Mistakes

The Writer's Evolution blog is talking about mistakes, so I thought I'd chime in today. Kenzie's take on the subject can be found here.

Word Count: Managed 1,048 yesterday! And finally got her to the airport! Now to get her back to Boise and decide if she's going to keep her job or take the new offer. I may have to interview my favorite pharmacist for this part!

P. 73 of Love Is Sober: (title in itself is a mistake; I should have gone with my gut and titled it Love On The Rocks!

Blurb:
"My first year of college...I can start fresh..." Elicia Keller begins her first day on the Arbor University campus with the desire to fit in, meet the right people, and finally be away from her overbearing parents. She enters the world of fraternity parties, underage drinking, and learns first hand what happens when poor choices are made. One night, after final exams, Elicia and her boyfriend Brent become the victims of a drunk driver. Elicia's roommates stick by her during a heartbreaking discovery, and she learns several hard lessons about herself. Finally, a stranger named Eric, who knows the dangers of alcohol, breaks through her defenses, and shows her the meaning of true love.

To set the scene: Elicia and Brent are discussing her grades in January 1985, and how her father will react.

..."And you're having a good time, aren't you?"

"Yes, until report card time," she retorted, sliding off the bed. "I'll be able to bluff my way about this month, because all I'll have to say is I was upset about the space shuttle exploding, but that's all the slack he'll let me get away with." "...upset about the Dolphins losing the Super Bowl. Dad will understand; he's a Dan Marino fan."

My correction is in bold type. Why the editorial board didn't understand my correction, I'll never know.

And then on P. 141:
Transitional paragraph, discussing events in January 1986:

Elicia was so tired of being treated like an alcoholic, she recklessly went on a mild binge the end of January, justifying it as a reaction to tragedy. The space shuttle Challenger had exploded, killing everyone on board, including Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher in space.

Hmmm...okay...you're reading along and you come to the first example. Head scratch time: Why the two dialogues? Which explanation is right? Was she upset about the space shuttle or the Super Bowl outcome? And wait...you remember the incident! You check the date: No, the author's wrong; it happened in 1986, not '85! But you're caught up in the storyline (hopefully!) and keep reading. And suddenly you find yourself on P. 141.

Hold it...here's another reference to the space shuttle! What the hell...? Okay...so the author corrected it after all! So why the double reference? Hopefully, you care enough to either email the author or see her at another signing. She gladly informs you of the communication error between herself and the publishing company: She corrected her mistake, but for whatever reason, the editorial board didn't understand. And when the Author Rep tried to get in touch with the author in order to clear up any misunderstandings, the author was keeping a round-the-clock vigil at the hospital on her husband, who was having complications from heart surgery, and no cell phone or internet access to conduct business within the publisher's office hours.

Rest assured, there is only minor issues with book #2; a scene break in the wrong place, and one misspelled word.

Hopefully book #3 won't have any issues? I'll have an actual editor and proofreader to catch any mistakes! But first, I have to submit it...no, not found the courage yet...I'm still not entirely convinced it's ready.

"Have It Your Way..."

Currently Reading: Gillian's Place, by Rob Graham. This is interesting; it's a collection of stories, told by a bartender to a stranger. He's recalling the stories of his customers and how they found love with each other. I've already read two; the first one is about two loners who had bad experiences and learned to overcome trust issues, and two neighbors who found a second chance at love after their spouses divorced them. Looking forward to the rest, and to see if the stranger will have a story of her own, or if she'll find love with the bartender or another customer?

Word Count: Managed 350 yesterday. Since we were gone for four hours, I was surprised I found time to write!


For some odd reason, commercial jingles was the topic of conversation last night. How many of you remember these?

"Hold the pickle, hold the lettuce, special orders don't upset us, all we ask is that you let us serve it your way..."

"I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony...I'd like to buy the world a Coke..."

"Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun!"

"Double double cheese cheese burger burger please!"

"Where's the beef?" (Okay, not a jingle, but couldn't resist!)

"Brusha brusha brusha, get the new Ipana..." (I don't remember this, but loved it in Grease!)

"Snap crackle pop, Rice Krispies!"

"Frosted Lucky Charms...they're magically delicious!"

"They're grrrrrrreat!"

"They're on their way to spend their dough without their common sense. They're the Dough-Nuts!"

"Three is a magic number..."

"A noun is a person, place, or thing..."

"Lolly lolly lolly, get your adverbs here..."

"Rockin' and a rollin', splishin' and a splashin', over the horizon, what can it be? Looks like it's going to be a free country..."

"We the people...in order to form a more perfect union..." (I got into minor trouble singing this in class during a quiz !)

"My bologna has a first name, it's O-S-C-A-R...my bologna has a second name, it's M-A-Y-E-R..."

"America spells cheese K-R-A-F-T" (My sister actually spelled it KRAFT in a spelling bee, and then quickly corrected herself. Our spelling bee 'crack up' moment would be to see who got 'relief' and spelled it R-O-L-A-I-D-S!)

"Anticipation...it's slow good!"

"Plop plop fizz fizz, oh what a relief it is..."

And don't get me started on TV theme shows!

So which ones do you still remember from your childhood?

Monday Monday...

I erred Saturday. Our guests aren't arriving until Wednesday:)

Today, we're off to the grocery store, in order to stock up on staples: Canned veggies, fruit, pasta, whatever we think will get us through until tax time.

Talked to my mom last night: Mrs. Sato (Japanese lady who wrote the amazing memoir which was published back in May) is back in the States, and yes, my father is once again driving her around:) And Mom may also try to get down here for the Homecoming festivites on Friday. I know she'd like to see her grandson in the parade and on the football field!

This afternoon I'll be trying to write some more. I did accomplish 200 words yesterday. Why is it inspiration strikes when it's time to start dinner? Yes, the spouse cooked, but he was rather grouchy that I hadn't cleaned up after his afternoon snacking. Imagine that...He leaves out the bread and peanut butter, but I'm supposed to put it away? He may be 55, but acts more like the 5-yr-old.

I'm off to check in with the blogs to the right. Why don't you do the same and maybe I'll have something more interesting tomorrow?

Progress! And Saturday's Stupid Saying:)

At any period of time when you lost consciousness or don't remember what happened, did you see the car change direction or speed?
lawyer asking witness a question, in an actual courtroom transcript

Word Count: Actually managed 750 yesterday:) A page and a half! And then we decided to travel to the game...

Last week, I was finally able to capture my football player running onto the field! He's #62., just past the cheerleaders to the right, and before the banner.

For reference, again if you're a regular reader of this blog, our football team has been on a serious losing streak. We've had two games where we've scored zero points (one being because of an unfair penalty call!) and the others where we've scored only one touchdown. And usually only in the last quarter (you'll recall K's being part of that offensive line last week!)

