The Doctor...

<...>Behave!

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!

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!

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!

More NPH

..... >Because NPH is awesome. I think we all know that.
Behave!

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!

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!

Woo Hoo!

.../>I can't wait!
Behave!

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!

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!

Clip Man...

As requested...
Here is beer can clip man.

And a close up of his homemade beer cans....



Behave!

NPH

...>'nuff said...
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!

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!

Ha ha!

.....Last one, but it was too funny not to share!
Behave!

Want!

....Really want!
Behave!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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...

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!

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!

This...

is something I miss very very much!!! ....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!

I Miss....

Supernatural!!!!
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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

Ah ha ha!

....../>I miss Firefly!
Behave!

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!

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!

Just Because...

And, by the way, it's August 1. What the heck?
Behave!

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!

Feel Good Friday

Here's the list:
1. Awesome friends.
2. Fantastic roadtrips that would have been great even if we were just going to drop off an envelope instead of checking out the...
3. New Retreat site! Whoo!!
4. The cooler temps. Man, it is nice outside.
5. Hearing my sister say: "better than yesterday" because it means her ordeal is near its end.
6. Weddings on the horizons. And this one is going to be epic! Really epic!
7. Booksignings also on the horizon. More on that later.
8. The fire we have planned for later.
9. Talking to K2. Even if it was only text messaging and only for a little. Man, I miss that kid!
10. Double cheeseburgers for dinner. Even if I accidentally caught stuff on fire. More on that later as well.
Lots up for tomorrow!
Behave!

Roadtrip Thursday

Today, Simon and I took a roadtrip to visit a potential site for next year's retreat! It was a beautiful drive through mountains (and I mean through - tunnels are fun) and farms and tiny little towns. It was also a long drive, but when you talk the whole way you barely notice how long you've been on the road. Ha!
The potential site has turned into a definite site and we are thrilled with our new location. The staff there was so welcoming and fun. They were very busy with end of camp snafu's, but still took the time to give us a proper tour and never once made us feel rushed. The coordinator had already picked out a meeting room for us and after looking at it, we knew we'd found the right place. It's perfect. Beautiful views. Nice rooms. Plenty of places to write. It's got everything we need.
My only problem now is that I can't wait for the retreat!!
Behave!

Things...

I'm thinking about...
1. How totally sad I am that the RWA National Conference started today and I am missing it.
2. How hot it is again! Though I hear we have a beautiful weekend on the horizon. And maybe some thunderstorms tonight.
3. Why on earth I wore a white t-shirt to eat spaghetti.
4. How many people I know with birthdays this week.
5. Not being able to sleep in tomorrow. It'll be worth it. Especially if this place is a go for the writing retreat.
6. The weekend.
7. Getting starting on my editing...
Guess that's what I'm going to do next. It's going well, though my bones are like a tiny baby mouse and they need to be tyrannosaurus rex sized. I am getting there though.
Behave!

Summer Survival: Year Two: Entry Four

Summer is going so fast. The natives and I have barely had a chance to seek pleasant experiences outside of our camp. In a few short days, it will be the month of the return to the educational camps. I will admit I look upon it with mixed emotions. The yearning for the structure has not yet overtaken me, probably because there has been less unstructured time around the camp this year. I cringe at the thought of assignments and projects and supplies, the lack of sleeping in, and the constant outlay of shells and beads.
Keeping foodstuffs in camp has become an epic situation. I trade for the necessary products only to have them disappear while I rest. Or so it seems. Then, I hear constant laments about how starving they are because there is nothing to eat. I do not understand. Perhaps I never will. I will also never understand how they can be so rude to each other one minute and then decide to happily do something together the next. I am clueless as to how this works, and no amount of asking gives me the answer I seek.
For now though, we will make the most of the remaining time.
Behave!

Monday Stuff

My day started out bad!
Woke up late after a terrible sleep and my truck wouldn't start. Called B. He was too far out to come and help me. So I called a friend who I knew would be driving my way on her way to work. She came to help jump me, only it wasn't working. Now, I'm not stupid. I know how to jump start a car, but no matter what we did, it wouldn't start. She called her husband, and don't you know it started for him - on the first try. My pride was a bit wounded at that, because, after all, I do know how and have done it several times. Not that it really mattered, but still...
I then found out that I'd messed up a bunch of stuff (after being pleased with my progress) and had to go fix it all and then do it the right way.
Needless to say, my day didn't start off very well...
But it got better. Much better.
Here's why:
1. I have the best friends anyone could ask for. I just do. They are excellently awesome and I'm amazed and humbled by them.
2. I somehow managed saved a really huge dragonfly from certain death without hurting his wings or getting dive bombed.
3. I didn't have to cook dinner, or clean up.
4. I got to snuggle baby K and wish her momma a very happy birthday.
5. When we left the baby snuggling and birthday partying the sun was setting. The sky was amazing with reds and oranges and these awesome clouds. The clouds on our right looked like mountains. The ones in front looked like two angels and stayed directly in front of us the whole way home - never losing shape or spreading out like the other clouds had. Pretty spectacular.
6. Sleeping in for a little bit tomorrow.
7. A fantastically beautiful day today. Not too hot and a very nice breeze.
That's a pretty good list for a Monday, especially one that started out so crappy.
Now I must sleep.
Behave!

Sunday Funny

....Behave!

What do you think of the new layout?

Remember This?

Sounds better than 108* heat index and Heat Advisory Warnings! Yes, I am crazy, but I'd much rather have snow than excessive heat!

That is all!

Behave!

