Sleepover Drama

Sleepovers are not for wimps.

I'm exhausted. DD and her BFF had a wonderful afternoon/evening together, but then night came and it was all drama. AND, very loud trips to the bathroom at least fifty times (I swear, I'm not exaggerating -- neither kid knows how to be quiet; doors slammed, footsteps thumped).

All the below happened between 11:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.

DD: "I can't sleep without music on."

BFF: "I can't sleep with music on." (this after I found the BFF trying to sleep in the little hall area)

DD: "BFF won't stop coughing." (which was true and odd, considering she hadn't coughed all day)

DD: (comes into my room at midnight) "I need a hug."

Me: "You do remember I was getting up at 4 a.m. to get some work done before all the stuff I'm doing tomorrow, right?"

DD: "Yes." (sniff, sniff)

And so, it has been decreed: NO MORE SLEEPOVERS. Playdates, yes. Sleepovers, no. At least not for a very, very, VERY long time.

And now, since I overslept almost an hour ... I'm outta here.

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

Weekend in Review...

Looong weekend here at the casa.

DD had a slumber party / birthday party Friday night into Saturday. It was for her BFF but things didn't go so well. Ah, the drama of childhood friendships...

You see, BFF had invited lots of people and there were 5 or 6 for the slumber party, one of whom was BFF's cousin. Well, BFF and cousin have known each other a long time (yanno, like their whole lives) and so ended up spending a lot of time talking and leaving DD alone with people she barely knew.

THEN the next day, when everyone showed up for the party, only one boy showed (several had RSVP'd) and he felt awkward, so BFF spent a lot of time trying to make him feel better. And the weather was deemed "too cold" to play outside, so many of the planned activities were canceled. Boredom ensued. As did much fussing and crying by BFF.

Drama, drama, drama.

Saturday night, DD sat with me for a bit talking and then said: when you spend a lot of time with someone, do they stop liking you?

And I responded: There's a saying "familiarity breeds contempt" which basically means that when you've been around someone for a long time, eventually you take them for granted. You figure they've been around for this long, they'll always be around, and lots of time you stop making the effort to keep the relationship strong.

It's true. And it's sad. Because you never know when that person won't be around anymore...

She'll recover and go on to have more heartache ... but it's hard to watch your kidlets get hurt.

Saturday afternoon, DH decided he HAD to take down pretty much the biggest tree at SIL's house. He did this on his own, because the time he decided to go was the time I had to stay to wait for DD to get home. No, I wasn't happy about it, but he's bigger than me, so I couldn't make him stay.

Sunday morning, DD and I got to spend helping DH haul all that wood out of the yard. Not only was the tree HUGE but it was way the heck back -- 200 yards maybe. So we'd pick up a piece, walk 200 yards, drop it, walk back and get another piece. Repeat 800 million times.

Then we got to load the truck, drive to our house, unload the truck and stack the wood.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

We started around 8:30 a.m. and finished around 1 p.m. at which time I decided that I needed to rake the leaves out of my flower gardens out front. The little garden that bisects my yard and my neighbor's is about two feet wide by 60 feet long. I didn't think there would be THAT many leaves. Boy was I wrong.

I raked his side first and got a pile about four feet around and two feet high. Had to rake that to the end of the sixty feet and into the woods. Then I did my side, which was wider and had about three times as many leaves. Un-freaking-believable.

Worse, we HAVE a leaf blower but it needs a new carbeurator. Had needed one for two years. DH won't buy a new blower because the part is only about $20 -- but I don't care how much it costs. It doesn't do me ANY good broken. If he doesn't fix it by spring, I'm going out and getting a new one myself. Because raking THAT many leaves that far is absurd.

I have blisters on my hands, and blisters on my feet. I couldn't sleep last night because everything on my body hurt and there was no such thing as a comfortable position.

And now that I've moaned and groaned, I feel like I wimp.

Today, I'm cooking a turkey for Dakota's food (yanno, I only make her food once every three weeks, and this is the second year in a row it's fallen the week of Thanksgiving. I need to work on that) and preparing to have DD and DH home again most of the week.

November is officially my least favorite month.

How was your weekend?

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

You Are a Siamese Cat

You are a very communicative creature. You're eager to express yourself - and do so often. You are very dependent and love attention. You will complain if you are not getting enough affection. Even though you are very loving, you can seem aloof, unpredictable, and stubborn in relationships. A relationship with you takes a lot of patience.

