Wiki, Wiki, Woo, Woo

And Happy Birthday to me. Today I'm 45 y.o. -- yeppers ... I'm edging closer to fifty than forty. How'd that happen?

There's an old blog challenge somewhere that has you go to Wikipedia and look up your birthday (without the year). List three fun facts, two birthdays, and one death on your blog.

Here's mine:

Fun Facts:

1963 - The Whisky A Go-Go night club in Los Angeles, the first disco in the USA, is opened. (And life as we know it will never be the same)

1964 – Surgeon General of the United States Dr. Luther Terry, M.D., publishes a landmark report saying that smoking may be hazardous to health, sparking nation- and worldwide anti-smoking efforts.

1919 - Romania annexes Transylvania. (Guess they wanted in on the "Dracula" Tourism money?)

Births:

1961 - Jasper Fforde, British author (Now I want to have as many published books as he does - it's only fair!)

1963 - Dean Reynolds, English snooker player (Just cuz "snooker" sounded interesting)

Deaths:

1055 - Constantine IX Monomachos, Byzantine Emperor (Nobody really fun died on my birthday... I suppose that's a good thing)

And some birthday quizzes:

Your Birthday Predicts You're Sensitive

Ever since you were born, you've always been able to cooperate. You enjoy supporting and being inspired by others. You appreciate the dynamic of a group. Getting along with others is essential to you. You are both fair and well mannered. You are very intuitive and easily effected by other people. Sometimes you are too delicate.

What Does Your Birthday Predict About You?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA... no.

Your Birthday is Tan

You are the blunt type. You give it to people straight, whether they want to hear it or not. You are a bit self centered at times. You put your own interests first, but you'd argue that everyone does that. While you love to be flattered, you're pretty good at flattering other people back. You can make anyone smile or laugh. You have a talent for saying the right thing at the right time.

What Color Is Your Birthday?

That's about half right ... wonder if I can get one that's ALL right?

Your Birthday's Wisdom is Individuality

Life has required you to go your own way and do your own thing. You've been taught to rely on yourself. You don't feel comfortable relying on others. You are highly motivated and aggressive. You have no problem getting things done and getting what you want. You feel like you have to look out for yourself, because no one else is.

What's Your Birthday's Wisdom?

HA... that's pretty much right on.

In any case, for my birthday Mother Nature is bringing in a disgusting, nasty wintry mix: snow, sleet, freezing rain .... up to 6" of yuck is expected. Yay.

I think that calls for cake.

==================

Booking Through Thursday: eRevolution

E-readers like the Kindle and iPad are sweeping the nation … do you have one? Do you like it? Do you find it changes your reading/buying habits? If you don’t have one, do you plan to?

I have a Nook "classic" (read: old, outdated Nook -- but then, what electronic device isn't outdated five minutes after you buy it?). I also have the Nook and Kindle apps downloaded on my Droid.

When I first got the Nook, I did it because of the sheer number of books released in eFormat that I was reading and reviewing for LASR. It hurts my eyes to read on the computer and, besides, my preferred reading spot is in bed, and the laptop is a bit clunky for that.

When I bought the Nook I thought I'd still read print books whenever they were available. I loved print. I couldn't imagine switching over to eBooks as a preference.

But I did.

The Nook was actually easier on my eyes than print. Lighter. I read faster on it. I loved the instant gratification of finishing a book and opening (or buying!) a new one without getting out of bed. I love being able to borrow from my library (as a side note -- the books there almost always have waiting lists, so I'm clearly not the only one using an eReader).

When I don't know what I feel like reading, but know I'm going somewhere I'll want to read, it's so simple to tuck the Nook into my bag and go, and have hundreds of books at my fingertips.

I prefer the eInk eReaders and have no interest in a tablet. The backlight hurts my eyes. It's why I read on my Nook more than my Droid -- though the Droid has come in handy for reading now and then. Should I replace my current Nook, I'd get the Nook black and white. I played with one at Barnes and Noble and love how small and light it is -- even smaller and lighter than my current Nook. And since I have WiFi capability from my Droid, it doesn't matter that it's not got a 3G hookup.

So ... do I have one? Yes. Do I like it? YES. Did it change my buying habits? Absolutely -- I now have complete access to pretty much every book in the world and am not restricted to print only.

I still buy the occasional print book. But I'd say that 95% of the books I read now are in eFormat.

What about you?

=====================

You Are The Warrior

At your best, you are brave, intense, and fearless. You have guts. You have no problem standing up for what's right and asserting yourself. You'll fight for what you believe in. You face the abyss head on, an you challenge your friends to do the same. You have the guts to be who you are. You believe that you are important and special.

What's Your Personality Archetype?

And because this quiz gave me an earworm ... I'll share it with you (and dear dog the 80s were really strange ... this video is just ... nuts -- and yet, I think I have this song on 45):



Happy Thursday!

=====================

I'm Stylish!

You can tell more about a person by what he says about others than you can by what others say about him. ~Leo Aikman

Dru Ann gave me an award!

I don't feel particularly stylish (I say, sitting here in my jammies!), but thanks, Dru!

The rules for accepting this award are:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award.

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Pass the award on

Now ... I'm trying to think of seven things y'all don't know about me that are kosher to share in public. *G*

Hmmmmm......

1. I eat cooked spinach with mayonnaise... which is especially odd because I don't really LIKE mayo. I never put it on my sandwiches, etc., but spinach and artichokes cry out for mayo. Listen to them next time ... I swear you'll hear: "Eat me with mayo."

2. I'm always cold. Unless it's 110 degrees out with humidity, I'm shivering. I wear flannels to bed every night, even in June. My doc says it's partly due to having low blood pressure, so there's not much I can do (save eat LOTS of salt... *G*). DD, OTOH, is always warm. I've stopped buying her winter clothes: long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, etc. She never wears them. Made for interesting times when she was a baby, because the doc always said to dress her how I would dress, so there were occasions I'd look at her and her face would be beet red with sweat rolling down while I was shivering. Poor kidlet.

3. I know how to milk goats. I had goats growing up, showed and raised goats for 4H, briefly. I wish I had a goat now, but DH says no. *sigh*

4. I don't drink milk. I don't LIKE milk. I like milk products: yogurt, cheese, ice cream. But I can't stand the taste of milk. :::shudders::: This is something that distresses both my DH and my DD's doctor. DH because he was raised to think that "milk does a body good" and my DD's doctor because I never gave her milk to drink and they were sure she wasn't getting enough calcium. First: she and I both take supplements. Second: there are plenty of other foods that contain calcium (and, in fact, your body absorbs less calcium from milk than it does from vegetable sources). Occasionally, I use the bone meal I buy for Dakota's food (don't worry -- it's human grade) in food that I cook. I'd be willing to bet I know more about food and nutrition than DD's doc...

5. I'm a study in opposites: I love to talk to people and spend time with them, but I also NEED time alone. When I'm out, I gab with anyone and everyone. I know most of the clerks at the stores I go to regularly, for instance, and enjoy chatting. But if I don't get enough time away from people I start acting like a grizzly bear with a prickle in its paw.

