The Ramblings of a Stay at Home Mom

Wow its been awhile.....

2010-12-16T17:59:00.000-08:00

I guess I'm going to have to change the name of my blog. Not like it really matters I never get on here anymore. But how is this suppose to be the Ramblings of a Stay at Home Mom when I'm not a stay at home mom anymore. Yep you heard me right. I'm officially a full time working mother of 5 kids.

So either I'm super mom or stupid. I don't know how I am going to manage this when the kids get back to playing sports again this fall. Cody playing soccer and Tyler playing football. And lord they will be in High School next year. Not to mention, cub scouts, brownies, girl scouts and boy scouts. Ugggg.

Though I'm a little more excited for the holidays. I get my first paycheck tomorrow and I get to buy my kiddos some stuff for Christmas. We were stressing about that. Didn't think we were going to be able to get them much this year. But I think things are going to start looking up.

Not so much to say tonight. I will tell you all about my job shortly.

Our Weekend of Dieting

2010-03-21T16:59:00.000-07:00

Seafood seems to be the key ingredient right now...We went and bout a few cookbooks on healthy cooking and got the Weight Watchers cookbook to better health.

Tonights dinner:

Grilled whiting
Grilled red potatoes..no butter no salt Mrs. Dash is a wonderful thing!
Grilled Zucchini
and Grilled shrimp and scallop kaboobs with with Paula Deen's Sweet Burbon Sauce (only 80mg's of sodium per tablespoon) glaze.

To drink: orange juice for John and Tea with sweet n low for me

On a major positive note John has lost 30 pounds of fluid in one week!

Day 1 post Cath

2010-03-19T17:47:00.000-07:00

John is doing well not complaining about his portion sizes that I cut in half and neither of us have had soda today. I am staying on the tea so I don't get caffine headaches.

We can't do this cold turkey so we are starting with walking everyday even and cutting portion sizes. We have cut the salt intake by more then half, which neither of us ate alot of salt anyhow. We just ate already salty food. More green stuff and leaner meats. And come to find out Burgers are good in moderation if they are grilled.

Cardiac Cath day

2010-03-18T10:47:00.000-07:00

John just went in to have his cath done to find out why his heart isn't beating the way that it is suppose to. They said that it wouldn't take long the surgery itself would only be about a half an hour. I will update when he is out what the diagnosis is.

Update:

John's blood vessles in his heart are all clear and look great. He has pressure on his heart from the fluid but we are working on that with the lasix. He has lost more weight and it is obvious that the lasix is doing is' job. We still have to change the diet...He needs to lose about 100 pounds and stay away from the salt because it makes you retain water. So we are going home and continueing the medication that the doctor has prescribed and to continue to change our diet to get all of this extra fluid off from him.

I plan on keeping a journal on how to care for congestive heart failure but with work and kids who knows how well I will be able to keep up on that.

Congestive Heart Failure at 34….What???

2010-03-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

It all started 3 weeks ago, John was going through a bout where he was coughing all of the time. At this point is chest was hurting him so bad I thought that he really had pneumonia. So he finally asked me to take him to the hospital. He went through x-rays and even a cat scan to determine if maybe he had punctured a long, but everything came back ok. He was released that night with an upper respiratory infection, given tramadol for the chest pain and Z-pack for the infection.
A week later we were in our family doctor’s office because his symptoms weren’t getting any better. The doctor informs us that the cat scan showed that though he didn’t have any signs of a punctured lung or pneumonia it did show that he had a broken 6th rib, which the hospital never called and informed us of. He was again given another round of a different kind of antibiotics, another script of tramadol for the broken ribs, started on a new blood pressure medication (Ziac) and an inhaler of albuteral.
For a week he worked. He went everyday driving an 80,000 pound vehicle, because that is the way he was raised. You work, sick or not to take care of your family.
This past Saturday, he was swelling in his stomach and had some edema in his legs. He told me that his stomach felt like you could stick a pin in his stomach and he would just pop. Soooo, back to the hospital we went. This time they put him on and EKG machine and had him hooked up to bp and O2 saturation monitors. His blood pressure was through the roof, and his O2 sats were decent. They took some blood, and did some more x-rays and the doctor came back into the room and informed us that My 34 year old husband was in Congestive Heart Failure and needed to be admitted to get the fluid off from his heart and lungs or he was going to be in sever respiratory and cardiac distress.
At 5am Sunday morning, he was admitted into the hospital and immediatley given a substantial dose of Lasix and 2 different kinds of blood pressure medication. One of them being Lacinapro. By 9am they had oxygen on him at 3% on nasal cannula because as he slept his o2 sat levels were dropping to 70. Through the day Sunday they just continued the blood pressure medication, adding a 3rd and the lasix support to rid his body of the fluids.
Monday…..5am, lasix was again administered but no bp meds on board this morning because his bp was 100/58 which is WAYYYY better than the 178/110 that we started at Saturday night. He had an echo on his heart this morning and now we are just waiting on the cardiologist to see John to determine what the next steps are that needs to be taken. We know that if his heart is strong enough then they will be perfoWe asked why this took so long for it to be diagnosed correctly and the nurse turned to me and said “Because a 34 year old man doesn’t have congestive heart failure.” All I can do right now is Thank god for the E.R. doctor that took the time to listen to all of the symptoms that he was having and doing the right thing and finding out what was wrong with my husband…I could have lost him this week if it wasn’t for him.
Things will be changing now for our family and I thought that I would invite you all in on our journey.
We have to change a lifestyle that we have been living for far to long. So as soon as I know he is out of the woods for good. I will be going home and cleaning our cabinets out. No more salt, no more soda, and we need to get Wii fit and wii active for John and I to do together. We are going to become a more active family and we have to do this to save my husband life.
So you are welcome to join me in our day to day journal of the way things need to be, the ups and downs and ins and outs of congestive heart failure and severely high blood pressure and the pains of starting a life anew.rming a procedure to reduce the amount of fluid that has built up in his abdomen.

Update:

The Cardiologist came in about 2 today and told us that John’s heart isn’t releasing right..It’s weaker then he would like to see it. A normal heart releases 55 % of the blood that it takes in and John’s is only releasing about 25%. In a couple of days after they get a little more fluid out of his body they will be transferring him to Fairfield Medical Center and doing a heart catheterization in the next couple of days to find out why John’s heart is so weak. The doctor’s at Logan have him on the right path to help make his heart stronger. They have his blood pressure under control and upped his lasix dose.

School Update.......Errrrr

2009-12-07T11:44:00.000-08:00

Ok so I'm a perfectionist at certain things...My house maybe not so much but in my defense it takes a lot of energy to clean up after 5 children and a not so helpful husband. But school, now that's a totally different subject.

It's funny..I think that everyone should have to work for 5 years before they enroll in college...It really makes you appreciate the gift of a secondary education. So at 34 years old I strive to do the best I possibly can in my classes.

....And right now, I'm struggling. Now I consider myself a bit of a computer wiz. I catch on really quickly to new programs and don't seem to have problems learning how to fix stuff that is wrong with it. In all my years having a computer mine has never gotten a virus that I couldn't fix. With that being said...I HATE microsoft Excel 2007!!! With every ounce of passion in my body I hate this program.

I just totally bombed my first test since starting back to school and I hate to think what it is going to do to my GPA. So if any of my wonderfull blogger friends would like to tutor me I'm up for the challange but unless you are an advanced user don't bother because the questions I have are not normal!!!

On a good note...My legal class is going wonderfully and I totally got an email from my instructor today wanting me to email him copies of my homework so he could use it as an answer key. That was pretty sweet I tell ya.

.........Oh and Jana..............GO BEARCATS!!! Totally going to wipe the floor with your gayturds!!
<3~~Stacy

Lovin' the holiday season!!

