The Halloween Edition.
Let's talk about scary things...things that might be scary to me and not you. Things that are scary in a different way than the norm. Things that might not be scary, but they still make you say wth?
Which of the following are true? (There are several)
1. When I was seventeen, someone pulled out in front of me at an intersection and I actually screamed and closed my eyes.
2. When I was eight months pregnant with K3, I fell down the stairs while carrying a laundry basket and landed with my belly in the basket of puke sheets (courtesy of K1 and K2 and the flu).
3. I once became stranded on the roof of our old house because the ladder fell. What was I doing up there? Retrieving a frisbee.
4. I have spent the night in a haunted house. Or so the people who owned it said. But I did hear things I still cannot explain.
5. I saw the ghost of a very good friend who died in a car accident on the day B and I married. Her face was in the mirror behind me, but when I turned, no one was there.
6. B and I went out to the beach well after dark one year to look at the phosphorus sand and the stars. On the way back, we gave a young couple a ride because their car had gotten caught in the soft sand along the beach road. We dropped them off where they asked, only it seemed like the middle of nowhere. After they got out of the car, we realized there wasn't a car stuck along the beach road where they said.
7. I came face to face with a bear while taking a walk at camp. I'm surprised I ever went back.
8. The brakes on B's Jeep Willy's went out while I was driving it down our very steep driveway. K1 was in the passenger seat.
9. When we lived far away from where we do now, but still commuted here, we did a lot of early, early mornings and very little sleep. I was driving down the mountain to get to my early class in college and I fell asleep while driving. When I woke up, my car was resting very gently against a downed tree at the side of the road...at the bottom of a steep hill. There wasn't even a speck of tree bark missing and not one scratch on my car. I still have no idea how that happened.
10. I had stepped onto the porch when a fly buzzed my head. I waved my hand to shoo it, and somehow pushed it into my ear canal.
So...which are true and which are lies?
Behave!!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Weekend Recap and Stuff
Saturday: Wedding was fantastic! There is a lot to be said for starting your life off together with laughter. We got to see friends we haven't seen in ages. There was much laughter and music and hugging. We rode the bus to and from the hotel, which was a good decision and much fun. We met new friends from across the pond. It was definitely among the top two weddings we've ever been to.
Sunday: Up earlier than we should have been for what time we finally went to bed. Over to the bride and grooms house to help prepare the brunch. Finally, after keys locked in vehicles and missing keys, everyone arrived and we had a blast sitting around, eating, and discussing the previous night. Grocery store. Home for homework and laundry and the usual household chores. Very tired.
Today so far: Overslept which meant rushing to get kids to school, forgetting violin lessons, mad searching for jeans (washing machine mistake - the wrong pair got washed and they're missing the button), somehow managing to get them to school on time. Grandbaby hanging with daddy today. Which brings me to perhaps the funniest thing of the day: K1 put grandbaby over his head. She was giggling and drooling...yeah...big old string of drool...right in his mouth. I laughed so hard. He was, and still is, disturbed.
And that is all for now...
Behave!
Sunday: Up earlier than we should have been for what time we finally went to bed. Over to the bride and grooms house to help prepare the brunch. Finally, after keys locked in vehicles and missing keys, everyone arrived and we had a blast sitting around, eating, and discussing the previous night. Grocery store. Home for homework and laundry and the usual household chores. Very tired.
Today so far: Overslept which meant rushing to get kids to school, forgetting violin lessons, mad searching for jeans (washing machine mistake - the wrong pair got washed and they're missing the button), somehow managing to get them to school on time. Grandbaby hanging with daddy today. Which brings me to perhaps the funniest thing of the day: K1 put grandbaby over his head. She was giggling and drooling...yeah...big old string of drool...right in his mouth. I laughed so hard. He was, and still is, disturbed.
And that is all for now...
Behave!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Dear Supernatural People,
Good one!
Loved the whole episode, especially the Twilight spoofing. Very funny stuff. Many, many good lines, especially from Dean (vampires pee).
Who is Sam though? There's an interesting theory in the recap of last night over at Supernatural Sisters that Sam is still in there, but is sharing his body with another entity. I like that theory. I think she might be right, because, as she said, sometimes Sam is Sam. And sometimes he's the douche he was last night. I wanted to smack that smirk off his face when he let Dean get infected by the vampire. And he wasn't freaked and he didn't care about what Dean was going through. Jerk.
I liked Samuel a lot more last night. At least he seemed to care about Dean. But, I think he's right. Sam let Dean get infected knowing there was a cure because he wanted information on the nest and the Alpha. Poor Dean though. Going to say goodbye to Lisa and most likely losing her because maybe she's now realized just how dangerous his world is. I don't want him to lose her.
But, go Dean in the vampire's nest. You've made him look weak in the last few episodes when we all knew he's still as sharp as ever. Last night proved that. Who else do you know that can take out and entire building full of vampires? And yet more questions about what's going on in the world now. Why is the vampire Alpha building an army? For what?
Looks like some answers next week and that's very exciting. I don't know how much longer I can stand not knowing what's going on with Sam. I'm still in this for the long haul, but I'm not the only one who feels like something's been missing with the show (last week's episode not included, though there was that look on Sam's face when Bobby was yelling at them). Yeah, it's got to change, everything does, so I have high hopes for next week.
...and that is all for now.
Behave!
Loved the whole episode, especially the Twilight spoofing. Very funny stuff. Many, many good lines, especially from Dean (vampires pee).
Who is Sam though? There's an interesting theory in the recap of last night over at Supernatural Sisters that Sam is still in there, but is sharing his body with another entity. I like that theory. I think she might be right, because, as she said, sometimes Sam is Sam. And sometimes he's the douche he was last night. I wanted to smack that smirk off his face when he let Dean get infected by the vampire. And he wasn't freaked and he didn't care about what Dean was going through. Jerk.
I liked Samuel a lot more last night. At least he seemed to care about Dean. But, I think he's right. Sam let Dean get infected knowing there was a cure because he wanted information on the nest and the Alpha. Poor Dean though. Going to say goodbye to Lisa and most likely losing her because maybe she's now realized just how dangerous his world is. I don't want him to lose her.
But, go Dean in the vampire's nest. You've made him look weak in the last few episodes when we all knew he's still as sharp as ever. Last night proved that. Who else do you know that can take out and entire building full of vampires? And yet more questions about what's going on in the world now. Why is the vampire Alpha building an army? For what?
Looks like some answers next week and that's very exciting. I don't know how much longer I can stand not knowing what's going on with Sam. I'm still in this for the long haul, but I'm not the only one who feels like something's been missing with the show (last week's episode not included, though there was that look on Sam's face when Bobby was yelling at them). Yeah, it's got to change, everything does, so I have high hopes for next week.
...and that is all for now.
Behave!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Feel Good Friday
Ahh! Made it to Friday. It's been a long week.
Here's the list:
1. Sleeping in tomorrow. Oh, how I love you nice warm bed!
2. Hanging out with my girls on Tuesday for fun and frivolity.
3. Wedding weekends!
4. Supernatural tonight!
5. Staying up way too late to chat. (Though I am seriously dragging after multiple way too lates)
6. Figuring out what my wip needed thanks to fresh eyes and perspective.
7. Impromtu writing blasts that get me moving.
8. Friends who have clothes I can borrow.
Ummm....I'm drawing a blank though I know there's more. That's okay though.
That is all.
Behave!
Here's the list:
1. Sleeping in tomorrow. Oh, how I love you nice warm bed!
2. Hanging out with my girls on Tuesday for fun and frivolity.
3. Wedding weekends!
4. Supernatural tonight!
5. Staying up way too late to chat. (Though I am seriously dragging after multiple way too lates)
6. Figuring out what my wip needed thanks to fresh eyes and perspective.
7. Impromtu writing blasts that get me moving.
8. Friends who have clothes I can borrow.
Ummm....I'm drawing a blank though I know there's more. That's okay though.
That is all.
Behave!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Random Thursday
Like: The weather today. Gorgeous. Though I am still cold inside of my house. We are resisting firing up the furnace. We'll see how long we last!
Do Not Like: The stink bug that was in the shower with me. Really? Way to take a relaxing experience and turn it into total paranoia.
Like: The smell of dinner cooking.
Do Not Like: Not being able to find all of the towels. This is getting ridiculous! I have considered the possibility of the evil gnomes being behind the missing towels. It is likely. Now to find where they are hiding and set traps.
Like: Getting some editing done.
Do Not Like: The fact that every single time I go to my doc, something happens - either someone calls, the doorbell rings, or there is some reason that my attention is pulled away. Sometimes I feel like it's cosmic interference!
Like: That it's Thursday. Even though today is pretty darned busy. It just means we are one step closer to the weekend and the fun wedding we're going to.
Do Not Like: That I have no idea what I'm wearing to said wedding. No idea. I will be raiding a friend's closet tonight. Keep your fingers crossed that I find something that doesn't make me look like a well-dressed hippo.
Do Not Like: That I didn't succeed in losing the weight I wanted to before this wedding.
Okay, that's enough. I wanted to make the list more balanced, but there's a throbbing in my head that won't quit and about a million and two things waiting for my attention before I can get back to the editing.
Behave!
Do Not Like: The stink bug that was in the shower with me. Really? Way to take a relaxing experience and turn it into total paranoia.
Like: The smell of dinner cooking.
Do Not Like: Not being able to find all of the towels. This is getting ridiculous! I have considered the possibility of the evil gnomes being behind the missing towels. It is likely. Now to find where they are hiding and set traps.
Like: Getting some editing done.
Do Not Like: The fact that every single time I go to my doc, something happens - either someone calls, the doorbell rings, or there is some reason that my attention is pulled away. Sometimes I feel like it's cosmic interference!
Like: That it's Thursday. Even though today is pretty darned busy. It just means we are one step closer to the weekend and the fun wedding we're going to.
Do Not Like: That I have no idea what I'm wearing to said wedding. No idea. I will be raiding a friend's closet tonight. Keep your fingers crossed that I find something that doesn't make me look like a well-dressed hippo.
Do Not Like: That I didn't succeed in losing the weight I wanted to before this wedding.
Okay, that's enough. I wanted to make the list more balanced, but there's a throbbing in my head that won't quit and about a million and two things waiting for my attention before I can get back to the editing.
Behave!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Answer!
2. A homemade hood scoop. Fancy that. And no, we weren't in the parking lot of a chain store famous for their "people".
Yes. We were at the doc office for B's post-surgery check up. We parked beside it and spent a few minutes in admiration. It was ornamental, or a work in progress - I'm not sure which. The rest of that stuff was all lies, though we did have a funky dryer contraption once that vented the hot air through a bucket of water. It was weird.
Oh, and thanks to everyone who voted for my friend Heidi! She made the cut and is now off to the next round!
There you have it!
Behave!
Yes. We were at the doc office for B's post-surgery check up. We parked beside it and spent a few minutes in admiration. It was ornamental, or a work in progress - I'm not sure which. The rest of that stuff was all lies, though we did have a funky dryer contraption once that vented the hot air through a bucket of water. It was weird.
Oh, and thanks to everyone who voted for my friend Heidi! She made the cut and is now off to the next round!
There you have it!
Behave!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Tall Tale Tuesday
What is this?
1. A chicken box. Don't ask me. I've never raised chickens, but I think it's some kind of homemade warmer for the chicks. Or the eggs.
2. A homemade hood scoop. Fancy that. And no, we weren't in the parking lot of a chain store famous for their "people".
3. The beginnings of some kind of contraption for our dryer. The hope is that by dispersing the exhaust differently, the dryer will last longer. There's something about water and bigger hoses and another box or something. I don't ask. I just nod.
So which is it?
Behave!
2. A homemade hood scoop. Fancy that. And no, we weren't in the parking lot of a chain store famous for their "people".
3. The beginnings of some kind of contraption for our dryer. The hope is that by dispersing the exhaust differently, the dryer will last longer. There's something about water and bigger hoses and another box or something. I don't ask. I just nod.
So which is it?
Behave!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Writing Stuff
Remember to go and vote for my friend Heidi! Voting ends tonight!
My writing chapter started a 50/50 challenge last week. Basically, it's no less than fifty words a day for fifty days. You can go over fifty words, and you can take no more than two consecutive days off, and you have to report your totals no less frequently than every two days to keep the tracking right. It's encouraging to see everyone's totals at the end of the day.
I started off with a bang. My head was all cloudy with editing and revisions and to combat the feeling of brain drain, I just started writing a germ of an idea I've had for quite a while. I love the idea, though I'm not sure there's enough plot to sustain and entire novel. But it worked, I realized my brain is not broken and that I do still have creative spark.
Then, the 50/50 started. And I had to make a decision. Do I continue with the project that was only meant to free my brain and get uber high word counts? Or do I muddle through the edits and take the chance of having to drop out of the challenge when I can't manage to write at least fifty new words a day during edits? My goal for October was to finish the edits and I hate to not make a goal. But...the challenge to write as much as possible tears at me. But...with a project that potentially will never see the light of day due to lack of substance, it's a waste of time to forge ahead with word count. Yes.
My head knows that's true, but I'm having a hard time accepting that. I'm kicking myself for not finishing the edits sooner so that I could use this time to explore the shiney new idea and see if there might just be enough for a whole book.
My decision? For now, for this week, I'm going to try to do both. I will edit and edit and edit and if I don't manage to add at least fifty words during the day, then I will write on the shiney new in the evenings. I'm not sure I can manage it. But I won't know if I don't try.
We shall see.
Behave!
My writing chapter started a 50/50 challenge last week. Basically, it's no less than fifty words a day for fifty days. You can go over fifty words, and you can take no more than two consecutive days off, and you have to report your totals no less frequently than every two days to keep the tracking right. It's encouraging to see everyone's totals at the end of the day.
I started off with a bang. My head was all cloudy with editing and revisions and to combat the feeling of brain drain, I just started writing a germ of an idea I've had for quite a while. I love the idea, though I'm not sure there's enough plot to sustain and entire novel. But it worked, I realized my brain is not broken and that I do still have creative spark.
Then, the 50/50 started. And I had to make a decision. Do I continue with the project that was only meant to free my brain and get uber high word counts? Or do I muddle through the edits and take the chance of having to drop out of the challenge when I can't manage to write at least fifty new words a day during edits? My goal for October was to finish the edits and I hate to not make a goal. But...the challenge to write as much as possible tears at me. But...with a project that potentially will never see the light of day due to lack of substance, it's a waste of time to forge ahead with word count. Yes.
My head knows that's true, but I'm having a hard time accepting that. I'm kicking myself for not finishing the edits sooner so that I could use this time to explore the shiney new idea and see if there might just be enough for a whole book.
My decision? For now, for this week, I'm going to try to do both. I will edit and edit and edit and if I don't manage to add at least fifty words during the day, then I will write on the shiney new in the evenings. I'm not sure I can manage it. But I won't know if I don't try.
We shall see.
Behave!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Dear Supernatural People,
You definitely knocked this one out of the ballpark!! I love Bobby!!
And let's not forget Crowley. I love his character. I knew he wasn't going to just give Bobby his soul back after Sam went into the hole. I think we all did. I'd hoped he would, but that's just how it goes with demons. They can't be trusted. The peripheral monsters showing up in weird places was nicely done, a hint that things aren't exactly right in the world now, but not too much focus on what could be going on. Liked that a lot.
Poor Bobby. I was feeling pretty bad for him. All of the phone calls. The needy hunters. The neighbor who just wanted to get to know him. (And here I will insert...K4 happened to be watching. After the neighbor left she turned to me and said: "That's gross. He's like 30!" umm..yeah...) And then Rufus showed up. He's a great character. I love the interaction between he and Bobby the whole way through. Funny stuff.
Who knew that burning the original vessel's or dealmaker's bones could kill the demon? Very cool. And I love the effects on the demon living in the here and now.
Not too much Sam and Dean in this one. I love Sam and Dean, but I didn't mind. (And here I will insert again...K4 said: "Too bad you didn't get to see Sam and Dean too much in this one. You got stuck with the old guy.") But really, not much has changed with Sam and Dean. They're hunting together again *applause*, but still not quite right *boo*. It was nice to have a break from that. We all know something's wrong with Sam and it breaks my heart every week. Smug!Sam is getting old. I will say that.
And then the sheriff (love her) came through for Bobby, and then Sam and Dean did as well. Nice. And Crowley's son! I really thought Bobby had lost! He's so brilliantly smart, which is, of course, why he's Bobby. And why the original Crowley sold his soul in the first place! I really want to know why things were so terrible between him and his son. And I'd like to know what new ideas he's introduced into Hell. I'm glad Bobby's soul being not his was taken care of in one episode.
And the preview! Ack!
So...Way to go, Supernatural People! This episode goes onto my top ten list for sure. Thank you for a brilliant episode and a fatastic show!
Behave!
