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Monday, May 31, 2010

Back From the Wilds

*This was supposed to go up yesterday. I'm not sure what happened!
First off, Happy Birthday to my oldest baby! It's difficult to wrap my head around the fact that he's 21 now. And about to become a daddy. I distinctly remember him being a baby, and quite honestly, it doesn't seem like it was that long ago. I don't feel any older, so how does this happen?
I know. I know.
Anyway.
We're back from our relaxing weekend in the wilds. It was wonderful. The weather was beautiful. The company awesome. The kids all had friends down either for the entire weekend, the afternoon, or just overnight and they had a blast. We hung with the family and friends and also had a blast.
There were geese, eagles, frogs, deer sightings, fish, turtles, tons of Mayflies, and the huge spider I stepped on while barefoot. My sister's dog caught two groundhogs, so there were two funeral services for said beasties.
Good sleeping, good eating, lots of laughter - Great weekend.
And now we're home again - with insanity looming on the schedule.
I want to go back.
Behave!

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Saturday, May 29, 2010

The Gnomes Did It

....It's getting ugly!
And I'm scared.
Stay tuned...
Behave

Friday, May 28, 2010

Feel Good Friday

Here we are at Friday again!
And here's the list:
1. Thankfully cooler temperatures. The past two days were nearly unbearable. I'm not ready for that kind of heat yet.
2. Catching up with one of my bff's. Though it meant being on the phone until midnight. It was worth it. I miss her.
3. Camping! Whoot! First campout of the season and I am so looking forward to it.
4. Changing my mind about what I'm working on. Again. Though I am very happy with my decision and I haven't abandoned the other ideas. I'm heavily editing/rewriting a story that I absolutely love - call it a modern Frankenstein story.
5. Strange cooking ideas that actual work out. Store brand brownie mix + a few packets of hot chocolate mix = awesome brownie cookies.
6. Being nearly ready to hit the road for camp.
7. Big baby bellies! About a month until my granddaughter arrives.
8. The fact that even though our calendar is extremely loaded, most of it is fun stuff. Now if I just had an unlimited supply of cash - birthdays, graduation, parties, grandchild - you get the picture.
I'm off!
Behave!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

The Resurgence of the Gnomes

Did anyone else watch this show?
I did and I loved it. Especially the fact that their beds were in the wall. ..... You have to watch gnomes. They have attitudes, but usually those attitudes can be adjusted with a healthy dose of liquor and a midnight poker game. I have no problem with that, but they damned well better earn their keep while they're spending all night goofing off and terrorizing the cat. It would be nice if the yardwork was done, and the rest of the housework, too. Mine do nothing, despite the fact that I take care of their garden and make sure they look all spiffy. Even the one in the house is all disdainful and angry-looking. Last night I realized he's standing with his back to the room, which is never good. I want happy gnomes, not gnomes that look so evil that I fear for my life every night.
I think I might have to go into gnome negotiations to make sure I get what I want while I'm providing them a place to live. They've been somewhat disgruntled every since Nic visited a while back. I think Nic's fairy talk riled them up and now all they can think about is "fairy relations". Sick and something I so don't need to know about.
I have a feeling these negotiations are going to take a while.
Wish me luck.
Behave!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Answer!

Which of the following is the truth:
1. Upon opening the camper, a large rodent ran out between my legs. Bigger than a mouse. I screamed like a little girl and slammed the door. After gathering my wits, I armed myself with a metal pole and reopened the door. Nothing ran out, but the distinct odor of rodent urine and little fluffy bits of fabric filled our sweet summer haven. I am not happy. And I'm not sure if it was a squirrel or a rat. The extent of the damage is not yet known, but it looks like we'll be dragging our old trusty tent along this weekend, just in case the camper is now a rodent house. Joy. Nah! And Nat's right, I probably would have said something very unlady like.
2. Because I'm lazy, I drove the 'burban around my sister's yard to get to the camper. I had stuff to transfer and didn't want to have to walk too far. After taking care of my business, I pulled forward to turn around and made my first big mistake - mud. And a lot of it, too - like a swamp to my axles. Four wheel drive wasn't helping. She won't be happy with me for the damage to her yard. I was less happy with having to have her father-in-law pull my big ass out with the tractor. Also a no. Though I was a little worried when I had to put it in four wheel drive, but there was no damage and no getting stuck.
3. After taking care of my business with the camper, I decided to be nice and give my sister's camper a looksee for small rodents. Unbelievably, we somehow managed to get through another year parked next to their camper without a single dropping in ours, and I really wanted to tell her theirs was all clear as well. We have the same key for our campers, so I unlocked their door. And promptly broke the only key we know the whereabouts to off in their lock. I managed to get the door closed and locked, but now we have a stub for a key. Oh, and they still have mice. Yep. Luckily, I found our other set of keys. We were sure they'd fallen into an abyss somewhere and my brother-in-law is still able to get into their mice-ridden camper.
So there you have it.
Behave!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Tall Tale Tuesday

