Chaos and Contentment

Long Distance Information, Give Me Memphis, Tennessee...

2011-07-08T20:25:00.000-04:00

Getting to Texas was a lot faster than getting home. Partly because we took a side trip on the way back - we stopped to check out Beale Street, which is kind of the Bourbon Street of Memphis, Tennessee.

It was amazing. The energy was palpable; you could hear music from all directions, people performed on the street, and it was an absolutely perfectly gorgeous day to visit. I really wish we could have stayed until it got dark; I'm sure it would have been quite the sight to see with all the neon lights.

A cool shop:

It had a zombie Elvis:

More neon lights:

A couple of musicians in a beer garden:

Then we finally went to my intended destination: B.B. King's Blues Club, where I wanted to have real Memphis-style ribs for lunch. It's a very cool place.

The stage was empty when we got there:

But then The Carl Drew Blues Band took the stage and rocked the house. I have never heard blues music live before, and it was an awesome treat.

The ribs were amazing, and eating them while a live band played was amazing. I really enjoyed that little side trip. Sarah really did as well, and Becca liked it, but I'm not sure if Lauren and Becca could really appreciate why the experience, and all of Beale Street were a great experience. Maybe one day.

A few photo ops, of course:

The King himself, immortalized:

And then it was time to hit the road again, and head home. But first a few minutes to check out the Mighty Mississippi:

The ride home was soooo long. Tennessee is a long, boring state to go through on Interstates, and so is Virginia. The following day we hit storms almost the entire way through Virginia, and I was white-knuckling it for hours. Wiped me out. We were all glad to get home, but will always look fondly upon our adventures in Texas and Tennessee!

Next road trip in one week - NYC to see Paul McCartney at Yankee Stadium!

Sometimes I Think Life is Just a Rodeo...

2011-07-08T17:31:00.000-04:00

...The trick is to ride and make it to the bell.

While in Texas last week, we went to the Mesquite Rodeo. I love watching the rodeo; it's so exciting and fun. My dad got us great seats right in the front row. We could've touched some of those horses sometimes! Sarah was in heaven with all the cute cowboys around.

This sign set the tone for the evening as we walked in:

You don't see too many warnings like that in Maryland. Before the show, we helped ourselves to the BBQ buffet, which was AMAZING. Brisket, sausage, potato salad, coleslaw, beans, rolls - everything was so good, we went back for seconds. And the beer was icy cold. Perfect.

You can see how close we were to the action here:

The first event was bucking broncos, which was really cool to watch. Not every cowboy made it to eight seconds, and you really feel sorry for the ones who are thrown right out of the gate.

Here is a rodeo referee almost getting in the way of a bronco:

Thrown!

A little bit of steer wrestling:

Team Roping:

Tie-Down Roping:

There were a few other events, like Chuck Wagon racing and Ladies' Barrel Racing, but they don't do anything for me, so I didn't get them on film. My favorite event is Bull Riding!

You really don't want to tick them off:

Hard to see, but they are hard to photograph! I didn't get one good bull riding shot.

This bull did NOT want to go back to the pen; it took quite a few minutes to get him in there:

And this one got away from the wranglers and clowns - and started coming RIGHT TOWARDS US. It was a little unnerving.

That was our last night of fun in Texas. We went to dinner the following night and then breakfast before we headed out. It was sad leaving Texas and my dad, but we took a great side trip on the way home...

Hanging in Fort Worth, Texas!

2011-07-01T12:20:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, my dad, the girls and I headed out to Fort Worth for the afternoon. First we stopped by Billy Bob's for an early BBQ dinner; Billy Bob's is the world's biggest honky-tonk. It's a pretty cool place - it hosts rodeos, musical acts, and other neat stuff. There are plaques on the walls where famous people have put their hands in cement - kind of like in Hollywood.

The food was great, but we couldn't hang around and check out the rest of the place; they were setting up for some kind of benefit that was closed to the public.

The girls enjoying the atmosphere:

And Becca checking to see if her foot matches the singer's foot in the plaque:

Leaving Billy Bob's:

Sticking naughty children where they belong:

Then we headed for the stockyards for a little sightseeing and shopping:

Some beautiful longhorns:

Being goofy in the gift shop:

Then, and here is where I enter bad mom territory once again, we were hot and thirsty from being out in the Texas sun, so we made our way to one of the bars lining the street. And this wasn't a family place, like Billy Bob's, or like Applebee's or something. This was a REAL bar, and a dive at that. It was great.

Nice decor - beer signs all around, hundreds of cowboy hats lining the walls and ceilings, party advertisements. Unfortunately, we'll be missing this party:

The old wooden table had tons of graffiti carved into them. So my little girls decided to immortalize their first visit to a dive bar at the ages of 13 and 15 by carving their own initials.

This is supposed to say LMW, but Lauren had a little trouble:

Sarah carved hers as well, but she's legal:

All shopped out and ready to go home:

Even more Texas adventures to come!

Vacation - Texas 2011!

2011-06-30T10:30:00.000-04:00

The girls and I are in Texas this week, visiting my dad. Unfortunately, Chris has work commitments and couldn't join us - so I drove from Maryland to Texas all by myself! The first day I drove 20 hours, stopping in New Boston, TX. From there it was only a couple more hours to my dad's house. Both Chris and my dad thought I was nuts, but I was just in the zone, and it was hard to stop.

On Tuesday, we took the girls to the Speedzone to ride go-karts. They had a blast. First, Dad and Lauren drag raced, which was really cool. The drag cars were neat and went amazingly fast.

Lauren getting ready to race:

Dad and Lauren in their cars:

Dad out of the starting gate:

Lauren out of the starting gate:

Then the girls rode go-karts. They had a blast. Here they are waiting in line:

Belted up:

Zooming around the track:

Then Sarah did something crazy. I've watched this type of ride in Ocean City many times, and never had the nerve to do it. But Sarah did. Since none of us chickens would join her, a ride worker went on it with her - she got lucky, he was a cutey!

Thanking the cute guy for going up with her:

And hugging Becca, feeling lucky to have come off the ride in one piece:

You can watch her crazy ride here:

More Texas fun to come!

It's Summer!!!

2011-06-18T17:20:00.000-04:00

I swear, this past winter seemed to go on FOREVER. The cold lasted in May at times, it was dreary and school didn't end until June 15th - which is so stupid.

But I let Becca blow off the last day, and took her, my mother-in-law, and two of Becca's friends to Ocean City overnight. Lauren chose to stay home and attend a band pool party. She's at the age where hanging with Mom and Grandma isn't as cool anymore.

As soon as we checked into our hotel, The Princess Bayside and got settled, we headed right for the beach.

The girls looked adorable in their suits:

Becca absolutely loves the beach as much as I do:

Then they wanted to check out the hotel roof pool, which is really nice. They also have a pool bar. Mom and I just got Diet Coke, but next time there will be an icy-cold beer in my hand.

After we freshened up and got dressed, we headed to Fish Tales for dinner, which is one of my favorite restaurants. It sits right on the bay, and I love to watch the sun set as I wait for my food.

Mom and I had mango margaritas, hers frozen, mine on the rocks (hold the salt, please!):

We walked the Boardwalk after dinner, where the girls ran us ragged going from shop to shop, trying to spend the money apparently burning holes in their pockets. Finally, around 11pm, we called a halt and went back to the hotel.

The next morning, the girls hung out on the deck while Mom and I got ready.

We had breakfast at The Fractured Prune, which has the best donuts IN THE WORLD. Then it was back to the Boardwalk for the girls to shop. Becca climbed into a hammock, which swallowed her up:

After the girls FINALLY found stuff to buy, we headed to Seacrets for lunch. Seacrets is a rowdy bar by night, but they have great food during the day and they let kids in then. It's also right on the bay, and those over 21 can sit on floats right on the water. Someday I will do that! Mom and I split the crab dip and a plate of fruit:

And this guy was just waiting for the girls to finish and leave the table:

After lunch we took the girls to ride go-karts. I actually rode one for the first time! I let Becca drive; I was too nervous to drive. Once that was done, we headed to the Boardwalk again for a snack and so Mom could buy some taffy, and then we headed home.

Can't wait to go back, but first there's another road trip in our future, and it's a big one - we're driving to Texas!

New Blog!

2011-05-22T10:48:00.000-04:00

Just a quick post (I will update soon) - I have started a new blog about song memories called My Life in Song. I hope you check it out and follow along!

I will keep this blog as well.

Thanks!

A Day at Lewis Ginter

2011-05-16T16:45:00.000-04:00

We had a crappy winter here - so many gray and dreary days, rain, snow. I really despise winter, and also suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, so I'm always counting down the days to spring.

Well, spring has sucked as well. Not much sun, lots of rain and dreariness. Chilly. It's been more like fall than spring. So when the kids had off during Spring Break, there wasn't much to do here outside. And I like doing stuff outside when it's nice; we live in Maryland, close to Annapolis, Baltimore, DC. Beautiful places. Not so beautiful when it's cold and rainy, though.

Desperate for something to do, I researched nearby weather. Ocean City, MD - cold and rainy. Hershey, PA - cold and rainy. Richmond, VA - sunny and 75 - JACKPOT! Road trip! I did a little more research and discovered a place called Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Perfect!

Becca, her friend Emily and I picked up Chris's mom and then we were on our way. Lauren didn't want to go - "Flowers bore me." - so she stayed home and played video games. The trip was nice; it started off cold and pouring rain, but by the time we got to Richmond about three hours later, it was sunny and gorgeous.

A few pictures of our perfect day (and we were lucky; it rained ALL DAY back home):

Me, Becca and my mom-in-law:

Emily and Becca:

Some beautiful flowers:

Check out this little guy:

And we stopped by Steak and Shake on the way back:

Awesome day!

Catching Up!

2011-05-16T16:16:00.000-04:00

Wow, it's been over two months since I last blogged! I have been crazy busy with my reading, writing and reviewing. OK, and Twitter and Facebook. I have had a couple stories accepted to anthologies since my last post, as well as had a winning story at Necon E-books monthly flash fiction contest for April.

Here, read my story, and then the note at the bottom. Let me tell you, I was stoked for days. Still am, actually.

I am now proofreading for the UK magazine Morpheus Tales. I am a grammar and spelling nerd, so this is very enjoyable. I was also given a twice-weekly guest blog at Altered Realities Radio; my blog is called Something Wicked. I'll be writing about horror, of course.

I stepped out of my comfort zone this past weekend and attended an event with a group called Momzshare, local moms who blog, write, own their own businesses; in short, go-getting women. Not so sure I fit in, but I was invited and it was an 80s party with drinks like Flux Capacitors, so I decided to give it a go.

If you know me, you know I'm very shy in real life; it's hard for me to make small talk and mingle. Thankfully there's a woman here in my little town who is part of Momzshare, and she offered to help me out. We carpooled together, and I kind of stuck to her like glue after we got there. I hope she didn't mind (thanks, Shannon!). I did dress somewhat 80s (yay, Commander Salamander!), but some of the women were DECKED OUT. It was cool.

I had fun, but don't know if I made any kind of impression; I didn't exactly volunteer the information that I read and write and breathe horror because these were normal women with normal children. As time goes on, I'm sure my little oddities and quirks will come out and either the Momzshare community will embrace me or run screaming. I'll keep you posted.

I will try to update this blog at least a couple days every week. I don't want to disappoint my public, after all.

Lots of Writing Stuff!

2011-03-04T23:07:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I blogged, but I've been busy - with writing for a change, not Facebook and Farmville! I've also helped edit Draven Ames's first novel. That was a fun experience; I got to read a great book and learn new things about editing in the process.

I've been reading a lot and writing up book reviews, which I really enjoy doing.

Not to mention reporting on stuff for our local paper, which I actually get paid for! Life is good.

And my biggest news: I was accepted to a Bigfoot anthology!! I wrote a story about ten years ago that I was never able to find a home for, but thanks to Twitter where I first saw the call for submissions, it does now! The acceptance made my YEAR, especially since the first word in the letter was "Wow." So freaking cool.

