The Sunday Salon - Spare Time and LOTS of Water

Spare time. Some of us have it; some of us don't. My spare time these days is severely limited. When I have it, I like to spend it with my kids, especially since I have been working so much lately. I also like to read. Since this is a "book blog", I think you all probably know that. And I've been doing a fairly adequate job of reading the last few months.

But this week has been different. It's been a hell of a week, to be honest. I've been really busy at work, for one thing. We are so short-staffed that there is always so much work that needs to be done. Things don't get finished on first shift, so it carries over to second shift. By the time I get in on third shift, there is even less done. So by the time all of second shift work is finished, there is barely any time to do what *I* need to do for 3rds. And then the vicious cycle starts all over again.

The cherry on top of the proverbial cake happened on Wednesday, though. I came home from work, tired and ready for some rest. But when I opened the back door, the sound of running water hit my ears. When I walked into the hall, there was running water coming through the ceiling. All the ceiling tiles had fallen....and water was everywhere. Apparently, the ice maker on my refrigerator in the kitchen had busted a line while trying to refill......and the water started running. Through the freezer, out onto the floor of my kitchen (and dining room), and finally through the floorboards into the basement. Over $6000 worth of damage. We are going to have to replace the carpets in the kitchen, dining room, family room in the basement, patio in the basement and the tile in the hallway. Also the ceiling tiles and maybe some of the floorboards upstairs. Now...the good news in the insurance agent came out right away and even cut us a check for the amount (plus $2000 to pay someone for the water cleanup.) The Bad news is my house is a nightmare, and I have to now spend my spare time picking out new flooring and finding someone to do the work.

Now that's a picture of the basement. My laundry room is down there and a lot of my CLEAN laundry has to be re-done because it got soaked. The kitchen and dining room are worse. At the moment we still have 11 industrial fans and dehumidifiers going around the house. Sounds like an airplane taking off. It's crazy.

Now, I realize this is supposed to be a book post. And I apologize. I just wanted to let you know why I have a huge lack of reading this week. I did finish my Amazon Vine book, Gone by Michael Grant. You can read my review and see the book trailer here. It was a great YA book, and although I had no idea in the beginning it was going to be a series, I am looking forward to the next installment.

I'm also reading my second Amazon Vine book, Evernight by Claudia Gray. It was described as a book that lovers of the Twilight series would be interested in. Yes, there are teens and Vampires. So far, so good! And I'm also reading The Secret History by Donna Tartt for the Southern Reading Challenge. Although the book doesn't take place in the South, the author is Southern. And the writing is really fantastic. I can't wait to get farther into it.

So....today is Sunday, and I don't think I will be reading much. I feel bad sitting around with a book in my hand when so many things need to be done around the house. The men in the house are going to Chicago today, so the girlies and I are going out for Brunch, and maybe a trip to Barnes & Noble. I've been so good lately, I'm rewarding myself with the latest Gardella Vampire book by Colleen Gleason. Then it's back home to clean up this mess! So....Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!!