The pre-camping edition.
So today the dog had a grooming appointment for her summer cut. It takes hours. So, I figured I'd check out the camper, grab our coolers, and hope like heck the camper didn't have mice.
Which of the following is the truth:
1. Upon opening the camper, a large rodent ran out between my legs. Bigger than a mouse. I screamed like a little girl and slammed the door. After gathering my wits, I armed myself with a metal pole and reopened the door. Nothing ran out, but the distinct odor of rodent urine and little fluffy bits of fabric filled our sweet summer haven. I am not happy. And I'm not sure if it was a squirrel or a rat. The extent of the damage is not yet known, but it looks like we'll be dragging our old trusty tent along this weekend, just in case the camper is now a rodent house. Joy.
2. Because I'm lazy, I drove the 'burban around my sister's yard to get to the camper. I had stuff to transfer and didn't want to have to walk too far. After taking care of my business, I pulled forward to turn around and made my first big mistake - mud. And a lot of it, too - like a swamp to my axles. Four wheel drive wasn't helping. She won't be happy with me for the damage to her yard. I was less happy with having to have her father-in-law pull my big ass out with the tractor.
3. After taking care of my business with the camper, I decided to be nice and give my sister's camper a looksee for small rodents. Unbelievably, we somehow managed to get through another year parked next to their camper without a single dropping in ours, and I really wanted to tell her theirs was all clear as well. We have the same key for our campers, so I unlocked their door. And promptly broke the only key we know the whereabouts to off in their lock. I managed to get the door closed and locked, but now we have a stub for a key. Oh, and they still have mice.
So which one is the truth?
Behave!

Monday, May 24, 2010

My Life

<....This is what I have to listen to. Constantly.
I do not understand.
Behave!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

What I Learned...

At the retreat.
Yeah, I know I've been home for a week now, but it's still relevant.
1. The retreat's not only about word count. Or it doesn't have to be about word count.
2. Sometimes you have to give yourself permission to say you don't think you know what you're doing.
3. There are always people at the retreat to either kick you back into the chair, or hold your hand while you figure it out.
4. It's okay to feel frustrated and apathetic as long as you don't let it rule you.
5. Dancing in the hall is a good way to unclog your brain.
6. People shouldn't tell you they think they see someone walking in and out of your room (especially when what they see isn't really there) until after you are done sleeping there. (We've always thought the retreat site was haunted.)
7. Sometimes the idea you need is already on your hard drive.
8. Saying you're going to sleep in doesn't mean you'll get to.
9. Having no voice is not an excuse for not writing.
10. If you keep the temperature of your room too hot or too cold, people will not want to linger and talk to you.
There's probably more. But the bottom line is that I went to the retreat in somewhat of a crisis. I had no idea what I wanted to work on and while I ended up with a great idea that I will eventually craft into a book, I was still 'meh' about everything. After spending a lot of time talking and thinking and brainstorming, a short story I wrote a while back was mentioned and it's now being turned into a full length book.
And yes, even with all of the power washing and the insanity of my home, I did manage to open the document and write a few dozen words today. And that makes me feel fantastic.
Behave.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Feel Good Friday - The Saturday Edition

The week was like a runaway freight train full of rattlesnakes and scorpions, with a few alligators thrown in for good measure and a rabid dingo or two . Yes, it was that bad.
But, let me see if I can find some good in there anyway. Might be a short list.
1. B bringing me wildflowers.
2. Hanging out with good friends.
3. People who love the retreat as much as I do.
4. Bon fires in the backyard.
5. Sleeping in this morning.
6. Power washing my patio.
Umm...that's about it right now, though there are probably a few other good things I just can't think of right now. It wouldn't be B's knee injury, the microwave blowing up, or even how insane the next few weeks are going to be, or how my writing time has been inadequate.
That is all.
Behave!

Friday, May 21, 2010

Yeah. It's Like That.