Links to recent writings:

It Came from the 80s:

The Fly (1986)
Stripes (1981)

My Honorable Mention story in Necon E-Books February Flash Fiction Contest:

Rescue

Book Reviews:

Jack's Magic Beans by Brian Keene
The Wide Game by Michael West
"Crooked Stick Figures" by Lee Thompson (short story)
Gateway Drug by Scott Nicholson
The Machine of Death by Ryan North (anthology)

I'm extremely proud of my Machine of Death review, because the editor wanted an in-depth interview touching on such subjects as politics and morality. I think I really nailed this review.

That's all for now, but there will be more to come!

Sunday Stealing, 2/20/11

2011-02-20T21:16:00.000-05:00

Haven't done one of these in a while. I felt like blogging, but didn't know what to blog about, so here we go.

1. Make a list of 5 things that you can see without getting up:

a. Cell phone
b. Jack
c. Sandy
d. Meds
e. Snowman

2. How do you style your hair?

I have naturally-curly hair, so I just scrunch it with gel and go.

3. What are you wearing now?

Jeans and a long-sleeve t-shirt.

4. What's your occupation?

Writer, mom, wife.

5. What do you hear right now?

Law and Order SVU.

6. Who was the last person you hugged?

Becca.

7. What is/was for dinner?

We grilled burgers and dogs.

8. What did you do today?

Writing, errands, chores.

9. Dog person or cat person?

Cat person, then we got Sandy and I became a fan of both.

10. If you had to change your name, what would you change it to?

I actually like my name; can't think of what I'd change it to.

11. What was the last thing that you bought?

A couple copies of the local paper I had stories published in this week.

12. If you could afford to go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Greece - the area featured in "Mamma Mia"

13. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully writing more, maybe editing and getting paid for all of it!

14. Where's your birthmark?

No birthmark, but I do have a chicken pox scar on the end of my nose.

15. What are you doing this weekend?

I took Becca and some friends to Chuck E. Cheese for her birthday; we also went to Matsutake, a Japanese steakhouse.

16. Which book are you reading at the moment?

Actually reading several books at once; I need to review them all around the same time.

17. The last movie you've seen?

Paranormal Activity 2 (DVD)

18. What are you doing tomorrow?

Lunch with my parents!

Thanks for Nothing, Weight Watchers

2011-02-10T20:47:00.000-05:00

I used to love Weight Watchers. Well, not love it exactly, but found it the perfect program to lose weight on. I was happy with my weight loss; I rocked the Points system. But I gained a bit of weight back; some of it due to junk food, some of it due to meds. I knew it was time to get back on the program.

But they changed it.

Now they have Points Plus. Everything you eat is now higher in Points, but you also get more Points per day than before. And on the old program, you had to count the fruit you ate. Now it's free.

I tried Points Plus for over a month and lost less than four pounds. I gained and lost the same half-pound for the last couple weeks. I followed the plan to the letter, but had no success.

I decided to try Spark People, a free online weight-loss site. I started it this past Monday. I've lost THREE POUNDS since starting it. I realized that the new Points Plus system is giving me too much food and expecting me to lose weight. And after researching online, discovered that a lot of people are very unhappy with this new program, but Weight Watchers isn't really listening.

So if you're having success with the new program, that's great. But if you're frustrated like I was, and having no progress, give Spark People a try.

I am now THAT MOM...

2011-02-09T21:34:00.000-05:00

Today Becca went home with a friend after school. I texted her to find out what time to pick her up, and she said she was eating dinner there. No problem. Later I texted her again - this time she asked if she could spend the night.

I said yes.

I've never let my kids spend the night with a friend on school nights before. But Becca just got her report card, and once more made the Honor Roll. So why not?

My kids also watch horror movies and read pretty much anything they want. We don't censor the TV too much, either.

So to all my friends with kids - I'm sorry. Because now I'm the mom your kids will talk about when you say "No" to something they want to do. "But Becca's mom lets her..."

In other news, I have some writing to share.

In Came From the 80s: Midnight Movie Memories

The Infection by Craig DiLouie, book review

That's all for today!

Writing Updates

2011-02-03T13:29:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged in so long! I've been really busy with writing, reading and reviewing. It's been great and a lot of fun.

Here are links to my recent stories and articles:

From my new weekly column at Forgotten Flix:

It Came from the 80s: Monty Python's The Meaning of Life

It Came from the 80s: Friday the 13th

Book/Magazine Reviews:

Amy Grech's Blanket of White

Basement Stories #3

Flash Fiction:

The Lying Dead

Watch Your Step

Those are my most recent writings; I hope you read and like them! Tonight I am heading to the elementary school to report on a cute program they are having (Tunes, Treats and Tales), which will be published to our local newspaper.

I am also beta reading and editing a friend's unpublished novel, which is something I've always wanted to do. Hopefully this will lead to similar opportunities in the future.

I've started reviewing for Permuted Press, a small-press horror publishers, so I'm looking forward to that. Just got my first couple of books to read and review, and they sounds great.

I think that's all the writing news I have for now, but hopefully I will have lots more as the year goes by!

A Short Story Review

2011-01-22T10:50:00.000-05:00

My internet buddy and fellow writer, Draven Ames, has written a great short story that was recently published at SNM Horror Magazine. The story is so good, it was named "Story of the Month."

"Nothingness" is the sad story of a couple, John and Jennifer, who recently lost their little girl. While cleaning out his deceased father's attic, Jennifer finds a story in a shoebox that reminds her of their daughter Carrie. Jennifer is already heartbroken and emotionally shaky after Cassie's death, and the story just makes her worse.

After a short but unpleasant phone conversation with his brother, John realizes that Jennifer has disappeared inside the house. As he searches throughout the many rooms, he doesn't notice that house is darkening and changing dramatically. He finally finds Jennifer standing on the ledge outside the attic. What follows is both sad and terrifying.

In "Nothingness," Draven Ames has created a reality that is both scary and beautiful. His personification of the Nothingness that John encounters is creepy and menacing. I loved the imagery evoked throughout the story, and characters' emotions were very well-written.

"Nothingness" will only be up at SNM Horror Magazine until January 30th, so hurry over and check it out. It's a great story and Draven is a great writer.

Sunday Stealing, 1/16/10

2011-01-16T13:16:00.000-05:00

1. What time did you get up this morning?

6:50 am!

2. How do you like your steak?

Medium-rare; more towards the rare side

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?

It's been a while - maybe "Despicable Me"?

4. What is your favorite TV show?

Law and Order: SVU

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

Hawaii; it's warm all the time!

6. What did you have for breakfast?

Half of a Panera whole-grain bagel with a banana (6 points!)

7. What is your favorite cuisine?

Mexican is my favorite, but I also LOVE steak.

8. What foods do you dislike?

Anything that triggers my texture issues, like broccoli.

9. Favorite Place to Eat?

Joe's Crab Shack - can't get enough of their crab legs.

10. Favorite dressing?

Ranch if I'm dipping veggies; raspberry vinaigrette on a salad

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?

Just got a 2011 Ford Fusion - LOVE IT.

12. What are your favorite clothes?

Jeans and comfy shirts in winter; sundresses or capris in the summer

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?

Greece, where they filmed Mamma Mia

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?

Depends on the type of day it is.

15. Where would you want to retire?

Somewhere warm all the time, like Hawaii or Florida

16. Favorite time of day?

When I'm first up in the morning and the house is quiet and dark

17. Where were you born?

Prince George's Hospital in Cheverly, MD

18. What is your favorite sport to watch?

I don't like watching sports; I will watch diving and gymnastics during the Olympics

19. Who do you think will never call you again?

20. Person you expect to call you next?

Either my mom or Michelle

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to Stealing?

N/A

22. Bird watcher?

Not really

23. Are you a morning person or a night person?

Since I've been sleeping better, I'm becoming a morning person - shocking for me!

24. Do you have any pets?

Three - Sandy and Jack (dogs) and Magic (kitty)

25. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share?

My writing is going well! I'm really psyched about it!

26. What did you want to be when you were little?

A mom and a writer - I'm doing both!

27. What is your best childhood memory?

Trips to Disneyworld

28. Are you a cat or dog person?

I used to just be a cat person, but Sandy got into my heart and made me a dog person as well

29. Are you married?

Yes, very happily

30. Always wear your seat belt?

ALWAYS

31. Been in a car accident?

Yes, but nothing serious

32. Any pet peeves?

I have a LOT - but I twitch over grammar errors and netspeak

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings?

Spinach and diced tomatoes

34. Favorite Flower?

I love looking at flowers, but I don't really have a favorite.

35. Favorite ice cream?

Coffee, preferably with Heath bar mixed in

36. Favorite fast food restaurant?

Any place I can get something relatively healthy, like McD's or Chik-fil-A

37. How many times did you fail your driver’s test?

Passed it on the first try!

38. Who did you get your last email from?

Somebody I'm reviewing for (yes, this sentence is a grammar no-no)

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?

J.C. Penney's

40. Do anything spontaneous lately?

Spontaneous for me these days is making a last-minute stop at the Starbucks drive-thru

41. Like your job?

Yes! I love being a mom and hanging out with my kids, and writing is fun

42. Broccoli?

Ack!

43. What was your favorite vacation?

Last summer, at the Outer Banks

44. Last person you went out to dinner with?

Chris, the girls and Chris's parents last weekend to Joe's Crab Shack

45. What are you listening to right now?

Becca's watching Everybody Loves Raymond

46. What is your favorite color?

I love blues, green and purples, like sea colors

47. How many tattoos do you have?

Three, one on my right leg, and one on each wrist

48. How many times have you tagged someone to do a meme?

None since I quit my LiveJournal and started this blog instead

49. What time did you finish this meme?

1:15 pm

50. Coffee Drinker?

Yes, but I prefer cold coffee drinks

Writing News!

2011-01-11T21:32:00.001-05:00

I have been asked to write a regular feature at Forgotten Flix every week! It's called "It Came from the 80s" and I'll be writing about movies in the 80s I saw and my experiences while seeing them. It's really cool. I'll be featured every Tuesday.

Here is today's post: Happy Birthday to Me. I'm really excited about this!

Also, I've volunteered to read manuscripts for Raw Dog Screaming Press, which should hopefully start soon. This is something I've always wanted to do.

And finally (for now, anyway), I'll also be reviewing for Necon E-books in a few months, so I'm really looking forward to that.

So the list so far:

Dark Recesses - Fiction editor
Rise Reviews - Book reviewer
The Bag and the Crow - Book reviewer
The Future Fire - Book reviewer
Support the Little Guy - Short story reviewer
Xomba Horror - Book reviewer, movie reviewer, essayist
Forgotten Flix - Weekly movie reviewer/essayist
Brunswick Citizen - Occasional reporter
Necon E-books - Book reviewer (soon)
Raw Dog Screaming Press - Manuscript reader (soon)

Not to mention my blog, and I still write fiction. I think I covered everything!

Meet Me on Monday, 1/10/11

2011-01-10T15:26:00.000-05:00

Before I get to this week's meet Me on Monday, I have an opportunity for you to win a prize from [yellow tail] wines. [yellow tail] (their wine is sooooo good) is holding a contest on their site - ReserveYourNight.com - in which you submit your thoughts on the best way to celebrate a winter night at home (300 words or less). The prize is a six-month Netflix gift certificate (I highly recommend the movie Frozen if you win!). You can submit your entry here. Good luck!

1. Have you (only you..not a group) ever won first place in anything?

When I was in first grade, I won a poster contest at school to advertise the annual spaghetti dinner fund raiser. My prize was a free spaghetti dinner. :-)

2. Are your toes always painted (sorry guys...this question for girls only)?

Usually not in the winter, but once I lose my first 5%, I plan to reward myself with a pedi.

3. What color eyes do you have?

Hazel (I hate that word)

4. Look to your left....what do you see?

My precious Diet Coke.