Stupid Stuff

I've been working hard to get an agent for some time now. Crossing my i's, dotting my t's - doing my best to present a professional image and a quality product. I keep track of my submissions, follow agents through social media, frequently check blogs and websites to get a perspective of their status with queries and when I might possibly have a response and to try to gauge whether or not we'll be a good fit for a long term professional relationship. I am deadly serious about it and keep my spreadsheets and tracking calendar updated at all times.
And I have just horrified myself.
In checking around to update my files, I found an update that a particular agent had responded to all queries as of a certain date and if you hadn't recieved a response to resend. I went and checked my spreadsheet and sure enough, I'd queried. So, I went back to the website, re-read the submission instructions and realized I'd made an error in both the email address and the material the agent requests. Horrifying enough, but salvagable. I copied and pasted my letter, added the material, fixed the address and hit send.
This morning, I realized I mixed everything up. My first submission was correct. I checked on the wrong agent and then ended up sending a letter with the first agents name to the second agent. That sucks! Hard. In my defense, their names are very similar as are the names of their agencies, but still.
I know mistakes happen and that agents are human, too, but I am horrified.
Horrified.
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

A long week.
Let's see about this list!
1. Friday! duh! Ha!
2. My mother-in-law improving.
3. The near end of my sister's ordeal.
4. My grass getting cut.
5. Thunderstorms.
6. Sleeping in.
7. Weekend plans changing to give us a semi-relaxed weekend.
8. Next week's plans to visit the potential new retreat site!
9. Hanging with the bff's. Man, I have missed them!!
10. Jason Manns! He put on a great show last night!
That is all for now.
Behave!

Yes.

...../>Just because...
Because I'm really far behind on my Dr. Who watching. (I'm behind on every show right now). Because I had to get up at o'stupid-thirty this morning.
Because I'm tired.
Because the quiet morning I got up early to have was interrupted by kids getting up early to watch the show I wouldn't let them stay up last night to watch.
And that is all...
Behave!

Thursday?

I have no idea what day it is this week. This seems to be a frequent problem for me. And I can't believe I missed posting yesterday, but I do have a good excuse. The gnomes were threatening an uprising and all of my time was taken up with negotiations. Things are okay for now, but the situation is somewhat of a pressure cooker. I'm not sure how this will end.
***
Hopefully my sister in on the last leg of this spider bite journey. She had the plastic surgery to replace skin over the area yesterday. She's in an immobilizer for a little while, but is now without the tubes and wires she's been stuck with for the past several weeks.
***
My mother-in-law remains in the hospital. She is undergoing tests, but seems to be gaining strength. We really don't know too much at this point.
***
This week has seemed long! But tonight I get the chance to hang with the bff's and hear my favorite, Jason Manns. Very much looking forward to it!
***
It can stop being so danged hot now.
***
That is all!
Behave!

That Positive Thinking Thing

Or remembering to notice and enjoy the good stuff.
...something like that...
Everyone says there's power in positive thinking and I believe that. It's hard to remember to keep a positive mindset at times, especially in the face of perpetual toxins, but the alternative turns you into a bitter, angry person. The bad stuff has the power to wreck your day and cause you to miss the good stuff. But it's hard some days. Really hard.
So here's a reminder - for you and me.
Go outside and look at the clouds, notice the blooming flowers, close your eyes and feel the breeze on your face. Focus on the good things in your life. Remember your hope and your dreams and the people who love you.
And never, ever, ever give up.
Behave!
p.s. Taking a break from Tall Tale Tuesday for a few weeks. I promise it will return!

Monday

Again? Seriously?
There are too many Mondays!
And it's way too hot out! Way too hot!
So my boys are home from a fabulous week of Boy Scout camp. They took Honor Troop for the week, won first prize for the "gateway" contest, and B won first prize in the Scoutmaster cook off for his peanut butter pie.
And then...
Then, yesterday we had to call an ambulance for B's mom. She was scaring us to the point where a trip to the hospital in a car was not a good plan. She's okay. Admitted to the hospital and hopefully we'll finally figure out what's been going on with her. She hasn't been well for a while now, despite numerous doctor visits.
So...
We're continuing with normal life around here. Normal life being a disaster every minute and a half, or something like that. But...what do you do? Look for the positive and do your best.
And that is all...
Behave!

Summer Survival: Year Two: Entry Three

It has been a long week around the campfire.
The male members of our tribe went to other fires for the week, leaving the young native and I alone to tend to the duties and details of life in this camp. She and I have had the opportunity to bond, goof off, and do girlie things and it has been good. I appreciate her sense of humor and her love of frozen treats.
I, stupidly, thought this week would be perfect for me taking care of my own duties in addition to those of parenthood and bonding. I was wrong. Having one native at camp is far more taxing. It requires far more from me. Especially since said native is used to having other natives in residence. She has not been tolerant of my need to put words on the page, despite the deals I have made with her and the way I have spoiled her all week. Though I have been able to get a little done, it is not nearly as much as I had orginally hoped.
The males come home very soon - within the hour, I hope. I have missed them terribly. Have missed the chaos and their laughter and their faces. I had to opportunity to visit with them last evening and I swear the youngest male native has grown four inches and lost ten pounds. I have missed his smile and the smile of the man who lives here with me.
Though now I must face moutains of dirty, smelly, filthy laundry.
That is all for now!
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

End of the week!
Here's the list:
1. Hanging with my baby girl all week!
2. Air conditioning!
3. Sleeping in!
4. Movie week.
5. My sister seeing an end to the horrible spider bite experience. She still has a little while to mend, but she has a time frame now.
6. My granddaughter.
7. Writing time! Whoot!
8. The rain. My grass is getting green again.
9. The evening plans.
10. The possibility of a relaxing weekend.
That is all!
Behave!

Movie Week, Part Two

Day five?
Added to the list:
4. Despicable Me - loved it. We had a great time watching, eating too much popcorn and laughing. It's a feel good, funny movie.
5. Julie & Julia - I've seen it before, but I still like it. K4 loves it. Meryl Streep's portrayal of Julia Childs is amazing.
6. Confessions of a Shopaholic - very cute. Classic romance storyline. Cute hero. Good characters. I will confess that I missed the very beginning though.
7. Henry Poole is Here - Interesting. I liked it. We didn't know a lot about the characters, but I'm not sure we needed to know more than we did. It was enough. It's a movie about miracles and new beginnings.
There aren't as many movies as I thought there would be going into this week, but there's been plenty of junk food. I'm scared to put my jeans on!
More later...(I think there will be more movies)
Behave!