2009-11-30T16:08:00.000-08:00

I'm usually totally hating Christmas about now...worrying about what I can get the kids..If we are going to be able to get them everything that they want. Which this years I'm not going to be able to and I know it but you know what I can't base my holidays around if they get everything that they want. They will get some of it if not most of it, but the boys are getting older and you know as they get older it gets more expensive. Can't do it! Oh well they will be happy with what they get or maybe I will just take that back too LOL!

We always put up our Christmas tree the weekend of Thanksgiving and this year wasn't any different then any other. Of course John and I had to go out and replace almost all of my bulbs because the cats thought it would be funny to knock my whole tree down the stairs last year and all of my glass bulbs kinda got shattered...That was a lot of glass and soooo not a lot of fun to clean up.

Black Friday was a blast...wish I would have remembered to take a few pictures while we were out but the hubby and I literally ate lunch at 8:00 in the morning...I had Charlie's chicken philly sub and John had Taco Bell...Got some great deals at Old Navy and some stuff at game stop...They will be happy ..I HOPE!

Getting back on top of things!

2009-10-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

It's been quite sometime since I have blogged about books let alone anything that has been going on in my life. Books are books they are my constant and I'm still reading almost everyday. Right now I'm reading all of Nina Bangs books again. I love her so much! But let me start at the beginning of when my life got so hectic.

I decided on a whim to call our local community action agency and see if they had any available grant money for stay at home mom's to go back to school...Guess what....They did....So I went from staying home everyday with nothing to do until the kids got home to going to see to get my degree in Paralegal Studies three days a week. I have 2 instructors and my legal class only has 3 people in it so can we say one on one teaching!! Everything is going great..I'm getting A's in my computer classes and A's in my legal classes and I'm loving every minute of it. I have met some amazing women who have become wonderful friends and I really enjoy being in class with them and getting to eat lunch with them 3 times a week. My kids tell me they are proud of me all of the time and have even hung my A+ test scores on the fridge with theirs!

I have a spectacularly wonderful friend who makes sure she gets my kids to and from practices and school while I'm at my long school day on Wednesdays. Thankfully football and soccer are just about done but Tyler is wrestling this year so practice for that starts in November. She makes my life so much easier and I just don't know what I would do without her...Thank you Karin!

The kids have gotten their midterm grades and all I can say is 3 out 5 isn't bad right? Jacob is almost getting a perfect 100% in kindergarten. Gabby has all A's and one B+ in reading and Ashley is getting straight A's in her first year of middle school. They are doing a spectacular job and I'm so very proud of them. The boys on the other hand....We'll that is a different story all together. Tyler has totally lost his mind this year and he completely flunking school...Thank god we caught it at midterm and he has time to get his grades up. I was a horrible mother and pulled him out of football until all of his missing assignments were caught up. He didn't complain though. I'm pretty sure he knew better. I just can't fathom how this came from my honor roll student..I just don't understand and probably never will.Cody's wasn't to terribly bad..his problem was he hid them from us. So I'm hoping he has learned his lesson about that. He got wonderful comments from all of his teachers. He tries hard, pleasure to have in class, needs to ask for help more but tries. That tells me that he is giving his all so I can't really fault him for that.

Cold and Flu season is upon us and I already have sick people living in my house. Jake is home from school today because he has to go and have his kindergarten boosters. I thought he was all caught up but I guess I was wrong. He is putting on a brave face but I HATE taking them to get shots period. Gabby and Ashley are both home from school until Thursday. Gabby has strep and bronchitis and Ashley just has bronchitis. So they are on Amoxicillian and cough medicine. And pushing the Tylenol and ibuprofen to keep the fevers down. Karin is going to keep them tomorrow because they will have a full 24 hours of antibiotics that way I don't miss school.

So I am going to try and keep up with this a little better again. I love having a way to tell about the ends and outs of my life. So until next time!

Win Destiny Kills and The Accidental Vampire

2009-06-18T17:16:00.000-07:00

Win Destiny Kills and The Accidental Vampire!

As promised I'm going to start doing some random contests and this is the very first one! One very special person will win brand new copies of Destiny Kills by Keri Arthur and The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands! Here's how you can win(it's very easy!): Each of these will get your name in the drawing once, so if you do all three your name will be in the drawing three times!

Win a ARC Copy of Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

2009-06-18T16:44:00.000-07:00

Contest Monday: Win a Copy of Catching Fire
As I start off a new Contest Monday, I first want to thank everyone who entered the contest to win Shiver. Not only did that post become an instant hit, but it was my first post to reach over 100 comments! I really wish I had more than one copy to give away. However, someone lucky will get picked, and that announcement will be tomorrow. So stay tuned! Now, what could we give away that might actually have a chance competing with Shiver? How about a brand new ARC of Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins?

About the Book (From Back Cover): "Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge."

How to Enter: To enter the contest, simply leave a comment on this post. Or, if you can't leave a comment, send an email to shadyglade (AT) mail (DOT) com with the subject line "Catching Fire Contest" and include your name, your email address, and the correct subject line.

How to earn Extra Entries:

1. Post about the contest on your blog or website. +1 for a sidebar post, +2 for a regular post. Post a link in your comment.
2. Become a follower of this Blog (post a comment to let me know).
3. Come up with and post your own Contest Monday (post a comment with the link).

Rules: The contest is open until Monday, June 29th, 2009. You have two weeks to enter this one! Open to US and Canada residents, even if you've won a contest in the past. The winner will be chosen by a random number generator. One free entry per person allowed. See above for instructions to earn extra contest entries. Rules about claiming prizes can be found here. Questions? Post a comment or email and ask.

Good luck to everyone! I'll announce the contest winner of this book on Tuesday, June 30th.

Of course, you can always buy your own copy of Catching Fire too. But you'll have to wait until Septemember 1st to read it:

*The amazing Contest Monday banner was designed by Liyana.

http://theshadyglade.blogspot.com/2009/06/contest-monday-win-copy-of-catching.html Here is the Link to The shady glad blog!!

Rick and Bobo by Nick and James Ventrillo

2009-06-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

Rick and Bobo
by Nick and James Ventrillo
Published by: Vanir Books
ISBN: 978-0615288659
Reviewed by: Tyler Clement age 12 for reviewyourbook.com
Rating: 5/5

Rick and Ray are two brothers who get rich off from one of Ray's invention. Ray wants his genius brother to make him into a superhero. But remember you can't be a superhero without a super villain.

I read Rick and Bobo and really liked it. I think my brother and I can really relate to this book. I am very much like Rick. I am very smart and have a really short temper. My brother is a lot like Ray. He has trouble with school but it takes a lot to set him off. I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and I can't wait to read the next 3 in the quadrilogy.

Dark Hunger by Rita Herron

2009-06-17T17:22:00.000-07:00

Dark Hunger
by Rita Herron
978-0-446-19948-3
Publisher: Hachette Book Group
Reviewed by: Stacy Clement for reviewyourbook.com
Rating: 4/5

Quintin Valtrez spends his entire life living in solitude, honing his abilities and fighting his demonic powers. Until he meets Reporter Annabelle Armstrong. It's then that his difficult life becomes even more difficult. His Demonic father sends his minions to make sure that Quinton turns to his dark side and comes to reign the underworld with him.

I really enjoyed this book. It had everything that I look for..Action packed, sexual frustration, folklore, and hot steamy sexy half demon MEN! The Author did a very good job of creating her character and making the reader fall for them..HARD! Quinton Valtrez, is hard, a born killer but Herron does an exceptional job bringing out the soft side in him. I can't wait to read the next book in this series...And I might have to pick up the first one as well!!

The reviewer give Dark Hunger by Rita Herron a 4 out of 5 stars!

