Flashback Friday: Labor Pains

Feb 2004:
The Fetus Who Cried Wolf...
Okay; by now you've probably all heard (and are sick of hearing) me tell the story about the night I went into labor with the youngling.  But did you know what he did the previous three weeks?

Feb 1-7:  Pretty normal; I began having Braxton-Hicks (false labor) contractions, but once I began moving around, they went away.

Feb 8-14:  Hubby and I went out to dinner on Valentine's Day and joked to our server about the labor possibility, then proceeded to scare her when we signaled for a refill.  She thought we wanted the check, and were headed to the hospital!  We all had a good laugh and finished our meal.

Feb 15-21:  Walking around the house did not ease up the contractions, so I called the dr.  Five minutes later, all contractions stopped.  This happened at least twice this week.

Feb 22-28:  I went in for my regular appointment and embarrassed my kids by wearing my PJ's when we dropped them off.  I was certain I was going to be admitted.  But once again, after arriving at the office, the contractions quit.  I was, however, dilated to ONE.

Feb 29th:  Yes, this was Leap Year.  I was huge, uncomfortable, and just wanted the baby to be born!  I waddled out of church that morning and went into the Community Center to use the bathroom, since it had a handicapped stall.  When I came out, a good friend laughed at the way I was walking.  I pulled my maternity pants to below my belly, pulled up my shirt to above my belly, and said, "If you were carrying this around, you'd walk funny too!"  He laughed and helped me back to the car.

10:30pm:  I'm watching the Oscars and had to use the restroom.  D was taking a shower, so I went to the kids'.  I finished and tried to stand up.  Heard a pop! and felt water gushing out.  S came out of her room, yelling at the dog to stop drinking out of the toilet, then saw me.  I sent her to get her father.

She returned with 'He said,'so?''

I managed to stand up, then dripped all the way into the other bathroom.  My water had never broken at home before, and given my history of speedy births, didn't want the kid to arrive in the toilet, and certainly not on Feb 29th!

We made it to the hospital at midnight and I was thrilled when Lord of the Rings won Best Picture.  Then I settled back and cooperated with everyone:)

I was able to experience an epidural (I'd given birth naturally the first 2 times) and the youngling was born at 3:29am.

Next Month:  I am finally able to give up sex for Lent!

***********
Present Day:
We're expecting a snow storm this weekend, so don't know if I'll be able to go to karaoke.  The youngling's birthday is tomorrow (the big 1-0!) and we're hoping to take him to Gattytown in E'ville or our own Gatty's here in town.  I know we most likely will NOT be traveling to Terre Haute on Sunday to meet the grandparents.

Planned 'Roke Songs:
Ghost Riders In The Sky
Gimme All Your Lovin'
Genie In A Bottle
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

If you're in the path of the storm, stay warm and safe!

Reality TV Update

Currently Reading:
I've managed to read 7 books so far, with only 3 of the stories worth mentioning:  Sacking Austin by Lori Beth Johnson; Forgiving Patience by Jennifer Simpkins; and Two For The Price of One by Sandy  Sullivan.  All three are Recommended Reads.  Untangle My  Heart by Maria K. Alexander was good, only I grew bored with the middle and skipped to the last three chapters, when the plot action picked up.  Maybe when I can actually read more than one chapter at a time, I'll reread this one.

Currently, I'm getting ready to dive into Love Letter for a Sinner by Lynn Shura.  Just very frustrated by the limited access to my own Kindle at the moment.


As you know, I'm a fan of certain reality shows.  This week, two of my faves debuted, and we're off to a bang.

Amazing Race ala 'Do You Remember How This Race Is Played?'
A lot of my favorite teams are back, and so are a few I'd rather not see again.  One such couple are the annoying twins who were raised in India.  Apparently they left their collective brain at home, since they were on the fast-track to do well in the 1st leg.

They spotted the correct sign on the band member, and made it onto the 1st flight to China.  But everything went downhill from there.
-They either couldn't recognize the sign shop or misread it, going into the correct one, but second-guessed themselves and walked out, taking three team members with them, and led them on a merry chase through Wedding Row.  Fortunately, two of three teams following them wised up and struck out on their own.  The twins finally locate the shop again and collect their clue.

-Clue #2 led them to the top of a building, where they had to spot their clue on the door.

-They don't spot said clue until nearly the end of the ride; 'try again'.

-They get into car #2 (the ride is about 20 mins long) and 'try again.'