Thursday Trash

A random accounting of my week so far.
1. The gnomes are growing mushrooms in my flower bed. I think they're poisonous ones. I am scared.
2. Entertaining one kid who is used to having her siblings around for a week is much harder than entertaining when they're all home. Just sayin'.
3. I looked at my calendar. I thought things were going to calm down now. I was wrong.
4. College paperwork never ends.
5. Display chairs at the grocery store are comfy spots to wait for your mother-in-laws prescriptions. Though, people look at you weird.
6. Random hormonal outbursts from pre-teen girls are often scary and confusing. (i.e. the slamming of the remote and the crying about how the only thing on television are commercials. *scratches head*)
7. Air conditioning rocks.
I think that's enough!
Stay tuned for additional movie reviews.
Behave!

Answers!

Okay, here we go with the answers! I know, I know...you can't wait! ha!
1. I don't carry a purse, but I will take a bag with me occasionally, depending on where I'm going and how long I may have to wait. After the long camping weekend, I discovered two pouches of fishing worms in said bag. Yes. We came home on Monday and I found the worms on Wednesday.
2. We came home from camp last weekend to find our trash cans tipped and garbage all over the yard. Nope.
3. My dog is such a nervous nellie. As soon as something is different, she licks her paw so much that she limps. Yes. And she's got her paw completely tore up right now.
4. On one of our recent trips to the hospital to see my sister, I witnessed a man peeing in the parking garage. No. But it wouldn't surprise me.
5. I braved my sisters "Garden of Death" (possibly where she got bit) to prove to my kids that there was nothing to be afraid of. Yes. I had myself all freaked out.
6. I found a bag of sliced cucumbers in the 'burban. No telling how long it had been there, but it was one of the most disgusting things I've seen in a long time. Nope.
7. I would rather live somewhere with alligators than somewhere with snakes. Yes. I'd rather live with snakes than alligators.
Okay. That is all. Back to the edits!
Behave!

Tall Tale Tuesday

Which of the following statements are true:
(There is more than one.)
1. I don't carry a purse, but I will take a bag with me occasionally, depending on where I'm going and how long I may have to wait. After the long camping weekend, I discovered two pouches of fishing worms in said bag.
2. We came home from camp last weekend to find our trash cans tipped and garbage all over the yard.
3. My dog is such a nervous nellie. As soon as something is different, she licks her paw so much that she limps.
4. On one of our recent trips to the hospital to see my sister, I witnessed a man peeing in the parking garage.
5. I braved my sisters "Garden of Death" (possibly where she got bit) to prove to my kids that there was nothing to be afraid of.
6. I found a bag of sliced cucumbers in the 'burban. No telling how long it had been there, but it was one of the most disgusting things I've seen in a long time.
7. I would rather live somewhere with alligators than somewhere with snakes.
Okay, the humidity has affected my brain. I can't think anymore. Which of the above are true?
Behave!

Movie Week

Day two.
It's movie week around the old homestead.
So far we've watched three.
1. Ice Age 3: Well, what do you say about that? I've liked all of them so far.
2. Where the Wild Things Are: Did. Not. Like. It was angry and disconnected. We almost shut it off three times, but hoped it would get better. It didn't.
3. Blind Side: Loved it. K4 lost interest during the football scenes and went to research gerbil care (that's another post). I loved Sandra Bullock's character. She was tough, no nonsense, but filled with compassion and the strength to do the right thing.
We're 2 for 3. Not bad, but the one we didn't like hangs like a dark cloud of wasted time and confusion.
I'm not sure what else is on the movie list. K4's starting to like more than cartoons and kid movies, so it's pretty cool. We're planning to hit the theater tomorrow or the next day, though I have no idea what we're seeing.
Now...now that it's after 10pm, now I can think about writing.
Behave!

The Gnome Wars

I hate to say it, but I think the gnomes are winning.
(Don't tell them I said that though)
They've resorted to sabotage because I refuse to budge on certain issues. (like girly mags and an unlimited supply of booze - I have impressionable children at home. Not gonna happen.) They have killed all of the flowers in their garden, except for the Hostas, and some of them aren't looking too hot. The hearty lavender I planted is dead, though the other two lavender plants I put in pots are thriving. The daisies didn't come back. The ivy didn't either.
I'm not sure what they used to poison the earth, but part of me believes they're using that section of earth as their toilet. I think that would explain it.
The gnome that lives inside has moved to a higher perch. I believe this is so he can watch over us and report our conversations and movements to the outside militia. Also, I think it gives him a sense of importance - like a king or something.
I think I need to be more cautious, or I may wake up a prisoner.
Behave!

Video Archives...

Beach Retreat!

Behave!

My House...

This is what I find on my camera when I try to download pictures of the baby.

Don't ask me. I have no idea. I don't think that's the video taker's cereal though. I have a feeling this happened while the cereal owner was out of the room.

Strange stuff...

Behave!

Ha Ha!

....Behave!

Feel Good Friday

At some point this week, I re-found my positive outlook.
So...here's the list:
1. My sister being at home. She's still on IV meds and has a visiting nurse, but at least she's in the comfort of her own home. With air conditioning.
2. Movie night with the family!
3. Talking to K2 for a long time last night. I miss her!
4. Holding my beautiful newborn granddaughter while her mommy got some sleep. She is precious.
5. K3 finally (finally!) holding his niece and his smile of pure love.
6. Eating peanut butter sandwiches in the car as the younger K's and I traveled all over the continent yesterday.
7. Decent writing days.
8. The weekend!
9. The minimally cooler temperatures. It's not much, but it is somewhat better.
10. Coming home to find all of the laundry washed, dried, and folded.
That is all for now.
Behave!

This Reminds Me...

