I Know You Didn't Mean It

I was getting worried but then LinnieGayl finally asked the question I had been waiting for - PICTURES!! - I knew you all still loved me.

Course a few things have happened since the dust up over the kitchen.

1. My Dad is home from Malaysia and family time is prime time right now. So not so much Cindy time.

2. My best bud is home for two weeks (moved out west earlier this year and missing her HUGE) so friend time is prime time.

3. Bob has come down with evil cold (man I hope it's not the one Kristie had because she was suffering!) which would be okay in that life goes on but my best bud's Mom is very ill and has low immunity. Now I'm stressing that I'll get it next and then Bob and I will be too sick for a visit. My best bud has already said it's not a problem but I've asked for a few days before a visit so if we're contagious it will pass before she comes over.

4. I'm exhausted.

Okay, 4 might not seem like a new situation but I get out of sorts when my routine gets tossed and man, it's been tossed for about 3 weeks now. So sleep has been hard to come by and when I finally do fall asleep someone needs me to get up. I'm thinking of calling the health department and having the house declared a quarantine zone with me in it. Maybe then I'll have a full 10 hours of sleep!

That leads to

5. Bob got bad news his first day back at work. Since Bob is sick he's not taking it well but I know in a few weeks he'll be able to face the challenge. I just feel bad for him because he works so hard and then gets the rug pulled out from under him. Then they tap him with their magic wand and ask him to fix it all again. Thus he was home early, woke me up and needed to vent.

That's that for now but I know you all wanted to ask for pictures of the offending window in the kitchen but were too worried about my mental health.

The pictures didn't turn out fantastic because the sun was super bright.

I have to tell you! Bob was really grumbly while I took the pictures.

He was all : 'This isn't fair! The kitchen isn't even finished yet so it won't show nice! I'm taking that white thing out of the window because it'll be granite'

Me: It won't be granite, I've told you that!

Bob: Whatever! The white won't be there and if you take a picture with the white your friends will think it's all wrong!

Me: They'll be right!

Bob: *huff* Fine. Be that way. I'm just trying to create the kitchen of your dreams. *raises nose in the air*

Me: *voice almost at screech level* My dream kitchen doesn't have a bay window that's not the right size!!

Bob: Well, I'm building the dream kitchen we can afford.

Me: *smoke shooting out ears*

Bob: Guess you better get on that lottery ticket.

Me: I'm taking my pictures!

Bob: Fine!

Me: Fine!

*snort* Good thing we love each other or that window would have had a pot thrown through it. There's more than one way to get what I want and C-Rex may be the answer.


Here is the bay window with the counter that will go in front. This will be where the sink will be.

Okay, the second picture - you have to really look because of the reflections but yeah, those are the back of the cabinets. Bob's suggesting putting granite up the back and into the bay window. There is a rule (by this I mean Bob has promised me) that NOTHING will ever be put in that bay window. I hate clutter and dust. My dad was giving me the gears and was telling me how great plants would look in there. Uh, no. They'd be dead because I have no green thumb.

Now my brother came up with a real unique solution. He suggested we get stained glass panels along the bottom of the windows. Course, that would probably eat up that 4 grand savings Bob thinks we pocketed.

Ooops.

Okay, I want to share pictures of the current state of the kitchen. What we're doing is putting everything where we plan to put new cabinets and an island and see how it's going to work. So far, I'm having problems with 'center'. That's usually an Aries trait (Bob) but he says it won't bother him. I'm hoping it's just the mish-mash of horrible cabinets, criss-crossed floors and different wall surfaces that's messing with me.

The new cabinet cupboards are in the right hand picture on the left hand size. I think they'll end up being all solid doors.

In the first picture we're thinking of a feature wall behind where Bob is standing. Oh and there'll be no uppers on the bay window side. Where the upper is between the windows will be where the 6 burner oven with fancy hood will be.

And the floors will be a med stained oak hardwood.

Yeah. I got plans ;)

C-Rex Kind Of Day

Poor Bob didn't know what hit him when I got up this morning.

That's right. MORNING!!

My gorgeous cousin stayed over night so I made myself get up at 11:30am thinking I could dope myself up by 2am and get lots of rest. Ah, no. My cousin stayed up until 3:30 in the morning!! Then my stupid drugs didn't kick in and shazam, 5 hours of sleep.

C-Rex rolled out of bed, grumbled about how people just don't understand and fell into the shower. After 15 minutes under heat Rex decided to keep moving.

20 minutes later I go downstairs to see my cousin and Bob.

Now you think Bob would know better than to come at me the minute I wake up. Or you know, the first few hours after I wake up.

So Bob is all excited because he thinks he's solved this problem we're having in the kitchen only it's the same solution he's been trying to get me to agree to since the beginning of time!

Let's just say there is a bay window in our kitchen that needs to be removed because we're re-designing the whole thing. Only Bob has decided his original idea of leaving the damn thing in and just putting the counter in front is brilliant.

Just so you know. IT'S NOT!!!

He just kept saying it would save us 4000 dollars (can you believe taking out a huge window and replacing it with a smaller version would cost so much!!??).

C-Rex roared to life when he wouldn't hear my HELL NO!!

So then he got pissy with C-Rex.

Doesn't bode well for most people but C-Rex also loves Bob (luckily) and although there were lots of teeth snapping and horror filled growling moments Bob survived.

We compromised cause if I had to talk about it one second longer I swear 'divorce' would have come out of my mouth. I turned to my cousin and told her to relax cause we weren't fighting. Bob agrees and says yes, we're just debating.

Debating? It sounds like someone is being a whiny bitch and this time it ain't me!!!

Nah. I'm okay. I'm still not happy with the solution because design wise it's just wrong. Wrong I tell you!

But screw it, I'll live to fight another day.

And there may come a time when Bob goes on a business trip only to come home and find that very window missing.

Cause C-Rex never forgets.

As to the rest of the day, it was great. I'm just exhausted and ready to start winding down. My nerves are shot cause I'm worrying about stupid stuff but I'll survive just like I always do.

I just might take out a few people along the way cause C-Rex is ready to play.

Go Now!!! Or Maybe Later.

Cause of timing and having my beautiful cousin over for a couple overnighters, I can't stay up and blog my usual stuff.

So head's up for my guest review over at the Book Binge for Nalini Singh's Hostage to Pleasure - it's not up yet but hopefully today or tomorrow (second link down on the sidebar). It's a non-spoiler review and it's probably got less information than the back blurb but hopefully I hit on what is so great about this story.

I loved Judd (Caressed by Ice) but there was a scene that I didn't enjoy because it made things too easy so I had to skim some points off in the final grading. HTP, however, had no miss steps and Dorian was a wonderful and sexy hero. I'm actually considering immediately re-reading my favourite parts and I rarely do that just after finishing a book!

I just can't wait to see what Ms. Singh brings us next! But I'll need to calm down and just move onto another book to keep my reading mojo ticking.

Sorry, I have to get to bed or I'll be too tired tomorrow and well, that's never good. Let's not even mention that fact that C-Rex will make an appearance this weekend sometime because my sleep clock is being messed with.

You've been warned.

Now I just have to remember to remind Bob.

He doesn't like C-Rex surprise attacks.

Oh, remind me to post about the books I've been buying over the past little bit - I think I have bought enough here and there to do a post now.

SQUEEEEEEE!!

Set off the fireworks!!

Cue the marching bands!!

I HAVE JUST FINISHED MY FIRST BOOK SINCE DECEMBER!!!!!!!!!!

*falls to knees sobbing*

It's OVER!!!

THE SLUMP FROM HELL IS FINALLY OVER!!!!!!

*deep gulping intake of air*

I'd like to thank Nalini Singh for writing THE book that finally cracked through the wall of slump steel!!

