First of all, congrats to Cindy Spencer Pape on her release of Stone and Fire! I thoroughly enjoyed the first of her gargoyle series, and am looking forward to Stone and Sea later this month.
Secondly, we're getting ready to make a trip north tomorrow. It seems our swing set, climbing tower, lawn tractor and accessories, and our canoe has worn out their welcome in a former neighbor's yard, and we need to move them to our storage unit. Why has it taken us 2 1/2 years to move it? Everytime we make plans to go up there, either their trailer has a flat tire, or they have plans, or something falls through on our end, such as the case of the forgotten-to-reserve U-Haul a few months back.
But to preserve the friendship, we're finally comitting to make the trip, no matter what! We can't move the stuff down here, yet, because we're doing this with one van. But the kids are staying behind (I think), so we can bring down at least as much as we can. I think even the canoe is coming down here, to be suspended from our storage unit's ceiling.
And when I go back up for the Hazelwood Fish Fry at the end of June, I'll swing by and grab another load. But the tractor will have to wait until we can a) borrow the neighbor's trailer or b) afford the U-Haul. Yeah, I know, they're only $20. But right now, even that's an expense we can't afford at the moment.
Maybe when Kenzie gets her first royalty check???
It rained last night, and my asthma's acting up again. Drives the spouse crazy to hear me hack all the time, but there's only so much Robitussin I can ingest, and I'm only allowed so many puffs on the inhaler. Time for more cough drops...
Tonight's the going-away party for A. We're convening at 6pm, and enjoying pizza, tacos, and B's yummy homemade chocolate chip cookies:) It's BYOB, as A's only eighteen, and since I've decided to hold onto my bottle of wine until the 19th, I'll be taking a container of sweet tea. Yes, I know...party animal here. The memory of that huge margarita on my birthday will just have to tide me over tonight, unless T or J happen to share with me???
Have a safe and happy weekend, and don't forget to call your moms on Sunday, or do something nice for them!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Foggy Thursday
Currently Reading: Still reading Salem Falls. I'm loving it!
Woke up to fog, and the fact my kids are on a two-hour delay. W is supposed to be spending the day at the park, riding horses. Since the spouse isn't back yet, I'm assuming the picnic is still on, and he's helping out. I hope he returns for me; I want to get some pictures like I did last year!
Had another one of those weird dreams; did I tell you about the water park one? No? Tuesday morning, I'd woken up, dreaming the kids and I were in line to ride a new water slide. But the weird part was, a) we were in regular clothes, not bathing suits; b) K was the age he is now (17) while S was six or seven. She and I were going down the tame one, and I had just finished telling K that we would wait for him at the exit ramp, since our line would be shorter; and c) I woke up just as we would be the next ones on the slide.
This morning's dream was centered around a chat loop. There hasn't been a great deal of participation on the Novel Sisterhood lately, and since I've read a few Siren-BookStrand books, I decided to pop in on their author chat day and keep them company. Ended up spending nearly the entire day online yesterday! And so last night, in the dream, I was asking witty questions and getting witty answers. I remember a few of the questions, and since they'll be back the first week of June, I'll pop in again and ask them! Maybe some lurkers might even join in.
Today's To-Do List:
-Was informed K is down to his last pair of socks, so need to do a load of whites. Also, the nighttime potty-training continues...W was damp, not soaked, so need to was the blankets he slept on. He's sleeping on the couch, with a Hefty trash bag protecting the cushions, and a blanket covering it. Night #3 went well, and he got up this morning and did the rest of his business in the appropriate room.
-I'm attending a farewell party for the sister of one of our Laptop Society members tomorrow, and want to get the picture developed of all of us at Applebee's last January. Spouse may protest, but it's one picture...not the entire memory card! Although, I would like to get the entire memory card on CD at least, so if something happens to the computer, I will still have the pictures! Memory card is full, but I can still put pictures on the camera's hard drive.