6. I hate camping. I think it can be traced back to when I was younger and we "got back to nature". We lived out in the boonies with no electricity, no running water, no phone ... and initially, no house. We slept in a tent until we finally got a little bitty trailer and my step-dad built a shed for us kids to live in. Our "running" water was a hose he ran from the spring up the hill from us down into the trailer. We used an outhouse, showered with an army shower in the summer and spit baths in the winter. I did my homework by kerosene lamp and once set my pillow on fire when it fell on the little gas heater by my bed. So, yeah ... camping isn't any fun for me. I got it all out of my system back then.

7. I don't understand most womens' attraction to fancy shoes, purses and other accessories. I see posts on Facebook and on blogs, etc. about "I have to have these shoes!" and a picture of 6" stilettos and all I can think is: give me my sneakers any day. I carry a fanny pack -- one I've had for years. I own maybe eight pairs of shoes, and only two are "dress" -- both flats.

I'm passing on the award to:

Angelina Rain (someone who LIKES camping!)

Maria Zannini (whose husband lets her have chickens and goats)

MJ Fredrick (who stays warm down in TX)

Liz Fichera (a desert dweller ... lucky girl)

Let me know when you post so I can come see what you say about yourselves!

====================

You Are Old Navy

You are a wholesome person. You live a low-key, low drama, and healthy life. You are emotionally stable. You understand what matters most, and you prioritize well. You know where you're going in life... and why you're going there. Social pressure doesn't get to you. You are dependable and trustworthy. Your friends know that you're solid and true.

Are You Gap, Banana Republic, or Old Navy?

Yep.

================

WWW Wednesday

Books are delightful society. If you go into a room and find it full of books - even without taking them from the shelves they seem to speak to you, to bid you welcome. ~William Ewart Gladstone

Because I have nothing new to report (Hey, guess what? Snow here today!), I give you via Should Be Reading (and discovered on Charity Tahmaseb's blog), WWW Wednesday:

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

Here's mine...

Currently Reading:

"Darkwood Manor" by Jenna Ryan

I bought this book based solely on the blurb and the fact that it's in the "Shivers" line. So far, I'm not shivering, but I have hopes...

"Eat Right for Life: How Healthy Foods Can Keep You Living Longer, Stronger and Disease-Free" by Dr. Raymond A. Schep and Nicole Kellar-Munoz

This book is slow going. It is packed with information but reads much like a text book. I'm slowly making my way through, but it's not an easy task.

"Trust Me on This" by Jennifer Crusie

I checked this out on eBook from my library, and have to finish it first. We get eBooks for 2 weeks, period. No renewals. Oy. Normally that isn't a problem, but I have a pile of books to read.

This is a re-release of Ms. Crusie's that I've never read. I really enjoy her older stuff, and this book (while not as funny as, say "Getting Rid of Bradley") is a nice break from life when I need it.

What did you recently finish reading?

"In Too Deep" by Jayne Anne Krentz

I've been DYING to see Fallon get his HEA, so pounced on this sucker the moment I could. Ms. Krentz matched Fallon up perfectly, but while the romance was fabulous I wasn't as enthralled with the mystery portion of the story. Still, I admit, I mostly read it just to see Fallon be happy. :-)

What do you think you’ll read next?

I have "Hungry for You" by Lynsay Sands on my Nook, calling to me... I also have several of Jude Deveraux's books from the library that I may or may not get to. My reading time is greatly decreased any more.

What about you?

===========================

You Should Be an Actor

You are a flexible and even changeable person. You are constantly evolving. You are a highly observant chameleon. You have always been good at imitating others when you need to. You are artistic and charming. You have an air of sophistication about you. You are dramatic and very expressive. You feel strongly about almost everything.

What's Your Hollywood Job?

The first part is wrong, but the rest is *mostly* right.

===================

I Want My Meme-y

“Joy is the feeling of grinning inside.” - Melba Colgrove

First off ... I gave up on controlling my Google Reader and deleted everything. I'm starting from scratch because the sheer number of unread posts was overwhelming. I did try to visit most of my friends, but if I didn't I'm SO sorry. I'll do my best to not let that craziness happen again.

Now ... moving on.

This is from Groovy. Here's the deal: I'm to answer the following 8 questions made up by Groovy, make up 8 questions of my own, and then tag 8 of you to answer my questions (everyone who's reading ... consider yourself tagged!).

Here are her questions (and my answers, of course!):

1. What do you think are three top qualities to look for in a politician?

This is a tough one for me because ... I don't get political here (which is VERY VERY difficult -- those of you who know me IRL know I have strong political leanings).

1. A belief that government does not exist to take care of people.

2. A belief that problems don't need more money thrown at them.

3. A belief that freedom is the foundation of this country and that the Constitution is not a fluid document.

2. Which do you read more of, fiction or non-fiction? And please give us one awesome book recommendation while you're here...

I probably read more fiction, but it's awfully close. I was just mentioning to my mom the other day that I feel like Tom Cruise's character in Cocktail (remember how he always had a self-help book with him?) because I always have books on nutrition or food near me (though lately, I've had equally as many books on computer software).

Book recommendations?

For fiction: I recently finished "The Search" by Nora Roberts and LOVED it.

For non-fiction: One of the most level-headed authors on nutrition I've ever read is Michael Pollan. I'd strongly recommend reading either (or both!) "In Defense of Food" and "The Omnivore's Dilemma".

3. What is your go-to outfit for dressy occasions? Describe it for us!

Um ... I don't have one? I don't HAVE dressy occasions anymore. I do have a plain black skirt that goes with nearly everything when I have to wear something a little more upscale than jeans. I still OWN fancy clothes, but they were all purchased about 40 pounds ago...

4. What song(s) do you want sung at your funeral? Why?

Maybe this:



Or this (but maybe they could say "A Good Woman"?):



Or this (for my daughter):



Or this:



Okay ... seriously, I don't have clue. Maybe I should think about it?

5. What is your favorite way to unwind?

Unwind? What's that? .... :::think think think:::

Um ...

Reading? Weeding? Maybe watching TV? A like a nice long walk early in the morning when no one else is up.

But, honestly, mostly I just don't unwind.

6. Do you think you could live contentedly in a 2 room home (plus a bathroom, of course)? Why or why not?

Okay, growing up I lived for a few months in a tent with my mom, sister, brother and step-dad. We moved up in the world to a tiny little camper with a shed built on.

After that, a 2 room house is a mansion.

Seriously, I think I could pretty much live anywhere and be comfortable. As long as there was a bathroom.

7. What is your all-time favorite breakfast? (Come on now, make us drool!)

Okay ... again, I'm going "um". I'm not a big breakfast person. Growing up, a special breakfast was going to Denny's and getting their Grand Slam breakfast, though my favorite part was having orange juice. That was SUCH a treat.

As an adult, I've gone from Pop Tarts (mmmmm) to cold cereal to fruit smoothies. Really, for me breakfast is a chore. Next time ask me about dinner...