-They begin yelling at each other, then finally wise up they need to watch the other teams who get on, then leave.

And this is where my DVR cut it off.  They were in last place and were still on the ride.  I PM's a friend and asked her, "Pleeeeeeease tell me the annoying twins were eliminated?"  She answered back 'Yes.'

Survivor:  Apparently, It Takes More Than 'Brains' To Win
The tribes are divided into Beauty, Brains, and Brawn.  Brains immediately got off to a rocky start when no one knew how to build a shelter.  Seriously?  Did they all think 'I'll leave it to the more physical guys when it comes to building this thing'?  The nuclear engineer thought she knew how to do it, and began issuing orders.  But it fell apart, and they blamed her.

Day #2:  The other two tribes had shelter; Beauty even had fire.  Mr. Poker Player on Brains had an immunity idol.  At the challenge, Brains could not seem to work together and came in last.  Mr. President decided he wanted to vote out Ms Nuclear Engineer, and thought he had all the votes.  Wrong; he found himself voted out for being 'too bossy'.

Day #4:  Over at Brawn, one police officer recognizes her fellow officer, but he denies it, saying he's construction, thinking if it's known he's a PO, it will get him voted out.  Well, the other one is saying if he doesn't come clean, she's voting him out asap.

Meanwhile, over at Brain, they're still bickering.  At the challenge, they do manage to work together, and an sizable lead is acquired.  HOWEVER, they let Ms Nuclear Engineer work the puzzle, and she can't seem to figure it out.  When the other teams catch up and pass her, she panics and loses the challenge.  Again, Mr. Poker Player announces they need to vote her out.

After the challenge, the beefy 'construction worker' aka PO guy dismantles the fishing gear and finds the clue to their hidden immunity idol.  He pockets it; puts the gear back together, then goes off and finds it.  Two of three idols are now found.

Then Brains do a incredibly stupid thing:  They announce Ms NE will be voted out, so what's the point in talking further?  Two women go off to wash their feel, and the other two men join her.  Meanwhile, back at camp, Ms NE has a meltdown and dumps all the rice into the fire.  A plot was hatched to vote out the idiot with the idol, but after arriving back at camp and seeing what MNE did to their rice, it's up in the air as to what will happen.

At Tribal, the three women ganged up on Mr. Poker Player, who, by the way, announced 'he didn't want to play Survivor to survive; he wanted the challenges', and who had left his entire pack, along with the IDOL back at camp!  I can hardly wait to see who will look in his pack and find that idol!

Where are these people's brains?  Just because you have a high IQ does not give you a free pass to forget the basic rules of Survivor:  Keep your friends close and enemies closer.  Did neither Mr. President nor Mr. Poker Player learn ANYTHING from Boston Rob or the other winners?  Sheesh!

I bet Boston Rob was yelling at the TV last night and will give both of these guys an earful at the finale!  Or better yet, show up at the airport and yell at both of 'em.  And MPP forgot one of the rules of poker:  You don't ever tip your hand too early!  Play with your cards close to the chest.  I bet his poker buddies are tearing into him.

Flashback Friday: Sick Again!

Feb 1994:
I was once again sniffling and sneezing, and the only thing I could take was Sudafed or Actifed.  I began recording an entire 6 hour VHS tape of K's favorite Barney episodes, as well as another full of Shining Time Station.  All this due to the fact I popped my medication after lunch, left K in the living room watching the 2nd Barney episode of the day....and woke up two hours later.  K was fast asleep on the living room floor and Body Electric was playing on the TV.  Thankfully, he had NOT ventured outside!

When I saw Dr. S, he was amazed at my now-three month old battle with sinus infection.  And he could not give me the prescription strength meds, due to the pregnancy.  I'd have to ride this out with the OTC meds.  I griped about being so healthy with K, and if I'd been this sick first, he'd have been an only child!

Mom met me at the hospital for the ultrasound, and it was the first time I'd ever admitted the 1st pregnancy existed.  It had always been pushed to the back of my mind, and I'd never spoken about it before.  Mom got the true story of it, finally after four long years.  We picked up my great-grandmother and ate lunch at the Olive Garden.  And no, I didn't want to know the sex.  I was hoping for a girl, but still wanted to be surprised.

Next Month:  Trip to the Zoo!

***********
Present Day:
Olympics are going great!  Alex, Will, and Dan have been watching some of the events with me, and have enjoyed them.  He still falls asleep during the ice events, though.

