Sunday Already?

This weekend went far too fast. Heck, 2010 is moving in fast-forward. Tomorrow is March already. Amazing.
Anyway.
Saturday and Sunday flew by. I'm 300 words away from picking up the slack of shoving Saturday's writing goal into today, but when the writing challenge I'm participating in hoses up and my wrist is screaming at me to stop typing already, I took that as a sign to be done for today. And yeah, I'm aware I'm still typing. This won't take long.
I'm convinced the new book I'm working on is a complete mess. Not convinced enough to scrap it and start over, though. Which is good. Once I meet my monthly writing goal, I'll take a step back and assess the situation. Right now, I'm writing through. Digging into my characters to find their weaknesses and pulling those weaknesses out into the light. And loving it.
Not to change the subject, but I think I need to get one of those wrist thingys to support my achy wrist. I've been taking care of it. Okay. Not as much as I should be. I'll admit that. I think a lot of it's positioning. I need to find a different comfy spot. That's dumb. Tomorrow I will write at the table and see if it feels different.
And with that, I'm saying goodbye and finding some ice.
Behave!!

Saturday Sigh...

A collection of random thoughts.
*I want grocery service. I want to be able to order and pay for my groceries on line and have them delivered to my specifications. And I want to be able to use coupons. And not have the bloody meat bagged on top of the bread.
*I want Ti-Vo.
*I want my wrist to stop hurting when I type for long periods of time. Not that I got too far today, but I am back into the new shiny book. Whoot!
*I want my house to magically clean itself. And always look clean.
*Same with laundry.
*There are musical instruments all over my house. And music stands. There are three guitars, a violin, and a trumpet in my living room. Oh, and a piano. It's like band practice or something.
*And, two teenaged girls just entered the house. There is no more quiet. They are giggling, getting ice cream, and generally causing chaos.
*My dog stinks. Thank goodness she goes for a beauty treatment soon.
That is all.
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

Ahhh....Friday...
Here's the list:
1. Snow day! (though there's really no snow - just a lot of wind and cold)
2. Sleeping in tomorrow.
3. Dinner in the crockpot and smelling good.
4. Getting stuff done.
5. Silly kids.
6. Light weekend plans. (I think - this is never guaranteed though)
7. Naps!
That's all for now.
Behave!

Ummm....Help?

You already know I live with a bunch of insane people. Sometimes I delude myself into believing all kids act the way mine do. Most usually, I am then proven wrong. I don't know how I got kids like this, because, as you well know, I'm so serious and proper at all times.

I'm not complaining. My kids make me laugh. A lot. I love that they don't take themselves too seriously and always find something to laugh about. And they always do, in pretty much every situation.

So, last night K1 comes down with that blonde wig on. I'm not sure where the wig came from. It was funny and the dog barked at him. Then, K2 was a hairdresser, combing the wig while talking silly. One thing led to another until I had this...Prom night. K2's makeup was hysterical. The full effect is hard to see in the pic. The pillow she shoved up her shirt kept coming out. We texted a picture of her to her boyfriend and his reply was "ewwww".

This is my life.

Behave!

Ha!

... Apparently this is what we're to expect...though nothing has happened yet. Except the wind. And it's cold. We shall see.
Behave!

Weird Wednesday

So, they're calling for more snow, but can't decide how much. Yes, I braved the grocery store crowd, mainly because I have a busy day tomorrow and I was already out tonight. Plus, B's car's in the shop, so there's a chance he'll need to drive mine tomorrow. I even got gas, which required waiting in line for far too long. There was no store-brand bread. At all. But we're not going to talk about that right now.
We're also not going to talk about the immense garage bill that's accumulating as we speak. Mine needed stupid things like windshield wipers, some kind of rear seal, oh, and rear brakes. His needs some stupid wheel bearing that isn't the least bit dangerous if it disintegrates while he's driving it. Joy.
Nor are we going to talk about the icky toe, the fighting, the kid drama, or how bad my dog stinks.
So, what are we going to talk about?
Beats the heck out of me. I got nothing. It's been one of those long, long days. I've been home long enough to throw some laundry in, read my email, return a phone call, and take my shoes off... and I still have much to do before bed. Time is going too fast, but I'm still going to try to get a few more things done. We'll see. Weariness is settling over me as I type. Maybe it's better to start fresh in the morning?
That is all.
Behave!