And let's not forget Crowley. I love his character. I knew he wasn't going to just give Bobby his soul back after Sam went into the hole. I think we all did. I'd hoped he would, but that's just how it goes with demons. They can't be trusted. The peripheral monsters showing up in weird places was nicely done, a hint that things aren't exactly right in the world now, but not too much focus on what could be going on. Liked that a lot.
Poor Bobby. I was feeling pretty bad for him. All of the phone calls. The needy hunters. The neighbor who just wanted to get to know him. (And here I will insert...K4 happened to be watching. After the neighbor left she turned to me and said: "That's gross. He's like 30!" umm..yeah...) And then Rufus showed up. He's a great character. I love the interaction between he and Bobby the whole way through. Funny stuff.
Who knew that burning the original vessel's or dealmaker's bones could kill the demon? Very cool. And I love the effects on the demon living in the here and now.
Not too much Sam and Dean in this one. I love Sam and Dean, but I didn't mind. (And here I will insert again...K4 said: "Too bad you didn't get to see Sam and Dean too much in this one. You got stuck with the old guy.") But really, not much has changed with Sam and Dean. They're hunting together again *applause*, but still not quite right *boo*. It was nice to have a break from that. We all know something's wrong with Sam and it breaks my heart every week. Smug!Sam is getting old. I will say that.
And then the sheriff (love her) came through for Bobby, and then Sam and Dean did as well. Nice. And Crowley's son! I really thought Bobby had lost! He's so brilliantly smart, which is, of course, why he's Bobby. And why the original Crowley sold his soul in the first place! I really want to know why things were so terrible between him and his son. And I'd like to know what new ideas he's introduced into Hell. I'm glad Bobby's soul being not his was taken care of in one episode.
And the preview! Ack!
So...Way to go, Supernatural People! This episode goes onto my top ten list for sure. Thank you for a brilliant episode and a fatastic show!
Behave!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Feel Good Friday
Friday kind of snuck up on me this week...
Here's the list:
1. The weather. It's a little chilly, but I love it.
2. Supernatural tonight!
3. A very productive writing week. As of last night I've hit nearly 10k since Tuesday when my writing chapter's 50/50 challenge started. I've increased my daily total every day. And I haven't started yet today.
4. Friends.
5. A light weekend coming up.
6. Sleeping in tomorrow.
7. Finding a mistake in my checkbook that's in my favor.
8. Coffee with pumpkin spice creamer.
9. My oldest most comforable sweatshirt.
10. Supernatural tonight! Oh wait, I already said that! ha!
That's it for now. I might come back later with some nonsense. You never know!
Behave!
Here's the list:
1. The weather. It's a little chilly, but I love it.
2. Supernatural tonight!
3. A very productive writing week. As of last night I've hit nearly 10k since Tuesday when my writing chapter's 50/50 challenge started. I've increased my daily total every day. And I haven't started yet today.
4. Friends.
5. A light weekend coming up.
6. Sleeping in tomorrow.
7. Finding a mistake in my checkbook that's in my favor.
8. Coffee with pumpkin spice creamer.
9. My oldest most comforable sweatshirt.
10. Supernatural tonight! Oh wait, I already said that! ha!
That's it for now. I might come back later with some nonsense. You never know!
Behave!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Check This Out!!
My friend, Heidi, is in this contest. Watch the video. Go and vote for her chapter! You'll get to read a cool story and she'll get one step closer to a contract!
Just go do it.
It's the right thing!
Behave!
Things...
I am wondering about...
1. Does being bitten by a stink bug make you more attractive to other stink bugs? I wonder this because I had one fly into my hair yesterday, and one dive bomb me while I was outside. Scary stuff.
2. Why didn't I remember it was supposed to rain today? The K's went to school without umbrellas.
3. Why do people, after you've mistakenly dialed a wrong number, insist on calling you back to find out who you are? I dialed a wrong number yesterday, realized my mistake and hung up, and then was harassed the rest of the evening by kids insisting they needed to know who I am. I ended up having to block the number. For crying outloud!
4. Where did all of the socks go?
5. On that note, where did all of my son's sweatshirts go?
6. Is it possible that I can take a nap today?
7. My house is quiet. Can I deal with that? It's been so long.
8. Why do I always decide to talk a walk on rainy days? Is it some kind of self sabotage?
That's enough why for one day.
Behave!
1. Does being bitten by a stink bug make you more attractive to other stink bugs? I wonder this because I had one fly into my hair yesterday, and one dive bomb me while I was outside. Scary stuff.
2. Why didn't I remember it was supposed to rain today? The K's went to school without umbrellas.
3. Why do people, after you've mistakenly dialed a wrong number, insist on calling you back to find out who you are? I dialed a wrong number yesterday, realized my mistake and hung up, and then was harassed the rest of the evening by kids insisting they needed to know who I am. I ended up having to block the number. For crying outloud!
4. Where did all of the socks go?
5. On that note, where did all of my son's sweatshirts go?
6. Is it possible that I can take a nap today?
7. My house is quiet. Can I deal with that? It's been so long.
8. Why do I always decide to talk a walk on rainy days? Is it some kind of self sabotage?
That's enough why for one day.
Behave!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Answer!
Here we go with the answers!
1. I scorched my hair (again) while cooking the chili meat. Not bad, but the burnt hair smell was significant. Nope. But almost. I did put my hair up shortly after the cooking process began.
2. I dropped melted marshmallow on my foot. No burn, just stickiness. Yes. And I kept forgetting and my pants would get stuck on the stickiness.
3. One of the packs of hamburger was bad - just purchased from the store, too. Grrr. Nope. Thank goodness.
4. The sink is clogged and I can't seem to unclog it. Like I need that. Also not, not really. It was running slow for a little, but then was fine.
5. The formerly dripping water (that has been turned off when not in direct use) has shifted to absolutely no water pressure. I've tried everything I can think of, but I'm still not getting enough hot water. I am afraid. Yes. And the problem is still undetermined.
6. I very nearly shooed a stinkbug into the marshmallow and butter mixture. No. But that one was highly possible as well.
7. I am making rice crispie treats. I never make rice crispie treats. True. And they were fabulous!
8. I cut my finger on the same hand where I have the booboo from my fall. Nope.
9. I have also written today. Not a lot, mind you, but some. Which is good because today's the first day of our 50/50 writing challenge. I am hoping for more. Yes! I was so happy I managed to do that.
10. I took the kids to school this morning and came back to the toilet overflowing. It was running down the kitchen wall and down the stairs and had filled the linen closet and it was a gross and very disgusting mess that took me over an hour to clean up...and that doesn't include the laundry I have to rewash. No idea who's responsible. Not that it matters at this point. No. Thank God, No!!! That would have been...horribly awful and traumatizing!
So there you have it. I think Nat guessed them all! Whoot!
Behave!
1. I scorched my hair (again) while cooking the chili meat. Not bad, but the burnt hair smell was significant. Nope. But almost. I did put my hair up shortly after the cooking process began.
2. I dropped melted marshmallow on my foot. No burn, just stickiness. Yes. And I kept forgetting and my pants would get stuck on the stickiness.
3. One of the packs of hamburger was bad - just purchased from the store, too. Grrr. Nope. Thank goodness.
4. The sink is clogged and I can't seem to unclog it. Like I need that. Also not, not really. It was running slow for a little, but then was fine.
5. The formerly dripping water (that has been turned off when not in direct use) has shifted to absolutely no water pressure. I've tried everything I can think of, but I'm still not getting enough hot water. I am afraid. Yes. And the problem is still undetermined.
6. I very nearly shooed a stinkbug into the marshmallow and butter mixture. No. But that one was highly possible as well.
7. I am making rice crispie treats. I never make rice crispie treats. True. And they were fabulous!
8. I cut my finger on the same hand where I have the booboo from my fall. Nope.
9. I have also written today. Not a lot, mind you, but some. Which is good because today's the first day of our 50/50 writing challenge. I am hoping for more. Yes! I was so happy I managed to do that.
10. I took the kids to school this morning and came back to the toilet overflowing. It was running down the kitchen wall and down the stairs and had filled the linen closet and it was a gross and very disgusting mess that took me over an hour to clean up...and that doesn't include the laundry I have to rewash. No idea who's responsible. Not that it matters at this point. No. Thank God, No!!! That would have been...horribly awful and traumatizing!
So there you have it. I think Nat guessed them all! Whoot!
Behave!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Tall Tale Tuesday
Getting ready for the big Halloween Parade tonight. We'll have guests, though at this point, I don't know how many, or what they will bring to the party. I've been a maniac all day - shopping, cooking, cleaning, writing...so which of the following are true.
1. I scorched my hair (again) while cooking the chili meat. Not bad, but the burnt hair smell was significant.
2. I dropped melted marshmallow on my foot. No burn, just stickiness.
3. One of the packs of hamburger was bad - just purchased from the store, too. Grrr.
4. The sink is clogged and I can't seem to unclog it. Like I need that.
5. The formerly dripping water (that has been turned off when not in direct use) has shifted to absolutely no water pressure. I've tried everything I can think of, but I'm still not getting enough hot water. I am afraid.
6. I very nearly shooed a stinkbug into the marshmallow and butter mixture.
7. I am making rice crispie treats. I never make rice crispie treats.
8. I cut my finger on the same hand where I have the booboo from my fall.
9. I have also written today. Not a lot, mind you, but some. Which is good because today's the first day of our 50/50 writing challenge. I am hoping for more.
10. I took the kids to school this morning and came back to the toilet overflowing. It was running down the kitchen wall and down the stairs and had filled the linen closet and it was a gross and very disgusting mess that took me over an hour to clean up...and that doesn't include the laundry I have to rewash. No idea who's responsible. Not that it matters at this point.
Okay, so which ones are true? There are several.
I have to go make cornbread now.
Behave!
1. I scorched my hair (again) while cooking the chili meat. Not bad, but the burnt hair smell was significant.
2. I dropped melted marshmallow on my foot. No burn, just stickiness.
3. One of the packs of hamburger was bad - just purchased from the store, too. Grrr.
4. The sink is clogged and I can't seem to unclog it. Like I need that.
5. The formerly dripping water (that has been turned off when not in direct use) has shifted to absolutely no water pressure. I've tried everything I can think of, but I'm still not getting enough hot water. I am afraid.
6. I very nearly shooed a stinkbug into the marshmallow and butter mixture.
7. I am making rice crispie treats. I never make rice crispie treats.
8. I cut my finger on the same hand where I have the booboo from my fall.
9. I have also written today. Not a lot, mind you, but some. Which is good because today's the first day of our 50/50 writing challenge. I am hoping for more.
10. I took the kids to school this morning and came back to the toilet overflowing. It was running down the kitchen wall and down the stairs and had filled the linen closet and it was a gross and very disgusting mess that took me over an hour to clean up...and that doesn't include the laundry I have to rewash. No idea who's responsible. Not that it matters at this point.
Okay, so which ones are true? There are several.
I have to go make cornbread now.
Behave!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Dear Supernatural People,
Thank you. There was so much to love this week, though I still am unsettled with Sam. Not with his shirtless pull ups. At all. Ever. Because that is one of the most gorgeous sights I have ever seen in my entire life. Whew. I'd like to see more of that, from both brothers. Thankyouverymuch.
I loved the beginning with Dean and Lisa and Sam with his hooker (really Sam? I highly doubt you'd ever have to pay for it! What is up with that? I distinctly remember you telling Dean you would never have to pay when Cass pulled Dean from hell, and now you are? More proof that something's really up with you). I loved the cop and his pustules and his vodka drinking and "you can do better". And the locusts! Gross! But way cool. And then there's Cass! Whoot! I have to wonder again about Sam at this point, because why didn't Cass answer when Sam called, but comes immediately when Dean calls? Is it because it's not really Sam? The air quotes were hysterical from Cass. I liked that we weren't subjected to the Campbell family this week. I've had enough of them for a long while.
Lots of great dialogue and I loved that Sam's car got smashed by angels. (We cheered!) I'm digging the civil war in heaven angle and the missing weapons. Very cool.
So, I am totally sucked back in. I'm going to trust that you'll explain what's up with Sam and stop making it seem like Dean's weaker because he's been out of the game for a year. Don't like that much, but am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt.
Behave!
I loved the beginning with Dean and Lisa and Sam with his hooker (really Sam? I highly doubt you'd ever have to pay for it! What is up with that? I distinctly remember you telling Dean you would never have to pay when Cass pulled Dean from hell, and now you are? More proof that something's really up with you). I loved the cop and his pustules and his vodka drinking and "you can do better". And the locusts! Gross! But way cool. And then there's Cass! Whoot! I have to wonder again about Sam at this point, because why didn't Cass answer when Sam called, but comes immediately when Dean calls? Is it because it's not really Sam? The air quotes were hysterical from Cass. I liked that we weren't subjected to the Campbell family this week. I've had enough of them for a long while.
Lots of great dialogue and I loved that Sam's car got smashed by angels. (We cheered!) I'm digging the civil war in heaven angle and the missing weapons. Very cool.
So, I am totally sucked back in. I'm going to trust that you'll explain what's up with Sam and stop making it seem like Dean's weaker because he's been out of the game for a year. Don't like that much, but am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt.
Behave!
Moaning Monday
...because I can...
1. My left hand really hurts. Apparently the small cut I received in my fall is infected. Gross. It's making typing difficult, not that I've had much time to type today...but that's number two.
2. So far, zero words.
3. I usually love my cell provider's customer service, but not today. After being on phone with them for nearly an hour, I only finished one of the reasons I called. The rep was slow and not very nice, which is a rarity, but still frustrating. I will call back tomorrow and hope for a different rep.
4. I am sore. And I have bruised buttocks.
5. The stink bugs are still everywhere and I'm getting tired of seeing them.
6. My house was filthier than it's been in a very long time. I said was, because it's not anymore, but that was a crappy thing to deal with first thing this morning.
That's enough of the negative stuff.
Behave!
1. My left hand really hurts. Apparently the small cut I received in my fall is infected. Gross. It's making typing difficult, not that I've had much time to type today...but that's number two.
2. So far, zero words.
3. I usually love my cell provider's customer service, but not today. After being on phone with them for nearly an hour, I only finished one of the reasons I called. The rep was slow and not very nice, which is a rarity, but still frustrating. I will call back tomorrow and hope for a different rep.
4. I am sore. And I have bruised buttocks.
5. The stink bugs are still everywhere and I'm getting tired of seeing them.
6. My house was filthier than it's been in a very long time. I said was, because it's not anymore, but that was a crappy thing to deal with first thing this morning.
That's enough of the negative stuff.
Behave!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Happy Ten-Ten...
Catching up after a long and tiring weekend.
Friday night was fun and much needed. I'll post about Supernatural tomorrow, but loved it!
Saturday was busy, busy, busy, followed by more busy. Jeans and shoes were purchased. Mexican food was consumed. Laundry was done. Among about a million and a half other things. Went to bed too late and got up too early today.
Today I managed to get the yard work done out front, including getting rid of my poor dead plants and replacing them with some beautiful mums. I pulled weeds, scrubbed the porch, potted the new plants, and dodged pumpkin seeds. (The girls were carving pumpkins and a seed and ick fight ensued. Always.) But the porch looks better and its now ready for Tuesday's parade company.
I also managed to fall down the basement stairs. That was fantastic. My butt, back, arms, and ribs are hurting. I even have a bandaid on my hand! I'm sure I will be bruised and very sore when I wake up. I'm not really sure how it happened, but I landed on the floor in a pile. Go, me.
So there's the bulk of my weekend in a nutshell. The kids are home tomorrow, which means...sleeping in!!! Yay!! I cannot tell you the last time I actually got to sleep in. I'm so thrilled!
That is all...
Behave!
Friday night was fun and much needed. I'll post about Supernatural tomorrow, but loved it!
Saturday was busy, busy, busy, followed by more busy. Jeans and shoes were purchased. Mexican food was consumed. Laundry was done. Among about a million and a half other things. Went to bed too late and got up too early today.
Today I managed to get the yard work done out front, including getting rid of my poor dead plants and replacing them with some beautiful mums. I pulled weeds, scrubbed the porch, potted the new plants, and dodged pumpkin seeds. (The girls were carving pumpkins and a seed and ick fight ensued. Always.) But the porch looks better and its now ready for Tuesday's parade company.
I also managed to fall down the basement stairs. That was fantastic. My butt, back, arms, and ribs are hurting. I even have a bandaid on my hand! I'm sure I will be bruised and very sore when I wake up. I'm not really sure how it happened, but I landed on the floor in a pile. Go, me.
So there's the bulk of my weekend in a nutshell. The kids are home tomorrow, which means...sleeping in!!! Yay!! I cannot tell you the last time I actually got to sleep in. I'm so thrilled!
That is all...
Behave!
Friday, October 08, 2010
Feel Good Friday
Here's the list:
1. Learning that my brain isn't broken.
2. Supernatural tonight.
3. Our plans to go to my sister's and watch Supernatural. Yay!
4. Hearing my granddaughter giggle for the first time.
5. The weather. It's gorgeous outside.
6. Getting the filing done. Well, mostly. I still have to take care of the filing for the various volunteer activities, but the household stuff (which was the worst) is done.