*throws arms up triumphantly*

In the words of the American Male Gymnastic's team "THAT'S HOW WE ROLL!!!!"

Time

With the passing of Bob's mom last week, Bob gets bereavement time.

This means that he will probably be off for all this coming week. I'm just not up during the day right now so I feel bad or guilty which is never good.

I know there is a saying about life happening when you are making other plans but August is now looking all stress filled instead of relaxing.

Also, Bob was put on a Home Depot diet before this past week and to say he's at his wits end is an understatement. I have told him to do what he needs to help him cope. What do I mean about this? Last year when Bob's father passed he built a shed. Not just any old shed, no, it's a one of a kind, totally bitching piece of handy work. (I'll get a picture up later)

Thing is, I put the fear of God in him last month with a realistic look at his over spending at Home Depot. Now, bless him, he refuses to go to HD. Oh sure, he has asked if he can spend about a hundred and fifty bucks (my answer was HELL YES!! Whatever you need!) but he hasn't gone yet. I'm tickled proud but I also know my man and he needs to keep his mind active to help cope.

Eg. When the Twin Towers were destroyed on 9/11 Bob saw the footage once, got up and renovated for about 14 days straight (I couldn't tell you what he did because I was glued to the TV hoping and praying for survivors). He would work until his body just gave up and fell into bed.

Right now, I have little odd jobs that he is working on but he needs more.

On that note, he saw something at Costco that he thought would be a perfect feature for our kitchen.

Our future kitchen.

Our future kitchen that's going to take a huge wad of cash to build.

Huge.

And since I'm the financier, I know we really can't get into that right now.

*sigh*

I just can't say no.

So I'll let him run with it this week but then I'll have to reign him in again once he gets back to work.

And hey, if he's busy building something, I'll have time to READ!!!

If I'm lucky that is.

Hey, anyone need help spending money? Cause I have this great guy ... but he's only for building and spending money nothing else!! *evil eye*

Thanks To Everyone

Thank you all so much for letting me remember Mama Smith and for all your thoughts and prayers. It means everything at time like this.

Today (Thursday) will be visitation and Friday will be the service. The next few days will be exhausting but I hope we do Mom justice in her final farewell.

As to other things, I am reading again and I'm counting many of my blessings. I woke up last night with a pressure on one side of my body like someone was shoving me to wake up. That was about 1am so I got up and waited for the phone call. I then told myself I was being silly but sat up and read the first half of Nalini Singh's ARC (FABOOO!!! by the way ;) - hopefully will find more time to read over the next few days and get a review up). The call came around 5am after I had convinced myself it was just my reading mojo waking me to tell me the slump was over.

Ah, well.

I'm still saying the slump is OVER!!!

Long live romance books!

A New Angel

It's early morning Wednesday and we just got the news that Bob's mom Doreen passed away.

Two weeks prior to this she was in the hospital although the doctors couldn't seem to peg down what the problem was. Last Thursday is one of the memories I will always carry with me of her smiling and crossing her fingers in hopes that the doctors would let her go home. She looked so fantastic and well that we were sure she had found her way back. Friday afternoon they released her but no one in the family had had contact with her doctors and were somewhat surprised to find her home when they got home from work.

Saturday brought on a whole new set of syptoms and by Monday morning she was sicker than she had been before entering the hospital the first time. We got the call Tuesday afternoon that we needed to get to the hospital immediately. Again, Bob and I don't have the answers as to what was going on or why she had taken such a turn. She was on life support although her heart was beating on it's own and we were told she was sedated and not unconscious. We sat with her and talked to her for a few hours and sat in the family room with the brothers. The youngest brother explained that the doctors had had a three day plan but after a few hours told him to get the family together.

Bob is taking the news as well as can be expected.

It's a year and 6 days since his father passed and Bob's first words when I told him the news were that Magoo's stint in Heaven just got a little noisier with the arrival of his wife. I told him Magoo was fine, it's Frank Sinatra that is entertaining a new guest.

Doreen was a month shy of her 86th birthday, was married to Kenneth (Magoo) for 59 years, had 7 boys and 4 grandkids. She never spent a day in a nursing home and was always surrounded by her family. Magoo may have thought he wore the pants in the family and everyone let him think it but it was Mama Smith who ruled the roost. The boys will be lost without her and there are many people whose lives she touched that will miss her always.

As a mother in law she was perfect. The wedding band I wear on my finger is the first one Magoo gave her and is almost 61 years old. She told me how she always wanted a daughter but in the end, it was her sons who gave them to her. She spoiled us women rotten and loved us as if we were her own and for someone like me, who wasn't raised in an affectionate or overly accepting family, she was a balm to my soul.

She will be sorely missed. Love you Mama.

Fllllll-ash!

Yikes! I was super MIA over the past 5 days.

I have been flashing in to the San Fran bloggers and authors blogs to try and keep up. Twitter is also eating away some time. Best Bud and I are on the phone all hours for the past few days (I've decided her boyfriend is a complete asshole and she needs to leave him now. Course, it's not my life. Ugh - may be a few rant post coming up), free time with Bobby and then end of the month numbers were fast and furious not to mention a long weekend.

At this moment my back is in so much pain I won't be able to type much longer. I have no clue what I've done. I swam tonight for exercise (I've been asking Bob to walk me - yes, I'm lame but I've been walking farther and farther in the past week but we didn't find time tonight) also, my right leg feels like it's got a pinched nerve. If I didn't know better I would say severe PMS but I can't remember.

Stupid Cindy.

Let's see if I can pull up a short version of the week.

Thursday I was so relaxed I had to double check myself. We went to Magoo's grave which is in Toronto (my Achilles heel when it comes to anxiety) then we went to a restaurant called Magoo's in honor of his dad. Bob loved the food. I only had fries because I was a tad nervous but it passed fast.

Then we went to the hospital to see Bob's mom and she looked fantastic. We thought for sure she had turned the bend and was sent home. Sadly tonight we got the call that she was taken back and now we're hearing pneumonia as a possible culprit although her chest X-ray was clear. Two weeks in the hospital and nothing. Send her back and I guess the docs realize they need to do their friggin' jobs.

Friday I think I had a normal sleep but then got stressed when we invited my mother over for dinner. Her reaction was that we should go out for dinner. Uh, yeah. Achilles' heel. Two anxiety pills later and I was only slightly anxious. Made it through dinner and my cousin came to stay over night to help Bob with a garage sale.

I don't really remember Saturday although I remember being tired.

Sunday my hubby's best friend and wife were coming up but we were told they were only going to stay for a few hours. I had maybe 5 hours of sleep before they arrived. They came at noon, stayed through dinner and left around 8pm. Meanwhile, Bob had invited my family over for a BBQ not knowing our friends would stay (there's a story there - let me know if you're curious) so I started to get way anxious when they stayed later and later. I then started to get mad at Bob because he knows how tired I get and how stressed I get so by dinner I wasn't miserable but Bob knew he was maybe in a tough spot. Thankfully my family had other plans so it was only 4 of us but my bed was beckoning. I didn't get to bed until 4am. Ouch.

Today was a Bob and Cindy day. I think Bob realized he'd be cooking if he invited anyone over today.

And that was the long weekend.

Tomorrow is sleep and reading.

Guess what I'm reading?

Yeah I am!!!

(Singh's ARC of Hostage of Pleasure - review to follow hosted by the Book Binge ladies who took pity on me when I asked if I could have the review posted there. I'll post when it's finally done.)

And I have to come and visit you all!

Super Fast Post

Just wanted to let you all know that Nalini Singh's ARC of Hostage to Pleasure showed up today. I want to take a picture of it and post it for you guys because the only ARC I've ever received was in paperback form. This is probably a galley copy (I'm totally guessing). It's 8 x 10 and you have to turn the 'book' sideways to read the print.