8. And lastly, are you gonna join me in participating in NaNoWriMo this November? (I hope so!)

Heck yeah!!! See:



For those of you who aren't participating in NaNo, but want to support those of us who ARE? Lynn Viehl created these awesome badges -- feel free to grab one:




Now -- my eight questions for anyone who's brave enough to play (please play! I'll come visit if you leave me a comment saying you're playing ... c'mon, it's fun!):

1. What's one of your worst phobias. Why? Give us an example of a time it affected you.

2. What was your first pet? Tell us a story about it.

3. What color would you never paint your bedroom. Why?

4. What's your guilty pleasure on TV? If you don't watch TV, then what's a guilty pleasure you have in general?

5. What's your least favorite household chore? Why?

6. Most embarrassing moment from your youth?

7. The one song that defines your high school years? Why?

8. Summer or Winter? Why?

======================

You Crave Rest

You are realistic about your present and future. You have some work cut out ahead of you, but you also think you're up for the challenge. You see love as companionship. You're the type of person who would fall for his or her best friend. You expect other people to get along with you. You seem to always make instant friends. Your inner child is playful. You can have as much fun as any kid!

The City Park Test

I do crave rest ... not so sure about the rest of it!

=====================

5 Things

If you cannot answer a man's argument, all it not lost; you can still call him vile names. ~Elbert Hubbard

That quote is just cuz I thought it was funny...

Because I'm coming up blank on what to write (I lead a dull life and the pillars are still cooking) ... seen at Dru's and Maria's (and other places I can't remember):

5 things always in my purse -- I actually carry a fanny pack -- purses make my back ache.

Cell phone, lip balm, credit card, driver's license, nail clippers.

5 Things always in my wallet -- I don't carry a wallet... hmmm. Nope, can't answer this one.

5 things always in my refrigerator
Chocolate soy milk, apples, romaine lettuce, orange juice, eggs

5 Things always in my closet
Jeans, shirts, dirty clothes hamper, shoes, robe

5 things always on my desk - I seldom actually use my desk (long story), but ...

Cup with writing utensils, plant, notepad, external hard drive, file folder with receipts.

What about you? Actually ... I'm curious about purses and shoes, etc. I'm so not a girly-girl, and have fewer pairs of shoes than I have fingers, and use a basic fanny pack -- ONE, in black and don't change it out to match my clothes.

What about you? Are you a girly-girl? Do you collect shoes? Have a purse for every outfit? Never leave the house unless you're perfectly put together?

=============================

Your Colors Are Bold

Your colors are bright and vivid reds, oranges, blues and yellows. You are a high energy, passionate person. You stay happily busy. You live for excitement. It's hard for you to turn down a thrill, no matter how small. You think the world is a great and amazing place. You're thankful for each day and for every opportunity you are given.

What Are Your Colors?

Blogthings: Cheaper Than a Therapist

About 65% right.... not real big on vivid colors OR thrills, thank you very much.

==========================

I Ramble ...er ... I'm Versatile!

If you wish to forget anything on the spot, make a note that this thing is to be remembered. ~Edgar Allan Poe

Lookie! Liz Fichera has awarded me the versatile blogger award. I've often said that I tend to ramble ... perhaps I have too many things I enjoy, or it could be that I just talk a lot (just don't ask my husband which he thinks it is). In any case, I was quite flattered (thanks, Liz!).

The Versatile Blogger award does come with a few strings attached, though.

They are:

1. Thank the folks who gave you the award and and link to them;
2. Share 7 things about yourself;
3. Pass along to 15 bloggers (and link to them); and
4. Pay it forward: Comment on their blogs to tell them they are now recipients of the Versatile Blogger Award.

So ... okay ... here goes.

Seven things that I haven't mentioned before. This it tough, because I'm honestly not that interesting.

1. There are very few foods I won't eat... but lima beans are one of them. When I was little I can still remember my dad setting the timer on me and I had to eat them by the time the timer went off or get punished. And I would sit and cry because I didn't want to be punished, but I would NOT eat lima beans. Still won't -- but there's no timer involved anymore, thank heavens.

2. I have a very low tolerance for repetitive noise. If someone ever wanted to torture me, they'd only have to tie me up in a room with a dripping faucet. I'd lose my mind (what's left of it, anyway) in no time at all. The worst part of this is that my DD is a fidgeter and will often sit and just ... tap. Her foot, her finger, her pencil or whatever. Drives. Me. Nuts.

3. I always wanted to be a veterinarian growing up. But, after high school, I decided I couldn't face eight years of college. It's one of my great regrets.

4. I can't NOT multi-task. I watch TV and work on the computer. Eat and read. Have twelve windows open on my computer. Cook dinner and clean the house. Doing only one thing makes me crazy. Doing nothing? Would send me to the funny farm. My DH doesn't understand why I don't want to go somewhere isolated on a vacation and just veg. :::shivers:::

5. I spent several years of my young life living in the boonies with no power, phone or running water. I learned how to milk goats, wash clothes on a wash board, how to garden, raise chickens and ride horses. I also learned how to do homework by lantern, how to take a spit bath in the winter and that it's really cold in the middle of the night when you have to potty and the outhouse is 150 feet away. And now, my DH doesn't understand why I don't like to go camping...

6. I have a deep-seated fear of swimming in natural water. If I *have* to swim in it, I won't touch bottom unless I'm wearing shoes.

7. I love rodents. They are so incredibly cool. Sadly, my DH does not feel the same... but I plan to outlive him, so I'll be an 80 y.o. lady with pet rats. Ha! I'll be the crazy rat lady. *snort*

Fifteen Bloggers? Dear dog ... okay (:::deep breath:::), here goes:

1. Diane Craver
2. Dru
3. Groovy
4. Allie Boniface
5. MJ Fredrick (Mary!)
6. MaryC
7. Keri Mikulski
8. Melissa McClone
9. Jennifer Shirk
10. Brandy

ACK ... my blogging time is nearly up for the day. I'm calling ten blogs "close enough", and nominating anyone who comes to my blog to comment today and isn't on the list. Okay? *G*

==================

In Pillar Place: Monarch, Xi turned into a chrysalis, Pi is in a "J" and Earl hatched. We also found another egg (I SWEAR, I'm not looking, but when I'm picking food, I check for them and they're everywhere!!!), so we're now up to 24 monarch pillars/eggs.

I expect to have another mass hatching today.

==================

People Are Drawn To Your Passion

You are intense about every thing you do, and this intensity inspires people around you. It's clear that you care deeply about the others. You make everyone feel like they're your best friend. You are always doing great and interesting things. You leap into action. And while you're busy, you take time to connect and re-connect with others. You are very thoughtful.

Why Are People Drawn To You?

Um... not so sure about this one...

==================

Six Things

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. ~Judy Garland

Yesterday, Maria Zannini posted an award on her blog:



And instead of awarding it to fifteen blogs, asked us to post one random thing about ourselves in her comments (I did *G*) and then another six here. I'm carrying the torch here -- anyone who reads this and wants to play: post one random thing about you in the comments, and then another six on your blog.

Suddenly I have the song, "Getting to Know You" going through my head...



Anyway.... here are my six other random things:

1. I'm trying to get up the nerve to try eating milkweed.

2. I have a tendency to start singing songs when someone talks -- I can find a lyric that goes with conversation almost without fail (hence the "Getting to Know You" above ... it just happens).

3. I don't like swimming in natural water, and I won't touch bottom if I'm barefoot, even if I'm in two feet of water. Who knows what lurks down there? :::shivers:::

4. I'm prone to depression, so have to consciously find ways to stay happy -- it's probably why I tend to write funny stories.