7. K2 coming home this weekend.
8. Coffee beans covered in dark chocolate.
9. Sleeping in on Monday. Yay for days off school.
10. Upcoming fun stuff.
That's all for now. My afternoon is errands, errands and more errands.
Behave!
1. Learning that my brain isn't broken.
2. Supernatural tonight.
3. Our plans to go to my sister's and watch Supernatural. Yay!
4. Hearing my granddaughter giggle for the first time.
5. The weather. It's gorgeous outside.
6. Getting the filing done. Well, mostly. I still have to take care of the filing for the various volunteer activities, but the household stuff (which was the worst) is done.
7. K2 coming home this weekend.
8. Coffee beans covered in dark chocolate.
9. Sleeping in on Monday. Yay for days off school.
10. Upcoming fun stuff.
That's all for now. My afternoon is errands, errands and more errands.
Behave!
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Stuff
Totally borrowing from my friend Natalie here. Her post on what she's behind on made me think about what I'm behind on, so I'm going to be a copycat today. Ha!
1. Editing. I took a break to write something new - mainly to prove to myself that my brain is not broken. And guess what? It's not. And that's what I needed to find out. I don't know if I'll continue working on it, or if it'll just be an exercise, but I do like the premise and my brain is turning over the plot, so who knows?
2. Housework. Not the regular stuff that has to be done all of the time (though don't come over right now!), but the closet cleaning out, the basement cleaning, the clothing switchouts and donations.
3. Television. About the only thing I manage to catch is Supernatural. I want to watch Castle and I'm behind on Ghosthunters. And, sadly, no TiVo here.
4. Decorating. I pulled the Fall/Halloween stuff out of the basement about a week ago and it's still sitting in my living room. It's not that much. At all. But the reason it's not out yet is number five.
5. Yardwork. The weeds and dead plants in front of my house make me feel bad. I worked hard to keep that stuff alive all summer and then I kept forgetting to water them. The pea vine and weeds have taken over the front flower bed.
6. Filing. Everything is stuffed into a drawer...waiting for me to organize.
7. Volunteer work. I have to take care of updating databases, organizing a fundraiser, and catching up on filing for that too.
8. Kid stuff. K4's violin needs exchanged for a bigger size. Her clarinet needs re-corked and new reeds need ordered.
9. In the same category...K3 needs shoes and jeans and socks. K4 needs socks (heck, everyone needs socks) and jeans. Getting to the store together has been an issue.
10. Planning. There are a few big events looming and I am plan-less.
But I'm too tired to think about any of this stuff tonight. And there's a stink bug flying around the light and he's freaking me out a little (and I do still have a mark from where he bit me. Someone told me tonight that it can take 3 weeks for it to go away. Stupid bugs.)
Behave!
1. Editing. I took a break to write something new - mainly to prove to myself that my brain is not broken. And guess what? It's not. And that's what I needed to find out. I don't know if I'll continue working on it, or if it'll just be an exercise, but I do like the premise and my brain is turning over the plot, so who knows?
2. Housework. Not the regular stuff that has to be done all of the time (though don't come over right now!), but the closet cleaning out, the basement cleaning, the clothing switchouts and donations.
3. Television. About the only thing I manage to catch is Supernatural. I want to watch Castle and I'm behind on Ghosthunters. And, sadly, no TiVo here.
4. Decorating. I pulled the Fall/Halloween stuff out of the basement about a week ago and it's still sitting in my living room. It's not that much. At all. But the reason it's not out yet is number five.
5. Yardwork. The weeds and dead plants in front of my house make me feel bad. I worked hard to keep that stuff alive all summer and then I kept forgetting to water them. The pea vine and weeds have taken over the front flower bed.
6. Filing. Everything is stuffed into a drawer...waiting for me to organize.
7. Volunteer work. I have to take care of updating databases, organizing a fundraiser, and catching up on filing for that too.
8. Kid stuff. K4's violin needs exchanged for a bigger size. Her clarinet needs re-corked and new reeds need ordered.
9. In the same category...K3 needs shoes and jeans and socks. K4 needs socks (heck, everyone needs socks) and jeans. Getting to the store together has been an issue.
10. Planning. There are a few big events looming and I am plan-less.
But I'm too tired to think about any of this stuff tonight. And there's a stink bug flying around the light and he's freaking me out a little (and I do still have a mark from where he bit me. Someone told me tonight that it can take 3 weeks for it to go away. Stupid bugs.)
Behave!
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Wednesday Why
Here's what I want to know:
1. What happened to the other six packets of frosting in the Toaster Strudel box? There are still six pastries, but no frosting. I believe part of the explanation lies the the empty frosting packets visible in the bathroom trash, but I will probably never receive the answer to this.
2. It's too cold for stink bugs, and yet why am I still squashing them? (and yes, I still have a welt from the bite.)
3. Why do school pictures cost so much? And if I'm going to pay that much, why can't I have more choices?
4. When is the sun going to come back out?
5. Why does my head hurt so bad?
6. Why, despite my best intentions, can I not get a decent writing day in?
7. How hard is it to take the dirty dishes to the kitchen when you're done with them? And why is it my job to clean up after you?
8. Is it that difficult to take the empty boxes out of the pantry when you take the last whatever?
9. Why do none of the socks in my house have a match?
10. How did I get "Eye of the Tiger" as an earworm today?
(and you're welcome.)
That is all.
Behave!
1. What happened to the other six packets of frosting in the Toaster Strudel box? There are still six pastries, but no frosting. I believe part of the explanation lies the the empty frosting packets visible in the bathroom trash, but I will probably never receive the answer to this.
2. It's too cold for stink bugs, and yet why am I still squashing them? (and yes, I still have a welt from the bite.)
3. Why do school pictures cost so much? And if I'm going to pay that much, why can't I have more choices?
4. When is the sun going to come back out?
5. Why does my head hurt so bad?
6. Why, despite my best intentions, can I not get a decent writing day in?
7. How hard is it to take the dirty dishes to the kitchen when you're done with them? And why is it my job to clean up after you?
8. Is it that difficult to take the empty boxes out of the pantry when you take the last whatever?
9. Why do none of the socks in my house have a match?
10. How did I get "Eye of the Tiger" as an earworm today?
(and you're welcome.)
That is all.
Behave!
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Dear Supernatural People,
I'd hoped to watch Friday's/Saturday's episode again before writing this post, but, sadly, it's not online yet. I missed small portions thanks to people talking and a glitch in the broadcast, so I'll do my best here.
First off, I'm sorry I judged you so harshly after the season premier. My faith in you is restored, though, you must know I'm not completely convinced this season is going to hit me in the same spots as previous seasons. I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt and am definitely along for the ride.
Sam was better this week, though still not himself, and that makes me even more confused/concerned over his smug reaction to Dean. Something's up with him and I hope it doesn't take too many episodes to find out what it is. I do like his new take charge attitude. I've always loved Bad!Sam, but Season6 Sam, while mostly perfect, is wrong. I liked when he pointed out how Dean was acting like their dad and how flustered he was with the baby.
Dean! Oh, Dean. So sad and conflicted and worried. Hella sexy with the baby, even when we wasn't quite sure what to do. I love Lisa and I hope nothing bad happens to her to keep Dean angry and on the road, even though he needs to be on the road. I want him to always have a safe place to go back to. I want he and Lisa to break the rules and make it work like she said.
Grandpa and the rest of the family...(though Harold from The Stand! Whoot!)...well, there's something wrong there. The lack of emotion to whichever one of them got killed, the lack of softness towards the baby - shifter or not. I can't wait to find out who Grandpa was talking to and exactly who pulled him back from the dead. I like the idea of the alpha monsters, but can't take too many more episodes without some kind of conclusion and emotional healing. I'm just sayin'.
So...I wait patiently and hopefully for this week's episode...The preview looks awesome, especially the part with shirtless Sam doing pull ups!
Behave!
(No Tall Tale Tuesday this week. I should have saved the stinkbug ordeal, but oh well...)
First off, I'm sorry I judged you so harshly after the season premier. My faith in you is restored, though, you must know I'm not completely convinced this season is going to hit me in the same spots as previous seasons. I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt and am definitely along for the ride.
Sam was better this week, though still not himself, and that makes me even more confused/concerned over his smug reaction to Dean. Something's up with him and I hope it doesn't take too many episodes to find out what it is. I do like his new take charge attitude. I've always loved Bad!Sam, but Season6 Sam, while mostly perfect, is wrong. I liked when he pointed out how Dean was acting like their dad and how flustered he was with the baby.
Dean! Oh, Dean. So sad and conflicted and worried. Hella sexy with the baby, even when we wasn't quite sure what to do. I love Lisa and I hope nothing bad happens to her to keep Dean angry and on the road, even though he needs to be on the road. I want him to always have a safe place to go back to. I want he and Lisa to break the rules and make it work like she said.
Grandpa and the rest of the family...(though Harold from The Stand! Whoot!)...well, there's something wrong there. The lack of emotion to whichever one of them got killed, the lack of softness towards the baby - shifter or not. I can't wait to find out who Grandpa was talking to and exactly who pulled him back from the dead. I like the idea of the alpha monsters, but can't take too many more episodes without some kind of conclusion and emotional healing. I'm just sayin'.
So...I wait patiently and hopefully for this week's episode...The preview looks awesome, especially the part with shirtless Sam doing pull ups!
Behave!
(No Tall Tale Tuesday this week. I should have saved the stinkbug ordeal, but oh well...)
Monday, October 04, 2010
Broken and Almost Broken
We've entered the season of busted stuff around here.
1. The kitchen sink - hot water side - is leaking. B shut it off until he can fix it because it's a ridiculous waste.
2. I wasn't thinking about how the water goes into the dishwasher and ran it. Twice (same load, still no brain, because I figured the reason everything was still dirty was because it was loaded weird or something). Hopefully I didn't screw it up, but I probably did.
3. One problem on the truck fixed, then another pops up. Now the locks on the driver's side don't want to work with the button. Weirdness.
4. The dryer is making this ridiculous squeaking sound. Loud, irritating - a death rattle, I'm sure.
5. K2's truck wouldn't start after her ordeal Saturday night, so she ended up taking B's car back to college. Okay? Really? We fix one and another goes? Do. Not. Like.
I think that's enough for a rainy, cold Monday.
Behave!
1. The kitchen sink - hot water side - is leaking. B shut it off until he can fix it because it's a ridiculous waste.
2. I wasn't thinking about how the water goes into the dishwasher and ran it. Twice (same load, still no brain, because I figured the reason everything was still dirty was because it was loaded weird or something). Hopefully I didn't screw it up, but I probably did.
3. One problem on the truck fixed, then another pops up. Now the locks on the driver's side don't want to work with the button. Weirdness.
4. The dryer is making this ridiculous squeaking sound. Loud, irritating - a death rattle, I'm sure.
5. K2's truck wouldn't start after her ordeal Saturday night, so she ended up taking B's car back to college. Okay? Really? We fix one and another goes? Do. Not. Like.
I think that's enough for a rainy, cold Monday.
Behave!
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Stinkbug Violation
I'm traumatized...
Here's what happened:
Went to bed too late. Finally fell asleep and my phone rings. It's K2. She's at the intersection. Her truck stalled and won't restart. Only it takes me at least three minutes to get this information out of her due to her hysteria. Get her home and settled and go back to bed.
Where I dream of a surgeon selling body parts in this department store type building with an elevator and "arms on floor five" kind of deal. Not really scary, but very weird. Wake up as I roll over. Open my eyes and stare out the window. Feel something on my side. I think it's a wrinkle in my shirt, smooth it and then I feel a drop of liquid on my side. I'm not sweating. Reach to touch and feel a stinging sensation.
Oh yeah, you guessed it. There was a stink bug in my freaking shirt and not only did he spray his foulness on me, he BIT ME!
Ick and gross and ouch!
Ran to the bathroom and washed the foul odor from my body and looked at my side. There was an indentation of where I apparently laid on it for a while, and then the bite mark. Took me forever to fall back to sleep (after I killed it twice and then spent several minutes searching the bed with a flashlight and scouring the room for any more of the little jerks!) and when I did I had even weirder dreams.
Yes, I am traumatized. I'm not sure which is worse - the time I think I may have swallowed one, or this, because HE BIT ME!!! I still have a welt!
*shudders*
And that is all for now.
Behave!
Here's what happened:
Went to bed too late. Finally fell asleep and my phone rings. It's K2. She's at the intersection. Her truck stalled and won't restart. Only it takes me at least three minutes to get this information out of her due to her hysteria. Get her home and settled and go back to bed.
Where I dream of a surgeon selling body parts in this department store type building with an elevator and "arms on floor five" kind of deal. Not really scary, but very weird. Wake up as I roll over. Open my eyes and stare out the window. Feel something on my side. I think it's a wrinkle in my shirt, smooth it and then I feel a drop of liquid on my side. I'm not sweating. Reach to touch and feel a stinging sensation.
Oh yeah, you guessed it. There was a stink bug in my freaking shirt and not only did he spray his foulness on me, he BIT ME!
Ick and gross and ouch!
Ran to the bathroom and washed the foul odor from my body and looked at my side. There was an indentation of where I apparently laid on it for a while, and then the bite mark. Took me forever to fall back to sleep (after I killed it twice and then spent several minutes searching the bed with a flashlight and scouring the room for any more of the little jerks!) and when I did I had even weirder dreams.
Yes, I am traumatized. I'm not sure which is worse - the time I think I may have swallowed one, or this, because HE BIT ME!!! I still have a welt!
*shudders*
And that is all for now.
Behave!
Saturday, October 02, 2010
Saturday
A random-type post.
My writing group met this morning. What a great bunch of people! I love the energy we share and I love laughing with them and laughing even when we're trying to be serious. I also love talking about the retreat, which I got to do plenty today! Lunch was fun with awesome food and great company.
I came home to utter chaos. All four kids were home, plus the grandbaby. There was much hilarity. It's fantastic to have them all together. They make me laugh so hard.
We were watching a show on fungus and they were talking about "magic mushrooms" and showed a clip of Woodstock and K4 asked: Is that how Hippies were made? Ha!
Back to the insanity!
Behave!
My writing group met this morning. What a great bunch of people! I love the energy we share and I love laughing with them and laughing even when we're trying to be serious. I also love talking about the retreat, which I got to do plenty today! Lunch was fun with awesome food and great company.
I came home to utter chaos. All four kids were home, plus the grandbaby. There was much hilarity. It's fantastic to have them all together. They make me laugh so hard.
We were watching a show on fungus and they were talking about "magic mushrooms" and showed a clip of Woodstock and K4 asked: Is that how Hippies were made? Ha!
Back to the insanity!
Behave!
Friday, October 01, 2010
Feel Good Friday
Okay, first I have two non-feel good things.
1. No Supernatural tonight thanks to a baseball game. Grrrr!!!
2. My friend, Sue, leaving our writing group due to situations beyond her control. :( At least we have her until the end of the year, but it's still sad!
*a moment of silence for my grump*
Now, here's the Feel Good list:
1. My writing meeting tomorrow.
2. The 'burban getting mostly fixed. Brake booster, check. The reason it won't start despite a new battery and maybe not the starter, not check, but we're getting somewhere.
3. Kids getting to go on very cool field trips.
4. K3 getting asked to be in special chorus.
5. K2 coming home this weekend. (shh, it's a secret.) *edited: It was a secret for me too! She came home tonight instead of tomorrow like I expected! Man, I miss this kid!!!!
6. Getting a surprise visit from the grandbaby for a few minutes.
7. Having help making dinner even though I had to constantly remind my helper not to eat the cheese.
8. Work in progress progress. It's darker, but tighter, and I'm thrilled with how it's coming together. I still have a lot to do, but that's okay.
9. The rain we've had this week because it's been cool and comfortable and my basement didn't flood. Though I would have preferred it to be snow. (don't hurt me)
10. October! Fall!
And one more for good measure...
11. Seeing my mother-in-law improve every day. Soon she'll be jogging around the block!
That is all!
Behave!
1. No Supernatural tonight thanks to a baseball game. Grrrr!!!
2. My friend, Sue, leaving our writing group due to situations beyond her control. :( At least we have her until the end of the year, but it's still sad!
*a moment of silence for my grump*
Now, here's the Feel Good list:
1. My writing meeting tomorrow.
2. The 'burban getting mostly fixed. Brake booster, check. The reason it won't start despite a new battery and maybe not the starter, not check, but we're getting somewhere.
3. Kids getting to go on very cool field trips.
4. K3 getting asked to be in special chorus.
5. K2 coming home this weekend. (shh, it's a secret.) *edited: It was a secret for me too! She came home tonight instead of tomorrow like I expected! Man, I miss this kid!!!!
6. Getting a surprise visit from the grandbaby for a few minutes.
7. Having help making dinner even though I had to constantly remind my helper not to eat the cheese.
8. Work in progress progress. It's darker, but tighter, and I'm thrilled with how it's coming together. I still have a lot to do, but that's okay.
