My Cake!

See my pretty cake? I picked it out myself because Chris forgot to order one. And may I say it was Yummy! Now, someone come get what's left because I don't need the temptation! *G*

Today was a pretty nice day. It threatened to rain, which kept the temps under 90, but the humidity high. I made it to the UBS and picked up 3 books, actually 2 and 1/2. I say 2 and 1/2 because one book was a 2-in-1 and I already have one of the books! And I did get a gift card to the bookstore (My family knows me SO well!) so of course we had to go there. I found one book there titled Dead Girls Are Easy by Terri Garey. This is a new to me author, so cross your fingers! The premise really does sound interesting.

After that we went by the bakery, where I picked out my cake and then on to On the Border, a mexican resteraunt that we haven't been to since we lived in CA. Eh, we remembed why we never bothered to visit the one here. Our regular mexican resteraunt is WAY better. AND we left early because Son didn't like anything on the menu. No, I'm NOT upset with him, because I left the resteraunt choice up to Chris, I would have been happy with Domino's Pizza. I know he was trying to do something special for me, but I don't look at food the same way he does. I appreciate that he was trying. To be honest, I had a pretty good day. Until the resteraunt, but even after all that was over and came home, I was okay. I think this is the first year I haven't been so disappointed, because I expected nothing. Chris is a remarkably generous man, but he doesn't get the whole "special occasion" thing, because his parents, never did either. It just makes me treasure the memories I have of my own growing up and how special my Mom was, even more.

And that's my day. Not much going on, but tomorrow is sure to filled with lots more to do and see. I hope today was nice for y'all and I wish a fun and fabulous saturday for you! I want to thank y'all very much for the Birthday wishes. I send hugs, prayers and love to you all! B.

Exercise: No, bad Brandy! Chris being off today totally threw my whole schedule!

Patches is shy.

Patches is a sweet girl and is very shy. She tends to keep to herself most days and rarely lets Chris pet her for some reason. It drives him batty by the way, the other cats adore him but Patches keeps her distance and it bugs him. She follows Daughter around like a shadow and sleeps at Daughters feet every night.

Today wasn't very quiet, but that had more to do with the gigantic thunderstorm we had than anything else. It hit so close to the house at one point that the power went out. To be honest I wasn't that bothered by it. I find rainstorms relaxing. Weird, huh? But, yes, I was trying to remember where all the fire extinguishers in the house were. And yes, we do have more than one. Why? Is that strange? *G*

I didn't make it to the UBS because of the nice lightening, but the library was open later tonight, so I was able to make it there. Unfortunatley, I am not sure I'll like the ONE book I now have. I did ask about the other 2 that have been on hold for over a month each, and was pleasantly surprised to have the librarian make phone calls in tracking down the books. Turns out both were still on the shelves! WTHeck?!! I've had them on hold for so long to find that someone couldn't be bothered to take them off the shelf for transfer? Figures!

Tomorrow is my 33rd Birthday. Yay. Pardon my lack of excitement, but as much as I love Chris, he doesn't do so well with special occasions. The first year we were married should have been a clue. He asked me what I wanted for my birthday and because we had just moved and had expenses related to that, I told him nothing much. Guess what I got? NOTHING. Not a cake, a card, NOTHING. Gotta love my man. I shouldn't be petty. He's been a good hubby, if not a bit clueless. *g* Eh, I love the big guy.

Oh, and as for my birthday, no, I don't feel any older. Not really. I do look at my kids and wonder where the heck the years went.

I will try to go to one of the UBS's near me tomorrow. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. If not, I may scream. I always have the possibility of buying an eBook, I just prefer books made out of paper. It's kinda hard to pop my laptop in my purse, isn't it? *G*

I hope y'all had a good day. That your thursday was filled with smiles. I wish a friday of fun and possibilites for you! B.

Exercise: Nope, too dange tired this week for much.

Layla loves the smell of Chocolate.

I don't know if I've ever told y'all before that Layla loves the smell of chocolate, mint and coffee. Since I don't drink coffee, she has to be satisfied when she smells whatever chocolate we have, or when we bring her a few coffee beans home from the grocery store. As for the mint, she's very partial to playing with the gum wrappers that hold the scent of spearmint gum. Here, she is laing on the container of my chocolate covered almonds. AFTER rubbing all over the container! *G*

Today has been nice. We had a lovely thunderstorm early this afternoon that kept temperatures cooler (high 70's) and humidity high, but beggars can' be choosers, so I'll take it! Son is doing much better, so I didn't feel the least bit guilty in going to the Y this evening for my Yoga class. That was fun. After Yoga I dropped by a local grocery store for some trail mix because I have the munchies this week and unlike the rest of my family, I am not a fan of chips and such.

I still have books on hold at the library, while on one hand is good and another is bad because they aren't in yet and I have nothing to read! I hope they call me soon! I seem to have a love-hate relationship with my library. I love them when they get in books in for me and hate them when it takes so long for my books to come in. What are y'all reading?

I'm getting tired ok my blogger template, but hate all the others they have. I looked around last night and found one that I really liked, but it didn't work with the new blogger. And goodness knows I don't have the technological savvy (Hi! I'm a techno-goober.) to build a template of my own. Even Chris said it was a bit out of his league right now. Oh, well!

*By the way, I'm typing this one handed because Layla has decided to lay across my other arm, holding it hostage. * THE ENTIRE BLOG!

Nothing much else to share with y'all. Sorry. I know I'm boring, but I like my life that way. Loads of laundry I could do without! *G* Tomorrow may be more exciting, depending on whether I get to go the library or UBS, or not. I hope y'all had agood day that was not hijacked by heat or other troubles. I wish a comfortable and dfun-filled Thursday for y'all! B.

Exercise: 1 hour yoga.

Fireball and Butterscotch

Sorry this picture isn't as clear as my others, but I took it with my cell phone last night after we went to bed. Butterscotch and Fireball look almost like bookends to me, sleeping on my bannister. Below them are the bottom stairs, if they were to fall (and yes, that has happened) then they would land on the steps. Luckily when it HAS happened, Fireball landed feet down. And yes, I do polish this bannister with pledge. *G*

Did anyone besides me get their family up to watch the Lunar eclipse this morning? It was neat to see the moon that way and the way it looked red, almost made it look alien. The kids thought it was the coolest thing.

Nothing exciting going on here today. I woke up lethargic and tired (Yes, we did sleep a bit more after the eclipse.). Which is usual for this time of the month. Um, does this happen to other women, or is it my 'curse' to bear?

Chris and I received Birthday cards from my Dad and Step-Mom today. I was shocked to be honest, I hadn't thought we would. Especially since I haven't talked to my Dad for over 4 months. I was emailing for a while, but didn't get any repsonse, so stopped. I don't make phone calls, a weird phobia of mine, and I don't feel like I fit in with any of my family, so we have kept our distance. It's not like they've felt the need to call or email, anyway. I honestly don't know what to do. We can't go back out there, since they both smoke, the kids and Chris and I get sick after every visit. *sigh* And since my computer died last month, I lost their email address as well. Eh, it's just cards. I'll send Thank You cards back and let them take it from there. Just one more reason I would be happy if we didn't live so close to our families.

ANYWAY! I did make it out of the house today, but only to the drugstore to pick up my acid reflux prescription. *g* I did find a treat for myself there, chocolate covered almonds! Do you have any idea how hard they are to find these days? And the funny thing is, I'm not much of a chocoholic, except for this time of the month. My neighbor must have ESP because she made brownies today for the kids and sent them over. Don't worry, I won't eat them all. *g* Promise.