What Breed of Cat Are You?

50/50 ...

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

The Fates Are Conspiring ...

Welcome to my pity party.

It's November 4th and my NaNoWriMo total is a big, fat goose egg.

There are a million reasons why. The "day job" is killing me. DH is home. Yadda yadda.

Really, aside from that I don't have a lot else to say. I'm surviving on coffee and very little sleep and still don't have enough hours in the day to do the things I'm being paid to do. I haven't done anything around my house but the dishes in a week. The cat is vomiting again -- we're going to the vet on Monday. Maybe my house is toxic. I have the agility fun match on Sunday ... I considered skipping, but my daughter and the instructor nearly cried.

Today, I'm taking a notepad with me when I pick up the kidlet. I have about ten minutes while I wait in line that I can at least jot something down. I'm not the kind of writer who can write in ten minute bursts, though. I need to reread what I have done, get absorbed in the story again, before I really get words down.

And that's my life.

Wishing you all a great weekend with electricity and beautiful weather (wishing it for me and mine as well *G*).

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

You Are a Blue Flower

You know a lot, and you're always learning more. You believe in being self-sufficient. You are a rule breaker but not a rule maker. You generally despise all rules. You are very fantasy prone. If you don't like how the world is, you imagine how it could be. You are an open, flexible person who is able to see the world through many perspectives.

What Primary Color Flower Are You?

Blogthings: 100's of Fun, Free Quizzes and 3 Stupid Ones

75% right.

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

Thing I've Learned About Girls From Sleepovers

DD had a friend sleepover last night (they had a field trip yesterday and have a harvest festival today). I like her friend (how can I not like her... she LOVES Dakota). But I'm exhausted this morning and a bit wiser on how girls works when they run in packs (even small packs of two):

1. Girls are just as rowdy as boys.

We had plenty of activity last night. Running, playing, tug-o-war, wrestling. The dog was in heaven. I was not.

2. There's lots of giggling.

As in nearly non-stop giggling. At one point, her friend was rolling on the floor laughing at something I saw no humor in.

3. There's lots of whispering.

If they aren't giggling, they're talking.

4. There's no "off" switch.

They never, ever want to go to bed.

On a side note, why is it when we're babies / toddlers / kids we never want to nap and "bedtime" is a curse words, but when we're older we'd give anything for a little afternoon siesta?

Already sleep-deprived, I'm barely able to keep my eyes open this morning. I have a feeling today is going to be a very, very long day, especially since I suspect there is more tree dragging in my future.

Have a great weekend all!

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

You Are a Deer

You are trusting of yourself and others. You give people the benefit of the doubt. You are grateful for this life you've been given. You feel blessed for what you have. You see the world through the eyes of a child. You are rarely cynical or jaded. You are unselfconscious and totally natural in your behavior. You are free-spirited.

What Forest Animal Are You?

HAHAHAHAHA... no. That's about 95% wrong.

*snort*

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

Ads We'll Never See Again!

Because I'm trying to get used to getting up before the crack of dawn again, and because last night both DD and DH wouldn't let me get to sleep (why doesn't a closed door and no light on mean "I'm in bed, leave me alone"?... They apparently think it means, "Please, come in, sit on the bed and let's have a conversation.") so I didn't even close my eyes until after eleven, meaning my alarm at 4 a.m. came WAY too early and now I can barely keep my eyes open, let alone think coherently, I give you "ADS WE'LL NEVER SEE AGAIN:









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

You Are Driven

Of all the types, you are the most energetic and vibrant. You just go for it. You know how to get results. You have momentum and ambition in your side. Gutsy and brave, you've never let your fears stop you from doing anything. You are in control. You are very involved in the world. You say yes to every opportunity and invitation.

What's Your Power?

Hmmm... yeah, pretty much.

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

Thursday Things

None, but people of strong passion are capable of rising to greatness. - Comte de Mirabeau

Sorry for the break yesterday, but I couldn't face doing much of anything. I've been a bit stressed for many reasons, some of which I won't talk about here. It's caused me to not sleep well, again, and after not sleeping well for a while, I get odd symptoms: dizzy, shakes, nausea, headache. Yesterday was one of those days.

