The Weekly Update: 6/11/17

 
 

I feel like my blog used to be a much more fun place, whereas now it seems like it’s been all book reviews and unhappy weekly updates :-/ It’s just that my tennis elbow has been really bad. Even reading hurts because I have to hold a book or kindle and flip the pages.

I don’t want to give up blogging because it makes me happy, but I may have to take a break for a while. Or only post once a week. Or stop participating in the Sunday Post so that I can focus my efforts on other posts. Or maybe I’ll still post these weekly updates in case anyone actually enjoys reading these, but I’ll just disable the comments. I haven’t decided what to do yet. It’s not even that I don’t have posts ready—I do—it’s that visiting everyone else’s blogs is difficult, all that clicking and scrolling is painful (I have dictation to help with typing at least, even though all the talking is tiring sometimes). For now I’m kind of returning one comment for every two or three that I get from a person because that’s the best I can do. But I’m sorry, I won’t be visiting all of your Sunday Posts this week.

In the meantime, I have my first acupuncture appointment tomorrow even though I’m scared of needles. Now that everyone knows, I won’t be able to chicken out lol. Wish me luck or send me healing vibes if you’ve got any to spare! And please don’t tell me how scared you are of needles too since that will only freak me out more.

But oh! Ok, I know this is getting really long, but I do have one funny thing to share.

I woke up the other day while in the middle of a strange dream. It was one of those dreams that was being narrated, like I was reading a book. Except this time, I actually kind of remembered some of the narration. I wrote down what I could, but it’s not exact and flowed better in the dream (and don’t ask me for context because I literally have none):

“With the new possibility of marriage that was opened up, people had all sorts of questions. Like about cookware and crock pots. Such as, when deciding what cookware to keep, should crock pots be held to the same standard as other cookware? No, they are in a category all of their own and should be judged more like washing machines. There was also a whole section on circus animals, with drawings and everything. Of course, without any frame of reference to see how big they were, the drawings weren’t very helpful.”

Ok so I had this dream. Then I woke up. I started my usual routine. And it wasn’t until like five minutes after waking that the words in the dream really registered, and I literally just stopped and said out loud, “What the fuck?” I mean, I don’t even own a crock pot, guys. (As if that’s the strangest part. But like, why would my brain even go there?) And then I proceeded to write it all down as best as I could so that I could share it with you all lol. I blame TJ Klune entirely because I was reading Destiny of Dragons before I went to sleep, and it sounds like the same kinda writing style (although his writing is much better, trust me).


Blog/Bookish Updates:

Oops, guess I already covered that in the intro.

 

Books I Received for Review:

Nothing this week.

 

Books I Finished:

Damned Either Way by Erin Hayes
The Lightning-Struck Heart by TJ Klune
The Nero Protocol by Victoria Zagar
A Destiny of Dragons by TJ Klune
 

Damned Either Way, like the other books in the series, wasn’t bad, but it didn’t blow me away either. Lightning-Struck Heart and Destiny of Dragons were so much fun though! The Nero Protocol had a good premise but was short and rushed.

 

Song of the Week:

Nothing this week.

 

Laugh of the Week:

Nothing this week.

 

In Case You Missed It:

– I reviewed Alonso Munich is Now Dead by S. Gates, a book about an amnesiac vampire.
– I asked whether or not you save books for special occasions. (Like the apocalypse, because come on, I can’t be the only one.)
– I reviewed Triad Soul by ‘Nathan Burgoine, another fun urban fantasy book about a lovable vampire, incubus, and wizard.

 

The Sunday Post Link-Up:

Once again, I’m linking up to The Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer 🙂

 
 
 
 

Talk to me!

I feel bad asking questions this week because I don't want anyone to feel obligated to comment since I won't be visiting in return, but I'd still love to hear about your week or any good books/music you've found (or any dreams you've had) if you want to share!

