Sometimes I just don't feel like opening the blinds all the away. Athena doesn't mind, she'll just climb behind them! She spotted a bird and even though I'm sure she wasn't aware of what it was, she was aware enough to know that hey, she wants it! Badly!

Today was quite the day. After a Palm Sunday service (yes, on saturday) we went by Lowes where Chris picked up a small piece of wood to fix my chair. After wondering from one end of the store to the other (what? Don't y'all love home improvement places too?) *g* including the garden center, we left with just the one piece of wood (a miracle, trust me) and then headed to Target. See, Target is usually one of my favorite places to pick up affordable pieces of the kids wardrobe. I say usually, but this time, for some reason I wasn't that impressed. Maybe because I was looking just for shorts, they did have some cute shirts, but I was there for shorts for Daughter. DIDN'T FIND ANY! Let me clarify. I didn't see any that were either appropriate (hoochie mama shorts were still there!) or that she didn't already have a pair that looked exactly like a pair she picked out! How many pairs of kahki shorts does one need? I did pick up Son a new Spider Man shirt, which he has been begging to wear since we got home! Oh, and a toothbrush for me. Um, a childs tooth brush because my mouth? Yeah, it's not tiny, but regular size tooth brushes make me gag. Also, the dentist has told me in the past that I need to use a soft bristle because I tend to OVER BRUSH my teeth. Who knew you could do that. Therefore, since WW does not carry the ones I use, whenever I need a new one, it's off to Target we go! (Like y'all needed to know all this, right?) Did I mention the fact that this was another store we seem to cross back and forth in? We need to get out more when a trip to Target is FUN! (Well, except for the kids touching everything! And Chris' lack of patience with them about that. Son was the worst today and he's usually my good fella. I guess even 5 year olds have off days.)

If it wasn't going to rain tomorrow we were going hiking. BUT, thunderstorms are expected. Wonder if I can talk Chris into painting? Yeah, right! *snicker* I don't see that happening. BUT, guess what? HE CUT THE GRASS TODAY! It only took me 2 hours of hinting and prodding for him to get out there. YAY! He cut the grass. Of course afterwards he had to take 2 benedryl. The pollen is BAD out there. B. A. D. But, he cut the grass. And I didn't have too! Yahoo! (For anyone who wasn't a reader last year, Chris hates to do yard work, with a passion. I have been pretty much the sole grass cutter since we moved into this house. 3 years ago.)(Don't even get me started on the weedeater. And the hole I, um, MAY have put in the siding. Oops.)

Anyway, that's our day. It's a bit boring for most. But, we had fun and all the walking wore me out. Which makes me feel guilty, because when I say wore me out, I am referring to the lack of exercise I did today. PPPPPLLLLEEEASE tell me all that walking counted?! I hope y'all had a good day and that your sunday is restful and recharges you for the week ahead. B.

Exercise: *sigh* None. Again. I am disappointed in myself, but too darn tired to get it done tonight. I WILL, I WILL exercise tomorrow.

Someone explain to me the fascination with plastic bags for cats? Would you believe the cats would take turns laying all over the bag. It was the strangest thing.

Today was a busy day. Daughter is working on her last paper of the year, and I had errands to run. I ran by the library where I was able to pick up 3 books: A Misty Harbor Wedding by Marcia Evanick, Causing Havoc by Lori Foster, and The Last Viking by Sandra Hill. I also picked up 3 dvd's: Flower Drum Song, Chicken Run and Ice Age 2 The Meltdown. I love Flower Drum Song so I was ecstatic to be able to check it out. After the library I ran by and got some gas, what the heck?! Prices have jumped in the last 2 weeks! Then on to the UBS, I had cleaned off my keeper shelves and decided to get rid of a bunch of Nora Roberts books that I either couldn't see myself going back to read or that I remembered the plots and stories so well, there was no enjoyment in rereading them, plus other books by different authors. I picked up 3 books there as well. Highlander in Her Bed by Allie Mackay, Night Whispers by Leslie Kelly, and Crazy For You by Kate Angell. I HAVE BOOKS! YAY! Um, not to mention I have one book to buy next week. One of my favorite authors, Janet Evanovich, had a new book co-written with Leanne Banks, called Hot Stuff. I've already read the blurb and an excerpt at Janet Evanovich's website. Oh, and after the fun part of my day, then I managed to run by Kohls to pick up some undies. Jeez, they were busy! After catching the scanner over charging me, and making the clerk fix it, I left and dropped off the recyclables. Finally, after all that, I made it to WW to do my grocery shopping. Did I mention the kids were with me the whole time? *sigh* Daughter was sorta well behaved, Son was a bit whiney. The ladies in the UBS adore him and ended up giving him and Daughter some cookies they had behind the counter.

Then, THEN, I was able to come home. Where I had to put all the groceries away by myself (Daughter found something else to do, imagine that.). I know I said I was going to make an effort to eat better, and I have, I cut my dessert eating drastically and have been choosing healthier foods and portions, but I was too tired to cook so I had Chris call an order in(from work) to Dominoes for pizza for dinner. Sue me. It was just cheese pizza. It has cheese, a protien, um, tomato sauce, a veggie *g*, and the crust, a starch (that was originally wheat!). But, I only had 3 very small pieces. Sitting down. Ahhhhh, it felt so good to sit down.

Tomorrow should be a bit quieter, but we are going to try and get things done around here, before and after Church.

I hope y'all had a good friday. I'm really hoping that y'all have a great saturday! Try and have some fun. B.

Exercise: None tonight. Too tired. But, I WILL exercise tomorrow.

Athena and Midnight. Athena is never very far from Midnight, maybe every now and then she goes off for time by herself, but otherwise she is stuck to him like glue. See the straw by Midnight's belly? He steals them out of my Dt.Dr. Peppers to play with them. *g*

Thursday has beek okay. The In-Laws came by for a visit, they called first this time. They stayed for about 2 hours, bor-ing, and then took the kids out for some ice cream, giving me some well enjoyed quiet time.

Other than that, and besides cleaning and laundry, it's been a loooooooonnngg day. I slept, but kept waking up, so I feel tired already, when I'm used to staying up later. It drizzled for a bit today. I wish it had rained and washed some of the pollen away, because everyones sinuses (mine included) are stopped up and the drainage is awful.

I didn't read today, but then again, I really don't think I could have concentrated on anything anyway. And that's it from me tonight. I am extremely tired and hope to go to sleep SOON. Have a good friday, TGIF! B.

Exercise: 30 minutes of Pilates.

Yap, Yap, Yap

It does look like Butterscotch is talking, doesn't it? Actually I caught him yawning. I thought it was so funny and wanted to share!

Today was WAY better than yesterday. I got about 5 hours sleep and felt like I had energy all day. I'm getting tired now, but duh, it's been a full day. When I come downstairs each day, I have to clean up. After the cats. Sometime during the night they make a mess, knock things over (books, the phone and the LR wastebasket today). It's like having michevious toddlers who have the run of the house.

Daughter had class today and Son and I visited BAM again. I swear I need to get a part time job there, I spend more time and money there each year than almost any other place, except WW. At least I have fun there, unlike WW. I didn't buy anything there, not for lack of trying! I was looking for Janet Evanovich and Leanne Banks book, Hot Stuff. BAM online has it, as does B&N online, but Amazon (where I have credit from a gift certificate, is only allowing pre-orders. And, well, I'm impatiant, I want it now!) is only allowing pre-orders and I wouldn't get the book until the 5th of April, since the release date for it is April 3rd. Books are about the only thing I get impatiant with. Hmmm. Even I admit that might be odd. Oh, and while I was in there, I realized my cell phone had slipped out of my purse. Not too worrisome right? Except that Chris was supposed to call me, I found my phone in the van and Chris had called 8 times! I called him right away, and seems he was so worried he couldn't get in touch with me, he left work and was pulling into the parking lot of BAM when I called him. Oops. *g* I didn't mean to worry him.

After all that, and sending Chris back to work, I picked up Daughter and headed to WW for cat food. Hey, 7 cats go through alot of cat food. I was so happy to get home. I'm comfortable now, sitting in my chair, battling the cats for supremecy of it, and relaxing for a few minutes before I have to vacumm and clean a bit.

Anyway, I tink I've pretty much bored y'all to tears. Have a good thursday! Just think, the end of the week is near! B.

Oh, there's a review under this post.

Exercise: non tonight, I don't think. I may if I get a bit of energy. If so, I'll update.

All Jacked Up by Penny McCall

All Jacked Up by Penny McCall

I LOVED this book. I read it in one night. Granted I needed something to do since I couldn't sleep, but this book made the time fly!

All Jacked Up is a fast paced book full of bullets, sexual tension and two characters who leap off the page. Somewhat remeniscent of an old black and white movie from the 40's and 50's, the action never seems to slow down and the pages almost turn themselves.

Aubrey Sullivan is Librarian at the Library of Congress working in the Map room, and of course she loves the books she works with. Her photographic memory makes sure her private life is filled parties, almost as the "side show freak", the phrase she uses to describe her ablility. Although, even with all the invitations, Aubrey is lonely.