5. I suspect I'm a little OCD -- there are certain things that must be done a certain way (I mentioned one on Maria's blog yesterday), and if they aren't I have a meltdown. Either that, or I'm a control freak....

6. I have a soft spot for all creatures (great and small *G*) and even apologize to the ones I smoosh (like Japanese beetles ... I saw my first one yesterday). When I kill them, I make sure it's in the most humane way possible, and if they would just leave my stuff alone, I'd leave them alone.

Okay... who's next?

====================

I just saw a bird (it landed on my deck) that I don't know what it is! It had a dusty orange back shading into gray on its body, and a white tummy. It was about the size of a cardinal, which is what I thought it was at first... must go on a bird hunt.

Yes, I am this random in person, in case you were wondering.

====================

You Are Salsa Dancing

You are expressive, dramatic, and passionate. When you dance, you dance your heart out. You are outgoing and willing really put it all out there. You don't have a shy bone in your body. In fact, it's probably hard to hold yourself back from dancing. When you hear good music, you want to move. You think people need to get out of their heads more and hit the dance floor. Dancing is one of life's pure joys.

What's Your Dance Style?

That's about 80% true ... and I do love to dance!

=========================

Am I a Bold-Faced Liar?

There is no truth. There is only perception. ~Gustave Flaubert



Rowena Cherry invited me to play along with her (and, if you want to have some real fun -- go check out HER post for this!!).

Here are the rules: I tell either six truths and one lie, or six lies and one truth about myself, and you get to figure out which, and leave a fun or silly comment. Feel free to try to figure out which is which!! Everyone is offering a prize, so I will, too:

One person who comments on this post between now and Friday will get the eBook of their choice from Samhain Publishing or The Wild Rose Press (mine are available there... just in case you didn't know *G*) or a $5 GC to Amazon.com or BN.com (for those of you with Kindles and Nooks). The drawing will be held 5/22 in the early morning, and I'll announce it on my blog that day.

First, let me nominate seven other authors for this honor:

* Wendi Zwaduk
* J. A. Saare
* Melissa McClone
* Diane Craver
* Charity Tahmaseb
* Allie Boniface
* Keri Mikulski

Okay ... onward to my truths and lies (Mom, you don't get to guess...just saying):

1. I've handled a rattlesnake with my bare hands.

2. I've belly-danced in front of an audience.

3. I bought a pony with a bag of nickels and pennies.

4. I've never broken a bone.

5. I've walked to the bus stop, two miles in the snow (though it was only uphill one way).

6. I owned Mork & Mindy rainbow suspenders and wore them with pride.

7. I'm afraid of chihuahuas.

====================

Speaking of truths or lies... did you know this about me?

You Are a Vampire

You are charming, sensual, and even a bit manipulative. You can't help but get people to do what you want. You have sharp senses and a strong predatory instinct. You go after what you want, without mercy. While you have the heart of a killer, many people are drawn to you. You are elegant, timeless, and mysterious. You are the ultimate fantasy object.

Are You a Vampire or a Werewolf?

I vant to drink your blood!!!

===================

Happy New Year - the (blog) year in review

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. ~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Did 2009 zip by faster than normal?

I did this a couple of years ago, and always find it interesting. The rules: post the first line of the first post for each month from your blog in 2009.

January 2009

And, because JaNoWriMo starts today (woot!), I'm doing meme's (and, yes, I am building them early to give myself time to write - BTW, I won't be updating much about JaNoWriMo here, because I'll be posting to that blog, as will the other baker's dozen of folks who have joined me).

Well that was an amazing run on sentence! LOL... and I suppose I could almost say the same thing on today's blog.

February 2009

I heard back from Womans World yesterday... finally... and it was a rejection.

Yeah... that's pretty standard, too. Note to WW: I've officially given up on you. Just saying.

March 2009

Welcome to my morning.... yes, tired, yes, mainlining caffeine... more tomorrow.

Wow... that was a Sunday. I can't imagine why I was so tired -- but all I posted was that line, a YouTube video and a quiz! LOL...

April 2009

Give a rousing "HOWDY" to today's guest: Kimber Chin!!

Yes... April Fool's Day was a Wednesday last year, and I had Kimber blogging. She's such a sweetheart.

May 2009

Over the past two days, we've had a houseful of guys fixing the chimney.

Ah yes... the chimney. DH went snowmobiling yesterday, and his last words to me were, "Don't start a chimney fire." I'm never going to live that down.

June 2009

We had our first ever agility competition yesterday -- it was called "Fun Agility" because everyone could compete, regardless of level.

That was such a fun time and DD and Dd had a blast. Guess that means our next competition will be the end of May this year. Yay!

July 2009

It's raining. Again. Or maybe that should be "still".

Oh man. Last summer? Worst weather ever -- cold and wet. I had an awful time growing anything and DH and DD were hardly able to go boating and swimming. Please, please let this coming summer be better!

August 2009

Yesterday, I checked our "J" pillars, and discovered that Maria had fallen from the roof and lay, curled in a ball, on the leaf below.

Poor pillars. Last year was not a banner year for Pillar Place either. We had so few caterpillars and then many of them died before they became butterflies. Again, hopefully this coming year will be better.

September 2009

I've been awful at responding to folks lately, but this morning I feel a bit more on an even keel again.

I spent the entire blog responding to people's questions and comments. Lately (and you know this if it's you), if people ask me a question, I email them and respond, if I have their email address. It's just easier.

October 2009

I'm sick. :::grumble grumble:::

OH... man. That was Deerfield Fair day. I was so stinking mad that I was sick on that day -- poor DD looks forward to the fair all year. I was so miserable, but thanks to the miracle of OTC cold meds, I made it through. Please let this year be better.

November 2009

Why do we even HAVE Daylight Savings Time anymore? I mean, it served its purpose years ago, but now? What a pain.

And yes, I still feel this way. I think we should start a petition to eliminate the stupid thing.

December 2009

I took the dog out for her peewaddle (as my mom calls it) this a.m. very early. There I was, admiring the big, fat full moon.

Ah.. yes. The visit from the Fisher Cat. :::shivers::: Those things are just evil.

Anyone else up for the challenge?

===========================

You Should Celebrate Friendship

It may have been a good year or a bad year, but no matter what, your friends helped get you through it. And you can't imagine celebrating New Year's Eve without your closest friends around. You are always happy to catch up with old friends on this night, and you're hoping to make some new ones too. So this year, raise a toast to old and new friends. They make every day of the year a little brighter.

What Should You Celebrate?

The only problem was they didn't have "sleeping" as an option for how I ring in the New Year. I did my best...

=======================

Tuesday Teaser on Sunday

I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library. - Jorge Luis Borges

I was finally working my way through my Google Reader backlog yesterday, and came across a post from Anno about a book meme. I thought, "I can do that!" until I realized that I had no "current read" to use.

Me.

Without a book.

Not reading.

Seriously... something was wrong with the world. And, I decided that I'd clearly been working too hard because not having time to read is like not having time to breathe.

Thus, I made the decision to shut off the computer shortly before eight o'clock last night, grab a book from my keeper shelf and take a long, hot bath.