5. Soft cookies or crunchy cookies?

Soft, definitely! But I do like crunchy gingerbread cookies.

Sunday Stealing, 1/9/11

2011-01-09T15:11:00.000-05:00

Wanted something fun to do today; my sinuses are killing me.

A is for Age: Just turned 45 (yikes!)

B is for Beer of choice: Bud Lite Lime (shut up)

C is for Career: Mom/Writer

D is for favourite Drink: Diet Coke

E is for Essential item you use everyday: Laptop

F is for Favourite song at the moment: Another Girl, The Beatles

G is for favourite Game: Yahtzee on my iPad

H is for Home town: Landover Hills, MD

I is for Instruments you play: None

J is for favourite Juice: If I had to pick, OJ, but not crazy about juice in general

K is for Kids: Sarah (22), Lauren (15), Becca (12)

L is for Last kiss: Chris, a couple hours ago

M is for marriage: To Chris, will be 18 years in April

N is for full Name: Sherin Marie

O is for Overnight hospital stays: Besides babies, emergency gall bladder removal in 1994

P is for phobias: Flying, death

Q is for quote: "And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."

R is for biggest Regret: Getting married so young the first time around

S is for sports: Don't really care for sports

T is for Time you wake up: Usually around 6am these days

U is for colour of underwear: MYOB

V is for Vegetable you love: Spinach

W is for Worst Habit: Laziness

X is for X-rays you've had: Teeth, gall bladder, ankle, wrist

Y is for Yummy food you make: I'm a great cook; it's all good :-)

Z is for zodiac sign: Sagittarius

I Was Not a Loser Today - Unfortunately

2011-01-07T19:44:00.000-05:00

Today was my first Weight Watchers weigh-in since I joined last Friday. I didn't lose weight! But I didn't gain, either, so that was good. Even though I went to my first meeting last Friday, I didn't start the plan until Sunday. I did stick to it religiously and will continue to stick with it, so hopefully I'll start seeing results by my next weigh-in.

I got a new toy a couple days ago!

A 2011 Ford Fusion - I. LOVE. IT.

The van needed repairs and maintenance which would've been more than the van was worth, plus we didn't want to put more money into a crappy vehicle. I haven't driven a car in six or seven years, but I'm loving it. It's so much fun to drive.

I didn't give up on the daily blog challenge, but I haven't been inspired by the topics by the past couple of days. Plus I've been busy. Still trying not to have a lot of time between posts, though.

Just Who Do I Think I Am?

2011-01-04T21:31:00.000-05:00

So as I've posted before, I've gotten into book reviewing. I was invited by two online horror sites to join their review staff, and I've freelanced on Xomba Horror. Today I finished a book that wasn't one of my favorites, and as I was writing the review, I thought that I had some nerve reviewing someone who worked hard on their fiction when I haven't written a book myself. And does anybody really care what I thought of a certain book? It was a very odd feeling, and I haven't really shaken it yet. Chris said that one of my reviews made the book sound interesting to him (he's not a fiction reader), so that made me feel good. Maybe once I get some feedback from others (besides family!), I'll feel more secure.

Anyway, onto today's blog challenge prompt:

Secret Single Behavior

When you were single, what behaviors did you keep to yourself? If you are single, what behaviors do you only exhibit when you aren't around a date, etc… {Pigging out on a tub of ice cream, etc…}

I actually can't think of anything. Maybe watching trashy daytime TV when I worked from home? I didn't really have much of a single life - I got married too young at 20, then had a baby at 23, divorced a couple years later. So I was a single mom until I remarried. I never had the single "Sex and the City" type of life.

***

We put my van in the shop for some maintenance and repairs, and realized that the cost of it all was more than the van is worth. So tomorrow I'm getting a new car! I think we're done with the minivan life; this will be more economical in the long run. I'm pretty stoked about it.

As part of accomplishing the goals I set for myself for 2011, I finished book #1 out of 52 today. It was the one I mentioned above. And on the weight loss front, I am following the Weight Watchers Points Plus plan religiously. I hope it shows on the scale this week.

Meet Me on Monday, 1/3/11

2011-01-03T16:12:00.000-05:00

Daily blog dare post after Meet Me on Monday, plus some story news and a link!

1. Do you have any New Year's resolutions?

Goals, baby, goals! Check out my recent posts.

2. What food item are you craving right now?

Just started Weight Watchers yesterday, but I'm not really craving anything right now. This new Points system gives me more food to eat than I'm used to lately, so I don't feel deprived.

3. When is your birthday?

December 16th - sucks having a birthday so close to Christmas!

4. What were you doing an hour ago?

Same thing I'm doing now - hanging on the computer!

5. Last thing you cooked?

Christmas dinner! We've gotten a lot of take-out, but I'm back to cooking dinner regularly tonight.

***

Today's Bloggy Mom's Blog Dare prompt is:

The Morning Routine

If I don't do/have this in the morning, it offsets my entire day!

For a while, after suffering from mono, bronchitis, and a sinus infection, I got whammied with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I was constantly exhausted, yet also had insomnia. I would go to bed at night, take a while to fall asleep, then wake up throughout the night. Then I'd sleep until 1 or 2 in the afternoon. It was awful.

My doctor finally came up with a cocktail of meds that have improved my life immensely. I'm on meds for depression, but also Lunesta to help me sleep and Ritalin to fight daily fatigue. Lunesta is a WONDER DRUG. It helps me go to sleep gently; I sleep through the night unless I get up to go to the bathroom, but I can get right back to sleep. Then around 6:30 or 7:00 in the morning, it's like a switch is thrown and I'm UP and ALERT. I love it so much.

So now my morning routine is to go downstairs as soon as I wake up. Becca is usually waiting to go out to the bus so we hang out and talk. Then I get my ice water (crave it when I wake up) and mix in a packet of Crystal Light energy (has caffeine), and take my Ritalin. Then I get on the computer for a couple hours and write or read or just surf. It's quiet because Chris and the dogs aren't usually up yet and the girls are at school. I love that I've gone from constantly exhausted and spending most of my life sleeping to a morning person who gets things done.

***

I have a story up today called "The Gift That Keeps on Giving" at Support the Little Guy e-zine. I'd love for you to read it and comment on it!

What Will I Accomplish this Year?

2011-01-02T20:56:00.000-05:00

This is Prompt #2 for the Blog Dare Challenge at Bloggy Moms:

The 2011 To - Do List

What would you like to accomplish this year? What are the places you would like to visit in 2011? What do you hope to check off your bucket list in 2011?

Here is my list of things I hope to accomplish by the end of the year:

1. Lose the weight! I started Weight Watchers today; I can do this.

2. Read at least 52 books; hopefully closer to 100.

3. Write more, and improve what I do write.

4. Be more active; exercise with the Wii Fit a couple times a week and walk when it's nice.

5. Cook dinner more often instead of relying on take-out or make-your-own. Cook healthy.

6. Try to get out of the house more, even if it's just going by myself to Starbucks or Borders.

I think that's enough to work on for now! As for going places, we plan to take our vacation at the Outer Banks again, so I'm looking forward to that. I also like taking the girls on day trips during the summer.

Still waiting to hear on a couple of fiction submissions! I hate waiting; I keep checking my email, hoping for word - a good word.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T21:27:00.000-05:00

As part of my last blog post about goals, not resolutions, today is the first day of taking the Blog Everyday Challenge. Here is today's topic:

Resolutions!

What is your resolution for 2011? Do you often make a resolution and not keep it? What is the longest you have kept a New Years resolution? What is your most often chosen New Years resolution? What do you think about New Years resolutions?

I already wrote about my goals for the year (referenced in the first link above), but in answer to a couple of questions, I always make resolutions and then don't keep them. This is why I decided on goals for this year instead.

Of course I always choose the weight-loss resolution each year. Sometimes it works; most times it doesn't. I think it's because I put too much pressure on myself to try to be as thin as I was back when I was a teenager. I've finally realized that after having three kids and being in my 40s, that just can't happen. So I'm setting a reasonable goal this time, and hopefully that will work.

I have nothing against resolutions; they just don't work for me.

Onto some exciting stuff to start my year!

I am a book reviewer for two different online horror sites, and my first reviews for each site debuted today! Here are the links:

Disaster Park by Mark Konkel, reviewed on Rise Reviews.

Alice on the Shelf by Bill Gauthier, reviewed on The Bag and the Crow.

Still waiting to hear on a submission to the monthly Necon e-books flash fiction contest, and waiting for a link to be posted to the latest issue of an online magazine I have a story appearing in and also another review.

Great start to 2011!

I Don't Do Resolutions...

2010-12-29T14:20:00.000-05:00

However, I have a few goals I'd like to try and accomplish this year. I don't make resolutions because I usually end up breaking them and then I feel guilty. I think it would be better to try to work towards a few goals that are reachable.

1.   Lose the weight I've gained due to meds and junk food (joining Weight Watchers Friday).

2. Increase and improve my writing output.

3.   Try to participate in the January Blog Dare.

4.   Wii Fit at least twice a week.

5.   Get out of the house more during the week with friends. I feel like I'm becoming a hermit.

I think those are doable goals. Not too overwhelming (well, maybe the weight thing) and no hurry or stress.

Wish me luck!

Also, I recently had a story accepted to the online zine "Support the Little Guy. I've also got a review going up on the site. Link to follow when published!

Meet Me on Monday, 12/27/10

2010-12-27T15:45:00.000-05:00

Once again, it's been a week since I posted. But the craziness is finally done and so is the holiday stress. Of course, I'm sure I'll find something else to stress about soon, but for now I'm in "aaaahhhhhhhhhhhh" mode.

I haven't gotten a lot of writing done, but hopefully it'll pick up now that the holidays are over. I did write a review for a movie called Frozen, which was an edge-of-your-seat suspense movie. I highly recommend this movie if you love being white-knuckled during a movie. And make sure you're nice and warm when you watch it.

Here is the link for the review I wrote: Frozen, Reviewed by Sheri White.

Onto the Monday questions:

1. What are your New Year's Eve plans?

We're just staying in; ordering Chinese food and watching TV and hanging out. Heaven!

2. How tall are you?

I think I'm about 5'4"-1/2, which is why I'm starting Weight Watchers again on Friday; this extra weight (some from meds, some from junk food) shows too well.

3. What is your favorite pudding flavor?

Any kind of chocolate!

4. What room of the house do you blog the most in?

The living room - in my recliner with my heated blanket and the TV on. Bliss.

5. What is your best physical feature?

Right now my hair; I've grown to love my natural curls and they usually look pretty good!

Meet Me on Monday, 12/20/10

2010-12-19T22:47:00.000-05:00

Been a while since I posted - the closer Christmas gets, the more overwhelmed and stressed I get. I did get a book review done in case anybody is interested:

In The Mean Time by Paul Tremblay.

I enjoy Christmas when it's happening, but the days leading up to it leave me tired and stressed. On Christmas night, after everyone has gone and the cleaning has been done, I love to sit in my recliner, watch TV and go "Aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh." Looking forward to that!

1. What will your Christmas dinner consist of?

Turkey and stuffing are the main attractions; sides still to be decided.

2. Do you watch commercials or flip through the channels?

I usually watch commercials because I mostly watch live TV. Most I don't mind, but I will immediately mute the TV or change the channel when the Sarah MacLachlan animal shelter PSAs come on!

3. How long will you leave your Christmas decorations up?

I'm Grinchy - if I weren't so tired Christmas night, they'd come down then! It usually the day or two after Christmas if nobody protests.

4. What movie makes you cry every time you watch it?

Steel Magnolia's, the funeral scene. Every damn time. I hate it (hate crying).

5. Do you have a Facebook?

I admit, I'm addicted to Facebook! You can find me here: Sheri Jenkins White.

Meet Me on Monday, 12/13/10 + Other Stuff

2010-12-12T23:14:00.000-05:00

First the other stuff:

Thanks to the newest followers who have left comments that I have been lazy about and haven't returned! I do like comments; it's like getting mail that isn't bills. I will also follow back.

