and asked me why I don’t love it anymore. And I said, “I still love you Linus!”
August completely got away from me. I posted a grand total of 4 times in August and now it’s September 7th! How in the world did that happen?!?!
Well…have I got a story for you. Don’t worry, it’s a short one- well actually several very little stories just to get my feet wet again with blogging.
- The first week in August, WordPress updated its blogging software and I thought I would update as well. Good idea? Maybe not so much. The new version of WordPress absolutely hated my blog. I thought I was about to lose the whole thing, and it took me forever to figure it out… revert back to an old version and then fix everything that fell apart during the transitions. It was all so tedious and painstaking that I thought I was going to lose my mind, but the most overwhelming thing I felt was relief that I had not lost ol’ Linus.
- Then…I upgraded the operating system on my computer. More drama, hair-pulling and gnashing of the teeth. Enough said. You would think that I would learned by now not to upgrade things myself. Ha! So there goes week two of August. I managed one more post after this for my tour stop on Wife of the Gods by Kwei Quartey. Good book, by the way.
- I have been on vacation that last two weeks of August with only sporadic access to internet, and not enough time to blog.
So, to recap, the first two weeks of August were stressful, and the last two weeks have been divine- a much needed relaxation and rejuvenation. I have to say that the Catskills in Upstate New York is some of the most gorgeous scenery and lands and towns that I have ever seen. I kept feeling like I was right in the middle of someone’s lush and luxurious painting. I, of course, brought my camera, and, of course, left the batteries at home, so I have only memories. I guess I was supposed to have a real technology free experience because let me tell you there was no tv, cell phone or internet service, and…get this, the phone was rotary! I don’t know when is the last time that I’ve seen one of those. Does anybody have one?
I can’t believe that we are 7 days into September already. I went to the beach this weekend, and that was a wonderful thing. I brought along The 19th Wife, by David Ebershoff and didn’t read a page. I just love feeling the sun on my back. What did you do this holiday weekend (for my U.S. peeps)? And the rest of you too, anything fun?
I think I only finished one book in August, and at the moment I can’t even remember what it was, but it’s good to be back. And just in time to vote in the Book Blogger Appreciation Awards. Did you vote? Vote! Voting closes Saturday September 12 at 11:59 PM EST.
Sorry to hear you were having “technical issues” at the beginning of August but sounds like you had a good end to your summer with a nice time away. I’m heading to Maui on Friday and not sure if I will read alot or not at all! Glad your blog is back!
.-= Kathleen´s last blog ..What Went Wrong? =-.
Sweet! Maui sounds like an excellent time and I am sure that it will be absolutely gorgeous. There is so much beauty on this planet.
You’re hilarious.
Umm, pretty much all I do is work, which is why I’m so much looking forward to seeing you at the end of September. I think we can all agree I need a break.
.-= trish´s last blog ..My Bookish Weekend in Portland, Oregon =-.
You do need a break. I can’t wait until DC. I’m thinking it will be gorgeous strolling weather.
Holy cow, a rotary phone! Too bad you couldn’t have taken a picture of that! But your new blog setup looks terrific. You did a great job!
.-= rhapsodyinbooks´s last blog ..BBAW – Book Blogger Appreciation Week – Take Time to Vote, Part 2! =-.
Thanks! I was so happy not to lose anything.
I remember that my grandfather had a green rotary phone, so so long ago. It’s probably been at least twenty years since I have seen one in person.
Yeah, that’s a lot to deal with. My comp is on the fritz right now. It won’t charge the battery. I am using my dad’s old laptop right now, which I don’t really like that much but it gives me some way to get online.
I hear you on the tech-free vacay experience. When I go to India I will be just computer-free and I might have withdrawal. It is so pitiful! At least I will have books!
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..BBAW: Awarding the Best or a Popularity Contest? =-.
Oh wow! How long will you be in India. That should be some experience. I was a little anxious my first few days but then I just gave into it.
I need a new battery too. I think I’m at the point where my laptop is alive for literally about 5 minutes before it shuts off. It’s on my list.
Definitely sounds like you were meant to take a real break! I always find I don’t read as much as I thought I would while on holidays.
.-= Belle´s last blog ..September Giftaway! =-.
I know. I was too bust chatting and socializing, or taking walks and just enjoying the beauty of everything. I probably should have mentioned that I did listen to a few audio books, but somehow that’s just not the same as flipping the pages.
It’s good to have you back, Nicole! Updates and such can create a lot of headaches, can’t they? I am glad you were able to get everything sorted out finally. And I’m especially glad to hear you had a nice vacation. I hope you have a good week!
