"Owl" See You!

Does Oreo not look 'bad to the bone' here? She looks kinda scary. Funny because to me she also looks kind of like an owl. *g* However, I must say that Oreo is pretty darn sweet. She's been my stalker, aka shadow, for ever. She's enjoying having the kittens around. She was the first to try and play with them. It's been SO cute!

Speaking of the kittens! They had their Vet appointment today. I would have gone ahead and gotten them their vaccines today because I know that will help them be adopted. But, they are too young. Turns out my estimations of their age was spot on. The kittens are as of today five weeks old. They did weigh them, de-worm them (though they didn't have worms-which we were already being careful about anyway) and check them over. Teddy, the Ginger kitty, is the biggest and weighs the most. Which we knew. *g* Sherlock, the Tuxedo, is the smaller of the two and weighs the least though as I told the Vet "he's full of vinegar". Meaning if there's something to investigate he's already halfway there and he won't take no for an answer when he wants to eat. Now. *g* I've been given the go-ahead to start them on mushed (watered down) dry food if we want, though they still need the formula, too. Oh, and their eyes are still blue. We're putting the word out among everyone we know and Chris' and Daughter's co-workers that we're looking for home/s for them. So far we haven't heard anything, but we're hopeful we'll find them a loving home. Oh, and on this subject MIL pulled something and overstepped her bounds today re the kittens. She called me with her bright idea while I was walking the kittens into the room at the Vet and I called Chris. He called her and basically told her to "knock it off" and now she's mad at both of us. Um, excuse me? She did something we had told her not to do. On purpose. I? Was very upset about it and called Chris, who called her and told her in no uncertain terms-no. So, she's mad at us right now. Maybe it'll be a quiet holiday after all! *g*


Oh, before taking the kittens to the Vet Son and I took Daughter to work and then returned home for a while before the Vet visit. I'm not saying anything beyond that as I don't want to get in trouble. Um, yes, a bit of cleaning was involved, but in my defense it wasn't as much as I'd have liked. After the Vet and taking them home and feeding them we headed out to the Pine Y for the kids MA class where we met up with Daughter. The kids enjoyed learning a new style tonight. (Which is why I call their class MA-Martial Arts- instead of Karate. For the past few weeks they've been beginning to learn Hun Gar Kung Fu.) I felt really tired after everything else today so I just sat in class and watched. I didn't exercise and felt really weird about it. I wanted to, but knew I just couldn't tonight. And I'll admit, I'm starting to get a little scared. What if I try and I'm not healthy enough? What will happen? After the blood clot scare I'm very freaked out.
Anyway, after class we headed home, with a small stop by the grocery store. The kids and I were out of hot chocolate. Then, finally, home. Chris made dinner, but I had to wait a while to eat. I'm not feeling quite fond of food right now, at times. To put it in mild terms.
As for reading? I've read one of the YA's, though I won't say which one because it was almost a wall-banger. The author brought out the "misunderstanding" trope. Not once, not twice, but at least three times. Add in a semi older sibling who doesn't realize what a lying, manipulative girl his slightly younger sister is again and... hey! There's trope TWO. All that was missing was a sweet best friend, wait a minute.... And a the boys parents as the "big bad" and, huh, that was there, too. Jeez, what DIDN'T this book have? Oh, well. On to the next book. So far I've liked the first part of the book. So, that's good. And the heroine doesn't make me want to smack her so far, so that's good, too. *g*

And that's all. For tonight, anyway. I hope y'all had an enjoyable Tuesday. I wish a wonderful Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

I've told you and told you!

Before you think there's something wrong with Butterscotch in this picture, let me reassure you that there wasn't. He was asleep on Son's bed in this extremely awkward pose. I keep telling y'all this cat is not right. Again, proof.

Well, I'm feeling much better today. I could take a pretty good deep breath without pain, just a twinge. And I didn't feel as tired. Always a good thing. I did vacuum this afternoon, just the downstairs and stairs and while I may have been feeling mostly like myself my body decided that yeah, no. Just from the downstairs and stairway vacuuming I was tired. Legs like jello tired. Don't worry, as soon as I noticed that I sat down and rested. While I adore my Yoga class I knew I wasn't ready to go back to it today, so stayed home. The Out-laws came over late this afternoon and took Son to his library event. Well, FIL and Daughter took him. (Daughter and I were worried they were going to just drop Son off and we both felt it best that she attend Son's event just so watch over him. He's too young to be dropped off, you know? Well, he is to me, anyway.) MIL and I stayed home and chatted. When the event was over the kids and FIL returned. And brought many of my holds with them! YAY! I have books. Good thing, too since tonight I finished the Vivian Vande Velde book. It was so cute and thought it seemed written for a young audience (I would say tween, not teen.), I enjoyed the simplicity of the writing. Sometimes it's nice to read something like that, you know? I'm not talking 'Little Golden Books' simple, but not especially verbose. Eh, I am sure I'm not getting my point across. Oh, well. As for the books that came in? I'm going to list them.
The Hunter by Theresa Meyers, new-to-me author, Steampunk.
Can't Take My Eyes Off of You by Kasey Michaels, not a new-to-me author, but one I haven't read in years.
Snow Queen by Emma Harrison, new-to-me author, YA.
Psych Major Syndrome by Alicia Thompson, new-to-me author, YA.
Flawless by Lara Chapman, new-to-me author, YA (reported as a new retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac).
Curiosity Killed the Cat Sitter by Blaize Clement, new-to-me author, mystery.
Blade Dancer by S. L. Viehl, new-to-me author, Sci-Fi/Fantasy.
Yipeee! I have books. I can't promise I'll like them all, but the fact remains I actually have a TBR pile! I never have one of those. Okay, never is a very definitive word. Almost always never, that's better. I have choices! How awesome is that? To my way of thinking? Very. *g*
Anyway, after much longer the Out-laws left and the kids and I did a bit more schoolwork. Before too much longer Chris arrived home and made dinner. We had my favorite meal to have/make with leftover turkey- turkey stir fry! And it was nice to have my appetite back. The meds make me feel sick whenever I have to take them, so I spend a time twice a day not even wanting to look at or smell food.

Anyway, that's the day. Not much to it, but it went well. I hope y'all had a smooth Monday. I wish a terrific Tuesday for y'all. Mine will be busy, I'll be leaving the house since the nasty ER visit. I promise not to over-do it and if I do, to rest accordingly. I still get winded so will probably not be exercising quite yet. Though I can say I miss it horribly. And now I get to test whether I can sleep a little further down tonight. Cross your fingers! Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Pantry Curiosity!

Wicket decided since someone had left the pantry door open she was going to explore. If you think she doesn't like peanut butter, btw, you'd be wrong. *g* I wonder if she realized she was only one shelf above her food? *g*

Well, y'all should be happy with me. I rested today, again. It felt weird. Don't get mad, but I did do some laundry. But, they weren't huge loads and I did it because Chris wasn't home. He was again running errands for me. (Library to drop off a movie and some books, Petsmart for Wicket food and then Aldi for a few staples.)  I did have a hold come in (and several more should be in within the next few days-good thing since I just have the one book to read, besides my keeper shelves). I have Now You See It... by Vivian Vande Velde, a new-to-me author and a YA. The premise seemed really cute-a girl's glasses are broken and she finds a pair of sunglasses that allow her to see all kinds of creatures and things that people normally can't see. It should be interesting.
And check this out. Son has an event at the library tomorrow, but MIL and Daughter are taking him. Heh-heh. I'll tell you why there is a small smirk going on. Today there was a family get-together, an after Thanksgiving thing at the Out-laws church. We, obviously, did not go. Not because Chris was running errands, but because Chris wanted me to rest. And MIL? Called him yesterday (you know, the afternoon after we'd spent almost the entire night at the ER?) and asked him if we'd be there. And when he said that no, I should stay home, she asked him why he couldn't leave me at home and just he and the kids go. Now, I know MIL loves me. But, seriously? Chris told her in no uncertain terms that neither he nor the kids would be attending. Hence the offer to ferry Son to his library event.
Oh, meant to say, I'm feeling better today. Not as tired and while I still get winded climbing the stairs or laughing and can't take a deep breath without a sharp pain.. I do feel better. I can even bend down a little without feeling like there's a huge pressure on my chest. I still can't sleep lying down, though. And that sucks. A lot.
Ah, and a kitten update! We're still trying to find the kittens home/s. They have an appointment at the Vet's this week and then we'll know more about them-their age, health, etc.. I can tell you they are good eaters. Of kitten formula. Teddy has decided he likes Wicket's food and crunches one or two pieces before the effort becomes too much for his itty bitty tiny teeth. Sherlock? Isn't interested yet. I can't wait to see if the Vet thinks they are as young as I think they are.

