Archive for the 'Life in General' Category

October 30, 2008 | Life in General, Random Thoughts

Do cats run in packs?

Because I think they do in my neighborhood.

After coming back from a food run the other night, I saw a couple of cats trotting across the street. Together. Like they were scattering from a fight or something. It’s a very animal-oriented block and dogs are pretty much outnumbered here. I think people are feeding some of these cats raw meat because my hubby and I have had to step in when our “petite” tabby, Sweetpea, has tried to put the smackdown on some Fat Cats.

Or vice versa. Maybe they were trying to eat her, I dunno.

You should see what happens when we know she’s outside and we hear hissing and scrabbling going on. It’s comical, really. We stop what we’re doing. Literally. If we’re eating, talking, or watching TV we freeze. Look at each other. Then simultaneously hop up, leap over furniture, and scramble to unlock the sliding glass door to save our kitty. More often than not, she’s eager to come inside and we inspect her to make sure she’s okay. Who needs kids when you’ve got a cat? I’m tellin’ you, it’s just like having a kid. She talks back, has temper tantrums, eats, sleeps, poops, and wants to go out to play. Just like a kid. Go. Figure. But we love her, wouldn’t change her for anything, and would be totally devastated if anything ever happened to her.

Either way, cats have the run of our neighborhood. Like gangs. Only they call themselves Claws.

October 27, 2008 | Life in General, Movie Queue, The 4-1-1 on Me, Weekend Wrap-Up

If you have an Old Navy in your town, please take a shopping minute and head down there because they’ve got sales up 75% off, not to mention the $2 sales they’re having. I made the mistake of buying some striped polo-type shirts for my hubby last Friday and ended up taking them back on Saturday. I guess he doesn’t like stripes. Or the shirt with the “more subtle” Old Navy logo on it. I got a large but their shirts fit him kinda weird. Kinda clingy. Unlike some guys, he doesn’t like shirts that mold to him, he likes them a little loose. And apparently, even the size wasn’t fitting him that well, so… I guess it’s the thought that counts. He can’t say I never bought him anything. I bought myself a couple of tank tops and some shirts to wear to work. Amazingly, it’s still warm enough here to wear short-sleeves and flip flops during the day. Although it’s getting cooler in the mornings and the evenings.

My BF and I hung out on Saturday. We ate at Chili’s, talked business and personal stuff, then went to see

Yes, I dragged her to see High School Musical 3. It was really odd seeing this in the movie theater, seeing as how the first two were only shown on the Disney Channel. I know I bought one, I just can’t remember if it was the first or second one. And I think I’m asking for both HSM 2 & 3 soundtracks for Christmas. Yes, I’m a dork like that. But I was thinking I could write it off as a business expense. Research. It’s all about research.

I loved it, by the way. It’s the last one and I can’t help but wonder which character’s (other than Zac Efron) career will take off. So far, only Zac has made the move to the big screen and we’ll see him again in April 2009. Can’t wait to wait to see it.

I know this is going to be a shock to you all, but we’re not doing anything special for Halloween this year. I know, I know. No Darth Maul, no Storm. The Star Wars gang walked Mill Ave last year (and I did it for the first time last year) and it was CA.RA.ZY. They didn’t block off the street so everyone–costumed and uncostumed alike–was vying for space on the sidewalks. Darth’s cape got tugged several times. People would walk by and tap on the helmets of Stormtroopers, people tried to stop them on the sidewalk to get pictures….did I mention it was crazy?

And then we spent the rest of the night at an Irish pub. Bor-ing. For me anyway, because I really don’t drink. Even though I got a lot of compliments on my Storm costume, it was a bitch when I had to use the bathroom. The hubby says if they’re doing Mill again this year–which they probably are–then he’s not going. And neither am I. Maybe we’ll go see a movie or something.

So, how was your weekend? What are your plans for Halloween? What’s your costume?

Technorati Tags: Old Navy, Chili’s, High School Musical 3, Disney Channel., Zac Efron, Darth Maul, Storm, Star Wars, Mill Ave

October 26, 2008 | How coolio is THAT?, Life in General, The 4-1-1 on Me

Last week, Miss Sarcastica gave me the biggest honor of slapping me with the “I Love Your Blog” award. My first ever blog award! How coolio is that?

They like me. They really like me.

She says that I motivate her. Sarcastica is an aspiring young author who’s taking her sweet time about starting something, but I know when she gets around to it, it’ll be good. That’s why I love her blog.

There are some rules that go along with this wonderful gift:

1) Add the logo of the award to your blog - CHECK
2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you - CHECK
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs - I CAN DO THAT
4) Add links to those blogs on your blog - ALREADY DONE
5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs! GREAT. I DO THIS EVERYDAY ANYWAY.

So, without further ado, here are my nominations:

1.Crystal Green - Because if I ever miss Heroes, she does a recap on her blog. Oh, and she’s an adult romance author.

2. Stiletto Heights - because she’s an AMAZING artist. You should check out her Etsy store. And her letters to celebrities are pretty funny, too.

3. Mrs. Elf - because she’s a young fashionista-in- training. For someone who’s not so into fashion (that would be me), I love going to her blog and seeing the visual efforts of a look she’s trying to emulate. She puts her own spin on things and more often than not, it works for her.