 
 
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Your Thoughts

 

50 thoughts on “The Weekly Update: 6/11/17

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  1. Catherine

    You take care of you, first and foremost. I’ve only done acupuncture once and I didn’t feel a thing. The needles are that thin. Okay, so I did feel some things, but it was more “huh, something is there” awareness when I shifted slightly rather than any pain. Maaaybe a nice sense of warmness. 🙂

    As for reading, this could be a chance for you to explore more audiobooks and podcasts, and ones without the stress of reviewing. Or if paying attention to the words is hard, find a narrator with an amazing sexy voice and just listen to that for 8-13 hours. XD

    Music rec of the week: Bruises (album) by Dia Frampton. Also Lorde’s new album is out on the 16th!

    1. Kristen Burns

      Thanks, that makes me a little less nervous 🙂

      Haha, your suggestion about the sexy voice cracked me up. I’ve thought of audiobooks, but ugh, I just really do have a hard time paying attention to them. But actually, yeah, I just started rereading my favorite series tonight, so I won’t have to stress about writing review posts for those at least.

      Ooh I’ll check those out!

  2. chucklesthescot

    My dad had acupuncture a few years back and said it didn’t hurt…just felt a bit weird. I’ve never had it done myself. I have the first Erin Hayes book somewhere on my ereader I think. Waiting for the price to go down to get the others as I haven’t read it yet. Think I need to get on with an ebook blitz to get my tbr down a bit and actually try some of these authors. If you’re cutting down your blog posts, I’d suggest sticking with the posts you enjoy doing the most and cut out the others.

    1. Kristen Burns

      Well the thing is, my fear of needles is not a rational thing. It’s not even that I’m worried about pain so much with this, it’s that they just freak me out for other reasons too. But I’m gonna give it a try regardless. I’ll be curious to see what you think of the Damned books! I like all types of posts to be honest, but I have some ARC reviews, so I’ll have to get those posted soon at least.

  3. suzanna

    Hope the acupuncture works. Never tried it myself but if my bad back doesn’t ease up I could do.
    It’s hard not to do the usual blog posts but it’s best to rest. Sounds like it’s time for some Netflix binge watching … without reviews.
    Sending hugs

    1. Kristen Burns

      Thanks 🙂 I’ll prob post about the appt next Sunday lol. I’ve heard it works great for back pain though.

      Yeah, maybe it’s time I take Netflix up on that free month trial they keep offering me 😛

  4. Greg

    Good luck with the acupuncture! I’ve heard that really helps with some things so it’s probably a great thing to try. If they would hurry up and invent nanites that go in and fix stuff in our body then you’d be all set. How long do we have to wait for these things lol?

    Funny about the dream! I love how weird they are… 🙂

    And Destiny of dragons just LOOKS fun.

    1. Kristen Burns

      Thanks 🙂 oh man, yeah, if they could make nanites that would just fix stuff in my body that would be amazing!

      Lol dreams are seriously weird sometimes.

  5. verushka

    Oh hon, I hope the acupuncture works! I tired it once for my backpain and it feels weird, but it helped — I wil admit, there was some pain after, but once it settled it helped.

  6. Evelina

    Hey now, don’t you disable the comments 🙂 you’re absolutely not required to reply if you feel bad! Doesn’t mean we don’t want to check on you and give you some support. It’s absolutely fine if you don’t reply this or visit me, I just wanted you to know that we’re not going to forget you 🙂 in fact, I didn’t notice you in the linkup today, so I just made my merry way here myself.

    Best of luck on your appointment! You’ll be fine, and I hope you’ll be able to feel the benefits soon. Really keeping my fingers crossed here. And yes, I’ve always enjoyed your Sunday posts 🙂

    So hang in there!! We’re with you.

  7. Lola

    I am sorry to hear your tennis elbow hurts so much. It really sounds like a horrible injury as you need your arms for almost anything.

    I hope you do keep blogging and please don’t disable the comments as I like leaving comments on your posts. Maybe just don’t reply to them and not comment back instead? I don’t mind if you don’t visit me back, but I still like to leave a comment if I can. Sometimes you just have to take it a bit quieter. i also noticed that with my work being more busy now that it works better to just blog less. 3 posts a week is the most I can handle at the moment.

    Good luck with your acupuncture treatment and let us know how it goes!