Anyway, time for me to head offline. I've spent a lot of time on the computer these last couple of days, but have been good and haven't bought anything. Though I can say Philosophy is tempting.... I love their things. (I use the Microdelivery facial scrub. It has cut WAY down on the allergic red, itchy reactions I get from thin air.) And Amazon has had some great deals.... And B&N just sent me a coupon for Cyber-Monday.... *g* It's been fun to daydream...

I hope y'all had a Blessed and Peaceful Sunday. I wish a stress-free and pleasant Monday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Shiny Pepper!

Is it just me or is Pepper extra shiny in this picture? If she weren't she'd blend in with the chairs! She likes to play on the chairs, trying to grab anyone who passes by without warning. Better watch out! *g*

Whew. What a lousy couple of days. If you're on facebook and we're friends, then you know I spent about 8 hours in the ER Friday-Saturday. I went in for pain in my back and shoulder (and chest) and an inability to draw a deep breath without pain. They took x-rays, which showed abnormal things. They thought it may be a blood clot. At that point I started freaking out. I was terrified. I started telling Chris about how he needed to be to raise our kids and that there are emergency letters on my computer. In that time they came in and took some blood for a blood test and put in an IV. By that time I'd been there over 4 hours. They then gave me (finally) something for the pain that had sent me there to begin with. Well, the blood test came back "abnormal" with results showing a distinct possibility of a blood clot. Commence my second freak-out. I was then taken for a CAT scan. I do NOT like that thing! The contrast die felt like I was burning from the inside out. Ugh. However, the CAT scan showed that I just have fluid in my lungs. The official diagnosis (because the Doc was enough of a (insert questionable insult here) not to just say bacterial pneumonia): Pulmonary Infiltrates. I'm on a heft antibiotic and pain meds. But, I was allowed to go home. Yay! Thank you all for your prayers. I was so scared and am ashamed to say-selfish enough to need them. We left the ER and went straight to a pharmacy and had my prescriptions filled and then home. By the time we arrived home it was after 4am. I was so tired I couldn't see straight and just wanted to hold my children. Which I did. (I can't begin to tell y'all about the nurse that released me. She was a different one from any I'd dealt with until then and I was close to punching her when she RIPPED the tape off my IV. She was "Nightmare Nurse". Ugh. Treated me as though I was high as a kite and maybe stupid to boot even though I'd had the pain meds 4 hours earlier and they'd only taken the pain from a 9 to a 7. I really didn't enjoy her story of a co-worker who'd had a blood clot and died. Yeah, thanks. Or her repeated instructions to Chris that I couldn't drive home. Um, duh?)
Anyway, that's the story. It's not the best, but as long as the antibiotics work I am sure things will be fine. I appreciate all your prayers and kind words. I was good and rested today. I'm not good at it, I really do love to take care of my family and am not used to them trying to care for me. (I say trying because though I love them, they are not good at taking care of someone.) I sent Chris out to take care of some errands today. One was to purchase our stock items from Sam's. He's so funny there and there is a BIG reason I don't let him go with me when I shop there. It took him 2 hours to purchase the things from the list from the store. He was all "oooh, did you know?" and "wow, they have..." . I know this because he called me for clarification for a few things. But, he tried and did pretty well. By the time he went there, dropped off the recyclables and made it by WW and home he was tired. I hated to tell him that I usually do at least 3-4 grocery stores in one day and take care of everything else. *g* Poor thing. And yes, I am trying to rest. Even though it's driving me batty. It still hurts to take a deep breath and I can't lie down or bend forward without feeling as though my chest is being pressed on. But, my shoulder/back pain has diminished. Which is good. How do you get sick, without realizing you're sick?
I just want to be well. I want to be able to do everything I normally do. I've been told I can exercise moderately, but the breathing thing kind of makes that hard, you know? *sigh*

Anyway, Thank You All, again, for the prayers. I sincerely hope your Friday and Saturday were better than mine! Best wishes for a peaceful Sunday. Goodnight.

We're calling this kitten Sherlock. It kind of fits. He's always the first to investigate something and has shown little fear of the unknown. I can also say he looks cute as a button riding on top of my dust mop. And yeah, I mean riding On Top. *g* It's too funny and cute to see. (That said I may try and post a video of his doing that later sometime.)

Well, my 'full steam ahead' approach is not helping me recuperate because the person I have the least amount of patience with is... MYSELF. *sigh* And somehow last night in my attempts to  find a comfortable spot to sleep in I've managed to pinch a nerve in my neck. So, lets recap. I have a pinched nerve (or two) in my back (probably) and now another in my neck. (Like when it happened a couple of months ago.) Seriously? *sigh* I'm in so much pain it's not even funny. Thank goodness for ibuprofen. I have more to share, but need to get some sleep so I'll update this later. I hope y'all had a satisfying Thanksgiving! Goodnight, B.

Exercise: *sigh* none today, hurting too badly.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 0

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to you and yours! Regular post Friday (aka late Thursday night. :))
Love and Blessings, Brandy

No one could resist....

This face. At least that's what we're betting on for when we find him a home. We tried calling them Sherlock and Watson, with this kitten being Watson. But, Watson just doesn't fit. He's like every other ginger we've known- sweet and funny. And with that face we decided to call him Teddy instead. (Short for Teddy Bear.) I know his furr-ever family will change his name, but for now he's Teddy.

Today has been a trying day. The kids have driven me nuts. They know I'm not feeling well (back is still painful-very much so) and so they've taken advantage of that. Too bad for them being in pain makes me not as patient. They both lost the privilege of going to MA today because they weren't done with their schoolwork on time today. (As in were still doing it at the time we normally leave.) I felt really guilty over it for a while, but having repeatedly given them the rule that schoolwork comes first? Well, my guilt was short lived. And hopefully they learned that Mom is not a push-over.
As for everything else? I've done laundry today and besides feeding and caring for the kittens, that's about it. I have started the library book I picked up last week, The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson. I'm not far into it, but so far so good.
Since the kids didn't go to MA, I didn't go to the Y, either, though that had more to do with my back hurting than anything.
That's all from me. I still have things to take care of and hopefully pages to read. I hope y'all had an excellent day. I wish a wonderful Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: None today. I'm scared to hurt my back any further. Hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 0. I do NOT like that number.

Patches!

Yeah, I know. The title isn't very imaginative. What can I say? It's been a long day and how do you title a picture where the cat in it looks as though she's thinking if you reach a hand out she'll smack you? *g*

It's been a very long, painful day. Whatever I've done to my back by either using the new machine or being too enthusiastic with the free weights, I don't know. I DO know it hurts like heck. Add in sleeping late this morning, almost forgetting Daughter had to work today because she traded with another Guard (his idea, not hers)(she forgot, too), but I managed to get her there on time. As a matter of fact, we were ten minutes early. Then back to the house to feed the kittens, and boy were they hungry! Then we had to let them burn some energy, but I also had to sweep and mop and I never stopped today, because after all that was finally accomplished it was time to pick Daughter up. We had to run by the library to drop off a few things and pick up The Green Lantern, which had come in from hold. I had every intention of attending yoga, but by the time I was to drop the kids off I had to listen to my body and skip it. And depressed myself. I just want my back to feel better and didn't think some of the poses would be attempt-able with the degree of mobility I'm dealing with right now.
Chris and I figured out dinner and took care of everyone, including the kittens.
 I'm just hoping I can start exercising tomorrow. And in the meantime I'm trying to moderate the ibuprofen. Cross your fingers.
Oh, the kittens are doing well. I did some research on the no-kill shelter a bit over an hour away from here. Everything seems on the "up and up", we'll see. In the meantime, we're still fostering and I need to get them to the Vet this week, hopefully tomorrow, and we may continue to take care of them until they are adoptable. 
As for reading? I've finished the Moore book. I'm not sure which of my library books to read next. But, I am glad there is a small choice.
I hope y'all had a lovely day. I wish a terrific Tuesday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: Ha, no. I can barely bend right now.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 0.