Enter Jack Mitchell, an FBI agent under suspicion of murder, and suspected of being a mole for a drug lord. He is all brawn, but can figure out he needs help to clear his reputaion and the suspicion surrounding him. He needs Aubrey to remember what it is she knows about the man Jack was investigating before his life started to fall apart. Somewhere in her mind is the key to why there is a contract on her life, because Jack thinks the mess in his life and the danger to hers are connected.

Now they're both on the run and fighting to stay alive while also trying to uncover the mystery that's put their lives in danger. Jack is about to find out that everything he ever thought about librarians is wrong and Aubrey is about to have the adventure of her life. All they have to do is survuve, with their hearts intact.

I can not say it enough, Penny McCall is a new author whose star is going to rise fast. Her next book is due out in July and I am impatiently waiting for it's release!

The not so good, very bad day

I haven't felt well today, so no tracking the kitties all over the house. Instead I thought I'd show you the polish that Chris put on for me. I can do them myself, but my eyesight in contacts makes close things further away....... Oh, and as for the sandals. I am not a huge fan of shoes per se, unless it's sandals. I really like them for some reason. It might have something to do with the fact that in the summer, I walk around barefoot as much as possible. I even do that in the winter!

I am so darn tired. I didn't sleep at all last night. NADA. Add in the stupid drainage from all the lovely pollen outside which has given me a sinus headache, and you have an all around sucks to be Brandy day. I am not nominating it for a National Holiday. The good news is I finished All Jacked Up by Panny McCall and will post the review tomorrow. I'd do it tonight, because I wrote it long hand minutes after I finished the book, but I need to decipher my pwn handwriting and considering my lack of sleep, I'd like it to make some sense. I can tell you it was a great read.

That's it. I've somehow managed to do normal household things today, but I am fried. I hope y'all had a good tuesday. Wednesday will be moderately busy for me, so I hope it's uneventfull for y'all. B.

PS: Just so you know, Jill Shalvis' Smart and Sexy was released!! Go buy it and read it, wonderful book! http://bookmom.blogspot.com/2007/02/smart-and-sexy-by-jill-shalvis-i-was.html , here's the link to my review.

Exercise: 30 minutes of Pilates. And just like Yoga, I feel loose and stretched out.

An oldie but goodie of Layla. My little tyrant, uh, I mean Princess. If you can't tell, I ran out of spanking new pictures again. I'll follow the cats around tomorrow like some demented stalker and take some more. Until then, behold, my Boss. *g*

Today was so boring and quiet. I loved it. It's really sad when you need monday to rest up from your weekend. The kids were reasonably well behaved and I've been doing laundry like you wouldn't believe. I've also stuck to my "do right" part of cutting down on the sugar. No cake for me today. I did have an apple. I wish I could say the craving for sweets has gone away, but if you knew me, you'd know that's impossible. *g*

I've started a new book, by a new author. All Jacked Up by Penny McCall. I must say I am really liking it so far. The ONLY complaint I have is that the font is small and it made it hard to read on the treadmill, but I did it anyway. Is it sad that when I giggle on the treadmill at something, and Chris is on the computer and he doesn't even bother to look up anymore. And don't get me started on cats who seem to have little sense when it comes to chasing each other around the LR and ON TO MY TREADMILL! While I'm on it. Almost tripping me. Which wouldn't be a huge problem except I don't like to wear the emergency pull thingy that stops the treadmill in instances of say....tripping. Hi. *waving* Yes, I know that's what they are there for, have we met?

OMgoodness. Cats are insane. Chris has the laser pointer and is basicallydriving them LITERALLY up the wall. Up. The. Wall. HA! I love how nuts they go trying to catch the "red bug". All traces of a cats dignity are gone. Hahaha!

That's it today. Ah, the way I prefer it. I hope y'all had a good Monday and that your Tuesday is even better. B.

exercise: 4 miles on treadmill, walking, 7 incline and 3.6 speed. Followed by 10 minutes of yoga.

More of my demented rambling

Here's a good picture of Midnight. It's very hard to capture a good one because his fur is SO shiny it reflects light. He's a good boy and very sweet. He's taken to flopping down on me even if I'm on the computer! Sometimes trapping my keyboard under his bulk. But, he's sweet and so pretty.

I've not been sleeping well (What else it new, right?) for the past 2 nights. I wake up out of a sound sleep after 2 hours and when I go back to sleep, I usually drop back into deep for about an hour, but then I "float" "cat nap" whatever you want to call it. All I know is, I am sleepy as heck and tired and when we had to get going today all I wanted to do was crawl back in bed.

Well, I took my dress back. I did pick up a pair of slacks while there, though. They were on sale, 50% off and ended up costing 1/3 of the cost of the dress, making for a decent bargain! Unfortunately, I was made to face the fact that I am heavy. Plain and simple. I'm going to have to do better about the exercisng, maybe vary it more. I need to lose about 10 pounds and then maybe I won't feel so bad when trying on clothes?

And the exercise thing, it starts tomorrow. Why not tonight you ask? Because it's late, I've had a full day. I am exhausted. Many things done today, Coldwater Creek at the Mall for my return, Marshalls for Daughters return (had bought Daughter another dress she decided she liked better and took it back because HA! Mom was right the original dress we bought for her Upcoming Big Thing worked lots better), then on to Kohls for shoes for Upcoming Big Thing because of course her feet NEVER stop growing(8.5 ADULT WOMENS! And she's not 12 until late next month.). Did I mention that while there Chris and Son both got new sandals? Son can't wear last years sandals and Chris seems to kill shoes......THEN on to BAM, to return the book Chris bought yesterday on Apples OS Tiger, seems he already knew everything the book had. THEN he wanted to stop by the Jeep Dealership to just look at the new Jeep out this year the Patriot. I've already told you we decided not to buy a new (to us) vehichle this year, but hey we just looked. *sigh* He's funny. Really. THEN Blessed Be! HOME! If I talk about going anywhere else this week besides Daughters class, then remind me of how tired I am right now, okay? So.....let's see. Lack of sleep (Normal), shopping (Again? Good gooogliness!) and my babbling on about all this boring stuff (Again, normal, but I apologize anyway.). All of today may not sound like alot, but I also had to deal with a cranky Son, tantrums related to cranky Son, fights between the Son and Daughter, Chris over reacting to fights between Daughter and Son and playing peacemaker between them all. And the funny thing is, we still cracked up laughing several times today. *sigh* We are a weird family. But, I wouldn't trade any of them for anything. Oh, and right now I'm having to fuss at Daughter and type this, get Son ready for bed and gently move Chris onto bed. Let's not forget that I still need to make sure all the cat food bowls (inside and out) are filled and they all have fresh water. Play the ice game with the cats before heading upstairs and pick up downstairs as well. Because it drives me nuts to leave the mess down here that the kids and Chris are comfortable with. Are y'all like that?

Anyway, at this point I'm typing drivel. So, I'm off. I hope y'all rested up for tomorrow and that y'all have a good Monday! B.

Funniest Commercial Ever

Just wanted to share what I thought was one of the funniest commercials I've ever seen. My regular post is below this one. B

And on and on and on....

Butterscotch is strange. I've told you that before. See how his feet are sticking up? Yeah, he's asleep. (Excuse the fuzziness, Son has been admonished because of the fingerprints on the lens!)

Today was nice. It reached 85 degrees here today and I had to turn on the air conditioning! We made it to church on time, I drove *g*. Kidding. After that we went by BAM, and sure enough, they had copies of Smart and Sexy by Jill Shalvis. Have I mentioned how much I love BAM for the fact that they put out alot of books a week or 2 before the official relelase date? Chris picked up a book on Apples Tiger operating system (when I teased him about it, he said that he couldn't know everything there was to know about computers...yet) and I picked up 4 books, too. I purchased Smart and Sexy by Jill Shalvis (I was fortunate enough to read the ARC, but sometimes things change and hey, this one has a cover and support your favorite authors), All Jacked Up by Penny McCall (new to me author, small font in book btw), Night Life by Elizabeth Guest (also writes as Suzanne Simmons), and The Last of the Red Hot Vampires by Katie MacAlister. I hadn't planned on purchasing the books until April, but c'mon, they were out early! Besides, you know that dress I bought from Coldwater Creek? I'm taking it back. I tried it on tonight, in front of a mirror (eeewww, I hate mirrors) and the way the dress is cut on the chest, I look like a football player. VERY wide across the chest. *sigh* This is why I don't buy too many things online. And yes, I did try it on when it came, something about it bothered me, but I couldn't place what. I tried it on when we got home tonight with the bra (yeah, I said bra!) that I would have worn with it, and hose and a slip. I made myself face myself in the mirror with the bright lights on and took a look. IT'S GOING BACK. I'm sure later on I'll find something else that won't make me look like I play defensive line for some football team! Oops, sorry to ramble on.

