Here's the Thing...

If the book you just downloaded wasn't offered for free by the author or the publishing house, you are stealing. Stealing. It's called Piracy, people, and it's wrong. And illegal.
Do not steal from me, or any author.
Every time you download something from a "sharing" site, you are taking part of an author's paycheck. You wouldn't want anyone to do that to you.
Don't do it.
If you do, you're a douche.

Behave!

Tall Tale Tuesday

Okay. Here we go.

What is this?

1. Sand and snow. A picture from the beach retreat the day after the snow came.

2. Salt. Epsom to be exact. I dropped a bag on a very humid day and it immediately swelled up and looked like this.

3. The aftermath of a marshmallow battle gone bad. Picture taken the next morning after the 'mallows were subject to rain.

So, there you have it.

Only one is correct. Which one?

Behave!

Hello March!

I'm seeing some green forcing its way through the mud where the snow has melted. Spring! I highly doubt we're out of the woods yet as far as snow is concerned, but the change of seasons is always something to look forward to.
And then there's that spring cleaning. This year, I feel a severe need for it. Really severe. Not that I like it or anything, but the walls seem to be closing in on me. There's extra stuff everywhere and it's bogging me down. Closets need cleaned out, blinds need scrubbed, junk needs hauled to the curb, clothes need gone through and donated, bedrooms need a fresh coat of paint. Couple that with the pinch on time and, well, the bogging becomes a squeezing feeling. I think I'll have to schedule a weekend or two and dedicate them to junk removal. Honestly, I'll be glad to get it over with and move on. Now that it's March, the huge events that are scheduled to happen this year are looming and I think I'll be better equipped to handle them once I shake off this feeling. Which, you know, means doing something about it.
The wrist is feeling better this morning, despite a crappy night's sleep. I'm not moving from the table today, so we'll see how it feels at the end of the day. I had a bizarre dream last night - a scary one. Zombies, or more like infected people. I was torn between writing it down at 2am to remember it, or shoving it out of my mind. I'm still torn, but it did give me a pretty cool and creepy idea for a book. So we'll see about that.
That is all.
Behave!

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!

Beach Retreat - Day Two!

Going home today. I'm not up as early as I was yesterday, and we didn't stay up as late last night. Guess it's catching up.
Let me sum up:
Editing. Writing. Breakfast. Writing. Snow starts. Coffee. Crazy walks in the driving snow with crazy people. Almost lost Simon in a ditch. If it weren't for the snow we might never have found our way back. No cell phones. Laughing. Writing. Writing. And more writing. Making good progress on my new story. Coffee. Massive coffee bean spill. Guess who was responsible for that one. Still snowing. Lunch - which was mostly healthy. Laughing. Coffee. Writing and writing. Still snowing. Trip to the beach to take pictures of the ocean. Coffee. Writing. Laughing. Dinner preparation. Pre-dinner dance party. Writing while waiting for dinner to finish. Quick cleanup. Still snowing. More writing. Tru Cook Plus. Hysterical laughter - my stomach hurts and I can't quit talking in accent. Still snowing.Writing. Supernatural viewing. More writing. Movie watching. Don't know what I think about what we watched. Little bit of talking after the movie. Then bed. Still snowing.
Have more trouble falling asleep last night than the previous night. Probably from the massive amounts of caffeine consumed. Sleep well despite the inability to relax. Now it's morning. No more snowing. Already laughter. Coffee. No bean spillage today. Yet. Writing is on the way while we do laundry and clean up to go home. Don't know how much snow we got. A lot. Probably close to 8".
More later.
Behave!

Retreat!!

Guess what?

I'm at the beach. On a writing retreat. With the Bff's.

Whoot!

It's snowing like you would not believe. Over 3" so far, I think. And it's still coming down. And we're writing. Whoot! Shiny new story!

This morning we took a walk. In the driving snow. Simon and I got smart and came back before we froze to death. Nat and Burkholder walked on.

This afternoon Megan, Simon and I took a short jaunt to see the ocean. It was freezing. I mean, really, really freezing. The snow wasn't snow close to the water. It was ice. But look at that picture! Awesome doesn't even begin to describe it. It was totally worth my numb fingers and toes and my frozen hair.

But now it's time to go back to writing. More on this trip throughout the week!

Behave!!

Feel Good Friday

Well....Here we are at Friday! Thank Goodness!
Here's the list:
1. Making it through the week and let me tell you, it was a very, very long week.
2. Sleeping in tomorrow.
3. Weekend plans.
4. Starting something new!
5. Decisions.
6. Friends.
7. Funny emails.
8. Getting stuff done.
I think that's enough!
Behave!

Dear Supernatural People,

I am writing with great love.
Awesome episode. Way to tie in a simple ghost hunt with the apocalypse. I have to admit I was a little scared they'd get Sam's meat suit. A little. Though I knew it wasn't time for anything that crazy yet. Loved how Jared played the Gary. And how Gary (well, you know, the actor) played Sam. I wasn't confused with the bodies switching all around.
Nicely done! Though it would have been sweet to have Gary take Sam's shirt off and check out his muscles, but that's just me. ha!
I look forward to next week!
Behave!

Thursday Things

Things I am tired of:
1. Someone chewing the end off all of my mechanical pencils. Stop doing that. Erasers aren't food. I kid you not, I threw six totally destroyed pencils away this morning. This is why I hide mine.
2. The cold. If it's not snowing, it should be warm. Bring on the snow!
3. Always being out of milk. Why?
4. Adding to number three...frequent trips to the grocery store.
5. Not sleeping well. I thought finishing the book would help, but it hasn't. I can't fall asleep. I can't stay asleep. And this morning we overslept because apparently I turned my alarm off instead of hitting snooze.
6. Laundry. It never ends and I don't even do the older two's dirties.
Okay. That's enough rant. Tomorrow's Friday!
Behave!

Answer!

Ready for the answer?

1. When I was little - maybe 2 or 3 - my brothers convinced me to stick my finger into a moving bicycle chain, thus removing the fingerprint on one of my fingers. 100% true. Though I really don't remember much about this.

2. We used to have a terrier mix named Whiskers. Once when I was playing tug of war with him, he accidentally caught my eyelid with his tooth resulting in several stitches. Also true.

3. The winter before I graduated high school, my brother and I thought it would be a great idea to jump out the second story window and into a massive snow bank. I went first. Broken leg and fractured wrist. False. This never happened, though it could have. Easily.

Longest day of the week for me right here.
That's all.
Behave!