Choir is singing Sunday at 8, so I'll have to leave 'roke around midnight.  But I should be able to sing at least 3-4 songs:
Georgy Girl (Seekers)
Get Back (Beatles)
Get This Party Started (Pink)
You Haven't Seen The Last of Me (Cher)

Looking Into the Future.....

I know; it's been a while since I've answered anymore of those interview questions.  And this one threw me for a loop, but I think I finally have an answer that doesn't come off as TOO self-absorbed!

What do you want people to say about you as an author, in the future?

I would hope that anyone who reads my Arbor U series in the year 2086 says "Oh wow...I always wondered what life was like back then...before technology.  It took how long for a letter to get across the state/country?  Their phone had a cord?  They used typewriters?  Suffered through snow in winter? (yes, I would hope there is some way to have snow only fall in the grass area!!!)  Or even, they had to walk to their classroom?"

And as always, I would hope someone will read one of the books and think 'Oh boy...my boyfriend/roommate/friend/sister/brother has some of the same behavior.  Maybe I need to talk to someone about it/end this relationship?'

If anyone reads Kenzie's work, I would hope they finish with a smile on their face and 'where can I get more Kenzie books?' attitude.

In short, I hope people are still reading my work and maybe even use one (or more!) of my books as 'required reading'.

I seriously hope Kenzie's aren't banned....but maybe the PG versions will still be around?

And every month when my children/grandchildren receive a check in the mail, they'll look up at Heaven and say, 'Thanks Grandma!'

What about you?

What I've Learned In The Past Three Weeks

I received a wonderful Valentine's Day gift:  UPS delivered my fixed laptop:)

Now you'd think I'd pounce on it, open it up, and announce this fact on social media, correct?  Nope; I was doing laundry at the time, so stayed on task until it was finished.

THEN I freed my 'baby' from the box.  Worked for a few moments, then went to do something else.

What have the past three weeks of limited computer time taught me?
-I don't have to know everything my FB friends post.  If I wonder what they're up to, I'll type their name in the box and scroll down.  I don't think I missed anything important, but did have to recheck two friends' pages for more info.  Voila; I'm caught up in 2 mins and they've been added to my prayer list.

-Housework doesn't take that long to do.  I can generally knock out the KP in less than 30 mins each night, and this frees up space on the kitchen counter, should cookie baking be required.

-I can knock out two batches of cookies (5 dozen) in about 90 mins.

-Yes, I prefer to stay on top of my email.  Reading three or more digests of the same loop is tiring.

-Yahell switched me over to NEO on Friday.  I was not amused.  What was wrong with the other?  If it ain't broke, DON'T FIX IT!!!!  I liked the old format!

-My creativity has been 'recharged'; I'm back to work on book #2 of my Aliens.  Note to self:  Need series name.

-I am now hooked on Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First, thanks to my granddaughter.  And to a lesser degree, Jake and the Neverland Pirates.

-I cannot view videos uploaded from camera on desktop, so none were uploaded from Karaoke.  And something happened to the file I dumped in dropbox, and now four videos are missing from January.  But they weren't very good, and I can re-sing them.  In fact, did so last night.  Now just need access to the wifi for swift upload time.

In short, Molly does not need to spend large blocks of time on social media; she just needs to stay on top of her mailbox!

Karaoke Update:
Sang the following songs on Saturday:
Game of Love (okay)
Games People Play (ugh....video screwed up)
Separate Ways/Worlds Apart (Nailed it!)
Genie In A Bottle (think it was okay; my 'fans' at the front table enjoyed it!)
You're The One That I Want (did this one as a joke; karaoke-bombed one of the more 'entertaining' singers, since he and his date did 'Summer Lovin' and I wanted to see how he'd do on this one.  Turns out he hadn't sung it in years!)

Flashback Friday: My Writing Sucks??

Feb 1984:
In my Senior English class, we had to write about a special vacation memory.  I chose to recap the wonderful day on the beach in St. Pete, Florida, where I dared to try out my flirting ability.  I enjoyed writing the story, but when our student teacher attempted to read it out loud, she had trouble with my handwriting and I discovered I was the only one who caught the humor.