I was in bed at 8:00 last night, but still only slept in fits. Up at 4:00 because DD has her shadow day today (NO SNOW, thankfully ... they were saying it was going to snow and I had visions of another reschedule) and I have stuff that needs doing before we leave.

We sort of had agility last night, though I left Dakota at home again. She's feeling better -- she never got all that sick -- but the vet won't vaccinate her until she's two weeks past her last symptoms (which would be Monday next). So, she'll miss beginning class tonight as well. Last night, DD ran another dog that was being boarded there instead. It's been convenient that the past two weeks that our dog has been out, there have been other dogs for her to run.

I suspect DD will eventually get into a profession that deals with animals. She probably knows more about training dogs than most adults at this point, since our agility instructor is also a trainer and has really taken DD under her wing. If we still live here in another couple years when DD is looking for a job, I'd be willing to bet she goes to work there. She talks about being a dog trainer or a vet tech for a living. She doesn't want to be a vet -- "I don't want to do surgery" -- but that may change. Who knows?

In other news, my tomato plant that had blossoms now has one itty bitty tomato on it. For pollinating, I just brushed the flowers over one another and I guess it worked, at least in one case. I imagine that there are female and male blossoms on a tomato plant, just like there are on squash plants, so I assume not all flowers will make fruit anyway. The plants are crazy with little flower buds, though, so I may have a bumper crop nice and early this year!

DH mentioned building me a greenhouse, too ... we'll see if that pans out. Would be nice to extend the growing season out here a bit.

I'm itching to put in my garden. Sadly, it's still buried in snow...

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

Your Soulmate is Reserved

Substance matters to you, and you're not really drawn to flashy or overly outgoing people. You're looking for a partner who will last a lifetime, and your soulmate is equally serious about love. You aren't a romantic, but you don't mind a partner who is. In fact, you sort of prefer it. You've got your feet firmly planted on the ground, and you would like someone to get you up in the clouds occasionally!

What is Your Soulmate Like?

Sounds good ... maybe I should mention that "you'd like a romantic partner" thing to my DH? He could use a nudge. *G*

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

There's Something to Say for Exhaustion

There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy, and the tired. - Anonymous

Slept MUCH better last night.

It was a combination of things, really. I was incredibly tired from the night before, I'd gotten outside yesterday and walked the dog (it was GORGEOUS here -- in the mid-50s and sunny. I actually broke a sweat), and we started a new beginning agility class.

Normally a new beginner class isn't all that big a deal, but this one happens to be chock full of pit bulls. And before you think that means they're all horrible dogs, the reverse is actually true. They're wonderfully friendly, sweet dogs -- but when dogs start agility, they typically don't like to do the obstacles. It's one thing to "strongly encourage" a Yorkshire Terrier to go through a tunnel, it's another thing entirely to "encourage" 65 lbs of pure muscle.

One of the pits would just sit down at the entrance. While his owner was at the other end calling, I was trying to get him to just put his head down and look so he could see her (usually once they see their owner they'll run through). I'd push, he'd resist (usually I was getting lots of dog kisses at the same time, since I was down on his level). I tried walking him away (he was good with that) and then turning and running toward the tunnel. He'd stop and sit down.

Our instructor is a tiny lady who's about 5'1 and weighs maybe 100 lbs soaking wet. Between the two of us we finally got him through. And, after many times repeating the same scenario, he finally realized that the tunnel wasn't going to eat him and started going on his own.

But I was exhausted by the end of the night.

Interestingly enough, the most timid dog in the group is the one doing the best. And her confidence as she did each obstacle was amazing. It helped that her owner was SO enthusiastic, to the point she even rolled around with her on the ground. But it was great to see the little dog with its head and tail low start grinning and wagging her tail and looking proud.

It was a good night.

Here's a funny shared with me last night as well:



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

You Are Nonfiction

You are mentally sharp and clear-minded. Facts matter to you, and you remember them well. You are curious about the world, and many subjects interest you. You have a real thirst for knowledge. You are willing to listen to any point of view, as long as it's backed up with facts and logic. You have nothing against fiction, but you definitely feel like the real world is interesting enough as is!

Are You Fiction or Non-fiction?

That's pretty much true, except that I love fiction (though I read plenty of non-fiction, too).