Of the elevator at the hospital.
1. The sign said: No Moroccans. (Supposed to be No Smoking, but obviously someone defaced it.)
2. When the elevator got to the ground floor, instead of a 1, it was a Klingon symbol. Scary.
3. The ceiling was a mirror - a twisted, crooked, sick looking mirror. A mirror that made you look like you belonged in the hospital instead of just visiting.
4. It smelled weird. Like sweat and old gum.
5. If there were more than three people inside, it bogged down and took forever to reach your floor.
Behave!

Summer Survival Journal: Year Two: Entry Two

We are cooking in our own juices. The temperatures are extreme and so are the attitudes from the natives. They are uncomfortable. I do understand as I share their discomfort. But seriously? When a gentle reminder that it is your turn to load the utensil cleaning device causes a meltdown of nuclear proportions, then it is time to cut and run.
Though I cannot run. I cannot hide either.
The natives have been somewhat subdued due to events that have taken place with their countrymen. Every insect infringement is cause for concern and I do understand that, though I would appreciate not being disturbed from a peaceful slumber to inspect questionable itchy spots. I would also appreciate it if the door to my private sleeping chambers would be closed after they are done disturbing me since it is the only room in the house with a cooling device.
I believe these things are too much to ask.
We have danced for cooler temperatures to no avail. Perhaps this extreme weather will not break until after we have perished?
Send ice...
Behave!

Gotta Love It!

...maybe I would watch it then...
Gotta love Dr. Who!
Behave!

Tall Tale Tuesday...Or Not

There's a lot I could Tall Tale Tuesday about, but I'm not feeling any of it.
I mentioned the weekend was not relaxing and I'll tell you why. Or at least some of why.
Tuesday evening, my sister got bit by something. By Wednesday morning, she had a rash. This rash got bad enough that she went to the doctor Wednesday afternoon. They said she had shingles and gave her a bunch of meds. Thursday morning, she was in so much pain she could barely walk. And she had a fever. She called the doctor and went back in. They gave her different meds, drew a circle around the area and told her if her fever got higher or if the redness extended beyond the circle to go to the emergency room. She texted me a little before 11pm to tell me they were on their way to the emergency room. She's been in the hospital ever since. Sunday night they did surgery to remove the necrotic tissue and the infected area. Now she's got a wound pump to help draw out the nasty fluids. They still don't know what bit her, or what's causing the infection.
There's a possibility it was a Brown Recluse spider. We're still waiting to hear anything on that. It's rare in this area, but not unheard of. My brother-in-law thinks he caught one and it's currently in a jar waiting for confirmation on what species it is.
It's possible she could come home today. With the wound pump and a visiting nurse.
So there you have it. Scary stuff.
Behave!

Feel Good Friday - The Post Camping Edition

I don't think I've missed blogging this many days in a row in a long time! Not that you've missed me or anything. Ha!!
This weekend was perhaps the weirdest camping trip we've had in a long time! It was very quiet, with only my parents and us out there in the wilds. And we had a lot of running around to do, so it wasn't very relaxing. But let me hit the good highlights and I'll fill you in on the rest throughout the week.
1. The very cool nights. Made for some excellent sleeping.
2. Getting to see and actually talk to K2. Even if it was only for a few hours.
3. Chicken Taco Soup
4. The owls we heard in the trees Friday night.
5. Hanging with the kids.
6. The texted pictures of my granddaughter.
7. Hanging with the folks.
8. Getting a visit from my granddaughter when we got home from camp.
9. Showers. Flushing toilets. The Internet.
10. Air conditioning.
More on the weekend through the week.
Behave!

Someone....

Told me I look older now that I'm a grandma.
So...
Now I feel like this...
Ha!
Behave!

Wednesday?

Kind of lost track of the days this week. I'm a total bonehead. I should have done Tall Tale Tuesday yesterday and I could have had everyone guess K5's birth stats! What is wrong with me?
I went back and looked at the answers from last week, and Misty came the closest with June 30th and 9lbs 5oz!! Not too far off!
So, today was just...ack! Mostly ack! with some cool thrown in for good measure. So, we'll go with a list:
Ack!
1. Running late.
2. Kids fighting and nagging each other and being bossy.
3. Still being exhausted.
4. Not getting any writing time in.
5. Missing K2 and her not be able to see her new niece yet.
Cool!
1. Getting to see K5, even if it was only for a few minutes.
2. The easy, confident way my son cares for his daughter. He is a diaper changing king.
3. Jason Manns!
Tomorrow is busy, too, with camp preparations and another visit to the kids after they settle in at home. (I never, never thought I'd be saying "the kids" in reference to my son and his family, but...there it is...ha!)
Behave!

New...

Lots of new today.
New babies, new parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, great-grandparents. New birthdays. New families.
My granddaughter arrived at 7:50 am after a long night. She weighed 8#11oz and is 19" long. She is beautiful - perfect and healthy.
Mother and child are doing well, though S hasn't gotten much sleep since sometime Monday. She did a fantastic job through her labor and kept on even when she didn't think she had anything left. Watching K5 enter the world was one of the most awesome and beautiful things I've ever experienced. Yes. I cried. A lot. Watching my son take care of the woman he loves as she labored to deliver their child was also an awesome and beautiful thing. Watching her reach for him during her worst moments and seeing her respond only to his calming touch also made me cry.
Yeah, I'm pretty much an exhausted emotional wreck. ha! I've only managed to grab about 2 hours of sleep today after being up for 27 hours straight. I will be going to bed early tonight.
Behave!

Well...

Man, today went quick.
It's still hot. Very hot. And all of the storms we've been promised have totally skipped us. That's a little disappointing to me because I love a good storm. We're supposed to get one tonight, but so far nothing...
I cannot believe we're almost at the end of June. Heck, we are at the end of June. A few more days and it'll be July. Summer is going fast and I don't feel like it's really started yet. The next thing I know, school will be starting again!
We're on the baby wait. They're at the hospital right now. I'm waiting for the call that says they're keeping her before heading out. If not, then I'll go to bed with my phone clutched tightly in my hands. Things are moving along though and very soon I'll be a grandma. For real. Weird.
And that is all for now.
Behave!