Circle of Friends Blog Award

We're skipping Tall Tale Tuesday because my friend Sue just passed me this nifty award. Thanks, Sue!!

There aren't any rules with this one. Except I get to pass it along!

So here goes:

Ava Quinn

Misty Simon

Natalie Damschroder

Megan Hart

Vicky Burkholder

Go visit them for a range of topics and frivolity. Tall Tale Tuesday will return next week. In the meantime, I will leave you with this: While on the way to the doctor for K3's nasty ingrown toenail, we were discussing possibilities for treatment. He commented on how much it hurts already and wondered how much more it would hurt after the visit. K4 sticks her head between the seats and says, "Don't worry. I'm sure they'll give you amnesia."

...so you won't remember that it hurts?

That is all...

Behave!

Manic Weather Monday

So, the weather doesn't know what it wants to do. Yesterday was beautiful - in the 40's. We were running around without our coats (I know, crazy, right?) and enjoying the sunshine. Then it got cold again, but not as cold as it's been. They were calling for another winter storm - ice and such - but then that changed to a forecast of all rain. Ummm....It's snowed, sleeted, rained, turned back to snow, then sleet, and now a mix of rain and sleet. I have no idea what's going on. And I heard we're do for another major winter storm, though I haven't verified that information as of yet.
Anyway.
Today was long. And busy. We cancelled our evening plans upon discovering that B and I felt the exact same way at the end of our day. Take the two weekend sick kids into consideration, and well...yeah, it's probably not a coincidence. I have too much to do to be sick, but then, doesn't everyone say that?
It's going to be one of those weeks. Both vehicles need to go into the shop - mine for inspection and his for some kind of wheel bearing issue. Great. We have the usual stuff going on all week, and then my brother graduates from his computer school Thursday, which is cool. I'm happy to go and think it's way cool that he's furthering his education. And that makes me think of K2 graduating in a few months. Well, that and the freaking fortune I just dropped on graduation announcements. Holy mother of cash!
Anyway.
That's enough random for a Monday!
Behave!

Cabin Fever

.... And I'm tired of it. We have bickering of epic proportions going on in the Smith household. It's like the kids are incapable of normal behavior. Maybe the snow has created some kind of logic barrier in them. I don't know.
I guess it's just another day in paradise.
Behave!

Sideways Saturday

Well, the expected frivolity, and the sleeping in, got seriously waylaid by a sick kid. I had to drag my butt out of bed earlier than I wanted and drive nearly two hours (round trip) to bring K3 home. Apparently there's something going around. K2 has it, too.
So...Instead of the leisurely day spent goofing off and shopping, we did a quick store run and are now back home. He's doing okay after resting a while, but is in no shape to go back to camp. K4 had a momentary breakdown over the demise of Girl Weekend, but a few new markers and some hair crap fixed her right up. Now we're watching movies and I'm going to finish my revisions.
That is all.
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

Thank goodness it's Friday!
What a long week!
Here's the list:
1. K4 performing FABULOUSLY in her talent show. I was so proud. I almost cried. She even did a goofy little dance to fill in the non-singing portion of her song.
2. The talent show being over. It was long. I have to give those kids credit though. It takes a lot of guts to get up there. They all did a fantastic job.
3. Friday...'nuff said.
4. Sleeping in tomorrow.
5. Girl's weekend. There will be ice cream eating and frivolity.
6. Being very close to finishing my revisions. Whoot!
Okay...It's been a long day.
I can't think anymore!
Behave!