Have you been Royally Screwed? How to Get What you deserve by Making People and Companies.... By Myron Z. Bernstein

2009-06-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

Have Your Been Royally Screwed? How to Get What You Deserve by Making People and Companies Deliver on Their Promises, Products, Goods and Services…

Myron Z. Bernstein

Kambs Publishing

9780982206904

5

How to Get What You Deserve by Making People and Companies Deliver on Their Promises, Products, Goods and Services…

Myron Z. Bernstein is a consumer advocate. Despite the term Customer Service, few companies care about you. Their goal is to make money even if that means cheating you. Bernstein exposes the abuses and the schemes behind warranties, insurance, contractors, rebates, and a number of other consumer “services.”

The difference between most consumers and Myron is –HE FIGHTS BACK—and he WINS

“Have You Been Royally Screwed: How to Get What You Deserve by Making People and Companies Deliver on Their Promises, Products, Goods, and Service” written by Myron Z. Bernstein

Reviewed by Debra for www.ReviewYourBook.com

http://reviewyourbook.com/component/simple_review/?review=1836-Have-Your-Been-Royally-Screwed

How to Train a Rock by Paul Steven Stone

2009-06-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

How To Train A Rock

Paul Steven Stone

5 stars

9781442117211

For approximately twenty-five years, Paul Steven Stone wrote a syndicated column, “A Stone’s Throw.” In his own words, the column was quirky. How To Train A Rock is a compilation of those columns.

My favorite entry was 1-800-Stones-Throw, where he addresses the annoying trend toward automated answering services. I become so frustrated with the list of Press 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. What button do I push to talk to a real person?

“How To Train a Rock” written by Paul Steven Stone _

Reviewed by Debra for www.ReviewYourBook.com

http://reviewyourbook.com/component/simple_review/?review=1832-How-To-Train-A-Rock

Dreams of Beauty by Aubrie Dionne

2009-06-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

Dreams Of Beauty
Aubrie Dionne
Publisher: SynergEbooks http://www.synergebooks.com
ISBN: 0-7743-1097-0
Tweens
Almost every night Emme sees the man of her dreams.

Almost every night Emme sees the man of her dreams. She has no idea who he is. He seems so real. Davian is trapped in Emme’s dream. He was cursed by a Sorceress a hundred years ago, destined to live in a dream until a kiss breaks the curse.

Davian’s niece, has assumed control of the Hawthorn Estate. She had a plan to get rich quick. The whole village with be disrupted if she follows through with her plan . There was only one way to stop the evil woman from destroying the village, Davian. Emme set out to rescue Davian and the village.

Reviewed by Lynn for www.ReviewYourBook.com

Check out Dreams Of Beauty written by Aubrie Dionne

http://reviewyourbook.com/component/simple_review/?review=1626-Dreams-Of-Beauty

Winter Queen-Seasons of Fantasy by Aubrie Dionne

2009-06-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

Winter Queen - Seasons of Fantasy
Aubrie Dionne
Reviewed by Kira for www.ReviewYourBook.com(17 years old)

We all have our reasons for who we are and what we do in our lives, in the past the Winter Queen had been a princess in a powerful family with all the riches of the world. Everything in her world had changed when she fell in love with a commoner, who held her heart. But all good things come to an end, her love then broke her heart into pieces with a great betrayal, which would never be healed. Now the Princess is controlling the cold winds that come across the lands and those who are in her way feel the wrath of the heart that was once whole, but now broken. To heal the coldest, most fragile heart in life all it takes is the kindest in a person’s heart.

Reviewed by Kira for www.ReviewYourBook.com(17 years old)

Check out Winter Queen - Seasons of Fantasy written by Aubrie Dionne

http://reviewyourbook.com/component/simple_review/?review=1712-Winter-Queen---Seasons-of-Fantasy

Bloody Good by Georgia Evans

2009-06-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

Dealing with the confines of a World War is bad enough for lady doctor, Alice Doyle. Worrying about the Jerry's and if her sleepy little town will be rudely awaken and taking care of all of the aches and pains of the villagers she soon finds out that trouble is a little closer to home then she hopes. It seems that German spies have taken residence in her village outside of London but the Reich infiltrating aren't human, they are vampires! How can she save the people of Brytewood, she's just a doctor. But Alice soon realizes she is willing to take help from anyone she can get it from. Her new boyfriend,Peter, the Conscientious Objector, her grandmother, The Pixie, Mr. Pendragon and Gloria, the district nurse.

This book was very surprising for me. I am guilty of judging a book by it's cover, but that is the only problem I could find with this book. I really enjoyed the history of life in England during WWII and the way people had to live. And then to mix in the vampire's, the shifter's, the vixen's and the pixie's, it kept me on the edge of my seat.

I highly recommend this book and this author and would rate this book a 4/5 stars...Can't wait to read the next book in the series called Bloody Awful.

Books 1-3 Black Dagger Brotherhood by JR Ward

2009-05-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.

The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.

The interaction between Wrath and Beth is nothing short of lovely! How a woman can change such a hard as iron, body and soul, vampire male.

The way that the author works the action packed fights between the lesser's (slayers) and the Brotherhood and the sensual scenes of Brotherhood life is awesome! Ms. Wards take on the vampire genre makes you want more and more everyday! This book is 4/5 stars!

Within the brotherhood, Rhage is the vampire with the strongest appetite. He's the best fighter, the quickest to act on his impulses, and the most voracious lover-for inside him burns a ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin.

Possessed by this dark side, Rhage fears the times when his inner dragon is unleashed, making him a danger to everyone around him. When Mary Luce is unwittingly thrown into the vampire world, she must rely on Rhage's protection. Knowing that Mary feels the same intense animal attraction, Rhage must make her his alone...

Lover Eternal was just as absolute as the first book. I find myself saying with every book..."So far this is my favorite book in this series" and that didn't change with this book. I categorically love how totally and completely love the way these monstrous, violent, protective, Warriors fall in love so absolutely.

The other Brotherhood members play a pivotal part in this book and really sets up the next book (Zsadist's book) quite nicely. The author also continues the action packed story lines with the lesser's.. Just like always JR Ward delivers another page turner! This book is 4/5 stars!

Deeply scarred without and within, vampire warrior Zsadist believes that he is unworthy of either compassion or true love. One night a glimmer of hope crosses his path, embodied in the young civilian Bella; yet, true to form, he pushes her away. But when the enemy of their race kidnaps Bella, Zsadist can't rest until he finds her, and once he does, he faces his biggest threat to date as fate grants him one last chance at peace. Ward spins her take on Beauty and the Beast into a raw, gritty tour de force, creating an array of ugliness and beauty, pain and pleasure in a tale that sparks enough plot stunners to keep readers fascinated for years to come. Not for the faint of heart--strong sexuality and stronger language rule here--this genre-bending third novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, following Lover Eternal (2006), is a perfect fit for those who like fast-paced urban fantasy rich in both fury and poignancy. Nina Davis
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Again this book is my favorite so far! Zsadist is one bad ass character who finds himself to be unacceptable. Spending decades as a blood and sex slave this warrior doesn't believe that he is acceptable to be loved or even liked, until he meets his one and only, Bella. She is of aristocracy blood and way to good for him. But she falls so deeply and hopefully will find a way to get through to her one true love!

Again in this book the other brother play a critical role in the story line. The story line is very physical and emotional all at the same time. The lesser's a brought more to the forefront, learning more of one slayers tale.

JR Ward again writes a story of love, lust, betrayal, agony, friendship, bonds, vengeance, and loss. It's definitely one not to be missed! This book gets a 5/5 star rating from this reviewer!

The Zombie Chicken Blogger Award!!!

2009-04-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

Just needed to say thanks to Lori at http://lorilaws.blogspot.com for thinking about me in giving out this award! I really really LOVE It!

The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all..."

Now I would like to present this award to.....