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

**YAWN**

Insomnia is a gross feeder. It will nourish itself on any kind of thinking, including thinking about not thinking. ~Clifton Fadiman

Late today ... I swear, my sleep schedule is nuts. The past two days, I woke up at 3:30 a.m. and last night Dakota had tummy troubles, so I was up at 1:30, up at 2:30, up at 3:30 ... and then finally crashed and woke up at 5 a.m. feeling like I'd been hit by a truck.

I'm pooped. But napping during the day messes me up even more. With any luck, I'll get some uninterrupted sleep tonight!

So ... I have a love / hate relationship with my new wood stove. It's beautiful, it burns longer and more efficiently and it really heats the house! On the other hand, it's hard to light, and (for me anyway) it's either burning too cool (which causes creosote to build up in the chimney) or cranking so hot I'm terrified I'll burn down the house.

Running a wood stove isn't as simple as just throwing a log on the fire... physics is involved, and that wasn't my strong suit in school. I'm slowly learning, but I just hope I don't wreck the stove or burn down the house before I figure it all out.

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

You Have Some Compassion

You truly want to be a compassionate person, but you often don't know where to start. When someone is upset or hurting, you want to do something. You feel at a loss when you can't help. Believe it or not, your empathy helps others quite a bit. Just being there is often enough. Try to listen more and act on your intuition. You have what it takes to be a very compassionate person - you just need to exercise it more.

How Compassionate Are You?

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

Zzzzzzzzzzzzz......

I'm far too tired to be coherent, so for today, I leave you with this:



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

Exhaustion = Great Ideas!

No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking. ~Voltaire

So ... yesterday I was a zombie. Okay, not literally (I know it wasn't literal because I had no craving for brains) but I had about 1/100 of my usual energy. I fell back on doing chores which are brainless (keeps me safe from any real zombies out there) and needed doing.

Washed my comforter (my dry clean only comforter that Patience pooped on yesterday) -- took three times, but I got out both the stain and the stink. I made dog food, swept and mopped the downstairs, did so many dishes, I'm pretty sure every dish in my house was touched, and a few other things I no longer remember (which isn't surprising since I was nearly unconscious during the entire day -- hope I don't end up poisoning the dog).

As a side note, Dakota was clearly as exhausted as I was because she barely moved all day. Didn't want to go out to play, didn't bring me toys, just stayed on the couch snoozing (except for the occasional food and potty break). She's actually still sleeping as I write this.

Last night around 8:00 when everything started getting a little blurry and I pretty much hit the wall, I got ready for bed. I tried reading for a bit, but my eyeballs were determined not to focus, so I turned off the light and closed them. My brain wasn't ready to shut down though, so began thinking about things until it grabbed hold of my fantasy and ran with it.

I'd managed to write about 100 words yesterday that made any sense, and of those, I'd done something I hadn't planned. There are these items that are important to the story ... and I'd sort of forgotten about them. Yesterday, I realized I had to do something with them, and did ... and THEN that small action actually gave me the way to defeat the Big Bad, something I was agonizing over. And my brain figured it out last night as I was dozing off.

Good brain.

Of course, I worried about forgetting it by morning, so kept replaying it over and over in my head. I even woke up once in the middle of the night, and thought about it. So, this morning I took some time and wrote it all down.

I'm excited. I wish I always had these kinds of brainstorms, but I'm really not willing to go through total exhaustion on a regular basis to see if it works.

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

You Are Sophisticated

You are a sentimental gift giver. You prefer to give gifts that have meaning, even if they aren't particularly useful. You are spontaneous and impulsive. You tend to do things quickly, and you're quite impatient. You are somewhat organized, but you always feel like you could be doing a bit better! You have high standards for yourself. You love to dress up and take care of yourself. You get a lot of confidence from looking sharp.

The Present Wrapping Oracle

This couldn't be more wrong...

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

No Posting ....

... until after the dog park.

"Sheer Exhaustion" doesn't come close to how I feel. But it's almost over.

TTFN

How I Am

I think my idea of retirement might be to one day work a 40-hour week. ~Vince McMahon

Dru asked me yesterday how I was. Truth? I'm tired.

Here's the thing. Despite gabbing daily on this blog, I'm a pretty private person. The things that affect me the most seldom get discussed -- here or anywhere else. I'm the kind of person who only has a couple REALLY close friends and it takes a long time for me to be comfortable enough to bare my soul to anyone.