Therefore, I now have a "current read"!! I've also requested some books from the library and have determined I will never not have time to read again.

Now, moving on to the book meme (and I'm not really participating in the meme, but wanted to give the links so you folks could if you wanted):

It's Teaser Tuesdays, a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Everyone's invited to play along! Here are the rules:

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here is mine:

"Well, they haven't exactly been advertising. And who thinks about their parents' sex lives, anyway?" -- Page 133 of "Crazy for You" by Jennifer Crusie

===================

Today we'll be stacking wood. Told you it was the chore that wouldn't go away. Yesterday, DH put up a new storm door on the house... and what should have been a two hour job ended up taking all day. He wasn't the happiest DH in the world by dinner time last night. *sigh*

But, I look at the bright side: tomorrow is Monday!

====================

Tagged! And Misc. Gabbing

Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world. ~Ada Louise Huxtable

Diane Craver tagged me over the weekend on a fun meme, so here you go:

I have to answer the questions below. Then, I “tag” four more people, asking them to post their answers to the same questions.

Four Movies that I can see over and over.
1. Undercover Blues (I <3 this movie)
2. The Princess Bride (I've seen it a hundred times and STILL catch new stuff)
3. While You Were Sleeping (never fails to make me smile)
4. Ever After (Except for Drew Barrymore's abysmal accent, this was a stellar movie)

Four Places I have lived.
1. Rancho Cordova, CA
2. Mount Aukum, CA
3. Colorado Springs, CO
4. Sacramento, CA

Four TV shows that I love to watch.
1. House (I'm a late comer to this, but how can you NOT enjoy the show?)
2. Eureka (Funniest "thinking man's" show EVER -- Carter is the best)
3. The Closer (She's such a mess personally, and so sharp on the job -- I'm endlessly amused by her)
4. NCIS (IMHO one of the best casts ever)

Four places where I have gone on vacation.
1. Lincoln, NH (when I lived in CO)
2. Walt Disney World (my anniversary)
3. Honolulu, HI
4. Monterey, CA (when I lived in CO)

Four favorite foods.
1. Thin crust, vegetarian pizza... yum.
2. Tacos (or almost any other Mexican food)
3. Vegetarian Lasagna
4. Almost anything chocolate

Four websites I visit daily
1. The Long and the Short of It
2. Facebook
3. Twitter
4. A zillion author blogs... :-)

Four places I would rather be.
1. Nearly anyplace west of here.
2. Visiting my mom
3. Hawaii
4. Arizona

Four things that I would like to do before I die.
1. Have a NYT Bestseller.
2. Travel.
3. See my mom again.
4. See my daughter grown, settled and happy.

Four novels I wish that I was reading for the first time.
1. The Last Herald Mage from the Valedemar series by Mercedes Lackey
2. The Dragonrider of Pern series by Anne McCaffrey
3. Most of Nora Robert's trilogies
4. Getting Rid of Bradley by Jennifer Crusie

Wanna play? consider yourself tagged!!

Edited to add:

Judy played. She's "tag" number one! Anyone else?

=======================

So, I'm trying to figure out TwitterFeed, but can't figure out how to find the RSS feed associated with my blog. Can anyone help? I feel like an idiot...

========================

We have a mole in our vegetable garden. Even though he's not eating the plants, he's still managed to do a bit of damage. *sigh* Just saying

========================

Do you think it might clear up today? Could it? Would it?

=========================

Wrote yesterday. Plotted out an entire short story from beginning to end and started writing. Decided I didn't get to start anything new from now on unless I knew the entire story. I have WAY too many "ideas" that I've begun that just sit and do nothing on my computer. I've never been a plotter. We'll see if it works for me. If it does, I'm going to try to start it on my longer works.

==========================

100 Things

Old as she was, she still missed her daddy sometimes. ~Gloria Naylor

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

I'm shouting so my dad can hear me where he is...

And now, moving on:

My life has a superb cast but I can't figure out the plot. ~Ashleigh Brilliant

I tried to resist the temptation when I saw this on Anno's blog several days ago. But it kept poking me and poking me... so I've given in.

The instructions: Just copy the list of 100 accomplishments, highlight the ones you've achieved in bold, and elaborate as desired. Be forewarned, this is a long meme: a marathon to read; just about as long to write.

A couple of the numbers were missing, so I stole the ones that Groovy made up *G*.

001. Started my own blog. This seems like a really silly question since this is A BLOG MEME. So, yeah... started my own blog many, many moons ago. This one.

002. Slept under the stars. When we lived up in the sticks, I used to sleep over at a friends house and we frequently slept out on her deck to watch the sunrise in the morning -- in fourth grade. Whoda thunk I'd have been interested in watching the sun rise at ten y.o? With any luck, however, I won't ever do it again. I do NOT enjoy camping in any form.

003. Played in a band. If playing flute in school counts! *G*

004. Visited Hawaii. Two times. In California, going to Hawaii is like people in the east going to Florida... it's quick, easy and cheap.

005. Watched a meteor shower.

006. Given more than I can afford to charity.

007. Been to DisneyWorld/Land. Again, living in California means trips to Disneyland... went several times. And I went to Disney World on my honeymoon.

008. Climbed a mountain.

009. Held a praying mantis. A seriously cool bug. I wish we had more of them here.

010. Sung a solo. If you count trying out for parts in my high school musical.

011. Bungee jumped.

012. Visited Paris.

013. Watched lightning at sea.

014. Taught myself an art from scratch. Does building a website count?

015. Adopted a child. If you count my furry, four-footed ones, and I DO.

016. Had food poisoning.

017. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.

018. Grown my own vegetables. Every year!

019. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.

020. Slept on an overnight train.

021. Had a pillow fight. Many, many times.

022. Hitchhiked.

023. Taken a sick day when you're not ill. I did once -- lied about a dentist appointment so I could interview for another job. Bad me.

024. Built a snow fort.

025. Held a lamb.

026. Gone skinny dipping.

027. Run a marathon.

028. Ridden in a gondola in Venice.

029. Seen a total eclipse.

030. Watched a sunrise or a sunset. Many, many, many times.

031. Hit a home run.

032. Been on a cruise.

033. Seen Niagara Falls in person.

034. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors. I wish -- that would be Portugal and Scotland and I hear both places are just gorgeous. Alas, DH doesn't do international travel (he "did" the navy for several years so has no desire to go anywhere but the US again)... so will have to outlive him and then be one of those old grannies on a tour.

035. Seen an Amish community.

036. Taught myself a new language. If computer languages count.

037. Had enough money to be satisfied. I have everything I need, if not everything I want, and pretty much always have.

038. Had a tatoo removed.

039. Spit off a bridge.

040. Seen Michelangelo's David.

041. Sung karaoke.

042. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.

043. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.

044. Visited Africa.

045. Walked on a beach by moonlight.

046. Been transported in an ambulance.

047. Had my portrait painted.

048. Gone deep sea fishing. Spent most of it below decks, nauseous. BUT... did come up long enough to try and then had to hold my dad's pole while he tried to untangle mine and proceeded to hook what was the record-breaking catch of the day which nearly pulled me overboard.

