For the Book Addict

A couple of months ago I was at my home away from home, Books A Million looking through the magazines when I found a nice little surprise. It's called Romantic Times Bookclub. I'm sure others know of this magazine, but I was clueless. This lovely little book has been a joy for my reading addiction and a sorrow for my checkbook. Tons of interesting articles with authors and reviews of books about to be released. The reviews are broke up by genre and by order of stars. I've found so many books in there that I MUST find and read. Due to the overactive reading I've been doing lately my boss has made the comment I only work to pay for my books. Anyway, just wanted to share about this magazine.

Things you'll never see in a romance book.

Some of my writer buddies and I were discussing my latest educational session for our group. I mentioned I had strove for length this time because my first one was so quick if you blinked you missed it. I was already in an interesting mood since my topic was Sexual Tension. I made the joke "Whoever said size didn't matter was wrong." That's when we started discussing things you would never see in a Romance novel. Here's a list of things you wouldn't see in a romance novel. They are not in any order.

He had a little weenie, but he sure knew how to cook with it.

Between the Greek God look a like dressed all in leather on the back of a Harley and the pocket protector toting nerd I'll take the nerd any old day.

Somehow he knew where all my buttons were and yet all I could think about was did I turn off the coffee pot.

Why can't I find a guy like those on Jerry Springer?

I decided even though he was buff, sensitive and everything a girl would want, there was too much to work through to keep him.

I'm looking for a man who takes advantage of me. He doesn't have any money of his own. I have to take care of him. I even don't mind if he goes out with other women.

He was missing his upper front teeth and it made his smile endearing.

The hero and heroine meet in normal circumstances, no misunderstandings, decide they are made for one another and get married. That would be a short book.

I'm looking for the man who's so attached to his mom you can't go any where without her.

Both the heroine and the hero are dirt poor, but that don't matter.

Her butt looked like two hippos wrestling under a blanket, but it was the sexiest thing he ever saw.

Please let him be a snorer! I just love being kept up all night by the sounds of a chainsaw lying next to me.


And finally..

Really, size doesn't matter.

I know there are tons more out there and will probably add more of these later, but it's really late.. or early however you look at it.

Where Does the Time Go??

Time has slipped through my hands like the elusive sand we use to represent it in hour glasses. I was last working on a New Year's message and since it's already January 31st, it would be pointless to post it. So belatedly, A Happy New Year to one and all.

Off course the usual New Year's Resolutions were made; Lose weight, Make time to write more, Enjoy family and friends more, Join Romance Writer's Association of America, Travel, Learn More Recipes and Get Out of Debt.

Let's see, weight thing hasn't been approached. My inlaws have been coming over and I'm planning a scrapbooking session for some friends at my house. I've been experimenting with new recipes when my Inlaws came over, so far all of them keepers. Still working, so that's helping on the getting out of debt. Basically your very typical humdrum.

So, just to get back in the swing of writing something on here I'm posting a really good cake recipe and it's very simple too. If anyone tries it, please let me know what you think.

Creamsickle Cake

Cake

1 box of cake mix (yellow, white or orange)

1 box of orange jello

1/2 cup of boiling water

1/2 cup of cold water

Icing

1 box of vanilla pudding

1 small container of cool whip

orange flavoring

Cake;

Make the cake per instructions on the box for a 9x12 pan. Once it's done let it cool.

Get the jello and add the 1/2 cup boiling water and 1/2 cup cold water. Pour this over the cooling cake. Refrigerate for an hour.

Icing;

Mix the vanilla pudding per instructions on the box. Add a few drops of orange flavoring until it tastes like a dreamsickle. Fold the pudding in with the cool whip; frost as thick as you like.

I made this on Saturday.. I didn't have any left by Sunday evening. It's quite refreshing and very easy to make.

ENJOY!

Time for the Christmas Home Stretch

It's amazing how fast this year has flown by! I can't believe Christmas is a mere 3 days away. Of course this means if you haven't finished your shopping you need to kick it in gear. (I just don't understand those folks who wait til the last minute. I've done it and it's a nightmare!)

To my friends, family and blog visitors I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May you Santa give you all you want for Christmas! And be safe this Holiday Season.

Now I want to take the time to enter a quick message to the troops.