Tall Tale Tuesday

I wish I could find my camera cord...
Anyway...
Which of the following is the lie:
1. When I was little - maybe 2 or 3 - my brothers convinced me to stick my finger into a moving bicycle chain, thus removing the fingerprint on one of my fingers.
2. We used to have a terrier mix named Whiskers. Once when I was playing tug of war with him, he accidentally caught my eyelid with his tooth resulting in several stitches.
3. The winter before I graduated high school, my brother and I thought it would be a great idea to jump out the second story window and into a massive snow bank. I went first. Broken leg and fractured wrist.
Only one's a lie. Which one?
Answers tomorrow!
And I can I just say...yay...Tuesday! One more day closer to Friday. This has been a long, long week already.
Behave!

Monday Huh...

<... This is kind of how I feel right now...not like the useless dodad in the middle of a field wondering what happened to the fair he was letting people into...More like the...HUH? moment I had when I looked at the picture. Meaning: It's 9pm. What happened to this day? Where did it go? Why did I just now take my shoes off after having them on since 6am? What happened to the nearly full package of toilet paper I saw in the bathroom cupboard this morning? How can we go from having three rolls to being out in one day? What happened to my clean living room? Why are there coats all over the dining room? And most importantly, why did the body snatchers bring back my sweet child? They'd taken her and replaced her with a hormonal adolescent. That's the child I dropped off at school this morning - the one you couldn't look at without fear of retribution. The one that alternated tears and maniacal laughter. What came home was sweet and cooperative, smiling even. Homework was done without a fight, chores, too. And she went to bed on time. I'm not convinced this isn't some alien joke, but I will definitely enjoy it while it lasts.
I'm so tired. I'm sure that makes no sense.
Behave!

Done!

Well, the edits are finished and the book is now in the capable hands of my wonderful critique partners. I am convinced it is the biggest pile of crap I've ever written. Totally convinced. Guess we'll see about that.
In any event, it's as done as I can make it. After two rewrites, a million and a half editing passes, multiple brainstorming sessions, and a whole lot of worry - I can do no more until it's been read by other eyes.
And that's a very good feeling.
Especially since I might be able to sleep tonight.
Now I can let the story that's been rattling around my brain loose. My plan is to start writing this weekend. Starting something new is always exciting, and believe me, I'm excited. New characters, new situations, new stuff. Whoot!
It's going to be a long week around here, but there's fun on the horizon providing I live through the days leading up to Friday.
That's all.
Behave!

In Keeping With the Theme...

Of Star Wars love that goes on in my house. I give you this:<...Working hard, so gotta go.
Behave!

Dear Supernatural People,

Oh, how I've missed you!
My love never dwindled, but I have to tell you, that hiatus? Waaayyyy too long. Way. I have a friend who feared she'd lost her love. It was tragic. Very tragic. (She didn't, by the way.)
Sam and Dean in scrub pants and vee-necked tshirts? Beautiful. Thank you. I really needed that. I loved (loved) how they got themselves admitted into the psychiatric hospital by telling the truth, and how Dean told the truth to his doctor. It was great, and sad. Martin was a great character, but I really want to know what happened in Albuquerque.
I loved the "old school" feel of it. Sam and Dean. Hunting. Don't get me wrong, I'm down with the Apocalypse story line, but sometimes it's great when it's just Sam and Dean - hunting. I'm not sure how I feel about the end and Sam's anger/not getting into the Impala right away, so we won't talk about that until after I watch it again. I have to say I giggled a lot. So much that my 18-year old daughter stopped what she was doing to watch the show to see what I was laughing at. I alternated with sheer horror, and I really, really like that.
Good job!
Thank you for finally coming back!
(I can't believe I forgot to mention new Supernatural in my Feel Good Friday post! Lame! But proof of how badly my brain is damaged!)
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

What a day! What a week!
Here's the list:
1. Being able to take my shoes off and actually sit down and relax for the first time today. Shoes on for 16 hours. Now I'm trying to remember if I ate today. I think I did. I know I put dinner in the crock pot before I left this morning...
2. Brand new beautiful baby girls. (A friend's baby and I finally got to see her)
3. B getting home before me and cleaning the house.
4. Helping the scouts get ready for their annual spaghetti dinner. It's a lot of work, but fun, too.
5. Next weekend!
6. Being very, very close to finished with my wip and working on it for fifteen minutes tonight even though I really didn't think I had it in me.
7. New shiny ideas.
8. Sleeping in tomorrow!
I'm too tired to think of anymore.
Behave!

Time?

....I post this picture because of the absolute love of Dr. Who that goes on in my house. (Are you sensing that my children have eclectic tastes?) They're patiently waiting for the new season to start with the new doctor. (Plus, David Tenant's a cutie.)
Anyway.
This was supposed to be about time.
There is never enough of it. Never. It's always been like that, it will always be like that. There's nothing we can do to change the universe to give us more, and even if we did, nothing would be different. There would not be enough even if you were a Time Lord. Stuff would fill it, and then there would be none. We have to do the best with what we have. Organize. Plan. And even that sometimes won't help you get everything done. My lists certainly don't help and they don't take into account the cash registers going out just as I get to the register with my groceries (yes, it happened again), or the cat puking, or the washer being off-balance and not wanting to spin the clothes no matter how many times you rearrange them and restart the cycle...ahem...
This morning I joined some friends for a brief writing challenge-type-thingy. We met in the chat room and worked for half hour spans, then reported our progress, chatted for a few minutes, and began again. It was a productive hour and fifteen minutes for all of us - well, except for the one who bailed halfway through, but that's beside the point. I finished my hard copy edits, and now have a few hours to begin inputting the changes into my computer. I don't believe I would be this far if it wasn't for the little challenge.
I keep saying it and I will continue. Get some writing friends and challenge each other. You won't be sorry. In fact, you might just be surprised at what else you get out of it.
Don't let time get you down. Make the most of what you have. Try your best. Give yourself a break when things spin out of control and make sure you use some of it to goof off a little. Oh, and listen to some Jason Manns while you're at it. You won't be sorry.
I think that's enough confusion for one day, don't you?
Oh, and don't forget to tune into Supernatural tonight!
Behave!

Random Wednesday

It's been a random day, so here's a random post...
1. The creatures who live here with me have decided everyone must be called a name from "Star Wars". K2 says she's Yoda. If she is, then she really should use her mind powers to clean this house. I don't think it's too much to ask, do you? I figure as long as they don't start calling me Jabba, it's all good.
2. K4 has decided she wants to be in her school's talent show. At the last minute. She wants to sing, which is fantastic, but there are two problems. One, she won't even sing in front of us. I wonder how she'll do in front of a crowd. Twice. And, her original song choice is impossible to find. Her second choice isn't suitable. She'd better hurry up and pick something. The first rehearsal is tomorrow and I still need to print the lyrics and copy the song onto a CD.
3. It's been a really long week and it's still only Wednesday.
4. I know three people who have either had to put their dog to sleep or have had their dog die suddenly in the past two weeks. It makes me sad. And it makes me worry about our puppy. Her hips have been failing to the point where she will no longer come down the stairs without major help - which is not easy since she weighs in around 115lbs. She's fallen several times in the past week. I don't want to think about it.
5. I'm still editing. It's affecting my brain. I'm serious. I'm having bizarre dreams and have taken to carrying a notepad around for when I think of something I need to check. Darned schedules and the time I have to be away from it. I'd be done. Soon. Very soon.
6. Supernatural returns tomorrow night! I'm so excited! I've done well with staying away from spoilers even though I miss the boys with the intensity of a thousand suns. Will post my thoughts on the episode before the weekend ends.
That's it for now.
Behave!