Afterward, the comments were brutal.  I'd wandered a bit; my classmates didn't understand or couldn't 'see' the visual I'd tried to paint with words; and due to Miss A's stumbling over my sloppy handwriting, my beloved memory was given a low C.  I was crushed.  Maybe Mrs Y in the 9th grade had been wrong about me?  Or had the undisciplined past two years completely destroyed my storytelling abilities?  I resolved to do better the next time.

And received an unexpected boost:  Our teacher fell on the ice and broke her leg, meaning we'd have a substitute the rest of the year.  Our format changed; instead of having the teacher read our work out loud, we gathered in groups to read and dissect each other's work.  This went a little better.

Senior-itis?  Or Rebellion?
I was the only H.E.R.O. member who worked during the school day, so when our class planned a trip to Showbiz Pizza (now called Chuck E Cheese), I rebelled.  I informed my  band teacher I was not going to be in school that day, due to another class outing.  After work, I would simply meet my friend Karen at a pre-arranged place and we'd head to the pizza place.  But it snowed, and Head Start was cancelled for the day.  When I arrived and discovered this fact, I went with Karen to her house, instead of returning to school.  We watched MTV (which we didn't get, due to not having cable) and then went on to Showbiz, where no one else showed up.  I returned to school and found three people furious with me.  I had to apologize to my HERO and band teachers, then report to the assistant principal's office.  She basically saw that it was the 1st time I'd made an infraction like this in my entire school career, and let me off with a verbal warning.  Relieved, I returned to my mom's office.  She, however, was upset and gave me her version of a detention.  I was not to leave the office or even get up except to administer 1st Aid to anyone who needed it, or answer the phone.

I found out later she went down to the band room and LAUGHED about it, saying I'd finally rebelled!  If Mom only knew....

Heart on My Sleeve?
Tired and fed up with B's continuing 'fan club' and the attentions of his newest 'groupie' Kym, I saved up my allowance to buy him a heart-shaped cookie with 'Te Amo' on it.  I'd also written him a three page letter, and delivered both in person.  I then avoided him for the rest of the day.

The next day, we resumed our daily conversations, and I did not bring up that letter or the cookie.  I did notice Kym quit coming around, and after one particularly exhaustive ball game, he hugged me after I congratulated him on his record 12 points.

Years later, I asked him what he'd done with that letter and he said he still had it!  I told him to throw it away; don't know if he ever did or not!

Next Month:  Basketball ups and downs.

*************
Present Day:
Loving the Sochi Olympics!  And dearly missing my laptop.

Karaoke songs for tomorrow:
The Gambler-Kenny Rogers
Game of Love-Santana with Michelle Branch
Games People Play-Alan Parsons
You Haven't Seen The Last of Me-Cher

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Welcome Laurie White!

Welcome!  My special guest today is Laurie White, one of my fellow SCP authors:)  Before we get started, I need to hand you a fleece blanket.  Indiana is experiencing a frigid winter around here, and after being in the 20s all weekend, we've dropped back to the single digits.  So here you go *tucks it around Laurie and hands her a hot cup of cocoa*

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your latest release.

Thanks, Molly! I’m Laurie White, and I write romantic suspense for Secret Cravings Publishing. My latest release, WITHOUT A TRACE, came out in late January. It is about a journalist who finds out the story has turned personal when her sister disappears. Enter Matt Romero, the detective assigned to the case. J

Have you ever had an idea for a story which scared you after you began writing it?

Not really, no!

Have you incorporated actual events from your own life into your books?

I haven’t, at least not yet. My real life isn’t exciting enough, LOL!

How much research do you do?  Do you research first and then write, or do you write first, then research as needed?

I do a fair amount of research, mainly having to do with the law enforcement aspect of the stories. I usually research as I write.

Is there any message you want readers to take from reading your work?

I guess that love can overcome most anything if it’s strong enough. And that good triumphs over evil.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?  And have you ever had a story take on a life of its own?

Pantser here! LOL.  And yes, my stories usually do take on a life of their own once I’ve been working a while.

How long did it take for you to be published?

I’ve written off and on for about 15 years. Just got published in late 2012.

Laptop or pen and ink?  What are your ‘must-haves’ when writing?

I’ve always used a computer…now I love my Apple laptop.  The only must-have I need is a soda! And I also usually have a furry writing companion (one of my cats).

Who are your favorite authors?  Who would you say influenced you the most?

Diana Gabaldon and Dean Koontz are both amazing authors who really bring their characters and settings to life. I also love Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ books…wonderful characters and emotion.

I also enjoy Dean Koontz's work and love Susan Elizabeth Phillips!

