I saw a life coach I love, Ashley, do a post entitled If We Were Having Coffee and I decided to take her lead and do one myself in November 2013 because I loved it and sometimes I feel like we forget that there is a whole life behind the people that write and read blogs. I got such a great response to my initial post so I made it a reoccurring thing for the past couple of years and do it when I feel so inclined!
So, grab your coffee/beverage of your choice and meet me for a chat. I’ve got some Sleepy Time tea in hand (god I never actually have coffee when I do these posts…I used to drink it but cut down a lot). I’m excited to chat with you all because it’s been since October!!!
If we were having coffee….I’d tell you that I’m currently finishing up Underwater by Marisa Reichhardt and also reading the Goblet of Fire (yes, this is a first time read of Harry Potter for me!) I’d ask you what you are reading…
If we were having coffee.… I’d tell you how totally pumped I am for 2016. I mean, we are only 5 days in but I am totally dominating on some of things I wanted to work on this year. I’ve started working out again (wee hiatus this Fall until now) and I want to die but I feel great. I’ve been nourishing my body again with all the healthy food after my sugar coma and major overeating from the holidays. No seriously Will and I eat pretty healthy 80% of the time and then the holidays we turn into rabid sugar monsters. I’m setting up a nice bed time (hence the sleepy time tea right now!) and morning routine because I have issues with sleep and that’s one of my goals. I’ll tell you…I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I’ve been exercising, eating right and attempting to sleep better and I feel READY TO CONQUER THE WORLD. I’d ask you about some of your goals and desires and intentions and hopes for 2016 and I’d probably share with you some of the other stuff that is on my TO CONQUER list for 2016 and I’d be super invigorated about how badass 2016 is going to be for us.
If we were having coffee.… I’d tell you how super excited I am for the trip Will and I are taking this year. We are going to London for a week and then to Madrid to visit friends for a week. I’m excited to be going back to London (Will has never been) and getting to experience a new city. I’m a person who feels very frustrated when I can’t explore and travel and in the past couple years we’ve had to cut down on travel stuff because $$ and I just feel so discontent that I just want to jump out of my own skin. I’m excited to have some adventures and spend time with Will and probably get lost. It will be fun because Will and I have both been to Europe but never together! Only mildly freaking out at the thought of leaving Finn for 2 weeks. I don’t want him to feel abandoned especially being a rescue dog. I’d ask you if you have any travel plans for 2016 and if you’ve been to either of the cities I’m going to/have recs of things to do/eat/etc.
If we were having coffee…. I‘d tell you I’ve made a new group of ladyfriends recently (actually around the last time I wrote one of these posts) and it’s just so happymaking and positive. I was always friends with guys from high school to college (with the exception of my bestie and a few others) and so I always felt like such an awkward duck with friendships with ladies after college. Blogging definitely has helped that TREMENDOUSLY to the point where I’m like HOW DID I EVER NOT HAVE A SUPPORT SYSTEM OF AWESOME LADIES BEFORE?!?! WHY DID I NOT REALIZE THIS IS WHAT I NEEDED?!? I’ve struggled with forging IRL friendships as an adult and I’m just thankful that I stopped sitting on my couch like GEE I WISH I HAD MORE FRIENDS. I’d ask you to tell me about your closest friends and how you met!
If we were having coffee…. I’d tell you how I’m still feeling pretty lost direction-wise. My compass is just like stuck on where to go next. (Recap: had a marketing job for a few years, got laid off in 2012, job hunting was my full time job for a year when I was on unemployment, my year was up and we were going to have to leave our apartment so I started nannying while also still doing that job hunting thing. I’ve had interviews but nothing. It’s frustrating. I’ve tried different things. Spruced up my resume and cover letter. I’ve literally tried everything and I go through these periods where I just STOP it all because it honestly kills my self-esteem and drive to be rejected so much. So for my mental health I have to take a break. I just…don’t know where to go from here. I feel like I’ve given all I had to this job search and now I need to figure something else out. I probably wouldn’t be able to ask you anything because I’d want to change the subject or I’d start to cry if we are being honest with each other. But in my head I’d be hoping your job stuff is going okay!
If we were having coffee… I’d tell you that I am SUPER unhappy about winter temperatures finally coming to Philly. LIKE I WAS OKAY WITH 70 DEGREES THIS MONTH. I thought maybe Winter and I could be pals if this weather kept up but NO…reality check. It’s actually winter here in the north. So YAY 10 degrees and walking your dog in that crap. I REALLY REALLY over the past couple years have been trying to embrace winter (all the warm and cozy things about it, the things I can enjoy in solely this season, not feeling bad about lazing around watching Netflix, embracing the quieter calendar to pursue new things) but then I step outside and am assaulted by Winter’s nip and I’m like YEAH NOPE I EFFING HATE THIS TORTUROUS SEASON.