    That does sound like a strange dream, it’s weird how dreams seem to pick up random parts like that. I had a bit of a murder mystery dream tonight and I thought the murderer was this guy, but then I figured out it was actually someone else. And a pig got kidnapped (pignapped?) and I found him eventually. And there were cavia’s that were more rabbit sized as well.

    Have a great week!

    1. Kristen Burns

      I was only thinking of disabling comments on my Sunday posts, but this is why I don’t think I could bring myself to do that. I would miss out on hearing about pignapping dreams, and that cracked me up lol. And the whole murder mystery thing sounds kind of cool! It’s like you were living in one of your cozy mysteries.

      Thanks, I will probably let you all know how the acupuncture goes next Sunday 🙂

  8. sjhigbee

    I’ve encountered T.J. Klune’s name before – but if you are actually DREAMING in his writing style, then it looks like something I’ll want to read! Really sorry about the tennis elbow:(. Do you have a wrist rest and a mouse with a wrist rest? I swear by mine – also, when battling with my persistent lower back pain, I did find sugar really aggravated the condition and now I’ve more or less on a sugar-free diet, I’m shocked at just what a difference even one sticky bun makes to my overall system these days. Best of luck with the acupuncture – I hope it really helps.

    1. Kristen Burns

      I’m not sure if this particular series would be to your taste, but he has lots of books out, and I’ve enjoyed all the ones I’ve read so far. I do have a wrist rest, and I’m not completely sugar-free, but I really don’t eat much sugar. Thanks, I do hope this acupuncture helps!

  9. Michelle @Because Reading

    I think you might just need a few weeks off. Sometimes that is such a great refresh and we will all still be here when you get back. It’s good to take care of yourself and focus on you! We all need that sometimes. Sorry your elbow is still hurting you. 🙁

    I know how you feel about the unhappy updates. That was me for a while and sometimes still is, I tend to spend more time explaining why I couldn’t do stuff when honestly I don’t think anyone cared. Those that follow me, follow me because they like what I post. I like your sunday post but you do what you need to 🙂

    I hope this week is better for you Kristen! ox

    1. Kristen Burns

      The thing is, I don’t actually want to stop blogging because it makes me happy. It’s just this stupid arm pain :-/

      Yeah, for some reason I feel this need to explain everything that I do on my blog lol. Sundays are just difficult because there are so many blogs to visit, but I’ll figure something out.

  10. Wren

    I’m sorry about all the pain you’re dealing with 🙁 I really hope it gets better soon.

    As for the needles thing, I used to be really scared of needles! But now I’m really not terrified anymore, just got some general anxiety. If it helps at all, I know some people who have gotten acupuncture and they said it didn’t hurt at all.

  11. Let's Get Beyond Tolerance

    Don’t feel bad about returning comments. You have to focus on heeling yourself, and I’m sure we’ll all be stopping by no matter what. I hope you acupuncture goes well. I’ve never had it done, but I don’t think it really hurts so I’m sure you’ll be fine!! 🙂

    -Lauren

  12. kris @ lemon-notes

    THIS COMMENT SHALL SERVE AS A COMMENT THAT YOU SHOULDN’T ANSWER UNLESS YOU WANT TO BUT EVEN THEN, THINK ABOUT IT BECAUSE I DON’T WANT YOU MAKING YOUR ELBOW WORSE OKAY?
    Alright, now that that’s out of the way, I have things shout. I am giggling out loud about your narrative dream and my bunny is looking at me like I’m crazy. He’s probably right. Also, you should get a crockpot. You can make literally anything in them. INCLUDING CAKE. Yes, cake crockpots are a thing.
    On Acupuncture:
    Okay, so the size of a needle that you usually get, like, a flu shot with (or any normal vaccination) is a pretty finely-gauged needle. Usually around 22-25 gauge size. In comparison, acupuncture needles are typically around 32-42 gauge size and it largely depends on the reason and area of acupuncture. Essentially what I’m saying is they’re teeny tiny. I had a friend who got them in his face, and he was alright. For a legitimate real life comparison, they’re akin to a strand of hair typically. They’re smaller than a regular sewing needle. If you can handle a flu-shot, you can handle acupuncture. Take it from me, I shove needles into people quite a lot, and they’re usually, like, 16 gauge 😛

    1. Kristen Burns

      I do want to answer because I have to ask, why are you shoving 16 gauge needles into people, you sadist??? That’s the size of my piercings! Because yes, I am an enigma, and I have seven ear piercings even though I’m afraid of needles! But my fear of needles isn’t just about pain, it’s the whole concept of having something injected or in your vein or something. And so maybe I’ll be able to view the acupuncture as more like piercings and less like… every other use of needles. I guess I will find out soon. Ok I really want to stop talking about needles now lol.