Weekend Recap

Bridal Shower: Lots of food, excited talk about the wedding, bachelorette party plans, gifts, hats, and sun. So much sun that I now have a sunburn. The bride was thrilled with the gifts and had us laughing hysterically as she told stories while she opened them. K4 had a blast being my sidekick for the day and she did very well in the grown up setting.
Birthday Party: For the bride - a milestone birthday. We went back to their place for more food, swimming, talking, hanging out, and mosquitoes. Catching up with friends I haven't seen in a long time and meeting new friends. We got home way too late with two very exhausted kids. K3 & K4 were in the pool 99.8% of the time - getting out only to shove some food down and hit the bathroom.
Sunday: Still tired from yesterday. Hot again. Tree trimming (nightmare), grocery shopping. Catching up with friends, chicken salad with grapes and cashews for dinner, movie watching. Missing K2, especially after talking to her on the phone for nearly an hour. Looking forward to hitting the a/c and closing my eyes.
...and that is all...
Another week like the last few coming up, and hopefully a grandbaby as well.
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

Man, this week went fast! Or is that just me?
Here's the list:
1. K3 & K4 playing chess.
2. Not having to cook.
3. Air conditioning.
4. The weekend plans.
5. Lightning bug frisbee.
6. Hanging out with my husband.
7. Baseball games with suite seating.
8. A clean house.
9. Backyard fires.
10. 11pm grocery store runs.
That's all for now!
Behave!

Summer Survival Journal: Year Two, Entry One

My time with the natives has been different so far. That man who assists me with them has been grounded to camp, which has been a blessing in a lot of ways. I have not had to do the menial tasks that often consume my days, the ones I am not looking forward to taking over once again when he is back to scouting for food and doing his manly thing.
Today we took the natives on a small journey to stock up on foodstuffs and trade for pretties to be given as gifts. You would think that the journey would be one of wonder and excitement for them, but that is not how it went. They seemed to take their fear of being away from camp out on each other, calling names like "poopie head", "man girl", and "stick person" enough that I had to gently remind them that they should stop it immediately or fear my wrath. They laughed at me in the way they do, because they know I am powerless against them. They know they are slowly chipping away at the glue that holds my sanity in place and that soon they'll have that glue destroyed enough to convince me of anything they want.
Mistakenly, we went to a different trading post than our usual, comfortable one, and of course, arrived perfectly at feeding time. The space was crammed with people, which forced the natives to go into a frenzy of following us too closely, or stopping in front of us as we hurried to gather the necessary supplies. We bribed them with round food and hurried back to camp.
I fear what will happen with that man with me is back to his normal man thing. I fear the heat and the flies and the way the natives plot and plan. That time is coming soon. My only consolation is the installation of a cooling device in my sleeping area. I think this will do much for my morale.
We shall see.
Behave!

Wednesday

It's hot here. Damn hot.
And yes, I do remember when I was freezing my rearend off a few months ago. We don't have our air conditioners on yet, so I'm allowed to complain.
I'm getting back into my revisions - cutting some terrible stuff, changing some things up and hopefully making a much better story. I need some air though, some serious air. Blah. I feel like the heat is eating my brain and that brain is currently running down my body in a big puddle.
This week has gone really fast. Tomorrow's Thursday already and Thursday includes suite seats at the baseball game. Then we head into another busy weekend. Bridal shower madness will occur on Saturday, with first the bridal shower tea party and then a birthday party for the bride later. We're also invited to another birthday party later in the day. And we're on baby watch, so we'll see how it all works out.
And that's it from here.
Behave!

Tall Tale Tuesday

How about we do this differently this week?
With the impending birth of my granddaughter (I am still way too young to be a grandma!), how about we guess her birth weight, length, and her arrival day?
The actual due date is July 3rd. The doctor says all conditions are right for labor to begin at any time.
So, when do you think it will be and what do you think her stats will be?
Behave!

Happy First Day of Summer!

It's a gorgeous day out there! Lots of puffy white clouds and a tiny little breeze. It's hot, but nice and shady in my backyard. Where I will be for the rest of the day - doing yard work and enjoying B being home.
***
This weekend turned out well. Saturday wasn't quite as relaxed as I'd originally thought, but it wasn't as hectic as last week. Sunday was gorgeous and spent at the meadow with the dads. Well, most of them. We missed my brother, and a few others, but it was still a nice time. The upcoming week is pretty full, but manageable.
***
Now I have to start focusing on college stuff. It kind of makes me sick to my stomach to think about the financial aspect of it, but we'll figure it out. It makes me even sicker and sad to think about my baby going off into the big bad world! But she's ready, even if I'm not.
***
Time is already going fast. The next thing we know school will be starting again. Heck, the fourth of July is only two weeks away! That's crazy!
***
Enough rambling. I have weeds to pull and a manuscript to edit!
Behave!

Hold This Spot For Me...

...Tomorrow! I will be back tomorrow with the weekend recap!
Happy Dad Day!
Now I'm tired. Going to bed.
Behave!

Feel Good Friday - The Saturday Edition

Whew! Another packed week in the tank!
Here's the list, including the reason I didn't post this last night.
1. Surprising my sister. For real. She cried and everything. We threw my middle sister a surprise 40th birthday party yesterday. It rocked. My mom did an awesome job putting things together, including her and my dad busting their butts to make their yard look gorgeous.
2. B going back to work next week. It's been a long two weeks for all of us. He's going stir crazy. The next time he's off for two weeks, we'd better be laying on a beach somewhere.
3. Surprising K2 with her graduation present. It wasn't what I wanted to get her, but the offer was something we couldn't refuse.
4. My new phone!
5. Getting through Thursday and that insanity.
6. The baby wait. Things are progressing, but slowly. I've been taking my phone to bed with me every night just in case. She's due in exactly 2 weeks, but I don't think she'll make it that long. Though I could be wrong. The new guess is Monday - Summer Solstice.
7. Getting some writing done and wanting to get so much more done.
8. Having a reasonably relaxed Saturday stretching out in front of me. Have to do the grocery shopping and get gas and ink, but other than that, it's an easy day and I'm not sure I know what to do with myself.
9. Looking forward to spending tomorrow at the meadow with the Dads.
10. Sleeping in a little, though I could have stayed in bed for another two hours.
That's all for now!
Behave!

