Tuesday and my youngest son's 21st Birthday on Friday. All the family will be here to celebrate on Saturday. 

#FitReaders Weekly Check-In

 

#FitReaders co-hosted by Felicia @ Geeky Bloggers Book Blog and Jen @ That’s What I’m Talking About. FitReaders is a great way to stay motivated, accountable and it's more fun having bloggy friends to check in with. If you also have a fitbit and want to add me, let me know :) 

Didn't make target this week but I did OK. How about you?

Fitbit Steps: 

Mon: 5621 steps 

Tue: 3736 steps

Wed: 10,407 steps 

Thurs: 8190 steps ~ short walk

Fri: 8831 steps 

Sat: 6221 steps ~ short walk with the fam

Sun: 9141 steps ~ walk

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Reviews & Posts: (click on title)

THE LAST ANNIVERSARY by Liane Moriarty (audiobook) ~ didn't really do it for me

LEAVING HOME by Jodi Picoult (audiobook) ~ three short pieces on the subject of leaving home. 

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Finished last week:

arghh I can't believe I didn't finish anything ... again!

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This Week's Reading List: 

A DESPERATE FORTUNE by Susanna Kearsley ~ 20% done

ROSE UNDER FIRE by Elizabeth Wein (Code Name Verity #2) ~ audiobook. 50% done and loving it! I don't want to jinx it but it might top Code Name Verity??

WALLY THE WARM WEATHER PENGUIN by Stephanie M. Ward

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Reviews Coming:

CONSPIRACY GIRL by Sarah Alderson ~ my first Sarah Alderson and I really enjoyed it. Review Tue

THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE by Cynthia Hand (audiobook) ~ a departure from Cynthia Hand's usual, very moving. 

GREAT-GRANDMA'S GIFTS by Marianne Jones ~ sweet children's story

TELL THE TRUTH by Katherine Howell (Ella Marconi #8) ~ great installment, sad it's the last in the Ella Marconi series ... for now. I'm not ready for goodbye! 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from Book Journey to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. I love this meme, it helps me stay on track ... well, most of the time. 

On the home front: 

Last week was a busy one, the usual stuff and still making a birthday present for youngest son's 21st, a lovely midweek catch up with friend and author Sherryl Caulfied (Iceberg Trilogy) which involved a 5km walk and yummy breakfast. Reviews and blog visits were thin on the ground but I did get a couple of reviews scheduled for this week ... and if I stop reading for another week I might actually get caught up HA

I finally had the nerve conduction tests on my hands but have to wait until later in the week for results. Still hanging in there with the gluten-free thing until I get those results. My gorgeous granddaughter came for her regular sleepover and we had a lovely couple of hours at the park.

what a joy this little sweetpea is

watch out nonna, I'll be running soon

Tomorrow it's been 7 years since mum passed away from Nodular Melanoma so I'm heading back to Toowoomba to take her some flowers and then catch up with a friend of 25 years. As usual around mum's anniversary I'm on my soapbox to say please please get your skin checked, including your scalp. The Melanoma awareness campaign is huge but many people are still unaware of the relatively innocent looking but very dangerous Nodular Melanoma (mum's was pink and on her scalp so it looked very much like a pimple. She didn't get much time and was sadly in the 2% that die from a stage I melanoma) 
Skin checks peeps xx

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Reviews & Posts: (click on title)

WILD WOOD by Posie Graeme-Evans ~ loved it, took me straight to Scotland

#FITREADERS WEEKLY CHECK-IN

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Finished last week:

absolutely nothing 

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This Week's Reading List: 

Same as last week . Maybe I'll get through an audiobook while driving?

A DESPERATE FORTUNE by Susanna Kearsley ~ 15% done

ROSE UNDER FIRE by Elizabeth Wein (Code Name Verity #2) ~ audiobook

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Reviews Coming:

LEAVING HOME by Jodi Picoult (audiobook) ~ three short pieces on the subject of leaving home. Review Wed

THE LAST ANNIVERSARY by Liane Moriarty (audiobook) ~ review Wed

CONSPIRACY GIRL by Sarah Alderson ~ my first Sarah Alderson and I really enjoyed it. 

GREAT-GRANDMA'S GIFTS by Marianne Jones ~ sweet little children's story

TELL THE TRUTH by Katherine Howell (Ella Marconi #8) ~ great installment, sad it's the last in the Ella Marconi series ... for now. I'm not ready for goodbye! 

THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE by Cynthia Hand (audiobook) ~ a departure from Cynthia Hand's usual, very moving. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from Book Journey to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. I love this meme, it helps me stay on track ... well, most of the time. Thanks Sheila!

Keeping Sheila and her family in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs across the miles xx

On the home front: 

I posted a few reviews last week. I'm by no means caught up but hey I posted. And I'm not adding much to my reading list this week as time will be limited. Another busy week with appointments and getting stuff done for my son's 21st. 

My reward for being good ... I'm off to watch Game of Thrones and then Outlander and then ... that's it, I haven't been that good. 