Thursday Rambling

So....No new Supernatural tonight. That's very sad. It's going to be a long time until they come back, too. I don't like it. No, not at all.
***
There's a lot of chaos in my house right now. B and K3 are going to scout camp this weekend. Laundry must be done. Packing, gathering up every scrap of warm clothes they can possibly wear at once. ha! It's cold. Very cold. More power to them for camping in this weather. I couldn't do it. They have a fun event going on this weekend that includes sleds, fake blood, and fire starting. They'll have a blast...it's just getting ready with everything else that's the burden. Oh, and did I mention that I'm almost out of laundry soap?
***
K4 is in her school's talent show tomorrow. Last I heard there were over 35 acts of jump roping, Taylor Swift song's, and other such things. K4 is the last act as far as I know. Which is going to make for a very long evening. Today is dress rehearsal. She says she's ready. I hope so.
***
I thought we had the college financial forms all taken care of. Apparently not. Yesterday I got a 10-page stack in the mail. Each page requires additional information, signatures, blood...Argh. I don't think it's ever going to end.
***
We're forecast for possibly ice on Monday. We'll see how that one plays out. If it does, look for a blog on more snow preparation theories. Ha!
***
That's enough!
Behave!

Answer!!

Ready for the answer? Ha. I know. Just go with me on this.

1. While on a roadtrip with the bff's I counted at least four soda bottles filled with pee alongside the highway while we were in stop-and-go traffic. How do I know it was pee? I just do. It's a complicated science. True and I have the pictures to prove it! ha!

2. B and I met up on the road home one evening before kids. We hadn't expected to be at the same place at the same time. He road my bumper and pretended to be irate and I threw an egg from the carton I'd just purchased at him. It hit at the perfect spot on his windshield. I couldn't have planned it better. I often wonder what the people around thought about some of the stuff we used to do. Also true. Just one of those freak-things, I guess.

3. Remember that scene in Footloose where the girl climbs between two vehicles, barely missing getting creamed by a tractor trailer? I did that when I was a teenager. Without the big truck though. We were goofing off on backroads and since I had aspirations of being a stuntwoman, I thought I'd give it a try. The cars weren't going very fast, but I did it. And, obviously, lived. Nope!! So, yeah, this is the correct answer! I didn't, but would have given the opportunity. Heck, I still might.

Wednesday is back to being the new Monday. We had a little break there for a while, but no more. The schedule has been as packed, or more, than before the holidays. Go figure.
That is all.
Behave!

Tall Tale Tuesday

See that? That's what my brain feels like right now. There's too much in it for anything logical to actually take root. Lots going on, most of it unpleasant...

So, let's see if I can lighten the mood a little with a fluffy and silly Tall Tale Tuesday.

Which of these did not really happen?

1. While on a roadtrip with the bff's I counted at least four soda bottles filled with pee alongside the highway while we were in stop-and-go traffic. How do I know it was pee? I just do. It's a complicated science.

2. B and I met up on the road home one evening before kids. We hadn't expected to be at the same place at the same time. He road my bumper and pretended to be irate and I threw an egg from the carton I'd just purchased at him. It hit at the perfect spot on his windshield. I couldn't have planned it better. I often wonder what the people around thought about some of the stuff we used to do.

3. Remember that scene in Footloose where the girl climbs between two vehicles, barely missing getting creamed by a tractor trailer? I did that when I was a teenager. Without the big truck though. We were goofing off on backroads and since I had aspirations of being a stuntwoman, I thought I'd give it a try. The cars weren't going very fast, but I did it. And, obviously, lived.

One is a lie. Which one?

Behave!