9. The rain we've had this week because it's been cool and comfortable and my basement didn't flood. Though I would have preferred it to be snow. (don't hurt me)
10. October! Fall!
And one more for good measure...
11. Seeing my mother-in-law improve every day. Soon she'll be jogging around the block!
That is all!
Behave!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Answer!
Ready for the answer?
1. K3 opened the umbrella that had been stored on the backporch and there were over a hundred stink bugs throughout. It was gross. Yes, and he then ran around the yard and tried to get them off, but there were too many.
2. While simmering the lasagna sauce yesterday I had an errant thought about a stink bug landing in the pot. Guess what I fished out while putting it all together? It didn't smell and the sauce didn't taste weird, but could you imagine crunching down on that? *shudders* Nope. But pretty gross thought, huh?
3. The cat finally stopped watching them and went into active hunt mode. He doesn't eat them. Just kills them and then rolls in them. He stinks. And he wonders why I won't let him lay on my bed. Nope. But possible.
So there you have it. I must go back to my ark building now. I think we might need it by morning.
Behave!
1. K3 opened the umbrella that had been stored on the backporch and there were over a hundred stink bugs throughout. It was gross. Yes, and he then ran around the yard and tried to get them off, but there were too many.
2. While simmering the lasagna sauce yesterday I had an errant thought about a stink bug landing in the pot. Guess what I fished out while putting it all together? It didn't smell and the sauce didn't taste weird, but could you imagine crunching down on that? *shudders* Nope. But pretty gross thought, huh?
3. The cat finally stopped watching them and went into active hunt mode. He doesn't eat them. Just kills them and then rolls in them. He stinks. And he wonders why I won't let him lay on my bed. Nope. But possible.
So there you have it. I must go back to my ark building now. I think we might need it by morning.
Behave!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tall Tale Tuesday on Wednesday
Oops. Missed posting yesterday. That's what happens when you babysit your 3 month old granddaughter and get a house guest in the same day. Writing? Ha. I tried, but only managed a few sentences. Getting anything else I'd planned and said I was going to do done? Ha. Not even close. Oh, and did I mention I made a huge dinner? Should have thought that one out a little better. I might have ended up partially sane at the end of the night.
But, we're going to do Tall Tale Tuesday anyway.
In honor of Stink Bugs...
Tell me which one is true:
1. K3 opened the umbrella that had been stored on the backporch and there were over a hundred stink bugs throughout. It was gross.
2. While simmering the lasagna sauce yesterday I had an errant thought about a stink bug landing in the pot. Guess what I fished out while putting it all together? It didn't smell and the sauce didn't taste weird, but could you imagine crunching down on that? *shudders*
3. The cat finally stopped watching them and went into active hunt mode. He doesn't eat them. Just kills them and then rolls in them. He stinks. And he wonders why I won't let him lay on my bed.
So, two are lies. Which ones?
Behave!
But, we're going to do Tall Tale Tuesday anyway.
In honor of Stink Bugs...
Tell me which one is true:
1. K3 opened the umbrella that had been stored on the backporch and there were over a hundred stink bugs throughout. It was gross.
2. While simmering the lasagna sauce yesterday I had an errant thought about a stink bug landing in the pot. Guess what I fished out while putting it all together? It didn't smell and the sauce didn't taste weird, but could you imagine crunching down on that? *shudders*
3. The cat finally stopped watching them and went into active hunt mode. He doesn't eat them. Just kills them and then rolls in them. He stinks. And he wonders why I won't let him lay on my bed.
So, two are lies. Which ones?
Behave!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Dear Supernatural People,
I'm not sure I can sum up how I feel after Friday's return! I'm not sure I even know how I feel yet, except I am so happy the boys are back!
Loved "new" Dean. Except he's not all "new", is he? I'm glad for that. I wouldn't have believed it if he had completely walked away from the life. He's got this undercurrent of angst and expectation that I love. Lisa is the perfect woman for Dean. I loved her lines and how accepting she was of Dean's need to keep her and Ben safe. Sam. Well, Sam. I love Sam, but not in this episode. He was cold and smug and a jackass. I hated his smugness when he was trying to prove himself to Dean and his hug was stupid and cold.
Here's the thing...I don't believe any of it. I don't believe Sam would get out of the cage and not immediately find his brother. Yeah, he'd be torn because he told Dean to get out and have a happy life, but if he came out of the cage right away, Dean wouldn't have had time to get happy. So, no, I don't believe that. I believe Bobby would encourage Sam to stay away, but even Bobby was off in this episode. I immediately disliked the cousins, and as much as I hate to say it, Samuel. They were all jerks and I don't buy that their influence coupled with what Sam went through is why Sam is so hardened. I also don't believe Sam's time in the cage made him what he is. Dean was in Hell a lot longer and while he had his issues, he needed his brother to get through. Sam would have, should have, come out with a better understanding for Dean and would want to talk to him about it. Plus, if he came out almost immediately, then...well, I just don't get it.
I don't believe Sam is Sam. Maybe I'm wrong, but this episode didn't feel like the new reality to me. Sam's car is pretty sweet. I like the new vs. old thing going on, but not the "it was nice seeing you again" line from Sam. Do. Not. Believe.
Ooh, but I just realized...even if Sam wasn't gone that long something terrible could have happened to him to make him honestly believe finding his brother was a bad idea. Hmm...I will have to let that soak in and see if it changes my knee jerk reaction to things being so wrong between Sam and Dean.
I think maybe you, Supernatural People, wanted us to feel this way. Okay. Fine. I am anxiously along for the ride to see what happens next. I've always trusted you.
Behave!
Loved "new" Dean. Except he's not all "new", is he? I'm glad for that. I wouldn't have believed it if he had completely walked away from the life. He's got this undercurrent of angst and expectation that I love. Lisa is the perfect woman for Dean. I loved her lines and how accepting she was of Dean's need to keep her and Ben safe. Sam. Well, Sam. I love Sam, but not in this episode. He was cold and smug and a jackass. I hated his smugness when he was trying to prove himself to Dean and his hug was stupid and cold.
Here's the thing...I don't believe any of it. I don't believe Sam would get out of the cage and not immediately find his brother. Yeah, he'd be torn because he told Dean to get out and have a happy life, but if he came out of the cage right away, Dean wouldn't have had time to get happy. So, no, I don't believe that. I believe Bobby would encourage Sam to stay away, but even Bobby was off in this episode. I immediately disliked the cousins, and as much as I hate to say it, Samuel. They were all jerks and I don't buy that their influence coupled with what Sam went through is why Sam is so hardened. I also don't believe Sam's time in the cage made him what he is. Dean was in Hell a lot longer and while he had his issues, he needed his brother to get through. Sam would have, should have, come out with a better understanding for Dean and would want to talk to him about it. Plus, if he came out almost immediately, then...well, I just don't get it.
I don't believe Sam is Sam. Maybe I'm wrong, but this episode didn't feel like the new reality to me. Sam's car is pretty sweet. I like the new vs. old thing going on, but not the "it was nice seeing you again" line from Sam. Do. Not. Believe.
Ooh, but I just realized...even if Sam wasn't gone that long something terrible could have happened to him to make him honestly believe finding his brother was a bad idea. Hmm...I will have to let that soak in and see if it changes my knee jerk reaction to things being so wrong between Sam and Dean.
I think maybe you, Supernatural People, wanted us to feel this way. Okay. Fine. I am anxiously along for the ride to see what happens next. I've always trusted you.
Behave!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Fun With Stink Bugs
Things I've learned about stink bugs:
1. Drowning them results in a horrid odor that hangs for a lot longer than it should.
2. Stink bugs cannot reproduce inside.
3. They are attracted to light.
4. They BITE!!!! (Though one source says they don't. I found two that say they do.)
5. There is a guy selling a book on how to get rid of stink bugs based on free information his neighbor gave him. For $19.95 you can have a copy of his ebook.
6. Stink bugs were accidentally brought into the are about 12 or so years ago. (Thanks to my friend, Beth, for this info.)
7. If you smash them quickly, you won't smell them.
8. If they get in your washing machine, your clothes will smell until they're dry.
9. Flicking them off the screen can result in being sprayed.
10. I found one website that says they rarely bother humans. ha ha ha!
11. I wasted a lot of time looking this up and still don't know much more than I did when I started.
Ha!
Behave!
1. Drowning them results in a horrid odor that hangs for a lot longer than it should.
2. Stink bugs cannot reproduce inside.
3. They are attracted to light.
4. They BITE!!!! (Though one source says they don't. I found two that say they do.)
5. There is a guy selling a book on how to get rid of stink bugs based on free information his neighbor gave him. For $19.95 you can have a copy of his ebook.
6. Stink bugs were accidentally brought into the are about 12 or so years ago. (Thanks to my friend, Beth, for this info.)
7. If you smash them quickly, you won't smell them.
8. If they get in your washing machine, your clothes will smell until they're dry.
9. Flicking them off the screen can result in being sprayed.
10. I found one website that says they rarely bother humans. ha ha ha!
11. I wasted a lot of time looking this up and still don't know much more than I did when I started.
Ha!
Behave!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Video Saturday
I've known these little boys since they were born. They're the bff's nephews and they're not so little anymore. (but I'm pretty sure they still fight like this) Wait for the end. It's hysterical.
Behave!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Boom Stick
Someone told me I needed one of these the other day.
This is the one I want:
Supernatural is on all day today! Go watch!
Behave!
This is the one I want:
Supernatural is on all day today! Go watch!
Behave!
Feel Good Friday
Here we are again...
Let's check the list...
1. Weekend plans that include date night. I am keeping my fingers crossed that things actually work out. Our luck is usually the opposite, but I am hopeful.
2. Funny videos that make me nostalgic and feel old, but dang, my kids crack me up.
3. Getting the editing pass I was working on finished and starting the next pass.
4. Holding my granddaughter and seeing her smile.
5. Fall! My favorite season!
6. Talking to K2 and knowing she's coming home soon.
7. Firefly!
8. Supernatural!! Tonight!! I can't wait!
And that is all for now! Must get busy!
Behave!
Let's check the list...
1. Weekend plans that include date night. I am keeping my fingers crossed that things actually work out. Our luck is usually the opposite, but I am hopeful.
2. Funny videos that make me nostalgic and feel old, but dang, my kids crack me up.
3. Getting the editing pass I was working on finished and starting the next pass.
4. Holding my granddaughter and seeing her smile.
5. Fall! My favorite season!
6. Talking to K2 and knowing she's coming home soon.
7. Firefly!
8. Supernatural!! Tonight!! I can't wait!
And that is all for now! Must get busy!
Behave!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Better Than Email...
A recent note exchange in my house:
From K4 to K1:
K1,
Can you please spray paint this stick black. Please. Thank you, K4 (then the word "stick" with an arrow pointing to the real stick - on the kitchen counter) P.S. But don't take the stick, it's mine.
(She'd spent a lot of time taking the bark off a stick and to give her credit, it was a cool looking piece of wood.)
From K1 to K4:
Dear K4,
I would spray paint (lots of arrows point to the stick) this stick black, but I don't know if there be any more black spray paint. Arrrrr.
K4's comment after reading his note: "What does he think he is, a pirate?"
I was going to scan both notes and post them so you'd get the full effect, but the paper got wet and the ink ran. And the stick got painted. Not black, but bronze. K4 feels that's a better choice anyway. Except I have no idea what the stick if for, or why she wanted it painted.
And that is all. Arrrrr.
Behave!
From K4 to K1:
K1,
Can you please spray paint this stick black. Please. Thank you, K4 (then the word "stick" with an arrow pointing to the real stick - on the kitchen counter) P.S. But don't take the stick, it's mine.
(She'd spent a lot of time taking the bark off a stick and to give her credit, it was a cool looking piece of wood.)
From K1 to K4:
Dear K4,
I would spray paint (lots of arrows point to the stick) this stick black, but I don't know if there be any more black spray paint. Arrrrr.
K4's comment after reading his note: "What does he think he is, a pirate?"
I was going to scan both notes and post them so you'd get the full effect, but the paper got wet and the ink ran. And the stick got painted. Not black, but bronze. K4 feels that's a better choice anyway. Except I have no idea what the stick if for, or why she wanted it painted.
And that is all. Arrrrr.
Behave!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Invaded!
<------- They are everywhere! Everywhere! The entire back of my house is covered with the little buggers!
Why?
I do not like them.
They smell funny and move like dinosaurs when they aren't flying and I think they've come to kill me in my sleep.
There are several already in the house - hiding in corners and around the lights. How long until they all get in? And then what?
I think I already mentioned how I think I swallowed one of them once. Perhaps that event has drawn them to me? Maybe they are coming to lay eggs in my body? Or eat my flesh?
I look to the window and there are dozens of them against the screen...watching me.
I am afraid!
Behave!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
My Writing Day...
So far...
(No Tall Tale Tuesday this week. I got nothing.)
Take kids to school, take walk, make more coffee, settle in to catch up on email. Get more coffee. Open document. Find where I ended yesterday. Wonder what I was thinking. Refill coffee. Get up and look out window. Still have no idea. Open old document to see where I was with transferring the decent scenes into the new document. Can't find it. Abandon computer for a few minutes to start laundry. Granddaughter screaming while her daddy desperately tries to figure out what's wrong. Can't help but help. Baby falls asleep. Back to computer. Still not sure what I was thinking with those last few lines. Read back a few paragraphs. No idea. Refill coffee. Update calendar. Make calls concerning writing group. Check email again. Start dinner in crock pot. Back to document. Baby screaming again. Again, can't help but help. Finally figure out that nipple hole on bottle is too big. Change that. She settles in and starts talking to me. Too cute. Go back to computer. More aware of where I was going with scene. Copy and paste next segment to edit. Realize my head is killing me and I'm hungry. Make terrible canned soup. Eat only half while I recheck email again and talk to B.
And it's now...
Now I hope I have all of this out of my system and can make some real progress this afternoon. And to facilitate that I will be disconnecting from the Internet and turning off my phone. But...my head still hurts.
Behave!
(No Tall Tale Tuesday this week. I got nothing.)
Take kids to school, take walk, make more coffee, settle in to catch up on email. Get more coffee. Open document. Find where I ended yesterday. Wonder what I was thinking. Refill coffee. Get up and look out window. Still have no idea. Open old document to see where I was with transferring the decent scenes into the new document. Can't find it. Abandon computer for a few minutes to start laundry. Granddaughter screaming while her daddy desperately tries to figure out what's wrong. Can't help but help. Baby falls asleep. Back to computer. Still not sure what I was thinking with those last few lines. Read back a few paragraphs. No idea. Refill coffee. Update calendar. Make calls concerning writing group. Check email again. Start dinner in crock pot. Back to document. Baby screaming again. Again, can't help but help. Finally figure out that nipple hole on bottle is too big. Change that. She settles in and starts talking to me. Too cute. Go back to computer. More aware of where I was going with scene. Copy and paste next segment to edit. Realize my head is killing me and I'm hungry. Make terrible canned soup. Eat only half while I recheck email again and talk to B.
And it's now...
Now I hope I have all of this out of my system and can make some real progress this afternoon. And to facilitate that I will be disconnecting from the Internet and turning off my phone. But...my head still hurts.
Behave!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Birthday Season
We're heading into it around here.
We've already had three in B's family and that's just the beginning.
Today is my dad's birthday. Happy Birthday, Dad! (and I'm sorry about the senior citizens comment I made earlier! Ha! Okay, I'm not.) (It's a joke. He gets it, trust me!)
It gets birthday crazy from here on out. Luckily, we're not doing a lot of parties this year, which is sad because we miss hanging out with everyone, but we might get at least one "ultra pseudo birthday gathering" in while our very good friend visits in October and November. I hope anyway. There's also a baby due soon, which is exciting, but adds one more birthday to the mix. Ha.
***
Oh and hey! Four days until new Supernatural!
That is all...
Behave!
We've already had three in B's family and that's just the beginning.
Today is my dad's birthday. Happy Birthday, Dad! (and I'm sorry about the senior citizens comment I made earlier! Ha! Okay, I'm not.) (It's a joke. He gets it, trust me!)
It gets birthday crazy from here on out. Luckily, we're not doing a lot of parties this year, which is sad because we miss hanging out with everyone, but we might get at least one "ultra pseudo birthday gathering" in while our very good friend visits in October and November. I hope anyway. There's also a baby due soon, which is exciting, but adds one more birthday to the mix. Ha.
***
Oh and hey! Four days until new Supernatural!
That is all...
Behave!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Things....
Overheard this week:
(actually, it's something my kid says. She even has a t-shirt.)
"Suck it up, cupcake. I'm not your mom."
(Of course, I won't have many chances to use it, since I am the mom. But...)
"You made bean soup? Well, that's not going to smell good later."
(ha! And, she was right.)