Here's what happened last night, in the first six minutes of the game:

We just couldn't get the ball into the endzone, but we DID kick a field goal! Not bad for a team who hasn't scored first all season:)

In the second quarter, we finally managed a touchdown AND the extra point!

This is a random shot of our side last night. Mother Nature sprinkled/misted on us throughout the entire game. Surprisingly enough, it quit during halftime, but resumed just in time for the 3rd quarter! Just enough wetness to drive you nuts...and drink lots of coffee!

And with two minutes to go, we actually managed to score again! No, K didn't get to play, but 'my other kid' (another player who has sort of 'adopted' me) was out on the field for the final play of the game...and was shoved after the whistle. Guess who the refs called the penalty on, with about six seconds to go? You guessed it; US! I guess they have different rules in the third county north of here too.

I'm proud of our team. Yes, we're losing, but the point spread is getting closer! Next week is Homecoming. I hope the game is exciting.

We have an interesting week ahead: Some friends from California are arriving tomorrow, since this is R's 30th HS reunion. He was my spouse's Best Man at our wedding, and since we don't get to see he and his wife very often, my hubby is looking forward to spending a week with his best friend. I won't be able to do a great deal of writing this weekend, as we will be doing a massive Operation Clean House. R & S will actually be over to see us on Monday, as they won't arrive in town until late. This is one good thing to come out of the spouse's lay-off; quality time to spend, instead of cramming a year's worth into a day or two!

Buckling Down...

Currently Reading: LOVED Drake's Rules! It's available at Cerridwen Press. Pay close attention to Chapters 7 and 10. Trust me; you won't be disappointed! Another Recommended Read:)

Next up: Gillian's Place, by Rob Graham. I've never read his work before, and as this is another long one, I might get to it over the weekend or early next week.


I'm determined to start chapter 5 today. Yes, I KNOW I said that yesterday. But when lunchtime came, I decided to plug in my e-book flash drive and read chapter 8 of Drake's Rules. Toss in a surprise Instant Message from a fellow author and suddenly I realized it was time to pick up the kindergartener! Since it was raining, I sent the spouse. And kept reading. Finally at 3:30, I finished.

Got up to get a drink of tea, switched out the laundry, and exchanged flash drives.

Wrote about 20 words and realized I hadn't checked my emails in a while. Admitted defeat on the writing for the day when my teens came home.

So today my goal is to write more than 20 words! Maybe I'll get at least a page in?

Is This A No-No?

Currently Reading: I'm up to Ch. 8 on Drake's Rules:) If you've not read this book, go get it and pay attention to Ch. 7! So far, it's my favorite scene in the entire 65 pages read so far! Barb, you've done a wonderful job! I'm going to reward myself with some more later, if I accomplish my writing goal for the day!

Word Count yesterday: 1647. BIG improvement over Tuesday's 900:)


You're reading along, when all of a sudden, the conversation you're reading takes a strange turn. Here are two people, old friends who haven't seen each other in years, who decided to sleep together Saturday night. She's had a crush on him for years; he's a committment-phobe who just wants some fun. But he's discovered he enjoys her company, and is beginning to fight his feelings. During their second night together, he brings up a dangerous topic. Keep in mind, she's flying home the next day, and they don't know when they'll see each other again.

If you read the following, would you stop reading?


“How long has it been since you’ve slept with someone?” His fingers smoothed her hair from her forehead.
“At least two months,” she whispered. “You?”
“You don’t want to know…not now.” He kissed her, but she pulled away.
“We said we’d be honest with each other,” she reminded him. “Or does that only apply to certain questions?”
“Just trust me on this one. I’m single; that’s all you need to know right now.” He reached for her, but she rolled away. “Damn it, Natalie….”
“Just answer the question. You’re single, but you have, what, a favorite call girl or something?”
“Do you really need to know this right now?”
“What’s the problem, Brian? You’re the one who asked me about my prior sex life. Don’t you think I have the right to ask about yours? Unless you have a habit of picking up hookers…thank God you bought the condoms the other night. At least you care enough to practice safe sex.”
“I don’t pick up hookers. I don’t do that.”
“Then what’s the problem?” She reached over and turned on the light. “Do you or do you not have sex with anyone on a regular basis?” Natalie hugged the blankets to her chest.
“I-okay, you want to know? Fine, I’ll tell you.” Brian sat up and faced her, squinting as his eyes adjusted to the light. “Yes, I get together on a semi-regular basis with a woman who I met a few years ago. We have an arrangement, and meet once a week for a drink and to relax a little. There’s nothing serious going on; we just talk and enjoy each other for a couple of hours. Is that so bad?”
“Are you…..never mind. I guess I don’t have the right to ask.” Natalie bit her lip.
“Am I going to see her this week? I don’t know. I told you this wasn’t going to be anything more than just a weekend thing, Natalie.”
“I know; I’m sorry I pushed the issue.” She snapped off the light, but stayed curled up on her side of the bed. “I guess I walked into that one.”
“No, I’m the one who started it. I’m not going to apologize for my lifestyle…”
“And you shouldn’t have to. You’re right; this is nothing more than a weekend fling.”
“Do you want me to leave?”
Oh god…Part of her wanted to scream yes, and the other part wanted to shout no. Tears unexpectedly pooled in her eyes. “No. I…like you where you are,” she said in a small voice.
“Nat…” Gentle hands stroked her bare shoulders as the rest of his body hesitantly curved around hers. “Just let me hold you.”

Fortunately, there is still time to edit this out if it's too much of a hot button issue. What's your take? Would you tell the guy to get lost? Or would you email the author with a nasty note?

Goals For Today:
-Start Ch. 5 and get her on that airplane (or at least to the airport?)
-Laundry day.
-Stay dry...it's going to rain all day.
-Revise the above part, if everyone hates it! You know how sometimes characters don't always behave the way you want them to? Classic example. A 'What the hell...' moment about halfway through!

"Everything Happens For A Reason"

Currently Reading: Still on Drake's Rules. And I forgot to add last week, Sabrina Jeffries' Wed Him Before You Bed Him is excellent! Now I want to read the rest of her books! I can't remember the other title, but these are definite Recommended Reads:) I'm also up to Ch 23 on Contagion.

If you haven't discovered The Moonlight Lace Mayhem blog, pop over and read over their interviews with different authors the past several weeks. Carrie interviewed Julia London yesterday. My TBB list has now grown out of control...

Word count yesterday: 900, and I finally have them going back to the hotel. Maybe they'll get to the airport today??


If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know I sometimes talk about my faith in God. If you don't care to read about it today, feel free to skip today's post and read something more to your liking.

