Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Wednesday Reads and Feeling Good

In Monday’s comments, Maria mentioned I must be in a good mood. And going by that post, it sure seemed like it. But actually, I was trying to stave off some depression. Reading certain blogs lately has been kind of disheartening, making me feel kind of stupid. And it wouldn’t be the first time I thought it.

I felt that way when I stayed with a job where I felt I wasn’t appreciated by the higher-ups. Instead of being rewarded with pay raises and bonuses, I was rewarded with more work. So why was I staying? Because I had friends there and I felt knowledgeable. Eventually money became a concern and I quit for a better paying job. And that was my downfall in my accounting career. I hated it. I missed my friends. I learned it’s not always about the money. My husband might think that way at times, but I can’t.

So after reading some of those blogs, I started wondering if I was doing things all wrong. If I was being stupid. But there are reasons behind everything and I know why I’m doing what I’m doing. It might not be right for those other bloggers, but it’s right for me. Thus I wrote that post. It made me feel good just writing it, so in that I succeeded.

And I think I’ll avoid those bloggers for awhile, too.

Now, here’s what I read during the week:

Jan 24: “Blood Reunited” by Amber Belldene. This is the third and final book in the Blood Vine series, a paranormal romance. Blurb from Goodreads: Brooding vampire halfling and biologist Bel Maras is determined to create a cure for the wasting disease that plagues his vampire family. His work becomes essential as the Hunters intensify their global and bloody campaign. When Bel's cure fails, only his ancient and estranged godmother Uta Ilirije can help. But seeing the ice-cold Uta reveals something shocking--she is his bonded mate. She may be a dangerous warrior, but Uta feels her failures acutely. She has been unable to protect her kind from Hunters, and vampires are dying out. Worse, she tied Bel to her long ago in an accident of blood, then abandoned him for his own good--a choice he has never forgiven. Many days, she is convinced Bel and the vampires would be better off if she just walked into the sun. Biology has fated them to be mates. Now these old enemies must overcome their past to save the vampires and come to peace with the bond they never chose. I bought and read the first two books of this series and loved them. I told Amber (yes, we’re friends) I couldn’t wait until her next one came out, so she sent me an ARC! I still bought the e-book when it came out yesterday, because the formatting on that ARC sucked. So, what does that say about the book? I loved it. It was such a wonderful ending to a wonderful series. I’m really glad, too. Nothing worse than disliking a friend’s book, you know? While this book is mainly based on a hetero couple, it also features a same-sex couple and some m/m action. It wasn’t a problem for me, but just thought I’d warn you. I gave it 5 stars on Goodreads.

So, what’s made you feel good lately?

Happy reading!

Stacy

 

14 comments:

JeffO said...

I hope your positivity has kept depression at bay. And it's good to stay away from places that make you feel down--hopefully my little space in the blogosphere isn't bringing you down!

Glad you enjoyed the book. I've had some things make me happy, but you'll have to wait until Friday, hah ha! Enjoy the day.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Jeff - I don't comment on blogs that make me feel badly, so no fear there, okay? I'm the quiet and suffering type, I guess. I look forward to reading about your happy news!

Maria Zannini said...

When I was in management, I knew that acknowledgement of a job well done was often more appreciated than tokens. It was especially nice when that person was recognized publicly.

We all need that pat on the back occasionally.

I stay away from blogs that are continually depressing or mean-spirited. It says more about the blogger than the post.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Maria - re: that pat on the back. Yep, that always made me feel good. Now that I'm my own boss (so to speak), I'll have to remember to pat my own back now! Haha!

Bonnie said...

Stacy,
I know where you're coming from. I quit my job because of the "brain damage" my boss and customers were giving me. I was miserable. It was hard to do because I made great money. But the recession hit and the past few years my pay decreased by 10% each year. The pay wasn't worth it.
With winter upon us, feeling depressed is common even for those happy with everything in their lives. It's the lack of fresh air and vitamin D.
I'm trying to think positive thoughts everyday and look at everything that's good in my life.
Also this year is declutter year. I'm trying to reduce my stuff by half. Then maybe next year I'll do the same. It's a slow process but it sure feels nice to open a closet and not have something fall out.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Bonnie - Decluttering sounds good. Maybe someday I'll have enough energy to do that. But I refuse to do it alone. My hubby has just as much junk as I do.

Jennette Marie Powell said...

I can soooo relate - a few years ago I quit reading almost all blogs, because it felt like it was getting harder and harder to publish or I was the only one not getting contracts and it was just too depressing. Even now I stop reading those that make me feel like this. I've worked from home the past few days, and that makes me happy - I love my job and work with great people, but I hate dragging myself there every day!

Jennette Marie Powell said...

I can soooo relate - a few years ago I quit reading almost all blogs, because it felt like it was getting harder and harder to publish or I was the only one not getting contracts and it was just too depressing. Even now I stop reading those that make me feel like this. I've worked from home the past few days, and that makes me happy - I love my job and work with great people, but I hate dragging myself there every day!

Stacy McKitrick said...

Jennette - Blogging definitely has its pluses and minuses. Better to stick with reading my friends' blogs and blog with the hope that readers will come and visit. That's what I started this thing for anyway. Now I just have to get me some readers! Haha!!

The Happy Whisk said...

I have zero interest in reading negative blogs or crap like that. Life is short and it's just not worth it.

LD Masterson said...

I had to go back and read your Monday post (I'm not online on Mondays anymore). Very well said.

And I agree. Read blogs that lift you up. There are too many things in the world to drag you down without seeking them out online.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Ivy - Not always easy to do when you're trying to stay informed. The negativity came out of the blue and caught me off guard.

Linda - Unfortunately you don't always realize it's dragging you down until you're so deep you can't see. Fortunately for me, I found a way out! :)

Jen B said...

Glad you found a way out of the negativity.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Thanks, Jen. Me, too! :)