While I was cleaning out the fridge - upon discovery of something in the way back that was green and hairy with no way to know what it originally was.
"Why did you make that?"
(umm...)
While the younger K's were cleaning up dog poop so the yard could be mowed...
"I'll tell you what, that dog poops way too much. This is ridiculous."
(ha!)
There were many more, but I seriously have to start writing them down!
Behave!
(actually, it's something my kid says. She even has a t-shirt.)
"Suck it up, cupcake. I'm not your mom."
(Of course, I won't have many chances to use it, since I am the mom. But...)
"You made bean soup? Well, that's not going to smell good later."
(ha! And, she was right.)
While I was cleaning out the fridge - upon discovery of something in the way back that was green and hairy with no way to know what it originally was.
"Why did you make that?"
(umm...)
While the younger K's were cleaning up dog poop so the yard could be mowed...
"I'll tell you what, that dog poops way too much. This is ridiculous."
(ha!)
There were many more, but I seriously have to start writing them down!
Behave!
I Miss This...
.....
Very true, but why? Why did they have to cancel it?
I am dying to watch again. Dying, I tell you! Hopefully that situation will be remedied very soon.
...and I will be happy...
Behave!
I am dying to watch again. Dying, I tell you! Hopefully that situation will be remedied very soon.
...and I will be happy...
Behave!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Feel Good Friday
Well, it's Friday again.
I have no sense of time anymore. This week has seemed really long to me because I keep getting the days mixed up. This week has been, well, an interesting one and definitely full of ups and downs.
Anyway...On to Feel Good Friday!
1. Yesterday's rain.
2. Today's sunshine.
3. Taking a walk, because it definitely helps clear my head.
4. Having a decent writing week, though I didn't manage to get as much done as I wanted.
5. Staying mostly on top of things. I did say mostly.
6. One more week until Supernatural!
And it's a short list this week.
Enjoy the weekend!
Behave!
I have no sense of time anymore. This week has seemed really long to me because I keep getting the days mixed up. This week has been, well, an interesting one and definitely full of ups and downs.
Anyway...On to Feel Good Friday!
1. Yesterday's rain.
2. Today's sunshine.
3. Taking a walk, because it definitely helps clear my head.
4. Having a decent writing week, though I didn't manage to get as much done as I wanted.
5. Staying mostly on top of things. I did say mostly.
6. One more week until Supernatural!
And it's a short list this week.
Enjoy the weekend!
Behave!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Answer!
The truth about the picture!
1. We took a hike at camp and found it, set up just like that, in the middle of the dried up creek runoff. Nope. But it wouldn't surprise me!
2. A before picture - meaning before the K's decided to use my ironing board for dirt sledding. There wasn't anything left after they were done...well, except my anger. Nah. And I hope none of them read this. They don't need the ideas.
3. A text photo sent to me by my niece who is vacationing in New York. B's response was: Tell her I'm bringing her my ironing. Yeah. Sorry it was the tamest one out of all of them. I've yet to find out the story behind it. Who knows...it could be interesting.
4. While biking through our local park, we found this set up at the end of the path. To the left, there's a basket of clothing, but no iron and no electric...so...I don't know. That would crack me up.
So there you have it.
Behave!
1. We took a hike at camp and found it, set up just like that, in the middle of the dried up creek runoff. Nope. But it wouldn't surprise me!
2. A before picture - meaning before the K's decided to use my ironing board for dirt sledding. There wasn't anything left after they were done...well, except my anger. Nah. And I hope none of them read this. They don't need the ideas.
3. A text photo sent to me by my niece who is vacationing in New York. B's response was: Tell her I'm bringing her my ironing. Yeah. Sorry it was the tamest one out of all of them. I've yet to find out the story behind it. Who knows...it could be interesting.
4. While biking through our local park, we found this set up at the end of the path. To the left, there's a basket of clothing, but no iron and no electric...so...I don't know. That would crack me up.
So there you have it.
Behave!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Tall Tale Tuesday
Tell me what is true about this picture...
(There is only one true answer.)
1. We took a hike at camp and found it, set up just like that, in the middle of the dried up creek runoff.
2. A before picture - meaning before the K's decided to use my ironing board for dirt sledding. There wasn't anything left after they were done...well, except my anger.
3. A text photo sent to me by my niece who is vacationing in New York. B's response was: Tell her I'm bringing her my ironing.
4. While biking through our local park, we found this set up at the end of the path. To the left, there's a basket of clothing, but no iron and no electric...so...I don't know.
So, which one is the truth?
Behave!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
A New Game!
I've blogged about Orchid Games before. I even keep a link to them on my sidebar. I don't know if you remember or not, my my short story Fate is included in Orchid's Heartwild Classic.
Go here or here for a demo of Royal Trouble from the fine people at Orchid Games. If you like it, do yourself a favor and buy the full version. You won't be sorry.
I had the opportunity to beta test this. It's a hidden object game - not too hard, not too easy. The graphics are fantastic. I loved everything about it. And, my good friend Misty Simon wrote the dialogue.
Check it out!
Behave!
*This is an unpaid endorsement given out of my love for the folks at Orchid and, of course, my very good friend who worked her tail off on this game. Though I played the game for free, my status as a beta tester did not obligate me to post on, or review, this game. It's just so cool I want everyone to love it like I did!
Go here or here for a demo of Royal Trouble from the fine people at Orchid Games. If you like it, do yourself a favor and buy the full version. You won't be sorry.
I had the opportunity to beta test this. It's a hidden object game - not too hard, not too easy. The graphics are fantastic. I loved everything about it. And, my good friend Misty Simon wrote the dialogue.
Check it out!
Behave!
*This is an unpaid endorsement given out of my love for the folks at Orchid and, of course, my very good friend who worked her tail off on this game. Though I played the game for free, my status as a beta tester did not obligate me to post on, or review, this game. It's just so cool I want everyone to love it like I did!
Television
There's not much I have to watch, besides Supernatural and Ghosthunters. But I find myself watching the strangest shows...
Here's a recap from the past week (besides Supernatural reruns and Ghosthunters)(and they're not all strange):
1. Hoarders: Buried Alive - The psychology involved intrigues me. Really intrigues me.
2. Animal Hoarders - Same thing. I watched this for the first time and was shocked when animal control pulled over 75 dead cats out of a woman's house.
3. Wife Swap - K2 used to watch this on her lunch breaks and it always made me irritated. I guess I left it on because I miss her. And it still irritated me.
4. Haunted History - that's just cool stuff.
5. American Pickers - Antique picking in places similar to number one. I'm sensing a theme here.
6. Good Eats - Who doesn't love Alton Brown explaining the science behind food?
7. Pawn Stars - This show irritates the crap out of me. I can't watch it for long. While I think the guys (most of them) know their stuff, I have problems comprehending the whole thing.
8. Swamp People - Wow. Just wow. It's like watching a train wreck. I've never watched an entire episode, but I'm stunned.
I think that's about it.
What are you watching? What are you watching that makes you cringe when you admit it?
Behave!
Here's a recap from the past week (besides Supernatural reruns and Ghosthunters)(and they're not all strange):
1. Hoarders: Buried Alive - The psychology involved intrigues me. Really intrigues me.
2. Animal Hoarders - Same thing. I watched this for the first time and was shocked when animal control pulled over 75 dead cats out of a woman's house.
3. Wife Swap - K2 used to watch this on her lunch breaks and it always made me irritated. I guess I left it on because I miss her. And it still irritated me.
4. Haunted History - that's just cool stuff.
5. American Pickers - Antique picking in places similar to number one. I'm sensing a theme here.
6. Good Eats - Who doesn't love Alton Brown explaining the science behind food?
7. Pawn Stars - This show irritates the crap out of me. I can't watch it for long. While I think the guys (most of them) know their stuff, I have problems comprehending the whole thing.
8. Swamp People - Wow. Just wow. It's like watching a train wreck. I've never watched an entire episode, but I'm stunned.
I think that's about it.
What are you watching? What are you watching that makes you cringe when you admit it?
Behave!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Feel Good Friday
Here we go with Friday! Though...I have to admit, I'm not too good at remembering which day it is anymore...
The list:
1. The weather! It's beautiful!
2. Two weeks until Supernatural returns!
3. An easier before school morning.
4. Finding out Jason Manns is returning to my coast soon!
5. Making progress on the wip.
Short list this week as I've been somewhat secluded due to vehicle issues.
Behave!
The list:
1. The weather! It's beautiful!
2. Two weeks until Supernatural returns!
3. An easier before school morning.
4. Finding out Jason Manns is returning to my coast soon!
5. Making progress on the wip.
Short list this week as I've been somewhat secluded due to vehicle issues.
Behave!
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Dear...
Dear September,
Ummm....you're seriously not holding up your end of the bargain. We're only nine days into the month, so I will give you another chance, but you've got to get your act together.
Dear Mother Nature,
Thank you.
Dear Flies,
Your time is over. Go away now.
Dear College Financials,
I am done with you. I mean, it seems I am never done with you, but seriously? I am tired of this never ending process.
Dear Supernatural People,
Two more weeks!! Hurry, please!
Dear Retrograde Mercury,
You can stop now. I am tired of getting the same email 65-million times when I know the person didn't send it that many times. I am tired of Internet glitches and haunted appliances.
Dear Truck,
I love you. Please don't die. I know you're old and tired, but I need you. Please start when I turn the key and stop making that noise.
Okay. That's enough for now.
Behave!
Ummm....you're seriously not holding up your end of the bargain. We're only nine days into the month, so I will give you another chance, but you've got to get your act together.
Dear Mother Nature,
Thank you.
Dear Flies,
Your time is over. Go away now.
Dear College Financials,
I am done with you. I mean, it seems I am never done with you, but seriously? I am tired of this never ending process.
Dear Supernatural People,
Two more weeks!! Hurry, please!
Dear Retrograde Mercury,
You can stop now. I am tired of getting the same email 65-million times when I know the person didn't send it that many times. I am tired of Internet glitches and haunted appliances.
Dear Truck,
I love you. Please don't die. I know you're old and tired, but I need you. Please start when I turn the key and stop making that noise.
Okay. That's enough for now.
Behave!
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Summer Survival: Year Two: Entry Eight
This will be my last post of the season.
We are back into the routine of the educational camps, albeit grudgingly. The youngest native has decided she no longer wishes to attend. It is difficult to convince her to get out of her sleeping bag in the mornings and she is prone to seeking medical attention while at the educational camp. This week is traditionally difficult thanks to the holiday break and I am hoping this passes as it has in the past.
Now instead of staying up late and sleeping in, I must pay attention to the time keeping devices and make sure they do not stay at the camp fire too long. This also means I must make sure I am awake at an awful hour to provide them the proper sustenance and have on at least semi-matching apparel.
And that is okay because after I see them off, I have hours to do what I need to do. Write! Only my brain is somewhat broken at the moment. Progress has been slow, but improves with each day. Though it is nearly impossible to continue when they arrive home. Their chatter is nonstop and not only do they not care what I am doing, they do not care who else might be talking. This is a habit I thought was broken when they were very small. I do enjoy talking with them, a lot, but there has been some reversion of expectations at the moment and apparently a re-training event is necessary.
While I love the cooler temperatures, I do not look forward to the coming months, except for the dismissal of this horrid year. But that is a different topic.
Behave!
We are back into the routine of the educational camps, albeit grudgingly. The youngest native has decided she no longer wishes to attend. It is difficult to convince her to get out of her sleeping bag in the mornings and she is prone to seeking medical attention while at the educational camp. This week is traditionally difficult thanks to the holiday break and I am hoping this passes as it has in the past.
Now instead of staying up late and sleeping in, I must pay attention to the time keeping devices and make sure they do not stay at the camp fire too long. This also means I must make sure I am awake at an awful hour to provide them the proper sustenance and have on at least semi-matching apparel.
And that is okay because after I see them off, I have hours to do what I need to do. Write! Only my brain is somewhat broken at the moment. Progress has been slow, but improves with each day. Though it is nearly impossible to continue when they arrive home. Their chatter is nonstop and not only do they not care what I am doing, they do not care who else might be talking. This is a habit I thought was broken when they were very small. I do enjoy talking with them, a lot, but there has been some reversion of expectations at the moment and apparently a re-training event is necessary.
While I love the cooler temperatures, I do not look forward to the coming months, except for the dismissal of this horrid year. But that is a different topic.
Behave!
Answers!
1. In my haste to get to camp, I forgot our sheets. Luckily, I found a spare in the camper, but it had spider egg sacs on it. True. I picked them off and it was fine.
2. After picking the spider egg sacs from the sheet, I finally got our bed made. I no sooner finished when the dog came barreling in and jumped on our bed after having been in the creek. False. She can't get on our bed because she's becoming crippled.
3. I also forgot my toothbrush. True. Gross! But I figured it out.
4. The creek was so low you could walk across it without getting wet. False, though it was really low.
5. There was a huge pile of bear poop behind K3's tent. True. It was old and moldy, but most definitely bear poop.
6. I forgot to put the camper legs down after I leveled the camper. We nearly tipped the camper when we crawled into bed Saturday night. Nope.
7. Boys who smuggle video games to camp will be caught. True. We have a "no video games at camp" rule, and that rule was ignored. Not again.
8. Apparently vehicle issues don't go away just because you're supposed to be relaxing. Also true. We had to jump start my truck Sunday morning. Argh!
9. We heard a noise outside Saturday night and opened the door to see what was outside - owls, a least 10 of them, were perched in various places. In the tree, on my sister's camper, the ground, my Suburban. Scary weird. Nope, but that would have been cool. We could hear the owls, but we didn't see them.
10. My brother-in-law lost his cell phone and nearly himself by trying to track some weird sounding animal in the woods after midnight on Sunday night. True. We're still not sure what it was (a bird of some sort) and he found his phone. Finally.
And there you have it. I'm not sure if Tall Tale Tuesday will be back next week yet. You'll know when I do.
Behave!
2. After picking the spider egg sacs from the sheet, I finally got our bed made. I no sooner finished when the dog came barreling in and jumped on our bed after having been in the creek. False. She can't get on our bed because she's becoming crippled.
3. I also forgot my toothbrush. True. Gross! But I figured it out.
4. The creek was so low you could walk across it without getting wet. False, though it was really low.
5. There was a huge pile of bear poop behind K3's tent. True. It was old and moldy, but most definitely bear poop.
6. I forgot to put the camper legs down after I leveled the camper. We nearly tipped the camper when we crawled into bed Saturday night. Nope.
7. Boys who smuggle video games to camp will be caught. True. We have a "no video games at camp" rule, and that rule was ignored. Not again.
8. Apparently vehicle issues don't go away just because you're supposed to be relaxing. Also true. We had to jump start my truck Sunday morning. Argh!
9. We heard a noise outside Saturday night and opened the door to see what was outside - owls, a least 10 of them, were perched in various places. In the tree, on my sister's camper, the ground, my Suburban. Scary weird. Nope, but that would have been cool. We could hear the owls, but we didn't see them.
10. My brother-in-law lost his cell phone and nearly himself by trying to track some weird sounding animal in the woods after midnight on Sunday night. True. We're still not sure what it was (a bird of some sort) and he found his phone. Finally.
And there you have it. I'm not sure if Tall Tale Tuesday will be back next week yet. You'll know when I do.
Behave!
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Tall Tale Tuesday
I'm not sure this is a permanent return. We'll see...
Which of the following actually happened this weekend?
(hint: there are multiple true answers)
1. In my haste to get to camp, I forgot our sheets. Luckily, I found a spare in the camper, but it had spider egg sacs on it.
2. After picking the spider egg sacs from the sheet, I finally got our bed made. I no sooner finished when the dog came barreling in and jumped on our bed after having been in the creek.
3. I also forgot my toothbrush.
4. The creek was so low you could walk across it without getting wet.
5. There was a huge pile of bear poop behind K3's tent.
6. I forgot to put the camper legs down after I leveled the camper. We nearly tipped the camper when we crawled into bed Saturday night.
7. Boys who smuggle video games to camp will be caught.
8. Apparently vehicle issues don't go away just because you're supposed to be relaxing.
9. We heard a noise outside Saturday night and opened the door to see what was outside - owls, a least 10 of them, were perched in various places. In the tree, on my sister's camper, the ground, my Suburban. Scary weird.
10. My brother-in-law lost his cell phone and nearly himself by trying to track some weird sounding animal in the woods after midnight on Sunday night.
So which are true?
Behave!
Which of the following actually happened this weekend?
(hint: there are multiple true answers)
1. In my haste to get to camp, I forgot our sheets. Luckily, I found a spare in the camper, but it had spider egg sacs on it.
2. After picking the spider egg sacs from the sheet, I finally got our bed made. I no sooner finished when the dog came barreling in and jumped on our bed after having been in the creek.
3. I also forgot my toothbrush.
4. The creek was so low you could walk across it without getting wet.
5. There was a huge pile of bear poop behind K3's tent.
6. I forgot to put the camper legs down after I leveled the camper. We nearly tipped the camper when we crawled into bed Saturday night.