With that said...I'm asking for prayers. Spouse was laid off last night, and the likelyhood of him going back to work this year is slim. Normally, the construction season runs from March/April to October/November. The past several years has been tough on us, due to lengthy rain in June and projects being 'held back' for political and economical reasons.

Here's my specific prayer request: That the money we do have, in the form of last week's pay and yesterday's pay, plus whatever is left of his unemployment claim and the extention claim will be enough to meet our basic needs, and we spend what little is left over WISELY. He's only worked eight weeks, and we still have medical bills piling up, that we have been slowly paying what we can on them.

With little sales from my books this year, I may have to go looking for work. I trust He will guide me, as the last time I held a job, my paychecks helped with the daily expenses while his went toward the rent and utilities.

I know God is faithful; I've seen it in the times when we were struggling and unexpected help arrived. We once pulled into a gas station with only enough money to fill up the gas tank to get to our destination; I discovered a dollar in change and used it to play a scratch-off lotto ticket. By the time I was through with all the free tickets, $1 and $2 wins (which I cashed in for more tickets), we had not only a full tank of gas, but two quarts of oil and $17 in cash.

After my husband's heart surgery, a neighbor showed up one day with enough food to last us a month. After W was born, another neighbor showed up with baby supplies.

Two years ago, we wondered how D was going to pay for his travel expenses, plus ours. At the end of the year, his expenses totaled 12k. His income turned out to be exactly 12k more than in previous years.

Last year, we were facing dire straits, and he was called out to the pipeline, working from late September to January, after only working two weeks in July. Again, we got our health insurance reinstated sooner than expected, and the kids were able to have a decent Christmas after all.

I know He'll provide; we just need to do our part and not give up. I've seen it in the past eight years; I know He's looking out for His Children.

I have friends who are struggling with their faith, and when hard times fall, they cry 'Why me? Where is God when I need him now?" This is the time we need to cling to God, to trust His guidance in our daily lives. Pray constantly. Believe it will happen. Don't harden your hearts. It may seem that everything is working against you, but later, you will look back and see what signs you were ignoring. We did, and so will others.

It all comes down to faith and trust.

Clarification...and Good News:)

Currently Reading: Drake's Rules, by Barbara Huffert. I'm up to Ch 5 and enjoying it! The only reason I had to stop reading was the fact my daughter needed the computer. I'm going to reward myself with it, once I get my heroine to the airport:)


It came to my attention this morning yesterday's post is unclear, so hopefully this sets everyone's minds at ease.

-Roxie was rescued by J, not us. J took her out the deplorable conditions and cleaned her up.
-This was three weeks ago, not two. Roxie actually got along well with the other animals.
-Roxie was not 'turned over' to us after only two days; I did NOT mean to imply in any way, shape, or form, that we swooped in and took her. J and S did all the work; we merely provided her with a good home, as S had fallen in love with Rox and wanted to bring her home.
-J deserves all the credit, not me. I thought I'd stated that.

I humbly apologize for any confusion as to yesterday's post!

UPDATE:
I have already spotted a potential problem with our new pet: She likes to eat Oreo's food. So either cat food will have to be put elsewhere, or Miss Roxie will have to learn to stay out of the bathroom, and eat her own food on the back porch. We're still on a learning curve here.

Good News:)
We have a new shower head! BIG improvement over the old one:) Bathing is now enjoyable again; now we're still adjusting to the controls. We had a leak the last couple of weeks, and D adjusted the levers. Suddenly, the cold water lever is tighter, and instead of bringing it forward to the same position as the hot one, we only have to turn it about half the distance. (Thoroughly confused now? So am I, even though I know what I'm talking about!)

New Chair!
Our St. Vincent de Paul store recently built a new building, so on impulse yesterday, D and I stopped in to see it. It's a lot more roomier, and lo and behold, there was a desk chair for only $15. A bit scuffed up on the wooden arms, but the seat is in good condition, as are the casters! D generously bought it for me, as the one I was looking at at Office Max was closer to $70. This is a huge improvement over the kitchen chair I've been using the past couple of months! I also got six paperbacks for 50 cents each: Robin Cook's Contagion, Judith Michael's Pot of Gold and Sleeping Beauty, John Grisham's Runaway Jury, Ken Follett's The Third Twin, and Jackie Collins' The Love Killers. I've probably got Grisham's and Collins' books buried somewhere, but just don't remember reading them. I got into chapter 3 of Contagion and realized I do own it already....somewhere. I'll donate it back when I'm finished reading it.

Goals For Today:
-Finish laundry. Only three loads not finished yesterday.
-Get my CR characters to the airport in order to send my heroine back to Boise. They were in bed until Friday, but I had them dress and go out for dinner. They spent the weekend at the dinner table; time for them to continue bonding and spend one last night together before she leaves...
-Wake up my fingers! I swear; they don't want to work this morning. I've written more typos than normal. I've already had my two cups of coffee; maybe I need food?

Happy Tuesday. Spouse is working; it's not raining; everything is peaceful. Hugs and prayers go out to Jae; Atlanta's under water and school's been cancelled and six people have already died. Hopefully she and her family are safe and well.

Meet Roxie

This is our rescue pet, Roxie, taken two weeks ago. She's 6 or 8 years old (owners say she's six, but with all the gray on her chin, we think she's closer to 8...Vet will tell us later this week.) and is a black cocker spaniel. She looks like a little black lamb in the above pic; her old owners kept her in the backyard, fed her when they remembered, and generally neglected her. Roxie was rescued by my friend J, who has been trying to get her for two years and finally succeeded. Despite having to live in deplorable conditions (a muddy back yard, no interaction with anyone, and obviously no grooming), she is the sweetest, most loving animal. J and my daughter worked for ten hours giving her baths, clipping away the matted hair (she was so matted underneath, her legs were 'webbed' to her body. She's basically learning how to walk again!), and showering her with attention.

This is Roxie last week. Big improvement, huh? After being groomed, J discovered she had a broken rib and pieces of a screen door digging into her chin, caught in the matted hair. But after two days, J could no longer keep her.

She was food aggressive; J has three other dogs, all smaller, and the food is kept out for them to get a bite whenever they want. Roxie would snap and growl if any of the others came near the bowl. Finally, J got Rox her own bowl, and the problem subsided...somewhat.

J also has two cats. Rox liked to chase them, to see them run. She and the Alpha Dog also got into it, but it turned out to be simply a 'wrestling match', with no fur flying, no biting...just a lot of noise and rolling around. Nonetheless, it got on J's nerves, and since S had fallen in love with Roxie, we agreed to try her out for the weekend. There were issues of a) would she and Lucky get along; b) How well would she do with a five-yr-old; c) How would she interact with Oreo, the cat; d) how she would react to my husband's beard (her old owner had one, and it had taken several days to warm up to J's hubby, even with no facial hair!).