Lovely Blog Award

The fantastic and hilarious Ava Quinn awarded me with the One Lovely Blog award. (I think the Sea Monkeys she keeps over there have affected her brain, because there's usually not a lot of lovely going on over here.) Anyway. Ha! I think it's way cool and I am honored.
Now it's my job to pass the award along. And I choose:

Author and friend Vicky Burkholder. She's always got some insight on books to read, writing, and other stuff, too.

Now...for the second part of the award. I'm supposed to tell you then things about myself that you might not otherwise know. Hmmm....
1. I'm the middle of five children. Two older brothers, two younger sisters.
2. As a kid, I lived 7 different places in 4 different states before we moved here.
3. My dad accepted his job in PA on the day the Three Mile Island disaster happened.
4. People say my youngest sister could pass for my twin (neither of us see that) - not so much face-to-face anymore (her hair is short and mine is long), but on the phone we can fool even our husbands.
5. B and I have been together since I was 15.
6. My favorite color is red. (red laptop. Whoot)
7. I can't sing. I like to sing, but it's dangerous to do so when anyone is within hearing distance.
8. I live with insane people. (I think you already knew that.)
9. I have only flown in a jet once and that was when I was a baby. I'm not afraid, I just have never had the opportunity. I have been in an ultralight and that was way cool.
10. I would love to live in the middle of 500 acres. In the woods.
So, that was more than you ever wanted to know. Nothing Tall Tale Tuesday about it either, all true. Oh, and speaking of Tall Tale Tuesday...I'm going to pass this week since I've got nothing but editing in my head right now (hence missing yesterday's blog post).
Behave!

Sunday Random

It's been a random weekend, so it's time for a random post.
***
Until this afternoon I had a 3 man tent set up in my living room. K4 got a new tent for her birthday. She's been begging to set it up so she could check it out. Saturday night, she slept in it. It took up nearly half of the living room and was a real pain to get around. And she seemed to believe the walls were made of sound proof material. She talked even louder when inside and made constant noise. It's down now. Thank goodness. And she's more than pleased with it.
***
Suite seats at the hockey game are a lot of fun. I'm still torn on whether or not it's more fun than seats right on the ice, but the no line bathrooms and the supply of food and beverage that you don't have to fight the crowds for put it at the top, I think. Plus, our team won and that's never happened when we've been to a game. B and I had a blast.
***
I've spent all day editing and have the headache to prove it. Yes, I've been wearing my glasses, but they really don't help all that much. Eye doctor here I come. Me and my entire family, that is.
***
Tomorrow is a bonus sleep in day since the kids are off school. Whoot! I might stay up and catch last week's Castle since I don't have to be a slave to the alarm tomorrow.
That is all.
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

Here's the list:
1. Whoot! It's Friday!
2. Sleeping in tomorrow.
3. Not having to cook.
4. Tomorrow's date night! Whoot!
5. Kids making it through the day even though they tried to tell me they couldn't go to school this morning.
6. Nothing going on tonight, but movies and relaxation.
Thanks to a crappy night last night, I'm too tired to think anymore.
So that is all!
Behave!

Things...

I learned today...
1. It doesn't matter how busy the store is, it will always take me forever to check out. Today it was two different frozen registers at the same store. Though leaving there with nearly twenty dollars in savings was cool.
2. No matter what, my printer will decide to foul up when I'm printing a manuscript. It took three hours to print 317 pages. Three hours!
3. Big grocery stores freak me out. It took almost an hour to find bread, milk, cheese, and dog food. This would have taken less than 5 minutes at my regular store. And I didn't get gas points.
4. It's highly doubtful I will ever cross every single thing off my to do list. Doesn't matter how diligent I am, how much I plan - there is always going to be something I don't get done. Today I'm at 4/27. One of the four might get done later, the others will have to roll onto tomorrow's list.
5. Apologies from your kid after a particularly stressful morning are a very good thing. I knew she didn't mean what she said, but hearing her admit it made me feel good. The joys of parenting.
6. Labor intensive new dinners, while good, will probably never make it back into rotation. It was a lot of work and tasted similar to something else I make that takes half the time. Though flattening the chicken was a lot of fun - in a messy gross meat kind of way.
I think that's it for now.
One week until new Supernatural! My world will once again be right! Whoot!
Behave!

Not Creepy...

I don't think he looks creepy........For anyone who doesn't know, it's Zachary Quinto aka Spock from the new Star Trek. I like him better without pointy ears. And just looking at this picture brings back fantastic retreat memories. ha!
Behave!

Answer!

I guess I should have put a gross warning on this!
Here are the answers.
1. I found a fly in my cereal. A dead fly. Old dead - like missing a wing and dried up dead. I'd just opened the box, too. Nope. That's a lie.
2. Last night I woke up gagging. I sat up and coughed up one of those stupid stink bugs that just won't die. The gagging and being sure I swallowed one of those bugs did really happen once, but I never coughed it up. Plus, it was several years ago.
3. I grabbed a sandwich off the lunch truck at B's work when I stopped in today. (lack of breakfast = bad idea). I ate half, then realized there was mouse poop in the other half. Cut in half mouse poop. Yep. And since I dropped the mouse poop I had nothing to show.
So there you have it.
Behave!

Tall Tale Tuesday

Man, I'm almost afraid not to post a Tuesday Tall Tale after what happened last week! Ha!
Let's see what I can pull together...
Which one really did happen today?
1. I found a fly in my cereal. A dead fly. Old dead - like missing a wing and dried up dead. I'd just opened the box, too.
2. Last night I woke up gagging. I sat up and coughed up one of those stupid stink bugs that just won't die.
3. I grabbed a sandwich off the lunch truck at B's work when I stopped in today. (lack of breakfast = bad idea). I ate half, then realized there was mouse poop in the other half. Cut in half mouse poop.
So which one really happened?
Behave!

Monday Random

...This just cracks me up. My sister's dog is black and her name is Mrs. Nesbitt.
It's been a long Monday and I'm too tired to think beyond this.
Behave!