7. Boys who smuggle video games to camp will be caught.
8. Apparently vehicle issues don't go away just because you're supposed to be relaxing.
9. We heard a noise outside Saturday night and opened the door to see what was outside - owls, a least 10 of them, were perched in various places. In the tree, on my sister's camper, the ground, my Suburban. Scary weird.
10. My brother-in-law lost his cell phone and nearly himself by trying to track some weird sounding animal in the woods after midnight on Sunday night.
So which are true?
Behave!
Monday, September 06, 2010
Weekend Wrap Up
Happy Labor Day!
And labor I have! Ha!
We were camping in The Wilds this weekend. We weren't gone long enough and there wasn't sufficient relaxation on what will most likely be our last camping trip this year. (sad face)
But here we go:
1. Quick efficiency with set up and tear down of the camper. And I did the set up by myself, which included hooking up and hauling the camper, and positioning it. And hauling the camper to it's storage shed today.
2. Cool temperatures. Man, it was nice. Really, really cold last night, but fantastic for sleeping.
3. Camp fires.
4. Picnics with tons of food.
5. K2 being home and spending time with her sister.
6. Laughing with my sister and brother-in-law.
7. Not too many bugs.
8. Candles that smell like fall.
9. Sleeping in.
10. Being home.
And that's all for now. Back to the grind tomorrow. But first I need a shower!
Behave!
And labor I have! Ha!
We were camping in The Wilds this weekend. We weren't gone long enough and there wasn't sufficient relaxation on what will most likely be our last camping trip this year. (sad face)
But here we go:
1. Quick efficiency with set up and tear down of the camper. And I did the set up by myself, which included hooking up and hauling the camper, and positioning it. And hauling the camper to it's storage shed today.
2. Cool temperatures. Man, it was nice. Really, really cold last night, but fantastic for sleeping.
3. Camp fires.
4. Picnics with tons of food.
5. K2 being home and spending time with her sister.
6. Laughing with my sister and brother-in-law.
7. Not too many bugs.
8. Candles that smell like fall.
9. Sleeping in.
10. Being home.
And that's all for now. Back to the grind tomorrow. But first I need a shower!
Behave!
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Friday, September 03, 2010
Feel Good Friday
The last day of work edition...
1. People petitioning for my job. Still.
2. Lunch at Olive Garden with scallops, shrimp, and then pumpkin cheesecake.
3. Going away gifts. (The Captain! How cool is that? As cool as the person who gave it to me!)
4. K2 coming home this weekend.
5. Weekend plans!
6. Spoiling my grandbaby!
7. Actually getting a chance to talk to my husband. Amazing!
8. The forecast of cooler temps.
9. The Outer Banks being spared by Earl.
10. Feeling okay, despite feeling a little lost.
11. Meeting tomorrow. (and I have to run it, and it will be okay, regardless of how nervous I am!)
Behave!
1. People petitioning for my job. Still.
2. Lunch at Olive Garden with scallops, shrimp, and then pumpkin cheesecake.
3. Going away gifts. (The Captain! How cool is that? As cool as the person who gave it to me!)
4. K2 coming home this weekend.
5. Weekend plans!
6. Spoiling my grandbaby!
7. Actually getting a chance to talk to my husband. Amazing!
8. The forecast of cooler temps.
9. The Outer Banks being spared by Earl.
10. Feeling okay, despite feeling a little lost.
11. Meeting tomorrow. (and I have to run it, and it will be okay, regardless of how nervous I am!)
Behave!
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Dear...
Dear Supernatural People,
I miss you. 22 days is a really long time!
Dear Headphones,
Without you I would have gotten nothing done today. Okay, so with you I didn't get much done. It's not my fault the grandbaby's here, or that you're broken, or that it's so hot out.
Dear Neighbor,
Having your friends honk their horn is not an acceptable way for them to let you know they've arrived. Tell them to stop it. Also, stop yelling at your kids when you're in front of my house.
Dear Mother Nature,
Can you turn down the thermostat a little? It's too hot to breathe.
Dear Towels,
Please come back so I can wash you.
Dear Weekend,
Hurry up, please. I need you.
Dear Hurricane Earl,
Please avoid the Outer Banks. I'd really like to go back again soon!
Dear Work in Progress,
Stop being so stubborn. I need to finish you.
That is all.
Behave!
I miss you. 22 days is a really long time!
Dear Headphones,
Without you I would have gotten nothing done today. Okay, so with you I didn't get much done. It's not my fault the grandbaby's here, or that you're broken, or that it's so hot out.
Dear Neighbor,
Having your friends honk their horn is not an acceptable way for them to let you know they've arrived. Tell them to stop it. Also, stop yelling at your kids when you're in front of my house.
Dear Mother Nature,
Can you turn down the thermostat a little? It's too hot to breathe.
Dear Towels,
Please come back so I can wash you.
Dear Weekend,
Hurry up, please. I need you.
Dear Hurricane Earl,
Please avoid the Outer Banks. I'd really like to go back again soon!
Dear Work in Progress,
Stop being so stubborn. I need to finish you.
That is all.
Behave!
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
A New Month
Well, it's September...
Listen up, September.
Here's what I expect from you:
1. Cooler temps. It's too hot.
2. Productive writing days.
3. My truck to be fixed.
4. Some fun.
5. No bad news. No hospital trips. No sickness.
6. A good routine.
7. No Christmas decorations yet.
8. Fun stuff. (I know I said that already.)
9. Balance.
10. More good days than bad.
Huh. That's kind of a cryptic list. September knows what I mean though.
Behave!
Listen up, September.
Here's what I expect from you:
1. Cooler temps. It's too hot.
2. Productive writing days.
3. My truck to be fixed.
4. Some fun.
5. No bad news. No hospital trips. No sickness.
6. A good routine.
7. No Christmas decorations yet.
8. Fun stuff. (I know I said that already.)
9. Balance.
10. More good days than bad.
Huh. That's kind of a cryptic list. September knows what I mean though.
Behave!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Snippet Tuesday
So I've been working hard these past two days. Being alone is productive, but I still have a way to go. Since my brain is focused on whipping this book into shape, I've got nothing even semi-coherent to blog about. (Except! Holy crap! It's the last day of August!) Let's do snippets...
(This is the contemporary Frankenstein book set near the Appalachian Trail.) (And remember, I'm still editing...)
"Porter came out of the bathroom as she stuck her head into his room. He wore only a towel, slung low around his hips. Her mouth went dry and her knees wobbled a little. He stopped, looking uncertain until she stepped into the room. Maybe it was a mistake, but their time was so limited and he’d become nothing more than a memory once this was over. He grinned and dropped the towel."
And one more from the hero's point of view.
"He’d thought being away from Sage would help clear his head and help him put whatever was between them into some kind of perspective, but his gut twisted into an anxious knot. He wanted to get back to her, needed to get back to her. He’d gone against his own rule and at this moment, he couldn't care less. If Sage died, it would be because whatever hunted her was unstoppable, not because he hadn’t done his job. He took a deep breath and tried to push away the feeling of dread and concentrate on what the bartender was saying."
So there you have it.
Behave!
(This is the contemporary Frankenstein book set near the Appalachian Trail.) (And remember, I'm still editing...)
"Porter came out of the bathroom as she stuck her head into his room. He wore only a towel, slung low around his hips. Her mouth went dry and her knees wobbled a little. He stopped, looking uncertain until she stepped into the room. Maybe it was a mistake, but their time was so limited and he’d become nothing more than a memory once this was over. He grinned and dropped the towel."
And one more from the hero's point of view.
"He’d thought being away from Sage would help clear his head and help him put whatever was between them into some kind of perspective, but his gut twisted into an anxious knot. He wanted to get back to her, needed to get back to her. He’d gone against his own rule and at this moment, he couldn't care less. If Sage died, it would be because whatever hunted her was unstoppable, not because he hadn’t done his job. He took a deep breath and tried to push away the feeling of dread and concentrate on what the bartender was saying."
So there you have it.
Behave!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Summer Survival: Year Two: Entry Seven
The educational camps have started.
I was blessedly and remarkably alone all day. For a short while, I did not know what to do with myself. I even put my headphones in - the headphones that restored my sanity during the hot days. Then, I realized I did not need them. The only noise was that of the large four-legged beast whining her disapproval that her children were not here. On second thought, maybe it was good I had them in.
It felt strange being the only inhabitant of our camp. Strange, and yet gleeful. I cannot say how long it has been since the natives have all been away at the same time. Weeks, maybe. Months, perhaps. Though, I can say with great pride that I didn't let the wonderment of the situation stall my efforts. I achieved more today than I have in the last week.
They go back tomorrow, so we shall see if this newfound sense of achievement and progress last. Before I can find out, I must travel to far off camps to replenish the rations. As usual. It is a trap I have yet to learn how to avoid. But first I must decide how to appease the natives without procuring the same old stew.
I am doomed.
And yet, I am not.
Behave!
I was blessedly and remarkably alone all day. For a short while, I did not know what to do with myself. I even put my headphones in - the headphones that restored my sanity during the hot days. Then, I realized I did not need them. The only noise was that of the large four-legged beast whining her disapproval that her children were not here. On second thought, maybe it was good I had them in.
It felt strange being the only inhabitant of our camp. Strange, and yet gleeful. I cannot say how long it has been since the natives have all been away at the same time. Weeks, maybe. Months, perhaps. Though, I can say with great pride that I didn't let the wonderment of the situation stall my efforts. I achieved more today than I have in the last week.
They go back tomorrow, so we shall see if this newfound sense of achievement and progress last. Before I can find out, I must travel to far off camps to replenish the rations. As usual. It is a trap I have yet to learn how to avoid. But first I must decide how to appease the natives without procuring the same old stew.
I am doomed.
And yet, I am not.
Behave!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
And That's It...
The end of summer vacation.
I'm not afraid to tell this supposed "vacation" good riddance! And while I'm partially sad to see school start again, I'm not. And I'm not sorry this summer is over. This was quite possibly the worst summer vacation in the books. And, a warning 2010...you're really not holding up your end of the bargain. Remember our truce? Well, you pretty much suck so far. And you're almost over, so let's get busy with enough good stuff to change my opinion of you. Okay?
School starts tomorrow.
Book bags and lunches are packed. Clothes are laid out. Excitement is high. K3 for his last year in middle school, and K4 for her last year of elementary school. Wow. I'm getting old. K2 has settled into college and other than a few financial aid snafu's (expected, but annoying), she's doing great. And we miss her. A lot.
And that is all for now.
Behave!
I'm not afraid to tell this supposed "vacation" good riddance! And while I'm partially sad to see school start again, I'm not. And I'm not sorry this summer is over. This was quite possibly the worst summer vacation in the books. And, a warning 2010...you're really not holding up your end of the bargain. Remember our truce? Well, you pretty much suck so far. And you're almost over, so let's get busy with enough good stuff to change my opinion of you. Okay?
School starts tomorrow.
Book bags and lunches are packed. Clothes are laid out. Excitement is high. K3 for his last year in middle school, and K4 for her last year of elementary school. Wow. I'm getting old. K2 has settled into college and other than a few financial aid snafu's (expected, but annoying), she's doing great. And we miss her. A lot.
And that is all for now.
Behave!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Feel Good Friday - The Saturday Edition
A day late, but here goes:
1. K2 settling into college.
2. The beautiful weather.
3. Getting stuff done, even if it means staying up really late to do it.
4. Fresh tomatoes.
5. Chicken Pot pie for dinner.
6. Getting the school shopping done.
7. One car fixed, one to go.
That's all for today!
Behave!
1. K2 settling into college.
2. The beautiful weather.
3. Getting stuff done, even if it means staying up really late to do it.
4. Fresh tomatoes.
5. Chicken Pot pie for dinner.
6. Getting the school shopping done.
7. One car fixed, one to go.
That's all for today!
Behave!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Clip Man...
As requested...
Here is beer can clip man.
And a close up of his homemade beer cans....
Behave!
Here is beer can clip man.
And a close up of his homemade beer cans....
Behave!
Caution Tape...
As the days of my employment wind down, so has my ability to remain serious. Last week I fashioned a paper clip man sitting in a recliner complete with beer cans strewn around him. Yesterday, I caution taped the entire area - the chair, the computer, the keyboard, the switchboard. And I put traffic cones at the end of the desk, telling anyone who asked that it was dangerous behind my desk. I'm sure they all think I've gone crazy, and I'm not sure I haven't.
****
School starts on Monday. I'm not sure any of us are ready. I know I'm not ready for the outlay of cash in shoes and supplies, especially considering the vehicle disasters going on here right now. I'm not ready for the routine yet either. We're getting in one more sleepover rotation this week, though it seriously cuts into the bedtime routine we've been working to re-establish.
****
Speaking of vehicle disasters...
My truck has some problem - several actually - but something is draining the battery. B spent all evening last night trying to pinpoint the drain to no avail. Hopefully he has better luck today. In the meantime, I've been driving his mom's car since she's still in rehab. On my way home yesterday it started making this horrible racket and the alternator light came on. Well...yeah, you guessed it. Her alternator is broken. Not just dead, broken. I think it's me. Whatever car I touch breaks. Which is bad considering I'm driving B's car today.
****
And that is all for now.
Behave!
****
School starts on Monday. I'm not sure any of us are ready. I know I'm not ready for the outlay of cash in shoes and supplies, especially considering the vehicle disasters going on here right now. I'm not ready for the routine yet either. We're getting in one more sleepover rotation this week, though it seriously cuts into the bedtime routine we've been working to re-establish.
****
Speaking of vehicle disasters...
My truck has some problem - several actually - but something is draining the battery. B spent all evening last night trying to pinpoint the drain to no avail. Hopefully he has better luck today. In the meantime, I've been driving his mom's car since she's still in rehab. On my way home yesterday it started making this horrible racket and the alternator light came on. Well...yeah, you guessed it. Her alternator is broken. Not just dead, broken. I think it's me. Whatever car I touch breaks. Which is bad considering I'm driving B's car today.
****
And that is all for now.
Behave!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
What Day Is It?
I have no idea anymore. I think it might be Tuesday, but it feels like Wednesday. Though it feels like Monday, too. See what I mean?
It's raining here and finally much cooler. I love it. I'm looking forward to fall, though I do have to say this year is going way, way too fast. Almost September already? For real?
Last night I dreamed K2, K3, and K4 were hanging out with a bunch of homeless guys. K2 was sure they were honest guys and wouldn't bother her if she decided to sleep on the street with them. I was mortified and knew they were really zombies with a different agenda and made her come with me, and grab her stuff, because she was going to leave it there. And I had to make K3 and K4 come with me, too, because they'd completely fallen for the lies they were being fed. We got into my big, black SUV, (which just happened to be full of newly purchased groceries) and were swarmed. Like zombie swarmed. All I remember is food being thrown out of the sunroof and me thinking I was going to have to make the decision to just hit the gas and run over them all and I couldn't decide if it was okay because they were really zombies or bad because what if they weren't?
...then I woke up and was disturbed for a long time.
I think it's kind of obvious where the dream came from, but that didn't make it any less troubling.
And that's all I have today.
Behave!
It's raining here and finally much cooler. I love it. I'm looking forward to fall, though I do have to say this year is going way, way too fast. Almost September already? For real?
Last night I dreamed K2, K3, and K4 were hanging out with a bunch of homeless guys. K2 was sure they were honest guys and wouldn't bother her if she decided to sleep on the street with them. I was mortified and knew they were really zombies with a different agenda and made her come with me, and grab her stuff, because she was going to leave it there. And I had to make K3 and K4 come with me, too, because they'd completely fallen for the lies they were being fed. We got into my big, black SUV, (which just happened to be full of newly purchased groceries) and were swarmed. Like zombie swarmed. All I remember is food being thrown out of the sunroof and me thinking I was going to have to make the decision to just hit the gas and run over them all and I couldn't decide if it was okay because they were really zombies or bad because what if they weren't?
...then I woke up and was disturbed for a long time.
I think it's kind of obvious where the dream came from, but that didn't make it any less troubling.
And that's all I have today.
Behave!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Off To College...
Here is what I learned yesterday:
1. The same kids who can't be bothered to take their dirty dishes to the sink at home, will jump up from the lounge couches and rush to unload your car. With a smile and what seems like boundless energy.
2. Pack a cooler. That quick run you thought you'd make upon arrival is not going to happen.
3. Wear comfortable shoes. There is a lot of line waiting for first timers. And there's a lot of walking, too.
4. Make copies of everything and take them with you. Two copies - leave one at home for your files and take one along just in case they haven't received the one you mailed and insist you fill out the information again. And irritate you because they insist you fill it out completely when you don't have the facts with you and don't seem to hear you when you say you mailed it.
5. Re-read the school's immunization policy and get the shots done a few months before. Because no matter how prepared you think you are, you might miss one and then have to wait in another line, and then finally reach the end and find out you were supposed to pay first and now you have to go back to the desk, pay, and get in line again. Mail the health form to the school at least a month before so you can skip that line, but take your copy along just in case.