Evie at http://averageme-bookandmoviereviews.blogspot.com/
Retro at http://retroreduxsreviews.blogspot.com
All the ladies at http://livingbythelist.blogspot.com/
The bloggers at http://livingbythelist.blogspot.com/
and my cous Jana over at http://4ever4alwaysnomatterwhat.blogspot.com/

Thanks Lori for the great award!

R.I.P. Angel aka Crazy4mykids

2009-03-03T14:32:00.000-08:00

A great woman passed away on February 24, 2009. I didn't know her IRL but she was part of my online family. You never really realize how attached you can get to someone that you never knew personally. But personal, she was, I knew her kids and her brand new grandbaby, just from conversation. How you can talk to someone so much you feel like you know everything about them. You are completely involved in their lives without being there at all.

Angel suffered with Lupus and suffer she really did. The lupus caused many other problems for her but we recentley were told by her that her lupus was in remission. She passed away in her sleep on the 23rd or very early the 24th. She will be greatly missed by her online family. Be it Coolerparents or BBC she has many people who loved and will miss her greatly. She lived her life by the spoon theroy and I thought that I would share it with you..My other family...My Shelfari family....And my real family...yes that means you Jana!

The Spoon Theory

By Christine Miserandino

My best friend and I were in the diner, talking. As usual, it was very late and we were eating French fries with gravy. Like normal girls our age, we spent a lot of time in the diner while in college, and most of the time we spent talking about boys, music or trivial things that seemed very important at the time. We never got serious about anything in particular and spent most of our time laughing.

As I went to take some of my medicine with a snack as I usually did, she watched me with an awkward kind of stare, instead of continuing the conversation. She then asked me out of the blue what it felt like to have Lupus and be sick. I was shocked not only because she asked the random question, but also because I assumed she knew all there was to know about Lupus. She came to doctors with me, she saw me walk with a cane, and throw up in the bathroom. She had seen me cry in pain, what else was there to know?

I started to ramble on about pills, and aches and pains, but she kept pursuing, and didn’t seem satisfied with my answers. I was a little surprised because I thought being my roommate in college and friend for years that she already knew the medical definition of Lupus. Then she looked at me with a face every sick person knows well, the face of pure curiosity about something no one healthy can truly understand. She asked what it felt like, not physically, but what it felt like to be me, to be sick.

As I tried to gain my composure, I glanced around the table for help or guidance, or at least stall for time to think. I was trying to find the right words. How do I answer a question I never was able to answer for myself? How do I explain every detail of every day being affected, and describe the emotions a sick person goes through with clarity? I could have given up, cracked a joke like I usually do, and changed the subject, but I remember thinking if I don’t try to explain this, how could I ever expect her to understand? If I can’t explain this to my best friend, how could I explain my world to anyone else? I had to at least try.

At that moment, the spoon theory was born. I quickly grabbed every spoon on the table; hell, I grabbed spoons off of the other tables. I looked at her in the eyes and said, “Here you go, you have Lupus.” She looked at me slightly confused, as anyone would when they are being handed a bouquet of spoons. The cold metal spoons clanked in my hands, as I grouped them together and shoved them into her hands.

I explained that the difference in being sick and being healthy is having to make choices or to consciously think about things when the rest of the world doesn’t have to. The healthy have the luxury of a life without choices, a gift most people take for granted.

Most people start the day with unlimited amount of possibilities, and energy to do whatever they desire, especially young people. For the most part, they do not need to worry about the effects of their actions. So for my explanation, I used spoons to convey this point. I wanted something for her to actually hold, for me to then take away, since most people who get sick feel a “loss” of a life they once knew. If I was in control of taking away the spoons, then she would know what it feels like to have someone or something else, in this case Lupus, being in control.

She grabbed the spoons with excitement. She didn’t understand what I was doing, but she is always up for a good time, so I guess she thought I was cracking a joke of some kind like I usually do when talking about touchy topics. Little did she know how serious I would become?

I asked her to count her spoons. She asked why, and I explained that when you are healthy you expect to have a never-ending supply of “spoons.” But when you have to now plan your day, you need to know exactly how many “spoons” you are starting with. It doesn’t guarantee that you might not lose some along the way, but at least it helps to know where you are starting. She counted out 12 spoons. She laughed and said she wanted more. I said no, and I knew right away that this little game would work, when she looked disappointed, and we hadn’t even started yet. I’ve wanted more “spoons” for years and haven’t found a way yet to get more, why should she? I also told her to always be conscious of how many she had, and not to drop them because she can never forget she has Lupus.

I asked her to list off the tasks of her day, including the most simple. As she rattled off daily chores, or just fun things to do, I explained how each one would cost her a spoon. When she jumped right into getting ready for work as her first task of the morning, I cut her off and took away a spoon. I practically jumped down her throat. I said “ No! You don’t just get up. You have to crack open your eyes, and then realize you are late. You didn’t sleep well the night before. You have to crawl out of bed, and then you have to make yourself something to eat before you can do anything else, because if you don’t, you can’t take your medicine, and if you don’t take your medicine you might as well give up all your spoons for today and tomorrow too.” I quickly took away a spoon and she realized she hadn’t even gotten dressed yet. Showering cost her a spoon, just for washing her hair and shaving her legs. Reaching high and low that early in the morning could actually cost more than one spoon, but I figured I would give her a break; I didn’t want to scare her right away. Getting dressed was worth another spoon.

I stopped her and broke down every task to show her how every little detail needs to be thought about. You cannot simply just throw clothes on when you are sick. I explained that I have to see what clothes I can physically put on, and if my hands hurt that day, buttons are out of the question. If I have bruises that day, I need to wear long sleeves, and if I have a fever I need a sweater to stay warm and so on. If my hair is falling out, I need to spend more time to look presentable, and then you need to factor in another five minutes for feeling badly that it took you two hours to do all this.

I think she was starting to understand when she theoretically didn’t even get to work, and she was left with six spoons. I then explained to her that she needed to choose the rest of her day wisely, since when your “spoons” are gone, they are gone. Sometimes you can borrow against tomorrow’s “spoons,” but just think how hard tomorrow will be with less “spoons.” I also needed to explain that a person who is sick always lives with the looming thought that tomorrow may be the day that a cold comes, or an infection, or any number of things that could be very dangerous. So you do not want to run low on “spoons,” because you never know when you truly will need them. I didn’t want to depress her, but I needed to be realistic, and unfortunately being prepared for the worst is part of a real day for me.

We went through the rest of the day, and she slowly learned that skipping lunch would cost her a spoon, as well as standing on a train, or even typing at her computer too long. She was forced to make choices and think about things differently. Hypothetically, she had to choose not to run errands, so that she could eat dinner that night.

When we got to the end of her pretend day, she said she was hungry. I summarized that she had to eat dinner but she only had one spoon left. If she cooked, she wouldn’t have enough energy to clean the pots. If she went out for dinner, she might be too tired to drive home safely. Then I also explained, that I didn’t even bother to add into this game, that she was so nauseous, that cooking was probably out of the question anyway. So she decided to make soup, it was easy. I then said it is only 7 pm, you have the rest of the night but maybe end up with one spoon, so you can do something fun, or clean your apartment, or do chores, but you can’t do it all.

I rarely see her emotional, so when I saw her upset I knew maybe I was getting through to her. I didn’t want my friend to be upset, but at the same time I was happy to think finally maybe someone understood me a little bit. She had tears in her eyes and asked quietly, “Christine, how do you do it? Do you really do this everyday?” I explained that some days were worse than others; some days I have more spoons than most. But I can never make it go away and I can’t forget about it, I always have to think about it. I handed her a spoon I had been holding in reserve. I said simply, “I have learned to live life with an extra spoon in my pocket, in reserve. You need to always be prepared.”

