Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Hazards Of Childhood

Currently Reading:  Finished Liz Crowe's Cheeky Blonde and I really enjoyed this book!  There's flirting, conflict, a little mystery, and it keeps  you scrolling.  So go pick this one up!  Recommended Read.  Print-wise, I began The Truth About Lord Stoneville by Sabrina Jeffries before going to bed last night.  I read this series out of order, so it's nice to finally read the 1st one!


Had a total 'What the hell...??' moment yesterday.  Admittedly, I did not catch all of it, so if you heard the same announcement and I've got some things wrong, please let me know.

Found the article:  Go here to read it.

Here's what I heard on the radio:
New permission slip for kids:
I understand while on this field trip, my child may:
-come into contact with mud
-come into contact with plants/trees/flowers
-get his/her shoes wet
-get get clothing wet/dirty

Are you kidding me?
If my kids go on a field trip, a) I don't send them in their church clothes and b) I expect them to have fun/get dirty.  My oldest son once went with his class to a farm and 'accidentally on purpose' fell in the pond.  I met them back at school with another complete set of clothes and when he got home, we set his shoes outside to dry.

Wait....maybe this is because of an old neighbor of mine?

I think she expected her kids to stay inside all day and not get dirty.  She got mad if they happened to spill anything on their shirts (I watched her kids when her son was in 3rd and daughter in kindergarten).  At a Cub Scout event, they played tug-of-war over a small plastic swimming pool, and afterward, a water fight ensued.  My son is the one who pushed her son into the water.  He came crying to his mom, and she yelled at him for not staying away from the water, then yelled at my son for getting him wet.

Give me a break!

These boys were even on the football team together, everything was fine until her son got (gasp!) grass stains on his football pants.  You'd have thought the world ended.  Hit 'em with a little Shout and they'll come clean!  And she had the same conniption fit when it had rained the night before and her darling got (gasp!) a little mud on his jersey.

You have to let kids be kids and get that chance to be a little dirty/muddy/wet at times.  As adults, we don't get that many chances anymore.  Unless you're into going mudding in a four-wheeler.

Aunt Molly Forgot Her Camera
No pics of yesterday.  But the kids and I had a wonderful afternoon at the water park!  Rode the Lazy River, sat in water up to my elbows and people-watched, threw the dive rings for the girls (and one little boy who wanted to join the fun), and watched the boys go down the slide.

Got to drive my mom's new Dodge Caravan!

Mom and Dad ordered Happy China takeout for dinner, and we left at 8pm.  Am hoping we get to do this again next week and take Miss Alex aka 'Munchkin' aka 'Itsy-Bitsy'.  She'd enjoy the splash park!

I think I'll be joining the HDH fun again tomorrow, so come back again!

Monday, July 15, 2013

Monday Ramble

Currently Reading:  Finished Barbara Taylor Bradford's Ravenscar Mystery and this is going to be my least favorite of her books.  I don't know if maybe she ran out of steam halfway through, but once the main plot is finished, the book sort of flounders, and I frankly lost respect for Edward after his marriage.  Then the wrap up is a little weak, imho.  Now onto Sabrina Jeffries' The Truth About Lord Stoneville.


We're off to the water park today!   Apparently, an hour before I called my mom to see if today would be good for her, my nephew D asked, 'Are we going to be able to see W anytime this week?'

Oldest son K has the day off, so he and the spouse will finish cleaning out that apartment he's not lived in the past year, then join us.  CB arrives back today, and since her birthday is the week after niece R's, the girls should play well together while the boys try to out-do each other, and R won't feel like a 3rd wheel.

Also hoping to reconnect with friend A, who informed me she's rearranged her schedule so she can join us!  Also tossed out the suggestion to friend K, but don't think it's going to work out.

Today's also a bittersweet day; it marks the 4th week since S passed.  Yeah, yeah....today's the 15th, not the 17th, but still, it was a Monday.

I should also hear from the dr tomorrow or Wednesday about what they plan to do about my thyroid.