-I've contacted the university about being paid for the signing; the person who cut the check for me last year is looking into it, and I should know something by the end of the day. It's not a lot, but it would pay for the above CD, one e-book, and a pizza tomorrow night! Yeah...currently I'm working for fast food...I'm tired of cooking:)
Woke up to fog, and the fact my kids are on a two-hour delay. W is supposed to be spending the day at the park, riding horses. Since the spouse isn't back yet, I'm assuming the picnic is still on, and he's helping out. I hope he returns for me; I want to get some pictures like I did last year!
Had another one of those weird dreams; did I tell you about the water park one? No? Tuesday morning, I'd woken up, dreaming the kids and I were in line to ride a new water slide. But the weird part was, a) we were in regular clothes, not bathing suits; b) K was the age he is now (17) while S was six or seven. She and I were going down the tame one, and I had just finished telling K that we would wait for him at the exit ramp, since our line would be shorter; and c) I woke up just as we would be the next ones on the slide.
This morning's dream was centered around a chat loop. There hasn't been a great deal of participation on the Novel Sisterhood lately, and since I've read a few Siren-BookStrand books, I decided to pop in on their author chat day and keep them company. Ended up spending nearly the entire day online yesterday! And so last night, in the dream, I was asking witty questions and getting witty answers. I remember a few of the questions, and since they'll be back the first week of June, I'll pop in again and ask them! Maybe some lurkers might even join in.
Today's To-Do List:
-Was informed K is down to his last pair of socks, so need to do a load of whites. Also, the nighttime potty-training continues...W was damp, not soaked, so need to was the blankets he slept on. He's sleeping on the couch, with a Hefty trash bag protecting the cushions, and a blanket covering it. Night #3 went well, and he got up this morning and did the rest of his business in the appropriate room.
-I'm attending a farewell party for the sister of one of our Laptop Society members tomorrow, and want to get the picture developed of all of us at Applebee's last January. Spouse may protest, but it's one picture...not the entire memory card! Although, I would like to get the entire memory card on CD at least, so if something happens to the computer, I will still have the pictures! Memory card is full, but I can still put pictures on the camera's hard drive.
-I've contacted the university about being paid for the signing; the person who cut the check for me last year is looking into it, and I should know something by the end of the day. It's not a lot, but it would pay for the above CD, one e-book, and a pizza tomorrow night! Yeah...currently I'm working for fast food...I'm tired of cooking:)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Shock...
Currently Reading: Salem Falls, by Jodi Picoult. My e-book schedule may have to be slightly adjusted due to finances, but I'll keep you posted! I got Salem Falls as an anniversary present, along with a bottle of wine I still haven't opened.
One of K's friends is pregnant.
And since she's a frequent guest in my home, eating many meals with us, and calls me her 'second mommy', I don't know whether to hug her or slug her.
When she told me, my jaw dropped. I held her tightly, then lightly whacked her on the head.
"What were you thinking?"
(Laughing) "I wasn't."
"Obviously."
I lightly whacked her again, and her cousin, who was sitting in the chair next to her, said, "Daaaamn...that's more of a scolding than your mother gave you!"
I hugged her once more and told her I would always be there for her, should she need anything, and that while this was a blow, to give her mom and stepdad time to adjust to the news.
Before the child (she just turned 16 in March) walked out my door a while later, she hugged me and whispered 'Thanks Momma' in my ear.
She's due in December, but since her boyfriend, who lives in Kentucky, was just up the week before Easter, I predict she's actually due sometime in January.
Still no word on whether she's going to keep the baby or give it up for adoption. I suspect the former, though.
I just hope she chooses to stay in school.
Better News...
W's slept in 'big boy' underwear now for 2 nights, with success! Yesterday, he was slightly damp, but no major accident, and he toddled sleepily into the bathroom when he woke up. This morning, he woke up dry from a nightmare around 5 am; went to the potty, and climbed in bed with us. He was still dry when he woke up, so Daddy made him pancakes for breakfast!
If this keeps up, I can take back that small bag of diapers I bought late Monday and get my money back!
For wonderful pics of RT and authors Brynn Paulin, Dakota Rebel, and Desiree Holt, click here!
One of K's friends is pregnant.
And since she's a frequent guest in my home, eating many meals with us, and calls me her 'second mommy', I don't know whether to hug her or slug her.
When she told me, my jaw dropped. I held her tightly, then lightly whacked her on the head.