We stopped by Marshalls after BAM, to see if they had a pair of shoes for Daughter. I ended up picking up 2 t-shirts for her, hey you can't beat $6 and $8 for t-shirts! But, no shoes. Drat, that means more shopping later this week. Oh, but they had the perfect chair for my bedroom. Much better than the monstrosity that Chris picked out (last time that ever happens!) He bought a leather recliner with mission style to it. Not to say I don't like Mission style furniture, I do, it's just my feet don't reach the floor if I'm scooted all the way back in it and the arms are HARD! The chair at Marshalls was creme and gold it was a swivel glider and the cushions. Oh, man, the cushions, so soft! (But, it was $500 and I just bought a computer AND had a huge Vet bill!) Anyway, after that we came home. Blessed Be, HOME. YAY! Can you tell I'm a homebody?

After all that, I was tired. I was glad to finally sit down and relax. Chris made dinner! Stir Fry with onion and zuchinni squash, and chicken breast (not to mention rice). YUM! AND I didn't have to cook! That was the best part.

And that was my day. Fun, yes? Eh, slightly. Tomorrow will hopefully be better. I'm going to take the dress back and then bribe one of my lovely family members to weed the front of the yard. Because, I'm the one who cuts the grass. I HATE weeding. But, just so you know, a fork works really well on the roots of a weed to pull it out of the ground. Yes, I'm garden-challenged. I can cut the grass and plant things. I've even been known to trim a hedge or 2 (well, we have 11) or even a tree (River Birch, Crepe Myrtle and Weeping Willows(2), um, not to mention the Red Buds, Cherry trees(2) or Pecan trees(2) we planted in the back yard). Funny, we don't have any flowers planted, though. Chris isn't any better, he planted a Dogwood for me last Fall and KILLED it. He forgot to water it when he planted it. Hmmm, I need to have him dig that back up. Ooh, a chore for Chris. Who HATES yard work. Like I love it?

Agghhh, babbling. Must stop babbling. Um, babble typing? Agh! Anyway, have a restful Sunday! B.

Ewok beat out Woodchuck!

Athena is getting so big! Let me tell you, her love affair with Midnight is not waning. She follows him around everywhere, often winding around him and pretty much curling her tail around him. Her eyes are a burnished gold and she is just the sweetest cat to Son. Oh, and she 'talks' ALOT.

Well, I made it out of the house, even if it was just to WW to pick up some apples, cheese and crackers. Sounds healthy right? NOT, granted reduced fat crackers and the apples are healthy, but I eat the crackers and cheese together for lunch most days, um, and the apples? I may have had them with some caramel dip after dinner tonight. But. Fruit. I ate lovely fruit. That counts as sort of healthy, right?

By the way, I agree and Chris also said that y'all are right. The cat toy DOES look more like an Ewok. So, henceforth, it shall be known as an Ewok around here. (Yeah, I'm getting all proclomation-y around here.)(Yes, I am aware that's not a real word.)

So I sat here tonight and watched a bit of What Not to Wear. I have to say, they are usually right on the money for most of their comments, but good grief! So very snarky. And mean. Then again, I guess they are trying to shock most of those on the show into realizing that maybe a puke green polyester, shiny, cargo skirt with zippers and a flare at the bottom might not look as good as they thought. (And yes, one woman DID think that skirt was great!) But, I would be so scared to have them come look in my closet. I mean I stole a pair of sweatpants from Chris, I do wear Mens' botton down shirts in the winter, and I live in black. Um, not to mention in the summer I live in t-shirts and shorts! Oh, and I prefer my clothes baggy, so I can hide in them. See, I know how NOT to dress! *G*

Y'all seem to think it was funny that I just learned how to put titles on my posts. How many times do I have to tell you how much of a techno-goober I am? I mean, I use the computer and being online for researching certain topics all the time. (No, not porn, get your mind out of the gutter! *g* Homeschool things, and books, etc.) That I can handle. Everything else? Not so much. *sigh* Yes, I know, I'm sad.

Church tomorrow, then off to BAM, because I told Jill Shalvis I'd check and see if her fantastic new book, Smart and Sexy, is in the store yet. And then, who knows, because I did Chris' ironing tonight (YAY! It's done!), so maybe I can talk him into renting a movie or something. Have a great Saturday! B.

Whoa! What?

Son took this picture of Fireball resting on the back of my couch. Notice all the library books beside him? If we don't keep them in one spot, they mysteriously disappear, never to be seen again (or until my fine reaches over $3, meaning no more check-outs till it's paid off!).

Today was spent doing that fun chore of laundry. To be honest I didn't mind. It's the ironing this weekend I'm dreading!

Chris' computer went wonky again, so I okayed the purchase of an Apple MacbookPro. To say he's ecstatic is an understatement. The kids will get his old laptop (with most programs stripped off) and the desktop we have will remain unfixed and sold for parts. I'll give the monitor for it (an old flat screen) to my In-laws because they have an older monitor. Now, I didn't make this decision lightly (and yes, ultimately it was my choice). Chris still has almost a year for his Masters (done online) and he does some work from home(reports and stuff), so he really needed a computer that wouldn't slow down everytime he was working on a project, or having to be reloaded every other week. The kids are ecstatic, Chris' old laptop (not that old, just over a year)(his Toshiba suffered and eventually died, Best Buy replaced it with his Compaq) will play their games, which the desk top wouldn't play all of them. Granted I'm not happy, but it was a necessity. One I'll be paying for for the next year. Fun.

All in all, a boring day here. I wasn't in the mood to read, so besides all the household stuff, I've been watching a bit of tv. I'm really liking the new show Raines on NBC. It's quirky, sad and fun all at the same time. And, check it out, it only took me 2 years, but I figured out the Titles for posts!!

Anyway, I'm off to bed, up late again. Have a good Friday! B.

Exercise: 4 miles, 7 incline, 3.6 speed and 4 speed for jogging for half a mile.

The infamous cat toy.

Chris is holding the catnip toy that the cats love to leave all over the house. Bailey questioned my calling it a Woodchuck, so.........NAME THAT ANIMAL! What does it look like to you?

'How much wood can a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?' Okay my question, how do you chuck wood? Who sits around coming up with these riddles? *g* Oh, and what the heck is a woodchuck?

Butterscotch is a strange cat. He's very sweet, but creepy. That brown thing he is playing with is a catnip filled woodchuck. ALL the cats love it.

Daughter had class tonight and we got there early just so they could play with the slides and stuff the Church has. Oh, but before that we had to run by the bookstore/gift store, not the book store I normally go to, but I don't want to beat y'all over the head with our beliefs. We had to go there because Daughter suddenly decided her book that she was using for her book report due Friday, wasn't quite what she needed. Sooooo, I can't have her telling me she doesn't have what she needs to complete a report!

After that, on to her class and then Son and I played on the playground for a while longer and spoke to a couple of people we knew. Then we dropped by WW to take back a toy that Son had insisted the cats needed, I had caved on and then gotten home and they had the exact toy already. Ah, and then home, sweet home. Where I could relax and we could have dinner. Now, I'm exhausted. I didn't sleep well again last night, so that's 3 nights, that I have not slept well. I have a feeling I will cash tonight. As a matter of fact, I'm wanting to srop off typing this, so, have a good thursday! B.

This is Son's DarthVader/Star Wars shrine, er, table. There are more things in the Darth halloween bucket on the left (facing the pic.). Notice he has Darth Pez, action figures, and that ship, on top of the bucket, used to be Chris' when he was a kid.

Today was as ordinary as Monday. Fireball went to the Vet for his check-up today. He's good. He doesn't have to take his antibiotics anymore, (amoxixillon, the same you or I were given as a child), and the Vet took out his stitches. He also explained to Chris what had happened to Fireball. He had eaten a piece of what looked like sewing thread, that somehow got tied to his tongue and all down his throat and cut wholes in his bowel. I could not believe the thread (NO idea where he got it by the way) had tied itself around his tongue (NO, my kids wouldn't do that), not to mention it was on the back of his tongue. BUT, he's better and he's active AND much sweeter.

My book came in the mail today from B&N, Sight Unseen by Samantha Graves. I haven't had a chance to read it yet. But, I am going to try soon. I didn't sleep well again last night, so I reread Hot Shots by Charlotte Hughes. AND, downloaded a new game for my cell phone (Zuma) and played that all night. I'm addicted. I don't like regular computer games,*shrugs* I'm weird sue me, but I like these little games like Zuma and Tetris. They require concentration and attention to detail. Things I'm usually good at, but don't go by my typos!

Daughter has class tomorrow (today, I'm up late) and I think Son and I may go to BAM again. I usually buy him a drink and let him play with the trains. Not to mention, I get to look at the books.*g* I don't always buy a book, but I do usually get Son a drink. It's our time to spend, just he and I. Ooooh, Son got in trouble tonight before bed. He got into Chris' hand lotion (all natural, by Burts Bees) and put it on his face. His face turned bright red where he had placed the lotion. Poor baby. We washed it off and he's been patting it with a cool damp rag. AND, just to be safe, gave him a benendryl in case he was allergic to anything. Before he went to sleep it had dulled to a pink, instead of beet red. Oh, and it was only his face that turned red. His hands were fine, and soft (considering it was hand lotion). *G*

And that's the mundane and slight melodrama that frequents my life. I wish a good and easy wednesday for you. B.