What would your readers be surprised to learn about you?

I used to work for the U.S. State Department in overseas embassies.

And you say your life isn't exciting enough.

For Fun:

What is your favorite love scene to write or read?  (ie: First kiss, passion after a fight, reunion)

It’s got to be the first kiss!

What is your favorite Valentine’s Day memory?

I can’t remember, LOL!

Sweetest gift ever given to you?

Anyone who gives me anything for my cats. J

 Love me, love my cats, eh?  I agree!

Thank you for being here today!  Please tell us where we can find your books.

Thanks for having me, Molly! You can find my books on the Secret Cravings web site (www.secretcravingspublishing.com), on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and All Romance E-Books.

Blurb:

Magazine journalist Rachel Bennett has a reputation for getting to the heart of a story. However, when her sister disappears and is suspected of embezzling from her employer, the story has suddenly become personal. The last thing Rachel wants right now is the distraction of Matt Romero, the detective assigned to the case. She has no desire for involvement with a rough-and-tumble cop...or so she thinks....

Matt accepts the risk that goes with his job. Two years ago, his wife was murdered, a tragedy he blames himself for. He's vowed to protect his family and friends because he doesn't want to go through the pain of loss again. However, the lovely journalist soon begins breaking through the icy wall around his heart.

As Rachel and Matt search for answers in order to find her sister, they uncover a corruption that puts them both in danger – and a passion that puts both their hearts at risk.

Excerpt:

Rachel fluffed the scrambled eggs with vigorous strokes, the plastic spoon clattering against the metal skillet as she dwelled on the discussion with Matt. Her temples throbbed, as they always did when she felt frustrated.

Why wouldn't Matt listen to her? Why couldn't she make him believe Paige would never even consider committing a crime?

What an insufferable, overwhelming man he was. He had to be difficult to live with, if not downright impossible.

Rachel had never encountered a man like this rough-edged cop. The ones she usually associated with were those she considered safe—mild-mannered accountant types who wouldn't take any unnecessary risks in life. She'd had enough of risk-takers with her father. Matt Romero was definitely the type of man she avoided.

“The eggs are burning.”

Rachel jumped and shifted the skillet to a back burner. From out of nowhere Matt had appeared, looking much less like a cop than when she'd first seen him. Fresh from a shower, clean-shaven, he wore faded, well-fitting blue jeans with a dark gray T-shirt. His still-damp hair glistened like a raven’s feathers.

“You scared me half to death,” she barked, bringing one hand to her throat. “Please don't sneak up on me like that again.”

As he reached to turn off the burner his arm brushed hers, and she felt a twinge of heat. With a frown, she shook her head. Still jumpy from Matt's sudden appearance, that was all. Nothing else.

“Just trying to prevent a breakfast disaster. You were a thousand miles away.” A gleam of amusement shone in his eyes. “No, make that a million.”

She transferred the scrambled eggs to plates. Her cheeks grew warm, and she grew defensive. “If your sister were missing, suspected of embezzlement, and sick, I'm sure you'd be a little distracted too.”

“Of course I would.” He took the plates to the table while Rachel poured two steaming mugs of coffee, then removed two slices of toast from the toaster. 

When she joined him at the table he cleared his throat and paused, as if searching for words. They seemed to come with difficulty. “I'm…sorry about earlier.”

To her he looked contrite, nervous and…adorable. She wanted to stay mad at him, but couldn't. Why did men always have to be so uncomfortable when discussing feelings? “I think we're both on edge.”

“Yeah. I tend to get a little worked up on a big case.” He picked up a knife and spread a liberal amount of butter on his toast, followed by a dollop of grape jam.

Rachel watched those intriguing hands again as she took a bite of her eggs and chewed. She felt the urge to take those hands in her own, but resisted, swallowing hard. “Speaking of the case, what's your and Detective Russell's agenda for today?”

“This morning I need to check out a restaurant one of Paige's co-workers mentioned. Your sister apparently has lunch at this place all the time. This co-worker said Paige came back from there very upset the day before she disappeared.”

“Did she have any idea why?”

“No, but I have a feeling Paige didn't dine alone that day. If anything happened, like an argument with someone else, I'm willing to bet one of the servers or managers saw it.”

Rachel nodded. “I waited tables during my second year of college. You wouldn't believe all the stuff that goes on. I doubt Paige could have gotten upset at the restaurant without at least one of the workers knowing.”