We went to get Roxie on Saturday. D fell in love with her, as did W. She and W bonded and were happily running around J's back yard. She reacted well to the leash and harness, although we switched her to pretty pink collar. She shivered the entire ride home, but did okay.

Lucky sniffed her when we brought her in the house; no aggression was present. Good; hurdles A and B were overcome. The cat came in; he rubbed up against her; she didn't react. So far, so good. And Sunday morning, D reported she laid her head on his knee and let him pet her. Soon she would nudge his hand and move forward, so as he scratched, he went down the entire length of her body.

And when we left for church, the cat was in the chair; Lucky was in her corner; Roxie was curled up in front of the TV. An hour later when we returned, Oreo raced out of the house as if to say, "You left me in the house with two dogs! I'm outa here!"

Later, when K fet Pinky and Mikey (rats), he left the cage door open while he untied the food. Roxie started shaking, and had to be consoled. Apparently the night before, she'd gotten curious about the cage and put her nose up to it. Pinky stuck his head out; she jumped back and ran the other way! Will we soon have a Pinky/Mikey/Roxie Comedy Hour? Stay tuned!

Saturday's Stupid Saying and Great News:)

Armstrong is about to join a list which includes only himself.
ESPN sportscaster Mark Brown, on cyclist Lance Armstrong

He Blocks...They Drive...Touchdown!
With three minutes to go in the game, W begs me to take him to the restroom. The score was 47-0, and things were looking bleak for our team. I stood up and told my friend M I'd be back. W jumps happily down the bleachers; I followed.

When I reached the bottom, I noticed one of our players had broken a tackle and was heading for the end zone! I yelled for W to wait, and cheered. When the player hit the ground, I resumed following W. The announcer said the ball was now on the 1 yard line, first down.

W and I reached the concession stand; we made a touchdown! I clapped as I followed W into the restroom. When we emerged, our team had also scored the extra point, and the score was 47-7.

W and I climbed back to our seats as our team kicked the ball and play resumed. M says to me excitedly, "K was on the field! K got to play when they made the touchdown! Did you see it?"

"No...I missed it! My baby got to play? Woo hoo!"

Typical...K does well and I missed it! Flash back to third grade: I'm taking my turn in the concession stand during Pee Wee Baseball. Word had just reached me he'd been stung by a bee; I sent up an ice pack (His dad was one of the coaches and one of the moms was an EMT, so I knew he was okay!) Five minutes later, two moms come rushing to the stand.

"Molly! Kyle just hit a GRAND SLAM HOME RUN!"

Apparently, his ball count had been 2-2 (two fouls, two strikes) with the bases loaded. Before the pitch came, D yelled, "Remember the bee..."

SMACK!

Ball went sailing over the opposing teams outfield. His entire team pounced on him when he slid into home plate and headed for the dugout!

And...was anyone recording the game that day?

No. Mom missed the entire thing!

Before he left for practice this morning, I asked him to ask his coach for a copy of the game DVD. Don't know if I'll be allowed to see it, or if I'll have to wait for the next game!

But K's excited; apparently the players who are on the field when they score receive 'V's to put on their helmets. He's going to get his first one today:)

I'm a proud Momma today; can you tell? Have an AWESOME weekend!

And You Thought Lying Was Bad?

OH. MY. GOD.

There are NO words for that evil man on Survivor. He's twisted; devious; and I predict he's going to only destroy this tribe once they see this footage.

We thought Johnny Rotten was bad, because he lied about his grandmother?

This guy spun a sob story about being caught in Hurricane Katrina and losing his dog. Then he proceeded to empty the water canteens, burn socks, and if they don't vote him out QUICKLY, I don't know what damage he's going to inflict.

Oh, he's also a multi-millionaire, not a firefighter.

Can't wait to see what goes down next week; apparently one of the challenges gets violent and Jeff has to actually eject someone from the challenge. Hope it's Russell, and they disqualify him! Send him packing!

Okay; rant over.

Football game tonight at home. I have to make two dozen brownies and work the dessert table at the annual Pork Chop Dinner before the game. My dad is arriving around 5 and we're all going over to have a nice meal before the game. And anyone who wants pizza instead, the local radio station will have plenty!

I'm off to wash the dog. Either a skunk or a fox visited the backyard, and she reeks. I've confined her to the basement until I get her bathed! And no tomato juice in the house...there's a trip to the store....

Heartache

Everything happens for a reason, right? That seems to be the theme I keep clinging to this past year.

First it was anxiously waiting for D to return to work. Then it was my release date. And having the money for my usual summer 'book tour'.

This summer has been full of bitter pills and promises of 'next year'. And I made the choice to attend my son's activities and miss out on a few sales venues.

Well, another blow has hit me. I'm not going to be able to attend RomantiCon, after all. D is thinking his job won't last past the end of the month, and even though I've tried over the past two months to break down the cost into smaller 'payments', I keep hearing 'maybe next week...'

Guess what? 'Next week' is here. And he's reluctantly agreed to pay the small booth rental fees for the two Fall Festivals coming up in October and November. But not for the hotel, the registration fee, or gas money to travel to Ohio. I am so gratefull to Valerie at EC who has patiently waited and waited, taking my phone calls and returning them, extending the deadline until the money was available. But with it being less than a month away, she can no longer wait.

So now, my hotel room is up for grabs if anyone wants it. Email me at storimom2@aol.com if you want to go but still need a place to stay. I won't be needing it after all.

Everything happens for a reason. And I hope to see you next year, or even at RT. It's in Columbus next April, right? It's only 5 or 6 hours away. And maybe by then this economy will be better for everyone.

Thank God for chocolate. "Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down..."

Woo Hoo Jordan!

Currently Reading: Bought Adrianne Brennan's The Oath, books 1 & 2. I've been so busy writing, I haven't gotten to them yet. Maybe when I finish writing Ch 3 of Class Reunion?? And forgot to mention: Rescuing Clarice is a Recommended Read. Sorry I left that out, Anny!


Jordan won! Jordan won! And Jeff won the Favorite House Guest award! Okay....I promise no more Big Brother babbling...at least until next July! And now Survivor is back tomorrow! TV Guide says that Russell will go down as the most evil villian of all Survivor castaways. Even more so than Johnny Rotten, er, Fairplay? We shall see.

Today is Day #2 of the job shadow. While Sam was blogging, K 'shadowed the Domestic Engineer' side of me and cleaned the rat cage (his regular chore) and swept the living room. I moved the furniture for him.

