The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly at the Caffeinated Reviewer! It's an opportunity to share news, post a recap for the previous week, showcase books, and highlight what's planned for the week ahead.
News:
My neighbors are the worst. First, fireworks are illegal in Virginia, but that didn't seem to stop anyone on the Fourth of July. I understand wanting to celebrate the holiday with family, friends, and fireworks, but this year really should have been the exception. There were so, so many people in our neighborhood the other night. They were gathered outside in large groups shooting explosives into trees and between houses. I think I was actually more nervous than my dogs this year.
To make matters worse, our neighbor knocked our door and invited us over. I declined through the glass, told him that we're still social distancing because of the virus, and that we were under the impression fireworks were illegal in VA (apparently you can to drive to North Carolina and buy them). He said he "didn't believe in the virus stuff," and proceeded to tell me that his kids really wanted to play with other kids. I told him we were sorry, but the virus is very much real, and I don't feel like risking my children's health (or my own) for a few fireworks and a playdate. He said he understood and that he's "just a jerk," but c'mon. You can't simply say you don't believe COVID-19 is real. It's not up for debate. It's killing people.
I ended up letting the kids watch the neighborhood fireworks through the window, since they're young and don't really understand why other people get to do something fun and they don't. We've explained the virus to them, social distancing, masks - - but it's hard when they see other people disregarding those guidelines and safety measures. I've started telling them that some people just aren't as smart and informed as they are, so they'll feel better about being safe even when it's uncomfortable. Do you think a five-year-old wants to wear a mask while on a walk? Do you think it's easy to keep a mask on a three-year-old's face? Yes. It is easy. They understand the risks better than some adults, because we've talked to them about what's happening in the world. If my children can do their part without complaining, so can everyone else.
In other news... to homeschool or not to homeschool? That's the big question. I've talked to a few of you about it on Twitter, but there doesn't seem to be a good answer.
Previous week on the blog:
- Sunday: NA
- Monday: NA
- Tuesday: DNF&Y [30]
- Wednesday: My Weekly Pull [122] & Can't-Wait Wednesday [97]
- Thursday: State of the ARC [23]
- Friday: NA
- Saturday: NA
What I'm currently reading:
The Lost City (The Omte Origins, #1) by Amanda Hocking
Lair of Dreams (The Diviners, #2) by Libba Bray 🎧
The Unready Queen (The Oddmire, #2) by William Ritter
What I plan on reading next:
A Sweet Mess by Jayci Lee
Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis
What I'm watching:
Obviously, we watched Hamilton this weekend AND LOVED IT. I couldn't believe how fast-paced it was! There was never a lull in the story, and I stayed completely captivated throughout the entire 2+ hours. We're definitely watching it again!
Kiddos are still working their way through Avatar: The Last Airbender and the newest season of Kipo. Jacob also watched The Big Green with them over the weekend. Disney+ has been life-saving during this pandemic.
Challenge updates:
- Read the Alphabet Challenge 14
- Audiobook Challenge 14 / 50+
- Beat the Backlist Challenge 27 / 110
- Discussion Challenge 2 / 1-10
- Goodreads Challenge 203 / 365
LOL, by now I hope you figured out I commented on the State of the ARC after apparently reading this post and that post. Sorry. I have not read Hocking since pre-blog. This looks interesting!
ReplyDeleteI remember buying one of her books when I worked at a bookstore, that was nearly a decade ago! I think it was Wake? Maybe? I could be remembering wrong. This new book is supposed to start a new series, but one that has a similar setting as a previous one? I've heard it's good! :)
DeleteI have a neighbor just like yours! He is in his late 70s and a widower. I noticed his lawn hadn't been mowed in a couple of weeks (his grandsons cut it for money). I'd seen him, so I knew he wasn't dead. I knocked on his door and stepped far back to social distance. I asked if he needed help with his lawn. He said his grandson just hadn't made it over yet. Then he proceeded to tell me this virus is a HOAX! I think my jaw hit the driveway. He also told me Trump is the best president we ever had. At this point all I wanted to do was run away screaming.
ReplyDeleteIt's so crazy! It doesn't matter if you support Trump; wearing a mask shouldn't be political. SAVING LIVES should be more important. Wearing a mask doesn't hurt anyone (even people with asthma), and has been proven to significantly lower the spread of the virus. I hate how selfish people are being.
DeleteUgh, my uncle was spouting off some conspiracy theories about the virus this past weekend - I really hope he was kidding! Good for you for standing your ground!
ReplyDeleteMy dad and my husband really go into it several weeks ago. My dad is super religious, yet believes the most radical ideals and unbelievable information. I don't understand it. He said something racist followed by an untrue hoax/theory, and it resulted in an argument. We haven't spoken since. A lot of stuff was said during that conversation, and it made me realize that I can't have them in my life in any capacity if that's how they choose to live and view the world. I don't have the mental energy to deal with them right now. I know they want to talk to their grandchildren, but I can't control the conversation, and I don't want them saying something inappropriate or hurtful.
DeletePeople can be awful can't they.
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll enjoy Lair of Dreams - the series is one of my favorites and the audiobook production is also fantastic.
I am L-O-V-I-N-G the audiobooks for this series! Lair of Dreams gives me goosebumps, haha. The sleeping sickness... what some people get stuck dreaming about... it's so awful.
Delete"I've started telling them that some people just aren't as smart and informed as they are, so they'll feel better about being safe even when it's uncomfortable."
ReplyDeleteAaargh, this post has been sitting in my "comment later" folder for nearly a week. I'm sorry! I just wanted to tell you that I love how you and Jacob raise your kids. Among all the difficulties, you're always able to teach them the right things in a way that sticks and makes a real impact on them, without simply ordering them around. It must be hard sometimes. And those neighbours of yours are UNBELIEVABLE. Except, like the virus, they exist, so you can't choose not to believe in them LOL.
No worries! Everyone is busy and blogs when they have time. :) Sometimes I get on and write a post, but it's days/weeks later before I can respond to comments.
DeleteAw, thanks! We do our best. <3 I love those little monsters and just want them to be kind, understanding, respectful people. I don't like to be ordered around, so it seemed impractical to apply that to parenting. Open discussions and shared information have really worked for us.
The neighbors suck.
Ugh, your neighbors ARE the worst. I can't believe people actually think the virus isn't real. But I can imagine how hard it is for kids to see others breaking the rules like that. Anyway, I really need to get to that Libba Bray series, I've wanted to try it for a while now!
ReplyDeleteI think there are a lot of people that aren't going to take this pandemic seriously until it directly affects them or someone they care about. Even then... who knows? They could blame Obama or something. The Diviners series is SUPER SPOOKY. It legit gives me chills.
Delete