Sunday, 19 August 2018

Weekly Update #25


Welcome!
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer. 
It’s a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

Now that's explained, it's on to my weekly recap!


I did something scary but incredibly liberating... I walked away from Facebook.
I deleted the app, logged out and removed it from my quick browse list on the laptop.
I've had enough.
I'd had enough of seeing posts from the same people and missing everyone elses.
 I've had enough of random group notifications, clickbait, ads and random bile being spewed everywhere. I've had enough of how much time I waste aimlessly scrolling through the news feed.
So, I'm done.
I'm taking a break and depending on how the break goes I'm deactivating my account, and then if that goes well I'm deleting it.
I'm torn, though.
It's one of the main ways I keep in touch with a lot of family and friends but I've just had enough, you know?
So break time it is!

Anyone else deleted Facebook and found themselves happier for it?

Beyond saying bye bye to Facebook, it's been a hectic week of family visitors, work and doctors appointments!
I'm not going to go on about the doctor's appointments beyond saying I've been feeling off for quite a while and this week decided to speak to the doc. They took a load of blood, called me in about the results, ordered more blood and now I'm waiting to see a specialist.

What I am going to complain about is my poor arm!!
It was still bruised up from the 12 vials they took on the Monday when they decided they needed four more on the Thursday and rather than using the other arm they took it from the same one!
It's every colour under the rainbow now.
😖

At least my mum has arrived to take care of her poor daughter for the next couple of weeks.
😉


Storm of The Gods by Amy Braun


⭐⭐⭐⭐

OMG!
I loved this book SO much. It's UF, with a male lead, and was freaking awesome!
I'm seriously gutted that I can't give it five sparkly shiny stars because I really did love it, however, there were just a few little things that bugged me and that made giving this one a five star feel a bit dishonest (despite how much I loved it)... So four stars it is!

I'm on the blog tour for this one so I won't say anything more before then but if you enjoy UF, and Greek myths and Gods, then please keep an eye out for this one and give it a try!
I'm so excited for the next one already.

One Fell Sweep by Ilona Andrews


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This one was a re-read and, man, I love this series too.
I love these authors... I'm a total fangirl and I can't stop and I'm not sorry.
Re-reading this one reminded me that I still haven't reviewed the Innkeeper books from my first read through at the end of last year so I should probably do that at some point...


Freebie!


Kindle Unlimited


eARC



Two words: DICK SOAP.
(Sorry it's off-centre! I can't make it behave...)

This buzzfeed article lays everything out better than a twitter thread if you want to know more!
😂


I watched season 1 of The Office (UK version).
This was prompted by a couple of colleagues insisting that I must because it was so funny.
There were only 6 episodes and they were 30min long so it didn't take long and while I laughed - sometimes a lot - I was mostly confused as to how the hell the show became such a hit and spawned spin-offs around the world. 
I mean, it's essentially a load of crap packed full of misogynistic bollocks and is so 'non-PC' that I'm surprised people weren't going after it with firey pitch-forks back in the day... Although it was pre-twitter (pre-social media in general) so that's probably why it escaped.
But oh well... I'm going to watch S2 because I'm rooting for Tim and Dawn to become a thing for her fiance is obviously an asshole and she should be with Tim, lol.


Readathon: Bout of Books Sign Up Post
Cover Reveal: The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros
Blitz: The Prince by Jennifer L. Armentrout


I'm joining in - for the first time ever -  with Tressa's Can't Wait Wednesday... Virtual high five if you can guess what book I can't wait to get my hands on?
I'm also taking part in the Blood Cure (by KA Linde) blog tour on Friday and can finally discuss the final book in this awesome trilogy!
Beyond that, I have some reviews to get posted and seeing as I'm off work I'll see what other mischiefs I can get myself into. 
😊

Have a great week all!

at
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54 comments:

  1. Grace @ RebelMommyBookBlog19 August 2018 at 11:48

    Good for you with FB! If I didn't have a mom's group on there I loved I would try ut too. Hope they figure out why you don't feel well especially with all that blood taken! Ow! Enjoy your new books and have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicci23 August 2018 at 22:05

      There are a few groups I'll miss but apparently they have a groups app which allows you to post in groups but its separate from the actual FB app so I think I'll look into that. :)

      Delete
  2. chucklesthescot19 August 2018 at 12:07

    I've never been on Facebook as it just never greatly interested me. When I see all the issues with it, I'm glad I didn't bother! Storm of the Gods is already on my wishlist as I'm curious about it. I read Ancient Magic a while back and thought it was a decent read. I'll need to catch up with it at some point but I have so little time! I must admit, I never had much interest in UK version of The Office and I live there!