Karaoke Update:
Only three of us sang the 1st hour, so was able to knock 3 songs off my list!
Don't Let Me Get Me (Pink)-Ugh.  Too low on the verses.
Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (Elton John)-Did okay on it, but probably won't perform this again.
Don't Speak (No Doubt)-Did okay; need to practice the ending a bit more.
High Enough (Damn Yankees)- Rocked the bar:)  And since I sang solo, had trouble with Robert Plant's part.  But nailed Tommy Shaw's!
I Remember You (Skid Row)-Rocked the bar:)

Mark had left me out of the rotation accidentally for an hour; otherwise I'd have also sung Blown Away by Carrie Underwood.  And at the end, BC Brown insisted I get up with her and two other friends and perform Mya's part in Lady Marmalade.  But I didn't know it, so B took over for me.

I should have pictures to share tomorrow:)

Friday, July 12, 2013

Flashback Friday

July 1983:
The band was off to Traverse City, MI again for the Cherry Festival!   This time, unlike two years ago, I had plenty of friends to pal around with, including my BFF R.  This time, instead of staying at the Shues Mtn Lodge, we were at a hotel, and shared a room with two other girls in our group.

The first day, we walked around the festival and discovered a fair.  R and I spent a wonderful afternoon riding rides, with our eyes on our watches to make sure we weren't late for practice.  During the parade, I was again placed beside the Tuba section, and I don't think we caught the recap on TV, since I have no memory of it being shown.

I do know that I'd brought a nice outfit to wear to dinner, in order to 'knock K's socks off', but apparently he was unimpressed.  After sharing a delicious meal with R and her brother G, it was G who took my arm and escorted me around all evening.  For the record, G was a sophomore and only came up to my ear.  Bruised ego aside, we still had an enjoyable trip.  

After arriving back home, Mom, my sis, and I would take off for another three-week vacation in Florida.

*********
Present Day:
I'm dealing with a health issue.  Last week I went to the dr and discovered my thyroid is enlarged.  Had an ultrasound on it, plus my meds were upped.

Yesterday, dr called and told me she wants to biopsy two nodules in my neck, in order to determine if they are just 'normal thyroid tissue'.  BUT, she first wants to consult with another dr, who's on vacation until next week.

And that painful lump on the right side of my neck?  Swollen lymph node.  Apparently I have an infection somewhere.

So in the meantime, I'm having a slight problem breathing at night, and swallowing.  And am about to leave on vacation to Colorado.

Edit Update:
Did I mention I finished the 1st round last week, and added around 4K to it?  2nd round landed in my inbox today:)

And we need to pow-wow about the prologue.

Computer Issues:
I either didn't make recovery disks or else put them in a 'safe location' and cannot find them.  Sony wants $55 plus free shipping, for more, so I'll be sending my laptop off AFTER we get back from Colorado.

Karaoke Update:
I'm back to working on my 'D' titles:)  I've already eliminated REO Speedwagon's 'Don't Let Him Go', since it's way too synchopated and low.  And added Styx's 'Don't Let It End':)

Up this week are:
Don't Let Me Get Me-Pink
Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me-Elton John/George Michael
Don't Know What You've Got Til It's Gone-Cinderella (only to be sung AFTER midnight!)
Don't Look Back-Boston

Warm up/Redemption Songs:
If I Die Young-Band Perry
Just Like Jesse James-Cher

Have a good weekend and I'll check in with you next week:)

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Computer Problems Again

Currently Reading:  The upside to not having access to my laptop?  I'm reading!  Finished Birthright, Duping Cupid, and Charming For Mother's Day.  All very good books and Recommended Reads.  I now want to read more Gina Ardito books!  There are 'sneak peeks' in the back of both DC and CFMD, so will add them to my Wish List:)  Now, I'm getting ready to dive into Wild For Mr. Wrong by Virna De Paul.  And  I'm about halfway through Catching Fire, the sequel to the Hunger Games.  Not liking this one very much.


On Sunday, the touch pad on my laptop refused to work.

Yesterday, the spouse very nicely bought me a mouse.  Plugged it in; couldn't get it to respond.  So took it back to store after digging out the receipt.  It's still well under the 3 year warranty, so was feeling pretty confident.

And then was told Office Max no longer carried the Sony Vaio.

Okay, so no replacement laptop. But can you tell my why it won't work?

Gary tested it; turns out I also have some USB drives unresponsive.  He found the one active drive and went to work.

Turns out my touch pad was uninstalled.  He ran a virus scan to determine if the viruses I removed two weeks ago somehow left a residual virus which attached itself to my drives.  He'll call me when it's finished.