Too,Two Adorable!

Meet Sherlock (left) and Watson (right). It's better than calling them the Tux and the Ginger. *g* And it's way better than calling them by video game character names as Son wanted to do. Both are curious about everything, but Sherlock tends to leap before thinking (so to speak) while Watson tends to hang back and almost think about it first. (More like the movie characters than the books.) They are eating well and while the ginger is almost twice the size of his brother, both seem healthy. I'll be taking them to the Vet sometime this week to have them looked over. I've also been given a few more names of rescue sites. Two of them are 2-4 hours away, but one is only an hour or so away and I may call them tomorrow. I would prefer to find a group where the kittens are fostered rather than caged. And to give you an idea of how tiny they are? One will fit easily in Chris' hand with room to spare.
As for today? I had such plans...... At first when I awoke I was okay. But, as the morning and afternoon wore on my head felt worse and worse. Stupid sinuses! Add in back pain (I must have overdone it yesterday with the weights, or maybe it was the new machine?) and I was not my usual smiley self. I didn't go to Zumba, preferring to take care of a few errands so we could cross them off. One of which? Choosing a fake tree for this year. We joked about it a couple of weeks ago, we've always had a real tree. But, I was worried about allergies more than ever this year and then to find out that I was a bad kitty mama by having a real tree? (The pine sap in water can poison them as well as the needles puncturing their inside organs.) Gah! We all felt guilty after reading that! We looked around today as we did our normal errands. And we think we've picked out a good one. But, I'll be keeping my eye out. First up was Lowe's. I was out of the plant based cleaner I used and it's the only place to purchase it. We found a cute gift for FIL while there, too. Then to Target for new socks for Son and Daughter. Daughter found a gift for Son and snuck it by him somehow. Hmm, wonder where she learned to do that? *g* Chris bought me some yummy tea (vanilla caramel truffle -oooh, it smells so good!)Of course we forgot one of the things we went in for so on the way home quickly went to WW (it was on the way, they're all along one road) where we picked up the carpet cleaner (the allergen kind) and loaded a gift card for gas since we were there and needed some, anyway. The only errand I forgot to run was to the library. I have a movie in and forgot to pick it up. Ah, well.
After all that I could barely shuffle around, but felt better after sitting for a bit in the jeep. We made dinner and enjoyed watching the kittens tumble all over each other. (They ate first, we know our priorities.) We also watched the AMA's. I thought Jennifer Lopez's act was like a really long car commercial, but other than that we enjoyed most of them. LMFAO's performace caused me to laugh like a loon and turn beet red for lack of oxygen. *g*
As for reading? Still reading the Moira J. Moore book. While I know I have library books to read I can't manage to put this one aside to finish later. Always a good thing with a book, right?

Anyway, it's late and I need to get some sleep. Tomorrow is another day.... I hope y'all had a peaceful and restful Sunday. I wish a pleasant Monday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.
(P.S. Is it me or is it scary that Thanksgiving is this week? Good golly where has the year gone?)

Exercise: Trust me when I say walking today was a challenge and thank God for tylenol and ibuprofen.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 0<---- As I don't like this number tomorrow should be better. I hope.

My Constant Companion!

Layla demands to be near me every day. She demands to sit by me in the afternoon, to sit next to me in the evening and to sleep next to me at night. And I? Indulge her because she makes me smile. Isn't that what family is for?

Well, we're in day three of kitten care. They take a lot of time and energy and WOW! do they eat! The were too fierce with the kitten bottles, so we're using syringes, you know the kind-the ones the pharmacy gives you for kids? They want to chew like crazy when they're hungry and the tips on the syringes can handle that, whereas the bottle nips couldn't.
This afternoon I took Daughter to work and worked out and then went by Sam's. I returned the sports drinks we usually buy and picked up some juice instead. Daughter seems to have my issue with low blood sugar sometimes so I think this is a better alternative. Plus, to be honest? I've never liked the sports drinks, but the kids did so I bought them.
After that I headed home and took over kitten duty from Chris. After a bit he left to pick up Daughter and Son and I took watch and care over the kittens. On that note I can say that I've now heard back from two Rescue organizations. Both say they can't take the kittens. One at least explained that he is caring for cats with URI's, which are deadly to kittens. (URI's= Upper Respiratory Infections.) Another gave no reasoning other than she just couldn't. However, she did send numbers to four Rescue Organizations. Two of which I'd contacted already (not including hers). One number I called? Didn't even pick up the phone-just had an outgoing message that they had no room. And the other two? Are three hours away from us. How that's helpful I don't know. I guess we'll wait a few weeks and try to find them a good home/s.  I did some research last night and found some unsettling opinions. It seems that here in the South? We seem to have the highest kill-rate shelters and lowest number of rescue organizations for animals-especially cats. That was upsetting and just plain sad. I admit to a bout of tears after reading that. It's not fair to punish animals for their owners actions. And it should be a punishable offense to abandon an animal/pet. I don't understand the whole reasoning behind NOT spaying or neutering, either. As soon as our cats are old enough, our cats have been spayed or neutered.  There's even a low-cost clinic in our county.
Eh, sorry. Semi-rant over.
One more small mini-rant. I was checking out Amazon tonight as is my weekly habit and looking over new releases. While I don't mind ebooks, some of the covers are too ridiculous. I really don't like looking at books in the romance genre and then having someone's bare fanny on my screen. Seriously? Why can't erotica be separated from romance? After all, it's not the same thing. 

Anyway, after Chris and Daughter arrived back home we headed out for a quick trip to the mall to have Daughter's hair cut. She was waiting to have it done until after the tournament so she could pull it back for the tournament, but now it's back to it's cute short bob. Though it's not as sleek as usual right now because the stylist used a rolling brush and poofed it up. She and I don't like it poofed up, it's looks better on her-sleeker. She said she was fixing it tomorrow, that it being a bit poofy wasn't her style. (She said that as an aside to me, not to the stylist.) Oh, and in a bit of girly-girl news? They had a shade of nail polish I almost bought. *g* It was soooo pretty and I can't remember the last time I bought something girly for mylsef. Funny, too. Because it's part of the O.P.I. Muppets line. *g* The color was titled Meep, Meep, Meep. I always did like Beaker.... *g*
After that we headed home to check on the kittens. And they were hungry. Again. One of them eats until you think his tiny tummy will explode.
As for reading? I grabbed a paperback off my keeper shelves since the two latest books from the library are hardbacks and when I go to the Y to workout I take a paperback with me (usually). I am now half-way into The Hero Strikes Back by Moira J. Moore. This is the second book in a series and while I haven't read the first, the book I'm reading does seem to stand on it's own rather well. Oh, this books is a tad hard to explain, but if you like fantasy it's a nice fit. It sort of reminds be of the old Bardic Voices series and the Valor series.
Anyway, that's our day. It was full if you count the fact that between driving, errands, kittens and kids I somehow fit in three loads of laundry. Hence I am tired. Again. Shocker, right? *g* I hope y'all had a lovely and amusing Saturday. I wish a peaceful and restful Sunday. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: I worked out on a new machine that was a cross between a bike and a stair-stepper. So, I counted it half and half on that and then 35 minutes of weights.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 4.

Sneak a Peek!

I wish I'd been able to take this picture just two seconds earlier. At that time Wicket was above on the table staring down and under at Butterscotch as he was looking up at her. It was cute and prompted me to grab the camera. Of course, cats being cats, they stopped the second I turned on the camera. Stinkers!

It's been another very long day. Between schoolwork, laundry, and trying to get things done around here I had to do one of the things I hate the most. Yes, you read that word correctly. I hate to call people on the phone. Heck, I rarely call Chris at work. But, I tried very hard to find a rescue organization that could take the kittens and struck out at all of them. *sigh* I called our Vet for recommendations, I called both county humane society's, I called animal control and two rescue organizations I found in a local "Critter" Magazine. The rescue organizations were full and not accepting any animals. The humane society's couldn't give me different organizations than the one I had already called. Animal Control and our Vet was the same way. I spent hours on the phone. *sigh* Seems that we'll be fostering a little longer as we search for a permanent home for the two kittens.