I've also realized that I need to wear my glasses as I think the type is smaller than normal.

I've only read about 30 pages and I'm totally completely and utterly in LOVE!!

If only my life wasn't going to be super busy over then next five days.

Bob will be off on tomorrow. It's the one year anniversary of Magoo's death (Bob's father) and Bob wants to go to the cemetery. I told him Magoo is actually in our den and he said 'I know'. This surprised me because he hates when I feel something 'weird' but he has openly accepted what I said.

Now.

I didn't say that he visits because I think he does - there is scent that shows up, it's not something I recognize and it's not consistent. I think Bob has translated my 'he's in the den' with the fact that we have his Lazy Boy, his picture up on the wall and a black lab print that was Magoo's favourite.

Anyways, tomorrow will be very busy, Friday night my cousin will come and stay for the night to help Bob with a garage sale on Saturday morning. I'm wondering if I'll get a wake-up call way before I want to get up.

Sunday we have our best friends coming up for a visit around noon - middle of my sleep cycle, but they don't plan to stay for long. We'll see. I'll have something prepped for dinner just in case.

Monday is a holiday so another Bob day and if it's nice out we should probably have my family up for a swim.

Tuesday I'm totally reading. Totally. I just can't wait!! I'll probably be stealing peeks over the next days. I haven't been this excited about a book since before Christmas.

Onto something completely different.

I told Bob tonight that it might be time for me to look for a new doctor. I'm feeling 'unheard' and when I tell the doctor what I want, she throws up barriers.

I'll share since you all know I have anxiety issues and panic attacks.

Basically in the past few months my anxiety has grown worse day by day. To me, this means my meds have stopped working. I can't get my brain to stop with 'obsessive' thoughts. These are the 'what if' thoughts that plague those of us with panic attacks.

Explaining this to my doctor she wants to refer me to an anxiety clinic. GREAT! I'll take any help I can get, seriously.

Thing is, she didn't want to change the meds. Uh, hi. They aren't working. Then she says what would happen if I went back on Paxil (worked fine for anxiety - went off them because I became depressed many years after starting them) and my mood was a problem. I gaped at her. Uh, you told me I could supplement with wellbutrin. My doctor nods and says, yes, that's true but I don't want to exhaust all your opinions. She then tells me I'm no where near exhausting my options with meds.

So. What's the friggin' problem!!??

I know myself better than anyone else so if I tell you something isn't working then it isn't working.

Anyways, we're changing the meds. It won't be fun because I have to wean off and then wean on. That means about 2 months of anxiety hell. But it's important to get well.

I hope the Anxiety clinic will have an opening sooner rather than later. The doc told me how another person went to the clinic and now wants to leave her meds behind because she is so much better.

She couldn't stop talking about this person. I felt like asking 'has she had anxiety since she was 10 years of age? Has she ever become agoraphobic?' I don't mean to belittle the patients pain because I know what they went through but there are more things to look at than just one person's response to something.

So my doc is on probation with me.

I told Bob this and his response was 'Don't take me down with you!!' Cause he loves my doctor as much as I used to love her.

Okay, enough whining.

Luckily you are all busy reading about the RWA bloggers to read my mundane crap.

I'm living vicariously through them.

I have to admit that I'm glad (and yeah, I'm not proud of this) that the weather isn't super warm.

I really don't think I could possibly handle any more jealousy.

Break! Break! Break!

Okay, peeps, bust 'em out.

We haven't talked about our 'Break In Case of Emergency' reads in a while.

What's that mean?

It's a book by a favourite (I'm talking hold the book to your chest and weep with joy) author that you just can't read yet. Not because you think the book will suck, you know it will rock your socks, but because you don't want to look at your TBR pile and not know if there are any keepers left in the pile.

It's a security blanket. A book that you know will pull you out of whatever tail spin you find yourself in. It's knowing that a book by your favourite author is still pending, that you haven't read the very last and now have to wait 6, 8, 12 or more months for the next.

I currently have about 4 books by Anne Stuart that I just can't bring myself to read and her latest, Fire and Ice is one of them. I also seem to hoard Lisa Kleypas and I think I've tricked my brain into believing I might have an old Linda Howard in the pile that hasn't been read.

And then! The pain of depriving yourself of a favourite authors book (Suzanne Brockmann and I had to have a break cause we weren't gelling) but then years later getting to pick up 4 or 5 new never before read ones all at once! Sure, the first 12 months were hard but after that it got easier and hopefully with some time and space I will renew my love of all things Brockmann.

The part that gets my goat though is that when I am in that tail spin, that dreaded slump from hell, I can't break the glass! It's my last resort and I'm too afraid to pull the pin. That said, I can easily pull one of these books off the shelf if I'm in a great reading streak. Not all of them mind you, but at least one.

Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas was the last one that I tried to hoard. I managed to hold out for a bit but then I buckled and loved every square inch of it.

So how about it? Do you hoard favourite authors? Do you have a section of your TBR pile that is only for the most dire of circumstances? Do you end up using that emergency stash when all things are stable or can you pull the rip cord when you need the safety net?

Or are you sitting there scratching your head and wondering what this post could be about?

Me and My Brain

Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is a noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of nonessentials. — Lin Yutang

Apparently I'm very wise and killer noble.

I'm thinking that's not next to Godliness.

NEXT!!

Here's a little sampling of how my brain can get me into way too much trouble. Okay, not outward trouble but the kind that leaves me struggling to just be normal.

I am currently reading a book and seriously, it's so not fair to mention the name or anything because this is all my shit and nothing really to do with the book.

That said, those who have read it may or may not have had the same mental image enter their brains.

1. The hero has been described as wearing cut off jean shorts with a black Tee and sandals.

2. The hero has shoulder length hair and a beard.

Ready?

Are you sure?

Anyone know a straight man who wears cut off jean shorts?

I'm not trying to be an ass or anything but the last time I saw a man wearing sandals and cutoff shorts was when I was in Toronto with the girls (Nath, Ames and Kristie) and the gay pride parade weekend was happening. Now those men love cutoff jean shorts.

Oh! And of course he's muscular so here is the image I have in my head.

I remember this image differently. I thought the hem of his smock was tattered but I think it's from the movie. Note sandals on feet. Note bulging muscles and tiny waist.

I should mention that this is the shape of the man in my head when authors use descriptions about how the hero's thighs are the size of the heroine's waist or tree trunk. I just don't find that sexy.

I was going to put up a picture of a real life guy but I can't find exactly what I'm looking for. I should also mention that my hubby's best friend who is straight does wear cut-offs but he's in his late 50's so I think he thinks they are 'all that'.

And then, this image popped into my head.

Yeah, the hero now reminds me of Jesus!!

Why?

Shoulder length dark hair and a beard.

This all hits me just before the sex scene that comes *good gravy I'm going to hell!* way too early in the book for me.

They don't even know each others names!!!!

And I almost had to poke my mind's eye out when afterwards (yes, I made it through the sex scene - stop laughing!!) the hero put back on his *gah, I can't take it* cut off jean shorts and 'toed' on his sandals.

OMG!! Is he wearing flip flops!!!

*sigh*

And that's all I'm willing to share at the moment.

I'm sure my OCD about the worms in my pool (did they fall from the sky? Why are they in the friggin' pool?) and having to scoop them out would have you calling the local loony bin to come pick me up.

I can't even drink my water right now because I keep thinking about them.

This joyful mess of a brain will probably continue well into fall because I'll have to change my meds which help me from obsessing over anxious situations.

They are also good at keeping unwelcome images from spinning in my brain while reading, eating or whatever.

Damn. Maybe that loony bin guy should come get me.

Anyone else get mental images while reading that they can't shake? I have to take a break from the book when the images get too persistant. Also, any mention of someone having to use a bathroom and I'm screwed up for about a chapter. That's just not information I need while reading! And forget about it if someone is sick - I obsess over whether they brushed their teeth.