This is the cabinet above my refrigerator. Notice how Buttersctch, Athen and Fireball have congregated up there to sleep. Aren't cats funny? Butterscotch can get up there with no problem, it's getting down that is his major hurdle for him. Athena and Fireball don't have that problem. And yes, those are flashlights on top of the fridge. Along with a basket that hold all my storage container tops and place matts.

Nothing major happening here today. I managed to read the rest of The Very Virile Viking by Sandra Hill and all of Love, Lust and Pixie Dust by LuAnn McLane and A Perfect Stranger by Barbar Dunlop. All last night. I couldn't sleep, but hey, at least I got some reading done. *G*

I have a book coming by UPS tomorrow, Sight Unseen by Samantha Graves. The premise sounded interesting and I'm hoping it will be great. I'll let you know.

That's it. I'm done, with no sleep it's been a long day. I hope you monday was bearable and your tuesday enjoyable. B.

Exercise: 4 miles, 3.6 miles, 7 incline. (I did get up higher on the speed and jogged for 1/2 a mile. I needed the jolt.)

A Secret Life by Barbara Dunlop

Once I started this book, I could not put it down. Seriously. I was immediately sucked in. I can say that I also enjoyed the play between the secondary characters Joan's sister, Heather, and a local man, Samuel.

Joan Bateman tried her hardest for this day to never come. Her secret identity, as mystery author Jules Burrel has been splashed all over the New Yprk times, thanks to a vengeful assistant recently fired by her Literary Agent for sexual harassment. Suddenly her violinist sister shows up in the sleepy town of Indigo, warning her that her blue-blooded parents are NOT pleased and wish for her to stop writing immediately.

Anthony Verdun, her Literary Agent is appalled that his promise to Joan has been broken, though by no fault of his own. He, too, descends on the small town to try and help Joan deal with the media frenzy and hopefully, now that the secret is out, catapult her career.

But Joan and Anthony soon discover that the 10 years of friendship up to this point may lead to something more and there is a real mystery to solve. The murders in Joan's latest book were based upon real people and now someone will not stop until the secrets are again buried. Even if means a funeral or two.

As I stated, this is a fast-paced book that will draw you in, until you wait with baited breath for the identity of the killer to be revealed. This one is going on my keeper shelf.

This is a print by Pierre` Renoir. It is titled Woman with Cat, or Girl with Cat depending on the source. I have had a copy of this print since I was 16. But, 2 years ago my copy (matted and framed) was broken and has been sitting in our closet ever since. Have you ever noticed that a favorite thing of yours may be broken, but you put off having it fixed because of the expense? I have, but have made Chris promise to have it re-glassed soon, because I miss my picture. (I'm also posting this because I wanted to share it with you, AND I'm out of new pictures of the kitties to post. But, will have more tomorrow.)

Nothing much to tell y'all about today. We've been boring. We stayed in and have just relaxed, most of the day. (Aside from laundry, which I've been doing all day.) But, we did manage to drop the recyclables off and trekked into WW for something sweet (sue me, I was snacky). I ended up with Caramel covered popcorn with pecans and almonds. YUM! (By the way, normally I HATE popcorn, this is the ONLY way I'll eat it.) While there I did pick up a book, A Secret Life by Barbara Dunlop. It's part of the Hotel Marchand series(?) by Harlequin. The premise of a mystery author who writes secretly, but is exposed, sounded interesting. I'll let you know. And that's it. I mean, aside from the laundry and other household stuff, I've done nothing. I did have one major stress attack today. While we were out and getting ready to leave for home, I went to pay for our snacks while Chris took Son to the restroom. I rummaged through my purse, but couldn't find my wallet. I freaked!! I couldn't think where I had used it last and I felt embarassed to make the cashier wait, not to mention she must have thought that I was pulling some kind of stunt. Luckily Chris came back from the restroom at that time and paid for the snacks and we left. Walking toward the van I was still freaked out and started trying to think where it could be, did I need to cancel my debit card, etc. Just in case I looked under the passenger seat and the drivers seat in the van, and then remembered last evening on the way home from Church, I had sat my purse in front of Son's seat, looked there and there was my wallet. I couldn't stop shaking, so glad that I found it!!! It's not that I would mind replacing my debit card, but I had mine and the kids insurance cards, a couple of photos of the kids, my discount card to BAM (that one really worried me *G*, and my library cards. All I could think was such a hassle to replace everything and what a relief it was found! And that's the only interesting thing to happen today!! And, to be honest, that's the way I like it!

I hope y'all had a good Sunday and are ready for Monday to start. Have a good day! B.

Butterscotch, the nut, is keeping an eye on the food bowl in the kitchen. The second the cats hear the lid raised, they RUN for the bowl. Even if I'm just feeding the strays outside! *G*

We didn't make it to the Irish Festival, the wind was just too strong to spend outside and with the chilly temperatures, we were afraid one of the kids would get sick. And did I tell you we decided we weren't going to Tennessee to see the Scottish games in May? We decided to go to the Grandfather Mountain Games in July instead. They are WAY bigger and will have more of a variety to see and enjoy.

I'm starting to think that I smell of some cat attracting phereamone! No sooner did I sit down after arriving home from being out and about this evening, than Layla jumps into my lap. After she got angry over something or another, The NUT (pictured above) decided to jump up. After getting rid of him, I was cat free for a whole hour. But, just as I started to type this, than Midnight climbed up and flopped down on my lap, ON TOP OF MY HANDS. My typing hands. *sigh* Awww, they love me. Maybe because I'm the one that feeds them? *g*

Have y'all heard about the mailboxes popping up all over the US that look like R2-D2 from Star Wars? Turns out the bigger city of the 2 we live between has one. We saw it tonight after Chruch. On one hand it's cute, on the other hand it looks kinda like they slapped a sticker over it nad that was it. WE'll show Son tomorrow, traffic was too bad to stop so he could look his fill.

That's it, I'm sooooo tired. Have a good day tomorrow, sunday. Don't forget to rest! B.

This is Kylemore Abbey in County Mayo, Ireland. Isn't this a gorgeous picture? I just thought I'd give us a pretty "eye" treat for St. Patrick's Day!

I also found a few Irish Blessings for y'all as well.

May your blessings outnumber

The Shamrocks that grow.

And may trouble avoid you

Wherever you go.

Another one I liked:

May you always have work for your hands to do.

May your pockets hold always a coin or two.

May the sun shime bright on your windowpane.

May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.

May the hand of a friend always be near you.

And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

************************************************************************************

I had a semi-quiet day. I had to go grocery shopping and run by the library, the kids movies were a day late. That's $4.50 in late fines by the way. ($1.50 per movie, 3 movies, one day late!) Why is it they will give you a reprieve for a day late on a book, but not on a movie? Eh, it was my fault. Besides laundry and cleaning, that's all I did today. Well, except for trying to motivate Daughter to get a paragraph written for English! Fireball is doing well today. Midnight tried to play with him and Patches is ignoring him (as usual). Athena, Butterscotch and Layla are still hissing, but I'm sure they will be better behaved soon.

Tomorrow is still open as far as plans. We'd like to go to a small Irish Festival in the next town over. And then we have Church. Ooh, weee, aren't we fun! Seriously, sometimes I think we're the most boring people ever. *g* I AM going to try and get Chris to help me with a few house things tomorrow. Like repainting the entry-way. Or just recaulking the bathrooms. The only problem? Chris acts like doing things around here are akin to torture! Awww, poor Chrissypoo (my Mom's invented nickname for him when she was teasing) too bad so sad. I like things to look right all the time, not just when we are eventually going to sell this house. I mean, why wait? Oh, as today was a no-meat day, did y'all have anymore recommendations? We had pasta with a marinara sauce and garlic bread. But, Son had buttered noodles and parmesian! (He still won't eat red sauce, unless it's on cheese pizza!)

Below this post you will find the normal kitty picture. I hate to say it, but I'm tapped out on what to tell y'all about. I hope y'all have a good saturday. Happy St. Patrick's Day! B.

Another fireball picture for you, taken yesterday. He's feeling better and is taking his medicine like a trooper.
Above this picture is my post for St. Patrick's Day!

Fireball is home! Isn't he a handsome fellow? The other cats were a bit suspicious but curious when he first came home. Now they've taken to being downright hostile and hissing at him. Poor thing, I'm sure in another 3 or 4 days they'll accept him again. What makes it really bad though? His own brother Butterscotch is the most vocale about the hissing!