.-= Literary Feline´s last blog ..Monday At the Movies: Vicky Cristina Barcelona & A Few of My Favorite Work-Related Movies =-.
Thank you! Upgrades are a lot of work. It was good fir me to figure things out and learn some stuff. I only hope that they get easier as time goes on!
Great to have you back, Nicole!
I’ve just visited the Book Blogger Appreciation page and voted for my favorites
.-= Ladybug´s last blog ..I’m joining in on some new challenges =-.
Thanks!
Wasn’t the voting difficult? All the blogs are great.
Sounds like a nice break after a couple of stressed weeks.
I worked over the weekend, but DH and I did take a long walk in a nearby nature preserve and went and heard a string band play on the village green — so I did get a bit of holiday.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..This Week in Print: The Dust of 100 Dogs by A. S. King =-.
That sounds really wonderful. I don’t think I have ever been to a nature preserve. Somehow I don’t think that either the zoo or the safari at Great Adventure qualifies. lol
Wow, you have been busy! I’ve got a wordpress.com blog and back it up from time to time – can you do that with wordpress.org? Your trip to the Catskills sounds wonderful – you must have been busy if you didn’t have TV and didn’t read any books. I’m glad to see you back!
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Review: Mix Shake Stir =-.
I think it helped that I had kept a backup copy. I think I imported if after I had gone back to an earlier version of wordpress. How often do you back up?
Lovely to see you back. I wondered where you had gone.
.-= vivienne´s last blog ..The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness =-.
I’m glad to be back!
Welcome back! You were missed.
Technology has a way of getting away from us doesn’t it? I was so scared to upgrade to the new WP after hearing some horror stories on Twitter. I was glad that my transition didn’t go the way yours did. But I’m equally glad you are back!
A month off is a refreshing change and many times much needed. Gives you the chance to rejuvenate. I’m looking forward to seeing you in DC soon! Woo hoo!!
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Allyson Roy – Babydoll, A Saylor Oz Mystery =-.
We are basically a week away from DC. It is going to be so much fun!
I don’t know why this upgrade was so problematic. I never gave a though to clicking that button before, but now I am very afraid!
nYay! I missed you heaps. See you soon IRL. ONe time I thought I lost the Friendly Book Nook thanks to wp..but I didn’t! It was a night I stayed up all night though.
.-= Amy @ My Friend Amy´s last blog ..Jill Mansell Guest Blogs! =-.
It’s funny how you get so frustrated and tired trying to fix things, buts still you manage to find the energy to keep on going til you fix it.
Sounds like you really needed a vacation after that ordeal(s). Glad to have you back!
Thanks! It’s good to be back.
It’s GREAT to have you back, Nicole! The first two weeks of August sound like they were very stressful indeed, but your vacation sounds divine
.-= Nymeth´s last blog ..The Princess Tales by Gail Carson Levine (and BBAW) =-.
The Catskills did lots to make up for the first two weeks, but it’s wearing off!
Just chiming in to say welcome back!
.-= Jeanne´s last blog ..The View From There =-.
Thanks for chiming! It’s good to be back. I missed everyone.
Sorry to hear about all the crazy computer stuff…glad that’s over…just in time for BBAW!
.-= Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit)´s last blog ..Business Card Winners =-.
I know. Now i’ll just be overrun with new blogs to read, but I love that!
I always feel like I’m playing Russian roulette when WordPress tells me it’s time to upgrade and I just have to click that little link at the top. I’m going to take their recommendations to back up more seriously now, though!
Sorry to hear about your troubles in August, but amazed that you still found a way to post 4 times.
Glad to have you back into the fold!
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Review: My Most Excellent Year =-.
I know. I will never look at that upgrade link in the same casual way that I once did.
Woo Hoo Glad you’re back! I took a lot of time ‘off’ in August too and it felt good! Hate computer problems though..
.-= Lisamm´s last blog ..Sunday Salon =-.
They do suck, especially when you’re rather clueless about all of it, like me. I try to comfort myself by saying that I learned a lot, but I’m not really convinced. lol
grrr! The updates of software are so stressful- oh GoD! I know how it feels to lsoe all of your BLOG! it is hateful and one experience i wish NOONE goes thru!
so i am glad you got your blog back!
now vacation sounds GREAT! hey – where did you go and why no pics?!
Beach – i so MISS beach!!!!!!!!
No issues… last half of August i was just thinking of doing something.. and 1st half of Sept i didn’t POST anything :d Just Lazy
so i great you and me are back
.-= Veens´s last blog ..Bourbon Biscuits =-.