It’s hard, the hardest thing I ever had to learn is to slow down, and not do everything. I fight this to this day. I hate feeling left out, having to choose to stay home, or to not get things done that I want to. I wanted her to feel that frustration. I wanted her to understand, that everything everyone else does comes so easy, but for me it is one hundred little jobs in one. I need to think about the weather, my temperature that day, and the whole day’s plans before I can attack any one given thing. When other people can simply do things, I have to attack it and make a plan like I am strategizing a war. It is in that lifestyle, the difference between being sick and healthy. It is the beautiful ability to not think and just do. I miss that freedom. I miss never having to count “spoons.”

After we were emotional and talked about this for a little while longer, I sensed she was sad. Maybe she finally understood. Maybe she realized that she never could truly and honestly say she understands. But at least now she might not complain so much when I can’t go out for dinner some nights, or when I never seem to make it to her house and she always has to drive to mine. I gave her a hug when we walked out of the diner. I had the one spoon in my hand and I said “Don’t worry. I see this as a blessing. I have been forced to think about everything I do. Do you know how many spoons people waste everyday? I don’t have room for wasted time, or wasted “spoons” and I chose to spend this time with you.”

Ever since this night, I have used the spoon theory to explain my life to many people. In fact, my family and friends refer to spoons all the time. It has been a code word for what I can and cannot do. Once people understand the spoon theory they seem to understand me better, but I also think they live their life a little differently too. I think it isn’t just good for understanding lupus, but anyone dealing with any disability or illness. Hopefully, they don’t take so much for granted or their life in general. I give a piece of myself, in every sense of the word when I do anything. It has become an inside joke. I have become famous for saying to people jokingly that they should feel special when I spend time with them, because they have one of my “spoons.”

Reprinted with Permssion, © 2003 by Christine Miserandino

Vampire's Secret by Raven Hart

2009-02-25T11:41:00.001-08:00

The second novel of the of the Raven Hart's Vampire series was just as well written and entertaining as the first. William and Jack call together a forum of Vampire's to protect the new world from the "Old World" Vamps.. The Sires..

William and Jack have curve balls thrown at them left and right and don't always take it in such stride that we are used to.

I highly recommend this series to everyone!!! It's spectacular!! 5/5 stars from me! I can't wait to get into Vampire's Kiss!

I can't even give the kind of review that I want because I'm afraid that I will give to much of the book away.

Water for Elephants--Sara Gruen

2009-02-15T09:02:00.000-08:00

Water for Elephants is a historical novel by Sara Gruen. The novel centers on Jacob Jankowski and his experiences in a travelling circus called The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth.

Set during the Great Depression of the 1930s, Water for Elephants tells the story of a young man who leaves his life as a Cornell University veterinary student after losing both his parents in a car accident and jumps onto a train that happens to house the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. After a short confrontation with Blackie, a bouncer that stops stowaways, and Camel (a limp old worker) promising him a job and an audience with Uncle Al (The Ringmaster) Jacob decides to stay aboard the train. Since his parents have died in an automobile accident, and he has not a home to call his own, he decides to remain with the circus. Jacob is employed as the show’s veterinarian and he faces a number of challenges in dealing with the head trainer, August, while also learning how to function in the hierarchy of the circus and falling in love with August's wife, Marlena.

The story is told as a series of memories by Jacob Jankowski, either a ninety or ninety-three-year-old man who lives in a nursing home.

I actually hope that they make this book into a movie. I don't ask that of many books because it usually dosn't do them any justice. But with this one I think they could stick exactly to the book and keep it under 2 1/2 hours. It would be a pretty low budget but excellent film too if I say so myself.

I loved the book...Evie pleases again. The story of Jacob and Marlena and all of the rustabouts and performers were amazing. It felt like I would have been sitting cross legged on the floor listening to one of his amazing stories from back when he was in the circus. And all I can say is "Uncle Al" got exactly what he deserved!

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

2009-02-03T13:07:00.001-08:00

This is the second installment of the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. I thought this book was totally action packed and I loved every minute of it. If I didn't have 5 kids and a household to take care of I probably would have read the book in one sitting.

Jace finds out that there is a little more to him then meets the eye and struggles with wanting to know his father and with knowing what a monster his father actually is.

Clary discovers that she has special talents when it comes to runes. She struggles with being what she really is and her "mundane" life. She learns she is much stronger then she has ever given herself credit for.

Jace and Clary still are struggling with the knowledge of being brother and sister. I guess it would totally suck to be in love with your sibling. In a way I hope that they find out that they aren't actually blood related so they can hook up!

Simon, Clary's bestfriend suffers a great deal in this book and has to go through a terrible transformation but dosn't lose the love of Clary or Luke and gains the respect of more then one downworlder and shadowhunter.

Alex and Isabelle learn what true family means and fight to keep it all together. You are reintroduced to Maryse, Robert and Max Lightwood in this book and Alec almost comes out to his parents thanks to one of Clary's runes.

Mangus becomes an intrical character in the story. Many people would have died without his special powers.

I highly recommend this series and absolutley loved this book. City of Ashes is a must read for any paranormal reader. 5/5 stars for me!!

My Jan 8/8 Ink Heart by Cornelia Funke

2009-02-01T13:13:00.000-08:00

Meggie’s father, Mo, has an wonderful and sometimes terrible ability. When he reads aloud from books, he brings the characters to life--literally. Mo discovered his power when Maggie was just a baby. He read so lyrically from the the book Inkheart, that several of the book’s wicked characters ended up blinking and cursing on his cottage floor. Then Mo discovered something even worse--when he read Capricorn and his henchmen out of Inkheart, he accidentally read Meggie’s mother in.
Meggie, now a young lady, knows nothing of her father's bizarre and powerful talent, only that Mo still refuses to read to her. Capricorn, a being so evil he would "feed a bird to a cat on purpose, just to watch it being torn apart," has searched for Meggie's father for years, wanting to twist Mo's powerful talent to his own dark means. Finally, Capricorn realizes that the best way to lure Mo to his remote mountain hideaway is to use his beloved, oblivious daughter Meggie as bait!

Boy I don't know why any of you thought this book was slow moving. This is just proof that all of us have different likes and dislikes when it comes to books even though we all pretty much read the same genre of books. Anyway I freaking LOVED Ink Heart and can't wait to read Ink Spell but the library is going to have to order a new book cause whoever has it isn't bringing it back.

The whole concept of being able to read something or someone out of a book is totally awesome and in the same aspect totally terrifying. This book had the happily ever after that I love the majority of the time but I can't wait to see what will happen in the next 2 books.

My February Living by the List 2009 Challenge

2009-02-01T13:12:00.000-08:00

1. Halfway to the Grave--Jeanine Frost
2. Changling--Yasmine Galenorn
3. City of Ashes --Cassandra Clare
4. Witch \_______The Wicked Series
5. Curse / Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie
6. Hard Eight----Janet Evanovich
7. Bitten ---Kelley Armstrong
8. Water for Elephants-- Sara Gruen

Alternatives
1. Garden Spells ---Sarah Addison Allen
2. Vampire's Secret-- Raven Hart
3. Otherworldlies--Jennifer Anne Kegler

Witchling by Yasmine Galenorn---my 7/8

2009-01-25T10:52:00.001-08:00

Meet the D'Artigo sisters: half-human, half-faerie, they're savvy-and sexy-operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But their mixed-blood heritage short-circuits their talents at all the wrong times. Delilah shapeshifts into a tabby cat whenever she's stressed. Menolly's a vampire who's still trying to get the hang of being undead. And Camille is a wicked-good witch, except her magic's as unpredictable as the weather, as her enemies are about to find out-the hard way.