Okay, that's enough crazy for today.

And The Zone Cometh!!!

Holy Hot Tamales!!

I won an ARC of Nalini Singh's Hostage to Pleasure!!

*throws arms up* Woohoo!!! *butt dance*

I don't want to put the back blurb up because Nalini (yeah, we're on a first name basis, we're tight like that) says there are spoilers in it for Mine To Possess. I have to admit to having a bad memory so I don't recognize the spoilers.

So if you have read Mine To Possess and want to read the back blurb and an excerpt from the book go here.

If you are hugging Mine To Possess to tightly to read at the moment then I'll just say one word for her up-coming release.

Dorian.

For those of you with a brain like mine, just a few more words.

The were-cat that cannot shift. The one whose sister was killed by the Psy.

Dark and tortured - yummy!!

To read my *cough* reviews (or fangirl squeeeing) you can go here for Visions of Heat and here for Caressed by Ice (my personal fav!).

Are You In The Zone?

I had my best bud up this week and luckily she is a reader like me. Although she calls romance 'chick books' it's all good. It's nice to talk to someone who reads the same way I do (or will again soon - see, positive vibes).

I told her I was in a bad slump and she laughed. Sweet woman. Anyways, she had mentioned on Facebook that she was too much in book world.

Damn. I remember when I used to be in the 'zone'.

You know when you are forced away from your book by work or laundry or cooking but all you can think about is the world you just left?

I remember reading Sam and Alyssa's book (Brockmann) and I was so immersed in the story that I started swearing like Sam. Every other word out of his mouth is 'fuck' and for a week afterwards I was stunningly witty with all the ways I could add it to a sentence.

Ohhh, I remember finishing my last exam back in 90 or 91 before the summer break and finally allowing myself to read The Secret by Julie Garwood. The opening scene will probably be one I will never forget and allowed me to quickly sluff off the school year stress. I sat and read the entire book in 8 hours (I'm a slow reader) - I think my mother forced me to eat dinner. It's one of my fondest memories which is weird but I remember my father and brother trying to get a phone jack or something through my closet - I finally got up and showed them how it was done. Yeah, I was all that back then. But hey, they were harshing on my reader buzz!

Then there was the Kinsale novel that had me wondering why the people on the news were talking weird. For a week I was oddly conversant in old English.

These books obviously took me out of my life. I was part of the story somehow and it creeped over into my every day life.

I have to admit that there are times I have worried that maybe I'm too much in the 'zone' and I know my best bud admits to needing to re-invest in the real world when she 'zones out'.

All I know is that I'm ready to enter into the zone again. I want to be taken out of my real life for a while. It was only as my bud and I were talking that I remembered the 'zone'. I've been so long out of it but hearing her talk about it reminded me of that special bliss that can only happen when fully invested in a great book.

So how 'bout it? You in the 'zone'? Familiar with the 'zone'? Outside the 'zone' looking in? How about sharing those books that have put you in the 'zone'?

Real Life Crap

You guys might have to remind me of this post in few weeks. I go for my three month docs appointment in a few weeks. It's about how I'm feeling, am I anxious, how's my mood etc. but I tell ya, I don't realize things fast enough.

I think that's why people who are stressed are stressed.

I love (Hell NO!) those helpful suggestions by - okay, I think this one was set off by an article on Yahoo news - to avoid stress. Uh, yeah. If I could avoid stress I would be living a life of complete spiritual, physical and mental stability.

You've seen the pictures. My waistline is not stable.

Whenever I read about 'avoiding stress' I wonder if it can truly happen. Are there people who live stress free?

All this to say my daily anxiety level is up. I finally figured that out today after 7 straight days of having plans. Today was the last day of worry but it's a Sunday and that's how my brain works. Monday to Sunday. I slept through Saturday's 'plan' but Bob let me knowing I was on the verge of a meltdown. Then my period showed up to create it's own drama and then a visit from people I don't really know and who, it turns out, aren't very chatty. My neurotic need to fill silence was obliterated by anxiety, pain and general coma like sensations and I think even Bob was a tad uncomfortable with the visit.

Ah well. I told Bob no more off the cuff invitations to people for the next week. I need some down time.

This means I have no plans Monday through to Wednesday and I'm feeling much better than I was earlier this evening but there is still this low level hum of anxiety under the surface. Me thinks a med change is a coming. I an not going through another December like last!

So I have to remember to tell my Doc that things aren't fine. Cause I tend to have a few good days and forget the ones that had me sitting bleary eyed with tummy cramps and outer body experiences.

Other than that, situation normal.

FUBAR!

Actually, I shouldn't wait another two weeks. I should see if the doc can get me in earlier but those damn telephone people keep her booked solid. There is a sign that says (I kid you not) to book your next appointment before you leave the office. Now I can see that for someone like me who needs to come in every 3 months but seriously, I'm not planning the next puke session.

Guesting - My First Time!

Over the past week movies have been the order of the day.

Turns out I had opinions and thoughts on them so I wrote up my kind of half assed reviews and luckily for me the Ladies from The Boob Tube thought is was okay to print.

So my first - wait! I guess reviewed over at Sybil's for an Anne Stuart novel - so it's my second time as a guest - I feel special!! And since I'm a sleeper, I decided on a guest bed for the graphic.

Go here if you want to see my thoughts on Vantage Point, Shoot 'Em Up and Awake. C'mon, you know you wanna.

Now, I just need to contact Nath and Ames and see what they are currently reading. Maybe I can do a guest review or a two-some at Breezing Through. Cause I'm feeling all sassy.

Anyone want to do a two-some with me?

Bueller?

I'll totally read what you guys are reading. Seriously. I need to crack the slump. I think the sound will resonate through the universe so if you hear something scary, that's just me. Breaking Through.

Ho Hum

I saw this over at Rosie's and I love the different colours and words you can get up at Wordle.

You can see the bigger version here.

Basically, I plan on going over there every once in a while and seeing if the words change. I'm glad the big words are Bob, Reading, Read, room and well, I guess I use 'just' a bit too much! It must only take words from the first page because Lazyboy is on the list and I've only talked about it this week.

(oooooh, just had a thought for how to use my word cloud)

As to life, I'm a glutton for punishment.

I invited the Godkids and their friends over this afternoon around 2pm so I have to be up and about. (I've been getting up around 6pm) It's now after 6am but I had to work late tonight and it was math, math and more math. Nothing like trying to hunt down that last numerical error and in the end, NOT finding it.

I'm trying to wind down.

Yep, not quite working.

THEN, I invited my lovely cousin to come on Tuesday and stay overnight to Wednesday. Shopping and sitting by the pool but I have to be up and about at a decent hour so I don't leave her all by her lonesome. Hey, she could stay all week if I didn't have to worry about when I got up! I mean, really, the pool is a hit with everyone that comes. She could have had a vacation at Cindy's Backyard Spa for the week but hey, one over night and then I'm euchred.

Reading once again heads into the backseat but gives me some serious grief and attitude. Maybe next week can be 5 full days of nobody but me.

Could happen.

Off to hit the bed and see if sleep can find me *please, please, please!!!*

Oh My SQUEEEEEEE!!!!

I'm not sure I've ever outted myself but I am a die-hard ABBA fan.

Die-hard.

But I so don't do 'shows' so I've never gone to the musical. Even though I know Bob also enjoys ABBA I'm not sure he would understand me standing on my chair, dancing and singing along. Loudly. Very, very loudly.

But I don't have to worry cause I saw this for the first time just the other day and hooted with excitement. Does this mean a whole new generation of kids will hear and love ABBA the way I do. Hey, I know they aren't deep but they can get my large sized fanny moving faster than anything else.