Then later I took Daughter to work, grabbed some fuel and then headed home to help NG with a school leadership project. She needed to visit at least eight restaurant's and ask for donations to a charity raffle to benefit Relay for Life. Poor NG, she struck out more times than good. And the reason she asked me? Because her parents don't know their way around the next city over (where she was told by her teacher to go) and she knows they aren't as patient as I am.

As for reading? I just now finished The Next Always by Nora Roberts. It was an easy and charming book to read. I enjoyed the two main characters, but the supporting cast was nicely done, too. I enjoyed the book and can't wait for the second book to be released in May of next year.

And that's it for me. I am having trouble keeping my eyes open. I hope y'all had an enjoyable Friday. I wish an amusing and lively Saturday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: 0 today. And regretting it, but my body was glad for the day off.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 0. <---------- I really don't like that number.

Bossy Layla!

I took this picture yesterday afternoon. Layla demanded to be held, by me, and wouldn't let me put her down. How could I refuse? *g*

It's been a looong day. We had a 4-H Homeschool Group event today at the library. We're doing Flat Stanley this month and will take pictures and keep a journal to tell of his adventures next month.
After that was MA class. Then my class. Then the kids other MA class and I decided to try another class since the kids weren't done. After that we left for home. We had dinner and a quiet evening until NG called. Her dad had gone to pick her up from her job and found two kittens in his engine. Who did they call? Us, of course. So. We didn't know what to do other than to have them bring them to us. As far as I can tell from experience they're about 3-4 weeks old. We'll feed them formula tonight and keep them inside since it's going to drop below freezing tonight and tomorrow I'll see if I can find a rescue organization that can take them. We're a full house and as much as I adore kitties we know our own time and financial limits. I'll care for them for as long as I can, but we can't keep them.
So, guess what I'll be doing all night? *sigh* Midnight is trying to be Big Brother and all the other cats are freaking out. Wicket keeps popping her head up from behind Chris' computer bag like a jack in the box to check things out and then she hides back again. It's kind of funny.
Oh, and the library? Got two more of my holds in! Yay! I now have The Next Always by Nora Roberts and The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson. And Bridesmaids the movie. *g* It was so neat. I knew the movie was in, but the holds weren't in yet when we were there, but right before we left they came in and since they knew I was there and had picked up the movie and was in Son's group in the meeting room they brought me my books. How cool is that? Oh, and I already started reading the Roberts book. I took back the Fox book. It just wasn't catching my attention and keeping it. I wanted to like it. And there wasn't anything bad about it, it just moved a little slow and the characters didn't catch and keep my attention. In other words it was just too easy to put down and not pick back up.

And that's our day. We spent most of it away from home and am having a FULL evening. I hope y'all had a thankful and thoughtful Thursday. I wish an enjoyable Friday for you. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 1 hour CardioPump, 45 minutes line dancing. Yes, you read that right. BUT, there was NO country music.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 7. 

Silly Kitty!

I snapped this picture of Fireball the other evening because his pose seemed so silly I knew I had to share it with y'all. He even saw me with the camera in my hand and didn't move! What a big 'ol goofy boy.

It's been a simpler day than expected. It rained and kept things rather gloomy, but trust me when I say it didn't affect the temperature. We've been in the 70's this week and today was no exception. I was actually eager to turn my overhead fan on this evening. There's something wrong with doing that in November. (Tomorrow is supposed to be different, though.) We tackled schoolwork and then took Daughter to work. Son and I were supposed to help a friend of Daughter's with a school project, but she called and asked to reschedule. Right before I was headed back by our house to pick her up. I think maybe the Tornado warning we were under freaked her out? I know when the announcement came on over the radio on the way over to drop Daughter off at work I was a bit freaked out as well. And then hearing a siren as we passed one part of the town..... yeah.  But, since we didn't have to help NG (Neighbor Girl) we headed to the Y so Son could attend his KidFit class. He had a blast. I worked out for a while and then he and I headed home and met up with Chris. I ended up feeling shaky not long after we arrived home and had a snack since someone suggested my blood sugar drops and that's what causes the shaky feeling.
Chris left a little early to pick up Daughter. He went early so he could work out. I am so glad he's making time to do that now. I think maybe he's starting to listen a little to me about his health.

As for reading? I'm still reading the Fox book. It's taking me forever because finding time in-between keeping an eye and being available for the kids, driving the kids and keeping up with the house and things? Some days are just tough to take time for ME. However, I did get some reading done today while I was on the treadmill at the Y. Did I mention we picked up a a hold of mine yesterday? I may have forgotten.... Anyway, I now have Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel. The book is a steampunk YA (with Zombies) by a new-to-me author. I've read the first two chapters and I think this will be a captivating read. Because I have to catch time to read, sometimes I finish a book right at bedtime or when I'm out and about. That's making it difficult for me to keep up with them all in my lists. It drives me crazy that I'm forgetting to add books to my "Read" list. I know at least one of you keeps lists. (Hi Dru Ann!) But, does anyone else? I know just about every one keeps a TBB/TBR list, right? (To Be Bought/To Be Read.)
Oh, I have an odd questions. Someone suggested a vitamin B complex for me for a little more energy. (Because while my test #'s are good per my thryoid on meds? I still am more tired than I am should be.) And since my regular Doc suggested (um, TOLD me to, actually) take a multi-vitamin I thought this would be a way to see if I can tolerate one. (Check the ingredients, most vitamins have some form of soy, even if it's just the coating, which I am supposed to avoid.) Does anyone else feel dizzy taking a B complex? And the added energy? Not even close for me. I've only taken it two days, yet I know I can't tolerate this one. Oh, well. Back to the beginning, I guess.
Well, that's it for me. I'm tired and need to get some sleep. I hope y'all had a wonderful Wednesday. I wish a thankful and thoughtful Thursday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: 2.04 miles on the treadmill at 4.5 incline, 15 minutes of weights.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 3. Not as many as I'd like. But, I wasn't feeling great. Hopefully better tomorrow.

P.S. I hope this post wasn't "whiny". If so I didn't mean it to be!

Mess Maker!

Wicket is my #1 mess maker. Look at all the cardboard confetti she made! She's destroying that box she's lying on in the picture by pulling pieces off what used to be a box of waters. With her teeth. I wonder if she's trying to keep her teeth sharp?

Again, not much to share today. As per usual these days I'm up late and very tired. I took a vitamin B this afternoon- hoping that it would work and I wouldn't feel like I am dragging. I don't really think it worked.
This afternoon, after schoolwork the kids and I headed out. Daughter reserved a copy of Assassins Creed Revelations a few months ago and today was the release date. So, I took her to Gamestop to pick it up. Then to B&N because she was paid today and of course she needs to buy books. *G* While there I picked up the newest Diary of a Wimpy Kid book for Son. He's going to love it.
Then on to the kids MA class. I went to Zumba, but the regular teacher wasn't there. She told us last week. I remembered and some of our class may have, but there were others that didn't take it at all. I guess they were hoping the new sub we have was different from the other sub and yet didn't take the class to check her out. She was okay, but she WAS better than the Zumba gold teacher.
Before we could head home after class we had to make one more stop. By the mall. Daughter ordered a coat from them a couple of weeks ago and it arrived late this afternoon.
Finally we could go home. Chris made dinner, which was nice since we were late tonight. Then again we're late every Tuesday night. *g*
As for reading? I'm still reading the Fox book. I hope I can stay awake long enough long enough to read for a bit, but since my eyes keep drooping as I type this I don't think it's going to happen.

I hope you had a good Thursday. I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Zumba.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 4.

Butterscotch looks tired! Or weird, take you pick!