I know you've all had significant hints that things have been bumpy for me lately. Trust is, it's been more than bumpy -- it's been overwhelming and exhausting and very nearly more than I could handle. I had a bit of a meltdown last week. I hit the wall HARD and didn't feel like picking myself up.

I did, of course. That's the Type A in me... but it didn't make me happy, or less stressed and tired.

That fact is, my life revolves around the LASR/WC website. It's the first thing I work on when I get up, and the last thing I do at night. It's a labor of love, but it's killing me. It's also killing my business partner (who has a full time job outside the home) and the other ladies who work with me. Honestly, we all rather hit the wall last week -- we don't usually coordinate so well!

The good news is that I'm trying to take steps to help eliminate what stressors I can. I miss having a life: playing board games with my daughter, scrapbooking, cross stitching, even gardening (which I did precious little of this year). I didn't even do the cooking from scratch that I'd intended. I miss visiting all the blogs I love on a daily basis. And WRITING! How I miss writing. If I had a dollar for every time someone has asked me when I'd write sequels to several of my stories, I'd be rich.

Those steps will take place slowly over time, and some things will probably make me MORE stressed before they make me less stressed (like learning software that will ultimately make my life easier), but I have hopes it will happen.

Fact is, it has to happen. I don't know that I'll discuss things much unless they impact the blog, but behind the scenes, there will be changes. And hopefully, you'll start seeing a happier more relaxed me.

And that, to answer Dru (*G*), is how I am.

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

You Are Ruled by Saturn

You are a driven and focused person. You always have at least one major goal in site. You are responsible and capable. It drives you crazy to sit still for any amount of time. You love to be productive, and you're definitely guilty of sometimes being a workaholic. You have experienced a lot in your life. You are very wise, and people look up to you.

What Planet Rules You?

HAHAHAHAHA... could there have been a more perfect quiz for today? And, yeah, it's 100% right on - well, maybe not the wise and being looked-up-to part, unless you count Dakota. *snort*

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

I Haz a Sleepie

How do people go to sleep? I'm afraid I've lost the knack. I might try busting myself smartly over the temple with the night-light. ~ Dorothy Parker



I'm so full of tired, I never quite feel rested. I made myself stay in bed today until 6:30 (even though I was pretty much awake at 5:00) trying to replenish my energy stores. It's frustrating.

In any case, it looks like today might be pretty darn nice. It's COLD but there isn't any wind (like yesterday...brrrr) and the sun is shining. DD really, REALLY wants to go back to the fair, but I just don't think my knee is up to it. Breaks my heart. I'd really like to take her. Wish there was someone else here who could (and would).

We have a HUGE pile o' wood to split as well, and I need to be able to help my DH with that as much as possible, both splitting (yes, I can use a maul) and stacking. THEN, we have more trees to take down for next year's wood at my SIL's house, which is MORE cutting and stacking. I have to be as physically sound as possible for that.

We got a very light frost last night, so I need to decide TODAY whether I'm going to take in all the little tomato plants around my house (I found a pile more over by my chimney ... it's cracking me up. Poor chipmunk is going to wonder what happened to all his winter stores). I'll need to buy a grow light if I do, and then remember to pollinate them, but it would be VERY nice to have homegrown tomatoes through the winter. In fact, maybe I'll grow a few other things like spinach and chard...

And, yes... I'm terribly behind on blog visits. I feel awful -- but I've been buried in LASR/WC/Goddess Fish work that all has a due date of yesterday. I've managed to come by to a few blogs, and will try to get to a few more today. My Google Reader numbers are downright scary, though. Oy.

Hope everyone has a fabulous Sunday!

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

You Are Fiery

You are an animated person, and you love to talk. You are naturally outgoing. You are drawn to drama and intensity. Life can be incredibly poignant for you. You are a thrilling person to know. You like to take a walk on the wild side, and you convince your friends to join you. You are quick to act and sometimes quick tempered. You can be quite stormy at times.

The Changing Leaves Test

That's about 75% right (HEY... I'm half Portuguese -- we're loud and animated).

The Day After...

All my life I've wanted, just once, to say something clever without losing my train of thought. ~Robert Brault

I noticed as I logged in to blogger this morning that I lost a follower... I always wonder why... did I offend them? Bore them? Wish they would tell me.

