Sunday, May 31, 2015

Sunday Batherings and New Books


I'm in an official reading slump,  I have 3 reviews to write, I've started about 5 books and I when I sit down to read, I seem to grab my iPhone after reading a few pages and play Scrabble or surf  websites instead.   I'm going to try some non fiction next to see if that helps (it has in the past).

Of course, there may be a very good reason I'm a bit preoccupied ----


Yes, I gave my notice, it's official, I'm Retiring in July, and have just about 30 work days left. Can't wait. I've been dreaming about retirement since I was 35, and always new I would retire a bit early while I could still enjoy life.   I've had (2) exciting careers, human resource management (20 years) and libraries (13 years), however, I always enjoyed NOT working days most of all. The countdown is on.

Of course, the slump hasn't stopped me from accumulating a few more books (hey, some day I hope to feel like reading once again).  What is your remedy for getting your reading mojo back?

Here's the new books that arrived by mail recently.


Sunday Plans - Today we are off to my son and DIL's house for a cookout. All (3) little granddaughters will be together as well --fun day. Hoping everyone has a lovely day.

46 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your near retirement! I hope you enjoy your new books. When I'm in a slump, I take a break - sometimes look for that perfect book.

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    1. Thanks Pat,

      Yes, I am trying not to let "not reading" bother me. I did work on a review today so that is some progress.LOL

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  2. I am counting down and I still have 2.5 years to go!! and like you, it will be a bit early.
    I hate when I'm in a reading slump. Not sure I do anything specific... sorry.

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    1. Debbie -- I bet those 2.5 years fly by -- they tend to, which as we know is a double-edge sword:(

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  3. Congratulations on your impending retirement!! So happy for you, Diane! I'm trying to persuade hubby to gradually ease out and enjoy life a little more while we can, too.

    As for the slump, nonfiction usually does the trick for me. Hope it works for you :)

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    1. Thanks JoAnn, I actually am trying a non fiction and so far so good, just feeling a little distracted.

      Thanks for the well wishes.

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  4. Congratulations! Retiring young is the best thing to do - Carl is really enjoying his retirement. I'm sure you will too. You just have to find the right book to grab you. When my phone or whatever distracts me from reading, it means the book's not that good.

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    1. So happy your husband is enjoying his retirement as well. My hub has been retired for almost 3 years and loves not working as well.

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  5. Congratulations on your retirement! I've always looked forward to retirement, but I still have a ways to go. I get in reviewing slumps but I can't say I've hit a reading slump. Maybe reread an old favorite? Or read something really fluffy that you wouldn't normally?

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    1. I'm trying a non fiction now and so far so good.

      Thanks for the happy wishes.

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  6. So exciting about the retirement! It's refreshing to see someone say that while they loved their career(s), they enjoyed their time off most...I think it's true for most of us, but not many are willing to say it!

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    1. Shannon -- I agree, and don't think I would have admitted it out loud in my younger days, but who cares now, LOL

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  7. Congratulations on your upcoming retirement! How exciting! I think that big of a life change would probably put me in a reading slump as well. I have a hard time focusing on a book when there's a lot going on. My favorite book slump buster is a lightweight reread. Hopefully you'll be out of it soon!

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    1. Katherine -- I really think that is the reason, I can't focus. Retirement is certainly a life changer when you've worked 40 years:)

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  8. WeeeeeeOooooo! Retirement here you come!

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  9. I switch to audio when I get into a slump... usually something fun and easy to listen too. I have a more difficult time getting through writing slumps.

    I totally understand enjoying 'not working'. I ended up 'retiring' five years early when the company I worked for was sold and our office closed. I'm actually busier now with volunteer work, occasional temp work, and other projects.

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    1. It's funny Leslie, people keep asking me, if I'll work part time when I retire and I keep saying - no way, when I'm done, I'm done😆😆😆

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  10. Congratulations on your retirement!! Think of how much you'll be able to read now! And - I never realized you were in HRM for so long - my last career before staying home with the kids was Leadership Development in the HR group at a large bank.
    Sorry you've been in a slump - that happened to me earlier this year and My Sunshine Away got me out of it. I read Radiant Angel and it's a decent thriller, but not my favorite of DeMille's.

