What a difference a week makes! As I type this, Kevin is on his second day of training for a new job! It’s the same work as the job that disappeared last week – driving disabled and low-income patients to medical appointments – but for a different company. The amazing thing is that it is for a bigger, more stable company, he’ll get more hours, and the pay is (slightly) better. As I look back at the past couple of weeks, and how everything happened, it is easy to see how God worked things out for the best possible outcome. I hope that next time I’m in the middle of a crisis, I remember this and don’t panic!
I really appreciate all of you who were praying for us, sending good thoughts our way, and continually leaving me words of encouragement here and on Facebook. It’s been a long nineteen months of unemployment. In a lot of ways we are stronger for it, and I am so relieved to be coming out the other side of the tunnel.
Now, for the reminders. Next Thursday, the 31st, is the day that I will be posting my review of My Antonia by Willa Cather, along with a Mr. Linky for anyone who is reading along for the challenge. Our read-along title for February is Bleak House, so don’t forget to get your hands on a copy. It’s a chunkster, and you’ll want to start reading on the 1st!
I will be absent from the blog until the 31st. I am reading a lot, and enjoying it very much, but am not finding the tme or motivation for blogging about said reading. I’m hoping that taking a short break will bring my blogging mojo back – and that I can use part of the break to get some posts written ahead for those busy days that sneak up on me. If I’m still feeling in need of a break after the 31st, I may take another week or two break. I love my blog, but lately, every time I think about, I feel guilty. I need some guilt-free time with no blogging commitments.
I will, however, be reading and commenting on your blogs – probably more! – because that never feels like an obligation. 
See you around the blogosphere, and I’ll be back soon.
Yay! I am so happy for you and your family that you guys are finally out from under the 19 months unemployment journey. I honestly don’t know how you did it; I am facing a significant pay decrease and face worry about maintaining stable financial health around here, but I still have my job and that counts for a whole lot
I hear you about reading and not feeling the urge to blog about the book. For me, I just finished a book that I loved, and wrote down some notes about the story. I just do not feel like using my energy towards writing the notes out into a decent blog post. I’m feeling guilty about that. I also have 4 other blog posts that need to go from either the draft format or just get out of my head into a post, but gosh, the energy needed for it is energy I’d rather spend elsewhere (reading, reading my Bible, working on my photo album, time with kids, bike riding, etc).
I hope you have a nice blogging break, and that you feel motivated on the 31st. Enjoy with no guilt.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Thanks, Deanna. I am sorry to hear about your pay cut – finances are such a source of stress. I will be praying for you!
Enjoy your blogging break! If anyone deserves to take some time for herself, it would be you. And a HUGE congratulations to Kevin on his job. See? I told you 2013 was going to be a better year for you!
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Yep, Michelle – you were right!
Twitter: MargReads
says:
OH that is awesome news! So glad everything worked out!
Enjoy your blogging break. We will miss you but still be here when you get back!
Marg´s last post ..Australia Day Book Giveaway Blog Hop
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Thanks, Marg.
Twitter: baystateRA
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Great news about the job! I’ve been taking something of an unplanned blogging break, partly for lack of time, but also because I end up doing other things instead of writing up posts. Changes like new jobs can do that to you, so don’t feel guilty!
Laurie C´s last post ..The Power of Habit Group Read Part 3
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Laurie – the weird thing is that it’s not even my job! But things have been so stressful, and now that the stress is lifted, I’m just craving some me-time.
The job thing does indeed sound like Karma! (or similar!) I totally empathize with needing a blogging break – hope you enjoy it!
rhapsodyinbooks´s last post ..Review of “A Land More Kind Than Home” by Wiley Cash
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Rhapsody – thanks!
I am SOOOOO glad to hear this! Good news (and prayers answered) indeed. I’m sure you and Kevin are truly breathing many sighs of relief! Enjoy your blogging break, Carrie.
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Thanks, Beth – we have been very relieved.
Twitter: bookjourney
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Awesome! I think I seen on Facebook about the new job and I was thrilled for you and your family!
Sheila (Book Journey)´s last post ..Will To Murder by Gail Feichtinger (non fiction)
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Thanks, Sheila!
Twitter: BookAddictHeath
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What great news about Kevin’s job!! Relax and enjoy your break. When blogging starts to feel like a chore, a break is always a necessary thing. I’m sure you’ll come back refreshed and excited to talk about books.
Heather´s last post ..The Uninvited by Liz Jensen
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Heather – I’m sure I will, too.
Twitter: myeclecticbooks
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I am so happy fo you and your family! Things do sometimes have a way of working out in a surprizing manner! Enjoy your blogging break!
Melissa´s last post ..Added to the Bookshelf – 1/27/13
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Melissa – thanks so much!
Twitter: Vasilly
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Take all the time you need for a blogging break. You’ve been going through so much lately. We’ll be here when you get back.
Vasilly´s last post ..Sunday Salon: Bookish Panic, Read-a-thons, and Read-Ins
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Thanks, V.
Congrats on the great news! I think taking a break sounds like a good idea every once in a while. Enjoy.
Susan´s last post ..The Marriage Plot
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Thanks, Susan.
Twitter: worducopia
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I hope you’re enjoying your blogging break! So glad a job came through.
Ali´s last post ..Soundtrack
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Me, too, Ali, me, too!
Great news for your family. Spend your time away smiling
stacybuckeye´s last post ..It’s Friday so let’s talk about reality tv
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Stacy – I have been!
I’m very happy to hear your good news and will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
Kathleen´s last post ..Some More Reads to Talk About
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Thanks, Kathleen!