Things I Wish I Liked....

A random list...
1. S'mores. It's not the graham cracker's fault, or the chocolate (obviously). It's that darned marshmallow. In my opinion, marshmallows are only good for ammo.
2. Spearmint. No. Wait. I don't ever wish to like that. I have many bad memories associated with spearmint. I can't stand the smell of it. Seriously. It makes me sick just thinking about it.
3. Peanut butter sandwiches. I don't dislike them. But they're not something I ever choose to eat.
4. Same with hot dogs. It's a very rare that I ever eat them.
5. Woodpeckers. I mean, they're very cool, but I'm completely squicked out every single time I hear one. I'm not talking about the little ones either. I mean the huge, freaky Pilated Woodpeckers. *shudders*
Well, there's your random Friday morning list of weirdness.
Feel Good Friday later on!
Have a great Friday!
Behave!

Done For Another Year...

Today was the local annual street fair. You know the one I mean, the same one I moan and complain about every single year. Because...I don't like it. It's too busy, too loud, too dirty...I hardly ever go down because I can't stand the crush of people and the heat. And don't even think about driving anywhere. It's impossible, plus, you run the risk of someone parking in your private spot while you're gone.
Though, there are good points to it. We usually end up with company - usually folks we only see this time every year, and invited guests. It is fun to hang out, eat some food, and watch people go by.
This year was a lot different.
K2's going on a big trip in a few weeks. It's an expensive trip and the kids have to help earn the money and since she's working away from home my niece and I volunteered to fill in for her. Which meant getting up at a stupid time and going to help set up, rushing home to make brownies for the bake sale, sending the kids down with various coolers and other items, and then going back down. I swear I walked 650 miles today.
We didn't invite anyone to come over and hang today, mainly because we had no idea what our timeframe was going to be. The 'rents came over for a little while and my sister came to pick up my niece. No stop ins, or unexpected guests though, which is fine since we're completely wiped out and now must spend the next several hours listening to the neighbors party. It's always like that. Always. Most people around here take tomorrow off to recover. And I will admit, we've had our share of parties and noise - like the time my brother-in-law's band played in the back yard.
It's nearly over now. All that's left is the noise and clean up. I'm exhausted and a little frazzled.
So how was your day?
Behave!

Answer!

Ready for the answers?
Here we go...
Things that are irritating me right now...
1. The toilet seat is broken. And, of course, it broke in the middle of the graduation shindig. Yes. Irritating as all get out and yes, we're getting a new one as soon as we have ten minutes to go to the hardware store!
2. The flies in my house. Yep.
3. Having at least 45 mosquito bites on my legs. Nope. I rarely get bit. *knocking on wood*
4. My cell phone being broken and the one I'm using not working right all of the time. Yes! My new one will be here tomorrow.
5. How sticky everything feels with this humidity. Yes.
6. Telephone calls that aren't for us from people who refuse to believe we're not who they want us to be. Yes. How irritating is that?
7. Being conned into working a booth during our town's street fair this week. Believe it or not...and I know how hard it is to believe, yes. I am working it. I don't want to, but it's for a good cause.
8. Waking up to find a spider crawling over my face. Ewww! Not that I'm aware of.
9. Having to suck the water out of my mother-in-laws car a second time. She either has a leak or keeps leaving her window down - not sure which. Yes. Still don't know what's up with that.
10. Finding out the neighbors have been feeding my dog all kind of things she should not eat. No wonder she's been having trouble. No. Though I would not be surprised to find this out.

So there you have it. Back to the insanity for me.
Behave!

Tall Tale Tuesday

So, my test was about being able to post from email. That's pretty cool and, of course, it means I'll be unstoppable! ha!
My brain is pretty much fried after the past week, but let me see if I can find anything interesting to use for Tall Tale Tuesday...
I'm going to try a different format this week. From the list below, tell me which are true. Some will be easy, others might be lies.
Things that are irritating me right now...
1. The toilet seat is broken. And, of course, it broke in the middle of the graduation shindig.
2. The flies in my house.
3. Having at least 45 mosquito bites on my legs.
4. My cell phone being broken and the one I'm using not working right all of the time.
5. How sticky everything feels with this humidity.
6. Telephone calls that aren't for us from people who refuse to believe we're not who they want us to be.
7. Being conned into working a booth during our town's street fair this week.
8. Waking up to find a spider crawling over my face.
9. Having to suck the water out of my mother-in-laws car a second time. She either has a leak or keeps leaving her window down - not sure which.
10. Finding out the neighbors have been feeding my dog all kind of things she should not eat. No wonder she's been having trouble.
So which are true?
Behave!

Testing...

I'm testing out a new feature. Well, not new, but I just discovered it.

Let's see how it works.

Behave!

Weekend Recap...

By the time I got home yesterday, I was too wore out to post any kind of weekend in review. Man, what a long weekend! Let me sum up...
Friday night: Finish preparations for the big graduation shindig. This included a lot of chores B couldn't do because of his bum leg. Moving stuff, cleaning things...but it got done and I was thrilled.
Saturday: Up early to do the shopping for the big graduation shindig. Finished the house cleaning, luckily there wasn't a lot. Cooking. Rearranging the patio and setting up. People began arriving a little before noon and our last guest left a little after 10pm. Long day. Nearly twenty pounds of taco meat gone, but I think everyone had a good time. Also, sometime during the day, my cell phone crapped out on me. I have no display screen whatsoever and wasn't getting calls.
Sunday: Up early again. Baby shower preparations. Rain. A lot of it. I think I spent more time wet than not. Help decorate and prepare for the shower. The shower went well, despite the weather. K1 and S weren't as surprised as they should have been. It took them hours to open the gifts and then we hauled it back to their place. Didn't get home until way late. Exhausted beyond belief.
Today: Up early one more time. Obligations. Dead battery in the phone I was using. Not a charger in sight. Borrowed a phone, but still not getting calls. Working on that one. Got a call from K1 right before the phone battery died. My granddaughter may be arriving sooner than her due date according to their doctor visit today. I definitely need to get this cell phone problem worked out as soon as possible. Probably after our meeting tonight.
Tomorrow? Hopefully sleeping in a little providing I don't get called to the hospital tonight.
That is all for now.
Behave!