Sunday Snippets

So, the tree is finally down and nearly all reminders of Christmas have been cleared away. I've been editing today, so it's time to share.
Lines from my editing sheet: Don't get bored.
- They put crates for the market in the back of her truck. Do something with them.
- Roswell's cushion. (Roswell's a dog) It's near the window in the back of her truck, but there's supposed to be a job box there. Fix.
- Change it so Gabby doesn't know Annie's having twins until right before she goes into labor.
- Check town names.
- Word search for "just". Overused.
And here's a few lines. Remember I'm still in the editing process.
"She unlocked the clinic door before the memories crept up on her. Thinking about the past wouldn't change anything. No amount of tears would ever bring those she’d loved back. There was no point in remembering them. There was no point in allowing herself to get that close to anyone ever again. She’d learned that the hard way."
"Gabby opened her eyes and focused on the ceiling, on breathing through the pain in her skull like she instructed her delivering mothers. Just when she thought she’d pass out from the pressure in her head, everything stopped. Either she’d blown a blood vessel, or the vision would now start. Of course it would be the vision. She couldn't be lucky enough to actually die, besides, Jack would probably only come and give her mouth-to-mouth to keep her alive."
So there you go.
Back to work.
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

I guess you could say I'm grateful to have lived until Friday (see previous post). Anyway. It's Friday in all its glory, so here we go...
1. Not dying.
2. Chinese food for dinner.
3. Watching a silly movie with the family.
4. Sleeping in tomorrow.
5. Friday. 'nuff said.
6. Editing weekend. Whoot.
7. The prospect of the removal of all traces of holiday decor from my living room this weekend. As of right now, we have a stick with a few pretties on it.
I think that's enough.
Behave!

Answer!

Here's the truth...thank goodness it's over!
1. K1 was playing with scissors and cut the end of his thumb off. He came downstairs, headed straight to the kitchen, then said, "I need some serious help in here". He danced around like a little girl and bled all over the place. It can't be stitched because there's nothing to stitch. True. It was not pretty. And, no, I don't know why my nearly 21 year old was playing with scissors.
2. Around midnight I woke to heavy knocking on my front door. The dog was going nuts. I tried to wake B, but he just snored and rolled over. I cautiously went down the stairs, the dog at my side and peered around the dead branches of the Christmas tree to look onto the front porch. A cop. My stomach sank. I opened the door. As soon as he saw me, he knew he had the wrong house. Right house number, wrong street. He apologized profusely and went on his way. It took me an hour to go back to sleep. The tamest of the three, and the lie.
3. I woke to a horrid smell around 1am. Figured K1 was cooking, rolled over and went back to sleep. Opened my eyes again a few minutes later and realized that wasn't a cooking smell. Went downstairs, following the awful odor into the kitchen where I found a burner on, without flame, spewing gas into our home. True. We got it aired out quick enough, but it was hours until I could go back to sleep. Nasty. And very scary. We were lucky not to wake up dead.
Both of those in one day. Yay me.
Behave!

Tall Tale Tuesday...On Thursday

I have no choice. Especially after the past twenty-four hours.
Which of the following did NOT happen in my house last night/this morning?
1. K1 was playing with scissors and cut the end of his thumb off. He came downstairs, headed straight to the kitchen, then said, "I need some serious help in here". He danced around like a little girl and bled all over the place. It can't be stitched because there's nothing to stitch.
2. Around midnight I woke to heavy knocking on my front door. The dog was going nuts. I tried to wake B, but he just snored and rolled over. I cautiously went down the stairs, the dog at my side and peered around the dead branches of the Christmas tree to look onto the front porch. A cop. My stomach sank. I opened the door. As soon as he saw me, he knew he had the wrong house. Right house number, wrong street. He apologized profusely and went on his way. It took me an hour to go back to sleep.
3. I woke to a horrid smell around 1am. Figured K1 was cooking, rolled over and went back to sleep. Opened my eyes again a few minutes later and realized that wasn't a cooking smell. Went downstairs, following the awful odor into the kitchen where I found a burner on, without flame, spewing gas into our home.
So which one did NOT happen?
Behave!

An Open Letter

Dear Spammers,
I respectfully request you no longer send me emails. For one, I do not have a penis. It would be impossible for me to consider your enlarging concoctions. I am not interested. Nor am I interested in buying cheap prescription drugs. Besides, I'm pretty sure that's illegal. Furthermore, I will not pose as some dead guys long-lost family member. I will not send you my personal information so you can secure funds into my accounts and if I cared about your causes, I would belong to them already.
Please stay out of my inbox.
Thank you.
Behave!

Tall Tale Tuesday - Fail

No Tall Tale Tuesday this week.
I'm feeling particularly crappy today so, instead, how 'bout some random?
It hasn't gotten much warmer here. Last night I had on long john pants, sleepy pants, two pair of socks, a tshirt, and two sweat shirts and I was still freezing my butt off. The house was warm. Don't know. Maybe it had something to do with how I'm feeling today - a portent of doom or something.
I realized, especially after reading Megan's blog, that I need to do some streamlining of my own. During the break, I spent way too much time goofing off. Lots of goofing off that sucked my time away and left me frazzled because I didn't get done what I needed to. So no more of that. Work first. Play later.
We were supposed to slow down this month. The crazy insanity of the past few months was to have ended and we were to be enjoying a more relaxed schedule. Apparently that was a dream, because the old full schedule is back. I'm pretty sure I caught it lurking in the shadows a few times during the break. I ignored it when perhaps I shouldn't have.
That's enough random for today.
Behave!

Moaning Monday

Yeah, I know I dismissed Moaning Monday a while ago, but today seems like a day that should have a post dedicated to just how crappy the first day of normal after a long holiday is.
So, here we go:
1. It's cold outside. Really, really cold. The wind is killing any semblance of heat I would normally have inside my house.
2. Not being able to sleep in anymore. Wah!
3. Being so out of gas I was lucky to make it to the gas station.
4. Having to go to the grocery store first thing this morning. (though, I did end up with enough gas points that my fuel bill was $57.00 cheaper than it would have been)
5. Pumping gas in the howling wind and freezing cold. (are you sensing a theme here? Yes. I am cold and cannot get warm)
6. Dragging groceries in alone.
7. Not having the tree down yet and the general disarray of my house.
8. The end of the holidays and all of the fun we had.
9. My uncle returning home. We're all going to miss him a whole lot.
10. Listening to the whine of my washing machine and hoping it's not a death knell.
That's enough. Too much, actually. I am glad we're starting back into routine. I was not glad to have to crawl out of my nice warm bed.
Behave!

