* * * * *
Even though it would be my last opportunity pre-baby, I had decided against joining Bout of Books 12 because I was supposed to be down in Florida for my friend's wedding half the week. As a matter of fact I was supposed to be an almost-6-months pregnant bridesmaid, but after a very uneventful first half+ of pregnancy, things started getting a little interesting. I hate writing super vague things that probably sound more alarming than the truth, so I'll give you the short version of the story. Basically, I'm OK and baby is OK, but I've been having dips in blood pressure that make me feel lightheaded and also a rapid pulse which I have some follow-up appointments to investigate further. I'm not driving and it's kind of a crap-shoot how I'm going to feel just standing up and walking down the hall. For someone who was feeling great and working out regularly up until a month ago, this has been very weird and a major adjustment, so we're sticking close to home for now. Bummer.
So while I really would rather be at the wedding, if I'm stuck at home anyway, I think participating in Bout of Books will give me something fun to focus on when I am not working. And even though there is no longer a goals linky to discourage negativity and feelings of *failure* I think setting a few goals will help give me some direction. So here's my plan for the week:
1. Have fun!
2. Read at least a little bit every day
3. Finish my current book club book & audiobook (I thought I would finish these over the weekend, but didn't quite get there.)
4. Read from my TBR shelves (I can only send my husband to the library for me so many times, so it seems a good excuse to focus on books I already own. Plus, I want to read more from my TBR in 2015 anyway, so I might as well get off to a good start!)
5. Read mostly short books. (While I like to keep track of my reading, I really don't let myself get hung up on the numbers. But I still think it would be fun to start off the year by reading a whole bunch of books and it's much easier to do that if I pick some of the shorter ones on my shelves. All the books I've been eyeing to read soon are on the short side anyway. I will probably still read a few chapters in my re-read of Diana Gabaldon's Voyager that I already have started though -- and that one is definitely not short!)
6. Read whatever I feel like (Despite #4, which I still think is a great idea, I am giving myself the freedom to change my mind if I want to. I've sometimes fought against it since starting this blog, but I'm very much a mood reader at heart. Back to reading the way it should be -- for me!)
I am glad you and the baby are okay. Seems like the perfect time to catch up on some reading. I am doing Bout of Books as well. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cynthia! I'm trying to find that silver lining -- have fun & good luck with Bout of Books yourself.
DeleteYikes, that sounds no fun at all! Take care of yourself and that baby!
ReplyDeleteAlso, for what it's worth, I still did Bout of Books during the week of my brother's wedding. I only read one book and wasn't nearly as active online as I usually am... so, not as fun as usual, but it felt wrong to miss it completely, even if I did have a good reason. (Speaking of which... I'm still toying with the idea of signing up for the next one in May, despite my blog hiatus. We'll see what happens.)
Thanks Charleen -- it has been a bit scary & totally unexpected after I got so lucky with how I was feeling early on, but I keep being told not to worry, so I'm trying my best. I think I will feel better (mentally at least!) after I have my next two appointments tomorrow & next week and hopefully get some more answers. Little guy doesn't seem too perturbed -- he's been kicking a heck of a lot lately which is always reassuring :)
DeleteI think I would consider the May Bout of Books as well even if it's sort of unofficial. Even this time around, I think I will mostly focus on the reading and am not sure how many challenges and things I will do anyway -- I'll see how I feel when the time comes around though!
Yup, answers are good. Always better to know what's going on, even if there's not much you can do about it.
DeleteI've been waking up with some dizziness the past few days... not lightheaded, exactly, but more like a room-spinning vertigo. But I've had issues with that in the past, so I doubt it's pregnancy-related. I still plan to ask about it this week, though. I also have my glucose test, so here's hoping I don't secretly have gestational diabetes.
Better safe than sorry! Take care of yourself!
ReplyDeleteYou're definitely right there! Thanks Christine :)
DeleteI'm so glad you and the baby are okay. I will keep both of you in my thoughts. Do what you need to do to be healthy.
ReplyDeleteOn the plus side, you can stay in bed and read all week. That is never a bad thing. Right? lol
Thanks Kay! And nope, not a bad thing in my book at all (even though it turned out that sitting around was not the best thing for me!)
DeleteSorry you're feeling a bit rubbish at the moment, I promise that not being pregnant any more feels great once you get past the delivery part! Try to relax, read lots and not worry :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sam -- I do hear that is the case & I certainly hope so! I'm hoping the last three months won't be so bad if we can get all this craziness under control though. ::crosses fingers::
DeleteSorry to hear you're having some pregnancy issues, but the fact that you and baby are both okay is the main thing. I'm not going to lie, pregnancy isn't all hearts and roses, but once those 9 months pass it'll all be worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your challenge! And I hope you get plenty of rest and relaxation!
:-)
Bits & Bobs
Thanks Jade -- and no it definitely is not all hearts and roses! I was so spoiled earlier on too because I really had a dream first trimester+ that was way better than I ever expected it could be. But the little guy will definitely be worth it -- hopefully on the road to feeling better and stronger for the final trimester though :)
DeleteOh no! Sorry your not feeling great but I am also glad you and the baby are doing well. Did you know Vasilly @1330v, Books a Tasty and Jessica @ Books A True Story are expecting too? WOW!
ReplyDeleteBe safe and get tons of rest sweetie.
Thanks Alysia! So many bookish babies -- that's wonderful news :)
DeleteOh, that sucks, but good that generally everything is okay. Enjoy your reading and as others have already said, relaaaax :))
ReplyDeleteThanks Riv -- and you're right, it does suck, but I do know it could be much worse -- gotta look on the bright side :)
DeleteI'm sorry Christine, but I'm glad you and the baby are okay. I wish you luck during Bout of Books. I find it funny how you only can send your husband to the library so many times. I'm sure he doesn't mind too much.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rachael. He has been very good about everything, but considering how many books we have at home, I do think he wonders why I need books from the library at all, lol. I tell him it's to prevent me from acquiring even MORE books though, which he does seem to think is a good idea :)
Delete