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Thursday, September 24, 2015

Weekly update - 9/24/15 - A desk that goes up and up, a little more time, and pigs...

Here's what's going on in my world this week:

Life in General...

I'm pleased to say that I visited the endocrinologist last Friday and it was a very productive meeting.  I did not see a doctor, but rather a physician's assistant/educator.  We talked for a quite a while about several of my issues and I explained what I had been doing and what my goals were.  The PA gave me an overview of many things, did a short exam, and told me that it was a really good thing that I had come in.  He congratulated me on being proactive and gave me 3 more months to work on lifestyle changes.  We'll do another blood test in December.  I'm to meet with a nutritionist at their office in the next little while and she will help me understand more about carbs and integrating my new eating goals with my Weight Watchers plan.  He also told me that consistent, regular exercise - at least 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week - will be key.  So, that is my new major focus.  And so far, so good.



Also, I wanted to show you guys my new desk accessory.  It's a standing desk.  I told my husband that this was what I wanted for my birthday.  He has one at work that he uses.  It fits on top of my current desk and basically makes my monitor and keyboard/mouse go up and up.  I can stand for however long that I like and then I can adjust it back to chair level and sit.  I love it.  What do you think?  I decided that every little bit helps and I do have tendency to shuffle around or sway back and forth when I am standing.

Life in Reading...

I finished After The Storm by Linda Castillo.  It's the 7th book in the Kate Burkholder series.  Kate is the police chief in Painters Mill, Ohio, which is in the middle of Amish country.  I really enjoyed this latest book.  Lots of character growth for Kate and her significant other, John Tomasetti.  And there were pigs.  A large pig farm or actually, several large pig farms play a part.  Old bones are discovered by some Boy Scouts, there's a huge tornado, and Kate has several personal decisions to make.

I then picked up the latest Ruth Galloway book, The Ghost Fields, by Elly Griffiths.  This is the 7th book in this series as well.  It concerns a WWII pilot and his plane that are discovered when some land is being prepared for new homes.  And guess what?  There is a pig farm and whole discussions of whether pigs will or will not consume other animals or meat.  Ummm....yes, they will.  Can't believe that Kate, Ruth's and Nelson's little daughter, turns 5.  Where did the time go?  Ruth has the chance to be on TV again, plus there is an ancient set of remains discovered that has DNA that connects with the pilot and his family.  And even to one of our regular characters.

I finished listening to The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson.  So much fun!  I then tried to listen to The Yard by Alex Grecian, in order to fulfill my book group's October theme of mysteries set in the 1800's.  However, I didn't care for the narrator.  His voice and modulation were fine, but he breathed audibly between sentences.  It drove me batty!  I may or may not get that one read before our meeting.  I've moved on to The Girl In The Spider's Web by David Lagercrantz, the new Salander book.  It's narrated by Simon Vance, who did the original books, and so that's good.  Jury is still out about the book.  We'll see what I think in the end.

Life in Reading - What's Next... 

Honestly, I'm not sure.  We'll see how my mood takes me.  I have planned to read 'Salem's Lot in October, but I might slip something else in between or go off on another tangent.  And that's what's fun about 'no planning' reading.

I'll have a post about Banned Book Week on Monday and my October Bookish Nostalgia post on Thursday.  I may or may not have a weekly post.  We'll see how much reading I get done or if I have anything fun to share.  

40 comments:

  1. I'll be interested to see what you end up thinking about Spider's Web...I loved the Salander books, but have been scared to read the new one since it's by a different author..I feel like it might ruin the first three books for me.
    Also - I read (not audio) and liked The Yard a few years ago.

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    1. I'm eventually going to get through The Yard, but will have to try it in print. And I'm about 1/3 through Spider's Web. OK, I can tell it's a different author, but I'm still hopeful. I'll share more after I finish it.

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  2. Proactive on health, yes!!!

    That desk "mover", fantastic idea!

    Better publish this much, since I often get an 'expired' notice, on being on a blog site. Yish.....

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  3. "The Ghost Fields" Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes!!! I love, love, love all of this series. Hope she writes another one. She could... Or she couldn't... Oh but I so want another one!!!!!

    -grin- Did I like it??? Yes! Do I suggest that anyone starts from the beginning, in this Series? Yes! It is imperative to do so. The whole story builds and builds, from one book to another.

    Tessa

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    1. I think she will write another. She's started a new series, but I suspect she's not through with Ruth and Nelson and company.

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  4. The whole back story builds and builds, from book to book. Back story. Each book has a conclusion, of the individual mystery, of course.

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  5. I swear our medical care is now in the hands of PAs and Nurse Practitioners and I'm not sure I like that. I'm glad to see that things went well for you, though.

    I want a desk like that!

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    1. I understand what you are saying, Kathy. They did tell me that new patients were normally seen by a PA. It's an extremely busy practice. So many people with hormonal problems. They treat diabetes, thyroid issues, fertility issues, osteoporosis, and probably more.

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  6. Congratulations on keeping up with WW etc. I like Linda Costello and Elly Griffiths. Funny they both have pigs in them. haha Just that time thing. I too will be interested in what you think of The Girl in the Spider's Web. Those continuations by other authors don't always go like you hope.