Two hours later, he calls me with the news there's no virus, so here's the info to send it back to Sony.  He tells me the instructions over the phone, and then we go pick up my laptop.

BTW....my laptop is chocolate-flavored.  I don't know why he sniffed the fan, but the air coming out smells like chocolate, rather than plain old hot air.

So I called Sony, and they're sending me the shipping materials.  All I have to do is box everything up and be without a laptop for a week.

So until then, I won't be spending a great deal of time online.  I can check my email from the desk top, and keep up with face book via my Kindle.  And I sincerely hope I'll have it back before I leave on vacation!!

Friday, July 5, 2013

Friday Flashback

Currently Reading:  I'm nearly halfway finished with Duping Cupid and am really enjoying it!


July 1973
I can neither confirm nor deny if this the correct memory, but I think we celebrated the 4th of July at a friend of the family's, then watched the fireworks on the banks of the Wabash.  I remember Mom complaining we couldn't see the ground displays very well, and that was the last time we attended that particular fireworks show.

Otherwise, we spent the month of July riding our bikes, playing in the creek, or playing outside in my back yard.  I became an honorary member of the Wea Woodlands gang, since my yard had the streetlight, the front yard devoid of trees (with the exception of the pussy willow in the front corner), and the awesome tree house.  This meant I was able to play outside in the twilight with the 'big kids' and we played Hide and Seek, Ghost in the Graveyard, kick ball, and some of the kids decided to try jumping out of the tree house.  One kid broke his arm, so that was the last time THAT happened.  And no, my parents weren't sued; this was the age of 'my kid did it, this will teach him not to do that again' mentality.  Not today's standards of 'You built it, therefore you KNEW it could happen.  And no rules posted?  Where's my lawyer?' thinking.

It was also during this summer that I worked up the courage to climb halfway up to the 'big kids' fort.  One of the boys had nailed wood 'steps' up a particularly tall tree, and while they didn't allow me all the way up (I was too scared, anyway!), they did let me climb part of the way.  My friend K and I enjoyed eating the wild blackberries and picking the umbrella plants.

******
Present Day:
I've been hard at work on LWI edits, and am nearly finished.  Went to the doctor this afternoon when I noticed the right side of my neck was swollen.  Turns out my thyroid is enlarged, so going for an ultrasound next week.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

July Reading Schedule

Currently Reading:  Stayed up late to finish Mary Martinez's Innocent.  Wonderful story of family, school issues, intrigue, and mystery.  I'll admit to not having figured out the twist until a character went missing, then speculated the identity.  Clever, Mary....very clever!  Also read The Couple by Harlie Williams, and I'll confess I skipped the sex parts and only read the beginning and end.  I was a little confused at the beginning's 1st person POV, but kept on...and it's a cute fantasy!  You won't be disappointed at the end, except for why it ends.  I want to know more about this couple!!!


Print Books:
The Reluctant Suiter-Kathleen Woodiwiss DNF
Catching Fire (#2 Hunger Games) Okay
The Ravenscar Dynasty-Barbara Taylor Bradford Okay
Birthright- Nora Roberts Loved it!  Plus enjoyed the archaeological aspects!
The Truth About Lord Stoneville-Sabrina Jeffries LOVED it!!
Goddess of Vengeance-Jackie Collins LOVED it!!
Wa-Ba-Shi-Ki-Rick Kelsheimer Good way to bring local history to life:)

E-Books:
Innocent-Mary Martinez Wonderful story!  Want more in this series!
The Couple-Harlie Williams Cute!  Loved ending!
Duping Cupid-Gina Ardito Loved it! Also want to read the 'sneak peek' one at end!!!
Red Carpet Romance-Jean Joachim LOVED it!  RR
Vegas Miracle-Liz Crowe Not what I expected, but good.  Didn't like all the flashbacks.
Cheeky Blonde-Liz Crowe Very enjoyable!
Charming For Mother's Day- Gina Ardito Loved it!  Now want more of Gina's books!
Wild For Mr. Wrong-Virna DePaul Wanted to lock them in a closet at times, but otherwise good story!
Waking Up Married- Mira Lyn Kelly Very enjoyable!
Meant To Be-Jennifer Labelle It was okay....
Paradise Hops-Liz Crowe Very good!  RR
Plotting To Win-Tara Chevrestt Wonderful story!  DRR
Tansy Taylor-Kathy LaMee Bleh.  Too long, too many spelling and punctuation errors.