More Snow

...There's more snow in the forecast. 2-5".
Which means that when I finally get to the grocery store for the required items needed for dinner, it will be packed with the bread, milk, and toilet paper crowd. Again. I really wish we lived where people didn't freak out about a little snow.
And I have to wonder what these people are thinking. I used to think it was a local thing - you know, a secret only people who have lived here their whole lives know. B has lived here his whole life and he doesn't get it either. Unless there's some kind of secret "Toast and toilet paper club". I don't know. I understand the allure of not wanting to need anything when it's snowing. Not having to go out. Wanting to snuggle up and watch the flakes fall...with your 48-pack of toilet paper, 62 loaves of bread, and 70 gallons of milk?
I know some people don't like to drive in the snow and I respect that. Though I'm the opposite. I just don't get the toilet paper thing. Or the bread thing. Why should you need more during a storm? The only thing I can think of is this...Bread = toast, which many people like with hot chocolate. Many people also make their hot chocolate with milk. And that much toast and hot chocolate makes you poop more?
I don't know. Does it?
Sorry I missed the weekend! Hope you had a grand V-Day with your loved ones. We don't celebrate here and that's not because my husband isn't romantic. He is. Very. But neither of us think you need a special day for that. We're such rebels, we refuse to acknowledge it! Ha! In fact, we spent yesterday hanging with the family at my brother's and watching Nascar.
Now...I'm off to stock up on bread, milk, and toilet paper.
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

What a week!
I have my days a bit mixed up due to the snow.
But here we go...
1. The kids going back to school today. I love them, but honestly, I need a little space. I came downstairs this morning to K3 hovering over K4 with a light saber positioned centimeters away from her forehead saying "I'm not touching you". I'm tired of people reaching over me when I'm trying to write. Tired of them standing behind me. Tired of being asked what's for dinner. A little break is good.
2. The snow! It's beautiful. Shoveling is not my favorite thing to do, but it is good exercise. I hate it when my feet get cold and wet, but that's my own fault for not acquiring the proper footwear when I knew it was going to snow.
3. Not having to cook last night.
4. The extra sleeping in days.
5. Being able to go out if I want to. And I do. Though the grocery store is probably my only destination at this point. When I took the kids to school today, I realized I hadn't driven since Tuesday. And yes, I made sure to drive through every snow bank available.
6. Weekend plans - though I'm not entirely sure what they are yet.
7. Making fantastic progress on the new shiny this week. I still need a title though.
Okay, that's enough for now. Not going out means there's not a lot to report.
Behave!

Dear Supernatural People,

That was probably the grossest episode you've ever written. I loved it! Though have to admit the eating each other to death thing? *Barf* The cook grabbing fries right out of the fryer? *More Barf* You definitely had the Ick Factor going. I squirmed. Nicely done.
Lots of funny stuff to balance the gross. Many, many good lines.
I don't believe what Famine said to Dean. He feels too much to be dead inside. I think he wasn't affected by Famine because of what he said - he indulges himself when he wants and hungers for nothing. Or perhaps the things he hungers for aren't attainable? Like a normal life, someone to love him, his parents alive?
Poor Sam. His absolute horror over feeling the addiction return was awful to watch. I completely dislike him drinking the blood, but I love *Evil* Sam. That voice and that thing he does when he's ripping demons out. I hated that he had to go to detox again, especially since he'd been washed clean after releasing Lucifer.
Oh, and Dean. I could have cried with him. Beautiful ending. Fantastic acting.
I'm mad at you, Supernatural People, that we have to wait until March 25th for a new episode. I'm sure I will forgive you, though.
I always do.
Behave!

Snow! Part Two!

Here we go again with the snow! School's closed. B's home from work - not because he chooses to be though, they closed today. He has to go in later (if it ever stops) because he's on the snow removal crew.

It's blowing and drifting now, which is pretty cool to watch.

We checked a few hours ago and had a foot, but it's still coming down.

That thing on the left is our totem pole. In the foreground is a plastic chair that blew off the porch - you can barely see it now.

K2 and K4 are making cookies. K2 is talking to the eggs before she breaks them - kinda scary that, but normal. K3 has disappeared into the video game void. K1 is at his girlfriend's for the duration. I have chicken cooking for pot pie and am writing in between goofing off.

And I'm still in my jammies.

Sweet snow day!

Stay safe!

Behave!

Answer!