"What were you thinking?"
(Laughing) "I wasn't."
"Obviously."
I lightly whacked her again, and her cousin, who was sitting in the chair next to her, said, "Daaaamn...that's more of a scolding than your mother gave you!"
I hugged her once more and told her I would always be there for her, should she need anything, and that while this was a blow, to give her mom and stepdad time to adjust to the news.
Before the child (she just turned 16 in March) walked out my door a while later, she hugged me and whispered 'Thanks Momma' in my ear.
She's due in December, but since her boyfriend, who lives in Kentucky, was just up the week before Easter, I predict she's actually due sometime in January.
Still no word on whether she's going to keep the baby or give it up for adoption. I suspect the former, though.
I just hope she chooses to stay in school.
Better News...
W's slept in 'big boy' underwear now for 2 nights, with success! Yesterday, he was slightly damp, but no major accident, and he toddled sleepily into the bathroom when he woke up. This morning, he woke up dry from a nightmare around 5 am; went to the potty, and climbed in bed with us. He was still dry when he woke up, so Daddy made him pancakes for breakfast!
If this keeps up, I can take back that small bag of diapers I bought late Monday and get my money back!
For wonderful pics of RT and authors Brynn Paulin, Dakota Rebel, and Desiree Holt, click here!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Beautiful Day...
I just sent my final changes to my editor and am heading out to enjoy the sunshine. We're supposed to get rain for the next three days.
I'll be back tomorrow:)
I'll be back tomorrow:)
Monday, May 4, 2009
Insane Debate
Currently Reading: Here's the May Reading Schedule:
5-4
Flavia’s Secret-Lindsay Townsend (SirenBooks)
Blind Date After Dark: Mr. Right- Lara Santiago (SirenBooks)
5-11
One Touch One Glance antho-Lisa Griffen, et al (Freya’s Bower)
5-18
Male Me-AJ (Resplendence)
No Holds Barred-Jayden Chelsee (EP)
5-26
Stone and Sea-CSP (EC)
Killer Curves-Regina Carlysle (EC)
See Reg? Told you I'd get around to your books soon!
Saw on the news this morning that Target and Forever 21 are offering plus-sized clothing for teens. Good news, right? Now our not-so-little darlings can have cool, hip clothing like their stick-thin friends!
Some are applauding the decision; others are slamming it.
Why?
"We're caving in and saying to our kids, 'It's okay to shop in the fat section...' We should be focusing on teaching kids about diet and nutrition, and get the parents to stop feeding their kids sodas, fried foods, and unhealthy snacks!"
The other view didn't disagree with that, but pointed out that while the kids are making eating adjustments, they still need the clothes in order to boost their self-esteem. And the interviewer pointed out that yes, she remembered a classmate who couldn't fit into the 'cool' clothes, and was ridiculed for her attire, thus perpetuating her low body image and therefore, she continued to gain weight.
I thnk the decision is a good one. I have a kid who has inherited the larger bone structure and outweighs me by nearly 60 lbs, and is three inches taller. She wears plus-size jeans, and gets her t-shirts out of the Men's section at Kohls and the occasional tee from Hot Topic. Yes, she is slightly addicted to Ramen Noodles, but once I discovered she was eating two packages at a time (four years ago), I stopped buying them. I cook healthy meals, as I have a diabetic spouse, so we're all on the diabetic diet:)
But we also live in town, and she often walks to the gas station with her friends for candy bars, ice cream, slurpies, or chips, which are infrequently found in our pantry. I've even stopped buying cookies, as the cost of food rises, and I'd rather buy ingredients for cooking than relying on the pre-packaged stuff.
And I was thrilled when I walked into a local boutique in order to find an updated look for my booksigning, and discovered plus-sized pants! (I'm a junior-size on top, but plus-size from the waist down.) As soon as I can afford another mini-shopping spree, I'm going back for a few pairs of summer Capris:)
And yes, I definitely need to start exercising again. I wore my black dress jeans to church yesterday and had to lie down on the bed to get them fastened!
So does the fact I'm suddenly shopping in the plus-size department make me think it's okay to stop watching what I eat? No. I'm happy with the way I look; all I want to do is drop a size or two. Or, come July, camouflage it well!