So, this weekend was absolutely crazy. I was chained to my computer during our 12-hour, two-day chats. We hosted more than fifty authors on the three sites, and all things considered, it went really well. Thousands of messages, tons of fun. Plus, I heard from several authors that their website visits jumped by a LOT (like a few hundred) during their hour.

We gave away the Nooks, we partied, and I am still in a state of exhaustion -- my hands ache, my head hurts. Wahoo! *G*

I did little else this weekend. Didn't check email, didn't read blogs, barely remembered to feed the dog. So this week I have to catch up. I'll try to get to y'all in the next few days but OY is my Google reader FULL.

In the meantime, my friend Ceri has a new release today. It's called "Best Man" and you should check it out.

And now... I'm off! Have an awesome day.

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

You Are Devoted

Whether your favorite object is a wedding ring, engagement ring, or other ring, you are serious about commitment. Once you've bonded with someone, that bond can't be broken. You love unconditionally. Of all the types, you are most likely to wear the exact same jewelry every day. You cherish your jewelry that much. You are old fashioned and loyal. You carry yourself with class and grace.

The Jewelry Test

Yep ... that's pretty much right.

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

Somnolent Musings

Sleep is perverse as human nature,
Sleep is perverse as legislature....
So people who go to bed to sleep
Must count French premiers or sheep,
And people who ought to arise from bed
Yawn and go back to sleep instead.
~Ogden Nash, Read This Vibrant Exposé.

I got nothing today, my brain is too tired. My DH's job is going to kill us both, I swear.

Last night, I went to bed. Woke up around midnight -- no DH. He was working. Finally nodded off again, but at 1:30 DH came to bed and woke me. Nodded off, but woke again around 2:30 a.m. with achy hips (ah the joys of aging), so got up and curled up on the couch. FINALLY nodded off. 3:12 a.m. his pager goes off. I take it to him, wake HIM up, turn on the light -- it's nothing. Stumble back to bed, but my brain is awake and it takes until almost 5 a.m. to fall back asleep (I should have gotten up). Alarm goes off at 5:30 because DH has to go to work (on his day off) to help with something.

Then ... tonight? He has to work remotely from 11 p.m. - 2 a.m.

He says, "I'll sleep when I'm dead." but at this rate, that might be sooner than later.

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

Today is the last day to enter to win one of three Nook eReaders at the LASR/WC/Aurora anniversary bash. Have you entered?

THEN, this weekend, we're having a wild two day chat with dozens and dozens of authors on all three yahoo loops. I'm tired just thinking about it. I remember last year being ready for a week's sleep on Sunday night. Fun, but crazy!!

So, mostly I'll be hanging around my computer this weekend.

Who has more exciting plans?

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

Warmth Feels Like Home to You

You're more likely to think that home is more about who you're with than where you are. Anyplace can fell like home to you, but you especially feel at home when things are cozy and warm. All you need is a place to kick off your shoes and enjoy the sunlight coming in from the window. It's easy for you to settle in and be a homebody. When someone says "make yourself at home," you really do!

What Feels Like Home to You?

Yep ... that's about right :-)

Brrrr.....

Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The heat finally broke last night. In fact, it got downright COLD. It's only in the mid-40s outside right now. :::shivers:::

Still, the humidity is gone and it sunny, so the day (once it warms up a bit) will be lovely.

I contacted DD's curriculum carrier and they gave me an extra day to get things done, so we're all good with that. Yay! Now, DD is sad because school's over. She came to me no less than three times yesterday, once she was crying, and said she was going to miss her teachers (the curriculum is on DVD so she's actually taught in a real classroom, with trained teachers -- I'm basically there to help with questions and grade papers). In fact, last night before bed she asked if there was a way she could write them a letter. So sweet.

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

I'm not entirely certain why my across the street neighbors' boys decided it was okay to have a dozen friends over (including a couple of girls with really shrill screams) and then play basketball -- complete with hooting shouts of victory and rap music turned up to the highest volume -- until well after 10 p.m. last night.

I realize that THEY don't have school tomorrow, but it was a Tuesday and I'm fairly certain most of the adults on the street get up early for work.

I'm tired.