Tomorrow...

...I will give you the weekend lowdown!
Too tired right now, and I feel a little bit like the mamma opossum, but it a good way.
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

Getting this in under the wire.
So here's the list:
1. B doing okay since his surgery. He's still in some pain, but improving every day.
2. After running around like a chicken with my head cut off, I'm nearly ready for tomorrow's graduation festivities. Grocery store, cooking, and a few last minute things to do, but I'm nearly there.
3. The kids (all but K2) getting their rooms cleaned. There's a lot of trash, but I am thrilled with how well they did. The house feels so much lighter and I know that doesn't make much sense.
4. My kid graduating. Yes, that's a no brainer.
5. The weekend. Man, do I need it.
That is all for now!
Graduation party update tomorrow!
Behave!

Random Thursday Stuff

Where to begin?
1. Lots of cleaning going on around here today. K1 is packing up to move out. His mess is immense. There are boxes in my living room, boxes in the hall, trash everywhere. We're also in the throes of getting ready for the weekend graduation shindig. Progress is being made. But it doesn't look like it. At all.
2. Tonight was a big scout event. Court of Honor. This year was somewhat low key since it's kind of late in the scouting year and all of the awards had already been given out, but it still needed to be done. As a treat, B arranged for the boys to make a huge ice cream sundae. As in an 8 foot section of trough and a three gallon container of ice cream. They demolished the ice cream, eating the mess of toppings and ice cream from the trough without spoons. Pretty funny.
3. This morning K4 woke me to tell me the dog pooped in her room overnight. The dog never does that. The only thing we can figure is she didn't go yesterday. Apparently she refused to leave the porch when she should have been taking care of business. Then, this afternoon, the cat barfed in her room. She's pretty ticked considering she just cleaned her room.
4. B's in some serious pain today. Seems the third day postop is way worse than the first or second, despite him taking it really, really easy. Everyone assures him it's normal. He hates it. I've stopped asking him how he's feeling because I get an array of smart-assed answers.
And that's all I can think of right now. I'm considering doing some rennovations to the old blog. Don't be shocked if things are a little different within the next few days.
Behave!

Oops!

Can you believe I just now remembered it's Wednesday? Totally missed Tall Tale Tuesday this week. I'll pick it back up next week. Maybe I'll have some good ones after this week.
Raining here. Kind of nice. The temps are lower, which is also nice. Lots of stuff going on. B's doing well after his knee surgery. Lots of ice and grumbling because he's down for the count.
Bedrooms are getting cleaned. Things are getting prepared for the big graduation party this weekend. Tomorrow will be busy, for sure.
That's it for today. Exhaustion has settled in.
Behave!

A New Chapter...

So my girl graduated last night.
I knew I was going to cry. And I did. It's amazing to me that she's closed this part of her life when I swear she was just a toddler two weeks ago. I sat there, stunned, proud, and nearly overwhelmed with emotion and excitement for her. She managed to graduated with a very fine gpa and even received an award (though we have no idea what it is yet since she missed the ceremony due to the camp counselor gig).
Once we got home, she packed the rest of her stuff and went back to camp. I have to admit I was a little sad about that, but the training portion of the job is important. And, I guess I need to deal with her being gone. Because she will be. Pretty much from here on. After camp is college, after college is a life not lived with her parents. And I'm okay with that. I am. But that doesn't mean I won't miss her, that I don't already miss her.
Now...where are my tissues?
Behave

Yep. Sometimes It's Like That.

>Just sayin'
Behave!

Monday Random

Tonight is graduation. I'm heading to the store in a few to stock up on tissue for B and I. We'll both need them. Luckily, today is forecast to be a little cooler than yesterday, so we might not die in the heat of the auditorium like I was told. I guess I should find something appropriate to wear as well.
K2 returned from her camp training late last night. Not only did she park me in this morning, but she made so much noise I'm surprised the entire house didn't wake up. She woke early for graduation practice and had so much to tell me that since she left, my ears are ringing. She's bruised and sore from all of the high adventure training they did, and has no voice. And then she tells me this...
Apparently, for some reason, (and I'm not sure what that reason is, either solidarity among the counselors or because they're all idiots) they each swallow one of those capsules that contains the foam animal (the ones you put in water and watch your little foam creature emerge). Then, when it comes out, they put it in a baggie and take it back to camp, or have someone verify that they did indeed pass it. Sounds gross and somewhat dangerous to me. I can't believe she did it and I'm still mortified!
So, I'm feeling a little melancholy today. My baby girl is moving on (and being gross). Expect a sappy post at some point later. Oh, and tomorrow is the last day of school for the other K's. And B's knee surgery. Summer Survival here we go!
Behave!

Sunday Funny

.../>Ha Ha!
Behave!

Why It Matters...