It's crazy snowing here! More on that later though!
First, here's the answer to Tall Tale Tuesday!!
1. Remember that movie, A Christmas Story, when the kid sticks his tongue to a pole? I did that. I was ten. It wasn't a pole, it was a railing. It hurt like heck. My brothers laughed first, then got me help. Nope! I've had my hands stuck, but never my tongue.
2. Surprisingly enough, despite how much I love the snow, I am intolerant of cold. I don't like to ski (never have) and very rarely play outside when it snows. Though being outside in the snow is much different than being outside in the bitter cold. Go figure. Yes. I love, love, love the snow, but it's very rare that I will go out and play in it. I have never skied and while I think I might like it, the fact that it's cold out changes my mind.
3. On a ski trip when I was 13, I collided with another skier and broke my leg in two places. She broke her arm and we both had concussions. They airlifted us off the slopes. I can't even remember her name now, despite being pen pals for a few years afterwards. Nope. I've never skied in my life.
So there you have it.
More on the Snowpocalypse later!
Behave!

Tall Tale Tuesday

Snow storm style!
We're supposed to get more of the white stuff. I was just on the weather website and they're saying we could potentially have white out conditions tomorrow morning. Joy. I love the snow!
Okay, so here we go. Which of the below is true?
1. Remember that movie, A Christmas Story, when the kid sticks his tongue to a pole? I did that. I was ten. It wasn't a pole, it was a railing. It hurt like heck. My brothers laughed first, then got me help.
2. Surprisingly enough, despite how much I love the snow, I am intolerant of cold. I don't like to ski (never have) and very rarely play outside when it snows. Though being outside in the snow is much different than being outside in the bitter cold. Go figure.
3. On a ski trip when I was 13, I collided with another skier and broke my leg in two places. She broke her arm and we both had concussions. They airlifted us off the slopes. I can't even remember her name now, despite being pen pals for a few years afterwards.
So which is the truth?
Behave!

Superbowl?

I have to admit I didn't really watch it.
We went to a party - lots of food, kids, babies I'd yet to meet, friends I haven't seen in ages - all of that was very good stuff. I didn't even know who was playing until right before we left to come home and I glanced at the television maybe once during the entire time we were there.
So, school is delayed tomorrow, which is good in a lot of ways and not so good in others. The sleeping in part is good.
There's a lot of snow out there. And more in the forecast. I don't know what we'll do with more snow. We're running out of places to put it.
I managed a couple of hundred words earlier, but then got waylaid by K2's taxes and college forms. And my sick mother-in-law and a run for medicine for her. I'd planned to get back to it, but it never happened. That's pretty sad. Tomorrow will be better.
And that's all I've got.
The weekend went way too fast. I got a lot done, but not enough. But isn't that the way it always goes?
Behave!

About That Snow!

... >This is what happened to me after a long day of shoveling, shoveling, oh, and did I mention shoveling?
I still love the snow, but my feet hurt and I'm pretty irritated by the puddles of cold water all over my house. I didn't even shovel as much as B and K2. I'm also not sure that my dog ever went to the bathroom. I did have a good nap though. But I've done no writing yet. Very sad that.
Behave!

Snow Day!!

18 or so inches and counting!!

See that dark blob in the snow? That's K4's head sticking out. She was trying to make a snow angel.

The dog won't pee even though we shoveled a "potty area" for her. She's afraid of it - like it's some type of labyrinth that will strip her flesh from her bones. (Obviously, I seriously need to write!)

K4's been out three times so far. I think it's because I give her hot chocolate every time she comes back in. K3 declined to go out as of yet, mainly because he can't find his boots, but he's had hot chocolate despite that.

Everything is closed today. We don't have anywhere to go. K2 is still sleeping and K1 stayed at a friend's last night. Right now we're doing laundry, having Mimosas and B is working on the carburetor for the snow blower. There will be writing, napping, and shoveling later. And burgers on the grill. Whoot!

That is all.

Behave!