So here you go:




Meryl Streep totally sold me - can't wait to rent it and bop around the while watching the movie!!

And as a teen, there was nothing like Gimme, Gimme, Gimme a man after midnight - okay, here-



Well, now I got my Man After Midnight ;)

And last but not least:

Happy 4th of July Weekend to my US friends!

For Kat O+

Tadaaaaa!!!

This is a La-Z-boy. Basically a huge style-less man chair that reclines, can come with heat and vibration (which ours does and let me tell you, Bob can't get near it when I'm PMSing)

I thought I even picked a nice fabric and when it showed up I just about started to cry with horror. (This isn't ours, it's from their site but I now have TWO of these!)

We have our original chair and then Bob had asked for his father's chair and received it after he passed last summer. So I have a mossy green one and a bright blue one side by side in our den. Since I decided it should be Bob's room, I can let it go. But I miss sitting in this chair and reading while feeling heat and vibration coursing through my body.

I just can't seem to relax in that room and it might be because it's right in the front window of our house. Also, our PC is in there and then I think about surfing the web and well, work. So for me, that room has enough going on.

So I'm determined to find a nicely styled piece of furniture that is also cozy for the living room. The living room has no TV, or electronics and the room goes from the front of the house to the back so I can sit near the back of the house and feel protected and private.

I used to be able to read anywhere but I think I officially have to many distractions to pull me from reading nowadays. No wonder Attention Deficit is on the rise. I think even I am starting to feel overwhelmed by all the options!

AHAAA!!

You know I've been struggling with my reading and for the life of me, I couldn't figure out what the problem was.

Sure there are the busy times in life - today kids for the pool and BBQ and then Saturday the family for the day and BBQ (can I just say I'm sick of hot dogs and hamburgers already!!!) and the times when TV seems more important. And then there is the job (which is minimal but it does take up time) and my best bud who moved 3000 miles away so now we talk for hours on the phone at night.

But then I think of all of you and the jobs you have, the kids, the house work, the hustle and bustle of day time activities which are much different than night time. Shopping and errands in crowds would give me hives so I'm much happier in my nocturnal haze.

Then it hit me.

I have no where to sit and read.

Six months ago almost to the day, Bob moved his Lazyboy into the home office.

The home office or den, is so not for reading. Not sure what it is about the room but it doesn't work for me.

My reading room is our massive living room but I always sat in the Lazyboy. Good support for my back (doesn't happen in the other chairs), doesn't stink of - well, that's a different story and ... did I mention my back? Currently there are two couches (one is the leather one but I can feel the wood frame if I'm leaning on it like I tend to so not so good for reading and the other is Cody's couch and it's so out of here when the spirit calls him), two chairs with ottomans (Amber has taken up residence in the one I might sit in and the other is too close to the front door) and two new chairs but they are small and meant to be more decorative.

Let's not even start with the lighting in the room. I have one light that I move from chair to chair depending on where I want to read. Huge pain.

I can't read in bed or I would never sleep and my arms would fall asleep constantly and the loft/TV room is for TV and laundry and sitting with Bob.

So my task this next week is to find a new reading place. Or buy myself a Lazyboy.

Ow. It hurt just to type that. If I bought a Lazyboy I would never hear the end of it. So new place to read. Definitely something I must do immediately.

Oh, and I did mention to Bob that I was in a slump because he moved the Lazyboy to it's new place in the den and he told me he wasn't moving it back.

Mean.

I plan to retaliate by hiding his Home Depot credit card.

So where do you read? Can you read anywhere? Can you read hanging half off the bed (like I used to when I was 20) or do you need to have everything in place before settling down to read?

Now THAT Was What I Needed!!

Yesterday was Canada Day here and we had a great day off! Thanks for all the well wishes - I think they merged to make an awesome day.

The weather was perfect and the pool was the perfect temperature. It was so relaxing and to top it off, my friends ordered in a pizza so I didn't have any cooking to do. It was completely stress free and it was nice to finally enjoy some time by the pool.

Okay, it was stress free for the most part except for when I went to look for my wallet and couldn't find it. I looked every where in the house and then finally asked Bob to go look for it. (Bob can find stuff easier than I can when it's something I've lost) He looked every where also and had apparently already moved all the couch cushions and stuff. So I did another breeze by (remember we have company) but found nothing. I was a bit worried but I kept thinking that it just had to be in the house.

When our friends left we drove over to my Mom's to re-trace our steps. Mom had gotten home late and had found the light on the phone lit up meaning an extension is in use. Since she's the only one there she got freaked out and called over here to see if I had just called her. I told her we'd be right over and that she could wait outside as she was afraid to go upstairs. So Bob and I went through all the hidey-hole places someone could find and of course, it was fine. I've been there before, freaking myself out over something so we sat with her for a bit before heading out the door.

This was the point where she said 'Cindy, don't forget your wallet.'

So I knew I must have had it when we left her house but the days of the week play games with me so I went through her house again just in case.

So we drive home and I remembered walking in the door and seeing Cody on the couch (happy clean monkey that he is now - another story) but I didn't go and pet him because Bob wanted to go swimming so I headed straight upstairs. I go up and check the bed sheets in case I had put it on the bed. I go through the pile of clothes beside the bed (must do laundry) and finally remember getting my robe out of my closet.

Nothing.

So I'm standing there with my hands on my hips thinking 'damn, I really have to start calling and cancelling everything' when my eyes wandered over the shelves on the wardrobe and bam, I see a zipper.

I'm telling you I have never put my wallet in the wardrobe before but I guess I was in a hurry and just stuffed it in there with a plastic bag that had solar batteries in it but it was all balled up like it was garbage.

What a relief!

I have to admit, I was pretty blase about it until the minute I started thinking that I had to cancel every thing. So maybe a few minutes of stress and hey, in my life, that's nothing!

I plan to sleep most of today - no one to wake me up as Bob is now back to work and I can finally sleep without having to worry about where I need to be.

Talk about Bliss!!

Month end numbers couldn't be completed for work because their computers were down ( I figured out how to get the info but I have nothing to balance it with at the moment) so I'll have to do more work tonight. After that, it's going to be all about me for at least 5 whole days.

I should send a memo to Bob about that.

Nah. He's used to it.

Happy, Happy, Happy!!!!

To all my peeps who hopefully got today off!!

I hope you all find time to do something just for yourself. Like reading. Not so much for me, friends for a BBQ and swim and then I need to do my month end numbers for work. Month end is always the busiest. But that's followed by beginning of the month which isn't busy and Bob won't have another vacation until August and maybe just maybe I can get back to Strike and Rabbit and (well, seriously, the fact I remembered any names at all is impressive! And yes, I'm pretty sure I'm only one chapter in but I want to know what's next already!!)

And if you haven't already, my AAR pollster buddies are running a poll for Favorite Books by Favorite authors and would love it if you put in a ballot! Go here.

Here's a peek at the authors being polled:

Here are the authors we are polling for beginning today, June 19th. The poll will close at midnight, July 6th:

1. Sylvia Day
2. Tara Janzen/Glenna McReynolds
3. Kathryn Caskie
4. Katie Fforde
5. Jane Porter
6. J.R. Ward
7. Jessica Bird
8. Kate Bridges
9. Keri Arthur
10. Robyn Carr
11. Rachel Gibson
12. Carla Kelly

Still Rolling with the Punches

Just finished up another day of holidays. Bob's family came for a swim and a BBQ. We planned on 15 but only 5 came which made everything much more relaxed.

I'm hoping tomorrow it can just be Bob and I for the day. It's supposed to rain tomorrow so maybe we'll get out of the house and do some shopping.

Tuesday is Canada's Birthday, 141 years young. Damn, if you go here it tells you we really don't have an independence day like most countries.