To those who serve our Country,
Thank you for the freedom that gives me the opportunity to go and shop for presents for my loved ones, for the time I can spend with my friends, family and those who I have to spend it with (some somewhat unwillingly). I'm even thankful for the things I have to do that I don't want to do, aka work. Thank you for all that you have sacrificed and all you have done for us. For without you protecting our rights we would not be able to enjoy any of these things. Thanks to the families of these soldiers for understanding their need to serve our country. I know it's especially hard during this time of year, but know that your sacrifice is appreciated just as much.

Thank you and have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Is It a Holiday Tree or a Christmas Tree for You?

I was a little shocked this past week with the whole hoopla about Christmas Trees being called Holiday Trees. I wonder where I was when it was decided they would be called Holiday Trees, because I don't remember getting the memo. Isn't it ridiculous how our country has gotten to the point of not wanting to hurt anyone else that we are forgoing those things that we love so much. I grew up with a Christmas Tree and no matter what mandate, etiquette there is, it WILL always be a Christmas Tree to me.

I mean come on! This namby pamby junk is what is going to help America become someplace not America. I mean we're all so worried about offending folks that we are stepping backwards upon our own rights. It's all great and wonderful to want to welcome people, embrace their cultures but let's not forget ours. For example: Our religions can be discussed in school except Christianity. Is this right? NO! If it is for equal opportunities for religion then let it be ALL religions discussed. Not ALL RELIGIONS BESIDES CHRISTIANITY. Come on, you want to be PC America, lets see you PC this. The thing is, if you were born here and you were brought up believing in Christianity well it's just not right. You are wrong and everything you were ever taught is wrong.
It's just plain wrong for us to tread lightly around everyone else while they trod right through our traditions and beliefs. I say it's time we take back what our rights. Be Aggressive! There is a time to be pushed over and then there is a time to fight for what we believe in! If we don't act soon that time to fight will be over and we will be following someone else's belief's.
Isn't this why our ancestors came to America. To found a country in which we were able to be free to worship and believe as we want to. Now, we're inviting other folks into the country and begging them to destroy all it was based upon.
So I guess this Christmas. I will be sitting by my Christmas Tree with my family enjoying our traditions and thanking God for another Christmas with my family.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

I can't wait to go see Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire... AGAIN. Yep. I already have one viewing under my belt for this movie and it was openning night. The hassle of trying to find a parking place and then a seat in the theatre was horrible, but well worth it. I was on the edge of my seat during several scenes which I already knew the outcome. A lot of folks will say this movie still is far off from the books. Yep, this is true. But think about it.. the book is almost 600 hundred pages and the movie can only be so long because they are targeting kids. I myself will hang out for the entire movie. Be it 2 hours and 30 minutes, 3 hours or even an epic 4 hour movie. Harry Potter.. hmm.. I'm there. They couldn't break this book up into two movies. This would not work because they would get behind on the next movie and we have to keep up with the kids growing. (Dirty old woman moment... and oh my how Daniel Radcliff is growing up, can't wait to see him in his 20's!) There is a lot of info that avid fans of the books will tell you is missing. And yes, I sat there thinking.. that didn't happen that way and why did he do that when this was supposed to happen. Of the most part the movie is awesome! Great! Brings back the old familiar characters more than what was in the 3rd movie. The director tried to push his image too hard on the thrid movie. This is wrong! The only stamp that should be involved with this is the stamp of J.K. Rowling. But compared to three this one brings aspects of 1 & 2 to a new plane of existence. The kids are growing up and there are moments of that in the book. These are important and were shown. Granted a lot of action in the movie, less ground laying info needed for the next movie, but overall truer to form then Prisoner.

My biased review: 4 dragons out of 4 for action and 3 kleenex boxes out of 4 for drama. A definite must see movie. I know I'm going back to see it again.

Introducing Lady Coiranna

My friend Lady Corianna and I were talking and she had a few points I thought she should share. Since she seemed to have a such a handle on the subject I told her I would let her post here if she wanted to. So ya'll be nice to her.

Christmas Already?????