If we were having coffee….I’d tell you that I’m in the mood to binge read a series. I haven’t truly binge read a series (like compulsively read with no other books in between) since Twilight in 2008 I think. I more so do the read book 1 then a couple books in between and the read book 2…..or my usual of just being awful at series and forgetting everything. I’d ask you what’s the last series you’ve binge read or at least for a good rec of one to binge read!
If we were having coffee….I’d you that I cut back on social media largely for the second half of 2015 (intentionally and also not intentionally) and honestly I feel like I really needed to review my social media habits and see things that were problematic. Also, as much as I love social media, it was sucking the life out of me when I would spend TOO much time on it. It was a combo of being overwhelmed by all the opinions and voices, the negativity I kept seeing, my own social media overusage that led to burnt out and just so damn tired of it all. I mean, it’s not all bad but I just got to a place where I was just done. So, here’s to balance in 2016 and knowing where to put my energies. I’d ask you how you balance your social media consumption/usage and see if any of the same things that exhaust me about it also exhaust you. Then I’d probably ask you for cool new people I should be following or the cutest animal video you’ve watched.
If we were having coffee…I’d tell you that OMG I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE DONE WITH SCREEN TIME 20 MINUTES AGO IN KEEPING WITH MY NEW AND IMPROVED BEDTIME SCHEDULE. GAHHHH BYEEEEEE. LOVE YOU. KEEP IN TOUCH LET’S DO THIS AGAIN BUT MAYBE EARLIER.
If we were having coffee…what would you tell me? Come on…lay it all out! It’s just you, me, the pleasant sounds of a cafe…and maybe some other eyes in the comment section but NBD right?? Our we can have coffee in my inbox if you don’t feel comfortable. I really want to know! What’s going on with you?
Emmah says
If we were having tea… I’d tell you that I’m currently reading “Winter” by: Marissa Meyer and I’m very ACK because so many intense things!!
If we were having tea… I’d tell you that one of my 2016 goals is to face my anxiety a bit more. Talk to the doctor about it, etc. And another goal, is to read more than I did last year haha. I’ve read 4 books so far this year!
If we were having tea… I’d tell you that I have zero travel plans for this year. So wish I could, but MONEY. And I’ve sadly never been to either place (haven’t left the US).
If we were having tea… I’d tell you that I met my best friend Ani on the first day of 6th grade, though we didn’t really hit it off until 7th! And then I met my other best friend Haley through a fan fiction writing site because we both wrote Jonas Brothers fan fiction haha. And then there’s my new best friend (we have TONS in common), Chelsea, who I met through my first round of OTSP Secret Sister 🙂 She wasn’t my SS, but we connected over fandoms and such.
If we were having tea… I’d tell you to keep searching and don’t give up hope! And I’d tell you that I’ve never had a job and it’d be really difficult for me to get one. I got in a car accident in 2009 and it caused me to have muscle damage in my neck and shoulders. So, they basically hurt all the time. Especially if I use them a lot (and even more in repetitive motions).
If we were having tea… I’d tell you that I really hate the cold weather too haha. Your hands start getting all dry and cracking. And it hurts.
If we were having tea… I’d tell you the last series I binge read was a YA Christian fiction series. And it was actually pretty good. And I’d tell you that you should binge read the Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot, BECAUSE IT’S LOVELY AND MICHAEL MOSCOVITZ.
Jamie says
Ooh I need to catch up and read Cress still!!
I’m proud of you for making this your goal for 2016! I think that is a GREAT first step is to talk to the doctor and talk about your options. I really hope you are able to accomplish this goal!
I love how mutual love for things brings people together! Hehe Jonas Bro fanfic!
Oh no! I had no idea about your accident. I can’t imagine how hard that has been!
SHEA BUTTER. Pure shea butter is amazing for all the cracking skin that winter brings. Mine is from Nourish Organics and OMG I use it all the time and I swear I will never see the bottom of this jar.
I’ve actually never read the Princess Diary series sooo this might happen!