I have been reading C.J's Fate by Kay Hooper this evening. Well, I've been picking it up and putting it down, can't settle in to it right now for some reason. Oh, it's a re-released Romance of hers, btw. I did notice that it has an excerpt of Blood Dreams in the back, too. I did read that, and am looking forward to reading it in December when it's released.

That's all from me today. I am very tired and headed off to bed. I hope that y'all had a good day, full of energy and happiness. I wish a wednesday full of light and joy for y'all. B.

Exercise: No. Too dang tired all day.

Layla is funny.

Layla, like her Mommy, could stand to be a little less fluffy.

Here she is on the arm of what is now Chris' chair. See how she 'overlaps' it a bit? *G* She's being nice today, but wasn't feeling so sure of herself on saturday when Chris took her, Patches, Midnight and Oreo to the traveling Vet to get their shots. Layla got so frightened that her Daddy was taking her outside, she Pee'd on him. Kid. You. Not. And like a good Daddy, he didn't get angry with her, he knew that she was scared and couldn't help it. She still got her shots though. *g*

Today has been quiet and yet, not. Son still has the sniffles and a bit of coughing, but seems much better. So much so, I thought it would be okay to take him to the Y tonight. *sigh* I was probably wrong to do so, but a week without my class? I wasn't sure I could do that. I guess it was selfish. I am not really that way very often, thank goodness.

I did receive a book in the mail today, that I had ordered used from Amazon. I haven't been back to the UBS in a couple of weeks and haven't visited the other one near me either. The weather has kept me indoors as much as possible. Hopefully, it will calm down soon and I won't mind being out in it. Next week will be a bit different. The kids start RE and wednesdays are going to be a bit rushed. I WILL get time to myself for an hour though. I'm dreading it and looking forward to it at the same time.

No reviews to share tonight. No other news, either. It's been a slow day of schoolwork for the kids and mindane household things.

I hope y'all had a good monday. I also wish a delightful tuesday for y'all. Have a good evening!

Exercise: 1 hour Yoga.

Siblings don't always share.

Athena decided it was her turn to get in the container that held waters and Butterscotch is complaining. "It was mine, I'm telling MOOOOOMMMMM." *G* Just so you know, siblings, even kitties, don't always share well.

Today has been quiet and boring and I loved it. I didn't even get on the computer until this evening. I had no where to be, nothing I HAD to do, OOOOh I just forgot! I was supposed to iron Chris' things for work. Oops. I'll get to them in a minute. I did write a review for Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer. You can find it here.

I was very happy to wake up to no headache today. *g* I have no idea where it came from, but I was more than glad to know it had GONE.

And thats it. I told you, a boring day. I am looking forward to tomorrow and back to yoga.

I hope y'all had a restful and relaxing sunday. Monday is always hard for everyone, for some reason Monday makes more stress than any other day of the week. (I think, I could be wrong. For me it's going to be wednesday starting in September.) I wish a stress-free, and if thats not possible, a LOW stress day for y'all. Have a great day! B.

When good cats go nuts!

Midnight and Butterscotch are clearly crazy. Midnight is upset because Butterscotch is inside the container our waters came in and he wants in there, too. The fact that one of the cats felt the need to squeeze himself into the box is beyond me, but mad for a great picture.

Okay, some things tonight. (Actually it's early morning.)

1. I'm up late.

2. There is a vise crushing my head so this post is going to be SMALL.

3. You can find a review of Die For Me by Karen Rose here.

4. My library is again in my good graces and got a copy of Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer in and I was the first to have it on hold, so.....I just finished it (no, it's not why I have a headache) and it was FABULOUS, FANTASTIC, absolutely great! Go read this book. Seriously.

5. Chris found a YouTube clip tonight that we wanted to share.

And that's it. I hope your saturday went well. Mine did, don't worry. I wish a restful, relaxing and peaceful sunday for y'all. B.

Contest on Long and Short Reviews!

For those of you who may be interested, there is a contest going on at Long and Short Reviews to launch the new website. Follow the link above!

The Tooth Fairy came for a visit!

Son lost something yesterday. Would you like to guess what it may have been? *g* (And please excuse his dirty mouth he demanded I take his picture to put on my blog right then! *g*) He was so excited and wrapped his tooth in a papertowel and THEN put it into an envelope and made his sister write the Tooth Fairy on it. He was most excited that when he woke up today, there was a $1. He was dying to spend it all day.

As for Son, he did make it out today, but not like he wanted. He woke up sick again yesterday, with major drainage and a cough that worries me. Today he's just as bad and since we were out of kleenex we headed off to WW to pick up more tissue. Mostly because I was tired of him WIPING HIS NOSE ON HIS T-SHIRT! Eeeeew. *shudder* (Not to mention milk and cat food. I did peek to see if they had the new Crusie/Mayer book, but no such luck.) Oh, one more thing about Son and his lost tooth. He now has the cutest little space that makes his pronunciation more "sssss" *g* And, this tooth? Is the first tooth that he's lost that the dentist didn't take out. (That was only one tooth, btw.)

Other than a small trip to WW today and more ungodly laundry, I have had a quiet day. We did get a huge thunderstorm today. I loved it, lots of thunder and lightening and then pounding rain. It didn't last long, but it did lower temps and give our poor lawn some water.

I hope that your day was nice and that y'all had fun and that you were graced with smiles. I wish a saturday full of joy and great books to y'all. B.

Exercise: No. Wrist is sore today for some reason.

P.S. Thank y'all for the kind comments yesterday. I really appreciate the support.

Layla and her story

Did I ever tell y'all how I was gifted by getting Layla? My Mom and her husband had been staying with Chris and I in MS for a while, when she recieved a job offer in Tennessee. When she got there she was in some parking lot for a resteraunt. There, she heard a small sound. And looked and looked. At first she couldn't find anything. Then noticed a small object, turned out it was a tiny animal. Too small to survive on it's own, trying to eat gravel, her eyes weren't even open. Knowing she had been abandoned, my Mom took her and cared for her for 3 days when the job turned out to be a bad offer. She packed her, her husband and Layla (named for an Eric Clapton song) and came back to me. The minute I saw Layla I thought she was a bat. She looked nothing like a regular kitten. She looked more like, well, ANYTHING other than a kitten. And I? I fell in love with her on the spot. I cleaned her up when she pottied, I fed her and cuddled her. After a month, my Mom found a job in MS where we were and moved out with her husband, and Layla. My heart broke, but knew my Mom loved her, too. Another 2 months passed and Mom realized she was too sick to work and she wanted to move back to SC so she could apply for Disability. When she left, she gave me Layla. And, she's been my fur-baby ever since. She is also one of the last gifts of love my Mom ever gave me. She died almost a year later after a month long coma. A month where I sat and held her hand, read to her, and sang to her. See, my Mom loved me and I her, and I didn't want to let her go. Until that last day, when I realized all the Doctor double-speak was a false hope that was keeping her breathing, but not living, and that I needed to let her go. It was without a doubt the hardest decision I have EVER made in my life. And it was 5 years ago today.

So I sit here tonight, cuddled with Layla, and pray that Mom knows how much I miss her. And I listen to Layla purr and take comfort in my last gift.

Goodnight everyone. I am tired and a wreck. I hope your day was nice and that smiles were graced upon you. May your friday be full of love.

Agnes and the Hitman, a blurb.

Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer




Take one food writer named Cranky Agnes, add a hitman named Shane, mix them together with a Southern mob wedding, a missing necklace, two annoyed flamingos, and a dog named Rhett, and you've got a recipe for a sexy, hilarious novel about the disastrous side of true love...Agnes Crandall's life goes awry when a dognapper invades her kitchen one night, seriously hampering her attempts to put on a wedding that she's staked her entire net worth on. Then a hero climbs through her bedroom window. His name is Shane - no last name, just Shane- and he has his own problems: He's got a big hit scheduled, a rival trying to take him out, and an ex-mobster uncle asking him to protect some little kid named Agnes. When he finds out that Agnes isn't so little, that his uncle has forgotten to mention a missing five million bucks he might have lost in Agnes's house, and that his last hit was a miss, Shane's life isn't looking so good , either. Then a bunch of lowlifes come looking for the money, a string of hitmen show up for Agnes, and some wedding guests gather with the intent to throw more than rice. Agnes and Shane have their hands full with greed, florists, treachery, flamingos, mayhem, mothers of the bride, and - most dangerous of all - each other.



I am posting this in the hopes that I am entered into a contest to win a SIGNED copy of this book. Visit HERE for more details. When I do evenutally get my copy of this book, either by winning or buying, I will post a review on my other site.

Cats popping out all over!

Fireball and Butterscotch are two brothers who couldn't be more DIFFERENT. Fireball is confident and handsome, and knows it. Where Butterscotch twitches if you look at him wrong and has the freakiest eyes eve-ah. But, I love them both. And the one thing all my cats have in common are the fact that they are Ca-ray-zy! Looney. Bonkers. And they fit right in here. *g*

Today was a bit better in my rollercoaster of an emotional week. I can't even explain this almost biological clock countdown to the day my Mom passed away.

Okay, another topic. Hmmm. Read any good books lately? Today was the release date of Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer's newest creation, collaboration, Agnes and the Hitman. I totally forgot. What a bad fangirl I am! Also, on their collaborative site, there is a coupon that allows you a $3 rebate AND a free paperback edition of Don't Look Down, their first novel together. The coupon requires a PAID receipt for Agnes and the Hitman, and is a mail in. I have loved all the excerpts I have read of this book and am dying to read it. Any books y'all are looking forward to?

Next week I'll turn 33 and my biggest question? Do I want cheesecake or birthday cake? I know that's pretty shallow, but c'mon, it's guilt free. I fully believe that calories don't count on your birthday. What's your vote? Chris always asks for a Key Lime Pie for his. One of these years I keep hoping he'll try something different.

I'm still having wrist pain, but will be darned if I go back to the doctor for it. I am, however, taking the 800mg of Ibuprofen she gave me. I've asked a couple of the Yoga teachers if they had any suggestions. And they were very nice about giving me different ways to do some of the poses. I never in my wildest dreams, EVER, thought I would have the courage to take Yoga Classes. One of the older gents in the class even teased me today! Son practically begs to go to the Y everyday because there is a girl there a year or so older than him, that has the same name as Daughter, and he likes playing in the ChildWatch room with her.

And, except for laundry (isn't there always laundry?), that has been my day. (Well, and the kids schoolwork.) It was H-O-T here again today. And according to the stupid weather forecaster will be for the rest of the week. *sigh* My power bill, thanks to the air conditioning, is sky high. Someone want to hurry Fall along, already! I hope y'all had a good day and that your evening was relaxing. I also wish a fabulous thursday for you. B.

Exercise: 1 hour Yoga. I feel like Gumby.

Blast from the Past!

This is a picture from when Oreo first joined our family. As you can see she was cute, even then, and a bundle of energy. I ask that you excuse the quality of this photo because it was taken with a cell phone before we bought our digital last year. Isn't she cute?

Today hasn't been a good day. I have been tired all day and depressed. I haven't been anywhere and the heat is horrible. I do have a copy of The Silver Master by Jayne Castle (aka Jayne Ann Krentz). May I just say the cover is fabulous? *g* The review is posted here.

That's it for me. I'm boring and depressing today.

I hope you had a good tuesday and I wish a wonderful wednesday (couldn't resist) to you all. B.

Exercise: none, I feel like a slug today, so why not act like one?

Layla Attacks!

Layla has a small foot fetish. For Chris' feet. She knows she can attack him and he'll play with her. Here she is playing ferocious kitty. She doesn't like to play/fight with me, I don't let her win. *g*

I was going to have a light hearted post tonight, but after a crying jag, not so much. I apologize for my post this week in advance, they may be a bit erratic in tone. I'll explain later.

I had a good day, went shopping with the kids and the Out-laws today and we had a good time, then they treated the kids to ice cream and even gave me Chris and mine (Not grammaticaly correct, sorry) combined early birthday gift. Part of all this largesse is because they felt guilty that they won't be in town during my birthday, which wasn't a big deal, but still, that's the way they are.

Each of the kids ended up with a shirt and 2 pairs of pants. And MIL wanted to buy me something as well, but I declined. (WHY is this woman determined to buy me clothes, when she and everyone else knows I'd rather have books?) After shopping and ice cream, the kids and I headed to the pharmacy (I had to fill the STRONG ibuprofen prescription the Doctor gave me last week.) and then, rather than driving home for 20 minutes and then leaving for Yoga, we went straight to the Y where I worked out before Yoga. Maybe not my brightest move ever. I hadn't eaten in over 5 hours (no ice cream for me) and was a bit light headed by the end of it all.

Then? Home again, yay! I am, at heart a big homebody. I am happiest when barefoot and surrounded by my fur-babies, kids and books. Um, not to mention my computer.

I recieved some criticism on my book reviews tonight, hence the sad mood. I am sure I could improve them, but I like my creations the way they are. All that brought on a crying jag, because 1. It was criticism, 2. I thought they were good, 3. My emotions are too close to the surface this week, 4. I'm insecure anyway and this just seemed too much for my fragile state.

And that leaves me as I am, tired, emotionally rung out and ready for bed where sleep will take it all away. As for the reason my posts will be weird? My Mom passed 5 years ago, on the 23rd. It makes August a difficult month for me, with that and my birthday (where the one person in the world who made me feel special is gone.) so very hard to deal with. So, I ask for your forgivness ahead of time.

I hope your day went better than mine ended. I wish a wonderful tuesday full of smiles and caring people for you all. B.

Exercise: 30 minutes Elyptical at level 7, varying speed of 5.5-5.9 and 1 Hour Yoga.

That tent is so funny!

Butterscotch will sleep in that tent if its open in any way. One time I saw the cats rolling around in it like you would see a hamster rolling on a wheel, or one of those balls. I'm not kidding either.
Today was another day spent doing laundry. We also ran out and picked up a copy of Howl's Moving Castle from Best Buy, I told Chris it was my birthday present. *G* I have been wanting a copy since we saw it on tv a couple of months ago, and he finally gave in. *g*

I read MaryJanice Davidson's new book, The Royal Mess last night. I loved it! The review is below.

Um, not much else to tell y'all. The MIL called today, she wants me to meet her tomorrow to see about getting the kids a few things (clothes). I didn't argue. It's better if I help her pick some things out for them than for her to go shopping on her own. Daughter is actually pretty conservative in her clothing choices and Son, well he still wears what I pick out. But, then I usually pick out things he would like, like the new Star Wars tee's I bought him last month. Anyway, tomorrow will be interesting. Cross your fingers. *g*

And that's it! I hope your sunday was relaxing and peaceful. I also wish y'all a monday free of stress and full of smiles. Have a wonderful monday! B.

Edited to add, Monday at 3:05pm: My email is wonky today, so until Chris gets home from work tonight I won't be able to get to it. If you have sent anything, I apologize. B.

The Royal Mess by MaryJanice Davidson

MaryJanice Davidson returns to the world of the Alaskan Royals in this third and possibly finale book in the series. The usual fast paced, witty, and snarky attitude from the characters are back. In other words, MaryJanice Davidson at her best!