I really enjoyed this book. There was nothing overly spectacular about it but it was good. I love Camille, Delila and Menolly (although I'm still not sure how to pronounce that I want to call her Melody but every time I see it I think Mentally LOL. I don't know.) I will give it a 3 1/2 stars.

Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich (Stacy's 6/8)

2009-01-20T06:36:00.001-08:00

Like always Janet Evanovich dosn't disappoint..... The Plum series is like my dirty little secret...The wonderful books that I read to break the monotony. I LOVE PLUM!! Even more the loving Plum I LOVE Diesel!!! Diesel always seems to get Stephanie into more trouble then she needs to be in but if he wasn't there she would be stepping into a hornets next that she didn't know was on top of her head. I wish that Grandma would have played a bigger role in this one, but I guess we don't want to much of grandma all of the time.

What Kind of Reader am I?

2009-01-15T21:00:00.001-08:00

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Dedicated Reader You are always trying to find the time to get back to your book. You are convinced that the world would be a much better place if only everyone read more.
Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm
Literate Good Citizen
Book Snob
Fad Reader
Non-Reader
What Kind of Reader Are You? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Sunshine by Robin McKinley

2009-01-15T20:39:00.000-08:00

The story is set in an alternate universe, taking place after the “Voodoo Wars”, a conflict between humans and the “Others”. The Others mainly consist of vampires, werewolves, and demons, though the main conflict occurs between humans and vampires. As a result of this war, “bad spots”, or places where black magic thrives, have appeared more frequently. Rae "Sunshine" Seddon, the pastry-making heroine of the novel, has the misfortune of being caught off-guard in a “bad spot” and is abducted by a gang of vampires. She is confined to the ballroom of an abandoned mansion with Constantine, a vampire shackled there by vampires of a rival gang, led by Constantine’s enemy Bo. Bo’s intention is to allow Constantine to slowly die of hunger and exposure to sunlight. Rae is brought as bait for him, and the vampires cut her upper chest as temptation. However, Rae not only manages to defy the supposed power that any vampire has over a human, but also uses her all-but-forgotten magical powers of transmutation, taught to her by her grandmother, to effect an escape. Rae realizes that the magical lineage she has ignored allows her to draw power from the sunlight, ergo transferring her ability through touch to Constantine and allowing him to be under the light of day, so long as contact is maintained. Through this symbiotic relationship, the two of them make an escape. Despite her best efforts, all does not return to normalcy once Rae is back home. Her friends and family are shocked by her survival of an encounter with vampires, and over time she both starts to become more affected by the trauma and refuses to tell anyone the circumstances leading to her alliance with a vampire. As it becomes clear that the conflict with Bo and his gang is only beginning, Sunshine begins to embrace her magical ability, is coerced into working with the "Special Other Forces", wonders what kind of tentative partnership can exist between two individuals whose races are bitter enemies, and, finally, works with Constantine to overthrow Bo for good.

Sighhhhh....So, Evie warned me that this book was either a book that you couldn't put down or a book you didn't want to pick up. Well for me it was the latter. Don't get me wrong the story line was there...It was good...But the main character left a LOT to be desired!! I don't know how many times through this book that I just wanted to tell her to quit whining, quit micro analyzing and freaking DEAL with it!!! On the other hand she did have a lot thrown into her lap and really no one she could talk to about it.

Con was a little flat and dry if you ask me...She could have made him something spectacular even if he wasn't the sexy vamp that we love to read about in books.

I honestly wished for more out of a lot of characters. I wish I knew what Mel was, I wish I could figure out if the goddess is a good person or a bad person, or even if she is a person at all. I wish I could have figured out if the SOF was doing the right thing. The bad thing is...if there is going to be a sequel I will read it just to see if she goes into any details about any of the other characters in the book....I also think that it may have been a good idea for her to find out what happened to her father and her grandmother...I don't know...Ok Ok the book was just flat for me....Sorry ya'll, I know a lot of you really enjoyed it, but it just wasn't for me.

Free Book Monday on Evie's Blog

2009-01-14T12:16:00.000-08:00

It's just about that day of the week again people....Evie is giving away another book...But this time its extra special...She's giving away Breaking Dawn ..the 4th and final book in the Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer....Here's the link to her blog http://averageme-bookandmoviereviews.blogspot.com/ Just leave her a comment!

Hey Hey Hey Free Monday book give away

2009-01-10T17:55:00.000-08:00

Why don't all you my loyal readers....yes all 5 of you....stroll on over to my friend Evie's blog and enter to win a free Monday book give away...She seems to think that Monday has a complex and is hoping this will help with it's (he/she?) self esteem....You can find her at http://averageme-bookandmoviereviews.blogspot.com/ This Monday's book is Jeannine Frost's At Graves End.

Suicide Notes by Michael Thomas Ford --my 2/8

2009-01-05T23:59:00.000-08:00

Obviously I'm feeling better, two books in two days. Thanks for all the well wishes that I got through here and on Shelfari. I really appreciate it. Anyway back to the topic at hand.

Sometimes I just go to the library and look around. I will see a cover that catches my attention and think "Huh, this might be a good book, maybe I should read it." Most of the time I regret it and then once in awhile I will pick up a book that really gets to me. This is one of those books.

Suicide Notes by Michael Thomas Ford ended up being a page turning tear jerker for me. It is about a 15 year old boy who tries to commit suicide but fails in his attempts. When he wakes up he find that his parents have committed him to an in-house psychiatric program (the nut house) for teens for 45 days. These pages are an account of what he went through, what happens at the hospital and what he discovers about himself. It is written just like a journal, day 1, day 2 and so on. Honestly I couldn't have thought of a better way to write a book like this.

If any of you have someone you know, or your own child for that matter, struggling with their sexuality this is a spectacular book to get them. 4 1/2 out of 5 stars from me!!

Stacy's 1/8 --Vampire Seduction by Raven Hart

2009-01-05T07:21:00.001-08:00

So finally I have felt well enough to get into a book, and was I glad that I picked up this book to start off my Living by the List Challange! Vampire Seduction by Raven Hart gets a 5/5 stars from me.
This book was intense from start to finish. The two main characters William Cuyler Thorne, a very old, very rich, very affluential vampire and Civil War Veteran turned vampire, Jack McShane.

You see, William is Jack's father; his maker, and Jack has pledged his fealty to William. Meaning he is available to him at his beck and call. But then William's maker comes to Savannah and Jack finds out that William has been a little less then truthful with him about what it means to be a vampire. So Jack has to make a decision. Is he going to remain loyal to William or go with the other vampire.

This series is full of supernaturals, voodoo, weres, shapeshifters and other beings and is packed full of action, mystery and romance.

Now up next is Suicide Notes by Michael Ford Thomas. It is about a teenage boy who tried to commit suicide and ended up in a psychiatric facility for 45 days. This is account of his 45 days. It says its a fictional book but it is written like a true story. I'm about 81 pages into it right now and its a good book. Very YA but good.

My January Living by the List Challange

2008-12-30T18:11:00.000-08:00

Sooo, in my "Anything goes" shelfari group we have decided that we are going to do a monthly challange called Living by the List challange. The basis of the challange is that we pick 8 books and 3 alternatives to read from the 1st of the month till the first of next month. Now I usually read way more then 8 books in a month so more then likely but I will read my 8 books plus my 3 alternatives. This is my list of books for January 2009...Maybe just maybe I might be able to get through some of these books on my TBR but I doubt it since I usually add about 20 a week LOL.

1. From Dead to Worse --Charlaine Harris

2. Suicide Notes--Michael Thomas Ford

3. Vampire Seduction--Raven Hart

4. Plum Lucky--Janet Evanovich

5. Ink Heart --Cornelia Funke

6. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button-- F. Scott Fitzgerald

7. Plum Spooky--Janet Evanovich

8. Witchling--Yasmine Galenorn

Alternatives

1. Halfway to the Grave--Jeanine Frost

2. Demon in my View--Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

3. Confessions of a Shopaholic-- Sophie Kinsella

I Won, I Won!!!!