    I hope you get some answers from the blood tests and that everything is ok. *Hugs*

    ReplyDelete
  3. Trin Carl19 August 2018 at 13:38

    I didn't delete fb but I post minimally, like three times a year. My sis is all like "your family and friends would like to know what's going on with you on there" and I'm like: "That's what a phone is for." hehehehehe

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Nicci23 August 2018 at 22:07

      It's hard when my family is so scattered but sometimes you've just got to do what works for you, you know? And I agree completely about the phone! :)

      Delete
  4. Karen19 August 2018 at 15:26

    I left FB years ago. I still have my account but marked it private and only follow local businesses that post weekly menus/specials on there. The stuff on my timeline was vile some days and it was mostly from people that I thought I knew and obviously didn't.

    The only reason I haven't deleted it is that a few people I know who did - and needed to reactivate said it was a nightmare as they don't believe you are you anymore.

    I'm trying to back away from the constant refreshing on Twitter. It's not quite the same issues as FB but there is a steady stream of outrage and panic that isn't good for my mental health. But I doubt I'll ever quit it because I do have fun on the there once I mute out the other stuff.

    And 12 viles??!!! Ouch! I hope everything works out ok for you with the specialist.

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicci23 August 2018 at 22:09

      Thanks Karen!
      I probably won't delete FB completely... Probably do what you did and just lock it down and probably cull the 'friends' list.

      Delete
  5. Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer19 August 2018 at 15:35

    If I did not need to utilize Facebook for my business to uplift clients there, I would surely delete it. I go on to do client work, scroll past negative stuff etc. I did however turn off all notification on my phone etc. Yikes, I had blood drawn on Friday but not 12. Oh the Dick Soap was hilarious.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicci23 August 2018 at 22:09

      I couldn't stop laughing about the Dick Soap.
      I hope you're feeling better!

      Delete
  6. Mary Kirkland19 August 2018 at 16:11

    I love FB most of the time. I tend to delete people who are mean or post stuff that makes me ill. I just won't put up with it. I have a lot of family on there so I doubt I would delete it.

    Sorry to hear about your arm. I can relate. It's awful some of the bruises they leave.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicci23 August 2018 at 22:10

      Cheers Mary. :)

      I used to love FB... Probably why I'm now so annoyed at what my feed has become!

      Delete
  7. A Voracious Reader19 August 2018 at 16:21

    Facebook keeps making changes that you have to do a work around to see the posts you want to see, but I keep adjusting mine and, so far, it's worked fairly well. I still get crap I don't want to see, but I just scroll past it. Fast, so I'm not tempted to read it. lol It will have to get really bad for me to leave it for good. I have family and friends that live far away and I like to keep up with what's going on with them. I am not one to pick up a phone so it works for me.

    Sorry to hear about your arm. I donate blood and my veins are hard to get to so sometimes I end up with a massive lovely bruise. I hope it feels better soon and you get some answers.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Laurel-Rain Snow19 August 2018 at 17:21

    Ooh, I feel bad about those blood tests! I can't stand having blood taken, and they take mine out of my hand, since my arms look like a pin cushion afterwards. Not good for the hand, either. Sigh.

    I hate many things about Facebook...and I have to stay away from certain posts. I don't like the vitriol that pops up everywhere. I mostly like seeing my family there. I had to remove myself from some of the groups, as the arguments got vicious.

    Good luck!

    Thanks for sharing, and here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicci23 August 2018 at 22:11

      Comments section on videos are also a cesspit. I'm just completely disillusioned with it... :(

      Delete
  9. Anonymous19 August 2018 at 18:32

    My husband got rid of his a little while back too. He doesn't miss it either.
    Your week sounds super busy with family. Hope you have a great week ahead. ☺

    ReplyDelete
  10. Jovita @ Inky Impressions19 August 2018 at 21:19

    I'm slowly removing myself from FB, I haven't posted anything this year and I only check it on the weekends. I have noticed that I was spending too much time scrolling just to find something that wasn't shared. I want to hear about my friends and family and not see shared memes everyday.