When Nicole Kernski sent the letter to the King of Alaska she was honoring her mothers last wish after she died. For her honesty she was rewarded with.....a Royal title she didn't want and became First in line to inherit the throne. Never mind that she knows more about hunting and fishing than signing bills into law! Nicole must now reconcile herself to her new future as a possible Queen. And whatever is she going to do with her pesky bodyguard with his silky black hair, light blue eyes and body that makes her sit up and take notice? Will she ever be able to convince him that love with a Royal Princess is possible?

Jeffery Rodinov wasn't shocked when he heard there was a newly found Princess. After all, he had worked at the Royal Palace for years! However, he was unsettled by his immediate and scorching attraction to the new Princess Nicole. Will this Royal bodyguard let duty form his future or will he follow his heart instead?

Normally I don't gush, but I adored this book. Where else could you read a love story that contains an illegetimate Princess, a Royal family and it's foibles, and not only smile but laugh like a loon throughout? This one is going on my keeper shelf!

My book and remote as hostage!

Layla took my book and remote as hostage yesterday. She decided she wanted attention "NOW". *g* Luckily for her, I am a fine multi-tasker. I was able to pet her and flip through channels AND look through the book. *G*

Today was better as far as it wasn't blah, however I still felt tired. Sometimes, I guess I overdo and then have to pay for it with a few down days, whether I like them or not.

We had Church today, a good option for us, as Chris isn't used to getting up EARLY with his jobs hours. And afterwards I had to sign the kids paperwork for RE. They are both looking forward to it. Our favorite Preist was there again this afternoon, Father Bart. Daughter is now TALLER than he is and Father Bart thinks it's hilarious. Talking to another Parishioner this afternoon, she mentioned that when she first met Fthr. Bart she told him he looked like Friar Tuck. I had to stifle my giggles, because OMGOODNESS, HE DOES! I can't believe it never occured to me before. *g*

After Mass we made it to the new Costco (we were curious!) that just opened here this week, unfortuntely we were too late, they had already closed. At 6pm! Eh, 'oh well. We then went to Sams for bulk groceries and then to WW for the rest of the groceries I'll need for the next 2 weeks. Yes, you heard right. We shop 2 weeks at a time. We tried shopping for a week at a time, but found we spent MORE that way. And since I am always looking for ways to save money.......2 weeks at a time it is.

So far as Chris' car goes, so far so good. *knock on wood*

The MIL called yesterday and had wanted to visit but then said that FIL wasn't feeling well so they weren't going to visit. I told her it was a good thing too, because everyone but me had been sick this week. She seemed taken aback about that. But agreed that I was right. *g*

After all that, we came home and put away all the groceries, Chris made dinner and then I got online and haven't gotten off since!

And that's it from here today. We've been rather busy. And I am wiped out. I hope y'all had a good day and that things went well for y'all. I send wishes for a peaceful and relaxing sunday to you!

Exercise: Again, no. Too dang tired.

This is supposed to be MY chair!

But, Layla seems to have taken it over while I was upstairs doing laundry. Does her look not just say that I have no right to complain because I got up in the first place? Good news was, she was happy to share. *g*

Today has been blah. I have felt drained and tired all day. Probably because of my energy fueled cleaning fenzy last night. Haven't even felt like eating today, so you KNOW I don't feel great. *g* Suffice to say, I didn't make it to the UBS today. Maybe tomorrow when we run errands. No, I don't have the cold that is running rampant through my home, I'm just physically tired.

I haven't read anything today either, I couldn't really concentrate. I do have books on the keeper shelves, I could read one of those, but find I am not in the mood. Maybe I will be later.

I don't have anything else to tell y'all. Except that Chris brought home a copy of Office 2007. I believe in a Don't Ask, I won't have to tell on you policy regarding where he got it. However, I can say that I have spent a fun time playing with it tonight. Yes, I know I'm weird. Other than that, I have nothing. Sorry. I'm sure tomorrow will be better fodder. *g* I hope y'all had a wonderful friday and I send wishes for a joyous saturday! B.

Exercise: No. I barely had the energy to do laundry today.

No matter what chair I sit in.......

Seriously. No matter what chair I sit in, I always seem to attract a cat, or two. Usually one behind my head and another in my lap. Of course now that I also have an ottoman, I usually end up with one there, too. Athena is just one of the latest to climb the back of my chair and enjoy the view. Um, not to mention they sleep up there as well.

I am getting tired of the weather. No, really. The heat is awful. So much so, I barely leave the house anymore. Not that I did to begin with, but I needed to run to the store today and waited until it was almost 8pm to do so because of the heat. And since I didn't go out earlier to visit the Y, I decided to clean as my excercise instead. I swept, vacummed, mopped, cleaned the bathrooms and dusted the furniture. If that didn't count as exercise, then my feet and body ache for no reason whatsoever. *g* And that was after I actually made dinner. (Instead of saying, "Hey kids! What can we nuke or leave alone in the oven that y'all will eat for dinner?") *G*
So far so good, as far as Chris' car is concerned. (Cross your fingers!)
Now I am in the postion of having nothing much to read. Awwww. Poor Brandy. KIDDING. I will try and make it to the library or even another UBS (not going to my usual for a while, lost my "taste" for that one). I also have the option of buying Used from Amazon. You can get some good deals there. Sometimes. I just hate paying for shipping. I am cheap that way! *G*

I hope y'all had a good day and if it's hot where ever y'all are, that y'all stayed cool and drank plenty of water. Have a fortuitious, fun friday! B.

Exercise: I think 3 hours of cleaning count, right?

Butterscotch naps.

Butterscotch is very fond of this tent. I know I've said that before, but just look at him. He feels safe in there. Every now and then he will sleep in the new blue tent, but he always goes back to his favorite. He's a strange, sweet, weird cat.

Today was marginally better. We had to take Chris' car back to the Mechanics AGAIN. We think it's finally fixed. And it only cost me another $270. *sigh* AND Chris stayed home today because he caught Son's cold, too. (Did I tell y'all Daughter has the cold as well?) He did okay day one and two of the cold, but it's day three that is hitting him hard. (Sinus headaches, coughing and drainage do not a happy hubby make.) I'm the only one not sick. *knock on wood* And I have no idea why since Son steals sips of my drinks all day, smothers me with kisses all the time and basically sits on my lap and breathes all over at night. And then there's Chris who even though he knows he's sick, will give me a hug and a kiss before he leaves for work, does the same when he walks in the door after work, AND kisses me goodnight every night. It's like they are TRYING to make me sick! *g* It's a conspiracy! *G*

I did make it to Yoga this evening. Oh, and I read Unleashed by C.J Barry yesterday and really enjoyed it. The heroine was charming and sassy, the hero dark and brooding. The plot was suspensful and of course there was a HEA! (No, that's not a spoiler, I don't read books without a HEA. At least very often, my fiction books anyway. Aren't they expected in romances?)(Even ones that contain Sci-Fi?)

Son is nearing the end of his school-work for Kindergarten, I'll be ordering his First Grade curriculum next week. He's very excited. We fast tracked him through his Kindergarten and he is ecstatic to be a First Grader soon.

Anyway, that's all from me tonight. I hope that y'all a good Wednesday with plenty of smiles and happiness. I wish a fabulous Thursday for y'all. B.

Exercise: 1 hour of Yoga with the HARD teacher! I swear she likes making me turn beet read and drip sweat.

Chris had an accomplice.