Feel Good Friday

The snowstorm edition!
We're ignoring the fact that my meeting is canceled tomorrow! I am sad, but I am almost as happy for the snow!
Let's get on with it...
1. Snow! Though agreeably not as great as snow at the beach! We'll see how much we get. The weathermen don't even know.
2. Cool movies to watch.
3. Sleeping in tomorrow.
4. The prospect of staying in my jammies all day tomorrow.
5. Writing all day tomorrow (except for brief pauses to help K2 do her taxes and possibly finish the financial aid forms from hell.)
6. My puppy being able to come down the stairs without falling again. Relief.
7. The cat and his rubber lizard. It's funny to watch.
8. Book progress and being excited for the shiny!
Okay...that's enough...
Behave!

Dear Supernatural People,

I love you more and more with each episode!
I'm still trying to figure out Anna, but that has more to do with the fact that I missed the dialogue in the very beginning due to loud family members that refused to shut their pie holes. I loved Castiel's defense of Sam and his growly voice when he was looking for Anna. Loved seeing John and Mary and I loved Sam's reaction to seeing them.
John's complete willingness to do whatever he had to do to protect Mary was fantastic, and when he was Michael's meat suit? Oh goodness! I didn't realize how attractive he was until that moment. The emotional stuff was very, very nicely done. And the end? With the angel figurine. Nice touch. Lots and lots of nice touches.
This one goes close to my top of favorites and not just because we got a flash of Dean's stomach. ha!
You guys just get better and better. I am in awe!
Behave!

Random Thursday

New Supernatural tonight! Whoot!
****
I had 3 18-year old girls in my house earlier. They giggled a lot. And squealed. Ate ice cream. And watched The Little Mermaid. Again. Also, they cooked the cookie dough pieces from the cookie dough ice cream. I guess it worked. I never saw a cookie and there was no evidence of mess - except for the ice cream bowls in the living room. It was loud. They are gone now.
****
I started filling out the college financials today. Crazy stuff that. My head hurts. They're not done pending K2's information. I am not looking forward to dealing with it again. But they must be done.
****
Today is B's birthday. Since there's no time to go out because of scouts, I made him his favorite sandwich from one of the restaurants he likes. Well, you know...my version. Instead of cake, I made brownies and then concocted a cream cheese white chocolate frosting. That's some good stuff.
****
There's a ton of snow in the forecast. And, of course, this Saturday is my writing group meeting. I will be really unhappy if we have to cancel. This coming from someone who loves the snow, but right now, I need my meeting more. I went to the grocery store today hoping to avoid most of the crowd. Apparently everyone else had the same idea. It was crazy. I was lucky to get bread. And let me just say, I did need bread. I wasn't buying it for the toast and toilet paper frenzy some people must participate in during snow. (maybe we'll talk about that later...)
****
Tomorrow is a crazy day. Very crazy. I have to get up too early because I need gas in my truck since I neglected to do that when I was out.
That is all.
Behave!

I Don't Care!!!!!

I want one!!!!<.... I do!! And nothing will change that!
Behave!

Tall Tale Tuesday

We're going to skip Tall Tale Tuesday this week. I got nothing at the moment. You know how much I hate to say that because it usually means total chaos to post about later in the week. But that doesn't change the fact that I still don't have anything to Tall Tale Tuesday about.
Anyway.
Apparently my house is about to fill up with teenagers. I'm not sure why or how many. I just hope they don't want snacks because my pantry is pretty bare. I heard they were going to watch The Little Mermaid which makes no sense to me, but whatever. I'm going to ignore them and try to get some pages written. In between making dinner and ferrying kids to guitar lessons.
Anyway.
I don't think I ever mentioned how much work I did this past weekend. I know I said "write, edit, write", but that was it. My new project doesn't have a title yet. And I'm not really sure where it's going because I think I over-plotted last time and broke something inside my brain. Or, you know, the manuscript. I decided I'm just going to go with the flow on this new one and see what happens. Within reason, of course. I'm very excited for this new story - think Fire Fly meets Red Dawn meets Dark Angel. Or something like that.
And I guess I should get back to it...
Behave!

What I Came Home To...

Yep. Nothing ever changes...
ha ha....
Behave!