    Hopefully you'll find out soon the blood results from you doctor, mom's are the best.

    Bout of Books sounds like a fun. Good luck with your goal. Have a wonderful week.

    ReplyDelete
  11. JJ @ This Dark Material19 August 2018 at 21:45

    Congratulations on stepping away from Facebook! I very rarely visit and, considering the recent spate of bad news associated with them, it's extraordinarily tempting to delete and move on. The only things stopping me are secondary accounts, like Goodreads or Instagram, that are tied to my FB log-in and would have to be reconfigured, and the small handful of international friends that I use the messenger feature to chat with. I'm sure one day I'll muster up the energy to sort out the accounts I need to liberate from my Facebook and pick a new messaging service for my friends overseas...hopefully. And ouch with all the blood draws! I'm quite bad around needles, so you're much braver than me to put up with it so well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicci23 August 2018 at 22:13

      I'm being good at staying away but I'm unlikely to delete it permanently, I think... More like change how I use it and cull the 'friend' list. :)

      Delete
  12. Jackie19 August 2018 at 22:33

    I never liked Facebook. It was too hard to navigate and served no purpose for me. I don't have friends lol. I used to be a regular religion forum member on Myspace until they shut it down and since then I resent Facebook. Myfacespacebook ;p

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicci23 August 2018 at 22:14

      I never had a myspace. FB was my first social media but has completely changed from what it was. :(

      Delete
  13. Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight19 August 2018 at 22:50

    I would love to deactivate my FB, but I still use it to DM with a few people, so I keep it for that reason. I'm sorry to hear about your health problems and doctor visits. I know how that feels <3 I hope your arm feels better soon!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Samantha@WLABB20 August 2018 at 00:02

    I deleted Facebook from my phone, and I don't really visit much. I do use the messenger app to chat with my daughter, because let's face it, I type faster on a keyboard. I never really check my feed and I don't really post either. It got to be a political wasteland filled with hatred. I have not time for that. I hope you get good news from the doctor and start to feel better soon.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Rachel20 August 2018 at 00:21

    I deactivated my Facebook account because I have way too many judgemental friends/acquaintances that I don't need in my business. So I totally understand why you'd want to unplug. That and it is a time waster. I have Instagram that I rarely post on, and then I have Twitter, but no one except my book friends knows about that. Thank goodness!

    Sorry to hear you're having some health issues! I hope you get it all sorted and feel better.

    I love anything Ilona Andrews writes and I've really enjoyed their Innkeeper series! I hope we get more George, Jack and Sophie in future books because I adored their characters from The Edge series. Wonderful post, Nicola! Happy reading and have a great week! :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Nicci23 August 2018 at 22:17

      Thanks!
      My twitter is for bookish stuff too and has went from my least favourite social media to my favourite. It's oddly easier for me to avoid the stuff I don't want to read on there, lol.

      Delete
  16. Aj @ Read All The Things!20 August 2018 at 01:05

    I hope the doctors can figure out what’s wrong. Congrats on leaving Facebook. I deleted it from my phone, but I still have an account. The algorithm and my “friends” were getting on my nerves. Have a great week!

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Shooting Stars Mag20 August 2018 at 01:52

    Sorry about your poor arm! That's awful. I hope the specialist can help you feel better though. As for Facebook, I only really use it to keep in touch with certain people and to promote my blog in various groups etc. But yeah, it can get annoying so I understand stepping away for a bit.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicci23 August 2018 at 22:23

      I'm using it to post less and less but wasting more and more time on it. It's silly, lol. Week one of the FB detox is going well, though!

      Delete
  18. Greg20 August 2018 at 04:54

    I'm not a fan of Facebook either- I've kept my account but I very rarely go there. And whenever I do I'm reminded why I don't like it. :)

    Good luck with your test results! 12 vials is a lot- no wonder your arm is multicolored! Hope you get some good answers soon.

    Have a super week!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Gayathri Lakshminarayanan20 August 2018 at 09:28

    I have not walked off from FB definitely, but I am spending a lot lesser time than I did because of the same reasons as yours. Unless someone important tags me on a post, I do not go out there. I share my blog to some of the groups on a schedule using Buffer so that is it.

    I think this works well for me, though I have not utilized the time gained any better.