So, I may have taken all the humiliating kitty pictures, but Chris had an accomplice in getting the hats ON the cats. Yes, Daughter helped. She thought it was quite amusing (as we all did) and was more than happy to help her dad. Note that Fireball looks resigned to his fate. What you do not know is that after this picture was taken she jumped out of Daughters arms and then proceeded to try and shake the hat off, WHILE TURNING IN CIRCLES. BACKWARD. *G*

Today my mistrust of Doctors reached new heights. I went to the new Doctor that helped Chris with his migraines to see if the wrist pain I've had for about 10 years (ever since I was diagnosed with a gangleon cyst that was drained). It was a HUGE. WASTE. OF TIME. (And my co-pay!) Ready? She diagnosed me as having......Inflammation of the Wrist! (No Sh!t Sherlock!)(Pardon me, I'm getting riled up again.) I was told to wear a brace (Duh! I already have one AND TOLD HER THAT!) To take an anit-imflammatory for a while. And that if it got any worse, or not any better, that I should come back and be set up an appointment with a Physical Therapist. FOR WHAT? I asked questions. I promise I did. I asked if it could be another cyst, anything to do with carpel tunnel........if it might be damage from the cyst. All of that. And was told it could be any of those. Um, yeah? So why didn't she test me for any of them? *sigh*

THEN! Remember when I said that I wasn't going to go to the UBS on tuesdays? I forgot. And since I was already near there after my Doctors appointment, I stopped in. One of the rudest things I've ever had happen to me, happened this afternoon. Tell me. Does good customer service and relations happen when the customer is IGNORED for over 5 minutes (With someone RIGHT there!)? Prompting ANOTHER person to come help when the person WALKS OFF! ARGH! AND, AND we had to take Chris' car back to the mechanics, again, because the heistation and bad fuel mileage problem is back. *sigh* *THUNK* (You can't see me, but thats the sound of my head hitting the wall.)

And that was my afternoon. Well, after a run to drop off books at the library and another to the grocery store for a few things.) Fun, huh? I could have done without all that myself.

By the way, I read The Star Prince by Susan Grant last night (stayed up way to late too) and I must say, I LOVED IT. It was fantastic! I couldn't put it down and finished it in the wee hours of the night/morning. I am definitely a new fan. *g*

And that's all from me. I am tired and off to bed. I hope y'alls day went better than mine! I hope you have a wonderful wednesday. B.

Exercise: Shamefully, no. After all I did this afternoon I was too hot and tired.

Midnight plots revenge!

Midnifght is not thrilled to be singled out, either. You can just see the look in his eyes. He is waiting and hoping to get revenge on us for humiliating him this way.

Today was fine. Son is coughing, sneezing and his nose is dripping like mad. Luckily he listens when told to blow his nose. I can't tell y'all how many times I've had to tell him NOT to wipe his nose on his shirt. What is it with kids and doing that? *shudder* Ewwww!

Daughter is driving me loony this week. Majorly so. It's like she thinks that it's okay to play all the time instead of being responsible. Her attention span has dwindled to almost nothing concerning her schoolwork. *sigh* We've been forced to punish her again, taking away her favorite things until she gets back on track. We've also talked to her, trying to figure out her problem and she said that she has too many distractions, namely her brother. HOWEVER, we have been paying attention he's not the problem. He does his schoolwork and then if he's been good, he's allowed to play on the computer. SHE gravitates toward him, not the other way around!

I did read Jinx by Meg Cabot (a YA). It was cute, but still darker than her other recent YA's. I am eyeing The Star Prince by Susan Grant on my TBR shelf and have picked it up only to put it back down. As this is a new to me author, I believe fear is keeping me from starting it.

Tomorrow I have a Doctor's appointment to see about my wrist pain. I honeslty have no idea why it keeps hurting. I did have Chris schedule my appointment the day after my Yoga class so that I have an honest problem, not just walk in and say "Hi, my wrist hurts, well not today, but it does!". Ooh, goodness, I forgot to tell y'all, you know those machines in Target and WW where you can take your Blood Pressure? I did that on saturday and mine was low. Those machines are weird. And that reading of my blood pressure was after a full day of having the kids get on my NERVES. *g*

Anyway, that's really all my day consisted of. Son and his cold (which daughter now says she's getting), yoga, laundry, cleaning and reading. FUN! I hope y'all had a nice day. That it wasn't a stressful time for you, that your week will follow as pleasant and enjoyable. I wish a good week for y'all! B.

Exercise: yoga class.

Patches searches for her Dignity!

Patches is not thrilled with this picture. If cats dated, I would have Prime blackmail fodder, but as it is, I get to look at my pictures and giggle and smile every time I see them. *G* I am such a bad kitty Mom!

Today has been interesting. Son woke up at 5am snurfling and snuffing and was stopped up, he doesn't like to be stopped up, evidenced by his SCREAMING. Lucky for him he was awake, but not awake. Hew eventually went back to sleep, but when we all got up when the alarm went off, to go to Church this morning he was caughing and sniffeling, filled with drainage (drippy nose) and sounded hoarse. Needless to say, we stayed home. It seems between the HOT outside and the air-conditioning insides (including our home) he has somehow contracted a cold. Poor thing. He got VERY loud when he wanted to go out and play with his new bike and I wouldn't let him. Yes, I know, mean Mommy. Poor baby.

Guess what? Chris cooked dinner! And I didn't ask him to! It's been A LONG time since he's done that. And then, he cleaned up after himself! It was so cool. I was shocked. Then I felt I had no choice but to iron his clothes for the week. *g* Not that I wouldn't anyway, but still.

Still not reading. Son's being sick and household things, and a few computer things online today made it difficult to do so. I am sure that I will be reading soon, though. And for anyone looking for the following books, BAM is now shipping them. (I know because I look at BAM and Amazon and B&N to check shipping/release dates.) Silver Master by Jayne Castle (aka Jayne Ann Krentz), To Die For by Karen Rose, The Morgue the Merrier by Dianne Castelle, et al (an anthology) and The Royal Mess by MaryJanice Davidson. So, if you've been waiting on any of these, BAM has them! I am waiting to get them. I'm being good. Well, trying to be good. *g*

Well, the laundry buzz becons. I hope your Sunday was quiet and relaxing. I hope that your Monday is stress-less and full of smiles. Have a wonderful day! B.

Exercise: nope. I have been lazy today. It was FUN! Sort of. But, it's back to the Y tomorrow.

We are horrible kitty parents!

Okay, so, we are absolutely horrible kitty parents to do this to our cats. On the other hand I am willing to share the blame with Target, because they sell these. I tried to talk Chris into the Lions head, but he wanted the Elephant. And no, I didn't pick this out, Chris did. And may I say we haven't laughed so hard in a LONG time.

Today was h-o-t. But, that's all I'm going to say about that. My wrist has decided to rebel in a worse manner, I awoke to it swollen today. Fun.

But, the day must go on. We were looking for a new bike for Son, he has outgrown his and we have been pricing them and comparing types for a couple of months now. We were going to get one at Target, but saw one at WW this evening while running errands and So fell in instant "GIMME" with it, it had the features I wanted, a hand/lever/brake and a cover for for the chain. It had what Son wanted too. It looked 'Cool'. *G* I was hunting for a Black Sports bra tonight, but didn't find quite the one I wanted, so gave up and I was also hunting for a pair of comfy capris for Yoga. Want to know what I found? That I am too short for capris. They might as well be pants for me! So, I gave up on that as well. No biggie. We also went to Best Buy (it was next door to the Sporting goods store.) to look for CD-R's. They were supposed to have some on sale, but were all sold out. We did manage to find a Wii to try out, Chris and Ian liked it. I was blah. I could care less to be honest. We left without the CD-R's and headed to drop off the recyclables. Then to WW where the bike saga began.

I haven't read anything in the past couple of days now. I don't know why, maybe because we've been so busy with errands today and yesterday was filled with chores. I didn't make it to the bookstore to get a new Thesaruas today either. I admit, mine is sad. Makes me shake my head how sad it is! Chris doesn't get why I think the one I just bought isn't suffiecient.