Nikki says
If we were having coffee, I’d probably be drinking tea as coffee makes my stomach hurt. I’d tell you that I’m reading Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda right now. I’d also ask what it’s like to read Harry Potter for the first time as an adult. I’ve reread the series as an adult, but sometimes I wish I could erase it so I could have that experience.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that 2016 looks like a year of big changes. I plan on getting my first tattoo with a coworker/friend. My husband is applying for grad school out of state (I’ve lived in the same city since I was born). I also want to start exercising more. Heart disease runs in my family and I want to be healthy. It’s hard as a woman not to obsess about my appearance and weight, but I want to try to change that frame of mind this year. I’m tired of being down on myself. I can life my friends up when they have negative thoughts about their bodies; why can’t I do the same for me?
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you my only travel plans are out of state for my husband’s grad school audition, and possibly back to our current state if we move for weddings. I have been to London and I LOVED it. I wish I could go back this year to see the Harry Potter play, but alas, no monies to do so. We’re settling for going to the theme park in Orlando for our first anniversary. I tried fish and chips in London, which is a big deal for me because I’m a picky eater. If you get a chance, take a day trip to Oxford. THE BOOKSTORES. I had major heart eyes for the bookstores there. Also, go eat at Turf Tavern. It’s a little hard to find, but so worth it. The fish and chips were delicious!
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that most of my friendships have faded into nonexistence over the past few years. BUT I met one of my closest friends in middle school, one in nursing school, and the other is a coworker.
If we were having coffee, I’d cry over job stuff with you too. Being an adult is hard. Having a job is hard. Working nights is hard. There’s a lot of bad stuff going on at my workplace right now, but I don’t feel like leaving would be a good idea if we’re moving in six or seven months.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you the last series I read all together was the Precious Stone trilogy by Kerstin Geir. I’ve read a bunch of duologies together, but that was the last series. One of my reading goals for this year is to go back through my books and read/reread all of the complete series I now have together.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that honestly, I need to cut way back on my social media consumption. Working nights has given me major FOMO, and I want to get over that. The cutest animal video I’ve seen is the one of the raccoon that dropped his candy in a puddle and it melted. That’s how I feel when I drop sweets too, 🙁
Jamie says
SIMONNNNN. I love that book. SORRY. I get WAY TOO EXCITED when someone is reading it! Oh man, yeah..reading HP as an adult! I have a whole post I’ve started about it and will post when I finish the series but basically I’m amazed at how THAT MAGIC that everyone talks about holds up. Sure I feel like my experience is different not having read it back when everyone was but I’m just so impressed by JK Rowling…well that’s an understatement. I was worried that THE MAGIC wouldn’t be in there for me because I’m old. It’s been great though!!
AMEN GIRL. I am sooo hard on myself. Especially lately. I know I’m still relatively thin but I know I’ve gained weight and I don’t like how I look right now. I hate that clothes aren’t fitting the way they did. And I am soooo harsh on myself. But if my sister or friend was saying it? I would shut it down! I am pretty proud of myself as I’ve worked out 10/11 of this month and I easily bounced back into healthy eating bc that’s how we’ve always eaten since being married. I think the thing I’ve realized in working REALLY hard this month is that it’s not even about the LOOKS part of it. That’s what motivated me but I’m kind of obsessed now with doing BETTER each work out and how I feel and how strong I’m getting. I feel like I’m just really looking at it differently. Like LOOK AT WHAT MY BODY CAN DO. I wish you success in this goal and I’m here as a motivation buddy! And yes it does sound like you have lots of changes this year! Also idk what your workout plan looks like but I do Blogilates on Youtube for the past couple years and I really love it. Her beginner calendar was perfect for me when I started out. And it’s free! I looove Pilates and I love how she tells you what to do every day because I’m bad with knowing what kinds of exercises I should be doing .
Oxford was one of my places to consider so YAY! The last time I went to London it was with a group for college and they took us to a place for fish and chips and they were NASTY…and I’m saying this as a person who is the least picky person in the world. I have a particular palette but I can honestly only think of 5 foods I hate. And I KNOW I like fish and chips as I’ve had them at a British pub here in the states. I was so mad that the only fish and chips there I got were so bad lol so I’m SUPER excited about redeeming fish and chips for myself haha
SIGH I feel you on the friendships fading 🙁 I know it’s natural part of life as time moves on but I hate it. Also I know sometimes I don’t make enough effort. But I guess if I really wanted to I would?
UGH work stuff IS hard. I remember I was a nervous wreck when the company I was at before I got laid off was going under. Every day I was on the verge of an anxiety attack. I hope you are able to manage until you are hopefuly able to move!