What's on tap for today? K will do more work on his report. Yesterday he did take an hour and wrote the outline. Now he needs to do the actual writing. S will be writing a story. As always, I'll post what she writes later today. At Sam's request, the story she wrote is too personal to be blasted all over cyberspace. I'm respecting her wishes it not be posted.

Time's Running Out!
Only five more days to post a comment on the Coffee Time Romance forum, for a chance to win a free copy of Kenzie's book! Go to http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=14 and say hi:)

How's the writing going? I added 300 more words last night at Laptop Society. And forgot to check the word count before I left yesterday. So while I'm not finished with Ch 3 just yet, it may happen today.

Welcome Guest Blogger Sam:)

I'm turning this entry over to my 'other daughter' today. She passed the ISTEP test, and since she doesn't have to attend school today, she's chosen to job-shadow me. I've given her free reign today, with the stipulation to keep it somewhat clean! So here is a glimpse into the mind of a teenager.

Um. I'm Samantha. I chose to shadow her because I've always wanted to write a book since I was in 8th grade. Although I don't see that happening, maybe some day. I love words and everything to do with words. I love how words come together to make sentences and how sentences make paragraphs. English is truly an amazing language even though people think I'm a bit odd because they take it for granted. I love to take words apart to find a meaning and how they came from other countries and languages. I often correct people's grammar, which they just happen to find annoying. I hate misspelling words. I often find myself changing a part in a story if I forget how to spell a word, because I hate being corrected on how to spell. Words are truly amazing if you look at them in the way I do.

RIP Johnny Castle, Sam Wheat, and Orry Main

"Nobody puts Baby in the corner..."

"Ditto..."

"I hope and pray our friendship survives this awful war, George..."

Just a few of the memorable lines delivered by Patrick Swayze, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer last night.

Tune in later today; I've got two HS seniors job-shadowing me today, and contrary to popular belief, they will NOT be sleeping and watching TV all day. If you'll recall, K learned how to post a blog entry last year AND wrote a cute little story based on his pet rat. This year, his assignment is to research and finish his Eagle Scout paper, required for his final merit badge.

S will be checking in later; no, not my S; this S is one of the many teens in the area who call me 'Mom'. She has a doctor's appointment, so check back around noon. I'm going to have her as a guest blogger. Topic is unknown; I have one in mind, but I'm not sure if she'll feel comfortable talking about it. So in the meantime, check in with everyone else; I'll be trying to steal some writing time for myself the next three days.

Late Blogger Checking In...

My husband is a happy man.

No, not in that way! Well, okay, maybe he is! I know...TMI...

The reason he's happy right now is he managed to get a good weekend's sleep, and everything went smoothly for us. After the teens left, there was a slight panic session as we were unable to locate W's shoes, but he found them and made it to school on time. Whew!

I spent the morning at the grocery store. And managed to come in nearly $10 under the predicted expense! How I managed that, I'm not sure, but now he's not worrying how he's going to pay for gas, food, and anything else until Thursday. So you see....he's a happy man.

And sleeping somewhat peacefully right now!

In the meantime, I'm finishing up the last of the laundry; I managed to write 1300 words on Sat and around 700 yesterday. I was busy watching football. And Big Brother. S and her friend took control of the computer all afternoon, and when I did get it, all I heard was 'Mom...can you do this? Mom...can you do that?" So after a while I admitted defeat. I am nearly finished with Ch 3 of Class Reunion, so maybe today I'll finally get it written and move on the Ch 4. Wish me luck!

Saturday's Stupid Saying and Good News:)

How big is a seven-inch cheesecake?
customer to baker at The Cheesecake Factory

The Good News:

Happy Release Day to my friend and fellow author J. Travis Grundon, on his long-awaited and highly anticipated book Anthology of the Living Dead:)

Travis says:

That's right, Forrest J Ackerman's Anthology of the Living Dead is now available on Amazon.com

http:../../..www...amazon...com/..Forrest-..Ackermans-..Anthology-..Living-..Dead/..dp/..0984213619/..ref=..sr_..1_..1?..ie=..UTF8&..s=..books&..qid=..1252700562&..sr=8-1

or through any Barnes and Noble book store!!!

The incredible collection features many great authors including:
Del Howison (Stoker award winner)
Axelle Carolyn
Cassandra Lee
Joe Knetter
Eric Enck
Joe Moe
and many, many more!!!

Don't miss out on the best zombie collection of its kind. Get your copy today and come see anthology contributors Justin Brock-Jones and J. Travis Grundon in Nashville, for the Nashville Comic and Horror Fest.

http:../../..www...comiccitytn...com/..hfest_..guests.html

Check it out and spread the infection!!!

J. Trav

Congrats Travis; I know you've been working and waiting for this day for the past 15 months!

Not-So-Good News:
I guess the far southwestern corner of the state has different football rules: According to the scoreboard, our boys lost last night, 35-0. Our boys had no trouble holding them to a no score in the first quarter. Second quarter, the other team scored a TD. No problem; two plays later, we score an 85-yd TD. BUT....the referee made a 'holding' call. No one on our side saw the infraction; we were denied our TD and the ball was put back where it was, plus penalty yardage. We never advanced; they intercepted and scored again.

About halfway through the 3rd quarter, there was an OBVIOUS holding infraction on the opposition's part, on the same play which we had executed in the 2nd, but wait...the refs didn't see it, and they were allowed to keep their points. So the actual score SHOULD have been 25-6. Or 25-7, had we been allowed to kick our extra point.

We'll be back at home next week, but unfortunately the team we're up against is ranked #6 in the state. I don't think it will be very pretty!

I'm off to go get W; he spent the night at a friend's house instead of dragging him with us. Which was a good call; we didn't get home until after midnight. The spousal unit has returned and gone to try to get a good days' sleep, so I'll be doing laundry and working on Ch 3 of Class Reunion.

Have a good weekend! Did you remember to wish Brynn a Happy Birthday yesterday?

"Let's Roll!"

Currently Reading: LOVED Rescuing Clarice! I love the POV...I write this way!! Maybe there's hope for my series yet????? Next up: The Oath, books 1 & 2 by Adrianne Brennan. I'm also reading Wed Him Before You Bed Him by Sabrina Jeffries:)


Famous words spoken eight years ago which prevented an airplane from crashing into God-only-knows-what.

I had an interesting experience last night; K had to interview someone about their 9/11 experience, and he chose me. At first, I had no trouble answering questions such as 'where were you when you heard the news' and 'how did your daily life change afterwards'. But when he asked if I had anything else that hadn't been addressed, I said yes, and began to describe the heroism of the workers, the people on Flight 93...and got emotional. And darn it, the kid even typed 'wipes tearful eyes as she speaks' into the answers!