“Also, Julia is going by the phone company this morning with a warrant to pick up Paige's home phone records from the past six months.”

“Maybe from that we can find someone who can tell us where she is.”

“That's the general plan.” Matt stuffed a forkful of scrambled eggs into his mouth.

“Looks like you had a rough night.” She studied the dark circles under his eyes, feeling a tiny pang of guilt, although she couldn't figure out why. Matt had insisted on staying here last night.

With a hard swallow, he shifted in his chair. “You could say that.”

“I'm sorry you were uncomfortable. I know the sofa isn't very big—”

“It was fine. I just had a lot on my mind.” He leveled a penetrating gaze at her. 

“You don't seem too chipper this morning, yourself.”

“I couldn't shut off my brain. I kept worrying about Paige.” Rachel hoped he wouldn't press the issue with more questions, since she suspected the vague, unsettled feeling that had plagued her last night was caused by something in addition to concern for Paige.

Even from behind the closed door of her bedroom she'd been so attuned to Matt, so aware of him. Once during the night, at the sound of his footsteps in the hall, she thought her heart would leap from her chest.

Had she been afraid he'd come into the room, or afraid he wouldn't? The answer eluded her, and she found that quite disturbing.

Then she realized a man hadn't stayed overnight at her place in what seemed like ages. No other explanation for her being so darn…jumpy.

Still troubled, she lifted her mug to her lips for a sip of Matt's strong, delicious coffee. She'd be very glad when Paige was found safe and proven innocent.

BIO:

Laurie White is the author of two romantic suspense novels from Sweet Cravings Publishing. Her latest novel, WITHOUT A TRACE, is now available from Secret Cravings Publishing. Laurie is a member of Romance Writers of America and Georgia Romance Writers. Aside from writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with family, traveling, and watching movies. She is the proud mama of four adorable cats and lives in the hills of Tennessee.

PUBLISHED NOVELS:
WITHOUT A TRACE - Available now from Secret Cravings Publishing!
TWIST OF FATE - February 2013 from Sweet Cravings Publishing
DESERT HEAT - October 2012 from Sweet Cravings Publishing

Flashback Friday: Fun Times At A Birthday Party!

Currently Reading:  Thoroughly enjoyed Clarissa Yip's Snowy Encounter, and even ordered Love At The Auction since the excerpt at the end of SE intrigued me:)  Recommended Read, though I felt the ending was a bit rushed.  But overall, great story!  The one place I was appalled going into the scene was where they start to get intimate outside in the snow!  I don't care how hot I am for the guy....there's no way in hell I'm taking off even a layer of clothing in freezing temperatures.  Next Up:  Tina Donahue's Take Me Away.  I'm up to chapter 4 and enjoying it!

Feb 1974:
My (then) best friend Kim's birthday is Feb 13th, and we had a great time at her birthday party.  Someone had given her Silly Putty as a gift, and when the party was over, it came up missing.  I don't know who got the idea to check the bottom of everyone's shoes, but it was discovered on the bottom of my other best friend Tad's shoe!

I don't remember who my 'valentine' was that year.  Probably just my mom, ha ha!

Favorite shows included Sonny and Cher Variety Show, Little House on the Prairie, Happy Days, Match Game '74, and Wheel of Fortune.  And of course, watching The Wonderful World of Disney every Sunday night.

*******
Present Day:
I've survived Week #2 w/o my laptop!  Plus, I've begun writing a sequel to Kenzie's paranormal story, and am 5 pages in so far.  I submitted Book #1, and should hear yes or no by the end of the week.

Olympic Update:
Even though the Opening Ceremony is tomorrow, a few events aired tonight:
Figure Skating (Team Event):  This is new, and in Round #1, the Men's short program, Russia and Japan dominated while USA's Jeremy choked and Canada's Patrick Chan had one or two mistakes.  Pairs:  Again, Russia dominated, but Canada and USA did well.  Over all, USA is in 7th position.  If we can't score well in Ice Dancing and Women's short, then we're eliminated.  Only the top 5 move to the finals.

Snowboarding:  Shaun White pulled out, in order to concentrate on the half-pipe; USA (I think) is headed to the semi-finals.  In women's, USA's Jamie is headed to the finals.

Freestyle Skiing (Moguls):  Strong show by USA and Canada:)

Curse of the Bronchos??