My writing stuff is going great! I had my second article published in our local paper last Thursday; Chris and I covered our town's annual tree lighting. I thought it would be just the lighting ceremony, but it was actually services at the town's three churches then the lighting. Quite an assignment for a couple of non-religious people!

My story "Morning" placed Honorable Mention in Necon E-Books November flash fiction contest. You can read the story here.

You can read my review of the weird 80s movie "Liquid Sky" at ForgottenFlix. I'm quite proud of it.

And my review of the 2007 horror movie "House of Fears" can be read at Xomba's horror channel.

I hope to hear more about other submissions soon.

1. How do you order your steak?

Here's a picture of a steak I had a Longhorn a few months ago:

2. Are you superstitious about anything?

I won't swear on the life of anybody I love, especially my kids.

3. Who is your best friend (not including your spouse)?

Michelle!

4. When is the last time your wore a dress (for the guys...a suit)?

I wear sundresses during the summer a lot, so not long ago.

5. Do you have any trips scheduled?

My sister-in-law Holly and I are going to NYC on Friday to see this guy in concert:

Can't wait!

Sunday Stealing, 12/5/10

2010-12-05T11:51:00.000-05:00

I was hoping to have some writing news to ~~brag~~ blog about, but I'm still waiting. In the meantime, a picturesque Sunday Stealing.

1. The latest book or movie that made you cry?

2. The fictional character most like you?

3. The greatest album, ever?

4. Star Trek or Star Wars? Why?

5. Your ideal brain food?

6. Everyone is proud of a certain accomplishment, which one for you??

7. You want to be remembered for ...?

(A good mom)

8. Let's talk about recording artists. Who do you find the most inspirational?

9. The creative masterpiece you wish bore your signature?

10. Your hidden talents . . .?

11. The best piece of advice you actually followed?

Actually blanking on this one!

12. The best thing you ever bought, stole, or borrowed?

13. What is the most comfortable clothes that you wear?

14. Your dinner guest at the Ritz would be?

15. Time travel: where, when and why?

16. Stress management: hit man, spa vacation or Prozac?

17. Essential to life: coffee, vodka, cigarettes, chocolate, or . . .?

18. Environment of choice: city or country, and where on the map?

My own back yard.

19. What do you want to say to the leader of your country?

20. Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now?

K and Me

2010-12-01T21:19:00.000-05:00

Another one of MamaKat's weekly writing prompts inspired me today:

1.) Have you ever had a fight with a long time best friend and never made up? Do you think about her from time to time and think about contacting her? What would you say? What if it didn’t work out? What if it did?

Oh boy, do I have a story for that. This is about a friend I'll just refer to as K.

K and I had been friends since freshman year of high school. We weren't best friends during the high school years, but gradually grew closer in the years after graduation. There was a group of us girls that hung out in high school (we went to an all-girls' Catholic school), but K was besties with M and my best friends were MB and J. We had a lot of fun together, though, with slumber parties, dances and all the other stuff teen girls do.

All of us kept in touch after graduation, and most of us are still friends almost 30 years later. K and I became best friends after my first marriage ended up divorce; since she was single and most of my other friends were married, we naturally gravitated towards each other. She also became close to my parents and adored my little girl.

But then I met Chris and remarried. Things seemed to change then. K still wasn't married and didn't have any children. The relationships she did have were disastrous, and one of them made me extremely uncomfortable. There was one time we met her and her boyfriend at a baseball game, and she told him some personal stuff I had done in high school right in front of Chris and me. I couldn't believe it.

I started feeling uncomfortable with K and sometimes betrayed by her. By this time she had become very close to not only my parents, but my extended family as well. She practically considered herself a member of my family, to the point of my feeling left out at times. One year she had a Christmas party and invited everybody in my family - except me. I found out later when she "accidentally" let it drop. She at least had the decency to act embarrassed, as did my mom. But I was hurt.

There are many more examples, but the final nail in the coffin of our relationship was five years ago. Our mutual friend J, my best friend back in high school, was in town with her newly-adopted daughter. I hadn't seen J in years - she lived in California and missed and still miss her terribly - and I didn't know she was coming to town. No, I didn't find out until once again, K "accidentally" mentioned that she had seen J and her beautiful daughter and had a wonderful time together. I still don't know why J didn't let me know herself, but K knew for a while this was coming and purposely excluded me from this rare opportunity.

The night K let this information slip, we were at my parents' for dinner, so I couldn't really say or do anything about it without making everyone else uncomfortable. I called her on it a few days later, and her comment was "Why shouldn't I let you know I had seen a friend?" No remorse. No acknowledgement that maybe I could've been hurt by this. But I was absolutely devastated. K actually broke my heart. Not even my divorce had hurt as much.

So to answer the prompt, do I think about her? Not really. I did for a while; I obsessed over what I say to her about how badly she hurt me, but I never got the opportunity. I had told her in an email never to call me again, and I certainly wasn't going to call her. So that answers the second question in the prompt, would I contact her? No. She treated me shabbily for a long time, but since I didn't have very many friends at the time, I just took it. Now I have many friends, and a best friend I love and trust very much.

I imagine K and I will run into each other at some point; we share too many friends not to. Plus she's still friends with my parents, which, I admit, bothers me a lot. My mom knows how badly I was hurt; why stay friends with K after that? But it's none of my business. My mom can pick her own friends.

If I do run into K, I will be polite, but I will not be friendly. She crossed a major line and unfortunately, I'm the type of person who can and will hold a grudge for a very long time. I still can't forgive her for that last straw, and I doubt I ever will.

Christmas Shopping, Part 1

2010-11-28T16:25:00.000-05:00

I've gotten some shopping done, mostly online. I have finished one group of gifts, and that was for the pets. This was important.

The pets (Sandy, Jack and Magic) get a gift on Christmas morning. This is how it has been since we first got Magic. After Sandy came along, she got one also, of course. She caught on pretty quickly after her first Christmas with us. Jack still doesn't get it, but enjoys the excitement of the day.

Then we started having Christmas Eve at our house once we moved into a single-family home. My parents come, Chris's parents come and so do my brother and his family. Sometime Sarah will have a friend or two come. So gifts are exchanged.

The year we started this new tradition, I didn't even think about Sandy. She had her gift, of course, but it was in our closet. This was when we didn't put gifts under the tree until after the girls had gone to bed because they still believed in Santa. So the girls are getting gifts from grandparents, nieces and nephews from uncles and aunts, and so on.

Then I notice Sandy. She is desperately looking around, and I knew she was waiting on a gift. Oh, god. I didn't get a picture of her, but this is close enough:

Jack didn't care, but Sandy was absolutely crushed. I had no idea a dog could actually be disappointed. She got a treat, but it wasn't the same.

So now I make sure she has a gift to open on Christmas Eve. Jack does, too, but he doesn't know the difference. Never again will my little Sandy Girl have a sad Christmas Eve.

Thanksgiving 2010 + Some Cool News

2010-11-26T21:00:00.000-05:00

Not that I expected differently, but Thanksgiving was very nice. Usually we go first to my in-laws for a noon feast, then to my parents' for dinner. We're all pretty roly-poly by the time the day is over. Unfortunately, my mother-in-law isn't feeling well and wasn't up to making her yearly feast. So we just went to my mom's for dinner.

While I missed my in-laws and my mom-in-law's incredible stuffing, my mom put out a delicious spread. And I must say, my pumpkin pie was pretty yummy, as was the fudge I made. So a nice day was had by all of us, even the dogs. They were pretty excited about going bye-bye in the car and my mom even cooked the giblets for them, so they made out like bandits.

Pictures? OK:

My girls:

Becca and me:

And, of course, Sandy and Jack hoping for turkey to drop (it did):

And now for some cool news - I had my first article published in our local newspaper today (The Brunswick Citizen)!! I wasn't sure my article would be good enough, so I was so excited when I checked the paper today. Here's hoping there will be more to come!

That Time I Fell Down

2010-11-25T14:06:00.000-05:00

MamaKat gives weekly writing prompts, and while I haven't done one in a while, I decided to tackle one today. Here are the writing prompts to choose from:

The Prompts:

It’s Thanksgiving time and the show will go on!

1.) Interview your kids…what do they think Thanksgiving is for? What are they thankful for? etc.
2.) Share a photo of what Thanksgiving looks like in your neck of the woods.
3.) Write a poem about the things you are thankful for.
4.) Describe a memorable Thanksgiving.
5.) Forget Thanksgiving, write about that time you fell down.

We established with my last post that I'm not a count-my-blessings-out-loud kinda girl. So I chose prompt #5.

It was vacation time 2009 and we had rented a cabin in the Smokey Mountains. But we spent a lot of time in Gatlinburg doing touristy stuff. This included eating at great restaurants, which in turn included margaritas from time to time.

Before I took the fall I'm writing about, I first need to set the tone for how my whole vacation went for me. We (my in-laws, Chris, Lauren and Becca) went to Bubba Gump Shrimp for dinner. Of course, I had my margarita. After my first drink and before my second, Becca needed to go to the ladies' room. I took her up and we both took care of business. I came out of the stall and saw Becca washing her hands. I gave her a whack on the butt, and this woman turned around in complete shock. I thought I was going to DIE. Becca was on the other side of the bathroom, drying her hands and laughing like a loon.

This kind of thing happens to me a lot. My kids love to play the "remember when you did..." game and start laughing at me.

So after yet another dinner at Bubba Gump's (plus the aforementioned margaritas), my mom-in-law and I decided we needed to shop for souvenirs. We tried one place in a strip mall that turned out to have just crap. We left the store to go back to the van when apparently there was a small rip in space and time that dropped the street a little ways below where I thought it was. This caused me to fall hard on my knees, scraping the hell out of one of them. God, it was painful. Chris jumped out of the van to help, but I could see my loving children trying not to laugh.

But after seeing the damage to my knee, I got a lot of sympathy. We had to stop at CVS and get some first aid stuff because it was pretty bad. Check it out:

That area of my knee is now a weird pink color and will probably be that way the rest of my life.

So that's just one of my stories about a time I fell down.

Thursday Thirteen - Thanksgiving Edition

2010-11-24T21:20:00.000-05:00

OK, so there are millions of blogs out there with lists of what they are thankful for. I could go that route, but that's really not me. I hated so much as a kid when we had Thanksgiving dinner at my Aunt Joann's and we all had to stand in a circle and say something we were thankful for before we could eat. It was the same every year! We pretty much all said family, friends, etc. so we could dig in to my aunt's beautiful feast.

So my Thanksgiving Thursday Thirteen is going to be an anti-thankful post.

Thirteen Things I Am NOT Thankful For:

1. Depression
2. Anxiety
3. Illness
4. Winter
5. Cold/Wind/Snow
6. Seasonal Affective Disorder
7. Mean people
8. Writer's block
9. Jack's farts waking me up at night
10. Household chores
11. Running out of Diet Coke
12. Dog hair tumbleweeds
13. Stress

Meet Me on Monday, 11/22/10

2010-11-22T12:26:00.000-05:00

Becca and I didn't get to NYC; she woke up with her sinuses bothering her and wasn't up to going. She felt better after a Sudafed and a shower, but by then it was too late to drive that far. We'll try again in the spring.

Questions:

1. How many pillows do you sleep with?

Just one and it's very comfortable.

2. Where will you eat on Thanksgiving?

We eat at my in-laws around noon, then head to my mom's around five or six. We are STUFFED by the end of the day! But I love it.

3. Would you rather go to a party or host a party?

Go to a party. My social anxiety keeps me from having people over as I would like.

4. How many purses (for the guys..wallets) do you own?

Just one. I'm not a purse girl. I get one and use it until it's worn out.

5. What is your favorite kind of seafood?

Crab legs from Joe's Crab Shack! Or any shrimp dishes I prepare, like Shrimp Creole.