Motivation

I have it. Only it's being blocked by the cold germs from hell.
Yesterday was my RWA chapter meeting. I always love the January meeting. It fills me with hope and encouragement for the new year. I would have loved it more if I hadn't been so much of snot, but I digress. I love my chapter. I love the people. We laugh a lot. A lot.
It was fantastic to watch one of my very good friends receive our chapter's service award, and it was equally thrilling to watch my list of retreat attendees fill up. Now I'm jazzed for May and all of the retreat goodness that comes with it.
And, as a result of being around so many like-minded people, I am eager to get back into my work in progress. I'm eager to get our routine back and do my thing. The holidays were fun, but except for missing my uncle when he returns home, I'm glad they're over. The brown-tinged tree in my living room is begging to be put out of its misery, which is on the list for later today. As is saying goodbye.
My hope is that by the end of the day, I'll be ready to spend tomorrow doing my thing. You know, if this cold finally releases its hold on me.
That's all for today.
Behave!

Sunday Funny

...Ha ha ha!
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

Happy 2010!
So here's the first Feel Good Friday post of the new year:
1. 2010 - it's a cool number. I like it. I think we'll be friends despite the stuffy head/runny nose I woke with this morning.
2. Getting a chance to have a really great conversation and hang out with my favorite uncle last night. It's going to be really hard to say goodbye!
3. Not encountering any toxic drivers on the way home last night. And having the roads be decent after the freezing rain we had earlier.
4. Ringing in the new year with my family - though I missed the K's that were off doing other things.
5. Text messages that said: Happy Nude Year!
I'm going to stop there because twice now I've rested my hand on the wrong spot on the keyboard and deleted the last 5 things. I'll take that as a sign I should be done!
Behave!

Last Day of 2009

Dear 2009,
You were a fast year - one I entered into with a lot of hope and expectation. I specifically remember standing in the dark a few minutes after midnight. I looked up at the sky and took a deep breath. I let all of the newness and hope fill me. ...and you disappointed me. Again.
I'm not saying you were a bad year. Perhaps this feeling is just me. Perhaps my dreams were too big for 2009. Maybe I expected too much from you. The small things you did give me always had a price attached - and that price was usually disappointment and anxiety. You weren't as bad as some of your predecessors, but bad enough in your own right. I look upon the good things from the year and can call you somewhat of a success. I know the base on which I stand is solid and filled with love and friendship. I know I have more blessings than many and I am grateful. So, I thank you for that and ask that you now leave. Don't let the door hit you on your way out. I think its for the best. For all of us.
It's not you. It's me. Really. And I am washing my hands of you - in a loving way, of course.
Dear 2010,
Once I stop typing 1010 and actually hit the 2, I think we will be friends. I hope to not make the same mistakes I made with 2009 - I will try not to expect too much from you. I will try not to blame you when something goes wrong. But I do hope you are filled with good news and happy times. I realize you will be the year that holds great change for my family and I ask that you treat the coming events with kindness and understanding. Not too much at once, if you please. Be patient with me and I will be patient with you. 2009 was not patient. Or perhaps that was just me.
I know your time here is short and I hope to make the most of every bit of it. Don't go too fast, please. Remind me to slow day and enjoy. And take it easy on us. 2009 stripped us naked and left us in the freezing rain.
See you soon!
And...
Behave!

Answer!

Here we go with the answer! And, I promise after this, we will never speak of it again.
1. Guy in a wheelchair with one foot bandaged. The bandage was leaking blood all over the floor. I almost vomited. No kidding. True. And Gross!! I'm not kidding. It was one of the most disgusting things I've ever seen in my life.
2. There were no Snuggies to be found. Both girls wanted to buy themselves them. We searched all through the store and they were gone! No Leopard or Zebra print anywhere. Sad. Also true. My niece got one for Christmas and the girls have had Snuggie envy ever since. I don't know.
3. Guy wearing plaid pants and a floral print Hawaiian shirt. Pretty. No, but I'm sure if I looked hard enough I would have been able to find him.
I bet you're glad I didn't have enough room on my cell now, aren't you?
I know I am.
That is all for this next to last day of the year.
Behave!

Tall Tale Tuesday

I was out and about in the freezing cold and horrid wind today. Stimulating the economy. Well, actually the K's were. They had Christmas cash and gift cards, and birthday money burning holes in their pockets.
Saw some interesting things. Which of the below is false: (and all of these occurred at the same mega-conglomerate who shall not be named.)
1. Guy in a wheelchair with one foot bandaged. The bandage was leaking blood all over the floor. I almost vomited. No kidding.
2. There were no Snuggies to be found. Both girls wanted to buy themselves them. We searched all through the store and they were gone! No Leopard or Zebra print anywhere. Sad.
3. Guy wearing plaid pants and a floral print Hawaiian shirt. Pretty.
Okay, so pick the lie. Unfortunately, my cell phone's memory was too full to snap off quick picks of any of these. I'm kind of sad about that. There's a website you can send those kind of photos to.
Answers tomorrow.
Behave!

Winding Down...

Three more days left in the year. This time next week the kids will have returned to school and life will be as close to normal as it gets. I have mixed feelings about that. Though, when I look at my living room floor and the seventy-five million K'nex pieces scattered about...
I have a lot to accomplish this week. Some things include: sleeping in, editing, taking the hooligans shopping to spend their gift cards and cash, catching up on television, cleaning, and taking naps. Ha ha. Well, the editing is a big part of what needs done. I'm on a mission. It must be finished.
One more thing to add to that list would be getting the skeletal, dying, messy tree out of the house. There are more needles on the floor than on the tree.
Oh and the fun family stuff that will be happening.
I think that's all for now.
Behave!

2009 In Review

The year in review:
January: Editing, computer viruses, more editing, Tall Tale Tuesday, Drink hat coolness, My Bloody Valentine, editing, Feel Good Friday, random writing posts, Supernatural.
February: Sledding, snow, inconsiderate people, boys shaving armpits, random cell phone pics, Friday the 13th, lots of random posting, Tall Tale Tuesday, Feel Good Friday, Supernatural, funny pics.
March: Hockey games, the flu, Mommy Meme, being query ready, Tall Tale Tuesday, Feel Good Friday, Supernatural, random writing posts, Good thing, Bad Thing, Ten Inch Hero, lots of random.
April: Crazy April Fool's day, slacking, fantastic new isp provider, Easter, crazy random posts, bug zapper rackets, Feel Good Friday, Tall Tale Tuesday, much random, Bucket 8.
May: Feel Good Friday, RETREAT!!, random stuff, Supernatural, Tall Tale Tuesday, gnomes, chaos, camping, near-death camper experiences.
June: chaos, Feel Good Friday, School's out, bad hair cuts, Bucket 8, Summer Survival Journal, thumb injuries that should have had stitches, gnomes, blog tour, random writing posts, goals, kids going to camp.
July: Camp outs, streamlining, Summer Survival Journal, Jason Manns music, kids still at camp, road trips for conference meetings, another kid at camp, teenagers, another kid at camp, Road trip to see Jason Manns, chaos.
August: Summer Survival Journal, crazy dances, Georgia Road Trip, Tall Tale Tuesday, Booksignings, weddings, picnics, crazy car dancing, the first day of school.
September: Random, Tall Tale Tuesday, camping trips, new Supernatural, party planning, random writing posts, Summer Survival Journal, Rants, Wednesday...The New Monday.
October: Television, Supernatural, Tall Tale Tuesday, Zombies, balloons, silly pictures, silly videos, Jason Manns Roatripping!, 13th Birthday party, Halloween, random writing posts, Feel Good Friday.
November: being sick, silly pictures, Tall Tale Tuesday, random chaos, Supernatural, soapbox, lots of random, blog tour, Feel Good Friday, cool music, turkey trivia, the demise of my laptop, shiny new laptops, music videos, Thanksgiving, 18th birthdays.
December: Tall Tale Tuesday, lots of random, Feel Good Friday, random writing posts, lost and found Christmas spirit, rants, Free Heartwild Solitaire, weird pictures, chaos, family visits, getting through the holidays.
Yeah, I know there are a few days left in the year, but I'm relatively certain nothing else is going to happen in 2009. At least nothing blog-worthy. I'm doing my best to enter 2010 with a positive, hopeful outlook. And I hope you are, too.
Behave!