....Very funny. And, sadly, very true.

Feel Good Friday tomorrow.

Behave!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

What Day Is It?

My week has definitely been off-kilter.
Not only am I having a little trouble adjusting to "life as we know it" after the retreat, all of this other stuff keeps popping in just to keep me off balance. I mentioned the chaos on Monday. Well...it hasn't gone away.
I'm tired. I feel like I'm running on auto-pilot right now and can't tell you how thrilled I am that tomorrow is Friday. (Though I still keep thinking today is Wednesday. That's what life without Supernatural will do to you!)
I won't go through the list, because while it's burdensome, it's mostly boring. But at least you'll know that there's just stuff going on in case I disappear in the void. I hope I don't, but you never know.
Behave!

Answer!

Sorry it's late. I got derailed by ER visits, doctor appointments, and the usual stuff of life.
Here we go with the answer!

1. One year my sisters and I decided to decorate Mom's birthday cake with fresh lilacs. When cake time came around, we had a nasty mess of disgusting flowers and gross icing. I can't remember what happened next, except that we ate the cake anyway. I know there are pictures of the three of us holding this cake that we absolutely slaved over and were very proud of. Very true. A nice gesture, I suppose, considering Mom said lilacs were her favorite flower.
2. We'd planned a birthday blowout on a significant birthday year for mom. It was supposed to be a surprise, but I think she knew. Anyway. We had pouring down rain, ticks, and a gas leak siren during the party. Apparently, we were supposed to evacuate the area, but we had no idea. No one died. And I think it turned out okay, despite the mud and wetness. True. We had a blast and since we were unaware about the gas leak, we were just very annoyed by the siren.
3. Several years ago, we went out to a Chinese buffet for Mom's birthday. Eight out of ten of us ended up with food poisoning. I managed to be one of the lucky ones, probably because I wouldn't touch Egg Drop soup with a ten foot pole. Everyone always jokingly suggests that we try it again, but no one ever means it. Never happened.
Might be back with more later!
Behave!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Tall Tale Tuesday

The birthday edition!
In honor of my mom's birthday, we're doing Tall Tale Tuesday birthday style!
Which of the following is a lie:
1. One year my sisters and I decided to decorate Mom's birthday cake with fresh lilacs. When cake time came around, we had a nasty mess of disgusting flowers and gross icing. I can't remember what happened next, except that we ate the cake anyway. I know there are pictures of the three of us holding this cake that we absolutely slaved over and were very proud of.
2. We'd planned a birthday blowout on a significant birthday year for mom. It was supposed to be a surprise, but I think she knew. Anyway. We had pouring down rain, ticks, and a gas leak siren during the party. Apparently, we were supposed to evacuate the area, but we had no idea. No one died. And I think it turned out okay, despite the mud and wetness.
3. Several years ago, we went out to a Chinese buffet for Mom's birthday. Eight out of ten of us ended up with food poisoning. I managed to be one of the lucky ones, probably because I wouldn't touch Egg Drop soup with a ten foot pole. Everyone always jokingly suggests that we try it again, but no one ever means it.
So which one is the lie?
Happy Birthday, Mom!
Behave!

Monday, May 17, 2010

Back to Reality

I think I want to go back. Now.
I came home to absolute chaos. I arrived home before the family, giving me just enough time to pull out the computer and start my laundry. Then there were hugs and talking and lunch making. I missed my family. A lot. I wanted to take a nap. That didn't happen.
Because of schedule conflicts and whatnot, we ended up scheduling my mom's surprise birthday celebration Sunday evening. We wanted to do a huge shindig, but absolutely nothing worked in our favor for it. Coordination talks went on for weeks before we finally had to compromise our grand plan and do what we could, which made us all sad (because we wanted the shindig for her).
(Let me back up a minute to fill in details. K3 went on an overnight hike with the Scouts Saturday. They hiked the A.T., camping somewhere north of here. His first time, and not only was he nervous, I was too. He did great, though he came home filthy, very sore, and with blisters on both feet. And he came home approximately 45 minutes before we had to leave for Mom's party. And he had homework that needed to be done before this morning.)
So, we did the party, which was fun, despite the boatload of cash B and I dropped for dinner. It was great that Mom's friends brought another friend Mom hadn't seen in a long time. We, my younger sisters more than I, kind of grew up with this woman and even after all she's been through the past couple of years, she's still sharp as a tack and fun to be around. (As in, she apologized for running over my foot with her wheel chair after she was done laughing. ha!) It was late when we got home and there was still homework to be done.
Anyway. Today was total chaos in so many ways. I won't go into details here because I'm not sure I have the space, but here's the summary: too much laundry, filthy house, house guests, truck needs a new ignition switch and won't start half the time, no food in the house, band concerts, full calendar this week...you get the picture.
I'm hopeful for Tall Tale Tuesday tomorrow. We shall see if I have anything worthwhile.
Behave!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Retreat! Last Day!