Sunday Stealing, 11/21/10

2010-11-21T23:16:00.000-05:00

This is just a filler post for today since I haven't blogged in several days. Busy week. But Becca and I are heading to NYC tomorrow for the day, so I should have a fun post after that.

What was the last thing you put in your mouth?

Water.

How late did you stay up last night and why?

Stayed up until 1:00 because it was a Friday night, but fell asleep in my recliner and woke up about 2:00 to go up to bed.

If you could move somewhere else, would you?

Not right now because I wouldn't want to move the kids out of their schools and away from their friends. But someday I'll live where it's warm all the time!

Have you ever been kissed under fireworks?

I can't remember!

Do you believe ex’s can be friends?

It really depends on the circumstances.

When was the last time you cried really hard?

When my cousin's little boy died.

What items could you not go without during the day?

Computer, Droid, water, Diet Coke, coffee.

Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?

It must've been my grandmother; that was a long time ago.

How do you feel about your life right now?

I'm pretty happy, and I don't think it's just the anti-depressants talking!

If we were to look in your facebook inbox, what would we find?

A lot of messages about marching band transportation!

Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass?

Yup.

Has anyone ever called you perfect before?

My husband says I'm perfect for him.

Someone knocks on your window at 2:00 a.m.: who do you want it to be?

My bedroom is on the second floor; I don't want ANYBODY knocking!

Do you think too much or too little?

Too much.

Do you believe in fairy tales?

Not really.

Have you ever licked the back of a CD to try to get it to work?

Who DOES that?

What’s the largest age difference between yourself and someone you’ve dated?

Four years.

Have you ever been on a blind date?

No.

Do you have any friends that you’ve known for 10 years or more?

Still friends with several of my high school friend, and one of my friends I've known since I was 12 (I'm 44).

Have you ever had a crush on a teacher?

Yes, fourth grade!

What song do you want played at your funeral?

"Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles; the Beatles Love version.

Would you tell your parents if you were gay?

Not when I was a teen, but I would now if I were.

What would your last meal be before getting executed?

Steak!

Do you walk around the house naked?

I can't even keep warm in my clothes.

What do you do as soon as you walk in the house?

Wash my hands and greet the dogs who are jumping on me.

Who is the person you can count on the most?

Chris.

What is your favorite Holiday?

Halloween - love the atmosphere all the horror stuff on TV.

Would you ever get plastic surgery?

I'd consider a tummy tuck if I were guaranteed nothing would go wrong.

Have you ever caught a fish?

Yes, I went on a fishing trip when I was 17 and caught flounder.

What is the first thing you notice about people?

If they are well-groomed.

What is the farthest you’ve been from home?

Okinawa, Japan.

How did you meet your spouse or significant other (or most recent one)?

At a bar called Kangaroo Katies!

Where was the last place you drove (other than home/school/work)?

Picked up Becca from a slumber party today, then stopped at Wawa for a fountain soda and newspaper.

**********

I went to get my hair highlighted on Wednesday, and in the middle of my appointment, the salon dryer caught on fire! They had to move everybody outside while the fire department made sure everything was OK. After about 30 minutes, they just let in the beauticians who had clients with color or perms to rinse them out. So I got rinsed, then sent home for free! Weird day, but I made out pretty good.

Sunday Stealing, 11/14/10

2010-11-14T01:07:00.000-05:00

1. Lots of pillows or just one? Describe your pre-sleeping rituals.

Just one. My pre-sleeping ritual includes a Lunesta!

2. What kind of books do you read?

I'll read almost anything, but favorites include non-fiction, especially rock biographies, horror and memoirs.

3. What are your neighbors like?

We are lucky - we have wonderful neighbors all around us.

4. What's really creepy to you?

I write horror stories, so almost anything can be creepy if I use my imagination.

5. What's your current fandom/obsession/addiction?

I can't get enough of watching Hoarders and Intervention.

6. Do you prefer your junk food sweet, salty or savory?

The salty-sweet combo, like popcorn with M&Ms or chocolate-covered pretzels.

7. What was the last expensive thing you bought?

Chris recently bought a new car. I'm hoping to get new furniture soon.

8. What is your greatest fear?

Something happening to one of my kids.

9. Do you get cravings? If so, what do you crave?

I get cravings for Toffee-Mocha frappucinos sometimes.

10. What do you do to change your mood?

Listen to The Beatles.

11. What was the last meal you ate that you loved?

A couple weeks ago, at the Japanese Steak House (hibachi grill).

12. Do you want to learn another language? If so, why?

Not really.

13. What's something that you'd like to say to someone right now?

Snap out of it and quit treating [them] like crap!

14. What are you looking forward to?

The Beatles Rain Tribute in March up in Hershey.

My Daughter, The Vegetarian

2010-11-12T23:45:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, Becca and her best friend Damara made a pact to be vegetarians for a week. I'm still not sure why, but they stuck to it. A few nights after it was over, we had plans to go to Matsutake, a Japanese hibachi restaurant that Becca LOVES. She decided for that night she would have her favorite chicken dish, then go back to vegetarianism.

She has really done well with it! My only concern is getting protein into her; it's difficult because she doesn't like milk (except chocolate milk), isn't crazy about yogurt, and hasn't really tried other sources of protein like beans. I need to start getting creative in helping increase her protein intake.

I have encouraged her to try "Flexitarianism", where she can occasionally eat meat. She lives for my bacon-cheddar quiche and loves tacos, so I think we have a little leeway here. But coming up with vegetarian lunches for her to take to school is a challenge.

Any suggestions on picky-kid-friendly vegetarian recipes would be greatly appreciated!

Story Time!

2010-11-10T20:47:00.000-05:00

I mentioned a couple days ago that a story I wrote placed Honorable Mention in the Necon E-Books monthly flash fiction contest. The editor mentioned in the acceptance letter that another one of the stories I entered was also close to being a winner, but "Reclaiming Halloween" edged it out.

I really liked the story that didn't make it, so I thought I'd post it here, and hopefully(!) it'll get read.

The Last Halloween
By Sheri White
(c) 2010

“Do you really think it’s going to happen tonight?” Scott asked. He and his friends sat on the beach around the bonfire, exchanging ghost stories, drinking beer and eating candy.

“I don’t know,” replied Andy. “The comet’s all over the news. This could be the one that hits us.”

“I’m scared, Scott.” Lori cuddled against him and held onto him tightly. “I don’t want to die.”

Just then, the comet streaked overhead and landed in the ocean. Scott kissed Lori gently on her lips, tasting chocolate.

“It’ll be OK,” he assured her as the tidal wave bore down upon them.

[yellow tail] Reserve Your Night Contest

2010-11-09T13:58:00.000-05:00

Enough about me for a minute! A few months ago I was offered the opportunity to sample some [yellow tail] wine and blog about it. The wine was DELICIOUS.

Now, [yellow tail] has asked me to let you know about a contest they are having, and it sounds pretty cool.

All you have to do is go to ReserveYourNight.com site and let them know, in 300 words or less, what or who you are most thankful for this holiday season and why. Winners will receive a $25 gift card to a local BYOB restaurant and have their answer featured on ReserveYourNight.com.

That's all there is to it! Good luck!

Meet Me on Monday, 11/8/10

2010-11-08T22:02:00.000-05:00

First the Meet Me on Monday questions, the some cool stuff that's been happening!

1. What is your favorite kind of pie?

Hard to choose between apple and pumpkin!

2. Have you ever ran out of gas in the car you were driving?

No, I'm too nervous to let it happen.

3. How many languages do you speak?

Just English.

4. Do you take daily vitamins?

I HAVE them; taking them everyday doesn't happen. Although I do make sure I take my B12 daily since I need the energy.

5. What is your worst eating habit?

Probably not eating as much as I should every day - some days I just snack a little throughout the day and then maybe eat a little dinner. So why can't I lose weight?!

*********

I found out today that my story, "Reclaiming Halloween," placed Honorable Mention in the Necon E-Books monthly flash fiction contest! I'd love for you to go read it!

I have been asked by a friend who is a reporter for our local newspaper to cover a story at my girls' old elementary school next week. I've never done that before! I'm nervous, but hopefully up to the challenge. Sounds like it will be fun.

I'm also going to be a guest blogger on someone else's blog in a couple weeks; I'll provide more details as I get them. I'm looking forward to this.

Fun stuff coming up!

Sunday Stealing, 11/7/10

2010-11-07T00:14:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted in way too long. Been sick, been busy, been blah. I hate the cold weather and right now it's colder than it's supposed to be. Yay for SAD - it should start early for me this year. Hopefully my meds will help keep it somewhat at bay. Stay tuned for more updates; I'm sure I'll be complaining.

Lauren's marching band has made it to the BIG competition, the ACCs, so we'll be heading to Hersheypark tomorrow to watch. There are some parents who can stay at these competitions from start to finish, but I'm just not one of them. I enjoy watching Lauren and her friends, but other bands? Not so much. So once Lauren's band is done, I'll take Becca over to the chocolate factory where we will take the tour and buy chocolate we don't need. Should be a good day.

To add a little bulk to this post, here are my answers to this week's Sunday Stealing. Haven't done it since July, but it's an easy way to get back into blogging.

1. What do you consider your hometown to be?

Landover Hills, MD

2. What’s the hardest part of your average day?

Getting up and dressed.

3. The easiest? Why?

Hanging with my family. Because I enjoy them.

4. What beverage do you reach for to quench your thirst?

Diet Coke - many times a day.

5. What is one not-so-secret goal you have for your life? I’ll let you keep your secret ones to yourself.

To live somewhere warm and sunny when the kids are done with school.

6. What physical pain do you fear most? For example, I’m trying to decide how bad my jaw pain needs to get before I risk a potential needle from my dentist. So, for me, throbbing is preferable to jabbing.

Any kind of biopsy. I've heard they're excrutiating.

7. Where do you find solace?

At the beach, specifically, Ocean City, Md.

8. What makes you the saddest when you read/see the news?

Any horrible things done to children or animals.

9. What do you eat for a favorite snack?

I've discovered a love for dates and figs. Can't get enough of them.

10. What movie could you/would you watch more than two or three times and still enjoy just as much as the first time?

Many, but I'll pare it down to Wild Hogs and Galaxy Quest.

11. What boy/girl first made you cry?

The boy I dated on and off through high school caused many tears.

12. What brand of coffee/tea do you drink most often?

I have a Keurig, and my favorite K-Cup right now is Kahlua with chocolate creamer.

13. Dig in the dirt with or without garden gloves?

I'm not a digging in the dirt kind of girl.

14. James Taylor or Carly Simon?

Carly, definitely.

Pumpkin Patch!

2010-10-19T13:54:00.000-04:00

Sunday we made our annual pilgrimage to our local pumpkin patch, Jumbo's. We always go with Chris's parents; it's been a tradition since the kids were little.

We didn't do the corn maze this year because it was a bit stressful last time since it was a very hot day and we couldn't find out way out for a long time. We just took the hayride directly to the patch.

The farm has some beautiful views. I just wish more leaves had turned.

Becca trying to carry a pumpkin that weighs more than she does.

My girls.

A cute goat.

A pumpkin I thought was deformed, but turns out they're grown this way:

And finally, I took this at an old barn. I thought it looked sufficiently creepy for Halloween.

Top Ten Tuesday, 10/12/10 - Joshua Hoffine

2010-10-12T15:25:00.000-04:00

I recently discovered a horror photographer whose work I absolutely love. His name is Joshua Hoffine, and he creates work of fear as well as beauty. Yes, there is beauty in this horror art; the photographs are breathtaking. Since it's October, an official creepy month, here are ten of my favorite Joshua Hoffine photographs.

CAUTION: If you are easily offended or horrified, you may want to reconsider looking at these pictures!

Swarm, Spring 2005

This is one of the first photographs I saw and got me to become a fan of Joshua's work:

Basement, Winter 2006
Who hasn't been afraid of going down into a dark basement?