I haven’t read Kerstin Geir’s books so I will have to check that out!
Omg I have the worst FOMO EVER. That is so part of my problem. I get so fixated on being jealous of what others are doing rather than going out and creating what I want and doing the things I want.
Loved this chat!!!
Alison R says
Hi, I responded to your previous post about travelling to London with some suggestions about things to do (which you may or may not have already done/not be interested in doing). Happy to make other suggestions.
Otherwise, I think I would just nod and Uh-hmm a lot and say “me, too!” at various points in our conversation.
Jamie says
Yes I have your suggestions in a document! Thank you so much!! (so so ooooo dreadfully behind on responding to things on my blog). I may be emailing you for more specific things as we get closer if you don’t mind :))
Lindsey @ Bring My Books says
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I honestly never imagined I’d be drinking coffee on a regular basis! You switched down from coffee to tea, I’m trying to switch from Mtn Dew to coffee. (Not that I was drinking coffee at 6am, but pretty steady throughout the day! :/) It’s been 6 days in a row now and it’s just plain WEIRD.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that my goals are actually REALLY similar to yours (early to bed, early to rise) because I am an awful awful awful morning person and I wanted to start my day calmer and by getting my life situated, not by running out the door. I’m also trying to eat better (even if it’s a smart ones/lean cuisine rather than lunch somewhere at the mall). And … I got a gym membership. *sobs* Do you want to come work out with me and give me some of your drive?!
If we were having coffee, I would tell you about my three IRL BFFs – neither of whom I thought initially I would be so close to! One is from HS, and for a year or so we were just teammates on soccer and colleagues through a bunch of projects at school and then all of a sudden it was BAM BEST FRIENDS. It’s been almost 13 years!!! Then I have two friends from work (even though I hang out with them separately), but we were the same way. Nothing, and then “WHOA, how have I gone this long without talking to you every day?!” I love how it worked out <3 Then there's Morgan & Laura from twitter and blogging … I honestly don't know what my life would have been like without these two in my life the past few years! 😀
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that sometimes I seriously think SOUL SISTERS when I see your posts. Me and winter DO NOT GET ON, no way no how … no matter how much I try to channel everyone’s magical enthusiasm for this weather, I just spend 5 months internally sobbing waiting for summer again!
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that I absolutely love bingeing (is this a word?) YA Fantasy Adventure series, but I haven’t in a long time … and that I was planning on starting the Unspoken Trilogy by Sarah Rees Brennan this month! (I’d also tell you I’ve been reading the same book for almost a month and it’s super bumming me out. It’s not that the book is bad, it’s just that my focus is elsewhere 🙁 )
If we were having coffee, I’d get up a give you a HUGE hug, tell you I know you don’t want to talk about it, but that I absolutely have faith that something will (and has to) come together for you soon. <3 <3 <3
looloolooweez says
So cool that you get to travel to London & Madrid this year! Don’t worry too much about Finn (as long as you have boarding/sitting arrangements for him, obvi). The first time we left our little rescue dog for an extended trip I was a complete mess, worrying that it would undo all the work we did to deal with his abandonment issues… but when we got home, he acted like he didn’t even want to leave the pet “hotel” because he was having so much fun and made a new doggy bff (and then my feelings were hurt that he DIDN’T pine away for me, haha). Anyway, Finn will probably be fine!
As for the job situation… hang in there. My husband lost his job in 2010 and didn’t find another steady one until 2013, and that was hourly with a bonkers schedule — it wasn’t until this past year that he made it back into the salaried “professional” sphere in his industry. You are NOT alone in this struggle, and it doesn’t last forever.
Jen says
Your travel plans sound exciting. I also struggle at the meeting people thing. I think it’s harder when you’re out of school. All of the friends I spend time with I know from college or mostly my college job at Disneyland. Keep your chin up about the job thing. Something right will turn up.
Heather says
I am envious of your travel plans! We have nothing planned for this upcoming year, and I feel like we need to remedy that fast!
Jordan says
I just binge read both the Insignia series by SJ Kincaid and the Lunar Chronicles and I’m madly in love with both!!! I read Lunar because of your blog, but Insignia is awesome YA Sci-Fi if you haven’t read it yet!
The Emerald Quil says
I just wanted to tell you that I love these posts! Maybe someday I will start doing them on my blog. It’s so much fun to get a little glimpse into your life. I also just have to say… I hate winter too! Cold weather makes me grumpy. :/ I am totally fine if I can hibernate inside with a cozy blanket and mug of chai, but the instant I have to go outside I turn into a total Winter Grinch.