Have I told y'all that Chris' computer is acting weird? So much so that he had to reload the entire thing and it's still a bit hinky? Have I told y'all that I have pushed for an Apple computer in our house for over 3 years? And that Chris kept telling me that they aren't compatable and that they aren't as dependable or useful? HA! Guess what? I finally convinced him and the next time we buy a computer guess what it's going to be? I feel like telling him "I told you so!". What makes it not as enjoyable a "win" is that I think he's only reversed his opinion because a fellow he works with has one and has been extoling it's virtues to him. Now, I said the next computer, that doesn't mean right now. (Mostly because I'm the grown-up when it comes to money around here.)

OOoh, have y'all heard about the post on Smart Bit*#$? (see link over on my sidebar) Seems that Harriet Klausner is starting to be questioned on the reviews presented by her on Amazon. One point made was that HR had 44 reviews up on one day (actually the post referenced it has happened more than once) on Amazon. And that there was no way someone can read that many books in a day. Also holes were poked in the reviews themselves as being completely wrong about plot and characters, even the title! Since I've just started writing reviews this past year I can't help but be worried that this will affect the believability of other peoples reviews. But, the main contention is that she is listed as Amazon's #1 reviewer and there are those who are questioning the status. I do know I've run across HR reviews on Writerspace as well, so..... I'm wondering if this is baseless or true? What do y'all think?

Have you always had a plan for your life? I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up and I'm 32. I do know I'd like to finally start on my Bachelors degree. Yes, you read right. I am only a H.S. Graduate. And yes, I do consider myself smart enough to homeschool my children. I am well-read (I joke around with daughter, telling her I've read more books than she ever will), moderately intelligent and have no idea in what direction I wish to further my education. I do know, I feel the need to do so, and I want my kids to be proud of me (not to mention a promise made to my Mom when I was younger). I guess I'm asking your advice. I love books, history, art, literature, learning about other cultures, and music. Any ideas? *g* I'm not good with math or science, or physically being around other people. My knowledge of computers is limited. I'm strong willed but shy, and I love research. (Go figure!) I used to help Chris with his papers when he was getting his Bachelors (proof-reading and research). I know I will never be a writer, I'm not a talented enough writer. So, help? Pretty please?

Want to know something funny? When I was in H.S. I took an apptitude test. My guidance counselor told me that I would do well in the Military or Law Enforcement. Something about a strong sense of honor and patriotic duty. I'll admit to those, but taking orders from a drill sergeant? NO. But, this does explain my fascination with shows like Law & Order and CSI, not to mention NCIS and all the others I watch.

Speaking of which, did y'all watch the new show Raines tonight? I loved it! The only problem I forsee is that it's on at the same time that Men in Trees usually comes on. Um, what else? I finally read Innocent in Death by J.D. Robb. Can I say I hated Magdelena on "sight"? or that the murderer was the creepiest thing I've ever read. (Well, except for that period in Jr. High when I read all Stephen King books that were published up to that time. I'm still not sure I ever want a house with a basement.) I'd post a review, but I'm sure there are hundreds out there by now. *g*

Anyway, y'all have a good friday, don't foget to stop off at Bailey's and read Spamarama Friday! B.

EDITED: Photo removed!

I'll delete this picture tomorrow, but I thought it was so cute that I had to share. Son, or as I sometimes call him Little Man is comparing his feet to his Dad's. As you can tell, Chris is not a small man, so he has a way to go. Is it scarey to anyone but me that I measured Daughter today and she is 11 years old (12 next month) and 4ft10in.? *sob* She and Son are both going to be taller than me! NO FAIR! I can hear the jokes now.

I'm posting earlier than usual for me, because I got VERY little sleep last night and am heading to bed right after this.

The In-Laws came over today for a short visit. They felt guilty because the toy they gave Son for his birthday was broken. And no, it was broke before Son received it. Seems MIL bought his gift before Christmas, which I think is great, but that it was on clearance and she didn't bother to check it to see why. It was B R O K E N. I don't know about y'all, but I inspect everything before I buy it. (Well, except for books online, but then I do research, so it's the same thing.) I felt bad for her. She tried to do something nice, only ended up messing up. (See, I'm trying to give them the benefit of the doubt.) Now, it would have been nice to have more than an hours notice that they were coming over today to get it, like say was Daughter maybe TAKING A TEST! (Anyone besides me have trouble diagraming sentences? Good thing Chris is okay with that one and her book is self explanatory AND we have the option of online counseling through her curriculum.) Daughter is actually very cappable with diagraming, it's things like writing she hates. Which is funny because she received a 99 on her last paragraph and a 97 on her last book report. And her grades so far are good for almost everything. She hates Math with a passion and it shows, she also refuses to sing, or even hum, so I was forced to give her a C- in music (she will READ the music and speak it, too weird). And yes, I'm bragging on her because I get the feeling she thinks all I do is complain. And I don't. No matter how angry she makes me, I still love her and will never let her go to bed at night without telling her. Or Son. Who starts Kindergarten this year and yes, I'm homeschooling him as well. God Help Me. What was I thinking! Ah, the horror! Kidding. I'm just kidding.

ANYWAY, how'd I get off on that topic? Did anyone else have the lovely weather today we've been having? It was 73 degrees, according to my thermostat, here today. It was so weird. I'm sure it won't last long, though. Daughter had class tonight. Son and I went to BAM, I bought the RT magazine and he played with the trains. There was the cutest little girl there (she was about 2yrs old) too. She kept talking to me and at one point told me I wasn't her Mom (I wasn't even talking to her!) and that her Mom was (insert mom's name here) and that she was going to play with the trains. I swear Son looked at me like "what's her problem?". *G*

And that's it. I won't bore you (anymore) and tell y'all about the rest of our night. Suffice it to say, I'm ready for it to be over. Have a good thursday and just think, the week is almost over! Fireball may get to come home tomorrow, so cross your fingers. B.

Excercise: 4miles, treadmill, 3.6miles, 7incline. (My house reached 78 degrees inside while I was exercising. I was forced to tutn on the airconditioning!!)

Another picture of Layla from last week. We took a bunch of photos today, but as they are of Son and I try to protect my kids privacy, I can't post them. BUT, I will take some new kitty pictures soon. She doesn't look pleased does she?

Son had a good birthday. He loved his gifts, and I won't tell y'all what stupid, yes stupid, thing my In-Laws did gift-wise. It's funny, Son couldn't figure out the night-light at first. But loves it now. He also got a new gameboy game and a new light saber. He's been alternating playing with those all day. We didn't make it to the park. It was so nice out, and the local kids are on Spring Break, that when Son and Daughter discovered their friends could play today, they were out the door QUICKLY! But, the whole thing was for Son to have fun, and he did. I know it sounds pitiful, but Son is shy around a lot of kids and others, so he doesn't do well with more than 4 or other kids around. Next up is Daughter, whose birthday is next month. It's funny they are a month and a half apart, minus the fact they are 7 years apart in age. It's my joke that it took me that long to forget childbirth. HA! (It was actually the poking and prodding and gestational diabetes.)

Chris visited Fireball today. He said Fireball tried to climb out of his Keep to get to him. And that he was so excited to see Chris he basically acted like a puppy, wiggling and jumping and such. And he was laying on his teddy bear when Chris first walked in. Tomorrow they introduce food to him and MAYBE he'll be able to come home on Thursday. Cross your fingers and say a prayer for him, okay?!

Ya'll have a good wednesday. B.

Because some of you said you'd like to see Son's Birthday cake.

Midnight looks comfotable, doesnt he? And yes, that's me Son is leaning against. Guess why I was sitting on the floor? Layla took my seat when I went to check on dinner that night. Butterscotch is under my chair, you can just make out a hint of him from under there. I stopped sitting on the floor when he snagged me in the fanny with his paw!

The Vet called this morning. Fireball is doing well. He won't be able to come home until probably thursday. They won't let him have food until wednesday, right now he's on IV fluids and nutrients. BUT, he is feeling better. The vet says he's hissing at everyone! Chris is going to visit him tomorrow. (I can't. I can't handle seeing one of my babies with stitches.)

Tomorrow (technically today, trouble sleeping again) is Son's birthday. He's 5 now. I'm not sure I'm ready for my baby to grow up. Right now he still likes to cuddle. He'll gladly give me kisses and hugs. And he'll tell me he loves me whenever he feels like it. I feel like I should record every moment of him doing all those things. He's so sweet, and silly, and just a bit crazy! He has my Mothers eyes and his Daddy's face. He adores his sister and is her shadow half the time. Of course he also drives her crazy! I'm hoping he doesn't change much over the years. I'm hoping he still keeps his wacky sense of humor and made up songs and precious giggle. Already it's hard to remember the things he did when he was younger; like calling Cookie Monster, Cookie Shnommer. And Lobsters, mobsters. He wouldn't sit still for a photo when he was 18 months old, unless we let him hold a feather duster, and that picture is hanging on my LR wall. Ah, my sweet little boy. Excuse my being mauldin. It's just, it's my little boy. *sniff*

Anyway, besides revisitng my childrens youth (let me tell you, Daughter is growing up too, it scared me today when she came down in a pair of tight jeans and a top) I've been cleaning. I threw away a whole garbage bag of trash from Sons toy box, and another full of toys for him to donate. I felt great decluttering SOMETHING. It's hard to get Chris to help me get rid of other things. We bought new dining room chairs last month from TJMAXX and the old ones are STILL sitting in the garage to go to a charity. AGH! I'm still waiting for him to help me with other things as well. Why is it he'll give 110% at work and ZIP at home? (Well, he does make phone calls for me!) And yes, I've talked to him until I want to shake him (hard to do when he's 6ft and outweighs me over 80lbs.). *g* I guess, I'll figure out how to transport our 2 kids and 4 parsons chairs in our van. And no, I don't let Daughter sit up front where there is an airbag. I'm paranoid that way. Eh, it'll get done one way or another.