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    1. Yes, Sarah, I spent my HR career at a private women's college and the healthcare industry, as a regional Director for the Eastern U.S.

      I think I am just too focused on retiring and once work is over, my joy of books will return.

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  11. Congratulations on your retirement. I hope you find lots of fun and exciting things to do.

    I too am in a reading slump, and sadly don't have any advice for you on how to get out of it. For me, it usually ends with a book that I can't put down. Finding that book isn't an easy thing to do though.

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  12. I had to laugh at how long you've been dreaming of retirement...I remember that feeling, too! It's not that I hated my career, but it definitely wasn't fun, and I loved staying home more.

    Once you retire, I think you won't have that many slumps...having choices about what to do is so freeing.

    Enjoy your day, which sounds wonderful.

    Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES


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    1. I think you are right Laurel - right now my mind is on all I hope to do and finding new routines beginning in July.

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  13. Congratulations, Diane! I play scrabble too. Not sure how to invite you to a game though. Looks like thru only Facebook or Origin. Hmmm...

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    1. I emailed you Peggy with my scrabble info, maybe we can play.

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  14. Congrats on the retirement, Diane! How fun for you and I can just see how much more time perhaps you'll enjoy with the grands! Reading slumps - well, my best advice is to just go with it. Watch some TV, try non-fiction, try a magazine or an audiobook or just wait it out. Sounds like your mind is just hopping all over the place. It will settle out before long and think of all the time you'll have to read then. Good luck!!

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    1. I think that is it Kay. My mind seems focused on all ai hope to do once work is a thing of the past.

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  15. I hope the cookout was fun, Diane! Congratulations on your retirement. I am counting down the years until I can retire. At least ten or so, I have a feeling. Somedays I wish it was tomorrow.

    I hope your reading slump passes soon. Take care and have a good week!

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    1. Thanks Wendy, I hope all is going well for you and yours.

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  16. Woohoo!! Congratulations on your retirement! Enjoy the last few days of work and enjoy your retirement harder. I know I would be super excited as well.

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    1. There were years when retirement seemed so far away, but those years fly by.

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  17. Best wishes on your retirement! More reading time lies ahead!

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  18. Diane, I have a hard time imagining you in a reading slump, as you are such an incredible reader! Nevertheless, any "slump" will certainly end when you find a book that you love and can't put down.
    Congratulations on your near retirement. I hope it gives you more time to do what you enjoy most.

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  19. Diane I hope you had a wonderful day with your family and congrats on the retirement. I bet you can't wait.

    Reading slumps are the worst. I'm going through a but of one. Who would have thought you can have a slump with audiobooks but I'm doing it. Lol. Usually I just keep trying to find something that might grab my interest but more often than not i funs the slump just has to pass.

    Hope you have a good week.

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    1. Yesterday just flew by with those 3 little girls. So fun to see them interact.

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  20. You need a put a countdown thingy in your sidebar! Someone asked me how much longer I plan to work before I retire. I have 9 years or so which would give me 31 years of service with the state and I will still be youngish. But 9 years. That seems like a long time these days.

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    1. That is a great idea Ti...LOL

      Wow, those are good numbers 31 and still in your 50's when you retire. Well deserved I am sure and it will come quicker than you think.

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  21. Congrats on your retirement coming up soon. My husband and I are retired and greatly enjoy it. Hey, more time to read :) and do things of your choice. I am a retired librarian.

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  22. Will these next 30 days fly by or drag? Congratulations! When I find myself unable to settle into a book, I usually pull out an old favorite either in print or audio and it normally does the trick. I want to listen to Memory Man!

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  23. Congratualtions!! I, too, put in a letter of my retirement, but mine will not be effective until 2018. (I just had to put it in under this year's contract or I would not have any benefits left at all.) I'm so happy for you that you can have more time and freedom come July! What a summer this will be!

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  24. Hi Diane! I've been out of touch with the blogging world and come back to see that you are retiring! Congrats, retiring young is the best way so you can enjoy it. Hopefully, your book slump will resolve when things settle down.

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  25. Yay for your retirement!! And you can never have too many books :)

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