4. Shrinking Violets Promotions - Marketing for Introverts. Need I say more? Ok, I will. Some writers tend to be a little introverted (raising hand) and I’m talking about personality-wise, not because our work dictates it. This is a safe haven of marketing help for us writers who break into a cold sweat at the idea of marketing ourselves. And we even have our Bill of Rights.

5. Rinda Elliott - the trials and tribulations of an adult romance writer juggling, well, writing and family. Oh, and she’s got this FABOO online store of author swag.

6. Writing on the Wall - fantabulous writer’s resource of all things writing.

7. YA Fresh - where YA authors Kelly Parra and Tina Ferraro talk about YA books and interview YA authors.

8. The Eco Diva - I’ve made the decision to go eco in my business as well as my personal life. This blog was a new find for me and I like that she reviews–and recommends–eco-friendly products and posts eco-Etsy finds.

9. Carrie and Danielle - How to live an inspired life, be true to you and make a difference in the world. Another new find and I really dig the Daily Q&A.

10. Suzy Q’s Sparkle Spot - I visit often, but don’t always comment. She used to be an AZ resident and her husband used to be Darth Vader in our Star Wars gang. Through her blog I can still catch up with her and watch her boys grow up. Oh, yes, and maybe learn how to quilt.

Technorati Tags: Sarcastica, Crystal Green, Stiletto Heights, Mrs. Elf, Shrinking Violets Promotions, Rinda Elliott, Writing on the Wall, YA Fresh, Kelly Parra, Tina Ferraro, The Eco Diva, Carrie and Danielle, Suzy Q’s Sparkle Spot

October 20, 2008 | Life in General, The 4-1-1 on Me, Weekend Wrap-Up

The hubby and I went to see MAX PAYNE on Saturday and he wasn’t too impressed.

In fact, he hated it.

Despite the fact that it was Mark Wahlberg lookin’ on all tough and sexy in all black and carrying around a vengeful attitude like a 12-gauge shotgun…it was a little “meh” for me, too. It definitely reinforces once again that taking drugs—especially the kind created for military purposes—will. Eff.You.Up. and have you hallucinating about winged creatures. I couldn’t tell if it was real or imagined. It’s based off a video game and though I’ve seen the commercials for it, I don’t know the story. I guess any Max Payne playas out there will have to break it down for me. I’m pretty sure this was nothing like the game.

Sunday was an all-day laundry and house-cleaing fest. On my part. Although I have to give props to the hubby for cleaning the kitchen and washing the dishes. I was hoping to mop the kitchen floor, but didn’t realize I would be washing clothes all day. I hate to track dirt onto a freshly mopped floor. That would piss me off. Seeing as how I would be the guilty culprit doing the dirt tracking (because our washer and dryer is outside in a little shed. I cannot WAIT until we move into a new place where these appliances actually have a coveted spot inside the house).

And that was my weekend. Looking forward to seeing HSM 3 this weekend. Will anyone be joining me in the theater?

I’m going to end this post with my cute kitty, Sweetpea, snoozin’ out while gripping my leg. Yes, she’s a hugger. LOL. CLICK ON PIC FOR BIGGER VIEW.

How was your weekend?

Technorati Tags: MAX PAYNE, Mark Wahlberg, HSM 3

October 17, 2008 | Book One, Book Stuff, DA Series, Draven Atreides, Life in General, The 4-1-1 on Me

I’ve got two announcements:

Announcement #1: DRAVEN ATREIDES, TEENAGE FBI BOOK ONE: A ROYALE PAIN WILL BE RELEASED IN OCT 2009 DURING TEEN READ WEEK!!!

Yes, you read it right here first, folks. The date has been bumped back to 2009, so you won’t have to wait until April 2010 to be introduced to my wonderful girl. WHOO-HOO!

Announcement #2: I’M GOING TO WRITE A SHORT STORY PREQUEL TO THE SERIES.

Titled SEW NOT PERFECT, the story will be available in a small hard copy booklet to the first 100 people who pre-order A Royale Pain (it will be sent to you along with your copy of the book) through the Publisher Website (Don’t worry! I’ll keep you posted on when you can start ordering it). Once the book has been released, the short story will be available for purchase on the Draven Atreides website (once it’s been designed, that is) and the Publisher Website.

This story will introduce you to Draven (as Olivia Chevalier) and how she came to be recruited by the FBI. For those of you that were reading the rough draft version before I took it down, you might recognize some content: I cut out the Prologue in Book One and will be using it in the short story. Draven will be very happy to hear this seeing as how she hasn’t had much to say lately.

With that being said, I am needing the help of someone living in New York City:

I’m looking for someone who is:

~ VERY familiar with the Manhattan and Central Park areas.
~ VERY fashion forward and VERY familiar with the Garment District.

For your services, you will be mentioned in Acknowledgements and receive a free copy of the booklet when it’s complete.

DETAILS:
~ Would prefer to speak with a teen, but it’s not required.
~ Will respond with specifics after initial contact.

If you can help me out, please Contact me as soon as possible as I would like to get started writing this story.

Technorati Tags: DRAVEN ATREIDES, TEENAGE FBI, A ROYALE PAIN, SEW NOT PERFECT