I hope y'all have a good day. I'm going to try and get some sleep, for an hour or two. B.

Kisses To Go by Irene Peterson

I have to say that this book was fun to read. There is humor, heart-touching characters and a slight magical element hinted at. I can say I do wish the author had included more of the magic she alluded to throughout the book. I'll be looking for other books from this author.

Chef Abby Porter never thought that when she caught her cheating boyfriend in the act of, well, cheating, she would go ahead with her trip to England without him. But, she did, without luggage or money! After arriving at Bowness Hall, she finds herself befriended by the hostess, Tish Wincott, and charmed and awed by the Great Hall.

Ian Wincott, the Earl of Bowness Hall, fancied the Amercian woman he was forced to sit next to on the airplane home to England, but out of sight out of mind. Little did he know that he would run into her again, but there she was! In his own home! It seems his sister had concocted a plan to pay for some plumbing repairs. She had placed an ad in a magazine for a dream vacation, to Bowness Hall! Now he can't get her out of his mind while dealing with upsetting relatives with a hatred of Americans and a problem finding investors for a special project of his.

Now Abby and Ian find themselves with an attraction that can't be denied and faint sparks of magic invading their lives. Will they be able to find love ever after, or will his pesky relatives dash their hopes and dreams?

I guess Layla wanted her fangs filed down as well as her claws. *G* Another picture from the other day, if you can't tell. Cats are so weird sometime.

I'm having to wear my wrist brace as I type this, so please excuse any errors. We didn't hear from the vet today, so we're hoping Fireball is recovering well. We didn't make it to the Irish Festival today. Son kept me up VERY late sobbing that his feet were itching/tickling and they were keeping him awake. This is a problem he has a couple of times a week, and I think I'll have to take him to the doctor about it. I have a hard time falling asleep myself, so I can understand. He cried and screamed his frustration until he ended up stopped up and we had to give him a decongestant. It did help to get him to fall asleep though. Oh, and he's been sleeping in his room, in his big boy bed for over 3 weeks now. The first 2, he "camped out" in his room with his sister. This week he's been sleeping in there alone. I'm so proud of him! We were afraid to go out today in case the vet called, that's why we stayed home. Besides there is another Irish Festival next saturday at the next town over. We'll probably go to that one. I read a cute book this evening called Kisses To Go by Irene Peterson. I'll write a review up for it tomorrow. But, if you want light and cute with a little mystical thrown in, you may like it. Right now I'm watching Foul Play with Goldie and Chevy and I can't believe how much her daughter looks like she did in this movie!!

Did have something strange happen when Chris ordered Son's cake. They informed Chris that as a bakery, they don't make 1/4 sheet cakes anymore. They only make 1/8, 1/2 and full sheet cakes. Um, does anyone besides me find this as strange? I KNEW we should have ordered from Strossners! Who, in my opinion, makes the best cakes I've ever had. Oh, well.

That's my post. I'm, as ever, boring and unintersting. But, I need this little blog to stay sane and to keep in touch with others. If I didn't I'm sure I could be described as a hermit. *g* Only without the beard and unkempt hair! *g* Have a good monday, I can say that so far it seems fine so far *knock on wood*. B.

Exercise: 4.07 miles, 3.6 speed, 7 incline (I went up an incline!)(If I could wear heels w/o falling over, my calves would look great. *g*)

This was Fireball the first night we noticed he wasn't feeling well. Right now he's resting at the Vets. office, he had to have surgery today for a blocked and perforated bowel. The vet found some string in him and something else. At least now I know it wasn't poison he got ahold of, it was his own body that was poisoning him. And we won't even discuss my vet bill. *sigh*

Chris had to go help his parents today. They know we go to Church on saturday, but since tomorrow was no good for them, they felt it was okay to disrupt our day. Chris had to help his dad with the pickup of an oven they had bought. (His Dad is, um, older, and needed the help.) BUT, Chris wasn't able to get home in time for us to make it to church. HOWEVER, it's freaky how it turned out to be the best thing anyway, because the vet called about having to have surgery on Fireball when we wouldn't have been home from Church normally.

And because we were afraid something might happen, we stayed home all day today. The kids are so looking forward to going to the Irish Festival sunday (today, sorry, up late), that we'll change the message on the machine to give Chris' cell #.

Let's see, I made dinner, made nilla wafer cookies from scratch, did laundry, picked up more toys than the kids know they have (off the floor, the chest, the kitchen table, etc.)! And that's my day. Because I'm riveting. NOT. And I haven't exercised in 3 days. I just don't have the energy with all this stress. I'm going to try tonight after dinner.

I wish a good day for y'all. B.

Layla wants a manicure. I broke a nail last night and she hopped into my lap while I was filing it smooth. For some ODD reason she likes my nail file. EVERY time I file my nails she tries to grab it.

Fireball had to spend the night at the vet tonight. I ended up staying awake way over 24 hours, because I stayed up until Chris called from the vets office this morning, after Fireball had been seen. The vet asked Chris if Fireball had been exposed to rat poison or something like that. NO! Our cabinets for cleaners is locked and pesticides for ants (this is the South, Red Ants) is kept in the garage. None of the cats are allowed out there and all my cats are indoor cats, except for Tiger who adopted us when we moved in to this house and stays outside because the others kitties hate his guts. I do have 2 plants, one of which is a Peace Lily (the vet said yes it's poisonous, but not like his symptoms and another plant which I have no idea what it is.). Needless to say, the Peace Lily will be getting a new home soon. Fireballs symptoms are exactly those of Chocolates toxicity, but the vet said he'd had to have eaten ALOT of it. AND, I do keep chocolate in the house, it's in a cainet and Fireball doesn't kno how to open it. We just can't figure it out. It's nothing around the house, or all the cats would be sick. Fireball is still at the Vet, they wanted to keep him overnight, they gave him fluids and charcoil and something to stop the spasms and seizures. The vet said it looks good. It's awful of me, but I'm worried about the cost of all this, since we just paid off a credit card (and closed it!) and payed of a personal loan (so all our expendable cash just went bye-bye). *sigh* I'm evil aren't I? I do want Fireball to be better, I want him home. I just don't want to be bankrupted because of it. Yeah *hangs head*, I'm evil.

Other than that, I took a long nap this afternoon and Chris stayed home too. He knew I was exhausted. I still feel exhausted. I remember being a teenager and going without sleep for 2 days, now? Ugh! I am drinking caffiene like it's going out of style and still dragging. And don't get me started on the comments my MIL made when she found out Fireball had to go to the vet!

Anyway, I hope y'all had a better friday. Someone go have fun for me, okay? May your saturday be relaxing and full of zest! B.

The new handbag/purse. Which I now feel even more guilty about buying. You do not want to know how many times last night I asked Chris if I should take it back. It's not too young and not too old. AND it's not a backpack purse, which is what I had been carrying aorund for the last 2 years. Yes, 2 years.

For some reason when I look at this picture of Oreo I think of Penguins! *g* Look at the belly, it's partially pink and looks like it's hanging over her feet, but it's not. She's a small girl, she barely weighs 8lbs..

Well, all the errands that I was supposed to run yesterday, I ran today. I took the package of books to the post office to be returned, I then went to the Bank to buy the kids some savings bonds (better interest rate than a savings account), then I ran by the library to pick up Innocent in Death by J.D. Robb. After that I ran over to the next town over to pick up Son a cross for his wall (since he didn't have one he DREW one earlier this year! This is to keep him from drawing any more). After that we went to the mall, I found 2 purses I like and had to choose between them, in different stores, but made by the same person. After finally choosing, Son decided to spend some of his birthday money and bought a book about Nascar (he picked it!) and he also bought Dippin' Dots for himself and his sister. Wasn't that sweet? I told her if she recieved money for her birthday it would be only fair that she did something nice like that for her brother. Finally, we made it out of the mall and visited Chris at work on his Lunch/Dinner break. The kids enjoyed it and it was nice to see Chris when we didn't normally.

Speaking of, Chris will be getting up early and taking Fireball to the Vet in the morning. He's been throwing up, but no hairballs have been present and he wouldn't eat much today, and threw up 2x today. I'm really worried about him. He's acting really tired and depressed and he hasn't cleaned his fur in 2 days. Please cross your fingers and send good wishes for him. Oh, the other cats are fine, we're keeping him aaway from them. I even boiled him some chicken and shredded it (tonight) and he wouldn't eat it. The other cats practically mauled me to get to some of it, but he just sat there with this sad look on his face, not interested.