    Gayathri @ Elgee Writes

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicci23 August 2018 at 22:23

      I think FB needs to change or it'll lose a lot more people. :/

      Delete
  20. Tanya @ Girl Plus Books20 August 2018 at 16:28

    Good for you for cutting out something that wasn’t working for you! I rarely usu Facebook but I still hesitate to delete it completely because in a few cases it’s my only real connection with some extended family members. I dislike their algorithms, and I loathe the hate and small-mindedness that is spewed all over the place, but since I check in only intermittently I hang on to it for now. Twelve vials of blood??!! Oh your poor arm. That’s an awful lot to draw at one time. :(

    Still laughing about that soap... ��

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicci23 August 2018 at 22:25

      I'm similar, Tanya. My family is so scattered that it's the one common way we all communicate but it's all the other stuff that bugs me.
      Maybe I just need to change completely how I use it. I.e 'friends' list cull and liberal use of the unfollow/block button.

      Delete
  21. Melissas Eclectic Bookshelf20 August 2018 at 18:31

    I am really tempted to drop Facebook and twitter...twitter even moreso...it just seems to bring me down. Good fro you for taking the leap.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicci23 August 2018 at 22:26

      Ah, I like twitter. Could be because I use it to stick to mostly bookish topics and avoid politics etc like a plague. I find it's easier to avoid what you don't want to see on there... Plus, I waste a lot less time on it than on FB.

      Delete
  22. Katherine P20 August 2018 at 21:54

    I deleted the Facebook app so that it's harder to check and only check occasionally. I also unfollowed everyone who annoyed me (but didn't unfriend so I can go check in if I need to) and that has helped a lot. However, even with that I only try and check it a couple of times a week. Oh so sorry about your arm! I've only had a bunch of blood drawn one time and it was awful. I don't really like one vial much less 12. Hope your arm feels better and have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction21 August 2018 at 02:21

    I still have Facebook, but I pretty much ignore it. Good for you for getting rid of it!

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicci23 August 2018 at 22:28

      I haven't deactivated yet and I'm seriously second guessing doing so but I'm sticking to the two week detox and then will probably change how I use it and who is on my friends list.

      Delete
  24. Anna (herding cats-burning soup)21 August 2018 at 15:29

    Oh that would be a huge nope for me. With friends/family all over the world it's the best/easiest way to stay up with everyone.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicci23 August 2018 at 22:30

      My friends and family are scattered too and that's my only hesitation in deleting it.
      The comments on this have been really useful though. I'm thinking I'd be better off changing how I use it (keeping it off my phone and only checking in on computer, culling the friends list, unfollowing where needed, etc) but we'll see.

      Delete
  25. Lindsi 21 August 2018 at 21:38

    I deleted my Facebook years ago! My husband did too. We both found it to be completely liberating. Family and friends... it would just a place for people to complain and spew hatred. We've been so much happier since deleting our accounts and forgetting they ever existed. People that are important to us know how to get in touch, and we email a few others.

    I don't keep Twitter on my phone, because I would check it constantly out of habit. It was crazy. Now I only check it if I'm doing blog stuff on the computer and I've enjoyed the reprieve. You'll be amazed at all the time you have now!

    Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicci23 August 2018 at 22:34

      The amount of times I've went for the FB app this week without thinking and (then remembering I deleted it) has been startling! I'm so glad I did it and keeping it off the phone is a definite but I don't think I'll be able to delete... My family (and old friends) are too scattered not to have it as something that links us. :/ But I'll defo change how I use it.

      Delete
  26. Jan21 August 2018 at 22:13

    My husband deleted his facebook account a couple months ago and doesn't miss it, but he's not on social media much. I only get on facebook three or four times a year. I've joined some groups and was following them some, but after all the news about facebook I'm thinking of deleting it, too.

    I have twitter, facebook and instagram accounts for my blog, but only do use instagram very much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicci23 August 2018 at 22:37

      I like my twitter but that's because I use it for all bookish things and avoid the stuff I don't want to see. :)

      Delete
  27. Dani @ Perspective of a Writer24 August 2018 at 04:16

    Haven’t been in FB for a couple of years. I think I’ll deactivate it, but haven’t decided.
    Ouch! 12! I hope it helps the doctor figure out what’s wrong. Wish you all the best! ❤️

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicci24 August 2018 at 08:29

      Thanks! My arm is yellow now so almost recovered! lol

      Delete