Did you have a nice Christmas with friends and family? Are you ready to hear about how I did for goals for 2019? Have you checked out Girlxoxo’s post?
Today’s prompt:
THU. | Dec. 26 – #AMonthofFaves Challenges and Goals – Reading challenges, personal goals, resolutions – how did you do? Which was your favorite book read (and / or least favorite) for each challenge – or from all of them. Did you make New Years Resolutions? Did you get to all of them? Are you making any for next year … next month … next season?
If you have followed this blog or my Instagram page this year- you know that this year has been a bit (a lot) of a cluster you know what. Having your mom have back surgery and breast cancer in the same year is zero fun and the running to the doctors has totally zapped me. BTW- she’s doing good 😉
But because my mom’s health escapades this year wasn’t enough- I went for a yearly checkup ( having close relatives on both sides of my family that had breast cancer has upped my risk) to get some things checked out and start talking to my doctor about taking care of myself. (And yes, I will be having a mammogram in 2020! And schedule yours!)
And then I got my own surprise- I’m a diabetic. I had no real symptoms (no increased thirst, etc) but here we are. So, I’m doing the low-carb thing, haven’t had sweets or soda since December 11th (and it’s been HARD. Especially because Christmas? Is all about the lace cookies my aunt makes.) But I’m down 3lbs and I’m adding more veggies to my diet (again, HARD. Because I would rather eat carbs. Mmmmmm…. potatoes.)
And I won’t even go into my SIL’s health story because it’s hers and I’m not sure she would want me to share with my blog followers- but keep her in your thoughts because we are both determined to end 2019 on a high (heavy sarcasm) note with our own health things.
All this is a long winded way of saying that for 2019- personal goals went out the window. Survival and keeping my head above water was the goal for the day and I’m just now beginning to feel like I’m getting a grip on 2019- only to be hit with more challenges.
20202 goals will be forthcoming- but my health is the #1 thing I’m focusing on right now.
However, my reading goals are looking good!
So, I actually met my Goodreads reading challenge of reading 75 books in 2019 a few days ago- but between all the things going on- I did not have a chance to update. So, today- I’ve met and exceeded my goal- current reading: 77 books. I think I can make 78 because I have about 40% left in The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren and I got approved for a crap ton of thrillers…. so YAY!
The Year in Books
77 books read as of today
7- 5 Star Books
57- 4 Star Books
11- 3 Star Books
2-2 Star Books
Longest book: The Weekenders by Mary Kay Andrews (464 pages)
Shortest book: New Erotica for Feminists: Satirical Fantasies of Love, Lust, and Equal Pay (a gift from my friend Rhiannon) (146 pages)
Pages read: 25,049
Let’s take a look at what my bookish goals for 2019 were:
Bookish Goals for 2019:
Read 75 books- CHECK!
Plan my review requests out 4-5 months in advance- still a work in progress!
Take bookmail photos for every book- CHECK!
Send links to reviews to publicists- hmm… I’m still working on this.
Biggest Blog/Social Media Achievement: I hit the 1k follower mark on Instagram!!!!!!!!
*How did your 2019 shape up?*
Link Up Here:
Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,
T @ Traveling With T
Traveling With T 
Praying for good health in 2020!
Thank you! I appreciate that 🙂
Wishing you and your mom all the good health in 2020! You still did great on the reading front! Wooooo!
Thank you SO much. Reading was about the only thing keeping me sane!
I hear that. It’s what keeps me sane most of the time, too. Heh.
What a year! Sending you all the love and healthy vibes for 2020! Your health and family take priority! Even over books (gasp!)
Thank you SO much. Right? (TOTAL gasp!) I may try to pick up some audio books so I can “read” and walk!
I’m so glad you’re mom is doing well. That’s so scary. And I’m sending lots of encouragement your way as you adjust to your new diet. I know how hard it can be to make those kinds of drastic changes, but it sounds like you’re off to an excellent start.
*your
Thank you and thank you! It’s been hard about my mom- she’s doing good- but just that she had breast cancer! And yes, it’s so hard making these changes. And at Christmas!!!!! I’m trying to remind myself that Rome was NOT built in a day and I will get through this and get to a point where I can have some treats every once in a while.
Yes, the longer I’ve had my dietary restrictions, the better I am at navigating sweet treats and eating out, and things like that. It’s just the beginning is so, so hard because there’s so much to learn. You got this!
Wishing you a healthy 2020!
I exceeded my reading goal, but I did underestimate it so that I know the goal was attainable. I still need to write some reviews.
denise
Thank you! I exceeded my reading goal (today) by 3 books. I’m going to keep it at 75 for next year because it’s attainable- but not like crazy pressure.
Definitely wishing you, your Mom, and your Sis great health in 2020 so that you can all do ALL THE FUN THINGS!