Well, it's nearly time to go. And I'm sad. And happy.
Leaving the retreat is always bittersweet.
We always think another day would be great, but the true fact is that is wouldn't be. I love being here - love having nothing to do but write, but I miss my family, too. The retreat is one of those perfect places. At least for me. By the time I go home I am recharged and comfortable in my writer's skin. It's easier to focus on the writing with everything else going on at home because I've had this time to recommit to my career and goals. I've been with other people who share my wants and needs and who understand how my brain works.
This year hasn't been about word counts. At all. It's been about figuring out what I need to do - finding my spark and maybe even a part of myself. I am ready to go home. Ready to continue with my next project - which, as it turns out, has been under my nose for a while now.
So...
Until next year, retreat room. Thank you for being here when I need you the most.
Behave!

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Retreat! Day Three! Update...

*Our injured duck returned to the nest around lunchtime. She's sore and bruised, but no major damage was done. She recieved copious amounts of tickets and attention, including having lunch brought to her room and she's feeling much better now.
*We give out raffle tickets every year for a chance to win a prize. This year (at dinner tonight) I've instituted a new way to get tickets..."Convince me you deserve them." I think I'll keep it for next year.
*On the writing front, I have made what I think is a good decision and am once again feeling good about things. Excited, even. Things feel right and the weight and fog are gone. Yes!
*Tonight is our annual game. Then a trip to the graveyard for frivolity. Then probably a dance party. And then more work.
The retreat has gone far too fast this year.
More later.
Behave!

Retreat! Day Three!

Wow! The time is going too fast.
Did pretty good with the word count yesterday until I realized I wasn't really feeling the new shiny. Hit a brick wall of "what the heck am I doing?". Still don't know, but am more relaxed about it anyway. Not sure what I'm going to work on today, but releasing myself from expecting a huge word count has helped. I have a feeling I'm going to have a long list of "what I learned at the retreat" when I get home.
Last night was out with the gang. There were 10 of us at Applebee's for snacks and drinks. We had a blast and it was really good to begin to get to know some of our newer members. We got back late and, of course, I couldn't sleep. I decided I'd sleep in this morning, because, heck, why not? Had a crappy night's sleep on top of the difficulty falling asleep.
I opened my eyes a few minutes before my alarm was about to go off and decided, yes, I was staying in bed. Drifting off again when there's a commotion in the hall. Then a knock on my door. I ignored it, figuring they'd go away. Then my phone rings. Crap. One of our members took a tumble in the shower. The ambulance was called. She had a really big knot on her head and her hip hurt really bad. She's at the hospital now, so we're waiting to hear what's up with her.
Update later.
Behave!

Friday, May 14, 2010

Dear Supernatural People,

Pardon the break in Retreat madness for a Supernatural squee moment.
We finally got to watch the season finale today and...Holy Crap!!
Amazing!!
I don't think I can properly recap it enough. Maybe we'll get a chance to watch again before we go home and I can write a decent post about it. But I have to tell you I can't stop thinking about it. It was amazing! Fantastically Amazing!
Behave!

Retreat! Day Two!

And Feel Good Friday!
Here's the list:
1. Feeling better, though I have no voice! (yes, the voice is gone. I have a little squeak now.)
2. Sleeping really good last night.
3. Retreat! What else do I have to say about that? No cooking, no cleaning...
4. Coming to the realization that this weekend isn't really about seeing how many words I can get on the page. It's about me and writing and doing what I want/need to. I do have words. I have a fair amount of them as I explore this new story idea, but I've given myself permission to set it aside and continue my edits if I get to a place where that would be more productive. And that is good.
5. Going out later!
6. Being here tomorrow, too!
It's going to be a short list, because pretty much everything about today has been awesome!
Behave!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Retreat! Day One - Continued