Bedside, Summer 2004
This is a truly horrific picture, but beautifully photographed.

Devil, Autumn 2008
Thanks to all the threats I had as a child about the devil and hell, this one really got to me.

Balloons, Spring 2004
This one reminds me of Stephen King's It.

Babysitter, Summer 2009
"Have you checked the children?" "The call is from inside the house! Get out!"

Bed, Autumn 2004
All of us have been convinced of a monster under the bed at some time or another.

Couch, Summer 2004
Even if you have your back to the wall, something can get you.

Candy, Summer 2005
Didn't this little girl ever hear of Hansel and Gretel?

Closet, Summer 2004
Sometimes I still think there is something in my closet.

If you are interested in Joshua Hoffine's work, check out his website.

Randomness

2010-10-11T23:59:00.000-04:00

It's been a bit chaotic here the past several days. Poor Becca has been very sick; I picked her up from school last Wednesday because she had a nasty sore throat. I took her to the doctor Thursday morning to check for strep. She didn't have strep, but it looks like she may have picked up a stomach bug from the office because she threw up about 20 times throughout the day Friday. She's still weak and hasn't eaten much. But she is a lot better than she was a few days ago.

Lauren went to the Brunswick homecoming dance on Saturday night. We went shopping for her dress last Monday, and she tried on three. The dress she ended up choosing was definitely THE dress. She looked amazing in it. These pictures don't do her justice because like me, she hates having her picture taken.

I have been writing more and more each week, which pleases me. I have entered several contests and submitted a couple stories. I have also had articles published at Xomba Horror. Here are a few links in case anybody is interested:

My story Train Station, placed in the Honorable Mention for the month of September at Necon E-Books Flash Fiction Contest.

I took Lauren to see My Soul to Take yesterday. You can find my review of it at Xomba Horror Channel.

I wrote an essay about bad horror movies on the 80s, also at Xomba Horror Channel.

I love writing for Xomba. I haven't gotten paid or anything, but it's a great way to get a little exposure and hone my writing skills.

That's about it for now!

Knowing Me, Knowing You, October 2010

2010-10-08T00:14:00.000-04:00

I found this meme through my Google Reader, and though it would be fun. Hey, who doesn't like talking about his or herself?

This was taken from The Fairy Blogmother.

1. Started your Christmas shopping yet?

No, but I do have ideas and a list started in my head. I need to start shopping soon. Every year I say I'll have it done by December 1st so I can do fun stuff during the season, but it never happens.

2. Fall is here, what's your favourite cold weather comfort food?

I think chili. I make several kinds, and they're all pretty good.

3. Are you watching any new shows?

I've checked out a few. I really like Boardwalk Empire and Raising Hope. I've only seen the first episode of The Event so far, but it was very intriguing.

4. Have you read Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet?

I haven't - is it one of those books like Of Mice and Men that everyone should have read at some point in their lives?

5. Is the top of your desk cluttered or clear?

I don't have a desk, but the end table next to my recliner is definitely cluttered. It would only take a few minutes to declutter, but I only do it occasionally.

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

Finally, my flash fiction story, Train Station, placed in the Honorable Mention category at Necon e-books. Last month I was in the winning category, but to me, this is just as good. I'm pleased.

Reclaiming Myself

2010-10-06T10:16:00.000-04:00

I participated in this meme several months ago, but haven't since. Today I thought I'd try again.

I have been fighting my weight since I had my first baby almost 22 years ago. I'm tired of of fighting. I'm turning 45 in December. It's just not as easy to lose weight anymore! Not to mention that my various meds, including Depo Provera, are making it even harder. I am eating well and exercising almost every day, but I'm just losing and gaining the same pound. So frustrating.

But why should I fight so hard? It doesn't make me happy. I obsess, get upset, then feel bad about myself. I squeeze myself into jeans that don't fit or flatter me anymore, then feel bloated and unattractive all day. The truth is, while I'd love to lose 10 or 20 pounds, I don't think it's going to happen at this point.

The more I think about the situation, the more I realize I'm becoming OK with not losing all the weight I'd like to lose. When I wear jeans that fit, I look pretty good when I look in the mirror. My husband still finds me attractive and tells me that all the time in words and actions. My doctor says I'm in great health. Then why keep torturing myself?

So today I'm claiming a truce with my body, for my sake and the sake of my girls. I'm a little overweight (according to Wii Fit!) and damn it, there's nothing wrong with that. My girls need a confident, happy mom to help them grow to be confident and happy young women themselves.

This truce does not mean I'm giving up on eating right and exercising. Far from it! I enjoy making and eating healthy meals for my family, and the Wii Fit is fun. What I am going to do is buy myself some new jeans that fit and flatter my figure (which is not bad at all for 45!), and stop obsessing about the size number on the tag. Numbers are nothing but trouble!

I am also not going to obsess about every non-healthy thing I eat. There is nothing wrong with treats on occasion in moderation. I mean, I love to cook and bake and I'm really good at it - why deprive myself or make myself feel guilty for enjoying what I make for my family?

Keeping this attitude won't be easy, I know. Once winter comes and my Season Affective Disorder kicks in, I'll have to work hard at not gaining more weight and getting down on myself. But I know Chris will help me.

Not to say I won't be happy if I do lose weight! I won't stop trying, but I won't obsess about it, either. There's more to life and being happy than numbers on a scale or the number on your jeans.

Wish me luck!

Top Ten Tuesday, 10/5/10

2010-10-05T14:45:00.000-04:00

This week, it's all about Jack. Ten of my favorite pictures of him. For a dog who gets on my last nerve almost daily, he has certainly gotten under my skin.

First, my favorite picture of both dogs. This photo makes me very happy.

After a hard day of getting on my nerves.

>

Not letting me take a nap.

Trying desperately to be a lapdog.

Doesn't matter how many times you throw the ball, he is NEVER satisfied.

His breath could be used as a weapon of mass destruction.

And he always kisses me with that deadly breath.

He loves to bother Magic, too. She's not as patient as I am.

Howling is one of his favorite pastimes.

But his favorite activity is gazing at me as he falls asleep, many times throughout the day.

Meet Me on Monday, 10/4/10

2010-10-04T15:25:00.000-04:00

Before I participate in Meet Me on Monday, I want to mention that my recent post, Tragedy in Our Family, was featured on the Feels Like Home blog yesterday in Things to Write Home About. Thanks for including me!

Now onto the meme!

1. What is the best dish you can make?

I'm actually a pretty good cook, but I think it was Shrimp Creole that won Chris's heart.

2. How often do you change your sheets?

As often as needed.

3. What is the longest car trip you have ever taken?

We live in Maryland, so traveling to Texas to see my dad is the longest car trip.

4. What is your favorite fruit?

I love most fruit, but have recently discovered a love for dates and fresh figs.

5. Would you rather have breakfast for dinner or dinner for breakfast?

Breakfast for dinner! Although I have a recipe for Breakfast Pizza, which I consider a compromise.

Tired, or Just Lazy?

2010-10-03T20:41:00.000-04:00

This time last year, I was suffering from mono, sinusitis and bronchitis. Needless to say, I was a mess. It took about 6-9 months, but I recovered, only to start suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I couldn't catch a break, it seemed, and winter only exacerbated my condition.

Once the weather took a turn for the better, so did I. My doctor found the right combination of meds to battle my fatigue, insomnia and depression, and I finally started perking up. Summer was great; I was able to take the kids places and do fun things, and I was happy.

Recently, though, I find myself absolutely exhausted after a day out or a busy day. Driving really takes a lot out of me. It's very discouraging. I don't feel sick like I did when I was so ill last summer and fall, just easily tired. I'm also trying to lose weight and it isn't working! I'm eating right and exercising, but I just keep gaining and losing the same pound. Arrgggh!

A Facebook friend suggested getting my thyroid checked. I Googled the symptoms of Hypothyroid, and it could fit. I'm going to call my doctor tomorrow and try to get an appointment soon.

Once again, I can't catch a break!

Wednesday Wickedness - Sir Paul

2010-09-29T08:54:00.000-04:00

I saw this meme in my Google Reader, and knew I'd have to participate!

Hi and welcome to Wednesday Wickedness. We are like other memes in that we will ask you ten questions each and every Wednesday. But our little "twist" is that each week we will pick a famous person and pick ten of their quotes. Each of our questions will be based on the quotes. The quotes are in bold. Got it? Great! Let's begin this week's meme!

1. “George wrote Taxman, and I played guitar on it. He wrote it in anger at finding out what the taxman did. He had never known before then what could happen to your money.”
No one likes paying taxes. But do you think the tax system is fair?

I think it needs a lot of work.

2. “I definitely did look up to John. We all looked up to John. He was older and he was very much the leader; he was the quickest wit and the smartest.”
What did you think of John Lennon?

Brilliant lyricist and musician. Terrible father and husband, at least to Cynthia and Julian, and just not a very nice guy for the most part.

3. “I saw that Meryl Streep said, I just want to do my job well. And really, that's all I'm ever trying to do.”
How do you approach your job whether in the workplace or at home?

My job is being a mom, and I love it. I'm pretty laid back in my parenting, but my girls make it easy.

4. “I used to think anyone doing anything weird was weird. Now I know that it is the people that call others weird that are weird.”
Have you found that you have more tolerance for unusual people as you get older?

I was a teenager in the 80s. Unusual people were the norm.

5. “I don't take me seriously. If we get some giggles, I don't mind.”
How seriously do you take yourself?

I should probably lighten up about myself. I tend to put myself down, which drives Chris crazy.

6. “I think people who create and write, it actually does flow-just flows from into their head, into their hand, and they write it down. It's simple.”
Does your blog writing just flow from your head, or is it a lot of effort?

If I have a good idea, it flows effortlessly for the most part. But if I don't have any ideas and I want to write, it's frustrating and discouraging.

7. “Think globally, act locally.”
Do you do anything to help your local community?

I did a LOT of volunteering in the schools when my kids were younger. Now I mostly make sure I recycle and help out Lauren's band when I'm up for it.

8. “When you first get money, you buy all these things so no one thinks you're mean, and you spread it around. You get a chauffeur and you find yourself thrown around the back of this car and you think, I was happier when I had my own little car! I could drive myself!”
Have you ever had a period where you felt that you were set financially?

LOL

9. “Lyricists play with words.”
Do you think what you write on your blog is clever or just ordinary and why?

I just write about my life, so I know I'm just one of many mom bloggers. My blog is mostly of interest to my family, and that's OK.

10. “Where I come from, you don't really talk about how much you're earning. Those things are private. My dad never told my mum how much he was earning. I'm certainly not going to tell the world. I'm doing well.”
Who in your circle knows how much money your family makes?

I don't share that information.

I'm Such a Mean Mom

2010-09-28T19:49:00.000-04:00

Today I made Lauren go to band practice. She called me from school so I could bring her some Aleve since she wasn't feeling well, which I did. I could tell she wanted me to take her home, but I thought she could tough it out. Which she did, although she did call about an hour later, hoping she could come home so she wouldn't have to march. But her band teacher was a little irritated, so she stayed.

Lauren loves band, or so she says. And she does seem to enjoy the competitions, football halftime performances, and the friendships she's made. But when she the least little bit tired, or off her game, she gets very pouty about going. It's very frustrating, especially when the rest of us give up a lot of our time for her activity.

So Lauren was still feeling bad when she got home, and fell asleep on the couch. I was fine with that. But when she woke up a little while later, she was feeling better so I suggested she go to practice even though she'd be late. Well, that started a whole thing of "I'm too tired;" "My stomach's upset" and so on. I was so irritated. I told her that if she didn't suck it up and go in that indoor drum line this year was out of the question. And that marching band is iffy for the next couple years because I can't keep going through this. Not to mention she lets her grades slip even though she promises she won't.

Well, she ended up going in late, even though she had a little bit of attitude on the way there. I'm not as irritated now as I was earlier, but that might change when I pick her up in a while.

And that's my mean mom moment for today.