Looking Ahead....
This month, I'm still working on Love Weighs In edits, plus getting ready for our vacation to Colorado at the end of the month.

Karaoke:
I forgot to mention yesterday; I added a few more songs to my list:  All Or Nothing (O Town); All Cried Out (Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam); Don't Let It End (Styx).  I'll only be able to go three times this week, and hope to add more.  

I'll also try to blog more this month.  June was such a whirlwind!  Plus, I hope to be house hunting this month.  

Have you read any of the books on my list?  Or want to add them?  Don't forget to read the blue type at the top of my posts to see if I liked what I've read!

Monday, July 1, 2013

End of the Month Recap and Answered Prayer!

Currently Reading:  Finished Regina Carlysle's Eagle's Refuge and JD Robb's Reunion In Death.  Two questions:  a)  Why did it take so long for me to read then entire Eagle series, and b) why is it I've only read TWO JD Robb books?  Recommended Reads!  I'm yada-yadda-ing the sex scenes again....not sure why.  Blame it on the stress level over the weekend or just the fact I'm (gulp!) burned out again???  Next Up:  Innocent by Mary Martinez (I'm up to Ch 7 I think!!  Really enjoying this!) and The Reluctant Suiter by Kathleen Woodiwiss.  I confess to having skimmed most of Ch 1....hoping this picks up with the next chapter.  Otherwise, it may end up in my DNF pile.


A bomb was dropped on me late Thursday night, one which literally had me shaking with first shock, then anger, then action taken.  I sought advice from several trusted friends, and even Legal Aid.  Steps had to be taken quickly to ensure the protection of a family member.

I prayed all weekend for an intervention, a change of heart...anything to delay this course of action.  And when I was informed last night of plans being stepped up, we argued loudly against it.

And was granted a reprieve.

This morning, I woke up depressed, thinking of everything I needed to do in the next 36 hours, and frankly, just the thought made me want to stay curled up in my warm bed and cry.  But I got out of bed, started the coffee, and mentally prepared myself for what was about to be tackled.  Still I prayed for the burden to be lifted, and remembered He never drops anything on you He thinks you can't handle.

Well all right then.  Apparently I'm not seeing the Big Picture.

10 minutes later, the family member arrived home with the news plans had been cancelled.

My stress level immediately went down, and I feel positive again:)

A rainbow in the clouds of depression has appeared.

Time to go back to work.

End Of The Month Recap:
What a month June was!  A beloved ex-boyfriend/fiance/muse was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer at the end of May, and on June 17th he lost his battle.  My daughter ended her relationship with baby Alexandria's father and took up with another somewhat promising young man, only to have her feelings crushed two or three weeks later.  I've been editing book #7 among all this family chaos, and having to toddler-proof the house again.  It's been 8 years since we've had a 2-foot tall person toddling around the house and getting into everything!  You know what they say....'she may only be two feet tall, but she's got a six-foot arm span!'

Print Books Read:  6
E-books Read:  9
Total:  15.

Publishing Efforts/Book Signings:
Still riding the wave of the two books which released last month:)  Plus did two book signings, in which I spoke to many potential readers, and ended up giving away every single one of Sandy Sullivan's compact mirrors.

I'm also hip-deep in edits for book #7, Love Weighs In.

Health:
Just had my yearly mammogram and feeling pretty good.  Now if the sinuses will cooperate, everything will be hunky-dory.  But this is Indiana....and humidity central.  Sigh.

More Cancer Hits My Family:
I already mentioned Steve passed away this month.  And I'm about to lose my Great-Uncle Mac, whom is now on full-time hospice care down in the Sarasota/Bradenton area.  My Aunt Geri, who is also a melanoma survivor, was just told she has a mass on one of her kidneys.  She's scheduled for surgery soon.

I really need to hurry up and finish my cancer story....

Vacation Plans Set!
Made reservations for our scheduled stops to Colorado!  We'll be staying at motels with water parks.  The kids are going to be so damn spoiled....DVD players in the vehicles, plus my parents have a brand-spanking new Dodge Grand Caravan; water parks; and 8 adults to spoil the four little ones.  Clearly, my sis and I were born 40 years too early, lol!

July Reading Schedule will be up tomorrow:)