I took this picture of Butterscotch a few weeks ago because I thought he looked downright silly laying on and gripping my satchel strap and the arm of the loveseat. It's as though he were staking a claim. *g*

It's been a long day and I forgot to post earlier, so this is very late and very boring because it's going to be (say it with me now) very short. No, I mean it. *sigh* I'll try to mean it. First off, Son felt loads better today, as in he bounded into my room this morning. Yay! I was so glad he felt better.
It's been an ordinary Monday that has gone to schedule. I cleaned and did laundry and the kids did their schoolwork. Son attended a "Tail-Gate" event at the library early this evening and from there we went to the Y for Yoga. Well, I went to Yoga. Daughter sat in the lobby and finished her vocabulary and Son went to Childwatch. I worked out and then went to Yoga. I felt a little frustrated with my practice tonight because no matter how many years I've been doing Yoga I still have very tight shoulders and can't do the arms-wrapped pose. (Eagle pose when you add the legs.) My shoulders are too tight and my arms are just too short. Threat the needle wasn't as good as it used to be for me, either. I know I need to let the frustration go, but I can't help feel in a small part like a failure. I tried to put it out of my mind, but after class rather than feel calm and peaceful I just felt weary.
After class the kids and I headed home and met up with Chris. He worked through his lunch today so he went straight home to grab a snack after work. We had a quiet evening and while I missed Castle, we did enjoy the online interview with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. What an amazing story of survival and uphill battle for recovery. And the love between the two of them made me a little tear prone.
And that's it. Reading-wise? I'm still reading the Fox book, but picked up a cute companion book to the book I read a couple of weeks ago, Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins. This book, Anna and the French Kiss is actually the first book. It was rather engrossing, the writers words just seem to flow (for me) and I was loathe to put it down.

And now that's it. Time for some sleep. I hope y'all had a stress-free and book filled Monday. I wish a terrific Tuesday with, yet again, good books. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: stationary bike at level 11, 1 hour Yoga.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 6.

Not working out the way I needed!

Well, the new lotion isn't working. I've been itching like crazy for two days. Shouldn't hypo-allergenic mean it won't make me itch? *sigh* Maybe I should have more self-control when it comes to scratching? At least my nails are short. Gah!

Son was feeling better today. Not great, not even really good, but better. We think it's a head cold, except that he keeps running a low grade fever, then it goes away and then he runs another low grade fever. Happily, when he went to bed tonight he had no fever. I'm crossing my fingers he's on the mend.

This afternoon was kind of nice in that it was pretty quiet around here. We had time to enjoy just being home. I went to Zumba and had a great time and went by the library and picked up the video game that had come in from hold for Son. It made him smile when I arrived home.
This evening I made the kids pumpkin muffins. I even slipped some chocolate chips into a couple of them as an experiment for Son. He's yet to eat any of them, but Daughter and I sampled and they're yummy. *g* Is it sad that this is my first time making pumpkin muffins? While I made those Chris made his homemade macaroni and cheese. It's a shame Son won't eat it. He insists on the blue box type. Please tell me adolescent boys eventually develop taste buds?

I finally found time to read tonight and have begun the hold I picked up the other day, Baby It's Cold Outside by Addison Fox. So far I'm liking it. The heroine is tough and protective, but at the same time she's vulnerable. I really can't say much about the hero character yet as he hasn't been in many of the scenes. Cross your fingers that the library gets more in for me soon. This is my last book.

And that pretty much sums up our day. Back to the drawing board for lotions. Yummy muffins and macaroni and cheese. Not much to complain about here, always a good thing! I hope y'all had a peaceful and restful Sunday. I wish a stress free Monday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Zumba.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 4.

Fall Colors!

I swear I spend most of my time these days behind the wheel of my jeep. Between the kids activities and Daughter's job and the one activity I insist on attending for myself (Yoga, can't start the week without yoga.) I feel like we're always on the move. However, I learned a long time ago, or maybe it's the type of personality I have, to find beauty among your every day life. Look at all the colors! Yes, there are still some green, but there's also reds and yellows here as well. I wish I could get a better picture of this area, the trees provide a canopy for a short section and it feels like a tree cavern. I love it. What I tried to capture in this picture and failed at, are the leaves falling from the sky. I love this time of year. I truly do.

One thing I don't love about this time of year? A wasp managed to get into our bedroom (where the access door is in the ceiling) tonight. Yikes! I think he may have been too cold to move much, but my live-and put-outside-to-live mentality vanishes when it comes to wasps. We killed it, which wasn't as easy as I wished and got rid of him. And then? I asked Chris nicely to place some tape (duct) up around the edges of the access door so no others could get in while we were sleeping. He may think I'm crazy, but he did it.
Anyway, as for today? Son woke feeling lousy. When my usually gregarious Son cried as soon as he wakes up because he doesn't feel well? Yeah. *sigh* Poor baby. I settled im on the couch downstairs and that's where he spent the day. He had a very slight fever then and as the door wore on it went back to normal, but tonight at bedtime it returned and was a little higher. He and Chris spent the afternoon watching episodes of The Big Bang Theory and playing video games. (Son mostly watching.) I took Daughter to work and swam laps for an hour and then headed for errands. A stop by Petsmart and another by Sam's and I returned home to check on "my boys".
Chris then left to pick up Daughter and Son and I spent some quiet time together. When Chris and Daughter returned we had dinner and settled in to a quiet evening together. A nice low-key evening was just what we all needed and I'm hoping it helps Son heal.
As for reading? I just finished a teen YA I'd picked up at the library earlier this week. It was a cute little book and I'm sorry I hadn't mentioned it, but it's a simple YA romance and I read them when I need something light and fluffy. (This cotton candy,)
And that's it. It's late, again, and I keep checking on Son and need one more sneaky visit into his room to make sure he's still asleep. I hope y'all had an amusing and delightful Saturday. I wish a peaceful and blessed Sunday for y'all. Goodnight and XOXOXO, B.

Exercise: 1 hour laps.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 4.

Miss Patches!

She seems like a MISS Patches, doesn't she? She's our crotchety old lady even though she's younger than Layla. *g* She tends to smack the other cats indiscriminately. But, she has her funny side as well. See the water dish? It's sitting in a holder for two bowl that elevates the dishes off the floor. It keeps the cats from moving the dishes all over the floor. Or, it was supposed to anyway. It turns out we can't have the food bowl and the water bowl next to each other because if we do Midnight likes to take the food and drop it into the water and bat it around for a minute or so and then tries to fish it out and eat it. Only he makes a big mess and makes the water dirty. It's not fair to the other cats, so we separated the water and food dishes. Patches decided she'd rather step into the spot for the food dish than to sit in front of the water. *g* We have no idea why she does this and she's the only cat who does do this. I guess each cat has their own quirk. *g*

I have no idea why I'm so tired tonight. I seem to stay tired these days. The kids and I headed out early this afternoon to pick up groceries and stopped by the Mall to find each a long sleeve shirt. We've recently gone through their shirts from last season and Son had three we had to place in the donate bag and so spurred the shirt hunt. However, we can and will take it slow since they do have clothes that still fit. We checked out three stores before Daughter found one she liked. Son found one in the first store we looked at shirts for him. And then? We had fun! Because the See's kiosk is back this year! This was the first year Daughter had her own money and so she bought herself some candy. I bought each of us a Bordeaux Bar and a box of the cinnamon lollipops. The pops will last me all year. I love things like Red Hots and Hot Tamales, but these are an easier single serving and low-fat. And the reason I went ahead and bought a box? They sold out in two weeks at last years kiosk and they sold out online and they didn't bring them back until now. I miss the actual See's stores, but am glad we have the kiosk each Holiday season. (Chris likes See's, but is very happy that the Hickory Farms kiosk is back this year, too. *g*)

After leaving the Mall we made it to Aldi's and I ended up picking up our turkey for Thanksgiving there as well as a beef roast (Chris' favorite Sunday dinner.) for sometime in the next month or so. Then to WW. By the time we got there Chris called and met us there from work. Is it sad that I almost miss when they were all at the football game last time I went grocery shopping? Everyone had things they wanted to put in the cart and I finally had to tell them to knock it off that we were shopping according to a list. And that if it wasn't on the list it wasn't being bought.
After that home. Thank goodness.
We did enjoy Grimm tonight. And a quick dinner.
Later Son was saying his throat was sore, so I'm keeping an eye on him. I hope he's not coming down with something.
As for reading? I haven't had the chance today. Maybe tomorrow. 
On that note I'm headed offline. I want to make sure he's sleeping okay. I hope y'all had an enjoyable Friday. I wish an amusing and HEALTHY Saturday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 2 grocery stores and the mall. Yeah, no time today. Back at it tomorrow.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 0 <------- not fond of that number.

My Warrior!