While out and about this weekend I realized how ironic somethings can be. Halloween stuff already on sale, and what I mean by that is it's already being marked down. Thanksgiving/Harvesty stuff was out before the Halloween stuff and it's marked lower then the Halloween stuff. Doesn't that stuff still need to be out until around November 20th atleast BEFORE Thanksgiving. I mean, it's already on clearance. Halloween stuff will be gone as of October 31, but it's only 25% off. And to top it all off Christmas is already on sale. There are sales shows on QVC (of course they had one on in July and September), Cracker Barrell, Walmart and most other's have the majority of their stuff out for sale. I don't understand how the salespeople think it's cool to rush us even more than we already are. We speed through each holiday keying up for the next and you don't even enjoy the one your celebrating at the time being. Halloween is bearly over and we're thinking what are we doing for Thanksgiving. Who is coming over, what are having to eat, etc. Then in the midst of enjoying Thanksgiving; dum dum dummmmm Christmas is lurking. And during all this worry about Christmas is the buying of the Christmas presents. How many days before Christmas??? Don't ask me, I'm just trying to enjoy Halloween coming up. Booyah Halloween!

Combination3

All it takes is a bad egg. I'm sitting here watching the news and wondering why is there always bad eggs that wreck the good being done for the needy. During the aftermath of Katrina we have heard all the wonderful news of everyday people coming together to help those affected. Well, today the reports have hit my area about the sex offenders who have not reregistered. Do you really think they will? It's like they get a clean slate. All the information that wasn't entered into a computer will be lost. Thank goodness for technology on this aspect. But now they have to be tracked down. God help the little children while that is going on. I want to believe that human's are mostly good, but then you see people taking advantage of the situation. There were a couple of women in Alabama who were staying at a hotel. They said they were survivors. Got some money and free room and board. Liars! These women stopped actually needy people from getting the help they needed. Then there are the people who are survivors or newly placed folks and I've heard reports of them comitting crimes. You can't help the one's who will appreciate it, who really need it because you are worried to be taken in by the folks who abuse the help. So, remember: lock your doors, watch yourself when you go to the car, run background checks on everyone you meet that's new or in need, and hide yourself from the world at large as you write the big check to help out. See, all it takes is a few bad eggs to make you think the whole bunch is rotten. Isn't this a lovely society we live in?

Combination2

Whatever happened to music? Most of the current music out there has no rhyme nor reason. Okay, so possibly they have the rhyme, but definitely NO reason. Whatever happened to music with a story? Something that touches your heart and brings tears to your eyes or makes you laugh out loud. Let me tell you about most of the songs I hear on popular radio today; someone's going to find some, get some, ditch some or in the process of having some. It makes me fear for what our youth is going to grow up into.And let me just add that a lot of the pop songs are now being put into this thing called Kids Bop... or something like that. Now I've listened to some of the songs on there in their original format. I like them. Some don't mention the procurring of nookie as the meaning to the whole song, but they mention other adult related info that kids don't need to be getting into at such an early age. Kids grow up way too fast and don't need any help by kidding up adult songs whether they have all the content or not. Because you know some parent out there will hear the song on the radio not knowing it's not exactly like the Kids Bop and think it's okay. Then singing along with the radio the kid will hear a line different or a chorus different. And mom will have to explain what it means. I don't have kids, but even I realize that kids need time to be kids.....sigh....There is a totally different rant. Must remember to discuss kid's clothes. But back to the subject of songs. There used to be songs that yes, the conotations were sexual, but you didn't have to be hit over the head with lamens terms. Whatever happened to imagery? Imagination? Not being so verbally crass?I long for the days of crooners and story telling in a song to come back to the front of pack. Heck, even music from the 60's, 70's, 80's & 90's have less crass, slap you in the face imagery than today's. Think about it.

Combination Oh No She Just Didn't & Musings..

