The Sunday Post #205


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
It's a chance to share news - a post to recap the past week on your blog, 
showcase books and things we have received, and share news about what is
coming up on your blog in the week ahead. You can find the info here:

  • I've made it a point to get out of the house more over the last several days and it's made a big difference. Nothing major - just walks in the neighborhood or going for a drive after dinner in the evening - but it's helped. I think I was taking the isolation thing to the extreme for a while and wasn't even stepping foot outside the house. I can be out while still distancing so I'm trying to do more of that.
  • Friday was my younger sister's birthday (happy birthday, Terri!) and I actually got to see her which was fun. She and my niece showed up for the Friday Night Driveway Picnic at my mom's house. No gift-giving, and we all still kept our distance, but it was still great to be able to see her on her birthday. I'll be happy when we can actually get together and celebrate properly.
  • My latest obsession: Coke Zero Cherry Vanilla. Love it! I switched to Coke Zero last year (I like it so much better than Diet Coke... and don't even get me started on Diet Pepsi. *shudder*) but I discovered the cherry vanilla version last week and let me just say - I am obsessed. It might be the very thing to get me through quarantine. LOL
  • This week's 80's music fix is a one-hit wonder from Q-Feel. Actually, the "hit" part might be stretching it. It wasn't ever really a hit at all, but Dancing In Heaven is a catchy song and it was used in the super-cheesy but fun movie Girls Just Want to Have Fun (starring a very young Sarah Jessica Parker). I'd never seen the video before today and it's so heinously bad I just had to share. Why do the guys in the background have headsets and microphones? What's the purpose of the two girls? Are they supposed to be... dancing? What are the white sticks they're holding? Are they guiding an airplane in for landing? You be the judge. 
WHAT I COMPLETED IN THE LAST WEEK:
WHAT I'M CURRENTLY READING: 
    
     

READING:

LISTENING:

KINDLE BOOKS:

  


eARC FOR REVIEW: 







How was your week? Any new books? Any news to share? 
I'd love to hear about it!

69 comments

  1. Lucky you to have a copy of Sure Shot! I hope you'll love it. I can't wait to get my hands on that one :)
    I have been taking self quarantining to an extreme, too. And I really, really miss seeing other people. I need to make a point to get out more, too. If not, I think I won't be able to keep going.
    Have a wonderful week ahead, Tanya. Stay safe and healthy.

    Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookviews

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    1. Sure Shot is off to such a great start. I'm loving both Tank and Bess.

      I hope you find ways to get out more while still distancing, Linda. It's definitely made a difference for me.

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  2. A driveway picnic sounds like a great idea, and it was lovely you can meet family but still all stay safe.

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    1. We started the driveway picnics during out first week or isolating as a way to continue checking in with my mom. She looks forward to it every week. :)

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  3. My husband made the switch to Coke Zero a little while ago. His favorite is the orange flavor. I'm a root beer fan myself.

    We've been trying to get out a lot more. We are in the process of moving so that's keeping up busy.

    Looks like a great haul. Have a great week!

    My post: https://stuckinthestacks.com/2020/04/26/sunday-salon-the-year-of-april-is-coming-to-an-end/

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    1. I've never tried the range flavor. I'll have to look for that one. And I love root beer, too. IBC is my fave. :)

      Oh my goodness, I can't imagine moving in the midst of all this. Sounds stressful. I hope it's going well.

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  4. The days that I go outside are definitely making a difference for me.
    I try to do it not too much, but going for a run or just getting the necessary groceries are really moments that I can enjoy.
    Usually I would be out of the house 70% of my time, and now I'm inside 90% of the time. It's a lot to take in.

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    1. I agree, Esther. Just small outings can make such a difference. The difference in our lives is kind of jarring but I keep telling myself that it's only temporary.

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  5. I used to be all about Diet Pepsi until they changed it a few years ago. Coke Zero tastes odd to me, so Diet Coke it is , though I mostly drink water. Good for you getting out. If it's what you need, it's good that you're doing it. I saw Girls Just Want to Have Fun. It was a high quality film. XD Everyone is reading Sure Shot. I have pre-order for that. Hope it's good

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    1. Oh my goodness, it's so maddening when a favorite product changes their formula. It's like, why? Just why?? I drink plenty of water to balance out the Coke Zero... but I'm still drinking plenty of it. LOL I'm enjoying Sure Shot so much. I wish I'd read the entire series so I knew everyone's back story but I'll eventually get caught up.