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    1. Gayle, I'm about 1/3 through with the Spider's Web. I can tell the author is different, but I'm OK with it so far. I'll share more when I finish it. Remind me to talk about it at book group.

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  7. 30 minutes should be just enough time for a brisk walk to the cake shop and back! ;) Seriously, hope it goes well - and a good opportunity to listen to those audiobooks while exercising.

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    1. Ha! Well, I live way, way out in the country, so there's not anything 15 minutes away even by car. However, there is a lot of room to walk. And, yes, the audiobooks are a blessing. I love them.

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  8. Glad your appointment went well and you're making progress toward your goal. A brisk 30 minute walk with an audiobook, especially out in the country, Now that it's cooler, I try to walk most mornings. Not sure you're feeling any of the fall chill yet though...

    The standing desk seems like a great idea. I've seen the treadmill desks and would like to try one... walk and blog at the same time! :-)

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    1. I used to work with a lady that had a treadmill desk. It was interesting, but I actually never saw the treadmill moving. She just stood on it.

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  9. I want the Elly Griffiths and the Linda Castillo! Both authors look great and the premises look intriguing. I love the look of the standing desk and I love how adjustable it is. I'm glad you're dr's appointment was productive. I'm always happier when I have a plan. I've gotten back into a workout routine this past month and a half and I'm so happy. I'm a big pilates fan and I love Elllen Barrett's videos. She mixes in a good amount of cardio but I can actually understand what she's telling me to do and it gets my heart rate up without triggering my asthma. Good luck!

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    1. So glad you found something that works for you too, Katherine. And thanks for the encouragement!

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  10. Wow! I'm impressed with your determination to meet your health goals. My endo would think he'd died and gone to heaven if I did all the things you're doing (all of which he recommends constantly). Nice work. I'm planning to join back up with WW in January with the rest of the world. No time like the distant future. Ha ha.

    I've had THE GHOST FIELDS for a while now, but I still have to read a few more Ruth Galloway books before I get to it. I love the series and am so glad you recommended it to me!

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    1. So happy to increase your reading field, Susan. LOL

      And WW in January sounds like a plan to me. :-)

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  11. Sounds like your plan to meet your health goals is already paying off--keep up the good work!

    I'm waiting for a library copy of Spider's Web--it seems like it will be a long wait...so I hope it's worth it.

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    1. The Spider Web book is interesting. We'll see how I feel at the end. I'm about 1/3 through it, but didn't get a chance to listen this weekend.

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  12. I am very interested in the desk. i am such a sitter. i walk only to give myself more time to sit. sad but true. :<)

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    1. I'm liking the desk. Taking a bit of getting used to and really just remembering to make it tall for a bit.

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  13. Glad to hear your meeting with the PA went well. I will look forward to what you have to say about the new Salander book. Nice desk - & Happy Birthday!

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  14. Love the desk! I want The Girl in the Spider's Web!

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  15. Sounds like you have a good plan. I've had good luck with PAs and love that they usually are able to spend more time with me than MDs. What a great desk!

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    1. Yes, I was OK with the PA. He was very easy to talk to.

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  16. Glad your appointment went well - will be interested to see how you enjoy the latest in the Ruth Galloway series, I loved it but it did get some mixed reviews.

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    1. I liked it a lot, Cleo. Finished it this weekend. Will look forward to the next one. And, yes, I know that some people did not like all the personal details, but I enjoy them.

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  17. Kay that's great that you had a good appointment... wishing you even better results next time. I'm trying to get back into fitness after being on vacation and getting over my cold. Wasn't the Ruth Galloway book great? Love that series. (Sorry if this is a double post - was having some computer issues!)

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    1. I understand, Iliana. Hope your cold is better. And allergy season is upon us again. Yes, I did love The Ghost Fields. Now to wait for the next.

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  18. Good for you for taking control of your health!

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  19. That's great about your goals and that your appointment went well, Kay!

    I've not read anything by Stieg Larsson. I know his series are good but I think it's the thick volume that intimidates me, LOL. Still, I'll try reading them one day since I've the first two books in my pile.

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    1. I think they are very good, Melody. I love the characters.

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  20. Good luck with your medical issues. Sounds like you have it in control and are determined to get well. The standing desk is a good idea. I've even seen treadmill desks :)
    I love the Kate Burkholder series and that was enjoyable, despite the graphic pig scenes. I also have been on a Dr. Ruth Galloway trend lately and read book # 2 & 3 last week. Can't wait to continue it soon.
    Have a great week, Kay, and sounds like you are feeling better and reading good titles.

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    1. So glad you are enjoying the Ruth Galloway books, Rita. And thanks for the kind wishes!

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  21. Oh, I totally want that standing desk!!!!! I'll have to see if I can convince someone that Santa needs to bring it :)
    So glad that the doctor was so supportive (ignore my last rant).Good luck with the goals. As the cold weather moves in I'm going to have to motivate myself with indoor activities when what I love most is walking.

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    1. Yes, I'm very lucky to get to belong to a rec center that has an indoor walking track. I love that. Perfect in our hot weather and also in the winter when it is too cold.

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Thanks for stopping by! I am so happy to hear your thoughts and will respond as soon as I can. Happy Reading!