049. Been to the Sistine Chapel in person.

050. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

051. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling. I snorkled in Hanauma Bay in Hawaii... truly spectacular!

052. Kissed in the rain.

053. Played in the mud. Went "mudding" with my DH (when he was only a DF -- Dear Fiance) and he got his truck stuck... so, maybe it wasn't so much playing when I had to walk out and hitch a ride home.

054. Gone to a drive-in theater. We went a lot when I was little (I remember seeing "Mary Poppins") and then, as a twenty-something, it was where all the kids in my singles group would go on Friday nights. My old roommate actually fell asleep during "Jurassic Park", lol. I loved the drive-in.

055. Been in a movie.

056. Visited the Great Wall of China.

057. Started a business. Many, many actually, but most recently I write for publication AND co-own Tenth Muse Author Solutions, LLC which owns three different internet sites.

058. Taken a martial arts class.

059. Visited Russia.

060. Served at a soup kitchen.

061. Sold Girl Scout cookies.

062. Gone whale watching.

063. Got flowers for no reason.

064. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma. I'm O+, so the blood bank loves me.

065. Gone sky diving.

066. Visited a Nazi concentration camp site.

067. Bounced a check.

068. Flown in a helicopter.

069. Saved a favorite childhood toy up until adulthood. I have two stuffed animals: Fleagle the Beagle (a gift from my best friend when we were still both in high school), and Knickerbocker (a bear I got from my brother when I had surgery in seventh grade). They sleep with my DD now.

070. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.

071. Eaten caviar. Blech. Ate escargot, too. Blech, again.

072. Pieced a quilt.

073. Stood in Times Square.

074. Toured the Everglades.

075. Been fired from a job. I've tried to get Judy to fire me from LASR/WC, but she's not biting.

076. Seen the Changing of the Guard in London.

077. Broken a bone. Fell off my pony in fifth grade and broke my wrist.

078. Been on a speeding motorcycle. Don't know if it was speeding, but I've only ridden on one once, and hope to never do so again... it TERRIFIED me.

079. Seen the Grand Canyon in person. DH drove through it with me. Would he stop so I could get out to look? Um. No. DH has this thing about driving trips -- it's all about getting from Point A to Point B as quickly as possible.

080. Published a book. Yep!! YAY!

081. Visited the Vatican.

082. Bought a brand new car. I bought a 1986 Mazda B2000 pickup that had 7 miles on it. Drove it for eight months until a stupid teenaged girl who was gawking at a cute guy nearby failed to realize that everyone ahead of her had stopped. She hit me and created a domino effect of a five car accident -- and totalled my truck. I bought a 1977 Toyota Celica to replace it, and have never owned a new car since. And, yes, I'm still annoyed.

083. Walked in Jerusalem.

084. Had my picture in the newspaper. If you count modeling for an advertising spread for a local mall when I was eighteen.

085. Read the entire Bible. I have to admit to mostly sticking to the New Testament now...

086. Visited the White House. Sort of. We walked past it, does that count? It was closed to tours the day we were in DC.

087. Killed and prepared an animal for eating. DH does the killing, but I have helped butcher the deer and fish he's brought home.

088. Had chickenpox. I don't know if I did or not... MOM? Do you remember?

089. Saved someone's life. Maybe? I did get a friend out of an abusive relationship once...

090. Overcome a physical disability.

091. Met someone famous. My drama teacher was also a professional actor, and was in a film called "Impulse" my senior year in high school. He invited the star, Tim Matheson, to come visit our class. It was very cool. I also went to a pool party for the Monkees when they reunited for their "Pool It" album. I met them briefly (sans Michael Nesmith who didn't reunite with them) and they were nice enough, but the highlight was meeting their opening act: Weird Al Yankovich!! He is the coolest guy EVER. Seriously. There may be more, but I can't think of them right now...

092. Joined a book club. Only the kind where you buy books -- I used to belong to the Science Fiction/Fantasy one... you can tell because all my "keeper" books in the genre are small hardbacks, lol...

093. Lost a loved one. My father, seventeen years ago ... and I still miss him almost every day.

094. Had a baby. Yep!

095. Seen the Alamo in person.

096. Swam in the Great Salt Lake.

097. Been involved in a law suit. See above, where I mention the stupid girl who rear-ended me and totalled my car. The person in front of ME filed a lawsuit against me (since I was the one who hit her) and forced me to sue the girl who hit me. THEN... ::shakes head in disbelief:: ... the stupid girl claimed that I hit the car in front of me, bounced back and hit her. *sigh* Yep, still annoyed.

098. Owned a cell phone.

099. Been stung by a bee. Many times, unfortunately, and usually because I didn't see them. Had one on a purse, set my hand on it. Once, a bumblebee was trapped in my laundry and stung me when I was folding it. Stepped on one once. Disturbed a wasps nest in a birdhouse once. However, the yellow jacket attack? Totally unprovoked. I have since declared open season on all yellow jackets, despite my usual "live and let live" feeling about bugs.

100. Ridden an elephant.

What about you?

===================================

Rambling

It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop. -- Confucius

Saw this at Judy's and couldn't resist:

Here are the rules:

1. Go to “Wikipedia.” Hit “random article” and the first article you get is the name of your band.

I got an article on a band... irony? I suppose it would be cheating if I just took their album cover and ran with it, huh?

2. Then go to “Random Quotations” and the last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.

Oooh... as the queen of quotes, I'm excited about this site. Forget them meme, I'm adding it to my favorites.

3. Then, go to Flickr and click on “Explore the Last Seven Days” and the third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

But, but... I like the first one better. :::pouts:::

4. Use Photoshop or some other image editor to add text & spiffify.

Is "spiffify" a word? And, I have Photoshop, but I really don't know how to use it. Bother.

5. Post a link to your band's album cover here!



Best I could do. Though, I have to admit, I rather like both the band name AND the title...

=====================

Thanks for your comments about Geoff (Amy, yours cracked me up). And Dru, you weren't really supposed to like him in Liv. Sympathize with him a little, maybe. But he wasn't the hero. Now he is, and I sure hope you'll like him now!

Speaking of which... I'm off to write.

=====================

I have a mammogram appointment today. I know... fun, fun, fun. Still, the reason I bring it up is to say: Are YOU getting your mammograms done? Hmmmm? To all the JaNoWriMo folks: Aren't you glad I wear the nag hat here sometimes, too?

=====================

Thursday Thunks and Miscellanea

Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted. ~John Lennon

I had planned on doing Booking it Through Thursday, but they are having an "on blog" discussion this week, so that doesn't really give me much fodder for HERE, lol. It's about eBooks and the digital era of publishing, so feel free to hop over and either read folks opinions or give one of your own.

In the meantime....



1. Have you ever felt alone, but yet there are people around you?

All the time, and especially when there are people around me. Sounds odd, I suppose, but I am not the kind of person who makes friends easily -- not REAL friends. I can talk to anyone, but I'm quite reserved and a bit shy (yes, really) -- two personality traits that got me called "stuck up" more than once in school.

2. Do you have any video game consoles? Which ones?

Nope. Nada. None. Wouldn't mind a Wii for the Wii Fit, but otherwise we really don't miss them.

