I don’t often post updates on my personal life here, but I wanted to share a bit about why I’ve been MIA from the blogging world lately.
I have been dealing with quite a few health issues this year. It seems like one thing after another keeps cropping up. I was in physical therapy from November-February for chronic neck/shoulder pain (PT did not help). I ended up at a new doctor and a new physical therapist and I am finally starting to feel a bit of relief, thank goodness! During all of that, I had a neck MRI (bulging disks; cervical degenerative disk disease), a brain MRI and a follow-up brain MRA (normal), two thyroid biopsies (inconclusive), and an appointment with an oral surgeon regarding some red bumps on my gums (nothing serious, just a cluster of blood vessels).
So… I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed. Which means that I have read a sum total of 8 books this year. Yes, only 8.
Plus, my family just learned last week that my 29-year-old brother has Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and will begin chemo this week. To say this came as a shock is a huge understatement. He and his wife have a 4-month-old baby.
To authors and publicists: I will fulfill my commitments for reviews, but I am about 3 weeks behind right now. I am working very hard to get caught up, but reading is coming very slowly to me. I ask for your grace and patience as I work through my backlog.
BEA Bloggers and BEA: I am still planning to attend both events and would love to meet up with any of my readers or professional contacts who will be there. Send me an e-mail and let me know so we can make plans!
Book Blogger Hop: This meme has pretty much fallen by the wayside. I am truly sorry. Due to all the stuff I’ve been going through this year, I have just forgotten about it, to be perfectly honest. I would love to bring it back as a weekly meme again, as that seems to be the most effective way to build community. Let me stew on it.
So, that’s about it. Right now I am finishing up a fantastic book called Not In the Heart by Chris Fabry. Look for my review this week.
Keep on Reading,
Jen
Wow. That’s a lot of stuff going on. I hope things settle down for you quickly! Good luck with everything. *hugs*
Thank you, Ems. I hope things settle down, too! I think they may be (crosses fingers), which is good in that I can focus on my brother and being there for my sister-in-law and baby nephew!
((((((((((((( hugs )))))))))))))))))))))
Thanks Felicia!
I appreciate the love!
I’m sorry to hear about your health issues and hope you do get better. I’ll being praying for you and your family during this tough time. You could always offer authors/publishers a guest post instead of a review until you are caught up. You could also ask a few bloggers to guest host the Book Blog Hop.
Take care,
Billy
Thank you for the prayers, Billy. I really appreciate them more than you know!
Great idea about offering a guest post! I will definitely consider that!
And, I’m definitely giving serious thought to guest hosts for the book blogger hop! Stay tuned for a post about it!
Sending healing hugs you way! Wishing you all health and healing.
Shannon
Thank you, Shannon!
Thinking of you and your family!
Thank you, Meg!
I am sorry to hear of your health issues. Likewise, I have a disc bulge & recently had a root nerve injection. So apart from feeling poorly, it is tough accepting the slowness of diagnosis etc. chin up & I hope you are starting to feel better soon.
Oh my, Julie. I am sorry to hear of your troubles, too. My docs are still trying to figure out the root cause of my pain (they aren’t convinced it’s from my bulging discs), so we shall see! I’m definitely trying to stay positive, but man do I have my moments!! I hope you are feeling better!
Sorry to hear about all the life stuff being thrown at you. I’ll light a candle for you and your family. As someone else suggested, guest hosts for the Hop sounds like a great idea. Take care of yourself and I hope you feel better soon.
I think guests hosts is a great idea
That way you can continue the meme without taking on more than you need to right now.
Isalys / Book Soulmates
Yup. I’m definitely considering it! Stay tuned for a post about it!
I’m definitely considering the guest host concept. Stay tuned for a post about that very soon!
Thank you for the kind words – they mean so much!
Wow, to say that you have a full plate seems like an understatement. I’m sorry to hear that you’re going through so much but I send lots of positive vibes your way
Huggles,
Isalys / Book Soulmates
Thanks, Isalys!!
Are you going to BEA this year?
Saying a prayer for you and your brother. Hang in there Jen!
Thanks so much, Joy.
I am so sorry to hear things are rough for you right now. I’ll keep you and your family in my thoughts! x
Thank you so much!!
Sorry to hear about all your troubles. I hope you and your brother feel better soon.
Thanks Loni!
I’m so sorry about all the stresses in your life. The best wishes and positive energy from me to you and yours. I hope things start to take a turn for the better.
Erica, thank you. I really appreciate the positive thoughts! It means a lot!
Hang in there, and remember it is always better to look up. Take care of you and your family before adding anything else to your plate.
Absolutely! I am definitely trying to stay positive, but I have my moments! Thank you for your kind words!
Jen, hope your feeling completely yourself again soon, sounds like a lot of scares but ones you and your family will overcome. We have to be so thankful day to day.
Look forward to you becoming more active again when your ready.
Jenn,
I completely understand. I have been going through the same thing except with my children, including a surgery for my youngest. On top of that is the stress of paying for said surgery which caused me to take a second job. It’s difficult to not be able to do what you love, but we all have times like these. You will be active again, you’ll feel better and you’ll catch right back up. Don’t worry about us. We are here awaiting a healthy you. If anyone doesn’t understand this, they aren’t reading your blog for the right reasons. Your opinion will still be there when you feel better, have more strength and more energy. Rest, get well soon and until then I’m praying for you.
Hang in there, Jen. Wishing the best to your brother in his treament.
Jen, I hope you find the time to rest and feel better soon. My thoughts are with you. I have not had the medical issues you have had and I’ve only read 12 books so far.
Wow, Jen. I’m just reading this now (I’ve been a little MIA myself lately). You certainly have a lot going on in your life right now! I’m sending you a virtual hug and lots of good thoughts for you and your family!