Chris has started the "what do you want for your birthday this year" thing. *sigh* And no, hints don't work. I have to tell him and what's the fun in that? *g* And if I don't tell him? Well, we'll just day tears were involved one year and they weren't happy tears. I don't want anything expensive. Just thoughtful, like we women do for those we love. BUT, guys don't do that. Know what I told him? Guess! BOOKS! *G* DUH! *G*

I'm sorry to say, that's it for me tonight. I am tired and I need to wrap the heating pad around my arm. I hope y'all had a good day. I hope y'all had some type of fun and that you smiled alot today. I hope tomorrow is restful and relaxing for you. Sending smiles to each of you! B.

Exercise: no. Well.......walking while shopping and window shopping. I know thats some type of exercise because DRU told me it was! *G*

Layla eyes the gift from the Out-Laws

So, I forgot to mention that when the Out-Laws visited yesterday, they came bearing gifts! MIL found this scratching post at a yeard sale, it looks brand new and since the cats seem to love it and haven't tried to "scent mark" it I'm guessing it hasn't been used. (They also brought watermelon and fresh tomatoes.)

Today was HOT, as usual. Ugh! I didn't want to go out today, but Son begged to go to the Y so he could play in the ChildWatch! Talk about an about face from the first week we joined! So, I caved and we went to the Y while Chris was at work. (We haven't been going in the morning this week.) It was good for me, anyway. *g* After that though, we came home and stayed home. It's just to hot to go anywhere.

I see no one took my challenge for different terms for "talkative". I was testing my new Thesaurus on y'all. Can you believe it didn't have the word loqaucious? Can you believe Chris had never heard of it either? Am I geek to worry about this? Even Chatty wasn't in there! I need a better Thesarus. I demand a better Thesaurus! *g*

I stayed up WAY too late last night and read Conversations with the Fat Girl by Liza Palmer. I thought it was a great read. Anyone who has ever struggled with their weight and body image will recognize the "voice" of the female lead. It was without a doubt an emotional read and one that resonates with me. But, thats not the only thing the book is about. The overall theme is that of Resurection of Hope. Hope for her future in her job and in her love life. There was a woman you love to hate in the book as well. But, the reader still feels sorry for that character as well, because you can tell she was filled with self-loathing.

I haven't started anything new to read today. I've been busy and the kids have kept me jumping. (Not to mention there was more laundry today!) I actually cooked, over the stove tonight and started to regret it halfway through. Lately we've been eating simple things that go in the oven while we are in the OTHER ROOM away from the heat. Yes, it really has been that hot. *sigh* I can't wait until it's cooler. Sorry to gripe about it. Give me another couple of days and I'll try not to mention it at all. *g*

Well, hate to say it (er, write it? No, type it!) But, thats my day. Boring, but mine. *g* I hope y'alls Friday was fun and that you felt a bit of happiness today. Y'all deserve it. I wish a bright and joyful day for your Saturday.

Exercise: 2.88 miles on the Elyptical at an average speed of 6 and a level of 8.

One little Monkey jumping on my Couch!

I asked Chris and we both agreed that this picture should be okay to post because Son's face isn't very visible. But I still will take the picture off tomorrow night. Can you see why I call him my Monkey? Well, this and the fact that he climbs the refrigerator, too. *g*

I asked about Rants yesterday and no one took the bait. Oh, well. No biggie. *g* My only rant is the weather. It's been hot as hades these past days and I wish it would stop! We made it to 104 today. I stayed home until 7:30 pm and then ran to the library right before they closed at 8pm. It was slightly more bearable then. Only 96 on the way home after 8pm. I keep waiting impatiently for Fall.

Do y'all have a favorite season? How about a favorite Holiday? We love Halloween. Chris even takes the day off so that he can take the kids trick-or-treating. I get to stay home and hand out candy. I love it. Especially the kids who can barely walk, usually dressed as something sweet like a Fairy or Bumblebee. *G*

Oh, at the library I picked up my Holds and the first Stepanie Plum book, One For the Money by Janet Evanovich. It will be interesting to go back and reread it, to see if the characters have changed. My holds came in quickly (the new holds, not 2 others that are taking more than a month). I now have: Conversations with the Fat Girl by Liza Plamer (I've heard good things about this one.), Jinx by Meg Cabot (A new YA, looks interesting.), and Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning (A new to me author, I think.). I'm just a few pages into the Liza Palmer book and it seems interesting . So far, I like the written "voice". I do have some questions about books for you. Do you read only one genre? Or do you read many? Do you like the dictionaries and Thesaurus on your computer? Or do you, like me, prefer the actual books with pages to thumb though? And to test your knowledge (and my new Thesaurus) how many ways can you say that someone is "talkative"? *G*

I have, yet again, been holed up in my home abusing the air conditoning today. Son went with his grandparents to see Underdog. I think he liked it. He is normaly talkative, but has been tacturn about the movie, only saying that he liked it. *g* This is the same child that will make up stories and games and then talk to you about them until your ears bleed. *G*

Other than never-ending laundry, visiting with the Out-Laws and making a run to the library, I haven't done very much today. Oh, and scrub the bathroom floor (on my hands and knees with a bristle brush; kind of like Cinderella). No trip the Y. Which is sort of a disappointment and then not, because a new class started tonight and I had expressed interest in it and Chris told me to go for it, but then nerves got the best of me (not to mention the Out-laws stayed late.) and, oh. I forgot to tell y'all the class. It was a new Tae Kwon Do class that just started tonight. It seemed interesting. And sorta sounded fun. But, I could blame the Out-laws for staying late, but I'll just own up to be a coward about it too. Maybe next week.

And that's enough to bore y'all with tonight. I hope y'all had a good thursday. It had to be, it meant that Friday was that much closer, which means that the weekend is that much closer. I wish a wonderful friday for y'all with lots of smiles (Not hard to do, right? It IS friday afterall!) and a treat or two thrown in. Ne good to yourselves! B.

Exercise: No. Wrist is sore. (Clapped today and yelped. Oops., Doctors appointment is to be scheduled soon.)

Sacked out!

I really do envy the cats when it comes to their ability to fall asleep at a moments notice. Not caring how funny they look or even caring about how they contort their bodies into weird postions to feel comfortable. But, its the fact that they don't care that makes it funny. Fireball will surely wake up with a crick in his neck from this postion, but I don't think he cares.

What hits your hot button? What inspires a rant for you? I'm not in too much of a ranting mood right now, but I am curious to your answers! I guess I am too curious for my own good, a trait I seem to share with the kitties. *g*

Chris took his car back to the mechanics this morning, on is way home from work Monday night his engine light was on. He gave it a day to go away, but when it didn't, he took it in. We were worried that it was going to cost another small fortune. BUT, it didn't cost us a thing. Mainly because they rechecked everything and the engine light went out and wouldn't come back on and they have no clue what was going on. Seriously. I'm just happy it was free, under warranty still, and that the light is gone!

Tomorrow the In-laws are coming for a visit, they were going to take Daughter and Son to the movies tomorrow, but we had to call them tonight and let them know that Son is more than welcome to go, but that Daughter is not doing her chores and has been not doing what she's been told this week. They said they'd see if Son would really go with them without her, but if not, they would still stop by to visit. Works for me. And no, I don't think we're being too harsh on Daughter. Her attitude this week has inspired severe anger with her dad and I, that we've had to keep under controil. I think she likes it when we lose our 'cool' enough to yell at her. So, we're trying to go the opposite way. We'll see. 12 is turning out to be an age I abhor from her.