2008-12-29T19:29:00.000-08:00

I won the autographed copy of Vampire's Seduction by Raven Hart!!! I just wanted to thank Evie from http://averageme-bookandmoviereviews.blogspot.com/ for hosting and blogging about the interview with the author and Raven aka Susan Goggins for giving me an autographed copy of her book and sending along a Christmas card with it. It was a super wonderful gift to receive and will treasure it greatly!

I have to admit I haven't read the book yet but I am very much looking foward to reading them. I have to wait until this weekend to start them though because they are on my 2009 TBR and the first books for my Living for the list Challange! Speaking of the Living for the list challange. I would like to invite all of my friends to join me in this creative adventure!! I plan on making a list on 8 books with 3 alternatives to be read every month from the 1st of the month till the 1st of the next month! A message board that I belong to on shelfari did it for Thanksgiving to Christmas and it went over very well so we decided to make it a permanate fixture to our board! I will post a list for my Jan list as soon as I have decided what it is going to be. I have a few that I know I am going to do first!I have had a busy month this month but some how I have managed to read 14 books. I recently finished Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella. I really didn't think that I would like this book because it is about a girl who gets into a car accident and gets amnesia. But just for 3 years of her life. Which happens to be the three years that she managed to go big time in her career, get married, move to a posh flat, and completely change her appearance. Sounded kind of cheesey if you asked me but guess what... I loved it...It was very well written and funny and romantic all in the same time!

I have also continued on my quest of finishing the Sookie Stackhouse series.

I just finished book 7 All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris. I love this series and it really sucks that I have started on the last one that has been published so far! Sookie gets so far into the vampire life that she is never going to be able to get herself out! But one good thing....They are indebted to her for quit sometime!!

So far in Book 8 From Dead to Worse all I want to know is WHERE IS QUINN!!!

Win a copy of Vampire Seduction by Raven Hart

2008-12-18T11:09:00.001-08:00

On my friend Evie's Blog: http://randomminutiae.blogspot.com/ you can enter to win a signed copy of The Vampires Seduction by Raven Hart. She also has a great interview with the author. Go check it out!

2008-12-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

was born to the name of Rachel Weatere in the year 1684, more than three hundred years ago.The one who changed me named me Risika, and Risika I became, though I never asked what it meant. I continue to call myself Risika, even though I was transformed into what I am against my will.By day, Risika sleeps in a shaded room in Concord, Massachusetts. By night, she hunts the streets of New York City. She is used to being alone.But now someone is following Risika. Someone has left her a black rose, the same sort of rose that sealed her fate three hundred years ago.Three hundred years ago Risika had a family — a brother and a sister who loved her. Three hundred years ago she was human.Now she is a vampire, a powerful one. And her past has come back to torment her.This atmospheric, haunting tale marks the stunning debut of a promising young novelist.

That's the excerpt from the book...These are my opinions on the book. The story line is great the writing style however leaves something to be desired. All I can say is you can very much tell that this book was written by a 13 year old. The written style is very punchy with short sentences and little detail. She gets down and dirty and right to the point. Although I'm not a fan of the writing style I am a fan of the story line and will finish the rest of the series.

Right now I am reading Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris. This is the 5th book in the Sookie Stackhouse series and so far it's very good. I have managed to make a short list of the books that I want to read for 2009 and so far I have set my goal at 80 books. I have read 56 books for 2008 and didn't actually start reading until June. So I think I can make 80 in 2009.

I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Stay safe!!

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

2008-12-10T22:43:00.000-08:00

Yeah, yeah, I know I know, I have been reading a lot lately...It's cold outside what can I say. My latest finish was City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. This book was amazing and as much as you are going to be astonished at hearing me say this, but I liked it better then twilight. Wayyyy more action!!!

This book is about a everyday regular girl named Clary Fray, who decided one day to go to a club with her best friend where she never thought she would witness a murder. Something strange happened though the murdered disappeared in front of her eyes and Clary was introduced to a world full of demons, downworlders and shadowhunters. The shadowhunters are demon killers, the angels so to speak, or are they really.

This first book in the Mortal Instruments Series was a great start I am so excited to begin reading City of Ashes. It could only prove to be a great second book in the series. And great news. The third book in the trilogy will be released in March of 2009. Can't wait to read what else Cassandra Clare has planned for Clary, Simon and the other downworlders and shadowhunters.

Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum Series--In between the numbers

2008-12-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

So I absolutley love Janet Evanovich and the Stephanie Plum series but I have just discovered the in-between the numbers novellas. They are spectacularly funny and witty and you get to meet a new sexy leading male character in these books who isn't in the regular series books. Let me introduce you to Diesel. I fineeeeeee upstanding something or another. We haven't quite figured out if Diesel is even a real human yet.

In Plum Lovin, Diesel showed up just in time to ruin (so she thinks) Stephanie's plans for a uneventful Valentine's Day. All she needed to do was to get her only outstanding bond jumper into custody and everything was all kosher. I mean how hard could it be to capture "relationship expert" Annie Hart and get her body ticket. Diesel, who hunts "unnaturals" who have went off from the deap end and started getting noticed by the general public. The "unnatural" that Diesel is hunting just so happens to have a vendetta against Annie, so Diesel has her in protective custody and until Stephanie finishs her "relationship tasks" Annie won't turn herself over to her when Diesel is dont protecting her. So Stephanie goes about fixing all the screw ups in 4 peoples lives which leads to some funny stuff. You must pick up the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich and get some good laughs.

In Visions of Sugar Plums is where you first meet the infamous Diesel, when he is dropped into Stephanie's kitchen out of the clear blue sky. Diesel is just a little strange and can unlock doors just by touching them. In this Novella Diesel and Stephanie happen to be hunting the same "unnatural." Diesel to keep him safe and Stephanie to take him to jail for jumping bond. But Mr. Sandy Claws...That's S-A-N-D-Y won't have any of either of them. He has to finish his "job" before Christmas Eve and can't take time out of his busy schedule to go to jail for a crime that he HAD to commit and Diesel...Why would an "unnatural" who is proud and old need the help of someone else to keep him safe from another "unnatural." Turns out that Diesel is certainly a lot of help to Sandy and to Stephanie and maybe he teaches her a little about Christmas spirit to boot.

Plum Lucky is my next book up. That is after I finish City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. According to the Book jacket it is about Grandma Mazur coming into some money and oh but oh what is she going to do with it. And who to my wondering eyes should appear, none other then the naturally dynamic Diesel. Wonder what he is up to in this book.

I am also very excited to announce that on January 6th another Janet Evanovich between the numbers novella will be released. Here is the excerpt on Plum Spooky!!!!PLUM SPOOKY
Turn on all the lights and check under your bed. Things are about to get spooky in Trenton, New Jersey.
According to legend, the Jersey Devil prowls the Pine Barrens and soars above the treetops in the dark of night. As eerie as this might seem, there are things in the Barrens that are even more frightening and dangerous. And there are monkeys. Lots of monkeys.
Wulf Grimoire is a world wanderer and an opportunist who can kill without remorse and disappear like smoke. He's chosen Martin Munch, boy genius, as his new business partner, and he's chosen the Barrens as his new playground
Munch received his doctorate degree in quantum physics when he was twenty-two. He's now twenty-four, and while his brain is large, his body hasn't made it out of the boys' department at Macy's. Anyone who says good things come in small packages hasn't met Munch. Wulf Grimoire is looking for world domination. Martin Munch would be happy if he could just get a woman naked and tied to a tree.
Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has Munch on her most-wanted list for failure to appear in court. Plum is the all-American girl stuck in an uncomfortable job, succeeding on luck and tenacity. Usually she gets her man. This time she gets a monkey. She also gets a big guy named Diesel.
Diesel pops in and out of Plum's life like birthday cake - delicious to look at and taste, not especially healthy as a steady diet, gone by the end of the week if not sooner. He's an uber bounty hunter with special skills when it comes to tracking men and pleasing women. He's after Grimoire, and now he's also after Munch. And if truth were told, he wouldn't mind setting Stephanie Plum in his crosshairs.
Diesel and Plum hunt down Munch and Grimoire, following them into the Barrens, surviving cranberry bogs, the Jersey Devil, a hair-raising experience, sand in their underwear, and, of course . . . monkeys.