Feel Good Friday - The Saturday Edition

Or the post Christmas edition.
I completely forgot yesterday was Friday. I'm sure I'm not the only one.
Anyway. Here we go.
1. Christmas eve spent with family and friends.
2. Hanging out with my husband and kids.
3. Things working out better than I thought they would.
4. My baby turning 10.
5. The nostalgia of knowing it was our last Christmas will all four kids at home. Things will be markedly different this time next year and though it's sad, I'm also glad B and I took a moment to recognize the changes. We made an effort to enjoy our morning and I have to say we had an absolute blast.
My brain is dead. This week has been so packed it feels like three weeks instead of one. I'm sure I could make this list a whole lot longer, but I can't think. Maybe I should take a nap while I still can.
Behave!

Time...

...>I wish I would have known this sooner!!
Behave!

Merry Happy!

Merry Christmas!
And Happy Birthday to my baby girl!
Hope you and yours are having a wonderful day no matter what and how you celebrate!
Behave!

Answers!

Here we go with the answers!
1. What are little fires or candles in paper bags called? Luminaries
2. Name one of the two most famous tree toppers? Angel or Star.
3. What is the Little Drummer Boy's name: Arthur or Aaron? Aaron.
4. What carol was so popular that it appeared in a composition by Mozart and contains an often repeated nonsense word? Deck the Halls.
5. What Saturday Evening Post artist was known for his whimsical pictures of Santa Claus? Norman Rockwell.
6. Who breaks Clara's nutcracker: a mouse or her brother? Her brother, Fritz.
7. Is the city of Christmas Cove in Maine or Wisconsin? Maine.
8. Did Jim Carrey star in Home Alone? No.
9. True or false, there is a weed called the Christmas weed? False. (I liked Ava's answer better!)
10. What is Frosty's nose made of? A button.
Kudos to Ava for 9/10!!
Hope you're all getting your holiday stuff done. I'm not, despite how hard I'm trying!
Behave!

Tall Tale Tuesday

Last Christmas style!
Here we go:
1. What are little fires or candles in paper bags called?
2. Name one of the two most famous tree toppers?
3. What is the Little Drummer Boy's name: Arthur or Aaron?
4. What carol was so popular that it appeared in a composition by Mozart and contains an often repeated nonsense word?
5. What Saturday Evening Post artist was known for his whimsical pictures of Santa Claus?
6. Who breaks Clara's nutcracker: a mouse or her brother?
7. Is the city of Christmas Cove in Maine or Wisconsin?
8. Did Jim Carrey star in Home Alone?
9. True or false, there is a weed called the Christmas weed?
10. What is Frosty's nose made of?
There you go. A mix of easy and hard. And as always, the questions come straight from 'Tis The Season Christmas Trivia.
Behave!

Ha!

....It's been a long Monday. I don't have more than this. Hopefully easier, but not too easy Tall Tale Tuesday tomorrow!
Behave!

Sunday Funny!

....Found this blog this morning and it's cracking me up!
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

Wow! What a day!
Here's the list!
1. My uncle is here from California! It's the first Christmas he and my mom (it's just the two of them) have been together in 39 years, and that last Christmas was spent caring for their dying mother.
2. The SNOW! in the forecast! I'm not only excited for myself, but for my uncle, too!
3. Weekend plans. They're loose because of the forecast, but I'm looking forward to whatever happens. Maybe sledding?
4. Rescheduling the late night shopping trip K2 and I had planned for tonight. Even though I'm so not done and wanted to go back to the grocery store for a refund after being charged for 3 pieces of meat when I only bought two. And then there's the movie we rented last Saturday that's still here. (yay, late charges) I did want to go out tonight, but considering I haven't had more than ten seconds of down time today, I was relieved to not go.
5. Managing to fight the crowds at the grocery store so my family won't starve if we do get the higher amounts of snow.
6. Finally relaxing.
7. Sleeping in tomorrow.
8. Being amused when glancing into other people's carts while at the store. I could totally go off track with this, so I'll save it for its own post. Maybe tomorrow if it really snows.
My poor brain is too tired. That's all for now!
Behave!

Too Cute

and too close to the kind of stuff my kids do.

Behave!

Very Cool and Very Free!

If you love Solitaire CHECK THIS OUT!!
It's free and you'll find stories by myself, Megan Hart, Natalie Damschroder, Misty Simon, and more!
The fantastic people at Orchid Games have done this for romance readers everywhere. Check it out! You'll be glad you did! (Or you know, terribly behind on everything you need to do because it's so addicting! Don't blame me for that!)
Seriously. Don't delay. Click the link and download this fantastic game! (for free!)
Behave!

Answers!

So I make it harder and no one guesses? Okay then. Here are the answers anyway!

1. Not counting Rudolf, how many reindeer are there? Eight.
2. In Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, what made the Jack-in-the-Box a misfit toy? His name was Charlie, not Jack.
3. In Miracle on 34th Street, what did Kris and Fred tell Doris her problem was? She was too realistic.
4.What film told the plight of a poor mountain family during the days of the Depression? The Homecoming.
5. President Lincoln ordered 38 Indians of what tribe to be hung on Christmas Day, 1862? Sioux.
6. In Miracle on 34th Street, what toy did the son of the prosecuting attorney want for Christmas? A football helmet.
7. What is thrown into the holy water on Epiphany bringing the season to a close in Greece: a chalice or cross? A Cross.
8. What kind of cake do single English girls make to enable them to know who their husband will be? Dumb Cake.
9. In the book, The Story of Holly and Ivy, which one is the doll, Holly or Ivy? Holly.
10. Who denounced the music of The Nutcracker as "infinitely" worse than Sleeping Beauty? Its composter, Tchaikovsky.
So there you have it!
Behave!