Dear Retreat Room,
I have missed you so much! I am very happy to be back inside of you. (except for the fly that's buzzing my head! Where did he come from? We're on the 3rd floor with no open windows. He will have to die.) Your bed is comfy, your blankets warm and I have all of the pillows to myself.
I love that as I sit at my nifty table and rest my feet on the bed that I can lean my head over and see Simon, and that all I have to do is holler and she'll look up - like when I find a great song on the 'pod that I think she needs to listen. I love that Natalie is the next room up from Simon and even though I can't see her, all I have to do is walk a few feet and I'm bothering her. I love being surrounded by so many people who don't think I'm all that weird.
I love the bathroom that is all mine and not shared by anyone else. I love the fluffy towels waiting in there for me and even the "sanitized for your protection" thingy that covered the toilet when I first arrived. I love being able to set the room temperature any degree I want (right now, it's super hot because I'm freezing.) and there's no one to complain about it. I love not having to think about what to make for dinner and not having to cook - that I can stay at my nifty table until it's time to eat.
Also, I love my new story - though I'm very early into it. I do have character names now thanks to K2, but no title for this one yet either.
So thank you, retreat room, for being here for me yet again, for helping to inspire me, for giving a place to call just mine even if it's only for a little while. I appreciate you more than I can say.
(The only thing that would make things better is if this stupid cold would lighten up already. I did take half a dose of Nyquil and it helped, so I'm hopeful.)
More later.
Behave!

Retreat! Day One!

Finally!
Up very early this morning to finish getting ready and to take care of the bake sale items for the fundraising car wash this weekend. (Did I mention how busy the weekend suddenly got?) Took the kids to school, but not without making a return trip home for the missing backpack and swimming stuff. Finally get back home just as Simon pulls up, load the car, jump in and squeal.
Miss our intended Sheetz stop. Try to plot my new book. Finally find a Sheetz for breakfast. Finally, finally, finally got here! Whoot!
I am all set up in my room with Metallica blasting on the iPod. Attendees are rolling in left and right so I haven't been able to get much writing done yet. Plus, until about an hour ago, I still had no idea of what I was working on. Now I do and it's going to kick some serious butt.
We'll be heading out to lunch very soon, and then it'll be back here for writing and attendee checking in.
Oh, and did I mention I've been blessed with a seriously sucky cold? Yeah. I feel like absolute hell right now, so I think a nap will be on my afternoon agenda as well.
More later!
Whoot! Retreat!
Behave!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Answer!

Good guessing...

Here we go with the answer!

1. I noticed the dog had something large in her mouth earlier. When I stepped outside to see what she was into, I found a large male duck in her mouth. He was dead and I don't think she killed him. I'm a little confused as to how the duck came to be dead in our yard. You'll also be surprised to know that I managed to remove the duck from the very protective dog and hide it so she couldn't get to it again...though I don't know what to do with it now. Do you throw it away or bury it? I'll let B figure that one out. Nope. But there were ducks in my back yard. The neighbor said one was wounded. K2 took pictures. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see them since they were gone by the time I got home.

2. K3 had a dental procedure this morning to remove several stuck baby teeth. They gave him nitrous. The last time they gave it to him, he hated it. I think he liked it a little too much this time. Not only did he ramble constantly the whole way home, he sang to me, including songs I didn't even know he knew. Yes! It was an interesting experience. All I could think about was how much bigger than me his is, and what was I going to do if he fell down or something. He sang Michael Jackson to me the whole way home and insisted I stop to buy him some applesauce.

3. I mentioned yesterday how I demolished my only pair of jeans, but I didn't mention how. Maybe because it's embarrassing to reveal that as a grown woman, I decided I could still climb trees as well as I did when I was a kid. Not only did I wedge myself between branches, but I got the butt of my jeans caught on a particularly sharp stub of a branch and tore the seat right out of my well-worn jeans. Nope. The truth is: the thing that holds the button in place ripped and then the zipper wouldn't stay up at all. It made for a very uncomfortable day.