As with ALL pictures of the kids this picture will be taken down sometime in the next 24 hours. However, I couldn't help it. I had to share this picture of Daughter as she prepares to spar with a Hapkido student during the tournament. He won the match, but she help up pretty well considering she was out-aged, out weighed and he was taller. She looks so fierce here, doesn't she? She's way more confident and brave than I ever have been and I'm so proud of her. (I'm proud of Son, too!) (Oh, and that's the kids teacher in the middle as the moderator. He has his hand in getting ready to tell them to begin.

I am so darn tired. This post is going to be short. Really short. We had a full day today. Daughter worked this afternoon and on the way to take her to work and on the way home we enjoyed watching the wind we had today make the leaves falling dance and twirl in the air. I LOVE this time of year. Of course, on the way home Son and I also noticed the guy in the car in front of us, at a light, was brushing his teeth in his car. Yeah. Good grief! Isn't that what bathrooms are for?
After more schoolwork this afternoon I vacuumed out the jeep. I'm taking no chances with another multi-legged intruder.
All too soon it was time to head back to the Pine Y for the kids MA class, only I was just taking Son since Daughter was already there! She missed the first class, being at work, but was able to take the second class.
After the kids first class I was talking to the AQD/MAD (Aquatics Director/Martial Arts Director) and mentioned that we would like a bumper sticker for our vehicles or those magnetic stickers and maybe a t-shirt for the kids that had our MA school name on it. Somehow that morphed into me becoming the "founder and President" of the Parents Booster club. Huh? I need to learn to keep my mouth shut. I don't know where this will go, there's an actual font and rules to follow when designing anything for the Y. Gee, could they make things harder when trying to bring them money?
Then it was time for my class. I thought I was doing okay today, but ten minutes into the class I was tired and ready to stop. I didn't, but I sure felt like it.
After that it was time to gather the kids and home. We got home pretty late and so picked up something quick for dinner. These Thursdays are so loooong.

And that's it. A bit longer than intended. Sorry about that. I hope y'all had a thankful and thoughtful Thursday for y'all. I wish an enjoyable and laughter filled Friday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 1 hour CardioPump
Fitness Challenge Miles: 4.

A little milk for Layla!

Son has cereal almost every single day. I don't know how he can do that, but that's a nine year old boy for you. The other day he had a little milk leftover and gave some to Layla. To say she enjoyed it would be an understatement. *g*

Well, I survived the dentist appointment. The two and a half hour dentist appointment. And no, my tooth isn't fixed yet. They took electronic x-rays of the tooth and actual pictures of the tooth (using a camera that looked like an electric toothbrush). The technician was very understanding when I had to stop because of my reflex. They had salt on the thing they slid in my mouth. I don't really think that helped with the reflex, but it did keep me from actually losing it. And as usual, I cried. Not big sobbing tears or anything. The anxious, silent tears. The dentist came in and talked to me and then they took me to another chair and cleaned my teeth and took more electronic x-rays of all my teeth this time as well as an exam. They wrote and printed up a "treatment plan" for me. The first step is a crown for the broken tooth. *sigh* Because I have $700 hanging around doing nothing. But, we'll figure it out. I miss being able to chew on that side. They didn't tell me I can't and because the tooth had a root canal I'm not in any pain and the tooth is okay except the broken part I'm not taking any chances. So, I have to coordinate Chris' schedule, Daughter's schedule and all the other activities and find time sometime within the next two weeks to begin the process of a crown. I've already called my MIL to see if she'd be kind enough to drive me to the dentist and home when the time comes. Why? Because Chris will be in class, he starts a class of newbies next week and Daughter can't drive and I won't be able to drive because the dentist wisely gave me a prescription for Valium for the crown visit(s). Because I'm that much of a weird person.
After the visit I headed home. Did I mention that Chris was up until 3am? He was sick as heck with a migraine. Ugh. I felt so bad for him. He was exhausted by the time he could take his Imatrex. (He had taken a Benedryl because it started as a sinus headache.) He did go in to work today, he just ended up taking a half a day off this morning so he could get some sleep. I was up with him the whole time, but didn't have the luxury of a day off. He said, before he went to work, that he could still feel the headache-like-pressure in the "background", but that his headache was mostly gone.
Daughter had to work again this afternoon, so off we went. Son and I did more schoolwork when we arrived home and before we knew it, it was time to pick Daughter up. (Who was most excited to know her new book in the series by the Eragon author arrived today.) Of course, as per this day, nothing went smoothly on the way over. I don't know how, but a wolf spider ended up in my jeep. Yes, IN my jeep. He made an appearance on my windshield, freaking me out. Son then began spouting spider facts at me. Oh. Joy. Like that wolf spiders eat bugs and aren't known to bite humans. Oh, really? I had no idea whether he was making this up to try and calm me down, or whether he was serious. (Kind of like how Reed spouts off those odd facts on Criminal Minds. *g*) By the time we reached the Pine Y to pick up Daughter I was practically hugging my drivers door and had a tension headache (to be honest I'd had one most the day anyway, but it was worse). I almost jumped from the jeep once it was parked and off. Because on the way over? The spider decided to drop on the radio and then rushed under the dash. Gah.
Luckily he decided he wanted out or something because he was on the door when Daughter opened the passenger door and she tried to kill it, but I just wanted him gone, not dead. So she ended up brushing him to the ground.
From there over to the MT Y for Son's KidFit class. I did not feel well at all by this point, but ended up walking on the treadmill, anyway. Mostly because I knew I'd feel guilty if I didn't. I can say I was so happy to finally go home. Oh, shoot, forgot to mention the trip by the library before picking up Daughter and before discovering Mr. Spider. I picked up a hold and dropped off several things. The book is the new Addison Fox book set in Alaska. As for what I'm reading? I just finished the Sweet Venom book by Tera Lynn Childs. I really liked it and can't wait to see where the author is going in this series of the Gorgon sisters!
After the Y the kids and I headed home and met up with Chris. We had dinner and all seemed to deflate tonight. I guess it's already been a long week and it's only half over. *sigh*

Anyway, time for a shower and bed. I hope y'all had a good Wednesday. I wish a thankful and thoughtful Thursday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: 2.04 miles on the treadmill at elevation of 4.5.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 2. <---- Sad, I know. Better than nothing.

Cutie-Pie Pepper!

Pepper continues to look adorable. She's two now and we still can't resist her anything. She's been rather reticent to jump on my bed lately, so we have been picking her up whenever she wants up. We know she wants up when she comes to my side of the bed and stares up at me. *g* She rarely meows and takes no guff from any of the other cats and gets around quite well despite her dysfunctional eyesight.

It's been a very long day. Daughter worked again this morning and so Son and I took her to work and then returned home. I'd like to say we accomplished a lot, but no. That's okay, this afternoon was much better. After picking Daughter up we headed home and I mowed and bagged the lawn and then edged and such. Because of the new allergy I popped up with this year I made sure to wear pants and even borrowed a pair of Chris' socks so my legs would be covered below the knee well. The kids did their schoolwork while I was outside and I checked in on them, though it really didn't take me more than an hour and a half to get everything done.
After that I washed up and we headed to the Pine Y for the kids MA class. Because their teacher is a black belt in MANY different styles he decided that they are going to start learning Kung Fu. You read that right, it's an actual style of martial arts. I can't remember the formal name of the type, but it involves more open hand work and is based lower to the ground. They had to sit in horse stance for ten minutes and Daughter said her legs were still rubbery tonight.
I went to my regular Tuesday night Zumba class while the kids were in their class. About ten minutes in I wondered where the heck I was going to get the energy to do the class since I'd used up more than I'd thought doing the yard work.
After that we headed home and were glad that Chris had made the dumplings for the stew I made last night. It's been working out pretty well to make dinner ahead a night (after that nights dinner) for our busier days.
Tomorrow is my dentist appointment and I'm freaking out. I keep trying to keep my mind off of it, but every time I think about it I want to cry. Yes, that's how freaked out I am. It's not helping that I'm up late because Chris has a migraine and has been ill. Poor thing. I wish I could take the pain away from him. I'm just glad he doesn't get them very often. (*knockonwood*)
As for reading? I've begun the book I mentioned picking up yesterday, the Tera Lynn Childs Sweet Venom. It's started off with an exciting introduction, so this could be quite interesting.

And that's all from me. I need to get some rest and make sure Chris does as well. I hope y'all had a terrific Tuesday. I wish a wonderful and maybe slightly wacky Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 1.5 hours yard work, 1 hour Zumba.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 10.