6. Be prepared for your college kid to become cranky and irritable at some point. Whether it's because she didn't think she had a roomie and upon re-arrival in her room discovers that, in fact, she does have a roommate and that the roommate has four times as much stuff, and has claimed the closet and the desk you wanted. Do not take this crankiness personally.
7. She does not want your help to set up her room. The only thing she needs from you is your skills at hanging cork boards and white boards and pictures.
8. Don't cry when she texts you to tell you she's kind of lonely.
It was a long day. A long, tiring day. The dorm does have air conditioning, which is good. Her room is the smallest one in the building, which was fine when she was alone, but now that she has the uber-stuff roomie, they might be moving to a bigger room today or tomorrow - a bigger, cheaper room. And she likes her roommate. The "kind of lonely" text turned into hanging out with her RA's until midnight and laughing so much she barely has a voice.
This is definitely a learning experience for all of us.
...and that is all for now...
Behave!
1. The same kids who can't be bothered to take their dirty dishes to the sink at home, will jump up from the lounge couches and rush to unload your car. With a smile and what seems like boundless energy.
2. Pack a cooler. That quick run you thought you'd make upon arrival is not going to happen.
3. Wear comfortable shoes. There is a lot of line waiting for first timers. And there's a lot of walking, too.
4. Make copies of everything and take them with you. Two copies - leave one at home for your files and take one along just in case they haven't received the one you mailed and insist you fill out the information again. And irritate you because they insist you fill it out completely when you don't have the facts with you and don't seem to hear you when you say you mailed it.
5. Re-read the school's immunization policy and get the shots done a few months before. Because no matter how prepared you think you are, you might miss one and then have to wait in another line, and then finally reach the end and find out you were supposed to pay first and now you have to go back to the desk, pay, and get in line again. Mail the health form to the school at least a month before so you can skip that line, but take your copy along just in case.
6. Be prepared for your college kid to become cranky and irritable at some point. Whether it's because she didn't think she had a roomie and upon re-arrival in her room discovers that, in fact, she does have a roommate and that the roommate has four times as much stuff, and has claimed the closet and the desk you wanted. Do not take this crankiness personally.
7. She does not want your help to set up her room. The only thing she needs from you is your skills at hanging cork boards and white boards and pictures.
8. Don't cry when she texts you to tell you she's kind of lonely.
It was a long day. A long, tiring day. The dorm does have air conditioning, which is good. Her room is the smallest one in the building, which was fine when she was alone, but now that she has the uber-stuff roomie, they might be moving to a bigger room today or tomorrow - a bigger, cheaper room. And she likes her roommate. The "kind of lonely" text turned into hanging out with her RA's until midnight and laughing so much she barely has a voice.
This is definitely a learning experience for all of us.
...and that is all for now...
Behave!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Feel Good Friday
Everyone I know says this was a really long week. It was. I don't know why.
Here's the list:
1. Hanging out with family that came to say good luck to K2.
2. Holding my granddaughter, even though she had on her cranky pants.
3. Good books to read.
4. Friends going above and beyond in an effort to help my kid.
5. My mother-in-law's improvement.
6. Air conditioning.
7. The truck being loaded and ready to go for our early departure.
8. Not running out of gas.
9. The people doing their best to convince upper management that letting me go is a bad idea.
...and lastly...
10. Helping K2 get ready for her new adventure. And tomorrow we'll see her off. And we'll cry a little and laugh a lot.
Behave!
Here's the list:
1. Hanging out with family that came to say good luck to K2.
2. Holding my granddaughter, even though she had on her cranky pants.
3. Good books to read.
4. Friends going above and beyond in an effort to help my kid.
5. My mother-in-law's improvement.
6. Air conditioning.
7. The truck being loaded and ready to go for our early departure.
8. Not running out of gas.
9. The people doing their best to convince upper management that letting me go is a bad idea.
...and lastly...
10. Helping K2 get ready for her new adventure. And tomorrow we'll see her off. And we'll cry a little and laugh a lot.
Behave!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Summer Survival: Year Two: Entry Six
We are under siege!
This morning I surveyed our cooking area with utter shock. Mess does not even begin to describe the filth and disgust I discovered. I, again, cannot help but wonder what goes on while I am otherwise occupied. How does an entire storage container of drinking devices become empty in just a few short hours? For that matter, how does the cold storage become empty so quickly? I just filled it!
I stood there with the cold storage door open, looking for the spice for my morning caffeinated beverage, and nearly fell over. There is nothing left except a few jars of pickled things and condiments besides the ground pork gravy that ended up being a huge culinary mistake. And the lid was even off of that! Like someone had decided to give the poor gravy another shot and, once again, found it to be lacking as they emptied the rest of the contents of the storage box. There are a few spills, brown puddles of stickiness and a dried up carrot near the back, oh, and a bag of shredded cheese with only a few tiny pieces of cheddar left. I am perplexed.
As I was considering how this happened, I took the time to sanitize the eating utensils and dishes. Which is, technically, not my job, but I took pity on the native who was assigned this task because it was monumental after last night's burnt offering. And yes, they should have been done before the sun went down, but there were other things that took precedence, and well, whatever. Anyway. My back was turned since I was near the water and when I turned around again, there were more dishes on the counter. And empty boxes of morning sustenance. And the bovine juice that had somehow gotten out of the cold storage without my knowledge. And I scratch my head. I call for the natives to remove the debris, watch them as they do, and then go back to work. And...believe it or not, when I turned around again, there was more.
How does this happen? I believe we are under attack by a wild band of starving natives. That is the only answer. There is no way the natives that inhabit this camp with me could possibly consume that much.
Is there?
I must watch this. It is, perhaps, time to bring out the monitoring devices once again.
Behave!
This morning I surveyed our cooking area with utter shock. Mess does not even begin to describe the filth and disgust I discovered. I, again, cannot help but wonder what goes on while I am otherwise occupied. How does an entire storage container of drinking devices become empty in just a few short hours? For that matter, how does the cold storage become empty so quickly? I just filled it!
I stood there with the cold storage door open, looking for the spice for my morning caffeinated beverage, and nearly fell over. There is nothing left except a few jars of pickled things and condiments besides the ground pork gravy that ended up being a huge culinary mistake. And the lid was even off of that! Like someone had decided to give the poor gravy another shot and, once again, found it to be lacking as they emptied the rest of the contents of the storage box. There are a few spills, brown puddles of stickiness and a dried up carrot near the back, oh, and a bag of shredded cheese with only a few tiny pieces of cheddar left. I am perplexed.
As I was considering how this happened, I took the time to sanitize the eating utensils and dishes. Which is, technically, not my job, but I took pity on the native who was assigned this task because it was monumental after last night's burnt offering. And yes, they should have been done before the sun went down, but there were other things that took precedence, and well, whatever. Anyway. My back was turned since I was near the water and when I turned around again, there were more dishes on the counter. And empty boxes of morning sustenance. And the bovine juice that had somehow gotten out of the cold storage without my knowledge. And I scratch my head. I call for the natives to remove the debris, watch them as they do, and then go back to work. And...believe it or not, when I turned around again, there was more.
How does this happen? I believe we are under attack by a wild band of starving natives. That is the only answer. There is no way the natives that inhabit this camp with me could possibly consume that much.
Is there?
I must watch this. It is, perhaps, time to bring out the monitoring devices once again.
Behave!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Random Wednesday Nonsense
Today was trash day around here and sometimes our trash guys leave a mess behind. Today was no exception. I noticed an object in the road as I pulled in. It looked like some kind of fruit. And yes, I aimed for it. Call it taking out my frustration over my truck not starting again today, or whatever. It kind of squished, but not much since I don't think I hit it square. Anyway. When we left a little while later, here's is what I dealt with:
K3: There's some kind of fruit in the road.
Me: I know. I ran over it earlier. What is it?
K3: I couldn't tell. What do you think it is?
Me: I have no idea.
K3: Is it an orange?
Me: No. It would have squished flat when your dad ran over it just now. I don't know what it is.
K3: Is it a grapefruit?
Me: No. It would have squished flat. I don't know what it is.
(This Q & A lasted for at least another minute with various fruits and even vegetables. And the same answer from me)
K3: Could it have been an orange?
Me: Yes. It was an orange.
K3: Or a grapefruit.
Me: Yes.
K3: You're just saying that. You don't even know what it was. Are you going to say yes for everything now?
Me: Yes.
I think I know why I have to be so vigilant with my sanity. Obviously, it could slip away pretty darn quickly.
That is all for now. I think I need to rest. Or something.
Behave!
*Updated: Obviously I'm not doing so well with the sanity watch considering I labeled this post Thursday instead of Wednesday. Gah!
K3: There's some kind of fruit in the road.
Me: I know. I ran over it earlier. What is it?
K3: I couldn't tell. What do you think it is?
Me: I have no idea.
K3: Is it an orange?
Me: No. It would have squished flat when your dad ran over it just now. I don't know what it is.
K3: Is it a grapefruit?
Me: No. It would have squished flat. I don't know what it is.
(This Q & A lasted for at least another minute with various fruits and even vegetables. And the same answer from me)
K3: Could it have been an orange?
Me: Yes. It was an orange.
K3: Or a grapefruit.
Me: Yes.
K3: You're just saying that. You don't even know what it was. Are you going to say yes for everything now?
Me: Yes.
I think I know why I have to be so vigilant with my sanity. Obviously, it could slip away pretty darn quickly.
That is all for now. I think I need to rest. Or something.
Behave!
*Updated: Obviously I'm not doing so well with the sanity watch considering I labeled this post Thursday instead of Wednesday. Gah!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
In Four Days...
K2 leaves for college.
I never cried when any of the K's went off to kindergarten. Yeah, certain birthdays and milestones have affected me emotionally - how can they not? But even though there's that little twinge of "my baby is growing up" *sniffle*, there's also the pride and elation of seeing your child succeed and grow. Even mastering their first day of school is a source of significance, despite the maternal worries. (And we're not talking about worry here. That's a whole 'nother subject.)
But...college seems different somehow. It is different. I will no longer get to hear about everything that went on in her day at the end of each one. There will be no more last minute runs to the store for project supplies. No more friends singing Disney songs, dancing, and trying to bake the cookie dough bits from the ice cream. No more constant chaos and hysterical stuff.
She's leaving. Embarking on her life and new experiences that will take her away from the core of our family and put her firmly into the adult world. I know she'll come home, but that won't be as often as any of us hope because she'll be working, hanging with her friends, and that boy she loves.
And I'm going to miss her more than I can say.
I know I will cry. I tear up just thinking about saying goodbye. Her dad will be no better - is no better.
At the same time I am so proud of her and I look forward to going through this college thing with her - even if it's only from the sidelines. I look forward to this next phase of her life and how our relationship will change and grow.
As proud as I am of the young woman she's become, as excited as I am for her, I miss the little girl she was.
Behave...
I never cried when any of the K's went off to kindergarten. Yeah, certain birthdays and milestones have affected me emotionally - how can they not? But even though there's that little twinge of "my baby is growing up" *sniffle*, there's also the pride and elation of seeing your child succeed and grow. Even mastering their first day of school is a source of significance, despite the maternal worries. (And we're not talking about worry here. That's a whole 'nother subject.)
But...college seems different somehow. It is different. I will no longer get to hear about everything that went on in her day at the end of each one. There will be no more last minute runs to the store for project supplies. No more friends singing Disney songs, dancing, and trying to bake the cookie dough bits from the ice cream. No more constant chaos and hysterical stuff.
She's leaving. Embarking on her life and new experiences that will take her away from the core of our family and put her firmly into the adult world. I know she'll come home, but that won't be as often as any of us hope because she'll be working, hanging with her friends, and that boy she loves.
And I'm going to miss her more than I can say.
I know I will cry. I tear up just thinking about saying goodbye. Her dad will be no better - is no better.
At the same time I am so proud of her and I look forward to going through this college thing with her - even if it's only from the sidelines. I look forward to this next phase of her life and how our relationship will change and grow.
As proud as I am of the young woman she's become, as excited as I am for her, I miss the little girl she was.
Behave...
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Storm Troopers!
There were Storm Troopers at the booksigning today!
Storm Troopers!
(Yes, I'm a geek) (More pictures later)
As you can see, as usual, Misty got herself into a little bit of trouble. They even handcuffed her, (it was necessary, trust me) but they finally let her go, which was good since she was my ride.
I had a lot of fun - sold a couple of books, talked to a bunch of great authors, networked future possible speakers for meetings, and hung out with the bff's. Met Byron Morrison who is Misty's male counterpart. (I laughed so hard) Didn't get a chance to buy his book, but he writes right up my alley so I'm looking forward to being able to read his work. You should check him out. I also met Jannette Kortman, an author and breast cancer survivor. She was very nice and we had really good conversation. And, bonus, she didn't run away screaming after being seated next to us. Go check her out and buy her book. As usual, Heather and the great folks at Waldenbooks treated us all like royalty. 20% of the proceeds were being donated to the library and we did better than last year from what I've heard so far.
I came home to fresh cornbread and bean soup (Yes, I put it in the crockpot before I left this morning, but K2 made the cornbread), and once the rest of the family returns from various errands we will be playing a knock-down-drag-out version of Monopoly. Be jealous. Ha!
All in all a very good Saturday!
Behave!
Feel Good Friday - The Saturday Edition
Yesterday was a Crappy day - yes, crappy with a capital C. I'm not going to go into it, but let me see if I can still find some good stuff.
1. Friday!
2. Having dinner in the crockpot so I didn't have to cook.
3. Rain. And cooler temperatures. (see? two things right there)
4. Random text messages that made me smile.
5. Rants and the people who let me.
6. Hanging out with the K's.
7. Comfy pants instead of shorts.
8. My kid doing dishes without being asked.
9. My bed.
10. The booksigning today. Come out and see us!
Maybe a recap of that later!
Behave!
1. Friday!
2. Having dinner in the crockpot so I didn't have to cook.
3. Rain. And cooler temperatures. (see? two things right there)
4. Random text messages that made me smile.
5. Rants and the people who let me.
6. Hanging out with the K's.
7. Comfy pants instead of shorts.
8. My kid doing dishes without being asked.
9. My bed.
10. The booksigning today. Come out and see us!
Maybe a recap of that later!
Behave!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Don't Forget!!!!
MULTI-AUTHOR BOOKSIGNING
at Waldenbooks—Lebanon Valley Mall
SATURDAY AUGUST 14TH
10am—2pm
20% of the proceeds will benefit the Lebanon Library. Storm Troopers will also be appearing. Various merchants from the mall along with local businesses
such as Longaberger and Partylite have donated raffle items. For every book purchased you will receive a raffle ticket. Pre-purchased books not eligible. Raffles to be held around 1:30 p.m.
Storm Troopers!!!! And I'll be there, too!!! So will many of my friends! Come out and say hi!
Behave!
My Summer...
Stole this idea from Natalie because my head hurts too much to think of my own topic.
Things I did this summer:
1. Watched my daughter graduate from high school.
2. Planned and hosted a graduation party for about 50 people
3. Co-hosted a baby shower for K1 and S.
4. Took care of my husband while he recovered from knee surgery.
5. Helped surprise my sister with a fun 40th birthday party.
6. Camped twice.
7. Went to see Jason Manns with the bff's.
8. Visited our awesome new retreat site.
9. Dealt with B's mom and her illness - including the ambulance call.
10. College paperwork (that's good for at least twenty items!)
11. Attended graduation parties, baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties, and baptisms.
12. Watched my granddaughter enter the world.
13. Worked on edits and novellas and cultivated new story ideas.
14. Worried about my spider bite sister and hung out with her whenever I got the chance.
15. Found out I'm losing my job.
There's more, but I think that's enough. I'm amazed at how quickly summer has gone! Some of the things on the above list prevented us from doing stuff I'd wanted to. Time is moving too fast! School starts in 9 days for K1 and 18 days for the younger K's. That's nuts!
...and that is all for now.
Behave!
Things I did this summer:
1. Watched my daughter graduate from high school.
2. Planned and hosted a graduation party for about 50 people
3. Co-hosted a baby shower for K1 and S.
4. Took care of my husband while he recovered from knee surgery.
5. Helped surprise my sister with a fun 40th birthday party.
6. Camped twice.
7. Went to see Jason Manns with the bff's.
8. Visited our awesome new retreat site.
9. Dealt with B's mom and her illness - including the ambulance call.
10. College paperwork (that's good for at least twenty items!)
11. Attended graduation parties, baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties, and baptisms.
12. Watched my granddaughter enter the world.
13. Worked on edits and novellas and cultivated new story ideas.
14. Worried about my spider bite sister and hung out with her whenever I got the chance.
15. Found out I'm losing my job.
There's more, but I think that's enough. I'm amazed at how quickly summer has gone! Some of the things on the above list prevented us from doing stuff I'd wanted to. Time is moving too fast! School starts in 9 days for K1 and 18 days for the younger K's. That's nuts!