Tomorrow! I will be blogging from the RETREAT!! And, since I found the camera and the cord, and remembered to buy batteries, there will pictures!
Until then...
Behave!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Tall Tale Tuesday

Tuesday's rolling right along, which is fantastic because it's one day closer to the retreat!
Here we go with Tall Tale Tuesday!
Which of the following is the truth:
1. I noticed the dog had something large in her mouth earlier. When I stepped outside to see what she was into, I found a large male duck in her mouth. He was dead and I don't think she killed him. I'm a little confused as to how the duck came to be dead in our yard. You'll also be surprised to know that I managed to remove the duck from the very protective dog and hide it so she couldn't get to it again...though I don't know what to do with it now. Do you throw it away or bury it? I'll let B figure that one out.
2. K3 had a dental procedure this morning to remove several stuck baby teeth. They gave him nitrous. The last time they gave it to him, he hated it. I think he liked it a little too much this time. Not only did he ramble constantly the whole way home, he sang to me, including songs I didn't even know he knew.
3. I mentioned yesterday how I demolished my only pair of jeans, but I didn't mention how. Maybe because it's embarrassing to reveal that as a grown woman, I decided I could still climb trees as well as I did when I was a kid. Not only did I wedge myself between branches, but I got the butt of my jeans caught on a particularly sharp stub of a branch and tore the seat right out of my well-worn jeans.
So...Which one is the truth? And yes, there's only one. ha!
Behave!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Whoa Monday!

All I can say is...Thank goodness it's over!
Again, it's been one of those days when I've been on the go for pretty much all of it...appointments, band concert, stop at the store on the way home because someone used the final sheet of toilet paper right as we were leaving, a run to the department store after dropping B and the younger K's at home, because I demolished my only pair of jeans today and there was no way I could wear them any longer. Yay me. But the upside to that is I got some stuff I needed for the retreat and I found a pair of jeans on sale.
Two more days until the retreat and I have at least four days worth of stuff to do before then. The weekend is insane for B and the kids, so extensive coordination is a must. But I made it through today and did get a lot of stuff done, so it's all good. But tomorrow is much of the same, though I have to tell you, I look forward to getting everything done so my relaxation time at the retreat is even more totally worth it. And a shiny new! Whoot!
That is all.
Behave!

Sunday, May 09, 2010

Sunday Random

Happy Mothers Day to all of you Moms.
We did some celebrating yesterday and last night and had a very awesome time doing it. First we had to clean up our camping site, which was work, but fun. Let me just say I love power washing. I'm borrowing it to do our patio and I can't wait!
Anyway.
K2 dropped her phone in the creek. Awesome that. She's currently getting a new one after much woe and angst over the whole thing. Then...then, she left her truck keys in my truck and I got the whole way home when she called and told me. So I had to drive back up in my wet pants and frozen feet. But, the rest of the night was good and included good friends, good bands, and a lot of talking and laughing.
Today is moving slow, which is good. I know a lot of people think Mom shouldn't work today, but I had things I had to get done and I feel much better after accomplishing them. This week is nuts, with much to do before I leave for the retreat.
So there you have it.
Happy Mothers Day, Mom! I love you!
Behave!

Dear Supernatural People,

Wow.
I loved Death. (Yes, that sounds weird, but you know what I mean) The idea that neither he nor God knows who's older is very interesting to me, and the fact that Lucifer has him on some kind of a leash. I don't know what to believe though, and I guess that's good. Part of me thinks he doesn't expect Sam and Dean to let Sam say yes, because, let's face it, those boys rarely do what you think they'll do, or what they're expected to do. And then I see the previews, and it looks like Sam did say yes. And poor Dean's beaten and swollen face...
Anyway, I'm getting ahead of myself.
Crowley ammending he and Bobby's agreement so Bobby could walk was fantastic. I actually hooted! And Cass is back! Fantastic. Except that he's human now. I loved the scene with Cass and Bobby where he was starting to complain about having nothing and Bobby jumped on him. Nicely done.
The vomit was pretty gross, especially the hugging while Pestilence was covered with it. Ick.
I'm a little all over the place with my thoughts here. I'm hoping to get to watch it again today, but we'll see. Maybe I should have waited to write this until after!
That is all.
Behave!

Friday, May 07, 2010

Feel Good Friday

The short list:
1. It's Friday. Obviously.
2. Even though I can't really sleep in tomorrow, I'm looking forward to the day.
3. And the evening.
4. Gas points.
5. Retreat in less than a week.
6. Getting stuff caught up!
Okay. That's enough for now. Dear Supernatural People post in a little while.
Behave.