#FitReaders Weekly Check-In: 

 

#FitReaders co-hosted by Felicia @ Geeky Bloggers Book Blog and Jen @ That’s What I’m Talking About. FitReaders is a great way to stay motivated, accountable and it's more fun having bloggy friends to check in with. If you also have a fitbit and want to add me, let me know :) 

Step average was on target but I didn't take Bella for any walks and she is not happy about that!  

Fitbit Steps: 

Mon: 6103 steps

Tue:  14,295 steps

Wed:  9568 steps

Thurs: 6033 steps 

Fri:  13,724 steps 

Sat: 5491 steps 

Sun: 5133 steps 

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Reviews & Posts: (click on title)

SCENT OF TRIUMPH by Jan Moran ~ review and giveaway

INSIDE THE O'BRIEN'S by Lisa Genova ~ education and awareness gently wrapped in humour and heart. 

LAST CALL by Alice Clayton (Cocktail #5) ~ short & sweet guest review by Karen

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Finished last week:

CONSPIRACY GIRL by Sarah Alderson ~ my first Sarah Alderson and I really enjoyed it. 

SCENT OF TRIUMPH by Jan Moran 

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This Week's Reading List: 

A DESPERATE FORTUNE by Susanna Kearsley

ROSE UNDER FIRE by Elizabeth Wein (Code Name Verity #2) ~ audiobook

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Reviews Coming:

WILD WOOD by Posie Graeme-Evans ~ great time slip novel

GREAT-GRANDMA'S GIFTS by Marianne Jones ~ sweet little children's story

LEAVING HOME by Jodi Picoult (audiobook) ~ three short pieces on the subject of leaving home. 

THE LAST ANNIVERSARY by Liane Moriarty (audiobook)

TELL THE TRUTH by Katherine Howell (Ella Marconi #8) ~ great installment, sad it's the last in the Ella Marconi series ... for now. I'm not ready for goodbye! 

THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE by Cynthia Hand (audiobook) ~ a departure from Cynthia Hand's usual, very moving. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from Book Journey to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. I love this meme, it helps me stay on track ... well, most of the time. Thanks Sheila!

Update ... My heart is breaking for Sheila and her family with the loss of son Justin. I hope the love and support of family and friends brings some small comfort at this unbearably painful time. Love & warm hugs xx

On the Home Front: 

It was a good news week ... both sons start new jobs tomorrow. Eldest has an electrician position on a hospital refurb (and he's staying local which is a bonus) and youngest has his first job in IT since finishing his uni degree. Youngest and his girlfriend cooked me dinner mid week and we made a few plans for his 21st, coming up quickly. 

Our Easter was blessed with lots of family time and laughs. My granddaughter had us in stitches :)

and just a little squeeeal for the return of Outlander ... express from the US!! Great episode :)

I am scary behind with reviews and blogging thanks to short weeks and my own shortcomings. I wouldn't say I'm unmotivated, ok maybe a little, but I have enthusiastically drafted blog posts all over the place and just as enthusiastically failed to complete them. I can't seem to get my head on straight to follow them through to publication. Time to focus and play catch up!! 

#FitReaders Weekly Check-In: 

 

#FitReaders co-hosted by Felicia @ Geeky Bloggers Book Blog and Jen @ That’s What I’m Talking About. FitReaders is a great way to stay motivated, accountable and it's more fun having bloggy friends to check in with. If you also have a fitbit and want to add me, let me know :) 

I'm in again for April ... join in

Very excited I was one of the lucky ducky winners of the 1st quarter bracelets organised by the lovely Felicia. Will take a pic when it arrives.  

Fitbit Steps: 

Mon: 8269 steps ~ walk with Bella

Tue:  9476 steps ~ walk with Mia & fam

Wed:  11,151 steps ~ walk with Bella

Thurs: 6073 steps 

Fri: 7045 steps 

Sat: 6067 steps ~ short walk with Mia 

Sun: 7120 steps ~ brekky & walk along Brisbane river boardwalk with family

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Reviews & Posts: (click on title)

CONFESS by Colleen Hoover ~ loved it, mostly. 

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Finished last week:

WILD WOOD by Posie Graeme-Evans ~ great time slip novel

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This Week's Reading List: 

SCENT OF TRIUMPH by Jan Moran ~ 80% done. For book tour review Thurs

CONSPIRACY GIRL by Sarah Alderson

A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO DIE by Malla Nunn (audiobook) ~ chapter 10

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Reviews Coming:

INSIDE THE O'BRIEN'S by Lisa Genova ~ Huntington's Disease is an evil bastard. 

GREAT-GRANDMA'S GIFTS by Marianne Jones ~ sweet little children's story

LEAVING HOME by Jodi Picoult (audiobook) ~ three short pieces on the subject of leaving home. 

THE LAST ANNIVERSARY by Liane Moriarty (audiobook)

TELL THE TRUTH by Katherine Howell (Ella Marconi #8) ~ great installment, sad it's the last in the Ella Marconi series ... for now. I'm not ready for goodbye! 

THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE by Cynthia Hand (audiobook) ~ a departure from Cynthia Hand's usual, very moving.