Tall Tale Tuesday

More Christmas trivia directly from my 'Tis The Season Christmas Trivia game. A little harder this week since I heard last week was way too easy.
Here we go:
1. Not counting Rudolf, how many reindeer are there?
2. In Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, what made the Jack-in-the-Box a misfit toy?
3. In Miracle on 34th Street, what did Kris and Fred tell Doris her problem was?
4.What film told the plight of a poor mountain family during the days of the Depression?
5. President Lincoln ordered 38 Indians of what tribe to be hung on Christmas Day, 1862?
6. In Miracle on 34th Street, what toy did the son of the prosecuting attorney want for Christmas?
7. What is thrown into the holy water on Epiphany bringing the season to a close in Greece: a chalice or cross?
8. What kind of cake do single English girls make to enable them to know who their husband will be?
9. In the book, The Story of Holly and Ivy, which one is the doll, Holly or Ivy?
10. Who denounced the music of The Nutcracker as "infinitely" worse than Sleeping Beauty?
So there you go.
Behave!

Monday Madness

Remember this - the morning I woke up to find balloons all over K4's bedroom? Well, the balloon pranksters have returned. Yay, me. Yesterday, while I was busy cooking a second Thanksgiving dinner for K1's friends, (K1's best friend's family isn't local and he had to work on Thanksgiving, so we had him, and his friend-that's-a-girl-but-not-his-girlfriend over for turkey) She and K4 retrieved the balloons from their stashed spot in the basement and strategically placed them in K2's room.
Don't ask me how I got involved, but when I went to bed last night, they were all over my side of the bed. Which was great, because it was late when I finally crawled in and there was so much static that they stuck to me as I was trying to toss them out from under the covers. There wer blue sparks and everything. Apparently, K2 had filled B's side of the bed and he just shoved them over into mine. Now, my bedroom floor is covered with balloons.
I need to figure out what to do with them.
It has to be clever.
I'll let you know what I come up with.
Behave!

Feel Good Sunday

The weekend has been fantastic, so we're having a double-dose of Feel Good.
Here's the list:
1. Being all alone with my husband for the first time in forever. Just him and I - laughing, goofing off, and talking.
2. Getting a good start on the shopping.
3. Mimosas for breakfast. Chinese food for dinner.
4. Failing on a wrapping paper deal because I was too stressed to stay in the store until the sale started, but finding a better deal later.
5. Knowing my kids were well taken care of.
6. Also knowing my kids will be home this afternoon. I miss the little buggers.
7. The turkey that's in my oven. It smells so good in here.
8. The cookies that will be made later.
9. Sleeping in two days in a row.
10. Finally having my holiday spirit. (and I'm trying really hard not to think about everything that must be done before the day, because that will squash it!)
Behave!

Sunday Funny

...Behave!

Feel Good Friday

Another long week and can I just say only two weeks until the big day?! Holy Sands of Time, Batman!
Here's the list:
1. Middle school band concerts.
2. Watching K2 dance.
3. Being warm.
4. This weekend! B and I have it to ourselves and I am so looking forward to time alone with my husband!
That's enough!
Enjoy your weekend!
Behave!

Thursday Again?

A little rant.
I am so tired of hearing/seeing/being subjected to commercial after commercial that depicts what the perfect holiday should look like. So, if my husband can't buy me diamonds then he doesn't love me? I'm a jerk if I can't buy my kids the best toys and games? I'm lame if I can't/don't decorate every corner of my house to perfection?
It's no wonder so many people get depressed over the holidays. There's so much pressure to be perfect, to buy big. Our Christmas spirit is measured in material goods and how much we can spend. Our kids will suffer if we don't go into deep debt to make sure they get everything they want Christmas morning? Her husband must love her more than mine loves me because he bought her a brand new car for Christmas?
What a bunch of bunk.
It is what it is, folks. You do the best you can with what you have and make your memories without a credit card. No one cares how much you can spend. You show up with a smile on your face and love in your heart...well, that's what it's all about. It's so easy to get caught up in what society wants us to believe, but somewhere deep inside you know that's not true. All of that stuff doesn't replace the special people in our lives - the one's we'd give anything for. Those people don't want you to spend your grocery money to buy them stuff they don't want or need.
/rant.
Behave!

Answer!

Ready for the answers? Gave myself a little fright because I couldn't find the cards! Obviously, I did. And all I can say is next week will be a little harder!
Here we go:
1. What one reindeer is never mentioned in "The Night Before Christmas"? Rudolf.
2. What TV special included the characters Herbie, Yukon Cornelius, and Sam the Snowman? Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
3. What fabric was Frosty's hat made of? Silk.
4. In "It's A Wonderful Life" what would the town have been called if George had not been born? Potterville.
5. What pie was outlawed when Christmas was banned in England? Mince.
6. Who wrote a shortened version of A Christmas Carol for public readings? Charles Dickens.
So there you go.
Behave!

Tall Tale Tuesday

Christmas Style...
These come straight from my 'Tis The Season, Christmas Triva game. No multiple choice this week.
1. What one reindeer is never mentioned in "The Night Before Christmas"?
2. What TV special included the characters Herbie, Yukon Cornelius, and Sam the Snowman?
3. What fabric was Frosty's hat made of?
4. In "It's A Wonderful Life" what would the town have been called if George had not been born?
5. What pie was outlawed when Christmas was banned in England?
6. Who wrote a shortened version of A Christmas Carol for public readings?
There you have it. Give it your best shot!
Answers tomorrow!
Behave!

This is Fantastic!

...Behave!

Keeping It Real...

The tree is up, the piano decorated - part of my Christmas spirit has been found. The rest, I think, is up to me to come up with from the inside. I have to make a conscious effort to be positive, to remember what the holidays are really about, and not stress about things I cannot control or change. That's hard, but I am trying.
We did have fun putting up the tree. It was the first time all of us have been home to decorate the tree in a very long time. Work schedules, teenaged attitudes and allergies, and company (usually invited, but still) have prevented it from being just the six of us in a long time. Unfortunately, it's probably also the last time.
K1's moving out after the holidays and while I know this is the next step in his life, I also can't help but think of how different things will be. K2's going to college next fall - same next step in life thing, same feeling for me. My babies are adults now and that smacks me hard into my chest. It'll be just K3 and K4 from August on, and most of me looks on that with excitement and hope, but there is a part that will mourn the chaos of all four of them together - the Nerf battles, the teasing, the games they invent, and yes, even the wrestling. That's not to say K3 and K4 won't do the same things, but it will be different. Life will be different.
I can't say that will be a bad thing. I will miss the older two. Heck, I miss them already and they're not even gone yet. And I have months before K2 packs up and heads down the road for higher education. I think I've finally put it all into perspective though. I'm making the effort to enjoy every day for what it is, and not think too far ahead. As I remind myself that even painful changes can be good changes, I feel lighter and more ready to tackle the upcoming holidays. I do look forward to the years to come and the fun stuff that will happen along the way.
And wow, that was a pretty sappy post for a Monday!
Behave!