Today was my monthly RWA chapter meeting. I looked forward to it with a mixture of hope and dread. Hope because I love these people. They're my writing family. They get me (even if they think I'm weird, especially when I talk about mimes.). The dread was because I've been in crisis mode lately. Yes, again. Or maybe, still. Definitely still.
I've been analyzing the way I've felt and am feeling quite a bit the past few days and today really did help put things into perspective, though I'm still a little ways from being healed. Over the past few months, I've dealt with several major blows. Okay, a lot of them. And we're only talking career-wise, not the trauma and turmoil that's gone on in my house. I picture myself as a cockroach under the heel of a steel-toed work boot. Crushed. Or like a dragonfly and my wings have been pulled off. I work hard at my writing career because I want it so badly. I know I can maintain a long term career. I know I can be a full time author even with my hectic family life. And, like I said, I want it.
In my crushed state, I didn't/don't care. I don't write. I don't think about it, except with a grimness that scares the crap out of me. I even gave myself permission to quit, but the very thought filled me with a dark sickness that didn't leave until I decided that idea was ludicrous. Knowing I can't quit does help, but it doesn't propel me to the keyboard except to play the treasure hunting game I'm enamored with. I open the document, move my cursor to the right line and...stall. I re-read the short story I'm working on and get to the portion where I need to add more words and I stall. I wonder what the point is, why I try so hard, why I keep coming back to something that continuously beats me to a bloody emotional pulp.
We had a pep talk session at the meeting, because I'm not the only one struggling right now. I wrote down a few of the inspirational things said because despite knowing them and saying them on a regular basis I needed to remember them for myself. Then, I helped critique a friend's story and as I was going through her pages, I could feel that spark. It was dim and sad, but still there - shoved in the back behind my emotional baggage and the chaos of life. I'd like to say I grabbed that tiny flame and how my touch turned it into a roaring bon fire, but that would be a lie. But I at least reached for it. I want to hold it in my hands again and feel its pulse. I want to hear it breathing. I want it to lead me to purposeful writing time and the joy that brings.
After today, I remember why I do this. Because I love it. Because I have stories to tell. Because it's who I am at my core. And I know I won't quit. I'll stay a cockroach even if I occasionally get a face full of toxins or the business end of a well-placed heel, because after all, a cockroach can live through a nuclear blast and sometimes that's what this feels like to me.
And, while I'm not full of the joy quite yet, it's there enough for me to purposefully nurture. I have enough back to want to do something - to reclaim what's mine and move forward. I do know that it's something I will never give up, even if I never get that publishing contract or the career I envision. And that feels significant to me. (unless the mimes arrive)
I think I might just be okay.
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

Ah! Friday!
Here's the list:
1. Getting to help out with field day today. It was really hot, but fun.
2. Sleeping in a little tomorrow.
3. My writer's group meeting tomorrow!
4. The crazy rain storm we had last night. Loved it!
5. Crossing things off my "to do" list - though each time I do two or more things go on. I doubt I'll ever finish a list!
6. Survey Monkey. I love it.
7. Maybe some time with my hubby later. I hope. (and not that kind of time. Get your mind out of the gutter! ha!)
8. School almost being out!
9. Upcoming events.
That's it for now. I still have a million things to do and kids will be pouring in the door any minute. Breaks over.
Behave!

Thursday

What I'm thinking about today:
1. Our summer experiment: The compostable Sun Chips bag that is now tacked to the playhouse roof. We're seeing if it really decomposes as fast as they say.
2. Summer Survival Journal: Year Two will begin soon. Wait for it.
3. New 21-year olds are a pain in the butt.
4. Next week's terrible schedule. K2 graduates on Monday (sniff, sniff), B has to have knee surgery on Tuesday, the kids get out of school on Tuesday...and it goes on and on...
5. Flies: I hate them.
6. The grocery store: I hate that, too.
7. Leg cramps: last night I had such a horrible one that I now have a bruise on my calf. It still hurts, though it's getting better.
8. Coffee: I drank so much this morning that my stomach is angry with me.
9. My to do list: It's long and half of the stuff on there are things I don't want to do.
10. How high my grass is and when we'll have time to cut it. We might be bailing it if it grows too much longer.
That is all for now.
Behave!

Answer!

1. B jumped in the kayak and paddled over, realizing it was indeed a human skull and finding the rest of the skeleton in the creek around it. We called the police and now our serene camping spot is a hot bed for a potential murder. They're hoping to match the body to an old missing persons case. Nah. But probably possible considering the hillbilly boaters that floated by on Saturday. Bad enough that we made the kids get out of the creek until they passed. They were very intoxicated - one stood up to pee in the water, tipping the boat and filling it with water. While that was going on, the other guy trudged to the opposite bank and apparently used the bushes for a number two toilet, and wiped himself with his underwear which he then tossed into the creek. They bailed the water out of their boat and continued their journey. Oh, and it was only around ten in the morning, too.
2. After the authorities came, we were told it was most likely a Native American skeleton washed downstream from the caves a few hundred feet away. The heavy rains and subsequent flooding finally dislodged him. It's a huge find and very awesomely cool. I'm not sure what they're going to do with it, or if they're going to inspect the caves for more. I want to be there if they do. (Not really in the cave though. That's too confined for me.) Nah. But also possible. There are caves and evidence that Native Americans lived nearby. Very cool.
3. Much speculation surrounded our discovery. We were just about to jump in the kayak and check it out when we walked a little further down the creek and could clearly see it was just an odd rock with other odd rocks piled around it. Disappointing, but not. Well, yeah.
That's all for now.
Behave!

Tall Tale Tuesday

Camping style.
Yesterday while goofing off with the binoculars, we spotting what looked like a human skull across the creek.
Which of the following really happened?
1. B jumped in the kayak and paddled over, realizing it was indeed a human skull and finding the rest of the skeleton in the creek around it. We called the police and now our serene camping spot is a hot bed for a potential murder. They're hoping to match the body to an old missing persons case.
2. After the authorities came, we were told it was most likely a Native American skeleton washed downstream from the caves a few hundred feet away. The heavy rains and subsequent flooding finally dislodged him. It's a huge find and very awesomely cool. I'm not sure what they're going to do with it, or if they're going to inspect the caves for more. I want to be there if they do. (Not really in the cave though. That's too confined for me.)
3. Much speculation surrounded our discovery. We were just about to jump in the kayak and check it out when we walked a little further down the creek and could clearly see it was just an odd rock with other odd rocks piled around it. Disappointing, but not.
What do you think?
Behave!