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

My writing isn't going very well. I'm getting words down, but I'm not happy with them. I want more description and wish it felt smoother as I wrote it, but I suppose I should try to consider this an outline instead of a first draft. That might help... *sigh*

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

You Are Eggs Over Easy

You have good taste and high standards. You are very detail oriented, and you know what you want in life. When everything is in its place and things are as they should be, you can finally relax. You may seem like the kind of person who has things come easy for you, but it's all an illusion. You work hard to make your life perfect, and part of this perfection is making things look effortless.

What Kind of Eggs Are You?

Mostly....

Small Signs of Spring

Earth laughs in flowers. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Hamatreya"

Easter was nice yesterday. I ate too much and stood too much (at the in-laws ... I don't think I ever sat down). I was completely exhausted when I got home and just barely forced myself to stay awake until 8:30, at which time I collapsed into something resembling a coma.

I feel better this morning.

We've been having this amazing weather, which is apparently going to last a few more days, and everything is growing (which alternately thrills and dismays me -- I LOVE the green growing things, but am worried that our upcoming frosts will kill things that wouldn't normally be above ground yet).

I have a few blooms brightening up the yard, with the promise of many, many more to come.

The Creeping Phlox is just beginning to bloom:



The few clumps of grape hyacinth that the voles and chipmunks missed:



The crocus (almost gone by, but still lovely):



And the daffodils which are only just starting (I can't wait to see the pink ones I planted last fall -- they seem to be a little behind the others):



I'm already seeing bunches of plants I'll need to either find new homes for (anyone in S. NH need rhubarb, chamomile, bachelor buttons, echinacea, creeping phlox or dragons blood seedum?) and can't wait until I can really get out there and get my hands in the dirt.

Speaking of which, my broccoli and cabbage seeds are all up and quite big and I have one cucumber up so far, with the anticipation that the rest of them as well as the squash seed I planted will be following soon.

Yay!

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You're Happy Cute

People find you cute because you truly shine from within. You are an optimistic and cheerful person. You have a lot of positive energy, and you're rarely stuck in a rut. You are also very creative. At times, you have so much energy that you can become a bit high strung or anxious. It's hard to channel all of your drive. You sometimes take on too much and get overwhelmed, but even when your life is chaotic, you have a sense of humor about it.

The Cutsie Cupcake Test

About 75% right....

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L-O-O-O-O-N-G Day

I'm still tired from yesterday... so tired, I can't even think of what the quote should be about, so today we're quoteless...

DH was home and a bit grouchy (and when he's grouchy, he doesn't like me on the computer, so I got no work or blog-hopping done). DD was needy and the Dd was antsy (but it was about 25 degrees outside and windy... brrr).

I also needed to make dog food, and since I wasn't on the computer, I made a lot of stuff. Went to the store and bought four chickens and the makings for dog food, came home and put two chickens in a pot with the giblets for the dog and two in the crockpot with seasonings for us. Last week, I made meals for the family all week with one crock pot chicken. I'm thinking I can do that again :-)

DD also complained that she had no pants to wear, so it became laundry day as well. And I'd run out of granola so, what the heck, I'll make that, too.

So, two weeks of dog food made, five loads of laundry, 12 cups of granola and two crock pot chickens (and a partridge in a pear tree -- actually, it was a veggie lasagna for lunch cuz we needed to eat, right?).

I was on my feet for a solid 4 - 5 hours (maybe more?) and then at around 2:30, when I was mostly done (except the crock pot chicken, which would wait) I decided the dog HAD to be taken on a walk, so I bundled up and went.

DD begged for a board game when we got back. I talked her into a puzzle instead... and she chose a 1000 piece one, which is about half done and spread out on my dining table.

I was ready for bed by dinner time. I am clearly VERY out of shape...

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You Are a Thoroughbred Horse

You are hyper, energetic, and even a little high strung. You love to compete, and you're always up for a friendly race. You love to be on the go, and you never stick around for long. People accuse you of always running away. You tend to get bored easily, and you do best when you wear yourself out. You like to work hard. You have a lot of courage, drive, and ambition. You like to be a winner.

What Breed of Horse Are You?

Hmmmm... yeah.... that's about right except the running away part -- I'm not that easy to get rid of.

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Drama, Drama, Drama

Apology is a lovely perfume; it can transform the clumsiest moment into a gracious gift. ~Margaret Lee Runbeck

I'm tired this morning. Helping at the agility class wore me out physically and emotionally and gave me a raging headache. We have twelve dogs in there, all beginners, and most are doing fabulously.