Okay, let's start this off with an easy one. GASOLINE. I have got to ask what the heck is going on with the gas prices. Yes, there is a war going on. Yes, there was a massively destructive hurricane. But let's face it folks, if we were selfsuficient and produced our own oil then we wouldn't be at the mercy of ticked off Middle Easterners. They are charging more for oil because they don't like us being over there. If that's the case why do so many foreigners come over here to the promise land? Why have I had so many pen pals from over seas who love the US and can't wait to visit? Let me tell you why (and remember these are my opinions) I think that the people in control of those areas stay in control because they loath change. They don't want us influencing the people they lead and cracking the foundation of which they have built their monopoly. Well, I'm sorry, it will happen at some time or another. The USA may be one of the youngest nations around, but I think that even with all our issues we're a great nation. Sigh... Now, back to the topic at hand. Do you know other nations are paying way less than us for their gas. Why? Because they are self sufficient. We need to have more refineries and go to biodeisel fuel. I myself think that biodeisel fuel is the best option. Biodeisel would also help the farmers, the environment and the economy. Let me break this down for you. The farmers get paid to NOT grow anything. If they grew the soy beans to make the fuel then they would profit more. The government would save by not having to pay them. The fuel would be cheaper and we would have more money to spend. The end result is that we would boost our economy by other means then paying for gasoline. This means point blank that we could actually afford to live day to day without the worry of where our next tank of gas will come from. The USA is a great nation, but sometimes even we get caught up in beurecratic chaos. Lamens terms... The pigs in office (I'm referring to all Bureacrats) don't listen to what we have to say or improving our way of living without fighting us for it. They fight by saying to change will cost time and money. Yes, this is true. BUT always look through to the end and see if in the long run we will save more.

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!! GO BAMA!!!

Last night my team the Crimson Tide whooped up on Florida. We beat them 31 to 3. It was an awesome game! The team was so on it was unreal, all the guys were fired up and ready to play. They all played their hearts out but of course some shined brighter. Brody Croyle. His throws were on target. Brody is one heck of quarterback. All I got to say is we need to keep number 12 healthy and happy. Prothrow, Castille, Darby, McLain & I'm sure there were some more, but these are the ones I remember most. These guys dominated the announcers comments.. all good of course. And the man who lead them. He has done some great work building the team. Good job Shula... BEAT AUBURN FOR US!
Unfortunately we lost one of the best players. I had just been commenting to my friend that he would most definitely have a career wherever he wanted to go if he kept this up. Prothrow. He went to catch the ball. Jumped high in the air to catch it. One of the other players caught him around the waist and when he landed his leg literally BENT the wrong way. It was awful! I knew before they even called for the docs and a stretcher he was in a world of pain. Later on we saw that his leg indeed was broken and he would be out for the rest of the season. My regret over the loss of such a wonderfully talented player is dwarfed by my hope that he will still have a career in the future once this heals. Our prayers here and our thanks go out to him for all the heart he has for the team and the game and for his future. God Bless You Prothrow, may you heal quickly.

Oh Sweet Serenity

I just saw Serenity tonight. The new movie written by mastermind Joss Whedon. The creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel and Firefly still lives up to my expectations after many years of watching his brain children. Whenever you see an episode that is written and directed by Joss Whedon bring tissue and prepare to hold onto your seats. Tonight, he came through with spades. I laughed, I cried, I held my breath and held onto my seat. Truly a great movie! Not only was I happy with this movie, other people clapped, they clapped during some scenes of the movie and at the end of the movie. I can't remember the last movie I saw where people actually clapped after it was over. I've seen some where they shouted out in disbelief they actually paid to see it and relief that it was finally over and they could leave. The phrase screamed out at one of those movies was "What a stoopid movie!!" The movie was so awful I can't remember the name. All I remember is it was the last movie Christian Slater was in. Sorry man, but it tanked for me.
But back to the joy that is Serenity. I can't wait for this movie to come out on DVD. Sad thing is it just came out at the theatre. And for those critics that didn't like it.. I just want to say; Could it possibly be you just don't know how to enjoy a movie unless it's big budget, big stars, or stiff melodrama? Lighten up, step out of the boundaries you have set for what is a "good movie" and give the other movies a chance. Of course, if you don't... who cares! You're just overpaid, opinionated morons who wouldn't know a good movie if it hit you in the face and I'll still go see it just for me. For example: Star Wars, Pretty Woman, and Phantom of the Opera.
For anyone who would enjoy Serenity. Go see the movie and let me know what you think. And for some of my friends out there.. I give this an 8 for salty goodness where the men in it were concerned. In closing... "I am the leaf in the wind."

Serenity 9.5 out of 10
Men of Serenity 8 out of 10 (Mal and Simon... whoa mama)

One of Those Days

Did you ever have one of those days where nothing seemed right? Tired, edgy and just wanting to go home to sit in solitude?

This is one of those days.