And that's what my day has boiled down to. I ran everywhere and got everything that needed to be done done, then came home and tried to play nursemaid to Fireball. I have high hopes the vet will know whats wrong.

I'm sure y'all are ready for friday (um, that would be now) to get here. I hope y'all have a good day! B.

Exercise: none, too tired, will tomorrow.

Yet another picture of Layla. You'll have to forgive me, I haven't taken any new pictures of the cats since last week. So, until I take some more tomorrow, you'll have to do with Layla!

For all you kitty mamas (or just kitty lovers) there is a hysterical post on Meg Cabots website diary about her cat Henrietta. Warning, kitty body functions are mentioned, but I let my 11 year old read it, so I see no major problem with it. Warning though, don't drink anything and read it at the same time! *g*

I didn't make it anywhere today. I woke up with a nasty sinus headache.(I took 2 ibuprofen and 1 benedryl, it helped, but not enough to make me go anywhere.) I can report that the breathe right nasal strip worked oky on Chris. There was a moment where he started to snore, I just shoved him and he stopped. I'm going to have to make up for today, tomorrow. And I am going to have Chris order Son's birthday cake as well. And yes, I could make him a cake, but except for their first birthdays, we've always bought them. I have no clue why, now. But, it's now a tradition and they look forward to it. Anyone want to guess what Son wants on his cake? Jimmie Johnson. *sigh* At least he's consistent. My Dad and is wife sent him a card today, with a check for him in it, which was nice of them. I just hope my Dad actually calls him on his birthday, but I won't hold my breath.

I've been researching books that are due out in the next few months and I started a list. I'm sure it'll be much longer soon! But, I thought I'd share with y'all and if you cn think of any I might like, please suggest them. (shoot, I ended up with a few out of order, sorry)

1.The River Knows by Amanda Quick, aka Jayne Ann Krentz (April 24, 2007)(Historical)

2. When I Fall in Love by Lynn Kurland (April 24, 2007)(Time Travel)

3. Hot Stuff by Janet Evanovich (April 28, 2007)(Romance, comedy)

4. Night Life by Elizabeth Guest, aka Suzanne Simmons (April 3, 2007)(Romance, Paranormal)

5. Satisfaction Guaranteed by Lucy Monroe (May 1, 2007)(Romantic Suspense)

6. All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris (May 2007)(Paranormal)

7. Spirited Away by Cindy Miles (May 2007)(Romace, Paranormal)

8. Lean Mean 13 by Janet Evanovich (June 2007)(Mystery, Romance)

9. Blood Dreams by Kay Hooper (July 31, 2007)(Suspense)

10. Up Close and Dangerous by Linda Howard (July 2007)(Suspense)

I won't go any further than that here, but I did research a bit further.

My dress and pants came today in the mail. It's funny, the company had emailed me the day I made the purchase/order in the store in the email they stated they'd let me know when they shipped my order. Um, no, they didn't! Today was a wonderful mail day. I receivedmy order, Chris' new card came, Son received a birthday card, and we received notification we have paid off our personal loan last week. YAY! A lot better mail day than bills, bills, and credit card offers!

A rather long post, I apologize. But, I had so much to share! I hope you all had a good day and that your thursday is fun. B.

Arousing Suspicions by Marianne Stillings
Ever have a bad dream? Tabitha March is a dream consultant. She helps others figure out the meaning of their dreams. But, when a client starts to dream of murders and then the murders begin to happen….Tabitha knows she has to tell the Police.
Nate Darling is an Inspector with the S.F.P.D and has recently moved back to San Francisco to try and repair his relationship with his brother and sister, whom he left behind to live with his father after their parents divorce over 20 years ago. He expected a few strange things and people moving back, but never a woman claiming to be able to “see” others dreams. He has to admit though, she seems genuine, if not crazy, and her details of the murders are shockingly accurate.
Now Nate and Tabitha must discover if her client is a cold-blooded killer and if their attraction to each other can survive his skepticism and her well guarded heart.
With a delightful cast including Tabitha’s mother, Nate’s cynical partner and Nate’s brother, this book is a fast-paced emotional read designed to draw you in quickly. You’ll find it hard to put this book down!

Another picture of Layla in the bag from last week. She is so funny, and sweet. Next to Chris, I tell all my troubles to her. And she makes a darn fine teddy bear. But, she is the WORST bed hog!! I woke up clinging to the edge of the mattress the other morning because she wouldn't move. And we have a king-size bed. *g*

Chris snored for 4 hours straight last night. I couldn't get him to stop, no matter how many times I shoved him, smacked him, or tapped his face. He'd just go right back to snoring. Egads! He bought some Breathe Right strips tonight. Hopefully that will work. I can't use ear-plugs, one of us has to be able to hear the kids and Chris sleeps DEEP. We have one alarm clock in our bedroom and I have to keep it on my side of the bed because he doesn't hear it when it goes off, at least for the first few MINUTES!

I read Arousing Suspicions by Marianne Stillings last night while Chris snored. Good book. I'll do a review tomorrow. Right now I'm reading Wet and Wild by Sandra Hill. I started it while on the treadmill tonight and laughed at one part and snickered at another and Chris just asked "good book?" without even looking up from his schoolwork. He's used to me with a book in my hand.
Want to know what I did today? Nothing. It was nice. I can't remember the last time I did nothing. Well, I did nothing major. Still had the kid stuff to do, still had laundry to do. But, other than that, I did nothing. I didn't go anywhere, I felt guilty as heck. But, I'll be making it up tomorrow. I have to go by the post office(send back books), the library, the bank, the Church, and BAM (to pick up a birthday gift for SIL). He birthday is the 16th, but since we don't see them very often I have to mail the gift. Then I have to go back to pick up Daughter. Fun.

I hope y'all had a good tuesday and that your wednesday is even better and trouble free. B.

Excercise: 4.11 miles, treadmill (walking, I gave up the running), 6 incline and 3.6 speed.

Midnight was jealous of the attention Layla received while in the bag. He tried several times to get her out, but she held firm. Here he is pouting. Aw, poor baby. And funny thing about Midnight, he like to be held and carried like a baby looking over your shoulder. Isn't that sweet (and crazy)?

So the insomnia war is still waging. I had been asleep about 3 hours when Chris tapped me on the shoulder to get me to give him the remote for the tv. AGH! That was it for me. I couldn't go back to sleep. Men! He was sorry after he realized I couldn't go back to sleep. But, still! He KNOWS I don't sleep well. He knows I'm a light sleeper. Where as he? Yeah, he can sleep through a Hurricane. And has. When Hurricane Goerge hit the Mississippi coast almost 7 years ago, we sheltered. The Hurricane made landfall in the middle of the night, I woke up. Chris didn't. One good thing came out of that situation, sheltering. I figured out how to wash Daughter (then around 4) in a bathroom sink. No, not a wipe down. WASHED. Even her hair. Oh, and that whole situation is the strange reason I carry water, a blanket, matches, a swiss army knife and baby wash and powder in my van. Well, the swiss army knife I carry in my purse, but you get the drift. I used to keep fruit bars in there too, but the kids ate them all. Everytime I put them in there. I gave up.

Nothing much going on today. Just a quiet monday. I prefer them that way, well excpet for the laundry I did all day. I'm still trying to figure out how we generate so much dirty laundry! I have been reading. I picked up a YA book at the library the other day. It's cute and light, kind of what I needed right now. I still have other books to read, AND the library has Innocent in Death by J.D. Robb in for me and I can't wait to pick it up and read it.

I would say have a good tuesday, but since I'm typing this late (technically it IS tuesday), I won't say that. *g* I will say have a good day! B.

Layla is enjoying the inside of my shopping bag from the other night. I left the tissue paper they had wrapped my shirt in in the bag and she crawled right in and made herself at home. Also, Daughter snuck her a few chocolate scented coffee beans from WW the other night and she wallowed all over them. (No, she doesn't eat them, she just loves the way that coffee and chocolate smells.)

The dinner at the In-Laws went okay. I had the task of doing most of the talking for Chris and I. Son and Daughter were good and Chris did his silent routine. SIL and BIL were there as well. Things went well with them tonight. MIL and FIL were pretty well behaved. Lots of talk of "do you remember" or "we go to Church with" and "we saw the son/daughter/mother/father of 'this' person last week". Um, okay, whatever. WE. DON'T. CARE. Seriously, they talk about people we have no idea who they are, don't have any contact with, etc. And then expect us to remember everyone we've ever met. I just zoned out at that point. SIL and BIL did bring Son a birthday card to the dinner (because they thought his birthday was next week, um nope, the 13th. Son was delighted though.