3. Do you freak out at food warnings/outbreaks, such as the recent peanut butter salmonella scare?

"Freak out"? Nah. Why? I'll usually research it a bit, but I won't go crazy. If anything I have falls into the suspicious category, I'll consider giving it the heave-ho, but if not... there are plenty of things to freak out about. That isn't one of them. At least not for me.

4. What color/pattern is your beds' comforter/bedspread?

It's called "Naturewood" and it's pale green and cream. It now has a crocheted afghan over the top (and quite frequently, a dog as well):



5. How many windows do you have in your house?

Dear heavens... a LOT. Okay, let me count...

Nineteen.

I love sunlight. If I could, realistically, I would live in a glass house.

6. Name six things that are in your bathroom.

Hmmm... I have a pretty sparse bathroom, so it's the usual culprits: towel, shampoo, razor, toothbrush, vitamins, bath salts... OH... and a cross stitch picture that my mom did. See:



7. How big is your garage? Should it be bigger?

We have a large, three-car garage. We built it that big so the room over (which used to be my mom's apartment) would be large enough. Now... it's stuffed full of stuff, and we really could use more room. And, no, not boxes or junk (heaven forbid!) -- my DH's toys, mostly, or things we need for the property: the boat, the lawn tractor, the snowblower, the snowmobile and so on. We also park two of the vehicles inside. The poor commuter car gets stuck out in the driveway.

8. Got your taxes done yet?

Not yet. We have one place that doesn't have to report until the end of February, which really ticks me off, cuz I'M READY. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...

9. Think of a mental disorder..... why did you think of that particular one?

OCD -- because I'm pretty sure my DH has it. LOL... just kidding, but he is an over-the-top neat freak.

================================

I redid my website. I like the new colors. I like the new set-up. I love the covers Judy made for my free reads. I think the bookshelf page is far neater. I'm tickled that all the stuff for each book is on one page. Oh, and I added a deleted scene for "One Love For Liv", if you're interested.

Go check it out and see what you think!

=================================

YAY.... just got this from Reuters:

"Dawn Treader" lands at Fox 2000

Tentatively scheduled for a holiday 2010 release... .that's a long way away, but I guess it's better than "NEVER".

================================

We got a lot of snow yesterday. And sleet. And now, there is a thick crust of ice on top of the snow... poor Dd is having a horrible time going potty. She's just heavy enough to break through now and then. So, she'll be walking along on the crust...lalalalalala... and then WHAM!, she'll fall through.

Speaking of Dd, she goes in for her blood test today to ascertain whether she is missing a particular digestive enzyme and if that is what's causing all her tummy troubles.

Have a great day!

=================================

Meme-y New Year

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey

From Allie's blog -- a little last year's recap:

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before? Lived farther than 200 miles away from my mom. Published a novel. Met an online friend.

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Some of them, I kept.. but not many. For the first time in a long time, I'm not making resolutions -- mostly because I haven't had the time.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? No, but my SIL miscarried.

4. Did anyone close to you die? No, unless you count my cat's sister, who died from kidney disease this fall (pets count, right?).

5. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? More time!!! And more face-to-face time with my mom.

6. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? February 12th -- the day my first novel was released.

7. What was your biggest achievement of the year? It's a toss up between having "One Love for Liv" published and the amazing success of the LASR website. Who could have guessed it would take off the way it did?

8. What was your biggest failure? Not writing enough. Not spending enough quality time with my daughter. Not being able to leash train my new dog. -- That's three. Oh well... apparently my biggest failure is my inability to count!

9. What was the best thing you bought? Would you believe I can't think of a thing? Um... um... OH. I like my new coffee maker... yeah. That.

10. Whose behaviour merited celebration? My DD for her tender heart -- she saves everything from spiders to toads, if they need it. She's a good girl.

11. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed? There are far too many to count. There are times I think this world is beyond saving. Then I remember there are more folks with good hearts... guess it's a balance.

12. Where did most of your money go? Down the tubes when the stock market crashed. We also had lots of big, unexpected expenses this year -- from the door rotting and needed to be replaced, to getting gutters (to keep the door from rotting again) to new tires for ALL the vehicles, to a new snowblower... it's been endless. Thankfully, we managed to get by and still eat (though I could probably do with a bit less of that!).

13. What did you get really, really excited about? Not much... I seldom have the energy to get excited, lol. It was good to see some of my online friends in person, like Allie and Michele. It was great to hold my first book in my hands. I both loved and hated how busy the website has become.

14. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Probably sadder. I miss my mom and I miss my dog, Bailey. I wish I had good friends who lived closer. And I desperately want to move and can't see a light at the end of that tunnel. Still -- I know how to count my blessings.
ii. thinner or fatter? About 10 pounds heavier. Ugh.
iii. richer or poorer? Probably about the same, if I don't look at our mutual funds (and I don't... w-a-a-a-a-a-a-y too depressing).

15. What do you wish you'd done more of? Played with my daughter.

16. What do you wish you'd done less of? Struggled with her to have her do her chores and schoolwork -- it was a tough year.

17. Did you fall in love in 2008? No.

18. Did your heart break in 2008? Yes, but not due to unrequited love.

19. What was your favourite TV program? I love, Love, LOVE "Eureka". What a great show!!

20. What kept you sane? My daughter. Judy (I would have gone off the deep end without her... she's a good voice of reason and has the patience of Job to put up with my neuroses!).

21. What political issue stirred you the most? The US Presidential campaign and election.

22. Who was the best new person you met? Um... I don't know that I met anyone new this year! At least not IRL (I've met TONS of new "virtual" friends). How sad.

23. Favorite book you read? I've read too many books this year. Um... I was introduced to Lynsay Sands this year, and she is a fabulous author. I read a couple really good Harlequins. Nora's new books were really good. Sadly, no new releases from Jennifer Crusie.

24. Favorite movie? I don't watch movies. I can't remember the last time I was in a theater -- wait... yes I can. November 27, 2007 ... the day I put Bailey to sleep. We didn't want to go home, so we went to see "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium".

25. What are your plans for 2009? To get through one day at a time.

=======================

It was -15 degrees (with the wind chill) yesterday. So cold it literally took my breath away. The roads never thawed and were snow-packed. We stayed home. That's two days in a row for me, and I'm very stir-crazy. I'm also out of bird seed, and nearly out of dog food, so I have to go out tomorrow. I have a lot of birds. Check out the video I took today:


========================

I did a little on my JaNoWriMo stories. Yep. Two of them. So did most of the other folks. Feel free to stop by and say howdy. We'd love to see you!

========================

You Remember 80% of 2008

You were paying attention during 2008. And you remember what happened really well. You'll be able to talk about 2008 for years to come... Even when most people have forgotten what went down.

How Much Do You Remember 2008?

So sue me... I didn't watch the Batman movie...

Meme-ing in the New Year

Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to. ~Bill Vaughn


HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!

And, because JaNoWriMo starts today (woot!), I'm doing meme's (and, yes, I am building them early to give myself time to write - BTW, I won't be updating much about JaNoWriMo here, because I'll be posting to that blog, as will the other baker's dozen of folks who have joined me).

I found this meme a Jen's blog:

1. What is your occupation right now? I'm a wife, mother, teacher, accountant, writer, maid, cook, webmistress, gardener, landscape artist, designer, dog trainer ... you get the idea.

