One of the best thing about discovering a new author, is reading your way through all the books they have written. The worst thing is after you have finished reading that last book, and you have to wait for the next one to be published. Alas and alack, this is where I am at with SAA. I have enjoyed all of her books, and this one was no exception. I would say that my one real head scratcher was when I was trying to figure out how the novella/e-short story she released ("Waking Kate") tied in to this novel, since there is a few year gap I think in the story.. (or at least a time break). I would not call SAA a formula writer, but the feeling her books evoke in me is the same, book to book. I like the memories that her books stir up - that awareness of perhaps where I come from, the idea of my people, and even the people I am creating with my children and the place we call home. This is a story about redemption, and finding yourself.. and like the short story, is a book about Kate's waking up. I often think that the right book sometimes appears at the right time in my life, or that I finally pick up a book from my shelf when it is the right time to read it… what has really resonated with me about this book, is that line "Waking Kate".
It feels like I am waking up again and see the world fresh. This last month has been emotionally intense (understatement). So many extremes in terms of the emotional ride that I feel like I have been on at times. This book reminded me of how I feel.. like waking up after a few years of being stuck in a crazy moment (some of my own doing) between young kids, responsibilities, changing jobs, learning limits, relearning limits, and a new one, to really trying to learn that I don't need to be superwoman all the time. I can rest. I can sleep. I can slow down a little. I perhaps can even learn how to ask for help better or set my own limits (especially at work) better.
It helps that the kids are older. I am relieved my stint as a board chair is almost over. I am glad I know where my kids are going to school in the Fall and that we have all of our weeks in order for the summer and covered well. Both kids should have an awesome summer. OMG my youngest starts kindergarten in the fall and both are in a new school and a new daycare, close to home. I will commute solo soon, and I will have a more regular schedule. I am sure there will be chaotic moments, but I am hoping they are a little less crazy that what the last two years has felt like. It feels like more stability is coming, which can only mean that perhaps I will be able to make a change within my career to apply my skills in a new way.
Waking up. I can roll with this theme for a while.
I need to get back to jogging again. Once again, a semester start up that has thrown my regular routine out the window. I really feel like this is the next element to take back. Exercise and work. Crashing through limits with exercise, and better defining my limits with work and working better within those. I should maybe bookmark this post to come back read this. I am not superwoman. Having a deadline that doesn't work and just working harder and more hours doesn't make it a realistic deadline. I have to speak up and stop trying to make it better by taking it all on. /repeat as needed.
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