Binge reading a series sounds fabulous. I have been absolutely awful at series lately, so I have a ton to pick from that I could marathon. Hmm, I think I just made some weekend plans. 🙂
Love your blog! Hope you have a fabulous day!
Alexa S. says
I do love a good series binge read! I just started reading The Selection yesterday. While it’s not going to be a life-changing read, it is SO much fun so far, and I definitely think I’ll be binge reading the rest of the novels in this series! I’m also glad that you feel like you’re finding your footing when it comes to your 2016 goals. I wish I had more motivation to eat healthy and exercise! That’s something I definitely want to work on too.
Katherine says
Right now, I’m currently reading Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis! No opinions yet though because I just started. I am really excited for 2016 too. 2015 was a year with a lot of change, and although 2016 is shaping up to be similar, I think I am much better equipped to handle it. Of course, I still have a long way to go – but I think my goals are more achievable and I am more focused on making it a good year. I don’t have any travel plans yet, but I’m really excited to see that you are going to Madrid because I’m actually thinking of studying there during 2017 sometime. It’s one of the many places I’m considering, but one of my favorite options. The weather is really annoying for me too. I went down to Florida to visit some family for the holidays and coming back from that has been hard! The last series that I binge read was Mara Dyer earlier this week and it was so crazy! I didn’t anticipate on doing that but the cliffhangers had me running to Barnes and Noble to get the next one. As far as social media, I’m pretty much over Facebook and am actually thinking of deleting my personal account there. I really love Tumblr and Twitter though, and I find that I’m able to have good conversations and community which is the point of it, so I think I’m going to devote my time there and make it a more positive experience.
Emily @ Ink, Inc. says
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I have been to both London and Madrid and they are absolutely amazing cities. I’d advise you to visit the National Gallery in London because it’s GLORIOUS (especially keep an eye out for the Impressionists), and when you’re done trot down the steps of the gallery into Trafalgar Square and take a look at Nelson’s Column, and go into the Pret beside it for a cup of tea (and maybe a tomato and mozzarella toastie, I can vividly remember the one I had in that very shop, it was one of the top sandwiches of my life), and watch the buskers and the people going by. I’d also tell you to visit the Thyssen Gallery in Madrid, and the absolutely beautiful Royal Palace (the ceilings in that building are insane!), and to stop by the Retiro Park when the sun is shining and sit on the edge of the fountain. I’d also advise you about a marvellous very cheap restaurant called Fresco, it’s not exactly Spanish, but the frozen yoghurt machine, I’d marry it.
If we were having coffee I’d sigh with you over the joys of binge rereading, all too often hard to enjoy because finding the time to block-read a series is so difficult. I’d tell you that I just finished The Icemark Chronicles: Blade of Fire by Stuart Hill, book two in a wonderful high fantasy trilogy, and that I’m meant to be binge rereading them, but I’ve had to stop to read The Road by Cormac McCarthy, for school. I’d tell you that I’m enjoying it, but it’s hella depressing. I’d tell you that I’m really excited to return to the Icemark with the third book, and I’d confide that I’ve never met another living person who’s read the books, so I would entreat you to read them so we can fangirl together.
If we were having coffee, I’d encourage you in your 2016 conquer-all health kick, and also in your job hunt. I’d assure that something really will come up soon, and tell you not to stop trying! And, if talking about the internet isn’t taboo in this coffee meet, I’d tell you that I really like your blog and I don’t know why I comment so infrequently!
Angie says
AHHHHH I’ve missed these posts.
I love that you’re reading HP for the first time and so jealous. I wish I could read it for the first time. I’m currently rereading The Orphan Queen in preperation for The Mirror King but I’m in one of those moods where all the other things I need to do is beating out reading 🙁
2016 is going to our year Jamie. We are turning 30 and conquering the world. I have also been working on the eating healthier and sleeping better. I’ve pretty much settled into an in bed by 11, up between 8 and 9 routine that I’m pretty happy with. Now to just motivate myself to exercise.
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU JAMIE. I hope you and Will have the best trip and take many many pictures. I understand the travel bug so hard and I’m so glad I’ve planned a few trips out this year because must travel or I get so bummed out. Leaving Finn will be so hard though but you’ll all survive and think about how much he’ll love you when you get back.
YAY LADY FRIENDS. That gif is life. THE MOM JEANS. I understand the struggle with making friends IRL as an adult. It’s the thing I most struggle with lately and I’m so happy you’ve found that.