...and that is all for now.
Behave!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
I Miss....
Supernatural!!!!
6 weeks, 3 days before it comes back.
*sobs*
That's too long!! I might die!
Just sayin'
Behave!
6 weeks, 3 days before it comes back.
*sobs*
That's too long!! I might die!
Just sayin'
Behave!
Summer Survival: Year Two: Entry Five
Things were going so well in the encampment. I do not know what has happened, but once again I fear for my life - at the very least, my soul. This change seemed to begin upon the oldest girl native returning, though I cannot be sure. It also may have occurred due to the looming educational structure. The only thing I am confident in is that chaos has taken over our once relatively quiet camp.
And it's scary to be here.
Since I am in charge of the food supply, I have tried to be ever vigilant in my planning and inventory. Short of locking the refrigeration device, I have little control over what happens after I have retired for the evening. Imagine my terror when I discovered the chaos that occurs during the small hours of the darkness. They try to cover their tracks, but alas, they need more training in the art of trickery. Food crumbs and dirty dishes alert me to the presence of hungry beasts who ravage the food stores without care. I am stunned and overwhelmed at the constant trading of shells and pretty bits. The only hope on the horizon is the traveling to other educational camps that will occur in the very near future.
I wonder if I will maintain my sanity until then.
Besides the provisions, it has once again become a challenge to perform my other duties. Constant interruptions have me considering a name change. No, I cannot proof read your document. Nor can I help you with that. But they never stop. Even when I am terse and impatient and respond with "I am working". They do not seem to be able to make the connection. It is an interesting occurrence and one I will begin studying in the very near future. My research might hold the key to the reason the most frequent answer I receive to any type of question is "what?".
Then again, maybe not.
I only hope I am able to maintain the illusion of superiority.
Behave!
And it's scary to be here.
Since I am in charge of the food supply, I have tried to be ever vigilant in my planning and inventory. Short of locking the refrigeration device, I have little control over what happens after I have retired for the evening. Imagine my terror when I discovered the chaos that occurs during the small hours of the darkness. They try to cover their tracks, but alas, they need more training in the art of trickery. Food crumbs and dirty dishes alert me to the presence of hungry beasts who ravage the food stores without care. I am stunned and overwhelmed at the constant trading of shells and pretty bits. The only hope on the horizon is the traveling to other educational camps that will occur in the very near future.
I wonder if I will maintain my sanity until then.
Besides the provisions, it has once again become a challenge to perform my other duties. Constant interruptions have me considering a name change. No, I cannot proof read your document. Nor can I help you with that. But they never stop. Even when I am terse and impatient and respond with "I am working". They do not seem to be able to make the connection. It is an interesting occurrence and one I will begin studying in the very near future. My research might hold the key to the reason the most frequent answer I receive to any type of question is "what?".
Then again, maybe not.
I only hope I am able to maintain the illusion of superiority.
Behave!
Monday, August 09, 2010
Not a Bad Idea...
.....Though it's a toss up. Or a really hard decision. Okay, a really hard decision.
Who would you take?
Behave!
Who would you take?
Behave!
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Weekend Stuff
Yesterday was my monthly writing group meeting. First we had a fantastic breakfast and a board meeting, then we had our regular meeting that included a recap of the National conference from those that went. I'd missed July's meeting thanks to a bunch of different reasons and I really, really missed my writing friends. So, again, I will get on my soapbox and say, if you write and you don't belong to a writing group, find one and join. You won't be sorry. I'm never sorry.
Last night was a graduation party. Her parents are very good friends of the "so close we're really family" variety. She and K2 have been friends their whole lives and the two of them have provided the parental units with much laughter and joy. We had a good time and enjoyed hanging out with everyone.
Today is a surprise baby shower for the same family's oldest daughter. I used to babysit her. And she's ten weeks away from having a baby boy. I feel so old. And I find it amusing that their weekend parties lined up exactly like ours did - graduation party on Saturday, baby shower on Sunday. I guess it just proves that great minds think alike, or crazy people do, I'm not sure which.
Writing when I finally get back home. Maybe more snippets, too. We'll see...
That is all for now.
Behave!
Last night was a graduation party. Her parents are very good friends of the "so close we're really family" variety. She and K2 have been friends their whole lives and the two of them have provided the parental units with much laughter and joy. We had a good time and enjoyed hanging out with everyone.
Today is a surprise baby shower for the same family's oldest daughter. I used to babysit her. And she's ten weeks away from having a baby boy. I feel so old. And I find it amusing that their weekend parties lined up exactly like ours did - graduation party on Saturday, baby shower on Sunday. I guess it just proves that great minds think alike, or crazy people do, I'm not sure which.
Writing when I finally get back home. Maybe more snippets, too. We'll see...
That is all for now.
Behave!
Friday, August 06, 2010
Coming Soon!
MULTI-AUTHOR BOOKSIGNING
at Waldenbooks—Lebanon Valley Mall
SATURDAY AUGUST 14TH
10am—2pm
Authors scheduled to appear(subject to change without notice)
Horror
Frank E. Bittinger
David Boyle
J.F. Gonzalez
Brian Keene
Ron Malfi
Joe Schreiber
Fiction
Arthur Ford
Thomas Lipovsky
Robert Vogel
Romance
Vicky Burkholder
Natalie Damschroder
Lucy Finn
Megan Hart
Savannah Russe
Misty Simon
Victoria Smith
Children’s
Sandy Asher
Kelly Ann Butterbaugh
Jeff Clineff
Olga Jaffae
Dana Smith-Mansall
Murphdog® and Company
Ruth Zavitsanos
Young Adult
Ellen Jensen Abbott
Cyn Balog
Beth Fantaskey
Charlene Haines
A.S. King
Jeri Smith-Ready
Maria V. Snyder
Fantasy
Byron N. Morrison
Andy Pete
Historical Fiction
Gene Gomolka
Self-help
Janette Kortman
Joan Landis
Poetry
Amaryllis Santiago
Doris Washington
Non-fiction
John Sabol
Autobiography
Dr. Lazslo Geder
Dashaun Jiwe Morris
20% of the proceeds will benefit the Lebanon Library. Storm Troopers will also be appearing. Various merchants from the mall along with local businesses
such as Longaberger and Partylite have donated raffle items. For every book purchased you will receive a raffle ticket. Pre-purchased books not eligible. Raffles to be held around 1:30 p.m.
at Waldenbooks—Lebanon Valley Mall
SATURDAY AUGUST 14TH
10am—2pm
Authors scheduled to appear(subject to change without notice)
Horror
Frank E. Bittinger
David Boyle
J.F. Gonzalez
Brian Keene
Ron Malfi
Joe Schreiber
Fiction
Arthur Ford
Thomas Lipovsky
Robert Vogel
Romance
Vicky Burkholder
Natalie Damschroder
Lucy Finn
Megan Hart
Savannah Russe
Misty Simon
Victoria Smith
Children’s
Sandy Asher
Kelly Ann Butterbaugh
Jeff Clineff
Olga Jaffae
Dana Smith-Mansall
Murphdog® and Company
Ruth Zavitsanos
Young Adult
Ellen Jensen Abbott
Cyn Balog
Beth Fantaskey
Charlene Haines
A.S. King
Jeri Smith-Ready
Maria V. Snyder
Fantasy
Byron N. Morrison
Andy Pete
Historical Fiction
Gene Gomolka
Self-help
Janette Kortman
Joan Landis
Poetry
Amaryllis Santiago
Doris Washington
Non-fiction
John Sabol
Autobiography
Dr. Lazslo Geder
Dashaun Jiwe Morris
20% of the proceeds will benefit the Lebanon Library. Storm Troopers will also be appearing. Various merchants from the mall along with local businesses
such as Longaberger and Partylite have donated raffle items. For every book purchased you will receive a raffle ticket. Pre-purchased books not eligible. Raffles to be held around 1:30 p.m.
Feel Good Friday
Ahhh! Friday!
Here's the list:
1. Friday! Duh!
2. My meeting tomorrow. I can't wait.
3. Not boiling in my own juices. I'm so glad it's not sweltering right now.
4. Weekend plans! Graduation parties and baby showers.
5. My kid coming home this weekend. (I think I might have mentioned that before. ha!)
6. Watching funny shows with my kids.
7. Writing time! As soon as I finish this blog.
Umm...and everything else is repeats.
So...Have a great weekend!
Behave!
Here's the list:
1. Friday! Duh!
2. My meeting tomorrow. I can't wait.
3. Not boiling in my own juices. I'm so glad it's not sweltering right now.
4. Weekend plans! Graduation parties and baby showers.
5. My kid coming home this weekend. (I think I might have mentioned that before. ha!)
6. Watching funny shows with my kids.
7. Writing time! As soon as I finish this blog.
Umm...and everything else is repeats.
So...Have a great weekend!
Behave!
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Things...
I do not like.
1. Having to find a new job.
I don't think I've ever mentioned my job - and I don't know why because there's tons of blog fodder there, but as of the end of the month, I will no longer have a job. *Sigh*
2. Trash that smells.
With this heat it doesn't take long for the garbage to begin to reek. I almost puked.
3. Marinating in my own fluids.
Not too bad today, but yesterday the heat index was so insane! And the humidity! Yikes.
I think 3 hateful things are more than enough, don't you?
There are positive things. Always. And let's focus on them.
1. Not having to cook dinner.
2. Having the ability to retreat to air conditioning.
3. My kid coming home this weekend.
4. My mother-in-law improving.
5. My sister going back to work.
See? More good stuff than bad. There's always more good stuff than bad if you look hard enough. And I think it's important to do that. Otherwise the bad takes over and leaves you a quivering mess.
That is all.
Behave!
1. Having to find a new job.
I don't think I've ever mentioned my job - and I don't know why because there's tons of blog fodder there, but as of the end of the month, I will no longer have a job. *Sigh*
2. Trash that smells.
With this heat it doesn't take long for the garbage to begin to reek. I almost puked.
3. Marinating in my own fluids.
Not too bad today, but yesterday the heat index was so insane! And the humidity! Yikes.
I think 3 hateful things are more than enough, don't you?
There are positive things. Always. And let's focus on them.
1. Not having to cook dinner.
2. Having the ability to retreat to air conditioning.
3. My kid coming home this weekend.
4. My mother-in-law improving.
5. My sister going back to work.
See? More good stuff than bad. There's always more good stuff than bad if you look hard enough. And I think it's important to do that. Otherwise the bad takes over and leaves you a quivering mess.
That is all.
Behave!
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Work in Progress Tuesday
Tall Tale Tuesday will be back. Just not yet.
I've been busting my hump today - editing, writing, editing...
It feels good to get back into the swing of things and actually have a productive day without many interruptions.
So, I guess that means it's time to share.
Remember, this is a rough draft, which means unedited (yes, I said I edited, but this is the first major run through and all sentences are considered unedited until I say so. ha!)
This book is the kinda-Frankenstein one. It takes place in a fictional town in Pennsylvania, just off the Appalachian Trail. The heroine is a park ranger whose parents were murdered when she was a child.
And...here we go.
"Sage left out the details of her parents murders for now. Her memories were blurry and fragmented. She knew what killed them in her nightmares, but that didn’t make sense – to her or to the dozens of psychologists she’d seen after her foster mothers had found the pictures she used to draw. The police and the psychologists believed whoever killed them had to have been someone Sage recognized. They said she blocked the identity and replaced it with the scary monster. Otherwise there’d be no reason for her not to give a description. A bunch of psychological bullshit as far as Sage was concerned, but she still didn’t know who, or what, killed her parents."
One more from the nature hating hero.
"Porter hung up and shoved the phone into his pocket. He was supposed to be enjoying the next six days off – sleeping in, drinking beer with his brother at the beach, maybe doing a little surf fishing not tramping around in the wilderness. Damn.
He found Sage in the bathhouse, beating on a rusted water heater with a wrench. Bathhouse, his ass. Why anyone would chose to shower in the mostly open structure was beyond him. The only things completely private were the toilets located behind a door, even though there wasn’t a ceiling. People were crazy."
So there you have it. And remember...rough draft.
Behave!
I've been busting my hump today - editing, writing, editing...
It feels good to get back into the swing of things and actually have a productive day without many interruptions.
So, I guess that means it's time to share.
Remember, this is a rough draft, which means unedited (yes, I said I edited, but this is the first major run through and all sentences are considered unedited until I say so. ha!)
This book is the kinda-Frankenstein one. It takes place in a fictional town in Pennsylvania, just off the Appalachian Trail. The heroine is a park ranger whose parents were murdered when she was a child.
And...here we go.
"Sage left out the details of her parents murders for now. Her memories were blurry and fragmented. She knew what killed them in her nightmares, but that didn’t make sense – to her or to the dozens of psychologists she’d seen after her foster mothers had found the pictures she used to draw. The police and the psychologists believed whoever killed them had to have been someone Sage recognized. They said she blocked the identity and replaced it with the scary monster. Otherwise there’d be no reason for her not to give a description. A bunch of psychological bullshit as far as Sage was concerned, but she still didn’t know who, or what, killed her parents."
One more from the nature hating hero.
"Porter hung up and shoved the phone into his pocket. He was supposed to be enjoying the next six days off – sleeping in, drinking beer with his brother at the beach, maybe doing a little surf fishing not tramping around in the wilderness. Damn.
He found Sage in the bathhouse, beating on a rusted water heater with a wrench. Bathhouse, his ass. Why anyone would chose to shower in the mostly open structure was beyond him. The only things completely private were the toilets located behind a door, even though there wasn’t a ceiling. People were crazy."
So there you have it. And remember...rough draft.
Behave!
Monday, August 02, 2010
Rambling Monday...
1. The gnomes have continued their assault on my plants. Nothing but Hostas are living in their garden. I have tried to appease them with various bribes, but they're holding out for the full list of demands. Don't think it's going to end well.
2. The college paperwork and worry never seems to end. With K2 being away at camp without the ability to call me except on the weekends, it's been really tough to get everything done. She still has to pick classes and fill out a bunch of forms. We're still working on the financial aid paperwork (I've been told we're fine as far as timing goes). I've been on the phone will her college all morning so far and still have people to talk to.
3. Summer is quickly ending. That makes me sad. I feel like we haven't had much of one. There's been way too much going on and while there's been some fun stuff, summer hasn't gone the way I'd hoped at all.
4. I'd planned to hang towels on the line today. But it's raining. And I'm okay with that. I love a rainy day.
5. It's August! I cannot believe that. Four more months left in this year. That is insane! Christmas will be here before we know it. I know. I know. I've smacked my own mouth...or in this case...fingers.
That is all for today.
Behave!
2. The college paperwork and worry never seems to end. With K2 being away at camp without the ability to call me except on the weekends, it's been really tough to get everything done. She still has to pick classes and fill out a bunch of forms. We're still working on the financial aid paperwork (I've been told we're fine as far as timing goes). I've been on the phone will her college all morning so far and still have people to talk to.
3. Summer is quickly ending. That makes me sad. I feel like we haven't had much of one. There's been way too much going on and while there's been some fun stuff, summer hasn't gone the way I'd hoped at all.
4. I'd planned to hang towels on the line today. But it's raining. And I'm okay with that. I love a rainy day.
5. It's August! I cannot believe that. Four more months left in this year. That is insane! Christmas will be here before we know it. I know. I know. I've smacked my own mouth...or in this case...fingers.
That is all for today.
Behave!
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Versatile...
The lovely Natalie Damschroder has passed this award to me. Thanks, Nat. I think. ha!
The requirements:
1. Thank the folks who gave you the award and and link to them;
2. Share 7 things about yourself;
3. Pass along to 15 bloggers (and link to them); and
4. Pay it forward: Comment on their blogs to tell them they are now recipients of the Versatile Blogger Award.
Okay. Already did 1. On to the 7 things.
Umm....Borrowing from Natalie on a few....
1. I have never flown in a jet that I remember (apparently I did once, when I was a baby). I have been in a homemade plane, but that is the extent of flight for me. It is not because I'm afraid. I just haven't had the opportunity.
2. Sometimes I have no brain. Like last night when I caught the grill brush on fire. Okay, not just on fire, but on fire enough to reduce the brush to a few bristles. I wasn't paying attention. And that is why I set the timer for dinner, especially if I'm writing and cooking.
3. I often hurt myself without any idea how it happened. I guess that kind of goes with 2, but whatever.
4. Though I still think I'm not ready to be a grandma, I am loving it. It's amazing how those little squirmy bundles of poop and tears can worm their way into your heart.
5. Eventually we will have a pool and a pool house. Why? Because I want it.
6. I love having a clean house, but don't really like cleaning that much. A cleaning service would be sweet.
7. (whew! last one! thank goodness!) B and I will be married 24 years this year and I can honestly say he's my very best friend. It doesn't seem like 24 years and I look forward to the next 24.
I'm supposed to tag people, but everyone's been tagged already so I won't.
Behave!
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