I was 12 when the Constitution Act (1982) came into effect which I *thought* meant we were no longer part of Britain and that the Queen was no longer well, the Queen. I'm pretty sure we used to sing God Save The Queen when we were younger and the picture of the Queen hung in our schools. Now I couldn't tell you the last time I saw a picture of the Queen anywhere and we sure don't sing the song.

So to my Canadian friends, is the British Queen still *our* Queen. Cause I'm so not liking that.

Meh. The things I get in my head.

I hope you are all having a great weekend and that the sun has somehow found it's way to you!

Book Binge Ladies Are Having a Contest!!

Head on over to Book Binge to participate in a fun blog hunt to win a pretty bag (purse?) and some books and chocolates to fill it!

Click Here!

I have a hankering for that Trendsetter bag and I'm not a bag kind of lady.

Stole it from Marg.

With Steven Spielberg as director my life movie will be a BOFO-Blockbuster!!

Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

Stay-cation and Crap in my Head

Bob is going to take this Wednesday to next Wednesday off for vacation.

Complete surprise for me.

How doesn't this work for me?

I didn't put any money aside and property taxes are due at the end of the month so I already transferred the money into this stupid account that charges me 5 bucks a transaction if I go over 2 for a month. I did that on purpose to make it a savings account. I'm cheap and I get mad at banks and their fees so I will go without food before moving money out of that account.

Bad Cindy.

But not my fault really because if I had known I could have moved money around.

So really, that's just a hiccup.

You know it's all about my sleep and how I didn't have time to prep myself for the days ahead. I think Bob did this on purpose because I know he likes his mornings to himself. He gets tons of stuff done while I'm sleeping but if I'm already up and bright eyed and bushy tailed when he gets up I throw him completely off his day.

So he didn't tell me in time and now I'm the one who is going to be completely off my game. But I'll learn him. C-Rex can always use some stage time. Trust me, naps will become crucial to his survival.

Some things off the top of my head:

1.) Bob got his stitches out today and his leg looks great. Even the doc was impressed as normally ER docs don't try to be neat so he definitely got lucky.

He comes home and blam - thunderstorm. Droopy lip but still a bit of pep in his step.

He takes me out for a bit and then needs to come home because he's exhausted. Ugh. So I have a nap and then we head out to the pool where we can actually see our breath in the air! Bob put his legs in but wouldn't budge off the side.

Hopefully tonight will be nice enough for him to finally get some swimming in.

2.) Having more than a can of pop a day makes me sluggish and nauseous. Having too many potatoes with dinner only add to this sensation.

3.) There is nothing on TV, no movies I want to rent and nothing I'm interested in re-watching but the damn thing is on for hours with me at night. What I'm searching for is anyone's guess.

4.) Bob's family is coming on Saturday which means lots of cooking and cleaning. Yay for me. NOT.

5.) I've been ignoring Cody's nose for the past three days because I hate seeing the way he looks at me when I get out the face cloth. The good news is that it's not growing and there is no fluid build up so really, I'm wondering if it's a good thing to not rub the wound and re-open it right now.

Yeah. I'm kidding myself. I'll get the face cloth out tomorrow night and force myself to do it. I'll just go and buy him something new and special for a treat afterwards.

6.) Emma needs some tending. Will buy treats for her also.

7.) I went out early in spring and bought all new tops for summer. I bought two new pairs of shorts but can't find them and the ones I have are now huge on me. Yay for losing weight but probably more about losing the elasticity in the stretchy part of the jean short. So buying shorts is on this week's agenda. Bob will love that.

Off to continue surfing and to get a drink of water to see if I can get the tummy to send me some love.

Why Did I Give Them Up?

Shelfari started the brain up but it was while I was browsing the up-coming books on Chapters online that the thoughts actually formed into words and questions.

There are books that are coming out by authors I once read (eg. Vicky Lewis Thompson, Iris Johansen etc) but for the life of me I can't remember why it is I decided to stop reading their books.

I was once a Nora Roberts reader. I remember exactly when I stopped picking up her books. Honest Illusions. That book rocked my heart and brain so bad that I got scared. Hey, I don't like sobbing while reading a book. The book was excellent but I haven't picked up a book that has been published by her since then.

Now, I have wanted to buy Nora Roberts again but Lor' Tundering Geez By, with reprints I couldn't figure out where I should pick back up. (I've been helped along by AAR Favourite Books by Favourite Authors and have bought the Born In books - I'm also going to raid LinnieGayl's Shelfari shelf and see what her fav is and pick it up (I see the Sea books are there also - I'm having a hard time tracking those down).

I know that I once enjoyed Vicky Lewis Thompson's many books. I know I stopped reading her before the Nerd books and I wasn't going to jump back in with those ones. I think I may have started one of her Nerd books and wondered where the author I once read had gone.

Ah, just tripped over Amanda Ashley - she broke my rule. She cured a vampire. Okay there was much more about it and the vampire was 'oh woe is me' and was a pain in the arse and when he was cured at the end of the book I just wanted to throw the book at the wall. Haven't picked her up again. So that's my own problem.

Still, I've noticed that she seems to be writing paranormals. So, is she writing vampire romances or something else entirely.

I know why I decided to leave Debbie Macomber behind. Her books were too sweet. I know the last few books of hers that I read were set in Alaska. And then there was the book with a blurb and premise that didn't pan out. Hey, if there is a promise of sex, maybe the sex should happen. I think the book was called Sooner or Later.

Here's the book description from Shelfari:

Dear Jack,

I may be a rough, tough solider of fortune but I've me my match!

I'm in Central America on a no-win job and regretting every minute. A woman named Letty Madden hired me to find her missing brother. I'd figured this prim and proper Texas postmistress would run and hide when I named my price: one night. I was wrong.

I swear the woman is my punishment for never giving a damn about anyone. She's as stubborn as a mule and soft and sweet . . . and hell, buddy, I'm in big trouble. Getting out alive is the least of my problems.

Murphy

Yep, clearly says to me that there is going to be a night of sex. My memory might be shaky but I believe Murphy changes his mind and drops the idea of his fee. I can't even remember if these two kissed on screen. So after this schmazzle, I never bought another of her books.

Too bad. After all, I loved Morning Comes Softly and I either found a used copy or need a copy. Can't remember exactly.

Iris Johansen is definitely a head scratcher. I don't remember much about her books except that bad things did happen and the hero was not always heroic. I may have stopped buying them because of the drama or (and this is my own bad memory) because one of her heroes was married with a child (or at least, he had a woman who bore his child who he was still on good terms with). Should mention this was a historical so I had a hard time figuring out how the H/H were going to live HEA if the hero was already married. This may have messed with my reading box from back then but I think I would be much more open in my reading today. Of course, I believe she has moved on to suspense.

I had to leave Julie Garwood behind - it took me many books to realize the magic was gone but once I figured that out I was able to step away and not look back. At least I have all her great books on my shelves.

I know there are many more authors and I might do a second post but I wanted to know if there are authors that fell off your radar but you can't remember why. Do you think you'll buy their books again or did you get lost like I did in reprint hell wondering if you were about to buy a book you've already read?

I Went Shopping!!

Nath reminded me of the buy 3 get the 4th book free promo going on at Chapters/Indigo and I managed to corner Bob into taking my Mom and I to Indigo in Burlington tonight.

Sweet!

First, I have been off Suzanne Brockmann. We were on a break after the horror that was Max and Gina. I'm still a little pissy about it but tonight while looking over the bookshelves I overcame my anger and found plenty of books to buy.

Just so you know, all of these books were prior releases from the Loveswept line. Some of these titles were so hard to come buy people were paying crazy amounts to get their mitts on them. I have to admit, I had similar thoughts but after M/G I was able to stay away.

Sometimes the book Gods love me.