I understand this lack of direction so much. It’s frustrating and scary to feel like you don’t know what the hell you’re doing with your life or what you should be doing. But you are so smart and I believe in you! You’ll find your path.
Ooooooooh I haven’t binge read a series in forever either. Have you read any of the Tamora Pierce books yet? Her Tortall world is a great one to binge. Super easy, quick reads and so much girl power and shippy feels.
How well I know the social media feels. Twitter is a real addiction for me and I’m working really hard on cutting back. It’s not a good place for my head space to be all the time.
And now I need to watch The Little Mermaid
<33333333333 you so much Jamie. You're one of my favorite humans.
Trina (Between Chapters) says
OOOH GIRL, I would tell you that I am FINALLY reading Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda!! My heart is already melting. It’s setting the bar so high for the year!
It’s ok to take a break from jobs or job hunting for your mental health. I went through quitting a job and taking time being home a couple of years ago because it was the best thing for my nerves and it was truly the best decision. I wish I’d had the guts to draw a line and quit a past job that was so unhealthy. It’s really no one’s business what you’re doing as long as you and Will are stable and happy.
We can binge read The Darkest minds! ;D
Danielle says
I totally feel you with the traveling thing. I have not had a proper vacation since second grade and I am almost 23 now! Sometimes I just want to hop in my car and just go somewhere, preferably to a beach because I have been craving a beach vacation so much it kills me! Hopefully this year or next year I will finally be able to go somewhere far away! London is definitely on my bucket list as well.
Lisa @ Reading, Writing, and Random Musings says
Love catching up over coffee :). I’ve worked on my sleep habits a ton over the last few years, and with a little effort it has made a big difference (especially cutting myself off of electronics by a certain time). I’ve decided that 2016 is the year for me to focus on my physical and mental well-being. I’ve been eating quite a bit better, but I’ve only worked out once so far (but I haven’t failed at meeting my goal for the week yet….). Best of luck to you in 2016!
Kyle @kyleloveslit says
Traveling to Europe is so exciting! I took a group of students to Spain last year and we spent our first few days in Madrid! Definitely check out the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum, and the Parque del Retiro. Lots of fun stuff in the park! My students really liked paddling around the little lake haha. If you can, you should take a day trip to Toledo. I think it’s about an hour from Madrid and is such a cool place to visit. The views are simply amazing and the cathedral is gorgeous. And of course…eat as much as you can. Churros, gazpacho, jamon, paella, seafood, croquetas…I’m already jealous!
Jessica says
If we were having coffee (and you were having tea)… I would tell you I am about to start The Broken Kingdoms, my third book for the #TBRTakedown. And the I recieved Truthwitch in the mail today which I am REALLY excited to start once this readathon is over.
If we were having coffee (and you were having tea)… I would say, good for you! For getting back to a healthy lifestyle and feeling kick ass for it. I also need to do this, I have given myself the last six months off and I think that is ample time after having a baby.
If we were having coffee (and you were having tea)… I would tell you my baby boy is not sleeping AT ALL right now and I am finding it hard to blog and booktube. And it is kind of stressing me out, probably because I am sleep deprived and therefore emotional wreck inclined.
If we were having coffee (and you were having tea)… I would tell you I love this blog topic and would it be okay to do it on mine as well? I really should be more origonal but refer to chat about sleeplessness.
If we were having coffee (and you were having tea)… I would tell you, enjoy your travels! All my family, well mostly, lives in the UK and I want to visit them soon. It has been to long since I saw them and since I traveled. I am addicted to it!
If we were having coffee (and you were having tea)… I joined the book community to meet people like myself and I have done just that. I have met lots of fabulous people, yourself included. However I realized today I havent really made any friends. Not like the ones you described. I also have always been better at making guys friends, and after having my son I find myself without any of either gender. I think I may have forgotten how to make them. This year I think I should focus equally on my blog, it is new and time consuming after all, but also connecting with those in the community.
If we were having coffee (and you were having tea)… I am also feeling a little lost. I cannot return to the job I had before my son was born. (It was welding in northern Alberta – a camp job) And I have to get my own place this year (I have been staying with family – single mom) I would also like to go to Yallwest and participate in 10km fun runs again this year (last was in 2014) AND I want to write in Nanowrimo this year. I am reluctant to give up on any of these plans but it seems very daunting and will probably change greatly as the year progresses.
If we were having coffee (and you were having tea)… I would say thank you, for having a chat with me. I really needed it, I didnt realize it, but I did. And I hope we can have one again!
