Hi Everyone!
I hate to do this, but I have to go on an indefinite hiatus.
Over the past few months a lot of things have changed for me. I started two jobs, I moved/am moving, I'm getting ready to graduate, and I've read less. It's been hard for me to find a happy middle ground for my work/school/blog/personal life. At times I feel drained and don't want to read and it's not a good feeling when it's a big part of who I am. I love reading and the fact that I can't get into, nor do I want to read, upsets me.
I started working at a bar and really enjoyed the time I spent there, but because it wasn't as busy as most others in the area, I had to pick up a second job as a server at my local Olive Garden. The new job had a two week training period where I tasted every item on the menu (Yumm!... and yes I could recommend some absolutely delicious items), had to learn what was in every dish and how those dishes could be modified, how to take orders, serve a table and do it efficiently, and finally, how to open wine bottles. This training was quick and I had to learn quite a bit in a short period of time. I also ended up quitting my job at the bar last week due to issues with my schedule.
On top of learning how to be a server at a fantastic family friendly restaurant, I am in the process of moving out my apartment and into my moms one bedroom. To add insult to injury, I have to move out two weeks before finals. The living situation is a temporary, one month ordeal, but all of my things, books and review notes included, are in a storage unit. My new apartment will be open sometime towards the end of May, but then I have to move in and get situated.
I also have my college graduation coming up!!! On May 19 I will officially have my Bachelors Degree in Exercise Physiology. It's a bittersweet thought that I'm finally done with most/all of my education. I'll miss my friends that are moving away from Morgantown, but I know at some point I'll be leaving too. I'm not planning on using my degree for a while, but I guess it's nice to say I have it and I accomplished something. I've contemplated a few different options as to what I want to do next, but right now I'm content to work as a server, saving money.
Another big change is my relationship status. I'm off the market and enjoying the time I have with my boyfriend, who I've known since I moved to WV in 2002. It only took us 7 months of debating a relationship to figure out that at some point one of us (this girl) would get fed up with the back and forth, yo-yo of lets date, no lets not date. So as of about 2 months ago, we have been enjoying ourselves, going out, watching movies, and making dinner whenever we get the chance.
I know I haven't been on the blog much in the past 2-3 months and this saddens me. For the past year, Doodle's Book Blog has been the epitome of who I am. I've slaved over this blog to make it what it is and the fact that I, at times, don't want to read or make posts frustrates me. I've signed up for tours that I now can't follow through with and I hate having to tell a tour host that I can't fulfill my commitments.
I guess what I'm saying is I need a break. I want to enjoy reading again, and until I do, I don't want to review books. I feel like my reputation as a review would be at stake because how can I post a helpful and informative review when I'm not enjoying what I'm doing. Granted not every book is enjoyable to me, but if I go into every book dreading the process of reading, my review may reflect those negative thoughts and that would be unfair to those books that are really, truly great reads.
So this is me signing off indefinitely. I may be back periodically for a review or two if I feel that my mood is acceptable and deems a review. For the authors that I love and adore (you know who you are!) don't hesitate to send emails! I love hearing from you and I'd love to help you all in any way I can. I've made commitments to a few of you and I do plan on following through with them. To those bloggers who I've become close to over the last year...you have each changed me in some way. I adore each of you and I'd love to keep in touch. Just because the blog isn't updated regularly doesn't mean I'm not here. To my readers...I want to thank each and every one of you for all the support, comments and emails I've received. I'll see you in the future! xoxo