Top Ten Tuesday, 9/28/10

2010-09-28T10:13:00.000-04:00

Haven't done this meme in a while! It took a while to think of a subject, but then I decided I'd like to pick ten of my favorite pictures from my Photobucket account. It's been fun going through my old pictures.

This was taken in Spring of 2004 when Becca was a "Daisy" Girl Scout. The troop went to our local fire station and took a tour.

My parents and my in-laws chipped with us to send Lauren to horse camp for her tenth birthday. She had the BEST TIME.

A picture of the girls taken at Fish Tales restaurant in Ocean City. One of our favorite places to hang out at the beach.

A picture of Chris at the strawberry farm, doing his best Fonzie impression. :-)

This is how pets should be treated. I hate hearing of abused and mistreated animals.

Getting pedis with my girls a few years ago!

Took my girls to the lake up on Catoctin Mountain several summers ago. It was FREEZING! But the scenery was beautiful.

And at the beach...

The girls frustrated at getting lost in the corn maze.

And finally, all of my girls having a cookie baking day:

Those are only ten out of almost 1000 pictures on Photobucket! I see more such Top Ten Tuesdays in my future!

Meet Me on Monday, 9/27/10

2010-09-27T10:13:00.000-04:00

Monday already? Seems the weekend just started! Lauren had her first marching band competition of the season, and they did great. I feel so proud watching her on the field. She plays the baritone sax, an instrument almost as big as she is! I don't know how she does it.

1. How many TV’s do you have in your home?

We have three TVs; one in the living room, one in the basement and one in our master bedroom. However, we can also watch TV on our computers.

2. What is on your bedside table (nightstand)?

Books! Books I've read, books I'm reading and books I need to read. Plus the lamp to read them by.

3. How many pair of shoes do you own?

I have two pairs of flip-flops I live in during the summer, Skechers toning shoes, sneakers, and a few other pairs I wear during the winter. Nothing exciting; I'm not really a shoe gal.

4. Can you change a flat tire?

Unfortunately, no. It doesn't make me as nervous now that everybody (including me) has a cell phone.

5. Do you prefer sweet treats or salty treats?

Put them together, please! Loved salted dark chocolate caramels, Pretzel M&Ms, mixing popcorn and plain M&Ms together. Good stuff!

A Day in Georgetown

2010-09-24T17:29:00.000-04:00

My mom-in-law is an avid photographer, but had gotten bored with the same-old, same-old around to take pictures of. So I took her to Georgetown in Washington, DC for a change of scenery. I don't know about her, but I got a few nice shots myself with my cell phone and crappy camera. Plus it was just a really nice day.

Our first stop was Clyde's for lunch. I haven't been there since I was in my late teens. Georgetown used to be a real party town when I was in my teens and 20s, but has become more of a shopping zone now.

I like this picture, even though there is reflection from across the street.

Inside the restaurant:

I tried headcheese. Chris's mom saw it on the menu and thought it would be good, but asked the waiter if she could try it first. He was very nice and brought out a nice-sized piece for her. I had to try it; I couldn't let something that daring sit there without giving it a whirl. It wasn't bad, actually, but the texture was off, somehow. I wouldn't order it. But neither did she.

For lunch I had a pizza - and this was no ordinary pizza. It was a ham, caramelized onion, fig, bleu cheese and honey pizza. It was AMAZING. I've never had anything like it. Why no picture? Because by the time I realized I should have taken one, I had practically demolished it. Hey, I was hungry.

Next it was off to the Georgetown Waterfront Park. On the way there we checked out the C&O Canal:

Then spotted a pretty church, which was unfortunately blocked by a tree:

Can you see the bee in this cluster of flowers? If you know me at all, I was very brave to get that shot!

You can see the Kennedy Center from the Waterfront Park:

The Key Bridge:

And people in the water (stand-up kayaking?):

Then we trudged back up the very steep hill on Wisconsin Avenue. Our plan was to get a cupcake from Georgetown Cupcake.

This bank has been on the corner of M Street and Wisconsin Avenue for as long as I can remember:

We couldn't make it to Georgetown Cupcake without stopping for a drink at Dean & Deluca:

Then finally, we made it to Georgetown Cupcake. Again no food picture because I DEVOURED IT. But it was a caramel apple cupcake that made me wish I had bought two instead of one.

This guy permanently reads in The Shops at Georgetown, which used to be quite the busy mall with hoity-toity stores, but now seems to be mostly empty with crappy stores:

A wonderful day! Our next photo tour will be in Old Town Alexandria (VA) on another nice day.

Tragedy in Our Family

2010-09-23T08:06:00.000-04:00

MamaKat over at Mama's Losin' It! hosts a writing workshop every week where she posts prompts. This is the one I chose. I've been wanting to write about this incident for a long time, and this prompt finally got me to do it.

1.) In the book I'm reading, Girls of Tender Age,the main character is deeply affected by the murder of a childhood friend. Describe a tragedy you didn't expect to be as deeply affect by as you are.

My cousin Debbie and I were very close as children, but drifted away as we grew up. The whole extended family did, actually, once my grandmother passed. I thought of Debbie occasionally, but we moved in different worlds, so I didn’t really try to contact her. We both had kids, both were remarried, but our circle of acquaintances and friends were worlds apart, and I just felt like I didn’t fit into her glamorous world.

Then one night, about four years ago, my mom called. “Debbie’s little boy drowned today.” I was speechless. I hadn’t even met her youngest child, yet my heart immediately broke for that little boy who was probably so scared and wanted his mommy. He had been left to the care of a family friend for a day outing at the local pool, and the friend got distracted and forgot to keep an eye on Conner.

I don’t handle death well in the “best” of circumstances, but the viewing and funeral for this beautiful little boy had me crying buckets of tears. Seeing Debbie break down, slipping to the floor with grief is forever burned in my brain. As I hugged Debbie at the funeral home, both of us bawling and holding each other tight, I could feel the years apart slip away.

I knew this was something Debbie would never get over. What I didn’t know was that the incident was going to turn me into a wreck myself in regards to my own kids. They didn’t know how to swim; they did the same thing Connor did and relied on “floaties”. I had become complacent. No more. I was so desperate to teach my kids how to survive in water, yet they were so resistant and nervous, that I bribed them with money throughout that summer. Thankfully, they learned, and are now like fish in any body of water.

But I still kept picturing my own girls in that little coffin. That image stayed with me, as did the memory of Debbie’s heartbroken sobbing. I couldn’t turn it off. Sometimes I still can’t. That this happened to a member of MY family, someone I called my best friend as a child, then it could happen to ME. My view became very fatalistic in regards to my kids. Why should Debbie lose a child and I get to keep all mine? We shared everything as kids; would we share this experience as well? I still haven’t been able to get totally free of this mindset, especially on the rare occasions I see Debbie when I have my girls with me. Does Debbie resent me? Or does she not even think of such things? I’m afraid to ask. I don’t want to be the cause of fresh tears either way.

So I try not to worry about my kids as best I can, and breathe a sigh of relief every night when they go to bed, safe and sound in their rooms. However, I have a daughter who is 21, takes a lot of risks and I worry about middle-of-the-night phone calls. I wake up grateful I was able to sleep through the night without a horrible interruption by the police or hospital.

Suffice it to say, this is going to be my life. Worrying about my kids, but to somewhat more of extreme due to my cousin’s tragedy. It’s exhausting, but as a mother, I have no other choice.

I Finished It!

2010-09-22T23:10:00.000-04:00

...with a day to spare - it's due at the library tomorrow. Excellent book; I highly recommend it!

Meet Me on Monday, 9/20/10

2010-09-20T19:26:00.000-04:00

1. What is your favorite all time movie?

How can someone pick that? Here's one of MANY movies I could watch over and over:

2. How often do you go over the speed limit?

More often than I care to admit! But it's been a while since I got a ticket (hope I didn't just jinx myself).

3. What really gives you the creeps?

Japanese ghost girls, among tons of other things!

4. What is your favorite snack?

Popcorn and M&Ms, mixed together. Anything salty/sweet, really.

5. Would you rather be a dog named Killer or a cat named Fluffy?

Monday Reading

2010-09-20T14:28:00.000-04:00

I am STILL reading The Passage by Justin Cronin. Will I ever finish? I'm enjoying it very much, but it's soooooooo long (765 pages) and I've got other books to read and some to review. It's also due back at the library on Thursday. Will I have it finished by then? Or will I start racking up a fine? Stay tuned...

To check out other Monday Reading participants, go here.

Urban Legends of My Childhood

2010-09-19T21:38:00.000-04:00

Do urban legends exist anymore? When I was a kid, I spent a lot of time afraid of the Goatman, Bloody Mary and the hook swinging off the teenager’s car door. I remember confessing these fears to my mom on a regular basis, usually after a slumber party. My kids don’t bring such tales home after a night with friends. It’s kind of shame, actually.

The Goatman was a legendary figure right in my own neighborhood. There were woods behind the elementary school, and that’s where the Goatman lived. It sure made recess interesting. I didn’t like climbing high on any of the playground equipment because what if the Goatman came bounding from the trees? I’d be trapped. I much preferred rainy days, when recess was spent inside.

The worst, though, were hot summer nights. Sometimes I’d fall asleep on the couch, and my parents would’ve forgotten to close the front door (you could do that back then). I’d wake up in the middle of the night, terrified to open my eyes for fear of seeing the Goatman on my porch, peering through the screen door at me. Even now it gives me the shivers!

And Bloody Mary - good grief. How many times did my friends and I gather in a dark bathroom during a slumber party, both scared and giggling trying to say “Bloody Mary” ten times while rubbing the mirror? I don’t think we ever made it past five without busting out of the bathroom screaming. Someone always knew someone who knew someone who had gotten her face scratched by Bloody Mary after completing the chant. I swear, to this day I have trouble being in a dark room alone if there’s a mirror in there. I wouldn’t chant those words on a bet!

I’m glad my girls don’t spend time obsessing over such things as I did, but I think that freaking out and giggling over horror stories and legends is a fun part of childhood. I’ve told them about the Goatman and Bloody Mary, and they pretty much just shrugged over it. I guess urban legends aren’t as exciting as cell phones and iPods.

But that’s OK. The original Night of the Living Dead is in my Netflix Instant Watch Queue. Their quiet lives are going to get a bit more exciting.

Random Stuff

2010-09-17T20:20:00.000-04:00

How do other bloggers, moms and otherwise, manage to post an entry every day? Either I can't think of anything to write about (who really cares about the mundane events in my life?) or I don't have time. Well, I have time, but unfortunately, I have a Facebook/Farmville addiction that must be fed. I'm also reading a HUGE book (The Passage by Justin Cronin) which is a freaking door stop but really good. I have to have that read before it's due back at the library since there are other holds on it so I can't renew it. After that, I have a book to read that I said I'd review.

Speaking of reviewing books, I was reading a PDF for review that was just AWFUL. I forced myself to read about 50 pages, but just couldn't do it. I felt really guilty, but I had to email the publisher and let him know there was no way I could finish the book, let alone review it. But once I did email him, what a weight off my shoulders! Life is too short to read crappy books.

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

I just checked my email, and the editor wrote me back. He completely understood the book wasn't my "cup of tea" and offered me a new book to read and review. I'm so glad he was cool about it.

************
I've been walking every day this week, and yesterday I started the Wii Fit. Yet I've gained a couple pounds this week. Frustrating! I'm eating healthy, so I'm wondering if the meds I'm taking have something to do with it. But I guess I'd rather be a little overweight but happy rather than miserably depressed and skinny. And I know it's silly, but buying jeans one size up just gets to me. It feels like I'm giving up or something, but it's better than lying on the bed struggling to zip up, right?

Of course, my recent baking spree isn't helping. Check out the peach crumble bars I made a few days ago:

I love the cup and saucer; they belonged to my beloved grandmother, Mom-Mom. I only use them for photographing food; I'm afraid I'll break them if I used them on a regular basis.