I'm pretty sure I've read Body Language in it's earlier incarnation. I remember enjoying the friends to lovers theme of this book. Really back then, (1998) Suzanne Brockmann could do no wrong in my eyes.










Forbidden was originally released in 1997 and I don't remember the story from the blurb. In fact, I wouldn't have believed you if you had told me Brockmann had once written a story with a cowboy for a hero. I stand ready to read!










I know for a fact that I haven't read Freedom's Price because the blurb sounds very similar to the Max and Gina story. Sounds like an older man is helped by a teenage rebel and then meets her again 5 years later. I wonder if this will be the story I was hoping for with Max and Gina. This one is landing the highest on the TBR pile for sure!








Embraced by Love has an original release date of 1995. The H/H are married with kids so I'm not sure I'm going to be reading this one any time soon but with all the pretty covers I had to buy this one as my 'free' book.

And since I've decided to forgive and forget I bought more Brockmann.

I know. I couldn't hold a grudge to save my life. I figure I now have something like 7 of her books I haven't read so she can't possibly get ahead of me and have me slavering for her next book.



This is where reading slumps and grudges pay off. Authors get ahead of you and you can take things at your own pace. *phew*

I think Into the Storm is after the Max and Gina story followed by Force of Nature (which I think is Jules and Robin's story). C2 I'm hoping you can tell me if I'm wrong.

(Why put the other book titles which are from the Trouble Shooter series on the cover page and not put the book you are holding in with the list? I had to keep picking up these books and flipping through their title pages trying to find the order they came out in.)







They didn't have the Christmas one on the shelf and no others I hadn't read so I moved on. The good news is that it looks like more of her Loveswepts are going to continue getting re-published.

So finally I'm flying without a net.

Oh, the new Loretta Chase book. Thank YOU very much.

And now I just need to pick out my free book.

This is where I surprised myself.






Yep. Colour me confused.

I can honestly say I have yet to read a review by anyone who hasn't liked or loved this book. (or is it a series?)

It's also sitting prominently on some reader's favourite books of the year tallies.

So I grabbed this one. I sure hope it's the first.

Ah well, I won't get to it for a bit anyways.


OH! Lorraine Heath has like three books that are European historicals. Anyone who liked her westerns find these stories any good? I was tempted but was obviously pulled in another direction.

Anyone else (beside Nath cause I've already read about her adventures in buying) go book shopping this weekend? Anyone know how long the promo is going to last?

Crack? No Thanks, I'm On Shelfari

I'm addicted to Shelfari but the good news is I'm okay with it.

If you haven't gone there yet, RUN! I'm telling you, it's a great place. I'm Cindy S there too so if you already have an account come find me. (I keep trying to find people and have no luck. Ag found me the other day but I can honestly say I wouldn't have known to look her up under her profile name. Bad Cindy)

If you are still here and wondering what I'm talking about, Shelfari is this beautiful virtual bookshelf that I have now covered in over 450 books that I have read or plan to read. If I added all my TBR pile I would have over 900 books to look at. As of now though I'm just trying to remember all the books I have read.

This led me to re-discover that I'm a visual person. Why I keep forgetting this I have no idea but it came at me again while searching friend's bookshelves and discovering authors and books I read 20 years ago. (OH!! That's the fun part, you can go and look at your friend's shelves and once again, this works better for me in comparing my likes and dislikes with another reader. Eg. LinnieGayl and I have the exact same favourites for JAK and for Julie Garwood - I think this means our historical tastes would be fairly similar. Just telling me this (or writing it) doesn't seem to stick in my brain but seeing it does.)

Now I'm reminiscing about books from my past and wondering about those authors I read during my 'library' time. I didn't keep records then and barely do so now. Leaves me wondering how many author's books I have actually read. Not only that, sometimes I know I've read an author (eg. Jennifer Greene, Joan Johnston, Beverly Barton etc) but I have no clue which book it was. I'm pretty sure I've read most of Joan Johnston but when I see the covers and all the different titles I can't remember where it was I stopped. The re-publishing dates are killing me. I know I haven't read Johnston, Green, Barton etc before 2000 but I can't count on that to help me because of reprints.

On that note I just remembered I haven't put up any Debbie Macomber books that I've read. Wonder how my memory will work with her.

All this plays into watching the DIK ladies swap and talk about their favourite books and heroes. I wanna play too but the rules and swaps and time limits make me skitter away. Still, I may be forced to steal some of their ideas - I hear they like pirates so I may be in good company.

The Book Binge ladies have also been re-reading Judith McNaught which has me wanting to pull her historicals down and re-read them also.

But the TBR pile mocks. Therefore I will try and make a bit of a dent. Or dimple. Hell, an open slot would be welcome about now!

And, because I know many of you think I'm out splashing in my pool, I feel I must share that for the last three days it's been FREEZING!!! The pool temp is currently 64 degrees F so I wouldn't dare dip a toe. Not only that, many of us are wondering if we need to turn the heat on! Right now, my nose is red it's so cold. So much for that heat wave. I'm so ready for another one like NOW.

Finally Bob gets his stitches out on Monday afternoon and it's supposed to be 25 degrees C so he let me know the appointment is at 5:30pm and that he'd be in the pool at 5:32pm.

Here's hoping this strange weather moves on and the heat returns.

From Yucky to Wonderous!

We broke in the pool this weekend and I couldn't be happier. Bob only gets to sit near the pool right now but even doing that is a wonderful experience.

Pictures speak volumes.


We'll start with the wide shot. Notice the patio stones around the pool, the ladder on the far side of the pool and that the water is green in colour (it's pretty but you can't see in the next two pictures just how crummy the pool bottom is)





This picture is a close up of the edge of the pool. You can probably blow up these pictures to see the lack of beauty.
Okay, here is where you can probably see the nastiness that was clear to all who came swimming. If you can blow up the pics then click on this one. From what we can tell the last time the pool was painted they ran out of paint and just kinda white-washed the deep end. Also notice the darker shade around the rim of the pool. We figure grime from the enviroment and such. Uhhhh-gly!!!



Here is the coat of blue paint. Already it looks loads better!

And finally here it is all finished. Grass around the edges except at the back and part of the side because we can't get grass to grow there. We put in 1" river rock and then we'll plant some bushes or low level plants in that area.





Here is a close up of the ladder (the one that Bob moved from one side to the other and managed to open up his leg - his leg looks great by the way) and the mosaic glass. Please note that we haven't grouted the tiles yet except when putting up the tiles the cement came up through them. So in the end, we'll be grouting with the cement. We'll get to that ;)



And finally, here is my little piece of paradise. Blue twinkling water, with a clean looking bottom where you can't see grey or crappy gunge. Not only that, there is no huge scum line because the blue tiles cover the exposed area.

Awwwww

I managed to snap this picture in the split second I was able to get them to quit playing. Could they be cuter?

Sunny is on the left there and is my best friend Sue's puppy. Fumble is 4 weeks younger than Sunny and is a poodle - golden retriever mix. I'm so in love with Fumble but Sue gets jealous if I coo over him too much.

Basically these two get together and they tumble and play for hours.

HOURS!

I snapped this picture after they had been falling all over each other for an hour. I thought the slobber on their fur would show up. I wish I had the other pictures I took - I got nose shots, butt shots, feet, tails, everything! (I took them on Sue's camera)

It's definitely hard when you have an old boy and you get to spend time with two 6 month old puppies. The energy and baby soft fur. The wiry coats haven't grown in yet (Fumble will have more of a wiry coat) so they are soft to cuddle.

If you can catch 'em.

Good Things

Cody got a bath outside today. It was hard for both of us. Me because he acted completely put out and him because soap was involved.

When he and Rocky were younger we used to put the pool out for them to jump in. Cody would actually lie down in the water and even dunk his head under. Bring out the shampoo though and BLAM they were gone.