A cat and her oddness!

I wish there was a better angle/view of this picture. You see Pepper and Patches watching Wicket. As a matter of fact, Pepper is following Wicket. What you can't see clearly is that Wicket has the ribbon to the balloon in her mouth and was carrying it into the kitchen. She did this several times the other night and we cracked up laughing at the kitty who likes balloons. *g*

Sorry about no post for Sunday. I was so darn tired and yet still had to do other things so something had to give. Heck, I really shouldn't be posting tonight. I'm up too late again. Daughter's boss asked a favor of her, and me, of this week. His regular go-to guy is on vacation and Daughter is his go-to girl so she's taking a few morning shifts to help. One of the cool things about homeschooling is that she can do this and still do her schoolwork. However, it's messing up our schedule a bit and we're up earlier to do this and it's really taken a tole today. Whew.
As for Sunday? Son started fussing Sunday night that his abdomen was hurting. Picture me flashing back to the last time and the emergency room visit we had to make which ended up with him in the hospital. Not this time, but still, for a second? Scared witless. We checked his abdomen since we knew he had been punched and kicked there on Saturday.(He had been checked several times Saturday and Saturday night.) He felt bad and we knew part of it was disappointment from not placing in Sparring so we let him camp at the foot of our bed last night. He felt much better today.
This evening Daughter had a library event and so Son and I dropped her off and went back home for a bit. I finished up my cleaning. (It's weird that I love the vacuum lines in a freshly vacuumed carpet, right?) And then we headed back to pick up Daughter. We looked around for a little bit and I picked up my hold that had come in, Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs. This book has a smidge of Greek mythology to it, so Daughter and I are both are excited to read it.

After that we headed to the Y where I had Yoga. Chris met us there and worked out and afterwards we all headed home and made dinner. As a matter of fact, not only did I make tonight's dinner. I made tomorrow night's dinner, too.

Oh, what I've forgotten to mention is that one of my teeth broke last night sometime. I didn't notice until late last night because it's a tooth I was supposed to have a crown put on. A while ago. See, this is embarrassing, but I really dislike the dentist. Hmm, that doesn't quite put it correctly. I am scared spitless of the dentist. When I was younger I had a strong, very strong, gag reflex (still do actually) and those stupid x-ray films were always shoved in and I inevitably ended up getting sick. Almost every. single. time. It happened again when I was older. I have a small mouth and I just can't fit the adult films. The dentist then tried everything to keep me from being sick. Salt, holding my breath, peppermint oil under my nose. Nothing worked. And so, after my last root canal (add in genetically thin enamel-seriously, my Mom, my Nana, my Aunt....) and the fact that hi. Kids come first. And I let my own visits wain. And now I need to go to a new dentist who will, of course, judge my lack of visits. I am already freaking out. Oh, did I mention the panic attacks? Yeah. (Last dentist visit? He prescribed Valium. No joke.) And I kind of liked him. *shrugs* And now y'all know my deep dark secret. Cross your fingers and wish me luck, please. I already warned the office staff of this new dentist. We'll see how that goes. I got the feeling she thought I was half-way joking.....

Anyway, as for reading? I've read Comforts of Home by Jodi Thomas. It was a Harmony book and while on one hand it seemed to have little movement forward in the townspeople's stories, it did take baby steps forward. I do admit to being a little WHAT? About one character that disappeared in the last few chapters of the book. I'm actually worried about this character! Yes, I know he's not real. But, the writer gradually pulls you into to these characters lives and you want each one to have an HEA. I just hope that later on this character DOES get his HEA. As for what I'm reading tonight? Well, one of the library books I picked up last week seemed interesting in the blurb. However, reading it tonight? It moves soooooooo slowly. I just can't stay interested in it. So, I'll be returning it to the library. No worried, though. I still have books to choose from thanks to the library. *g* I hope y'all are reading something good right now!

That's it from me. It's too late and I'm just tired as heck. I hope your Monday went well. I wish a terrific Tuesday for y'all and thank you for bearing with me today. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Sunday Exercise: 1 hour Zumba, 4 miles treadmill.
Sunday Fitness Challenge Miles: 7.
Monday Exercise: 1 hour Yoga.
Monday Fitness Challenge Miles: 4. (Taking it easy today.)

Taking a day off.

Just a short note to let y'all know we're okay, but I forgot to post and am too tired to post now. Will try and slip something in later today.
Best Wishes for a good Monday, B.

An Eventful Day!

Here's a picture of Daughter receiving a trophy for her kata at the tournament today. She placed second for her kata. Son placed third. They both placed in their age groups for weapons as well. And Daughter placed third in sparring. There weren't any other teenagers in the tournament this morning, so they had to move her up to the adult division. We think she did pretty good! And we are very proud of Son, though he didn't place in sparring. He was knocked down and with the breath out of his chest twice. He got back up both times. By the time he was done he was so upset and hurting so bad he had a hard time calming down and kept retching as he took deep breaths. We admire his determination and are proud of both our kids. They did great today!

We have been at the Pine Y all day. And I'm not exaggerating. I had to be there by 8am to set up for registration and that started at 9am. The Tournament started at 10am and lasted until about noon. We then had to put the chairs back where we borrowed them from, fold up the mats again and return them to the dojo. Since we didn't place them back down this afternoon I swept the dojo. We don't know the last time the mats were actually off the floor and it must have been a loooong time if going by the dust and such I swept up. Ugh. After that we went out for lunch because Daughter had to be at work this afternoon. Yes, her boss, who also participated in the tournament, had her on schedule to work this afternoon. Daughter forgot to ask for the day off when she turned in her schedule a couple of weeks ago. *g*
After picking up lunch we ate and Daughter went to work. We decided to hand around the Y because by the time we drove home, we'd spend maybe two hours there and then have to drive back and knew if we went home we'd be taking a nap. *g* So, Chris, Son and I worked out on the new machines. According to the treadmill he was on, Chris took a walk in Maine. *g* I used the new elliptical (Wow! A lot smoother than the other ellipticals.) and the new crossfit type machine. It's a bit like an elliptical, except the foot pads move from side to side so that it looks kind of like you're climbing. We then trooped downstairs to do some weights. After Son was hit so hard in the abdomen this morning we decided he needed to build a little muscle in that area to help his next time. He loved doing the adult weights. *g* After that the birthday party that had been taking up the pool had left so we changed and went swimming. We had a good time, even though the water was TOO cold. Brrrrrrr.
Daughter got off work and we decided to go look at the the new REI store that had just opened today in the next city over. It was an interesting store. But, not one I see us frequenting often since the same pocket knife I carry cost ten dollars at Target, but cost $18.50 at the new store. Yeah. No. Oh, and saw a great pair of yoga pants for $75. He. NO way in Hades! Daughter did drool a bit over the First Aid kits. She carries a little bit of everything in her purse these days. *g* I may pick her up a small hard cased one for her swim bag for Christmas. (By swim bag, I mean the bag she carries her safety mask in and her whistle and bathing suit and Life Guard t-shirt.)
After all that we headed home and made a quick dinner. And we are all exhausted though the kids are fighting it like mad.
As you can read ^ I've had no time for reading today, so nothing there to report except that I finished the Diane Kelly book last night. I really enjoyed it. I can't wait until the next one featuring the same character is released. I can tell you if you think this is a cozy-yeah, no. *g*

I need to head offline. I can barely keep my eyes open. I hope y'all had a spectacular day. I wish a peaceful and Blessed Sunday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 2.02 miles elliptical @ level 8, 2.20 miles on crossfit @ level 6, 30 minutes weights, 1.5 hours swimming.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 10.

Placeholder!

This is just to let y'all know that we are okay. It's been an extremely long day for the kids and I with setting up for the tournament tomorrow and then attending the kids MA teacher's surprise birthday part. Add in cutting Son's hair, sewing on patches on Gi's, ironing Gi's and such and we are all wiped out and have to be up extremely early. And it's really late. So, I'll be back later with a more informative post. Hope y'all had a good Friday and I wish a spectacular Saturday for y'all. G'night, B.

Pretty in Pink!