Hmmm, books. The libray has 2 more books in for me, I just placed them on hold monday evening. Both Jinx by Meg Cabot (a YA), and Conversations with a Fat Girl by Liza Palmer. I've heard good things about that one. I'll pick them up tomorrow. Did I tell y'all the name of the book I picked up yesterday? It's called Brigadoom by Susan Goodwill. It's a really cute murder mystery/cozy. And to give you a glimpse, the main character finds her fiancee (soon to be ex) fooling around in the bushes with another woman and runs him over with a golf cart. *G* See? Cute!

I went to Yoga tonight, the heat made it uncomfortable, especially the sun streaming in the windows. It just made it feel warmer in the work-out area. But, I did pretty well and sweated alot. Oops, Southern women don't sweat. We "glow", *snort*.

I hope y'all had a good day and that it remained pleasant. I wish a smiley and fantastic thursday for you all. B.

Exercise: 1 hour yoga. Pretzels are starting to become admirable. *g*

Sleep of the not-so-innocent.

Layla looks so sweet and innocent in this picture. Little do you know of the bone crushing feel on my chest when she decides (when I am all comfy and ready to drop into sleep) to walk up to my face and stand on my chest a few moments before laying down. She is a Master at Demanding Attention! Is doesn't matter if I am in the middle of typing on the computer, or reading a book, or even walking down the hall (she'll flip over and grab my ankle), Layla is insistant that I stop whatever I am doing and love her. *g* I wonder what she would do if I did that to her?

Today was so hot I actually thought about not going when the library called me to let me know the book I had on hold (the one I've been complaining about that's taken over a MONTH to come in) was finally in. Seriously. You KNOW it has to be hot to keep my away from books. As it was, I waited until 6:30 to go pick it up and the local HS's electronic board/banner/whatever the heck the thing is! announced that it was 106 degrees, that's feels like, not actual temperature by the way. At 6:30. AGH! Too hot. Just another reason for me to dislike August. The first being that my birthday is this month. The second being my Mother passed away this month. Turtle passed away around this time and Squeekie has been missing for a year now. Other than that, this month gets hot as hades, and I have to get the kids ready for classes at the Church this September AND as soon as those start, I will have to drop the wednesday night Yoga class. BOOO! Kidding, the classes are good for the kids, SON gets to go this year. I will have one hour every week to myself. (Unlike Yoga, REALLY to my self.) I'm not sure what to do then! One good thing is, the other county library I can check things out of is less than 5 minutes from the Church! Time. To myself. In the library. Excuse me while I weep for joy. *g*

Since I was out, after the quick trip to the library, I had to go to WW. I spend entirely too much time there. I need to be owning stock for all the time I am there. *g* But, we needed Dental Floss(and a few other things), so I braved the heat. I must take our dental health very seriously. *G* Actually, we needed things like milk and bread, too. Did you honestly think I'd brave WW just for dental floss? FOR SHAME! Uh-uh, no way.

Aside from staying inside, doing laundry and abusing my air conditioning, that's my day. Well, and actually COOKING, in the oven, dinner. Yes, I am nuts. But, Chris and Daughter have been begging for the pork loin that was in the refrigerator so.......... I caved.

I hope y'all had a good day. I hope it wasn't too hot wherever you are and that your day was filled with smiles and not strife. I wish a lovely and pleasant day for your wednesday. B.

Exercise: No way. Too hot. Even to make the trek to the Y, not to mention my wrist was aching. Tomorrow, no matter the weather or my wrist, I'll be heading back to Yoga.

Layla indulges me.

I posted this one before, but it just strikes me as funny. She is cleary indulging me, letting her picture be taken. She really does remind me of the snow tiger. That look of disdain for lesser life forms. In this case, that would be me. *G*

Today has been.....eventful. Last week Chris noticed that his car was started to hesitate and then surge when pressed on the gas. Turns out his fuel line was blocked, the fuel filter had NEVER been replaced, he needed new shocks and something to do with the throttle. In other words EXPENSIVE. As in I just spent $830 dollars today on his car. OUCH! It's funny because when he described the problem I told him it was his fuel line. He gave me a look. You know the one. The "how would you know?", look. Common sense. Daughter asked me what it meant when the fuel line was clogged and I was able to describe it to her in simplistic terms, using a slushie, a straw, and a piece of ice as my example. *G* Oh, and after driving his car back to work today (he took my van for a few hours) he said it runs better than ever. AND I had a coupon! (It was supposed to be $874.)

After that fun part of my day, I did laundry and picked up around here. And this evening I went to Yoga class again. We had the hard teacher tonight, but for once I wasn't the largest woman there, nor the most clumsy. Of course, now my wrist is bothering me again, but I'm not stopping the classes. They really are fun for me and fill me with a sense of accomplishment when they are over. That doesn't keep me from turning beet red and sweating like crazy throughout the classes though! *G*

I hope y'all had a good day. I hope things went the way you wanted to and I hope that your tuesday is filled with smiles, pockets of fun and patience. B.

Exercise: 1 hour yoga.

Midnight and Athena, buddies

Athena ADORES Midnight. She'll rub her head up under his chin several times to get him to clean her. If she hears him go into the restroom where we keep the cat food bowls, she'll race there to be in front of him. He is her friend, protector, and brother.

Today has been tiring. Chris and I both woke up with sore throats and slight sinus headaches. Probably from being out and about yesterday. This afternoon we went to take back the dress I bought last week. When I put it on for Church this morning I noticed that it was not tight, but clingy across my backside and as I am SHY and want no attention diverted my way, it made me uncomfortable, so I changed. And took the dress back. *sigh* Maybe one day I will feel comfortable with eyes in my direction, but not now. I prefer to sit back and go un-noticed, to be the observer and not the observed. To be honest, I doubt that will ever change. And the dress? It looked lovely, it fit, I just wasn't comfotable showing off my curves.

I did read Foul Play by Tori Carrington today. I loved it. This is a series I can see sticking with. The heroine continues her inward growth and is more confident in her job as well. When the character was first introduced it was hailed as a 'Stephanie Plum' character/type/book. But, unlike the Plum books, the character of Sofie is growing and changing, she is becoming more confident. It's enjoyable to see a character do that, rather than seem to "tread water" as it were. With no developments except the next quirky event to happen. I can't wait until it is in paperback. (This is the hardback I got from my library.)

Except for major loads of laundry, fixing dinner WITH Chris (FUN!, no really, we had a good time!) and watching Ghost Rider tonight, I've had a pretty uneventful day. I hope that y'all had a good day and that you were able to recharge from the week behind, for the week ahead. I wish good things for your monday! B.

Oreo says to heck with it!

Oreo is taking it easy in this picture. She doesn't relax well, and in that she and I are alot alike. Notice the eye slitted open? Watching. Always watching. It's almost a little creepy. *g*

Today was hectic. We went back to Kohls, but with Chris this time to find him a pair of jeans for the days when he can dress down at work. Then we made it to the mall, to The Childrens Place to find a pair of pants for Son, and we weren't disappointed. We found a pair of blue pants for him. Then we headed to Target for a pair of shoes for Son, he waited until today to let us know his shoes for Church were too small. *g* Gotta love kids. We found the cutest pair in Target. And no, I don't pay outrageous prices or buy too many brand name shoes for the kids. It gets too expensive when their feet grow so quickly. AND they wear them out so fast, as well.

Now, I am extremely lucky in the sense that 1. I have a great family and I Thank God for that. 2. That Chris likes to shop. No really, he does. As long as I feed him. *g* So I treated the kids and Chris to Dippin' Dots this afternoon. Me? Well, no, I don't like them. *g* Oh, and 3. Everyone puts up with my reading and book buying! *G*

I hope you all had a fun saturday. I also hope that you smiled alot. If not, I'm sending you some!