      I don’t really cook, so I’ve never had need of a crock pot. And I mean, it seems like it’d be a lot easier just to bake a cake the normal way in an oven lol. Also, I’m a little jealous that you have a bunny. I used to have a guinea pig! Little pets are so cute.

      1. kris @ lemon-notes

        HA if only I was shoving 16 gauge needles into people because I’m a sadist. Life of a nursing student. But, I suppose it’s usually better than dying, which some of the people would do!

  13. Karen

    I’ve had acupuncture (and my dogs get it too!) and it really helped a lot.

    I’ve had to take breaks for carpel tunnel syndrome. It hurts too much to read or type/scroll so do what you need to do so you feel better.

    For What It’s Worth

  14. Becky @ A Fool's Ingenuity

    Seriously, I am sending you all the healing vibes I have to spare. Don’t worry about not being able to comment as much and rest up. If you have to sacrifice these weekly posts for a little while then so be it. Fingers crossed the acupuncture does some good. I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels obliged to do something if they tell others they will. I am exactly the same.

    And that dream? That’s really weird. Why did your brain get so obsessed about crockpots? Why did it feel a need to categorise it with other cookware? Strange!

  15. S. J. Pajonas

    I’m sorry you’re still suffering. I’ve never done acupuncture, but I’m not afraid of needles. I wouldn’t say I love them or anything, but once you go through pregnancy twice, you become a little desensitized to them. Lol. I hope the acupuncture works! Please let us know how it goes.

  16. Annemieke

    You know, people will understand. I can’t always return all comments either. And especially when you are hurting, people would rather you choose yourself than us. (people that don’t understand are ignored because their opinion just doesn’t count) So if you need a break or need to stop commenting back for a while we understand. We will be here. Well I will be here but judging from the comments down below I won’t be the only one. Take care of you <3

    1. Kristen Burns

      Thanks 🙂 I know there are some people who will understand and still be here, but at the same time, I wouldn’t expect people to keep commenting if I was never commenting back. But I guess it’s better to have less interaction than to stop and have no interaction at all.

  17. Kei @ The Lovely Pages Reviews

    I know I forgot someone this Sunday! I really hope the acupuncture works. Never done it but I’ve heard good things. Blogging is supposed to be fun and relaxing (although in all my blogging years I’ve still not relaxed while blogging) but if you need to take a break then do it, you should take care of yourself first and we’ll all still be here!

  18. Dragonfly @ Our Familiarium

    I think I know what you mean because I feel this way often. That;s why I started blogging about other interests. I do enjoy your weekly updates but I will read any kind of posts you decide to do. Like dream posts! since you have the weirdest dreams ever 🙂 I think less posts a week would definitely help. You are indeed very popular and have very productive blog ! so it HAS to be hard to keep up with all the comments! I hope you find something that works for you and that you feel better soon! I also hope you did well with your with your acupuncture appointment

    1. Kristen Burns

      No, I actually love posting weekly updates and reviews and bookish discussions, it’s just that I haven’t been able to post many discussions or fun type posts this year because of the tennis elbow :-/ As much as I do love reviews, they’re more serious. I think, however, my dear wifey, that you have a bias because of your love for me because I am not all that popular lol. Especially lately since I haven’t been blog hopping as much. But thank you! And ugh, you will hear about the acupuncture in my next update -_-

  19. HEATHER DUFF

    I hope your acupuncture went ok!

    I posted my first Sunday Post in six months just last weekend, my schedule of posting has went to heck but a break does do the world of good!