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  6. Since I've been at home, I've tried going for walks outside as much as I can. I know I'm not eating great, so I need the exercise! I've noticed that people are being respectful and giving everyone a wide berth, even on the sidewalks.

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    1. That's great that people are being smart even out on walks. We've encountered the same but there have also been a couple instances when someone has crossed the street to be right where we are and it's like, really? So we just immediately cross the street ourselves to keep our distance. They look at us weird but whatever.

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  7. I agree that getting outside is a huge part of keeping my own sanity. I think that we will probably start to see a transition more to social distancing and less isolation.

    We did a huge happy birthday drive by parade for a coworker this week. She happens to live 10 houses down from me, so everyone gathered in their cars at our house. It was so great to see everyone who I've only seen via video conferencing for the past 7 weeks. She loved the surprise and was balling her eyes out at the sight of us all.

    I LOVE a Coke Zero. I used to drink far too many of them, but resolved to stop buying them when we moved to the new house a couple months ago. Now I only have one every so often, but your post has me craving!

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    1. It's going to be interesting to see how the transition works (when it comes). Some people rushing back to normal, others still distancing and/or isolating.

      Aw, I love the birthday drive-by! What a great thing to do. And the recipient obviously loved it.

      I should lay off the Coke Zero some but for now I'm not even worried about it. I figure there are much worse vices I could be using to get thru isolation. :)

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  8. Rushing to read your review about Amy's book Tanya!!! And a driveway picnic seems fun. Maybe you'll launch a new trend, who knows right? Have a good week my friend!

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    1. The inventor of the Friday Night Driveway Picnic... my claim to fame. LOL

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  9. I have never been a soda person but I do drink some diet Mountain Dew. I have less of it with the water in the door of our fridge now. And we drink a lot of unsweetened iced tea.

    I love your Friday Night Driveway picnics! That is so cool.

    For some reason, I got Cake on audio for free, can't remember why. It was NOT an ARC, just free. But I have yet to read it. So I will be watching to see your thoughts. oh it's Andi Arndt! I love her! I should move it up my list.

    Stay safe and be well! I'm glad you are doing better.

    Anne - Books of My Heart Here is my Sunday Post   

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    1. I never really cared for Mountain Dew but my sister loves that stuff. And she drinks the regular, not diet. I also try to drink a lot of water to balance out the Coke Zero. :)

      Andi Arndt is just best! And she did so well with Cake. I'll try to get a review up this week. I really, really enjoyed it.

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  10. Cherry Vanilla Coke zero is LIFE!!! Everywhere around here is sold out though and I'm dying. I NEED IT! Glad you got to see your family! And i'm getting ready to start Sure Shot as well. I love that series!

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    1. Twinning! :) Love that Cherry Vanilla Coke Zero! But so lame that it's out of stock for you. Shall I FedEx you a 12-pack? LOL I'm about 30% into Sure Shot and loving it.

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  11. I drink far too much Pepsi Max, it’s my caffeine source since I don’t drink coffee.
    I love the idea of your Friday Night Driveway picnics..such fun!

    Wishing you a great reading week, be well x

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    1. Same here, Shelleyrae - no coffee for me. Ever. Yuck. People always seem to find that so strange but I'd rather have almost anything other than coffee. LOL

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  12. Love the funny at the end of this post - I really do injure myself in such random ways. LOL
    I love that you were able to see your sister on her birthday, even if it was from a distance. I do miss seeing family members, and that's one thing I'd be ready for when the time comes.
    That's great you're getting out of the house more. I would go even more crazy if I never went outside, or was in the car. It's nice to feel like you're getting out or doing something different.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. Same here, Lauren. Not having contact with family is tough. I do see my mom once a week, but we keep our distance. And I saw my other sister this afternoon... from a distance. *sigh* I'll definitely have to keep up with the getting out of the house thing. It helps!

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  13. I see you're giving AL Jackson another shot. What did you think of Perry's book??