Things I've Learned...

From my writing friends...
1. Never give up!
2. Chocolate is its own food group.
3. There are no stupid questions.
4. Laughter is therapeutic.
5. There is someone to cover you with soft cotton batting every time you get kicked.
6. When we get together there is always good food involved.
7. And conversation.
8. It's comfortable being with people who share the same struggles.
And there's so much more, but it's kind of sappy.
Obviously I had a fantastic time at our annual Holiday party this year! We were missing several, but it was still such a good time. We ate, laughed, talked, laughed, ate...yeah, just like at the retreat. I didn't want to leave!
In other news, the Christmas tree is still tied to the top of my truck. By the time we all arrived back home it was too late. Plus, it's covered with snow!
That is all for now!
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

Yes, it's late. Trust me, I know. I just now took my shoes off after having them on since 6am. I've been running all day, but now...now I'm home...I desperately need a shower (I am covered with drywall dust after helping my parents sand their foyer), but I am home. Now if the rest of my family would just arrive. Yes, it has been one of those days.
Anyway.
Here's the list:
1. Tomorrow's holiday party with my writing friends. Always a good time.
2. Shiny new calendars.
3. The Christmas tree tied to the top of my 'burban. (cause maybe it'll help me finally find my holiday spirit) (and yes, it'll probably stay there until tomorrow night because tomorrow is just as busy as today.)
4. Being able to sleep in a little tomorrow.
5. SNOW being in the forecast!
6. My youngest being able to put a bad day into perspective and being able to discuss it with a maturity beyond her years. (and boo on rude substitute teachers who continually call my baby girl "Sir". She doesn't even remotely look like a boy, even with her short hair. grrrr)
7. The 8-hour battery on the shiny new red laptop. I am digging being unplugged.
8. My family and friends coming in for Christmas!
9. The weekend, because I really need it.
10. Knowing that even though sometimes things look dark and gray, there are people who are always willing to wrap me in bubble wrap to protect me from the storms of life.
And that is all for now!
Behave!

Random...

I think if you run over someone's recycle bins and completely smash up their trash cans, you should stop and clean up the mess. It doesn't matter that some bonehead cut you off and you had no choice but to swerve right or hit someone. You should at least clean up the mess and leave a note apologizing for putting big ruts in their lawn and decimating their trash can.
*****
The squirrels in my neighborhood have become much bolder than regular town squirrels. This morning I watched one come within five feet of the dog. She might be big and slow, but she's caught tree rats on more than one occasion. Sunday morning, I opened the back door to one sitting on the trash bag waiting to go to the curb. I had to go back inside and slam the door to get him to leave. I thought about just walking by him, but several years ago I did that with a bird and the bird flew into the house. Could you imagine a squirrel inside my house? *shudders*
*****
My elusive Christmas spirit hasn't been located as of yet. I looked for it this morning in the decoration aisle, but it wasn't there. I need to find it soon. We're supposed to get our tree this weekend, so maybe it'll be within the fragrant branches of pine. I hope.
*****
Our cat acts weirder by the day. If he's not sleeping in the bathtub, he's got his paws wrapped around my arm while I'm trying to type, or he's on the kitchen table (which drives me nuts). The thing you have to know is that up until recently, he wouldn't go near the tub and he rarely got on the table. Yesterday he puked on the kitchen table - all over K4's project - and if that doesn't make a person crazy, I don't know what will.
*****
I am missing two loads of laundry. Maybe. Or at least some very specific items. Two pair of my comfy pants have gone awol, a pair of K3's jeans, and about half the towels. I've looked everywhere.
*****
There is a fly in my house. I do not understand. It's cold outside. Where did he come from? Also, the stink bugs are going to drive me insane. Last night there was one flying around the living room, and one in the kitchen. Stupid me, not remembering they're called "stink" bugs for a reason caught one on a paper plate and stuck it under the faucet. Ewww. I'll never do that again.
*****
That's enough random for this sad Thursday without new Supernatural. I'm coming into the homestretch with my work in progress and hope to have it finished by the weekend. There will be much celebrating when that happens. This book has been like a weight around my neck for far too long. Then, I'll start the extensive edits I know it needs, but I don't want to think about that right now.
Behave!!

Answer!

Ready for the answer? Too bad if you're not! Ha!

1. Scrooged - Bill Murray - what a mess of cliches and stereotypes! TV for cats? Crazy fired guys shooting up the building? Mary Lou Retton? I love this movie! It's a definite must watch around here.
2. A Christmas Story - That little kid deserves to shoot out his eye! What kind of kid hangs out in a cupboard? And how stupid do you have to be to stick your tongue to a pole? Another must watch, though, honestly, they play it way too much.
3. Jingle All the Way - Arnold Schwarzenegger - Seriously? A movie about shopping? Workaholic fathers trying to make their absence up to their kid by buying them the top rated present of the season? Backstabbing? Okay, so I've only seen it once and I didn't care for it. It had some amusing moments, but to be honest I can't remember how it ended. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with the movie. It's just not one we watch around here.
I also said I'd give you a list of my top 5 holiday movies.
Here goes:
1. It's a Wonderful Life
2. Scrooged
3. A Christmas Story
4. The Sound of Music (technically not a Christmas movie, but we watch it every season)
5. And apparently I haven't found my spirit enough to be able to finish this list...
I'll try again soon!
That's all for Wednesday!
Behave!

Ha!

...Behave!

Tall Tale Tuesday

December 1st!!?? You know I'm heading fast into freak-out mode, don't you?
It's officially the holiday season and I've yet to find my spirit!
In an attempt to help me locate my festive spirit, which of the following movies are not on my holiday viewing list?
1. Scrooged - Bill Murray - what a mess of cliches and stereotypes! TV for cats? Crazy fired guys shooting up the building? Mary Lou Retton?
2. A Christmas Story - That little kid deserves to shoot out his eye! What kind of kid hangs out in a cupboard? And how stupid do you have to be to stick your tongue to a pole?
3. Jingle All the Way - Arnold Schwarzenegger - Seriously? A movie about shopping? Workaholic fathers trying to make their absence up to their kid by buying them the top rated present of the season? Backstabbing?
The answer tomorrow with my top 5 picks.
Behave!