And finally, a recent picture of Lauren and Becca, taken by Chris's mom. Am I in trouble, or what?

I Baked Today!

2010-09-13T21:59:00.000-04:00

Peach Crumb Bars

Meet Me on Monday, 9/13/10

2010-09-13T16:55:00.000-04:00

1. What is your favorite pasta dish?

I love pasta in almost every form, but a simple bowl of tortellini with a little butter, fresh ground pepper and some Parmesan is my favorite.

2. What is the last thing you do before going to bed?

Shut down my computer, brush my teeth and stumble up the stairs (if my sleep aid has kicked in).

3. How many nights a week do you go out to eat?

We go out to eat only about once or twice a month, at least when school starts. We might go out a little more often in the summer, especially when we go on day trips.

4. Are you an avid book reader?

My to-be-read shelf plus library books:

My book collection (not including books strewn about the house) - the books on this shelf are categorized and alphabetized:

5. Would you rather have x-ray vision or bionic hearing?

I really don't want to see strangers' birthday suits on a daily basis, so I'll pick the bionic hearing.

Nothing Exciting Going On

2010-09-10T23:54:00.000-04:00

Just been hanging out, cleaning, running errands, taking care of sicks kids. Life is so different during the school year than it is during the summer. Now that marching band has started up, weekends aren't our own most of the time until mid-November. It's still nice in Ocean City! But we can't go. Don't get me wrong; I love watching Lauren and the band perform, but it is hard to have so much of our family time taken up.

Chris and I went out to dinner just the two of us for the first time in AGES. It was nice. We also did a little shopping and got some Dairy Queen, and I proceeded to brag about it to the girls since they love DQ. I'm such a great mom.

I'm reading a book to review and I'm not enjoying it. Not only is it in PDF, but I just don't think I get what's going on. It's very disjointed. Can I get through 300-and-some pages in PDF? Can I write a fair review? "The font was very legible." That'll be the extent of it.

Why am I so fascinated with hoarders? I can't get enough of those shows. I discovered today that the first season is on Netflix Instant Watch, and it was ridiculous how gleeful that made me. My house certain wouldn't be featured in House Beautiful, but it's pretty clean, if a little cluttered. I'd love to run a camera during one of the episodes. Becca's dying to see a real-life hoarder's house. Is it bad that I let her watch with me?

See? Just like the title said, nothing exciting going on. But that can be a good thing.

Meet Me on Monday, 9/6/10

2010-09-06T10:16:00.000-04:00

Before I start answering this week's questions, I'm going to crow once again about my winning entry in the Necon e-book August flash fiction contest. Because not only did I win, but the editor said, and I quote:

Also on the site, you can find the submission guidelines for our September contest, should you decide to attempt to win in back-to-back months (hint, hint, nudge, nudge...)

Wow! Talk about boosting my ego! So anyway, you can find my story here. Please read it!

1. Do you wear socks to bed?

Yes! Even in the summer. I get cold when it's less than 75 degrees!

2. Do you have any pets?

3. What topping(s) do you like on your pizza?

Spinach and diced tomato! Which my husband thinks is gross.

4. What time do you go to bed?

I used to stay up until all hours with my sleep problems, but since taking Lunesta, I go to bed around 12 or 12:30.

5. Would you rather get free chocolate for one year or free potatoes forever?

Oh, please!

You can find other Meet Me on Monday participants here!

Horrorfind Convention and some BIG NEWS

2010-09-04T23:07:00.000-04:00

Today Lauren and I went to the Horrorfind Weekend Convention and had a great time. The convention is a mix of horror actors, horror writers, and horror props people. People dress up crazy and scary, and those are just the attendees! The writers and actors are pretty "normal."

Here's a convention attendee:

I got to see several famous actors, but didn't feel like standing in line for a meet-and-greet and then pay $20 per autograph. Seriously? You're not THAT famous anymore. I saw Adrienne Barbeau, Dee Wallace, Gary and Jake Busey and then a lot of people who were glorified extras in zombie movies who you wouldn't recognize without their makeup.

The horror writers don't charge for autographs, and they are much cooler anyway. Here is Monica J. O'Rourke at her reading. Great story, very gross. I was surprised it didn't churn Lauren's weak stomach!

And Jack Ketchum starting to read - but I took Lauren out because I could tell it was going to be a very inappropriate story for her to hear. See, I'm a great mom!

And the two of them before the reading:

There were several creature wandering the convention who were gracious enough to let me take their pictures (for free!). I wanted Lauren to get in the pictures, but she wouldn't. Wuss!

This little girl was quite pleased with her makeover:

Lauren and I were getting hungry, but decided this didn't look very appetizing:

And finally, Monica and me reuniting after many years of not seeing each other. Hopefully now that I'm writing again, she and I will be seeing more of each other.

Now for my BIG NEWS!!! I was one of the winners of the Necon E-book first flash fiction contest!!! My first horror story acceptance is probably eight years. I am beyond excited! You can find my story right here!

I was also encouraged at Horrorfind to get back into the horror writing game because my writing was good. Such a confidence booster! I'm so glad I went today. And I had a good day with Lauren, who is so busy with band and school that I don't get to hang out with her much.

Wordless Wednesday, 9/1/10

2010-09-01T09:59:00.000-04:00

Stretchy Kitty in the Sun

Farts ARE funny...

2010-08-30T21:13:00.000-04:00

Or maybe I'm just completely immature.

Tonight Chris and I took the girls to Longhorn for dinner. As we chatting and eating, I heard an odd sound across from me and saw Lauren totally break down into giggles. I assumed she had done the dreaded deed, but once I saw Chris's face as he tried not to laugh, I knew he was the culprit.

Lauren's giggles are extremely contagious to me, plus I find farts (especially when Chris does it) extremely funny. You'd think I was a 10-year-old boy and not a 44-year-old woman. So I lost it. I turned red, tears streaming down my face. Of course that is when the server chose to ask how it was going, which made me laugh harder into my napkin.

We (I) finally calmed down for a few minutes until Chris started talking about farts having a fruity and woodsy bouquet like wine does, and then Lauren and I were off again. I had a mouthful of soda I was barely able to swallow. When I came up for air, I noticed Becca wasn't beside me anymore, and Chris said she had fled out of embarrassment. That got me going once again (she actually had gone to the bathroom). The server came by to drop off the check. By this time there were people sitting behind us, and I'm sure we were quite the spectacle.

So what started out as a crappy Monday after a crappy weekend (again, don't ask) turned out to be a very fun night with my family. I may have to grow old, but I never have to mature.

Meet Me on Monday, 8/30/10

2010-08-30T14:26:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's almost September already! The summer flew by as usual. But there are things coming up to look forward to and blog about, so I'll try to keep looking ahead!

1. What is your favorite kind of potato chip?

I'm not a big chip fan, but I do like the various flavors of Baked Lay's.

2. Do you make your bed everyday?

I try, but some days it's hard enough not to climb right back in.

3. How often do you go to the hair salon?

About once every couple months. My hair is pretty curly and grows slowly. I do need my highlights touched up soon, though.

4. What do you dip your French fries in?

Ketchup! And not that pretentious catsup, either.

5 Do you shop with coupons?

I am a bit obsessed with coupons, you might say...

Getting used to the routine of school again, but I do miss the girls during the day. I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy running errands with my best friend Michelle, though, and looking forward to lunches out with my friends. Wednesday I will be treating my self to a pedicure! After a bad weekend (don't ask), I deserve it!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday, 8/25/10

2010-08-25T10:08:00.000-04:00

Haven't done this one in a while, but a photo op presented itself a while ago and I thought I'd post it.

Fat kitty is very fat.
Happy Hump Day!

Visited by a Celebrity!

2010-08-24T19:48:00.000-04:00

I mentioned yesterday that a girl had her thigh tattooed at the Paul McCartney concert. I don't know how in the world she found my blog, but she commented today on that entry! Here are Loni Marie Mullaney's own words about the amazing connection with made with Paul:

Anonymous said... Hello, i am the girl whos thigh he signed, and after seeing paul mccartney on saturday in philly for my 6th time i decided to buy tickets to see him in pittsburgh 2 days before the show, and well he picked me to come on stage to get a tattoo... he has been doing this every show, but when he asked what my name was i said loni marie mullaney from philadelphia, and pittsburgh booed me!!!! hehehe ... i had a sign that read "I am the girl on the flaming pie( it was a drawing from his album flaming pie) tattoo it on my thigh!" so sir Paul signed my thigh and I've had it permanently tattooed. i did philly proud that is for sure!!!
Loni Marie Mullaney
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=510063917

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnxIJAuVFX0&feature=email this is the video i made

these are some titles on youtube where you can see it live!

YouTube - Loni Mullaney meets Paul McCartney
YouTube - Sir Paul McCartney Autographs Loni Marie Mullaney
YouTube - Girl gets thigh signed by Paul McCartney in Pittsburgh
YouTube - Paul McCartney autographs Loni Mullaney so she can have it tattooed.
YouTube - Paul McCartney signing a girl's thigh - 8/19/10.

Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Loni! Glad you had such a neat experience!

Top Ten Tuesday, 8/24/10

2010-08-24T09:31:00.000-04:00

Now that a new school year has started, it's time for me to start some new things as well. Here are ten things I'd like to work on throughout the school year:

1. My weight - I've gained about 17 pounds over the summer! Starting Slim Fast and Sparkpeople today.

2. Write more - and not just blog posts, Facebook updates and Tweets. I really want to do this.

3. Say NO more often when confronted with things I really don't want to do.

4. Read more - again not just blog posts, Facebook updates and Tweets!

5. Clean out laundry room - it's a catch-all and I really need to go through it.

6. Clean out kitchen cupboards - mostly old pans I no longer need and the spice cupboard.

7. Cook more - another reason I've gained weight. I need to be more disciplined.

8. Exercise! Even if I just walk every evening. I've been very bad about this over the summer.

9. Do stuff I want to do and not just talk about doing it. For instance, take a weekend trip to NYC like I've been wanting to do for YEARS.

10. Get Christmas shopping done EARLY. I just want to enjoy the Christmas season.

I'll be keeping on my kids about their grades - maybe I'll enlist them to help me with my projects!

See more Top Ten on Tuesday posts here!

Meet Me On Monday, 8/23/10

2010-08-23T16:49:00.000-04:00

1. What is your favorite kind of doughnut?

If it's just plain Dunkin' Donuts, then I love Blueberry Cake. But if I'm in Ocean City and we go to The Fractured Prune, then it's French Toast, Morning Buzz or Sand!

2. How often do you pray?

I don't; I'm an Atheist.

3. What is your favorite kind of music?

Beatles and Paul McCartney all the way! Plus most stuff from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

4. What do you order when you eat Chinese food?

I love Orange Chicken from Panda Express; for "real" restaurants, I like Pineapple Shrimp or Chicken.

5. Would you rather snowboard in the winter or swim in the summer?

SWIM. No question.

Speaking of Beatles and Paul McCartney, Becca, my mother-in-law and I took a road trip to Pittsburgh last Thursday to catch Paul in concert. I've never gone further than DC for a concert, but when I heard he was playing Pittsburgh and there was no mention of DC, I figured we needed to take the plunge. And I'm so glad we did, because it turns out that was the last night of the North American Up and Coming tour! It was a fantastic show, and went on for about three hours with two encores!

A couple got engaged on the big screen while Paul played "My Love", and a young woman had her thigh signed by Paul so she could get it tattooed! How do you get to do that? How do you get seats so close Paul can read your sign and grant your wish? I need to look into this.

Here are a few pictures from the night. Not great, because they were taken with a camera phone from nosebleed seats.

Grandma and Becca before the concert:

Please come out soon!

Paul wore a white shirt, so he's a white blob in almost every picture!

The pyrotechnics during "Live and Let Die" - the performance of this song ALWAYS blows me away:

Leaving the stage for the last time - the sad part of the night:

Please come back soon Paul!