2. What color are your socks right now? ::looks down:: White.

3. What are you listening to right now? An airplane outside... I prefer quiet around me for the most part.

4. What was the last thing that you ate drank? Roasted garlic triscuits with cream cheese. Yum.

5. Can you drive a stick shift? Absolutely -- in fact, I prefer it, especially in the snow.

6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My mom.


7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? No one actually sent it, but I DO like the person from whom I stole it!

8. How old are you today? 41 and 23/24ths -- yep, I'm turning 42 in two weeks.

9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Hockey.

10. What is your favorite drink? Alcholic drink? Top shelf margarita on the rocks. Oh. Yum. But I haven't had a drink in I don't know how long, lol (says the former bartender). Mostly, I drink water. And coffee.

11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yep. I've been just about every color under the rainbow (of the natural color choices -- I managed to stay away from things like blue and fuschia). As a side note, blondes really do have more fun... or at least they get more attention. I've been brunette and I've been blonde, all around the same time, and there was a decided difference in the way I was treated by men. I color my hair now to hide the gray... not so much that I care that it's gray, I just don't like being multi-colored. When I have more gray than brown, I'll probably dye it gray!!

12. Favorite food? Do I have to choose? Seriously, I just really love food. Most all foods ... with few exceptions.

13. What is the last movie you watched? Um... Um... Um... :::think, think, think::: OH!!! "Prince Caspian" with DD on DVD. I almost never watch movies, so I was stumped for a bit.

14. Favorite day of the year? Most every Monday, especially the ones that fall in warm weather and excepting the ones that are holidays.

15. How do you vent anger? Mostly I yell. I'm half Portguese... we're passionate folks. But... when I'm REALLY REALLY angry? I have a pretty bad temper, and it's really just best if I walk away. So I do.

16. What was your favorite toy as a child? My Breyer model horses (most of which I still have).

17. What is your favorite season? Summer... summer... summer... Did I mention that I love summer??

18. Cherries or Blueberries? I love them both, but for just plain old eating, I'll choose cherries every time.

((DELETED THESE CUZ THEY PERTAIN TO EMAILING THIS MEME))

22. Living arrangements? A fairly modest colonial on 4 1/2 acres. We'd prefer a smaller house and more land... that'll happen someday.

23. When was the last time you cried? I'm wicked emotional and manage to leak nearly every day... so probably yesterday.

24. What is on the floor of your closet? My dirty clothes hamper. Three boxes of CDs we almost never listen to. And a stacking shoe rack thingie for our shoes. And, Jen... we don't have clothes on our closet floor... scared?

((DELETED BECAUSE IT PERTAINS TO EMAILING THIS MEME))

26. What did you do last night? Worked on the LASR website. Went to bed. Woke up at midnight. Took the dog out. Crawled into bed. Woke up at 2 a.m. and took the dog out. Slept. Up at 3:30 a.m., took the dog out. Laid down on the couch. Up at 4:10 a.m., took the dog out... Sorry, TMI? Poor Dd had the yaks. Blech.

27. What are you most afraid of? The my DD will die before me and that I'll never see my mom again.

28. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburger? None. I don't eat hamburgers.

29. Favorite dog breed? I prefer a Bailey:

But barring that, I suppose I'd choose a Dakota:

We are the "mutt" family... what can I say?

30. Favorite day of the week? Mondays! Because I am back on a routine.

31. How many states have you lived in? Three: California, Colorado and New Hampshire. I'm pulling to add Washington to that real soon.

32. Diamonds or pearls? Neither -- I'm not much on jewelry or stones (I usually just wear silver when I wear it). I told DH I wish I didn't have a diamond in my wedding set, because I don't really care for them. He offered to get me a mother's ring. Only problem? My DD was born in April. Now tell me God doesn't have a sense of humor.

===========================

Thinking, Thunking....

Because the "Booking It" meme was boring... I decided to do something else:



1. Do you like waffles?

Yep. :-)

2. Name 3 things that is within your reach right now, excluding anything to do with your computer/laptop.

My coffee cup (without which I would ramble worse than I do in the mornings), my Dynamic Learning: Dreamweaver CS3 book, and the dog's leash.

3. Do you hang laundry out on a line outside?

For the 45 days a year I can, yes. The rest of the year, I hang it inside. Yes, I really do.

4. Loss of vision, ability to speak or hearing - which do you choose? (you have to choose one....)

Ability to speak. IMHO, that's easy-peasy... I can write, or sign or whatever. Loss of vision terrifies me, and loss of hearing would be terribly inconvenient. "Speaking" doesn't require an audible voice. For instance, I "talk" to my LASR biz partner, Judy, every day via IM.

5. On a scale from 1 - 10, how are your computer skills?

I'd say... a 7. They're pretty dang good. I'm not an uber-master, but I get by quite comfortably.

6. Do you volunteer or donate to anything around the holidays?

We give most of our gifts via Samaritan's Purse every year. I never pass a Salvation Army bell ringer without giving and a volunteer our home for the family gathering. Do those count?

7. If a person receives a DUI while in government office, should he lose his/her position?

Yes. I have very little tolerance for servants of the people getting away with crimes and staying in office. They are representing ME (and you)... and I don't drive drunk.

8. Do you take vitamins?

Yep.

9. Do you wear fingernail polish?

Yep... but I wear it on my toes! LOL... it chips off my fingernails in a matter of minutes. I stopped wearing it on my fingers when I bartended (my hands were forever underwater), and never started again.

10. If every flower in the world only grew into one color, which color would you want?

Blue. Of course, one of the reasons I love blue flowers is because they are so unusual... if they were all blue, that color would probably lose its charm.

================================

(warning weather rant ahead)

Ugh. In one of the five (YES FIVE) times I was up with Dakota last night, I got tugged outside in my bare feet (always an adventure when it's December in New Hampshire) and stepped on ... ice pellets. ICK.

I am of the firm belief that sleet and freezing rain should be outlawed. Rain? Fine. Snow? If it must. But that ice? Just plain nasty. Hopefully it will warm up enough today that it turns to rain.

I don't drive in the bad weather unless it's an emergency, and I have errands to run. Worse, tonight is Dakota's first agility class. If it's icing at six o'clock tonight, we aren't going. I have enough trouble driving at night as it is. So, fingers crossed.

Tomorrow it's supposed to snow like crazy, but tomorrow, I don't have errands so I don't care.

/weather rant

===========================

I went to my library last week and gabbed with the librarians about my book. I showed them a copy. I bubbled and smiled. And I asked them to order a copy for their shelves.

They smiled and (basically) patted me on the head and told me to move along.

Um. No. I'm one of your very best patrons. I've know you guys for nine years and have probably checked out 9,000 books in that time. You earn your budget based on circulation... you can buy one lousy book (well, not "lousy", but you know what I mean).

I figure I just got them on an off day. I'll try again the next time I'm in, only this time I'll talk to the director.

Still, it was a less than stellar response, and a bit demoralizing.

===========================

Have you entered the contest to win your very own autographed copy of "One Love For Liv" yet? Hmmmm???? It ends on the 15th, so ya better hurry!

============================