Chris is uploading most of Daughters tests tonight. I'm hoping she's done well. She also has to finish 2 book reports this week. She's started them, but needs to finish. AND, she has a paragraph due by Friday. I'm crossing my fingers she finishes everything in time. AND we just got word she made a 98 on her last math test. MATH! She hates math! I had to look twice at the paper to believe it.

Want to know something funny. (It falls in the ironic category.) Yesterday Chris received his replacement for his debit card in the mail. His debit card he just cancelled. (It was time for them to be renewed, right in the middle of all the things that happened on Friday.) So, he had to shred it! I had to laugh. I mean, really. Of all the times for it to arrive!

When we got home from the dinner, I did the weekly ironing and I can't really complain about it this week because 2 of the shirts were mine! I also made peanut butter cookies tonight. Have y'all tried to find peanut butter lately? Jeez, it was a miracle I found the jar of jiff I used. I normally use Peter an, but I'm sure you heard of the recall recently and they still haven't refilled stock. I brought this up because the Jiff is sweeter. WAY sweeter.

And that's it. I live the most boring life ever. I hope y'all had a good sunday and that you're monday is, if not pleasant, then bearable! B.

Fireball is a handsome fella! He is very sweet and quite the character. Chris has a lotion by Burts Bees that he has to use on his feet (I won't go into it) and Fireball LOVES the smell of it and tries to lick Chris' feet whenever he uses it.
Went to Mass today, we're having a whole Lenten Series on the 7 deadly sins and todays homily was on Gluttony. Father Bart made us all laugh when he said he was guilty of this sin, proven to him when he stepped on the scale and he blinked, stepped off, blinked, put his glasses on and looked again. He said the numbers didn't change, he was 200lbs. and at 5"4, he was starting to look like the Pillsbury Doughboy and needed to curb his gluttony. He's such a sweet man. AND very funny, the kids love him to death. Oh, and he said he went on Atkins and lost 13lbs., he seemed very happy about it too!
After that the search for the Nite Lite mentioned here took place at Lowes, the Nascar Drivers sponsor, and they didn't have ANYTHING. I was ready to give up and just figured we'd hit PetSmart to pick up our cat food and they were out, we went to WW for the rest of our groceries and I happened to drop through the hardware dept., THERE I found a Jimmie Johnson nite lite for Son. Wo, btw, is so easy to sneak stuff by, it's hilarious. We placed it on the the bottom of the buggy (you know, the place where you always hit your shin, or is that just me?) and finished the grocery hunt. AND the whole birthday goft buying thing is complicated this year, not by my budget (I set a limited budget on gifts and everything), but on Chris not having a debit card right now. Normally he's pick up whatever I picked out and buy it either on his way home from work, or on his way to work. Can't do it this time unless I want to wait until the day before, and I'm not a guy, I'm not made that way. I become anxious if everything isn't settled at LEAST a week before the date.
Tomorrow is the dinner at the In-Laws, we are calling it the command performance. Normally she has these things at around 1pm, this time it's between 4pm and 5pm. Right in the middle of the day, where we won't be able to get many things done. Chris and Daughter both have reports due for school and at least that will keep us from having to stay too long. Chris' sister and BIL are supposed to be there as well. Fun. I am in no way trying to sound 'witchy' about it all, it's just that we go to these things, are bored out of our minds, comments are made (by them) that tick me off, Chris plays mute the whole time leaving me to fill in and they seem to suck the life out of you. Really, I'm NOT exaggerating(sp). AND, MIL is a HORRIBLE cook. HORRIBLE. Daughter let us in on a trick of hers when Chris and I were joking tonight and Chris said JOKINGLY, we could make many small trips to the restroom to spit out the food. DAUGHTER DOES THIS WHEN WE EAT THERE! THAT's how bad of a cook she is. But, it'll make them happy and maybe they'll leave us be for a bit.
That's it. My day. Wan't it a spectacular bore? Well, not all of it, but you get the drift. I hope y'all have a good sunday and please go wish Dru a Happy Birthday!! B.

This is why I needed new tennies!

Layla is enjoying one of the may ribbons that litter the floors of my house. Actually, she's probably wondering how she was trapped within the ribbon and how she can exact revenge upon the person who wrapped it around her. Um, that would be me.

I am so tired. I couldn't sleep a wink last night, but by some Miracle, got the kids to lay down for a nap this afternoon. This morning we received the strangest call. It was from a man saying he was with the fraud department of our bank. He wanted to speak with Chris and verify that his visa/debit/credit card ended in the 4 digit number he gave me. He gave me a number to have Chris call when I wouldn't confirm the digits and the call was made in a very brusque manner. I freaked. I KNOW our bank wouldn't call us to confirm any of this. We get an email telling us an email is waiting on the secure website of the bank itself. I called Chris, who called our bank, who told him that they wouldn't have someone call like that (we knew that) and they would report it to their abuse department. Chris also went ahead and cancelled his card and reported his number as possibly stolen. In this day and age of identity theft, we know you can never be too careful. The funny thing is, my card is a diferent number even though it comes through the same account. (One of the safety features our bank has that we like. ) So, now my debit card is the only card we have for the next week, week and a half. AND Chris is checking our credit report tonight and placing a warning on the credit reporting agencies so they will be on guard and require approval before any new credit accounts can be opened by us, or anyone else.

Tonight we went to the mall to purchase the clothing I had picked out. I got the best deal! I ended up purchasing a shirt, a pair of pants and a dress. I had to order the pants and dress, but because I did it through the store, I received free shipping, then the lady put in a coupon code, I got $25 off my order. THEN when she rang up the shirt I bought, I also received a free watch. All for less than I had anticipated. HUGE load off my mind. I still feel guilty, but know that everything was needed.

I seem to have busted through my small reading slump, see opinion/review below, and read Suan Elizabeth Phillips Natural Born Charmer. I have read a few of her books and some were hits, and some were misses. But, I thoroughly enjoyed this one and recommend it.

I am hoping to drop to sleep soon. Y'all have a good weekend. B.

Exercise: None. Besides I hit the mall at warp speed for over an hour, then ran through WW for a few things that couldn't wait until tomorrow, and am TIRED.

Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.

Natural Born Charmer was a wonderful rollercoaster ride of emotion from the first page to the last.

Blue Bailey, a snarky, sharp witted artist was a refreshing heroine with her humor and sass on the outside and her abandoned and guarded heart encased by it all.

From the first moment Dean Robillard, professional football player, spots Blue walking down the side of a country road wearing a Beaver costume complete with tail, but sans head, he has no idea what path his future holds. While Dean may be a hot-shot football player on the football field and a charmer of many, he too has his own secrets to keep hidden; from a mother who practically deserted him when he was a child, to a father who has never publicly acknowledged his existence.

As Blue and Dean travel to his newly purchased farmhouse in Tennessee, they battle each other with witt and candor, trying to protect their fragile hearts from each other. Will they find happiness in each others arms or will their pasts continue to make their futures solitary?

With a quirky cast of secondary characters this book is a page turner from the beginning to end, and I for one, loved it!

Have you ever seen a MeerKat? They stand up just like this picture of Fireball. I couldn't resist taking this picture of him, I though he looked so cute!

Today was a rainy mess. I loved it. I felt insulated and safe and snug in my house. Of course then I had to go to the library to pick up a book that came in, Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I have heard so much about this book and the description of the opening scene, that I knew I had to read it. Oh, and as far as the opening scene? Funny as heck! It's also strange that out of all the books I've bought in the past 2 weeks, I've only read 2 of them. Both from the UBS. I'm sending 2 of the books that I bought back. I found a copy of The Damsel in this Dress by Marianne Stillings at the UBS before the one I ordered arrived and I'm also sending The Marcelli Princess by Susan Mallery, back. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the other books in the series, but this one....Anyway, I won't say because I try very hard not to hurt anyone's (an authors) feelings and have done so accidently a couple of times through this blog. And yes, it would be different if I were an authority on a subject or I made my living writing reviews, but I don't.

ANYWAY, after that I headed to Target, Son's birthday is in less than 2 weeks (barely) and I was looking for a nite lite that he specifically has asked for, but they didn't have it. (They had it at Christmas!) I know WW doesn't have it and I'm stumped. He want's a Jimmie Johnson nite lite. At least he didn't ask for a Darth Vader one. As for redoing his room, well, it's VERY hard to find a Darth Vader duvet and now Son has changed his mind. Want to guess? Jimmie Johnson. SO, I figured I'd buy him a solid color duvet and let him have his 2 favorite things all over the room instead of trying to "decorate" his room in one or the other. And before you think he's too fickle, he's loved Star Wars/Vader since he first saw a movie when he was a little over 2yrs. old, and he's loved Nascar since he was a bit over 3yrs. old. He'll be 5 this year. I'm not ready for him to stop being my baby! But, I know it's impossible to stop time.

I'm sure Son will enjoy whatever his Dad and I (me, really) decide to get him for his birthday.

That's it from me tonight. I'm having trouble sleeping and am up late, but will have to try to get some sleep or I'll be dragging tomorrow. Y'all have a good friday. B.

Exercise: Yoga 50 minutes