Tasia says
If we were having coffee (or hot chocolate in my case since Iʻm trying to cut back on coffee)…I would tell you that Iʻm currently reading Trouble Is A Friend of Mine by Stephanie Tromly. Iʻm only about 30 pages in right now, but Iʻm enjoying it so far. Iʻve been on a mystery kick lately and I love that this is a contemporary YA mystery.
If we were having coffee…I would let you know how awesome I think it is that youʻre making lifestyle changes and sticking to them. Itʻs so easy to say one thing on New Yearʻs Eve and give up by the next day, but itʻs so cool that youʻre keeping up! I would also tell you that Iʻm making a change to my own night & morning routines, which also includes no screen time after 930pm. I am loving it so far. I use to rely on reading articles on my phone to fall asleep, but iʻve been able to spend the no-screen-time really relaxing and reflecting on my day.
If we were having coffee…I couldnʻt give you any advice for your trip, because Iʻve never been to London or Madrid, but I am totally jealous. And Iʻm sure that youʻll have a blast! Iʻd also tell you that Iʻm heading to PA this fall for my best friends wedding, which Iʻm super excited about but Iʻm also worried about having the $$ to really travel…and traveling with a 1 year old.
If we were having coffee…I would tell you that my main friend right now is my 5 month old daughter. I am so excited for her to hit 6 months so that I can finally sign her up for swimming and music classes. Hopefully, Iʻll be able to meet some mommy friends there.
If we were having coffee…I would simply listen as you vented your frustrations. I know how you feel, Iʻve been there and it was definitely the hardest few years of my life. Taking a mental health break every so often is a great thing. I know that when I get overwhelmed or when anxiety about things takes over, I literally wonʻt be able to focus until my brain is ʻback to normal.ʻ
If we were having coffee…I would invite you to visit Hawaii. Itʻs 70* right now, which is a bit chilly for me, but Iʻm sure that youʻd be nice and comfortable! The only thing Iʻm dreading about moving to the mainland is cold winters…although I do love the winter fashion that comes with it!
If we were having coffee…Iʻd tell you that itʻs been a while since Iʻve binge read a series, but Iʻve been wanting to read the Throne of Glass series, so maybe Iʻll start there. Hubby and I are also planning on reading Harry Potter in itʻs entirety soon, him for the first time, me for the billionth.
If we were having coffee…I would tell you that I cut back on social media time at the end of the year, too. I completely cut out Facebook. Signed out and deleted the apps from my phone. It was just not a positive thing for me. I was having anxiety attacks and spending way too much time on FB and not enough time with my daughter, so I decided that it needed to go. I havenʻt been tempted to get back on since! I also donʻt go on twitter or post on instagram as much as I did before. Sometimes we just need a little break from all the things that are causing a buzz in our lives. Itʻs healthy!
If we were having coffee…I would thank you for this chat and let you know that I canʻt wait for the next one!
Jamie says
Oooh I own the Stephanie Tromley book! How did you end up enjoying it? I love my contemporary YA mysteries here and there! Have you read The Fixer or Also Known As? Those were both fun!
YEAY goals and resolutions! I’m still going strong since writing this post! Had one slipup with the no screen time but pretty good with all my other goals otherwise. It’s sooo hard for me to restrict my screen time because I always had this routine of checking ALL THE THINGS while trying to settle into bed and I realize it probably didn’t even help me to fall asleep.
Oooh where in PA are you going? I live in Philly area but used to live in the northern most part of PA in the center. And eeh I hope you have fun at the wedding though traveling with kids….always a toss up how they will be….well at least it is for my nieces hah
I love that your best friend is your daughter! That is so sweet. I bet you will meet TONS of other moms. I am nannying right now and I have met so many cool people by going to the things with the kids — the library storytimes (which yay free!), the park, etc. I hope you and your daughter always have a close bff relationship. I didn’t have that with my mom but my half sister and my stepmom have that and I envy it so much.
OMG *books flight to Hawaii*
AND GIRL I LOVE THE THRONE OF GLASS SERIES AND I WHOLE HEARTEDLY APPROVE OF THIS DECISION. it’s a great series to binge read! Though the most recent book is MASSIVE.
So nice chatting with you!!!!