5-4
Flavia’s Secret-Lindsay Townsend (SirenBooks)
Blind Date After Dark: Mr. Right- Lara Santiago (SirenBooks)
5-11
One Touch One Glance antho-Lisa Griffen, et al (Freya’s Bower)
5-18
Male Me-AJ (Resplendence)
No Holds Barred-Jayden Chelsee (EP)
5-26
Stone and Sea-CSP (EC)
Killer Curves-Regina Carlysle (EC)
See Reg? Told you I'd get around to your books soon!
Saw on the news this morning that Target and Forever 21 are offering plus-sized clothing for teens. Good news, right? Now our not-so-little darlings can have cool, hip clothing like their stick-thin friends!
Some are applauding the decision; others are slamming it.
Why?
"We're caving in and saying to our kids, 'It's okay to shop in the fat section...' We should be focusing on teaching kids about diet and nutrition, and get the parents to stop feeding their kids sodas, fried foods, and unhealthy snacks!"
The other view didn't disagree with that, but pointed out that while the kids are making eating adjustments, they still need the clothes in order to boost their self-esteem. And the interviewer pointed out that yes, she remembered a classmate who couldn't fit into the 'cool' clothes, and was ridiculed for her attire, thus perpetuating her low body image and therefore, she continued to gain weight.
I thnk the decision is a good one. I have a kid who has inherited the larger bone structure and outweighs me by nearly 60 lbs, and is three inches taller. She wears plus-size jeans, and gets her t-shirts out of the Men's section at Kohls and the occasional tee from Hot Topic. Yes, she is slightly addicted to Ramen Noodles, but once I discovered she was eating two packages at a time (four years ago), I stopped buying them. I cook healthy meals, as I have a diabetic spouse, so we're all on the diabetic diet:)
But we also live in town, and she often walks to the gas station with her friends for candy bars, ice cream, slurpies, or chips, which are infrequently found in our pantry. I've even stopped buying cookies, as the cost of food rises, and I'd rather buy ingredients for cooking than relying on the pre-packaged stuff.
And I was thrilled when I walked into a local boutique in order to find an updated look for my booksigning, and discovered plus-sized pants! (I'm a junior-size on top, but plus-size from the waist down.) As soon as I can afford another mini-shopping spree, I'm going back for a few pairs of summer Capris:)
And yes, I definitely need to start exercising again. I wore my black dress jeans to church yesterday and had to lie down on the bed to get them fastened!
So does the fact I'm suddenly shopping in the plus-size department make me think it's okay to stop watching what I eat? No. I'm happy with the way I look; all I want to do is drop a size or two. Or, come July, camouflage it well!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Saturday's Stupid Saying
Currently Reading: I'll post the May Reading Schedule on Monday. Still reading The Happy Hooker on the sly...
In honor of the Kentucky Derby...
Who Farted on the extreme outside. Colorado Co-ed, Toast a Dozen, on the inside, Who Farted! Who Farted! Who Farted on the outside!
-Horse racing announcer (calling a horse race and TRYING to refer to a horse called Hoof Hearted)
The kiddies are here; Hubby treated me to a nice dinner last night while we were waiting in Terre Haute; and he very nicely took them to the park for a while.
Enjoy your Saturday; I'm off to get some work accomplished and enjoy the quiet!
In honor of the Kentucky Derby...
Who Farted on the extreme outside. Colorado Co-ed, Toast a Dozen, on the inside, Who Farted! Who Farted! Who Farted on the outside!
-Horse racing announcer (calling a horse race and TRYING to refer to a horse called Hoof Hearted)
The kiddies are here; Hubby treated me to a nice dinner last night while we were waiting in Terre Haute; and he very nicely took them to the park for a while.
Enjoy your Saturday; I'm off to get some work accomplished and enjoy the quiet!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Bizarre Dreams or Wishful Thinking?
Currently Reading: American Beauty is a Recommended Read! Very well done, Ashley Ladd!