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    1. Oh my gosh, thank you!! I kept having a feeling that I'd read something by Jackson before but I scrolled all through my GR lists and found nothing. Your comment reminded me that it was an audiobook that I tried not so long ago and I quit so early into it that I never even bothered adding it to GR. That was driving me crazy. Haha. So yeah, I guess I'm giving her another go. Again, the character's thoughts are pretty dramatic and OTT (particularly Sebastian) but I'll see how it goes.

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    2. Oh, and I loved the Devney Perry book! Hopefully I'll get a review posted this coming week. I can't wait to read more from her. I imagine that will happen SOON.

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    3. So glad you loved the Devney Perry book! I still need to read that series!!

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  14. I'm so glad that getting out of the house a bit has helped. That's what I've been doing too, taking the dog out a couple of times a day for a quick loop around the neighborhood. It's not any great adventure, but just getting that breath of fresh air seems to help. Happy Birthday to your sister too! Love that you are still doing those driveway picnics.

    LOL at that 80's video. That is hilarious!

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    1. I only remember the song from the movie and had never seen the video until yesterday. It was too cringey not to share. LOL

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  15. Getting out for a walk is my lifeline right now, so I get it. You just can't spend ALL your time indoors and stay sane. I'm glad you got out and it helped. Enjoy your soda, we have to have our treats to get through. Have a great week and stay safe!

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    1. Funny how it's the little things that are making such a difference right now. A simple daily walk (or multiple daily walks LOL) is a total lifesaver.

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  16. I think we might need to try this Friday Night Driveway Picnic thing, it sounds wonderful. The social isolation thing is taking such a toll on people. Not me as an introvert lol but I know for a lot of people it is. :)

    "Slept wrong" lol right? What even is that? How do I pull something SLEEPING??? :)

    There used to be a diner here years ago that had vanilla and chocolate (yes, really) Coke and I LOVED it.

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    1. The Friday Night Driveway Picnics are definitely a highlight of the week.
      Chocolate coke? Sounds divine!

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  17. A driveaway picnic sounds like such a fun, and interesting idea. I haven't done those before, but I will now :) I'm happy to hear you're getting out the house more.

    Beena @ Beena Khan

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    1. It's been our way of still seeing/checking in on my mom during this time. :)

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  18. That video though!!! Definitely 80s cheese, and VERY young Sarah Jessica Parker. Hahaha... I'm excited for the weather to warm up here so I can at least sit outside to read. Hopefully in the next couple weeks... Stay safe!

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    1. It's definitely been warm here... well into the 80's over the last several days. Hope it warms up for you, too!

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  19. I love Coke Zero! Did you know it was originally conceptualized to market to men - I guess they didn't want to drink "diet." Not sure how that worked out but I love it - I am trying to drink less so I get the tiny cans and limit myself to one with lunch. It's delicious!

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    1. No kidding! I had not heard that. But I'm glad they made it because I was never a fan of Diet Coke but for whatever reason Coke Zero just works for me. I get the little cans, too. Or, as we refer to them: "baby Cokes." LOL

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  20. Its good to get out in the fresh air and sunshine. Its not really healthy for us to stay indoors like we have been. We can still social distance and be safe and take in the sunshine. I go up into the mountains any chance I get.

    Looking forward to your thoughts on the Sarina Bowen and Jackson books!! Hope you enjoy them.

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    1. I agree, Renee. Getting outside and getting some fresh air is so important. Sounds like you have a gorgeous area to do that in!

      I'm totally enjoying the new one by Sarina Bowen. She never disappoints. Jury is still out on the A.L. Jackosn.

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  21. We've been able to go out for walks since this started and it makes ALL the difference for me. Glad you got out a little too.

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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    1. I really wasn't doing myself any favors by isolating so extremely. Getting out and about (while still distancing) has helped so much.

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  22. Hmm, I loved diet vanilla coke, but they stopped making it. I will check out this cherry version.

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  23. I love the sound of your driveway picnics! I'm glad it allowed you to at least see your sister on her birthday. :)
    I don't think I've ever heard that song before and I think I'm glad of it! lol What's with the orange tan?! The semaphore backing chicks are also super weird... Very 80s.

    Your totally random had me in stitches - it's so true! I stood up today and my knee "cracked" and had me limping for about an hour... Fun times! lmao

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    1. "Semaphore backing chicks"... LOL I laughed so hard when I first read that. :)

      Isn't getting older just a joy? Random aches and pains that appear for no reason... and last way longer than they should.