Hayley @ Bookblogher says
I love these posts! I’m glad most things are going your way. Depending on how desperate your job hunt is, I would suggest just googling your town and jobs. That’s how I got several of my jobs in the past. Also if you know any local bookstores…I don’t think that’s your dream job, but you’d be a great asset to any book store! It’s been a while since I binged a series…probably Chaos Walking most recently. I practically binged the Throne of Glass series but not quite. Also I’m currently reading The Weight of Feathers and I love it so much. I missed my bus stop this morning because I was too into it! I love my girl friends. I got my best friends from a variety of places: my high school, my sorority, grad school. I think it’s always easier to make friends when you’re in class or have some sort of organized activity (book clubs ftw!). I love these insights into aspects of your life, and I hope you keep doing them!
Jamie says
Will have to try your tip! I feel like I’m on every job board and everything but maybe this will turn up other ones that aren’t on there!
I’ve been meaning to read Chaos Walking! And omg yea ToG is so bingeable. Ooh I was wondering about The Weight of Feathers!! Do you think I would like it?? Missing bus stops bodes well haha
I so agree with you…SO easy to make friends when you are in an organized type thing. I think that’s why I never struggled until I was out of college and then married. Then it’s like UGHHG? HOW DO I MAKE FRIENDS?
And I try doing these posts every 2 months or so (or more if I have a lot going on/to say haha)
Hayley @ Bookblogher says
Yeah, some local businesses seem to not utilize job boards?? At least that was the case for me, but that was like two years ago before I went back to school. So maybe things changed! I just know how frustrating it is to be job hunting forever.
OMG Chaos Walking is the best!! And I adored Weight of Feathers. I was so bummed that it didn’t win the Morris Award (although I’m sure Simon vs the Homo-Sapiens Agenda is great and it’s on my TBR)! I felt like the writing was very beautiful and it tugged at my heart strings at the end–made me cry.
As a book lover and future librarian, I really love libraries as community spaces. Does your library host any events that you can attend to meet people? Hope everything is moving in a direction you like!!
Pili @ In Love With Handmade says
If we were having tea (I’m having a cold comfort tea because I feel a cold coming) I’d tell you I’m halfway Into The Dim & An Inheritance of Ashes, both eARCs and I’m quite enjoying both, though for now Into The Dim seems to be more like my kind of thing with time travel & mentions of Doctor Who 😉
If we were having tea I’d give you a massive hug because the job situation sucks and I really hope 2016 will be the time you can get a job that will be fulfilling and awesome! I have been working in the same ward & hospital for 10 years now and it seems that there might be reestructurations and might end up on another ward, and I really am not looking forward to that at all… I really enjoy my job as it is right now. Trying not to worry too much about it until it really happens or something…
If we were having tea I’d agree with you on how necessary travelling is for me too! Since my last trip in Oct I’m already starting to feeling the itch to travel, but I have no plans or funds till Chicago & BEA in May! But having something to look forward to is quite enough though! Very excited for you to come to Spain and I really hope our schedules will align so we’ll meet up!
If we were having tea I’ll tell you that I’m feeling a bit more content about life right now… with all the worries and expenses and having to watch what I buy and all that, having my own place is given me life and I’m not sure I’d be in the good place I am right now after my break up if I had not taken the leap to get my own place.
Meagan says
Supportive groups of ladies are the best! I just found a group of lady friends and it’s seriously the greatest thing to happen to me in a while. I can’t believe my luck honestly.
Whitney @ Imaginary Book Club says
If we were having coffee, I would sip my coffee (still an addict here), and tell you about how I’ve been reading The Conjure Woman and Between The World and Me simultaneously, and what a unique experience it has been. It’s two different times in history, but both following the experience of African-Americans, and it’s so interesting as a pairing. I’m learning a lot, and feeling a lot, and I would highly recommend the same for anyone else.
If we were having coffee, I’d share your pain on job-searching fatigue. It’s so hard to look and look and not know what the right fit is. I felt burn out at my last job, so I’m not even sure if it’s the right thing to keep searching in my former career. I know your pain, and sometimes I also feel like crying, but then I remember the awesome support network I have, and recommit to the things that I can change that are actually in my control, and keep it going.
If we were having coffee, I would suggest Philippa Gregory as a good series binge – I read basically everything she wrote during 2013 and 2014 and into the early part of 2015. Such great stuff. So many amazing female characters to get lost in. If you haven’t read everything, do it. You’ll become an expert on Henry VIII, and also have a really good reason to binge watch Wolf Hall and Reign. Okay, less of a good reason to watch Reign, but that shit is good!
Tiffany (About to Read) says
It’s so nice that you found a group of friends! How did you meet them? I’ve found meeting friends after college to be extremely difficult.