The best thing I saw was this Golden Retriever with confidence problems -- who was so scared she wouldn't even do the most basic jump -- come out of her shell a bit last night. Her owners were so patient, and just took her to each obstacle and sat with her for a few minutes, didn't make her DO anything for the first 20 mins of class or so, just showed her that they weren't going to hurt her. And then they worked her on the jumps only for a while until she was taking them like a pro. So, with her confidence back up a bit, they tried her on the harder stuff ... and she did great. I was so thrilled!

The worst thing was watching the other helper's dog get attacked. He's the sweetest Border Collie and he was tied on his leash (as is Dakota during class) near where she's helping. Last night, a Great Dane came out of the tunnel off-leash and just ... attacked. Of course, the Border Collie couldn't get away, being tied up.

I was across the room and all I heard was growling and yelping. I looked up and saw the poor dog screaming under this HUGE Great Dane, and the owner of the GD was trying to get control (this dog probably weighs 120 lbs) and not getting it and the helper was standing in one place, hands on her face, clearly trying not to panic. The instructor was spotting a dog on the dog walk and couldn't leave without endangering THAT dog.

I was horrified, so I took some action that I probably didn't have the right or authority to do and I need to apologize to the other helper for taking over with her dog. But I ran over just as the Great Dane was pulled off and then took the other dog over by where I had Dakota. He wasn't hurt (probably will have some bruises, but no blood), but he was terrified. So I put a chair there for him to go under and moved DD's obstacle away so the other dogs wouldn't have a reason to get near him or Dakota.

I probably should have let his owner handle it, shouldn't have dog-napped her dog -- but it was knee jerk: a dog I liked very much was getting mauled by a dog who's shown many times to have some serious alpha-dog tendencies and is too much dog for his owners to handle.

Still, when I see her on Wednesday, I'll apologize.

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You Are the Cheshire Cat

You are strangely illusive and provocative. You tend to stir up trouble and then disappear quickly. You sure know how to push other people's buttons, but it's difficult for anyone to push yours. You are mysterious and crafty. You tend to be lurking in the background, and you show up at the most unexpected times. You are purposely vague and baffling. Trying to figure you out will just drive people crazy!

What Alice in Wonderland Character Are You?

LOL... don't know about that, but I like how it sounds.

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Counting Necco Wafers

How do people go to sleep? I'm afraid I've lost the knack. I might try busting myself smartly over the temple with the night-light. I might repeat to myself, slowly and soothingly, a list of quotations beautiful from minds profound; if I can remember any of the damn things. ~Dorothy Parker

Last night I was exhausted, went to bed and then couldn't sleep. I HATE that. After a couple hours, I finally tried to bore myself to death. I usually start by thinking up names (M & F, A- Z) and typically fall asleep before I hit the end. Didn't this time. Next I opted for foods, A - Z and got so hung up on "N" I couldn't sleep. I finally settled for Necco Wafers, which aren't really food, but you do put them in your mouth, chew and swallow. Why can't I think of a food that starts with "N"?

In any case, I did finally crash, but I'm a little dopey this a.m.

What do you do when you can't sleep, but are completely exhausted?

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I gave my latest heroine a grandmother. She's a sweet old lady who's beginning to get a little forgetful. She lives with my heroine in a loft over the business and I think Zach is going to fall in love with grandma first.

I still need an animal of some sort. No story is complete without one... but I haven't decided what or who owns it yet. I'm sure something will show up as I write, lol...

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My friend, Judy, was telling me how she plotted out her garden yesterday. She has her seeds started and I'm so jealous! Of course, she's in Georgia so her growing season starts a little earlier than mine. I can't even start my seeds until April... I wanted to start them the first waxing moon of April, which is April 15th (the day after the new moon), but I think I'll wait until April 20th. Planting by the moon phases is something my mom taught me, but which old time gardeners swore by. I figure since their lives depended on it and they couldn't run to the local grocery store if their crops flopped, it might be good advice to take.

I'm ready spring... come out, come out wherever you are!

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Your Face Says You're Energetic

At first glance, people see you as down to earth and reliable. Overall, your true self is passionate and physical. With friends, you seem dramatic, lively, and quick to react. In love, you seem mysterious and interesting. In stressful situations, you seem cheerful and optimistic.

What Do People Think Of Your Face?

I was doing good until that last line... cuz, uh... no.

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