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  24. Glad you guys got to celebrate your sister's birthday, even if it wasn't the normal type of celebration. :-)

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

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    1. Thanks Nicole. It'll be great to be able to get together when all this is over (or better) and give her some gifts.

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  25. I'm glad you've been able to go outside this week. And to see your family.. That must have been great.

    Stay safe and happy reading.

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    1. Thanks Maureen. It's great to be able to see family - even if we have to keep our distance.

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  26. Good to hear you're getting out the house a bit more. That was actually my plan for this week as I think a lot of my negative mood is because I haven't been out more but now the weather has taken a turn so I don't fancy walking in the rain! Your Friday night driveway picnics do sound fun, glad your family could be together whilst still keeping a distance.

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    1. Isolating at home is hard enough, but feeling trapped indoors due to weather makes it even worse. I hope it clears up soon and you can get out and take some walks, Becky.

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  27. DANCING IN HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I remember this from Footloose and I loved it. I actually heard it on the radio yesterday, so it's really timely that it's on this post. LOL

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    1. I didn't know it was used in Footloose, too! Very cool! :)

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  28. Had to laugh at that random, because it's so true! I think getting out helps my mental health so much too! Even if it's just a 15 minute walk it helps me de-stress and clear the cobwebs. Glad to hear it helped you! Love your Driveway Picnics! :)

    Oooh, I need to get back to the Brooklyn Bruisers series! Love it.

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    1. The Brooklyn/Brooklyn Bruisers series is so much fun. And Sure Shot is another great entry to the series. :)

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  29. I've been taking the stay at home orders too far I think too. I have a 4 month old and I haven't even stepped outside with him then realized that's probably not great developmentally. So now I at least just go outside and let him look at the flowers, trees, grass, lol. I have to go to the store still so I do leave the house, but he doesn't. eep

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    1. It's easy to kind of carry it too far, Molly. I've loosened up a little over the last two weeks and have been going for walks, going for drives, but still social distancing. It's helped so much. I hope you can find a happy medium. :)

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    2. I was trying to say that *I* had been taking the isolating thing too far. I wasn't trying to imply that you were!

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  30. We take the dogs for one or two walks every day and it makes a huge difference. I think you really need to get out of the house a bit, or at least I do. We have always walked the dogs daily but now they are expecting multiple walks every day. I am glad you were able to see your family and wish your sister a happy birthday in person. I loved Girls Just Want to Have Fun so I knew the song right away but don't think that I have ever seen the video. Have a great week!

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    1. I think you're one of the few people who actually remembered the movie, Carole. :) We must be (semi) close in age.

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  31. I have been the same way as you, I haven't even driven in my car since March 13th. My husband has been the one who's going out and doing our grocery pickups, best invention ever! But we go outside and play in our backyard, with my kiddos, for at least a few hours a day and go for a bike ride around the neighborhood all the time ♥. And I'm dying from the image you shared! Why is it that we sleep wrong and then wake up in pain?! Life can be hard enough at times, we don't need that too lol!
    Jen @ Star-Crossed Book Blog

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    1. Same here, Jen! My husband has been taking care of groceries. Sometimes going to the Commissary on base and sometimes doing pick-up. Now there's talk of meat shortages so he's been buying extra meats for the second freezer on each trip.

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  32. CHERRY VANILLA WHAT! I remember their special Diet Coke flavors from the mid-2000s and I have craved and missed them ever since. I don't like Coke Zero on its own as much as Diet Coke, but I put up with it to have vanilla flavoring back, and I seem to remember cherry vanilla being even better back in the day (which is weird, because I hate plain cherry coke). I hope I can find some next time I'm at the store.

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    1. Some of the flavors seem weird to me (like orange!) but the cherry vanilla is sooo yummy. :)

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  33. I love Cherry Vanilla! I need to get out of my house more often! I think it would make things better. This last week we went on a couple of drives, and it helps with the cabin fever. I love the idea of your driveway picnics, and told my mom we should have one :)

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

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    1. I agree, Lindy. Just going out for a drive in the evenings has been good for me. Not even getting out of the car... but just a change of scenery is good. And I hope you plan a driveway picnic! :)

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