Another busy week!
I was away at a work conference for a few days which was exhausting... I hate being marched around on a schedule like that! Told what to do, when to do it, where to sit etc. Plus, the breaks were all about "networking" - otherwise known as making conversation with people you don't know - and the evening meal was the same. Absolutely draining when you recharge your batteries by being alone!
Despite my grumbles it was a useful exercise, I guess.
I got some shopping done for Christmas before the weekend madness (sparked by Black Friday) hit which was good.
I also got baby presents for my friend who is expecting next week which was awesome. We had a (sort of) baby shower/Christmas get together for her on Saturday and had a lot of fun.
My most exciting news is that I'm almost caught up on returning all of November's blog comments! It's been a long process as I've only been doing it when I've had the energy and brain space to properly read and enjoy your posts but it's been good.
Apologies for the binge comments though!
I'm determined to get back on a regular - and sane - schedule soon, lol.
What else... Oh yeah! It was the professor's birthday this week. We went out to dinner and went bowling which is pretty much our birthday default but we love it.
The little dude is finally bowling without using the kiddie aid (basically a ramp you push the bowling ball down) which gives us some pretty amusing results.

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Reading took a backseat this week but I finished my audiobook of Throne of Fire and it was so good... I've already started listening to the third and final book.
Still Young Sheldon and The Big Bang Theory.
I hope to get some festive movies in this week now that we've finally hit December!
Giveaway Hop: 9th Annual Book Bonanza
Family Adventures: Hampton Court Palace and The Tower of London
Bookish Memes: Thankful, Festive Shopping and Shattering The Earth

Mini Reviews: Christmas At Frozen Falls & Coming Home to Glendale Hall
Holiday Reads, A Witch in Time and TBR stacks
Work conferences do sound draining. I mostly do not relish work trainings and I get kind of bad and start doodling or coming up with a great story to write. It's kind of sad.
ReplyDeleteI'm just glad I don't have to deal with them often!
DeleteI do hate the networking part of conferences.
ReplyDeleteYep, they're so forced!
DeleteI am still laughing from that tent meme. It's amazing what people will do to save a few bucks. I think it's fun you do family dinner and bowling for your birthdays, and yeah for big boy bowling!
ReplyDeleteI watch him half expecting the bowling ball to land on his foot or something but he's improving! lol
DeleteConferences do have many upside downs - especially having to make small talk with people you don't know (it's so weird; my social anxiety is always over the rooftop).
ReplyDeleteHappy readings!
Tânia @MyLovelySecret
It feels so fake! I mean, I understand why companies do it, I guess, I just don't like it.
DeleteWhat a fun way to celebrate for a birthday. I love bowling but haven't been in such a long time. Big Bang Theory is one of my favorite shows. I could watch them over and over!
ReplyDeleteThey're so much fun! I've enjoyed the rewatch.
DeleteI just got back from a conference, too, but I got to choose which sessions to attend and wasn't forced to talk to anyone. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteNatflix&Books
I envy you not being forced to talk to people!
DeleteThat does sound draining. I recharge the same way. Hopefully things will settle down now.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed!
DeleteOh I hate conferences like that where everything is scripted haha- I need downtime from that stuff too! Glad you had some good birthday bowling. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Greg!
DeleteNetworking = my own little hell. Ugh! And conferences that are so structured are never fun. Happy belated birthday to the professor! And I adore that John Lewis ad. So, so sweet! :)
ReplyDeleteMine too! Why do they feel the need for enforced socialisation?!
DeleteThanks, I'll pass it on!
John Lewis do Christmas ads well. The last few years they've been a miss for me but I'm glad this one is back on form!
I'm glad you made it through the work conference to have a pretty good rest of the week. It's hard to keep up with all the commenting. I am behind on regular posts. I'm just finishing my Sunday post visiting after 5 hours of it today. I have done a few other things but not too much. I always hope to do more, every day.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week and some great reads!
Anne - Books of My Heart Here is my Sunday Post
I'll probably be commenting on Sunday posts up until the Thurs or Friday but I'm happy as long as I get to them in week! Staying on top of the other blog comments now I'm caught up would also be nice! lol
DeleteOh, I always hated those work conferences. Even post-retirement, there are events here where I live...I avoid them, Lol. As a resident, I feel that I have a choice.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your week!
Glad I'm not the only one!
DeleteMy last work conference was a couple years ago, and while they can be fun in the moment, I ultimately find them exhausting. Too much social interaction and weird travel times do me in.
ReplyDeleteYep! I could have slept for days after coming home.
DeleteYay for getting caught up on blog comments! I'm in the process of trying to do that right now so I'm very envious of you, lol.
ReplyDeleteIt was tough! I had pretty much all of November to wade through! Now my mission is to not let it get like that again... So far so good but it's only been a week!
DeleteI still need those ramps :)
ReplyDeleteWishing you a great reading week
I'm envious that he gets to use the thingies that stop the ball going into the gutter... I could use those! lol
DeleteI'm glad the work conference went okay, even if it does sound super exhausting!!! I hope you find some time to watch festive Christmas movies/shows!
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
Tomorrow, I plan on beginning the Christmas movies! I'm ready!
DeleteUgh, didn't like the sound of the conference. Networking is not my idea of fun! I think Edgar is so cool...I always look forward to the JL advert!
ReplyDeleteEdgar is awesome. I've been disappointed the past few years by the JL advert but they're back on form this year!
DeleteI hate conferences/training/etc because 1- they almost always feel like a waste of time and 2- they are (as you said) so draining on us introverts. At least it's done, behind you, and you survived :)
ReplyDeleteI can imagine the bowling was fun to watch - I find my bowling entertaining and I'm 35. I probably should use the bumpers still!
Hope you have a great week!
I'd love to get away with using the bumpers!
Deletesounds like you had a great week. love that music video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
I love it too!
DeleteI feel you on work conferences. I have a few meetings in December I have to travel to (day trips) and even though they only last two hours, with driving it makes a 6 hour day for me. Now I know I usually work 8 a day but being on the road for 4 wears me out. I understand all about falling behind on comments. One week and I'm shot!
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of meetings like that too... They always leave me drained and feeling like I've wasted a day. *sigh*
DeleteSounds like you had a pretty good week! Work conferences can be really hard though.. I have one this Saturday! Sigh..
ReplyDeleteHave a great week and happy reading!
I did! First in a while it feels like too. Here's to another one!
DeleteHm. Those sorts of conferences are always grim. I wouldn't mind, but introverts are often brilliant at their jobs - so why chit-chatting to strangers is supposed to be a useful skillset beats me... Glad you had a lovely birthday celebration and I hope the coming week is more relaxing, Nicci:)
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah!
DeleteThe conference does sound horrendous, but you survived and hopefully won't have to attend another for a very long time :-)
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed!
Delete