Today is Sunday time to look back in the rearview mirror and talk about my week . I am linking up to the Sunday Post hosted for years by Kimberly@caffeinatedreviewer .
In my private life
Happy Sunday,
This week was hectic as I was back to work and had to find a “new normal” with the puppies. Again this felt like “déjà vu” when the kids went to kinder garden or school for the first time and you had to manage your schedule to make room for everyone and everything.
That being said, the puppies are growing up fast!
It was also the graduation day for my daughter! She has her first master and we were invited to the ceremony, reminiscent of the US universities with the gowns and the square hats! She was in the first 50 among 434 graduates so we are very proud of her!
My mom is still at the retirement home and it’s hard to explain why she still must stay there even if her mind gets better. She has to gain some weight and that’s no easy feat for someone who loves to walk, bike etc. She can’t sit still!
This also takes a lot of my time on top of work (with a new colleague that I have to train) and the puppies.
I don’t realize that we will soon be at Christmas! The family is invited to come to my home but I have zero decoration (I fear for the tree with the puppies) zero gift and zero idea what I will cook!
Send help!
Last but not least I am determined to post my favorites of 2025 this month, also known as my “Blogmas”. This will be a little bit rough around the edges but absolutely authentic!
So if you are curious about my favorites, keep your eyes on the blog!
Here is the “reel of the week” for you! Enjoy .
Last week on the blog
I posted two reviews one for a murder/thriller and the other for an epic fantasy!
If Empire of the Dawn wasn’t flawless it was still damn good!
Thanks for reading!
Sophie
Congratulations to your daughter! And the Christmas holiday is coming up fast, I can’t believe it myself! I feel like I’m so behind on preparations too!
I am barely catching up now! And thank you for my daughter.
How wonderful that your daughter graduated with such distinction – no wonder you’re such a proud parent:)). And what a lot you have on your plate, just now! And I feel your pain regarding Christmas decorations – Amari has turned our lives upside down, so I don’t like to think what she’ll make of a decorated Christmas tree!! I hope this week isn’t too insanely busy.
I think Amari will have a lot of fun with Christmas decorations ;-)
Sounds like super busy times – I’m sure people visiting you for Christmas will understand the lack of decoration and they may even forget all about it when they see adorable puppies :)
Puppies are my secret plan Lindsey!
Congratulations to your daughter, Sophie – I know you’re a proud parent! You’ve got a lot going on, so do what you can and ask your family for help.
Thank you Teri!
I think it’s okay if you go minimal with Christmas decor considering you have the puppies and so much going on! Family should be happy with the fact that you’re hosting. As for food, I love a good slow cooker meal and it’s usually an easy thing to do. We had slow cooker beef roast with red potatoes and carrots. Made gravy from the juice/drippings and served it over white rice. It’s the “Mississippi Roast” recipe without the butter and we add the potatoes and carrots. Hope your life calms down a bit!
That Missisipi Roast sounds delicious! I would have to find something else for my daughter though as she doesn’t eat meat..
Congrats to your daughter! I feel like you’ll be able to pull off Christmas, you still have 2 and a half weeks! I love seeing your puppies on Instagram, they are sooo cute
Thank you Tammy!
I didn’t even think about the challenges of decorating for the holidays with two puppies. What a challenge, but I know you can do it, Sophie! Congratulations to your daughter. What a wonderful accomplishment.
Thank you Sam!
This time of year is just so busy. I’m flying under the radar because we aren’t going anywhere or having anyone for Christmas. I need to get started on my top 10 lists. I hope it’s a good week for you!
Anne – Books of My Heart
Congrats to your daughter! That is a wonderful accomplishment! I can’t put up any holiday decorations because of our dogs. They have no control over their bodies and get so riled up they would knock everything down. Plus, trees are for potty time. Oh well!
I totally get that!!
I always do top 10 posts for the year this month but haven’t had time to figure them out yet. Hoping for a more “normal” week to do that. I hope you have a good week, and congrats to your daughter! When I got my master’s I didn’t go to the graduation ceremony, just didn’t feel like it since most of the classes had been online.
https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2025/12/07/weekly-wrap-up-253-december-7th-2025/#comment-110001
Haa you were a covid student…that’s sad Lisa :-(