A Washington Post reporter came to his school and interviewed his class concerning 9/11. According to K, the article can be found in the Washington Post, the New York Times, US News, and our local paper. I'm heading out soon to pick up a copy.

To Lisa Beamer...may we never forget your husband Todd's actions. I hope your son or daughter knows and understands what a hero his/her daddy was eight years ago.

In Other News...
Don't forget I'm posting as Kenzie on Coffee Time Romance Reader's Retreat Forum until the 20th:) Here's the link again: http://www.coffeeti meromance. com/board/ forumdisplay. php?f=14

Tonight we will be travelling (hopefully!) to Mt Vernon for a football game. I have to provide bananas for the entire team tonight, because someone is already bringing the granola bars! I had a choice: Cheese crackers or bananas. I consulted K and his friend J, who both eagerly shouted, 'Ohhhh...Bananas! We LOVE bananas!'

Okay...55 bananas coming up. Just hope I have enough money left over for gas, game tickets, and dinner!! If I don't, there's always Melissa's birthday party:)

Answered Prayer!

J, my 'stepdaughter' ( interesting family dynamic...email me off loop if you're confused), finally had her gall bladder removed yesterday.

Why was this so important?

For years she has struggled to maintain a job, provide for her two kids, and fend for herself. But something always has seemed to work against her.

She started off last year being let go from her job, due to being 'late' too many times. She had an agreement with the owner of the company which allowed her to work midnight-5am, go home, get her children (kindergarten and pre-K) off to school by 6am (that is when the daycare opened), and return to her job and work two more hours.

I don't know the particulars; all I know is that she'd been 'habitually 3 minutes late', so after the 10th time, she was let go.

She resumed bartending, and sending out applications everywhere. No luck. And then her stomach started acting up. Since she had no health insurance, she went to the sliding-scale hospital downtown, who informed her it looked as if her gall bladder was slightly inflamed, and referred her to a doctor.

Doctor #1 ran tests, which came back 'inconclusive' and referred her to another one.

Doctor #2 ran more tests, and concluded she was simply having another diverticulius flare-up and ordered medicine.

Guess what? Thanks to my spouse, she was able to get it refilled once or twice. Problem continued.

She suffered, not being able to eat a whole lot, and took a lot of pain medicine. In Janurary of this year, she could no longer afford her apartment, but a friend who had hired her to work in his security business graciously moved her and the kids in with him.

In May, he ordered her back to the ER, same one. This time, doctor #3 gets involved, and diagnoses something else. She goes to Dr. #4; nope, everything's fine.

In the meantime, fed up with being in constant pain and little money, she applied for Medicaid. She was approved, and by this time, the four of them became aware of a rent-to-own house two blocks away from the kids' school. They looked at it, and decided the rent amount was in their budget. They move in.

J calls to tell me about being approved for Medicaid, and do I know a good doctor in her area? I don't, but tell her to get her butt to the BETTER of the three hospitals. Last month, she went to the ER and was diagnosed with gall bladder issues (duh...wasn't that the first diagnosis??). She's referred to a specialist the following week.

Doctor #6 sticks a camera down her her GI tract. Yes, it's either her gall bladder or scar tissue from the diverticulum surgery when she was 15. He schedules a meeting with the surgeon.

Surgeon takes a look at the films and schedules her for surgery. He'll do it laproscopicly, unless the scar tissue gets in the way. If it does, he'll have to open her up.

She called last night; laproscopy worked, and she already feels 99% better. Sore from the surgery, but otherwise, she can eat without a burning sensation.

What was the difference? Was it her her lack of health care, or just a poor choice of hospitals? Doctors who know their patients are having trouble paying, or doctors who actually CARE about their patients? Or was it her lack of health insurance?

I'm having an issue with our family doctor down here myself. We ran up a $300 bill with them last winter, and am having trouble paying, due to the spouse's late start at work. His office has told me that until the bill is paid, they will not treat my children. What the hell happened to the Hippocratic Oath? The Code of Ethics? In many hospitals, I've seen the signs that 'you will not be denied treatment based on ability to pay' (or something like that). Why does this not extend to doctor's offices?

As I said in an earlier post, my daughter had a sinus infection. Fortunately, I still have a doctor up north who knows my kids. He called in a prescription for her, and it cost us $5 for the antibiotics. We're making payments to the office, trying to pay down the balance as much as possible before D is laid off for the winter.

I don't know what the answer to the health care issue is; I've heard both sides of the argument. The only thing I can do is pray that Congress makes the right decision for the American People. And that my husband works enough hours so we don't lose our health insurance. Plus, healthy kids this winter.

Ain't It Great To Be A Hoosier?

I had a busy dream pattern last night and woke up exhausted. Ever have one of those dreams where you and your spouse are fighting over how to get from Point A to Point B, only he insists he doesn't want to drive slower than 75mph, and even though you know the fastest way to get there, the speed limit is only 55 and full of speed traps?

I may go back to bed for an hour or two.

In the meantime, enjoy the following! Got it in an email the other day.


Here is what Jeff Foxworthy has to say about Hoosiers.

If your local Dairy Queen is closed
from September through May,
you may live in Indiana .

If someone in a Home Depot store offers you
assistance and they don't even work there,
you may live in Indiana .

If you've worn shorts and a parka at the
same time, you may live in Indiana .

If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation
with someone who dialed a wrong number,
you may live in Indiana .

If "vacation" means going anywhere south of
Muncie for the weekend,
you may live in Indiana .

If you measure distance in hours,
you may live in Indiana .

If you know several people who have hit a deer
more than once,
you may live in Indiana .

If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' in
the same day and back again,
you may live in Indiana .

If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow
during a raging blizzard without flinching,
you may live in Indiana .

If you install security lights on your house and garage,
but leave both doors unlocked,
you may live in Indiana .

If you carry jumpers in your car and
your wife knows how to use them,
you may live in Indiana .

If you design your kid's Halloween costume
to fit over a snowsuit,
you may live in Indiana .

If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph -
you're going 80 and everybody is passing you,
you may live in Indiana .

If driving is better in the winter because
the potholes are filled with snow,
you may live in Indiana .

If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter,
winter, still winter and road construction,
you may live in Indiana .

If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car,
you may live in Indiana .

If you find 10 degrees "a little chilly",
you may live in Indiana .

If you actually understand these jokes, and
forward them to all your Indiana friends & others,
you definitely do live - or have lived - in Indiana .