I hope that I can implore everyone to pick up a Janet Evanovich book and read a excellent quick read!!!

The Secret Life of Bees--Sue Monk Kidd

2008-12-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

A story set in the 1960's during the civil right movement that occured and was very violent in the southern states. A white girl named Lilly was raised by her emotionally and sometimes physically violent father, T. Ray and her black caretaker, Rosaleen. Rosaleen, while on her way to register to vote, ran into some very racist characters. Instead of just walking away, Rosaleen being the strong willed woman that she is decided to dump snuff (rub) spit on the white men's shoes. She was beaten and arrested and then beaten some more. Rosaleen ended up in the hospital where Lilly broke her out and they both ran away to Tiburon SC.

While in Tiburon, Lilly and Rosaleen met August, June and May and found out more about herself and her mother then she may have bargained for. August teaches Lilly how to care for bees and parts of life she would have never learned from T. Ray.

I loved this book and now that I have read it I am really looking forward to seeing the movie.

My Take on 'Twilight' The Movie

2008-11-26T16:48:00.000-08:00

I loved the movie. I guess I didn't go in with any expectations that it would any way shape or form live up to the book. But I thought that it stuck pretty close. Of course they couldn't stay exactly to the book otherwise the movie would have been like 8 hours long.
Now my take on the characters. I think that Bella didn't show enough emotion. I don't know how to explain it but she was like a person with a corn cob stuck somewhere it shouldn't have been stuck.
Charlie: was absolutely wonderful. Exactly the way I pictured him
Edward: I think that Robert Pattison did a fairly good job portraying Edward. I honestly don't think that anyone could live up to the Edward we have made up in our minds. He played torn very well. Although I really wish they would have had the blood testing scene in the movie.
Jacob: I agree with you Evie, the person playing Jacob isn't a very charismatic character. Although, when we first meet Jacob in the book, he isn't so sure of himself either. I'm hoping that his character will grow in the movies just the same as his character grows in the book.
Emmett & Rosalie: Although I pictured Rosalie with brown hair they both are exactly what I expected and their characters portrayed them well.
James: Convincing
Alice: my new favorite character...after that scene with James in the ballet studio and those of you who seen it know exactly what I am talking about...I lovvvveee Alice
Carlisle and Esmee: I wish Esmee would have played a bigger role but I guess she really doesn't in the books either. Carlisle was perfect. Exactly as I thought he would be. Very protective and wise.
I really wanted to walk right back into the theater and watch it again and I can't wait until New Moon comes out so we can see how these characters grow.

Sooo Freaking Glad that its OVER!!!

2008-11-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

The phone calls, the flyers, the interruptions during dinner, as somone beats on my door to tell me who I should vote for. I'm sick of it. A friend of my husbands got a phone call at 5 this morning to tell him that Democrats vote today and Republicans called tomorrow just hoping that they could keep just one more person from voting today.

Ten or 12 flyers in my mailbox EVERYDAY trying to sway my vote one way or the other. I was so very tempted not to vote at all today but I couldn't let my local politicians suffer because of what the "BIG BOYS" are doing.

Three people in 1 day beating on my door to tell me I should vote for this person or that person. By the time that the third person got to the door I felt very sorry for her when the hubby opened the door. Because she heard what he wanted to say to the other two but was actually extremely nice too.

So no matter who wins, at least it's over!!!

So Yes I'm a Reader

2008-10-29T15:52:00.000-07:00

Like I said, I love to read and thought that it would be a good idea (in my mind anyway) to let everyone know what I am reading and what I think about the book that I read prior. So I might end up blogging alot because I read a lot!!

So, I am currently reading Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr. It is the second book in a series of I don't know how many books right now. It is about the existence of the Faery world and Faery courts and the interaction with them and humans. The Main Characters name is Aislinn but so far it seems that this book is geared around Aislinn's best friend Leslie. I don't want to say to much about the book and give anything away. But It's a great series and I certainly enjoy it. You can find out more about the books and the author at her website at this link: http://www.melissa-marr.com/index.php .

Now, a little about the book that I just finished reading. First of all this is another series as well. If you can't tell I'm a series reader. If any of you have heard of the series on HBO called True Blood, this is the series of books they got that from. The first book in the series is called Dead until Dark by Charlaine Harris. Now I will admit I had a hard time getting through this book, up until the last couple of chapters but lets just say that I am super glad that I soldiered on and kept reading the book. The series is about a time when vampires become known to the general public and have to suffer the same unrighteousness that black people had to suffer. The main Character in the book, Sookie Stackhouse, who is a telepath, finds herself falling in love with a vampire who just recently comes to her very small Louisiana hometown. Throughout the book Sookie seems to find herself in these predicaments where her vampire has to save her life...or maybe it was Elvis.... The second book in the Series, called Living Dead in Dallas, tells a story of Sookie getting "loaned out" to the Dallas vampires and what its like to live in a place where your kind isn't wanted. The second book was very very easy to get through and I believe that I read it in a day and a half...and I have 5 kids.

I plan on reading Club Dead, which is the 3rd in the Sookie Stackhouse series, when I am finished with Ink Exchange but my list of To Be Read Books changes from day to day.

Happy 12th Birthday Cody

2008-10-25T20:06:00.000-07:00

My Step son turned 12 years old today. And I can honestly say that he is turning into a really great young man. I asked him what he wanted for his birthday and he told me jeans because he was getting to big for his. So of course I told him that was something that Mommy just bought you not something that you asked for for your birthday. All in all I think that he had a pretty good time. He got a super nice MP3 player from his grandma and grandpa and it is of course attached to his ears already.

Sometimes I think that maybe I baby them just a little to much. I don't allow them to run all over town and I have to know where they are going and they better be there because I will check. Of course all of you are saying, no that is just you being a good mom, but I think they might be suffering because I'm too over protective. They really don't have a lot of friends and I don't know if its because of something they are doing or if it's because I dont' allow them to go hang out uptown with other kids.

They play sports and seem to get along well with the other kids on the team but they just don't make "real" friends. Now the hubby tells me this is common with boys that they have a lot of people that they call friends, but I don't know.

Ok any way today was a pretty good day. And I am sooo ready for them to go to bed.

A Day In The Life

2008-10-20T06:36:00.000-07:00

So this is my first go at really blogging. I have had an online journal for quite sometime located at www.coolerparents.com but haven't done the real blogging thing yet.

This weekend went way to fast and It really should only be Sunday. You know when you have those weekends when you and hubby don't argue and everything gets done around the house. Those are the weekends that just move way to fast.

The older kids had their first archery tournament on Saturday, so that was an all day ordeal in its self. But things went fairly smooth...Not to bad for a school who has never done one of these tournaments before. I am chairwoman of the fundraising committee so I was responsible for finding people to work the admissions booth, and to sell the t-shirts and now I have to make some raffle tickets for a Matthews LX compound bow. Such fun such fun. Any how Cody shot a 171/300, Ashley a 147/300 and Tyler a 135/300. Not to extremely bad for children that have never shot a bow before.

Sunday was our lazy day. We just sat around the house and relaxed. We don't get to do that very often.