Have a great and relaxing sunday! B.

Exercise: I have been told on good authority (HI DRU!) that shopping is exercising!

Fireball slumbers on.

Fireball waits for one of us to get up and then steals the chair for a nap. Of course this is no longer my chair, so I have no complaints. And Chris couldn't complain either, because he was at work! But, no matter where he naps, he looks so cute.

Today was much better than yesterday. I have worn my brace all day and will do so again tomorrow, because my wrist has been tingling and aching. And then, the ibuprofen is helping ALL matters.

I did manage to get that medication switched, thanks to Chris. He's such a sweetie, he makes phone calls for me when I panic about them. It's weird, I don't mind someone calling me, it's having to call someone that I get panicky. After Chris went to work today, I took the kids and picked up my prescription. Then decided that since we were out anyway, we should just soldier on in the HEAT of the day and get Daughter's hair cut, she was overdo. It's cute and above her shoulders again with a little flip up in the ends. AND since she went through her closet last week and found that she didn't have many things to wear to church (a dress and one skirt) we decided to try Marshalls. (It didn't hurt that it is a tax free weekend on school purchases this weekend, here. And yes, clothes are considered back to school purchases.) But, we were disappointed in Marshalls. All they had was denim. Denim pants and denim capris. Okay for the week, but not appropriate for Church. I even looked for Son a pair of pants for Church too. NOTHING but denim. Ugh! So, I then took them to Kohls. Kohls is great. They were having a sale (When aren't they?) and I managed to pick Daughter up a skirt, a pair of slacks and a shirt. Son even got two long sleeve t's for when the weather changes. (Both Star Wars, what else?) AND not only was everything on sale, BUT no taxes! I still need to find Son a pair of pants, but thats what Childrens Place is for. (Best store to find Son anything to wear in.)

After Kohls we called Chis and met up and had dinner together! Something we don't get to do during the week because of his hours. The kids and I enjoyed it and I know he enjoyed not eating alone.

I finished Sex and the Psychic Witch by Annette Blair. Good book, HOT book. The review is below. I am now reading 'Scuse Me While I Kill this Guy by Leslie Langrty. So far, the first few pages, it seems really fun.

That's all from me today. I hope your friday was more eventful (in a good way)! And I wish a fun saturday for y'all. Get out, enjoy the day and I hope you have a great book to read! B.

Exercise: Nope. Decided to take it easy today. Oh, and I haven't lost any weight. (I think.) BUT, I have lost at least an inch around my waist.

Sex and the Psychic Witch by Annette Blair

Sex and the Psychic Witch by Annette Blair is a cute look at Witches, Ghosts and knocking down emotional walls.

Harmony Cartwright was drawn toward the linen gown at a costume yard sale, not only by her job as a buyer for her and her Sisters Antique store-the Immortal Classic, but she was drawn by her psychic gift as well. She felt the urge to trace the gowns history and was led to Paxton Castle and King Paxton, its owner.

King Paxton has spent decades running from any type of emotional commitment, one reason he has decided to sell Paxton Castle after completing renovations. King wants no ties with the Castle he feels is home, nor with the Ghost who haunts its walls. Little does he know that with Harmony's appearance the ghost will be given a name and he'll face his fears as well.

King and Harmony are drawn towards each other from their first confrontational meeting. Their attraction for each other is scorching in it's intensity. But, there are secrets to be discovered for Kings past and Paxton Castles future to be laid to rest. Will King and Harmony's future include the other, or will Paxton Castle remain haunted not only with a ghost, but a future of unhappiness?

Sex and the Psychic Witch is a Hot, Hot, HOT read. With a fun look at a haunted castle and a witch of a ghost, not to mention Harmony the witch, this book will bring a smile to your face. Just don't forget some ice water to help you cool off!

Layla decides to read the Paper!

I sat down to read the little weekly paper that is dropped off on my front lawn today, and Layla decided she wanted to read it first! And it's not like I could argue with her, because look at her! She can be mean! And cute. Besides I can wait.

Today has sucked.

It's just that "time" and it's hit me harder than usual. So, I have done nothing today. NADA. Well, laundry and a trip to the Library because they called today and 2 other books I had on hold were in. Why is it the books come in after I have waited and waited and then gone and just bought a few books? Evil library.

Anyway, I'm sure tomorrow will be better. It has to be.

Still reading Sex and the Psychic Witch. I have to keep putting it down because it is HOT, H-O-T. Way hotter than any of the other books I've read by this author. Oh! And the books I got from the library are: G'Day to Die by Maddy Hunter and Wraith by Phaedra Wilson (a new to me author).

And that's all from me tonight. I hope your thursday went well and that y'all are enjoying your evening. I wish a wonderful friday for you all because, well, it's friday! B.

Exercise: no. I am a huge slug.

Patches is an Observer.

Patches is alot like me. She sits quietly on the sidelines and takes in all that is going on around her. Of course in this picture she is giving me a 'look' while I take her picture. *g* Oh, and notice the whote ball in the background? Yeah, that was one of my Christmas ornaments, those balls that have the silk thread all over them? The cats unraveled the thread and now we have a "Naked Ball". *g* Which they still love to play with.

My wrist was doing better until I went to Yoga tonight and we had the HARD teacher. She kicks butt. Anyone who thinks Yoga is an easy way to exercise is nuts. You really feel the stretches and, at least for me, it really is an effort to maintain balance. Oh, anyway, my wrist is killing me now. Much worse than yesterday. And if I make mistakes with my typeing, I apologize because my brace keeps hitting the keys!

On to other topics. I started reading Katherine Hepburns autobiography. It's quite interesting. And I am loving the tone and how she jumps around in the middle of telling a story. I have also started the Annette Blair book, Sex and the Psychic Witch. It's cute so far. I don't usually juggle 2 books at once, but it seems to work in this instance.

I had to cut Son's hair last night. He decided he wanted a buzz cut like his Daddy. (Chris has been out of the Military for almost 4 years now, but still preferrs that style.) I cried as I cut his hair. It was the shortest it has ever been. All that beautiful red hair drifting down on the floor. He received compliments on it today and last night he looked in the mirror and loved it. Until he went to scratch his head last night. Then he told me he didn't want that short of hair next time, because it hurt his head to scratch it. JEEZ! Give kids what they asked for, and they still aren't satisfied. I'm starting to get used to it. He does look cute. I see his adorable freckles more now. (We call them Angel Kisses.)

I hope y'all had a good day. I hope that your "hump day" was not stress-full and that you received and gave smiles today. I wish a pleasant, fun day for your thursday and I send y'all smiles and good thoughts and gentle hugs.

exercise: 1 Kick-Butt hour of Yoga.

Tagged!

I have been Tagged by Toni! My regular post will be above this one!

Four things that should go into Room 101 and be removed from the face of the Earth:

1.Injustice

2. Violence

3.Plagerism

4. Poverty

Three things that people do that make you want to shake them violently:

1. Abuse Children

2. Abuse Animals

3. Be Apathetic

Two things you find yourself moaning about:

1. Money

2. Lack of respect

One thing the above tells you about yourself:

That I am stretched financially (College for Chris is not cheap, nor the curriculum for the kids.), that I feel my family doesn't really respect me and that I feel things deeply.
(Thats more than one thing, right?) OOPS!

I tag, nobody. If you like this meme, then by all means, please take the time to do so on your blog.
Rules: Link to the original meme at freelancecynic.com so people know what it’s all about! Be as honest as possible, this is about letting people know the real you! Try not to insult anyone – unless they really deserve it or are very, very ugly! Post these rules at the end of every meme.