Don't laugh; I'm rereading The Happy Hooker. I last read this book at age 17, and scandalized my parents because I took it on a church choir trip, and showed it to my friends. When I got home, the book disappeared and my parents sat me down for the 'We're-so-disappointed-in- you-Couldn't-you-have-used-better-judgement' speech. One of my Laptop Society members had the book and I asked if I could borrow it! Am reading it on the sly, so my kids don't see it!
I've had a couple of strange dreams lately I thought I'd share.
The night I got the email about my release date, I dreamed I was on Letterman. Dave joked that since I had two pen names, he wasn't sure which author he was interviewing.
"So which one of you is here tonight, and how do you keep them straight?"
"Maybe it's the split-personality thing," I shot back, to laughter and applause from the studio audience.
How about you? Any strange dreams when your first book had its official release date?
And today, I woke up late, dreaming there was a problem with the water or electricity at school, and it was cancelled for the day. I got up, wondering if it was true when I didn't hear the radio blaring downstairs. Maybe K wasn't in the shower? Was he still in bed? Had it not been a dream after all?
I checked; his side of the bed was sort of emty; W had sprawled sideways across the double bed. I went into the kitchen and discovered that yes, the shower was running; K just hadn't turned the radio volume to full blast. Okay...it was a dream!
I'm still not fully awake. I just asked D if Shadow was outside. Head slap; I meant Lucky! Shadow's been gone for nearly 2 years.
Maybe I need to go back to bed.
Update on Weekend Visitors:
Yes, we're getting A & J tonight. Another trip to Terre Haute or even a closer exit to Indianapolis, but they will be here for the weekend. Doing the entire eye-roll over certain family members priorities. I don't mind going and getting them; it's just hearing the excuses as to WHY I always have to make the trip!
Have a good weekend. Alien has still not swapped our children back, but W did manage to follow the rules yesterday, even though he protested loudly at times he "didn't want to be grounded" and that he was "only five!"
Me: Too Bad! But it's my job as a parent to keep you safe, and I can't do that if you're around the corner and out of my sight.
W: I'm sorry, Mommy.
M: You still can't leave the house.
Anyone else remember these days?
Don't laugh; I'm rereading The Happy Hooker. I last read this book at age 17, and scandalized my parents because I took it on a church choir trip, and showed it to my friends. When I got home, the book disappeared and my parents sat me down for the 'We're-so-disappointed-in- you-Couldn't-you-have-used-better-judgement' speech. One of my Laptop Society members had the book and I asked if I could borrow it! Am reading it on the sly, so my kids don't see it!
I've had a couple of strange dreams lately I thought I'd share.
The night I got the email about my release date, I dreamed I was on Letterman. Dave joked that since I had two pen names, he wasn't sure which author he was interviewing.
"So which one of you is here tonight, and how do you keep them straight?"
"Maybe it's the split-personality thing," I shot back, to laughter and applause from the studio audience.
How about you? Any strange dreams when your first book had its official release date?
And today, I woke up late, dreaming there was a problem with the water or electricity at school, and it was cancelled for the day. I got up, wondering if it was true when I didn't hear the radio blaring downstairs. Maybe K wasn't in the shower? Was he still in bed? Had it not been a dream after all?
I checked; his side of the bed was sort of emty; W had sprawled sideways across the double bed. I went into the kitchen and discovered that yes, the shower was running; K just hadn't turned the radio volume to full blast. Okay...it was a dream!
I'm still not fully awake. I just asked D if Shadow was outside. Head slap; I meant Lucky! Shadow's been gone for nearly 2 years.
Maybe I need to go back to bed.
Update on Weekend Visitors:
Yes, we're getting A & J tonight. Another trip to Terre Haute or even a closer exit to Indianapolis, but they will be here for the weekend. Doing the entire eye-roll over certain family members priorities. I don't mind going and getting them; it's just hearing the excuses as to WHY I always have to make the trip!
Have a good weekend. Alien has still not swapped our children back, but W did manage to follow the rules yesterday, even though he protested loudly at times he "didn't want to be grounded" and that he was "only five!"
Me: Too Bad! But it's my job as a parent to keep you safe, and I can't do that if you're around the corner and out of my sight.
W: I'm sorry, Mommy.
M: You still can't leave the house.
Anyone else remember these days?
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