Interview and Forum Info

Good morning:) I have good news this morning!

a) Ashley Ladd tossed several interesting questions at Kenzie; go take a look for yourself here;

b) Kenzie will also be posting at Coffee Time Romance Reader's Retreat. Here's the link: http://www.coffeeti meromance. com/board/ forumdisplay. php?f=14 ; my fellow Freya's Bower and Wild Child Publishing authors will be there until Sept. 20th. So stop by and say hello:)

c) My creativity has returned with a vengeance! 1100 words on Saturday; 600 on Sunday, and nearly 2100 yesterday! Since today is a 'Shhh' day while the spousal unit sleeps, I'm catching up on a mountain of laundry put off from the weekend and letting the words flow from my fingertips. This feels great; the last time I wrote this much was during the edit stage...if that doesn't count, then...January?

So have a great day, stop by both Ashley's and CTR and say hi. I'll be popping in frequently.

Sing It Alabama!

I think this sums up Labor Day...

There are people in this country
Who work hard every day
Not for fame or fortune do they strive
But the fruits of their labor
Are worth more than their pay
And it's time a few of them were recognized.

Hello, Detroit auto workers,
Let me thank you for your time
You work a forty hour week for a livin',
Just to send it on down the line

Hello, Pittsburgh steel mill workers,
Let me thank you for your time
You work a forty hour week for a livin',
Just to send it on down the line.

This is for the one who swings the hammer,
Driving home the nail
For the one behind the counter,
Ringing up the sale
For the one who fights the fires,
The one who brings the mail
For everyone who works behind the scenes.

You can see them every morning
In the factories and the fields
In the city streets and the quiet country towns
Working together like spokes inside a wheel
They keep this country turning around.

Hello, Kansas wheat field farmer,
Let me thank you for your time
You work a forty hour week for a livin',
Just to send it on down the line

Hello, West Virginia coal miner,
Let me thank you for your time
You work a forty hour week for a livin',
Just to send it on down the line.

This is for the one who drives the big rig,
Up and down the road
For the one out in the warehouse,
Bringing in the load
For the waitress, the mechanic,
The policeman on patrol
For everyone who works behind the scenes.
With a spirit you can't replace with no machine

Hello America,
let me thank you for your time...

I'm off to deal with a grumpy spouse. Funny how he arrives home in a good mood, and two days later has reverted back to his irritated, grouchy self. He needs to go back to bed. I let him sleep all day Fri and Sat, but staying awake for church yesterday threw off his sleep pattern. So now he's tired and rambling on about stuff that can wait until he's more coherent!

Also, a relative won the Queen contest of the Miss Bicknell Heritage Festival, so we may go up for the parade later today. Depends on if the rain stays away.

Go check out Anny's Blog. She's more insightful than I am today:)

Saturday's Stupid Saying and a Photo I Never Thought I'd Ever See Taken!

Rebel Lube Service Center
Free Earwash with Lube & Oil Change Only
ad in a newspaper



Here is my old neighbor, the 'dumb jock' who moved two doors down from us when he and I were in the 3rd grade. He made fun of me because I couldn't shoot a basketball (at least not while he was watching...our basketball goal had fallen down and I had discovered reading and badmitton by then, lol!) and I used to wonder OUT LOUD in jr high why ANYONE would want to 'go' with him! Of course, girls used to pester me for his phone number, or try to get me to give him theirs, but I refused. Yes, it made me an outcast, but I didn't care. I thought I had 'his kind' pegged, and vowed to never even be FRIENDS with any 'egotistical jocks'.

Fast-forward to high school. I had switched schools, in order to be in the 'better' marching band, and started making friends. One boy in particular seemed to keep popping up whereever I went, and after a period of teasing, we grudgingly admitted we liked each other's sense of humor.

Basketball season began. I'm sitting in the bleachers, not really paying attention to the JV team (they sucked, ha ha!) and talking to another friend. All of a sudden, I hear 'Cross in for Jeff'. I looked up and there is my male friend, dressed in the JV b-ball uniform, heading onto the court.

My friend was looking at the program.

'Give me that,' I demanded, and took it away from her. I flipped through the pages and found the picture of the JV team. 'Oh my GOD! He's on the BASKETBALL TEAM!' I gave the program back and held my head in my hands.

'Who, B? Yeah, he played basketball all through junior high. Didn't you know?'

Monday morning, I went up to B. 'You never told me you played basketball!'

'I thought you knew!'

I walked away, shaking my head. It took him three days of persistance to finally pry the story out of me. But since he'd walked me to my locker and placed his arm around me in the hallway the day after I'd broken up with my boyfriend (in front of the jerk!), it was now all over school that he and I were now dating. We never did fully convince people of our 'friends only' status.

Fast-forward to last weekend: K not only hugged me when he saw me (we hadn't seen each other since 1995), but when I left the reunion on Saturday, he kissed me on the cheek.

I guess time and maturity heals just about everything:)

Have a good Labor Day weekend! K's team did manage to get a touchdown last night! Score was 41-7. Ah well...the season is still young...

Nooooooo.....Not Jeff!!!

Currently Reading: Just finished Barb's Hot Rush. Oh my freaking god...go buy this book! It's excellent and full of humor! Next up: Anny's Rescuing Clarice:)


I'm bummed. Jeff is off to the jury house. And Natalie has a free shot at the final 3! I predict she'll put up Jordan and Michelle.

Got a surprise an hour ago; my hubby walked in the front door! He's offering to take us to dinner tonight before K's game, not just grabbing Hardee's, which is what S and I had planned.

I'm getting bogged down in the details of getting my characters undressed. Hopefully today will be THE DAY, and the rest of the story will flow. D just headed off to sleep, so I've got three hours to myself before football obligations.

Got any plans for the weekend? I think the only thing we're doing is paying bills, grocery shopping, and laundry on my part. Oh yes...and D agreed to 'think about it some more' when I gently asked about paying for RomantiCon! Keep your fingers crossed!

Sorry if my Journey lyrics yesterday drove many of you to drink...once I get my characters into bed, I'll be buying a bottle of wine myself!

Journey Heaven

Currently Reading: I loved Ashley's Last Man on Earth! Now for Barb's Hot Rush...I read the first few lines and burst out laughing. I remember when you were writing this, Barb! Looking forward to reading it later today!


The Early Show has Journey in concert today. I'm cranking up the volume!

"Don't stop...believin'...hold on to that feelin'....streetlight...people...."

"And bein' apart ain't easy on this love affair...two people learn to fall in love again..."

"Oooh, the wheel in the sky keeps on turnin..."

"You meant more to me...than I let you see...you held on, somehow..."

"Those crazy night in my youth...I do recall..those were the best times...most of all..."

"You never call me up...when I'm alone at night...what can this poor boy do...when he's hopelessly in love with you..."

"When you're alone...with your lover...."

(I can't find the lyrics to Escape...I also love that song, and don't want to botch the words!)

Have I gotten anyone into a party mood? When the show's over, I'm popping in their 'Greatest Hits' CD....