Nothing has changed in that respect.

The good news is that Cody no longer smells like way too many dirty feet and is now sporting 'whiff of wet dog'. I dried and dried and dried him and hours later his coat is still damp. Tomorrow is brush out day. He's going to be wicked fluffy.

No matter, it perked him something new. He was all butt dragging today but after his bath he was all ready to do whatever came next.

Cute monkey.

I also got some household stuff done which has been driving me crazy for a month.

*Note to self - you want to wash the exterior of your windows with the hose and windex the screens are filthy!*

Tomorrow I clean the house. I hadn't bothered vacuuming for the past bit because Cody smelled so cleaning up all the fur wasn't working. So everything gets de-furred tomorrow. (Also, Amber has a spot that she goes to when she needs comfort and whenever I go to vacuum she's sleeping there so I don't bother. However, gentle time is over, the chair is supposed to be grey-green not orange and furry.)

AND, tomorrow the ladder to the pool may finally be put in. That concrete with the killer re-bar is the piece that needs to be put into place so that the ladder can go in the pool. Our pool was made by the former home owner and the water level is a foot below where the top of the pool is. Now, try and heft your body a foot straight into the air with nothing but your arms and wrists? Only one person (oldest Godson) is able to do it. I figure it's not worth breaking my wrist over.

So I think tonight I may be able to take my inaugural swim for 2008.

I told Bob I would wait for him but he said he wants me in the pool. Get this, this weekend is fairly nice (rain here and there) so we'll get out with the family etc. Starting Monday the long range forecast shows rain everyday for 10 days. I think it's funny that Bob may not be the only person not swimming while his wound heals!

I also finally made my homemade hamburgers again.

Just in case, here's what I do:

1 lb extra lean ground beef
1/2 a chopped onion
1/2 bag of lightly seasoned croutons crushed with a roller
1 egg
2 Tbsp of milk
1 Tbsp of mustard
Shake in some steak spice

Mix it all up and make into patties.

Tonight I did 2 lbs (doubled everything but decided to add another egg) - made nine patties.

The seasoned croutons pack a wonderful flavour punch that you don't get from the 'seasoned bread crumbs'

I can't wait for Monday next week. We have so many plans over the next few days but on Monday, the house will be clean, all family and friends will have been for a swim and I can totally veg with my current book.

Since I'm not there yet, what do you do to pump up the flavour in your BBQ foods.

What is your favourite summer time dish?

Don't be shy about leaving the recipes in the comments. Seriously.

Chicken breast help would be greatly appreciated! It's either plain or BBQ sauce - I just want more flavour!

Thanks To Kat O+

Whoa, slow down!! It's me! Cindy!

Yep, spiffy new digs.

I hope Kat doesn't mind that I followed her link to her template provider SuckMyLolly.com. I could easily change my template once a month with the designs I sighed at over there.

Wonderful!

Some fun and fresh designs and thanks to Kat O+ I was even able to add all my links and do-dads without any hassle. You'd think I was a pro!

Small updates:

Bob is doing very well. He's in no pain which just blows my mind. I've done one cleaning of the wound and am about to attempt my next. Right now, Cody is more of a concern to both of us than Bob's poor leg.

Cody smells like feet.

Not just two feet.

Like a locker room full of sweaty teenage sneaker feet.

I filled his little pool today and took out buckets of hot water to add to the cold but there was no way I could do it to him. The water was just too chilly. I'm leaving it out and hoping that tomorrow I could add a few hot buckets and get the water warm enough to attempt cleaning him.

I need to upload the pictures of my pool. It's gorgeous! And Bob can truly say, 'with blood, sweat and tears'.

Okay, I'm up way too late and need to wind down. Off to veg in front of the TV and try not to snack on anything.

I'm thinking that might be a lost cause.

911 What Is Your Emergency?

Bob, bless him, helped me to start reading again!

It only took a piece of re-bar, a gapping leg wound, two ambulances and an ER visit with multiple stitches.

He just gives and gives and gives!

So to start, he's fine and catnapping in his lazyboy. *thank you Jesus!*

This little story starts a month ago when we opened our mammoth white whale of a pool. For over thirty days we've been weather watching and doing every thing we can to get the pool up and running. The weather people have had a hate on for us.

On Friday we get the news.

Heat wave.

And it's going to be bad.

(I swear we do some of the most physical outdoor work during heat waves)

Bob, loving his young bride (that's right, I said young) starts tiling the pool like his tail is on fire. Tiling is finished and water is ordered.

Sunday afternoon.

The pool is filled almost to the top (squeeeee) but the water is 58 degrees and well, neither of us are that brave. Still, Bob has plans and he has called in my father for re-enforcement. Currently, the ladder comes up on the far side of the pool and we've decided we want it moved to the other side. I figured Bob would pour a new cement pad. Nope. A concrete saw was rented.

Already I'm antsy. I actually put the wireless phone front and center in the kitchen and I make jokes about 911 calls.

I leave the house. I don't do well when I think accidents can happen so off I go for water testing and groceries.

I come home around 2pm and Bob and my Dad are taking a break (humidex is 40 degrees Celsius) and they are covered head to toe in dust and dirt and grime. They inform me the cutting is almost done. Bob gets up after a few minutes and heads back out to the pool. My Dad jokingly says he's not done his water (hey, he's not as young as my hubby and it's HOT) and we start yammering.

I'm not sure how long we were in the house before I noticed my husband running.

I've never seen Bob run before. I mean, the grass was being torn up. I believe I did say out loud, 'Bob's running'.

My Dad turns to the window and we're trying to decipher hand signals.

Then Bob gets out of the pool area and all I see is red from the knee down.

I'm ashamed to admit my first thought and possible words were, 'I can't do this'. My father headed towards where Bob was running while I went in the opposite direction. Bad Cindy.

Bob had a towel on the wound so fast I didn't even see it. My Dad however, had gotten an eye full and well, he's not good with blood. But his stiffened those knees and was ready to help.

Bob got his directives out immediately. More towels and call an ambulance.

My Dad asked if we could drive him. To which I said 'NO!' cause I had visions of spewing blood and me trying to drive. I had the phone already and was hearing the rings when it occurred to me that my Dad needed to move away from Bob. So we switched places.

I think my Dad was extremely grateful.

I held the towels and kept the torqued to stem the bleeding.

That's when Bob tells the story. It wasn't the saw that got him, it was the rebar (huge steel bars used when pouring concrete). He had just finished cutting the metal and had put that saw away. He then decided he could lift the 300lb slab of concrete by himself.

That's when he felt the heat and looked down.

The rebar sliced his leg (thankfully in the fatty tissue) open and his first thought was 'wtf?' followed by 'that's gonna need more than a band-aid'.

It was hours later that I finally took a look at the wound and it was very nasty. Four inches long, splayed open and about 3/4 of an inch deep. *shudder*

We were sent to an older hospital and tended by a surgical resident. An artery was slightly cut and needed an interior stitch. Then two more interior stitches to help close the wound. Finished up with 13 stitches.

Thing is, these stitches look so different and scary that I felt a little ill when I saw the finished result. You know baseball stitches? That's was Bob's leg looks like. Also, it's raised about 1/4 inch - it's a special way that the resident felt would help the scar fall down after the stitches came out.

Yetch.

Anyone want to see pictures? I'll take them when we clean it up tomorrow. Clean and dry for the next 24 hours.

Being Canada, there is always a wait and I always have a book.

Just so happens it's the book I won at Book Binge.

Jessica Andersen's Night Keepers and wow! The opening was intense and I can't wait to find out what's going on. But the stitches were finished and getting Bob home and cozy was the only thing on my mind.

Irony is the poor guy can't go swimming until the stitches are out.

14 days and counting.

Now if you'll excuse me, sleep is now very much needed.