Thursday, May 06, 2010

Editing Diary

While my brain develops what to start at the retreat, I've begun edits on the story I just finished.
Here's how it's going:
1:57pm: Decide I have to do some editing.
Check email. Inbox is still empty. Open folder, click through several stories I haven't looked at in a while. Open short story. Consider it as a full length book. Add to brain pile. Finally open document to begin editing. Write note to fix something on page one. Again on page two. Pick extra paper off the side of my notebook. Check email. Note from B. Answer him. Ask a question. Back to wip. More notes. Stop to think. More notes. Get up to look out window because of the wind. Check email. Get answer from B. Ask something different. Quick social networking check. Nothing's changed since 1:56. Feed dog. Listen to see if the dryer is still running. Look at TV and wonder why it's still on, but do nothing to turn it off. Email again. Answer from B. Add his requests to grocery list. Think about dinner. Look at clock.
Decide to blog. Here I am.
2:31pm
So that's how I have only managed to get to page 10 in a half an hour.
Stay tuned.
Behave!

Good Thing...Bad Thing

Good Thing:
I am finally caught up with all of my obligations.
Bad Thing:
It took me three days to do it.

Good Thing:
I will be starting a new project at the retreat.
Bad Thing:
I have no idea what it will be. (I do have several ideas)

Good Thing:
Kids feeling better.
Bad Thing:
Waking up to hear "I puked".

Good Thing:
Supernatural tonight.
Bad Thing:
Only one more episode after tonight and that airs while I'm at the retreat without a television. (It will be fine though - thank goodness for iTunes)

Good Thing:
This time next week I'll be at the retreat!!
Bad Thing:
There isn't one!

That's all for today!
Behave!

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Answer!

Sliding in under the wire tonight!
Ready?
1. Cookie dough from K2's Valentine's cooking making. The face is food coloring. The little ball of dough was formed to talk to the eggs watching from the sidelines. Do not ask, because I don't have an answer. No. But highly possible!
2. A clove of garlic. The face was there when the skin came off. K2 didn't want me to use it, but I did anyway. I told her the little garlic face would make her happy in her belly and she believed me. Yes. It was pretty cool. And we ate it. And were happy.
3. The head from a clay creation K4 made in kindergarten. The little statue was on the shelf in the kitchen. I came downstairs in the morning and the head was on the counter - far, far away from its body. I'm not sure how that happened and it's kind of freaky if you think about it. Nah. But also possible!
That is all.
Behave!

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Tall Tale Tuesday



Couldn't find the camera cord, so this one will have to do.
What is it?
1. Cookie dough from K2's Valentine's cooking making. The face is food coloring. The little ball of dough was formed to talk to the eggs watching from the sidelines. Do not ask, because I don't have an answer.
2. A clove of garlic. The face was there when the skin came off. K2 didn't want me to use it, but I did anyway. I told her the little garlic face would make her happy in her belly and she believed me.
3. The head from a clay creation K4 made in kindergarten. The little statue was on the shelf in the kitchen. I came downstairs in the morning and the head was on the counter - far, far away from its body. I'm not sure how that happened and it's kind of freaky if you think about it.
So which one is the truth?
Behave!

What I Want...

1. Laundry that does itself.
2. A house that cleans itself.
3. For summer plans to be solidified so I'm not stuck in the unknown zone and can actually make plans.
4. A really big computer bag.
5. To make sure there are no mice in our camper.
6. Camping!
7. The retreat to be here - though I don't want to wish away the time either.
8. New sneakers. Mine hurt my feet badly.
9. The college financials to come so we know where we stand for the fall.
10. Chickens.
Tall Tale Tuesday's coming up in a bit - providing I can find my camera cord.
Behave!

Sunday, May 02, 2010

Saturday, May 01, 2010

May One

Indulge me a little, please...Holy Cow!! It's May already!!
Ha! (Though I do really mean that!)
Anyway. Today was the hottest day (so far) of the year, with temps reaching near 90 in some places. In a few months, the temps of today will be bearable, but coming off of freezing to death...It was pretty stinking hot. Not that I'm complaining, because I'm not.
Chapter meeting this morning - very fantastical time, lots of laughing, great speaker. K4 happens to love our speaker's books, so Grandma brought her to the end of the meeting so she could meet her and get her new book. K4 was thrilled and is very proud of her personalized books. She's spent the afternoon reading, which is always good, but very normal for her. Lunch was good and so was the conversation.
Then...the day kind of just...went.
Though the super secret retreat items have been manufactured and are currently spread all over my dining room drying. And they turned out spectacularly, thanks to Misty's super human ability with a pair of scissors. Teenagers have created chaos. So has the dog. Dinner was pizza.
In all...
A very good day.
And now I'm going to go figure out what to write at the retreat before I start editing the very terrible, completely awful book.
Behave!