Their new lead singer? Not bad! DAMN I wanted to see them in concert two or three weeks ago!!! When I saw them in 2006, their lead had laryngitis, but the substitute did a good job!

Update on story: I've almost gotten my characters into bed. For whatever reason, they took a detour into a karaoke bar, for a little 'foreplay' duet. I think it worked; I left them with a scorching kiss and all good sense forgotten. Now if they just don't get a DUI driving to his apartment...

BB Update:
Yes, I was happy to see Russell gone last week:) And I hope tonight that Jordan succeeds in getting Nataile and Michelle to vote her out and keep Jeff in. Natalie needs to go home next week! Come on Jeff!

Did I Mention I'm A Guy's Gal??

Currently Reading: I am loving Ashley Ladd's Last Man on Earth! I'll be honest; I wasn't cracked up about the blurb, but won it last week during a chat. I've only read the first chapter, but can't wait to get back to it! Good job, Ash:)

Here's the September Reading Schedule (finances cooperating, ha ha):

9-7
The Oath: Bound-Adrianne Brennan (FB??)
Rescuing Clarice-Anny Cook (EC)

9-14
Drake’s Rules-Barb Huffert (CP)
Gillian’s Place-Rob Graham (AMP)
Infidelity-Debbie Gould (Red Rose Pub)

9-21
Naughty Nooners Antho-Dakota Rebel, et al (TEB)

9-28
Burn-Anne Rainey (Samhain Pub)Unexpected Mr. Right-Kelley Nyrae





Paul, myself, and Brent. I didn't know Paul; he and my friend Beth (not the one from yesterday; for whatever reason, I never snapped a picture of her! Baaaaad Molly...) have a wonderful Reunion story that I may fictionalize at a later date. I won't divulge a confidence, but should a Kenzie title show up as 'Class Reunion', you can bet it's theirs:)

Brent was one of my best friends in the 9th grade. I had a serious crush on a senior (I was allowed to 'group date', and my crush actually got to drive me home on more than one occassion, to my immense thrill!), and Brent got to hear all about it every Monday or Thursday mornings. I sat behind him in English Class, and would bounce story ideas off of him. This past weekend, we laughed about my 'Star Wars' ending, and how it 'foreshadowed' my romance writing. When we had to give speeches and pick the next 'victim', he would always pick me to be next after him, to my distress at times, if I felt I wasn't ready yet!

This is Mike, my 8th grade crush. He and I shared five out of seven classes together, and I don't think I missed a day of that second semester! We had 1st period Chemistry together, and when we'd have to label the test tubes, I'd always put my name first. Since there was two Mike's in the class, he'd put his full name. After the experiment was finished, I'd volunteer to clean up (Mike did most of the work anyway, ha ha!) and carefully peel the labels off, sticking them in my pocket. When I got home, I would carefully put an amperstand (&) between our names! And when we learned to write business letters in English, I memorized his address. Never worked up the nerve to send him a letter or call him...I just basked in the knowledge I could sit by him every day for an hour, or across the aisle in other classes. And in PE, I even got to partner with him in Square Dancing (yes, I debated about ever washing my hands again, lol...but did practice good hygiene!)

Mike also has an amazing singing voice, and was also part of a Barbershop Quartet and several duets. Whenever I hear/remember the song 'Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue', I remember his performance at one of the band/choir concerts. I regret my decision to pull myself out of Select Choir at the beginning of my 8th grade year; I didn't feel ready to be in the same choir class as the boys, and didn't know how I even ended up in that class, as to my knowledge hadn't even tried out! But when I tried out for it my freshman year, my Biology grade kept me at the top of the 'Alternate' list.

So why didn't we share all seven classes? Sixth period, he was in Choir while I was in Home Ec; Seventh period, he was in Industrial Arts while I was in Choir. I don't think our schedules would have been so in synch, had we been in Choir together. But who knows?

One other piece of trivia, then I'll quit boring you. Found out he grew up fifteen minutes away from where I live now, and he still has relatives in the area. Wow...what a twist of fate!

Am getting back to work now. The 'fall cleaning' continues; I'm moving into my office area and wiping down the doorways and washing the curtains. Later this week, I may even get bold enough to pack some of W's toys away, the ones he rarily plays with.

And yes, wrote a page yesterday before I was 'distracted' by Ashley's book (see first paragraph). Goal today is to get my characters into bed:)

What's your goal today? Personal or character-wise?

Old Friends and a New 'Do

Told you I'd post some pics from the other reunion:) Above is myself and Suzy on Friday night. She was great about pointing out people I didn't recognize, and even though we weren't really friends in jr high, we've been chatting via FaceBook and catching up on each other's lives.

Do you like the new 'do? Yup...cut all my hair off to just below my ears:) This is myself and Louise; we shared many classes together, and I was actually envious of her writing ability in the 7th grade (I was out of ideas and recycled my 6th grade stuff). And yes, it was cold Saturday night, so I'm glad I was able to borrow a sweatshirt.

Class of 1984. After this was taken, I had several people approach me and ask why I hadn't snuck into the picture! Turns out many of my old friends had forgotten I'd not graduated with them, and others came up to me 'I always wondered what happened to you; you sort of....disappeared!' And obviously, this isn't everyone...in fact, this particular picture is missing four people who showed up later! And there were others I would have liked to have seen who weren't there. Maybe I'll just have to crash the 30th???

Kevin and Beth. Kevin was my neighbor and 'Mr. Popular'. When girls found out I'd been to his house, sat across from him on the bus, and yes, had even seen his (messy) bedroom, they went wild, and pestered me for his phone number. I refused to give it out, and wondered why anyone would be interested in a 'dumb jock' like him! LOL...Kevin, I take back all the nasty things I called you back then...you've turned into a great friend as an adult. And we still didn't get to have that dance!

Beth's boyfriend drove me insane. He would block my locker and demand a kiss for access to my books. I got into trouble from teachers more than once for showing up 'unprepared' for class. I had no desire to kiss the idiot, and couldn't believe he'd do it in front of her, so instead of saying anything, I simply took the wrong books to class, and turned in my assignments the following day.

I had to throw this one in. This is W, 'playing' his grandfather's slide trombone. He can actually blow notes, and put on quite a show for Grandma on Saturday! Too bad he's too young for band. Wonder if anyone's putting on a production of 'Music Man' this year? I've got a band member for you! '76 Trombones'....

Where Did the Summer Go?

It's September already? And temps are in the 70's! Woke up to 51 degrees this morning! Brrr....

I'll post the September schedule tomorrow. Have a good day; today I'm going to try to get back to my FlyLady Zones. Tonight I've also got my Writer's Guild (Laptop Society) meeting. Which means I'd better send out the reminder to everyone.

Have a good day:)