Not the best picture. I should have taken them out of the bag, but I'd just put them in it and was afraid the cats would want to play with them and get them dirty. Oh, sorry, these are barrettes. I made them tonight for the kids Sensei's daughter. She's the cutest little girl and adores Son. She has the prettiest long black hair and when I was young my Mom made me a pair of these and when Daughter was young I made her a pair of them, they just call to be placed with a little girl. I don't know if y'all can tell, but the ribbon is braided along the barrette. Time consuming, but not too hard. The hardest part of making these? Keeping Layla away from the ribbon. She wanted to chew it and play with it! *g*

Sorry if the above was rambling. I am so tried and haven't felt the best this evening. We've had a very full and busy day. Daughter worked this morning and then this afternoon I had to take her for her test and then to the mall because Daughter is looking for a certain jacket she'd seen at the mall in the other city. Then to the bank for her and then to B&N to pick up a small gift for the kids Sensei. His birthday is soon and the family and I think you can't go wrong with something from the bookstore. Then to the kids MA classes. I started feeling really bad around then. The drainage I'm dealing with seems to be getting worse and the sinus pressure is making both jaws/ears hurt now. But, like the other night I was also a little dizzy and nauseous, too. I was still seriously thinking I'd take my regular cardio class when I stood up and felt sick. Ugh. Add in an inability to warm up for some reason and I decided to skip class and just rest. I watched the kids next MA class and was still chilly. I ended up using a towel (our Y has them for members) as a shawl, that helped. (No fever, just cold. Brrr.) After class we headed home and had dinner and I finally relaxed from the day. I had hoped we'd have nothing much to do tomorrow, but turns out the Y needs help setting up for the tournament, so the kids and I will be doing that and then we'll all attend an event tomorrow evening. Plus we have to sew more patches on the Gi's and I need to iron the Gi's so they're nice and sharp looking Saturday.

Anyway, I've been trying to snatch a few minutes here or there to read the Diane Kelly book. I'm still enjoying it and wish I were further along with it. Hopefully, soon.

Time to say goodnight. I hope y'all had a thankful and thoughtful Thursday. I am thankful and thoughful about something, not something bad, that I'll share later. Wishing you an enjoyable and smile-filled Friday. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 0 <---- I don't like this, but had no choice.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 0 <---- I really don't like this, but have hope I'll feel better tomorrow.

I'm a Bad Kitty Mama!

In all the excitement of Son's excitement of Halloween we all forgot that Halloween also doubles as Layla's Birthday! Our gorgeous blue-eyed Layla is now 10 years old! AND, since we counted back from when we found Wicket, she, too celebrates Halloween as a Birthday. She is now 1 year old! Funny enough, we still call her the kitten. Well, the crazy kitten. *g* So, Happy Belated Birthday to you youngest and oldest furry family members.

Well, we've been testing today. The kids curriculum requires quarterly tests and we've reached that period since beginning homeschooling this year. So far they are doing well. Fingers crossed! This evening I drove Daughter to work as Chris stayed home with Son. As a matter of fact, Chris has been home today and had a Doctors appointment. Since Son stayed home with Chris instead of going to KidFit tonight (due to lack of manners during test taking) I worked out at the Pine Y tonight. I tried one of the new upright bikes. It was pretty nice. Touchscreen and iPod hook-ups made it nice and it had a fan, too.
On the way home I dropped some materials at the library and headed home. I made dinner and Chris picked Daughter up from work. And found out that I have to take her for a random drug test tomorrow after her shift. Yay! Not that there's anything to worry about, but the Y has a policy stating that they random test all employees. (Even the Big Boss is tested.) This will be her first time. And just one more thing for me to take care of as we have an event to attend Friday I need a gift to purchase for sometime tomorrow afternoon as well. So much to do, so little time.

As for reading? I admit to taking the new Diane Kelly book with me to the Y. I am not very far into it, but am enjoying what I have read. The heroine has a strong personality and has an unconventional job. I like books that aren't ordinary and this one definitely fits the bill, so to speak.

I don't have anything else to share. Sorry. I'm pretty boring. I hope y'all had a good day. I wish a thoughtful and thankful Thursday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: 10.10 miles stationary bike at level 8 (new bike harder levels), 30 minutes weights.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 5.

Wicket Hides!

I'm not sure if she was playing hide and seek, or if she was just exploring and found a snug spot to take a nap. This is one of the baskets we use to keep up with the kids stuff. Wicket must have decided that the out of the way place and interesting things made for a good spot to rest. *g*

Again, I am exhausted. I don't know why, except that we've run several errands today and then taken the kids to MA tonight. One of the errands we ran was to our bank, the bank doesn't know this but they will soon be our former bank. They are one of the banks that wanted to institute a $5 a month fee to use your own debit card. They were never clear on the details, but I'm sure it would have been $5 a debit card per account meaning that we had two therefore would probably have been charged $10 a month. Yeah. No. Then we heard that they had police stop some people from withdrawing their own money from one bank. Say what? Then I read where one of their subsidiary's had foreclosed on Military members who were at the time overseas. Which, btw, is illegal. What sucks about that is that we belong to the Military Branch of this certain bank. Bah! And yet one more story today. That was more than enough for us. We decided to go with a credit union, instead. We researched several in our area and picked one with the best rates and availability to our home. Today we withdrew our saving from our soon to be old bank and placed it in the new bank. One step down, more to go later.
After that Chris and I went back to the house and Chris sewed the kids MA patches on their Gi's using the sewing machine. I don't mind sewing by hand (much), but I am scared of the sewing machine. Chris did a good job!
After that we headed to MA with a stop by the B&N on the way. Today was the release day for Death, Taxes and  French Manicure by Diane Kelly. I've been waiting for this book to release for months! And I had the B&N set one aside for me to pick up today. I can't wait to read this book! I've already peeked and the first page grabbed me. I like the heroine's voice. *g*
While Chris watched the kids in the MA class (He took today off so we could deal with the bank issue without having to worry about time.) I went to Zumba. When the kids class was over we were heading out and I was starting to feel sick (drainage-ugh!) we ran across the new machines the Y is/are Demo-ing to see which the members like best. The ones liked the most will be purchased for the new Y that will be open in April. The new machines are SWEET! They work with iPods and have different controls and different types of programs. One program on one of the types of treadmills make it seem like you're walking or running through Chicago (as an example). One of the cool things one of the new stationary bikes had was that you could be biking through Yosemite! It was cool! There was a machine we had never seen before-a cross-trainer. While it was interesting and different. I tried it for a minute and didn't like the way it put pressure on my knees. Son loved it. After trying that one I sat down and waited on the family. I was really starting to feel sick and my head was hurting and my jaw and ear were hurting again. *sigh* I don't think the five day course of antibiotics was enough. I was starting to feel much better but tonight felt like a giant step back. Not only did I feel pale, I LOOKED pale by the time we arrived home. Thank goodness for tylenol and benedryl.
Upon arriving home we had dinner and relaxed for a bit. I'm eager to start my new book, but also know that I have library books to read. I told y'all, it's either feast or famine for books! *g*
Time for me to head offline and hope the sinus pressure I still have lessens over night. I hope y'all had a terrific Tuesday. I wish a wonderful Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Zumba.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 4.

Athena Hangs Out or Over!

I snapped this picture of Athena on the kitty tree the other day as she was looking around the LR as if to survey her kingdom. *g*She actually sat like that for about 5 minutes and I thought she looked so funny! I guess between the warm sunshine and the comfy kitty tree she was comfortable and happy.

It's been a very, very long day. The kids did their schoolwork. I swept, mopped, vacuumed, did laundry, cleaned the bathroom, dusted and polished furniture and a few other things. Daughter went to the library's Vampire Prom ( for the olcer kids) to the Zumba Halloween Party where a few actually dressed in costume. I was not one of those who dressed up. I couldn't think of anything. Then back home to hand out candy in the frigid temps with Daughter and entertaining the Out-laws who came for a small visit, as usual, Halloween night.
As for reading? Daughter picked up a few of my holds that had come in. One of which was What's You Number? by Karyn Bosnak. I'll admit it was easy to pick up and start reading. To the point where I'm already almost done with it. It's a light, fun and funny read. Tomorrow I'll post the other books that came in, but I'm so darn exhausted I can't type much longer.
Which brings me to now. I'm headed to bed. I hope y'all had a fun and Happy Halloween Monday. I wish a terrific Tuesday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Zumba Halloween Party.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 4.