I have tons of things I need to do. Tons of things I want to do. But all I can do is sit here and push myself through the rest of the day. Wishing my life away for a Friday. So, here is a pic of Inuyasha showing how I'm feeling right now.

What Would You Do?

Last night as I was getting ready to crawl into bed I realized that once again another weekend had slipped through my fingers like sand. Weekends always fly by so fast and you never feel like you: 1. accomplished anything, 2. got enough rest, 3. are ready for another Monday. But there I was last night on the edge of another Monday and I got to thinking. What would I do if I woke up and yep there was Monday big and nasty as you please. I went through the day at work. Did all I had to do that day, not accomplishing everything I needed to, because that will never happen for me. Went home, did what I was supposed to there, went to sleep, but when I woke up next morning... it was Monday again. No, I had not watched Groundhog's Day lately. I just wondered what would I do.
And this will show you the tangents my mind will go on. At first I would think that I was mistaken. I was the one out of sync as the days do continue to flow without this kind of mishap. I would go to work. Be confused and frustrated that the work I had labored over and felt some sense of accomplishing was sitting on my desk ready to be done anew. When would I snap?? How many days would you play it safe? Continue to go to work wondering if the next day would still be Monday. Would you finally decide.. "Hey, I don't care I'm still on probation at the new job, I'm calling in today."
Here are a few things that crossed my mind of what I would do after I called in.Why worry with housework or any other kind of work at this time.. as everything you do will be undone the next morning. Take a loan out and drive as far as I could enjoying the sites. (You need to take a loan out just to get enough gas money these days.) I would go shopping. Buy whatever I wanted and not worry about the checks floated. Go to the zoo. Go to the movies. See a new movie everyday. Go to the beach. Learn something new.
You know you could waste your energy on telling off a person you can't stand. Because if you are like me, then you just don't like to make waves. But hey.. no worry about waves.. tell them off... Just remember... where it might make you feel better in the long run it won't help anything. And like I said.. why waste the energy with negative things.
Unfortunately, this will never happen to anyone except possibly Bill Murray everytime I watch Groundhog's Day. We could only dream or fear (whichever the case may be) about an eternal Monday.
So my question to you is What Would You Do? I wanna know.

Master of the House

I help pay for my home, this is true, but even truer is that I just work here. My three beautiful kittens rule the roost. Dana, my calico cat is 13 this year. Don't tell her she's old, she'll put a whooping on you. Bridget, my tuxedo cat is 1 year and 5 monthes. And finally but not least, Buffy, my orange tabby cat is 6 monthes. We recently lost, well maybe not so recently, but it still feels recent enough, my orange tabby male, Xander. He passed away in March, March 1st to be exact. We got Buffy for me technically, but Bridget soon took over and now Buffy is her kitten. Funny thing is that she didn't like the first 2 cats I brought home before Buffy. Bridget was about 7 pounds and she cornered a 20 something pound male cat within ten minutes. Attacked me and Dana for allowing him to be in her home. He soon went back to the lady who wanted to keep him anyway. The next one was a 6 week old boy kitten. He too lasted shortly. He lasted longer then the older cat, but still less than an hour. (Don't worry, she didn't attack him.. but she let her displeasure be known.) So here comes Little Miss Buffy. The two faced off. Bridget stating her territory, Buffy wanting to be everyone's friend. Dana took one look at me and hid under the bed. Funny thing happened when I gave up. The two worked out a sort of understanding. Soon they were chasing one another through the house driving us all crazy. Buffy had worked her way into Bridget's heart and in the process has tamed our Warrior Princess Bridget.

Roll Tide Roll!!!

My team won tonight. Awesome game!!! The only sport that I really follow is college football, the University of Alabama, The Crimson Tide.

Also, Saturday is my Japanime night. So, I've enjoyed new episodes of Inuyasha, Full Metal Alchemist and Scryed. I once thought that all Japanime was like cartoon porn, but I've found some that are just regular shows in cartoon form. Not just for kiddies.

A Little Hello

What shall I say about me. I love to read, write, surf the net, cook, cross stitch, scrapbook, do crafts and more. So this blogsite will be a little of all these things rolled into one.
I write romance based stories. Right now I'm working on a suspense romance, paranormal romance and contemporary romance. Married for almost 9 years. Quirky sense of humor. That's about all I got for the openner. It will get better though.