Currently Reading:  Really enjoying Snowy Winters by Clarissa Yip:)

Sunday night, the Seattle Seahawks showed up to play in the Super Bowl.  Their opponents looked like the Denver Bronchos; Peyton Manning did everything he could, but for whatever reason, his team was not mentally 'there'.

Highlights:
At coin toss:  Joe Montana flips the coin before the call.

1st play of the game:  Peyton tries to change the planned play, but center doesn't know it and hikes ball over his head.  Seahawks get safety.

2nd play of game:  Seahawks score field goal.

Peyton's one throw down field is intercepted for touchdown.

Score at halftime:  Seattle 22, Denver 0.

Bruno Mars and Red Hot Chili Peppers put on an impressive show:)

Fourth Quarter:  Denver scores touchdown and two point conversion.

Final score:  Seattle 43, Denver 8.

History Repeating Itself???
HOW many times did John Elway take the Bronchos to the Super Bowl, only to score 3 points and hand the trophy to the other team?  Finally, in late 90's, he succeeded in winning the game.

Problem is, I don't know if Peyton has that many games left in him.

EOTY Recap and Feb Reading List

January was a frigid, bi-polar month around here.  We'd be in the single digits for 3-4 days, then 'warm up' to the 20's or 30's, then plummet right back down.  Wind chills were below zero, and even schools were closed due to snow/ice/dangerous wind chills.  As I type this now, we aren't sure if we're getting rain, sleet, or an inch of snow later today.  See why we're confused?  I think Mother Nature is going through Menapause and needs medication.  Or she's bi-polar and is off her meds.  Whatever the reason, I've had bronchitis twice now.  And I'm tired of not knowing how many layers to put on in the morning.

Books Read:  Did read all 6 of the print books, and two of the e-books, with two more CNF.  This is what happens when you take a chance on free books.  Blurbs sounded awesome, but the 1st 'CNF' was in 1st person and boring while the 2nd 'CNF' was more interesting until Ch 4, where I realized I had no idea what I'd just read, three pages into it.  Maybe it would help if I began reading earlier in the day, instead of a chapter a night?  With the daughter and I sharing a Kindle, I'm frustrated because 1) it usually needs charged by the time I get it; 2) something's wrong with the connection to said charger, so it doesn't always GET charged; and 3) by the time I get it, I'm usually too damn tired to read.

Karaoke:  I haven't added any new songs this month, due to only going twice.  This weather SUCKS!

Health:  Bronchitis again, so went back to breathing treatments for a weekend, and can now breathe again!

Exercise:  Right now, limited to walking up and down stairs.  I hate to walk on ice or in sub-zero temps.  I typically hibernate in the winter.  I really hope February warms up, so I can start walking again!  I did finally manage to lose the weight I'd put on the 2nd week of November!  Going for another four pounds this month.

Submission/Writing Update:  Cleaned up Kenzie's Alien-Meets-Human story and sent it off.  Since my laptop is off for repairs, my writing time is now limited, since the daughter works nights and I'm on Grandma Duty during the day.

February Reading Schedule:
Snowy Encounters-Clarissa Yip Good
Take Me Away-T. Donahue Good
Two for the Price of One-Sandy Sullivan Excellent!
Forgiving Patience-Jennifer Simkins Excellent!
Sacking Austin- Lori Beth Johnson Wonderful story!
Climbing High- Madelon Smid Okay
A Silver Lining- T.L. McClure DNF
Notorious-Leanne Davis DNF
A Red, Red Rose-Susan Coryell DNF
Maximum Memories-Abby Gordon DNF
Untangle My Heart-Maria K Alexander Not bad

Kara  Karaoke Songs:

          Friday I'm In Love (The Cure) Bleh

          Friends and Lovers (Gloria Loring/Carl Anderson) DNH

          From This Moment (Shania Twain) Good

          Fun, Fun, Fun (Beach Boys) Bleh

          Foolish Beat (Debbie Gibson, if Mark can find it!) DNH

          Foolin' Yourself (Styx, if it can be found!) DNH

          Gambler (Kenny Rogers:  I know it's too low, but maybe on a slow night?) Skipped it

          Game of Love (Santana with Michelle Branch) Good

          Games People Play (Alan Parsons) Bleh

          Genie in a Bottle (Christina Agulara) Good

          Georgy Girl (Seekers) Not bad:)

          Get Back (Beatles) Bleh

          Get The Party Started (Pink) Bleh