Finished reading Laurell K.  Hamilton’s latest book, Divine Misdemeanors, part of the Merry Gentry series. I have to say I was very disappointed in this book. As with the Anita Blake novels, Hamilton is focusing more on sex than actual storyline and plot. Very little advanced in this book with regard to Merry’s family issues. The detective part of the story seemed like an afterthought to the sex. Granted, I do like a little sex in these books, but overall, this book was about 85% sex, 10% detective story and 5% in dealing with the family issues and Merry’s issues with the throne. It seems this girl’s appetite for sex hasn’t diminished at all after she found out she is pregnant with twins. She even broke in 2 new men and would have added a third if said man wasn’t gay. She was having sex while one of her female guards that she had rescued from her cousin was having hysterics in the next room. She then goes home and has sex with another one of her men and holds up dinner for an hour. This is highly unbelievable, even if Merry is part sidhe. If I hadn’t borrowed the book from a friend, I would have thrown it across the room. This book will not be added to my collection. Half a star.

If you are looking for a story, or a series, that has plot, but has sex as a background to the main story, I would suggest Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels series. Sexually explicit, but the story is fabulous. In fact, I might need to read a couple from that series to get the taste of Merry out of my brain. I am looking forward to the new Anita books, but now I’m afraid they will be as sex-filled as Divine Misdemeanors.

Finished all the work I had at my desk by 10:30 this morning, not that I had a lot to begin with. So, I went around to everyone’s desk and asked if they had anything extra that they needed help with. I had a few bites, and I have a small project from the attorney I work with, but other than that – unless things start picking up, I’m going to be very bored at work. Which I do not like, but I will take it over being so busy I can’t breathe or take a day off work without falling further behind. I’ve been bringing a scarf  project with me to work to crochet during lunch. About halfway through that now, and I’ve been playing with the new Blackberry. Can’t wait for the boss to get back next week to see if he has any other projects that need handling, or if I can get permission to crochet when everything else is done.

My annoyance with Vikings fans is growing exponentially. First, had to sit through Paul Allen from KFAN whine and moan about how upset he is that his team let him down. Again. His producer even called a licensed therapist to talk to Paul. Do people really need therapy when their favorite football team loses? He wasn’t this heartbroken when the Twins lost that extra game that could have sent them to the playoffs. How much more of this do I have to hear on KFAN? Then, I hear about this guy who is selling his allegiance to the Vikings on Ebay.

This is why I root for the Packers, people! Yes, they haven’t been all that good lately, but at least they don’t break your heart over and over again. With Chilly’s increasing record, next year the Vikes are going to win the NFC championship, but lose the Superbowl. Again. I just hope the Saints win the big game this year, because then their fans will be satisfied. And I’m hoping the commercials will be good.

What is truly bothering me, though, is all the Vikings fans who are in mourning because they lost. Okay, the quarterback they put so much faith in to get them to the SuperBowl pretty much flubbed it up.  All I can say, ala Simpsons, is HA HA! But, now that I’ve gotten that out of my system, stop it! Stop writing the break-up letters to the Vikings. Vikings fans are like abuse victims  who keep going back to their abusers, thinking “Maybe this time will be better.”

Oh wait. Was that harsh? Maybe. Oh well. I’ve been listening to the depressed personalities on the radio who are writing break-up letters and putting together depressing montages. I’m tired of it.  If I could find my ear plugs, I would listen to my iPod all day.

Favre is not a god. Get over it. Maybe an alien.

And now PA from KFAN is equating SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) to the end of the football season in the middle of winter. I’m sorry, but there are 2 other sports in progress in the winter: Hockey and Basketball. Though, if you live in Minnesota, our teams aren’t very good in these areas, either.  Oh, but the Daytona 500 is on Valentine’s Day! Who was the idiot responsible for that scheduling?

Am I bitter today? No. Crabby? Yeah. Still recovering from last week where I got about 8 hours of sleep all week because I was out of my sleeping pills and the over-the-counter variety doesn’t work as well. And I’m just annoyed.

As I think about my therapy appointment today, I wonder how many Vikings fans have scheduled emergency appointments with their therapists to talk about disappointment. Though, to give them more hope, I suppose that the Saints have finally made it to the Superbowl. Maybe that means the Vikings actually have a chance to win one.  There’s always a chance.

Enough about football. Done with it. Let’s talk about the other evil in the world.

Bras.

Bras are evil. If I had a time machine, I would right 3 wrongs in this world. 1. Kill Hitler. Before he has a chance to infect Europe with his fanaticism. 2. Tell myself not to walk down the aisle and to get out of the Army while I was pregnant and sue for child support. 3. Strangle the SOB who invented bras. Corsets were bad enough.

I have weird shaped ribs. Meaning, that in the mornings when I first put on my VS bra that I was measured for, it fits and feels good. By mid morning, it is feeling tight, so I have to loosen it. By noon, I’m crawling up the walls and waiting for my office mate to leave so I can take the dumb thing off.  I swear, my ribs expand during the day. And, I’m a little too big to go without a bra.  And no matter the bra (underwire, no underwire, sports bra, strapless), it digs into my ribs. I’ve tried going a size bigger – still digs in. Two sizes bigger, I start to fall out, and then, what’s the point?

So, I have made it one of my missions in life to find a way to make a bra, camisole, corset, whatever, that gives support without digging into the ribs or causing drastic damage to internal organs. I’d like to make a cross between a leather bustier I purchased from the local Renaissance Faire (one of the most comfortable articles of clothing I own) and a camisole.  Lightweight and supportive. And able to lift the girls to get that lovely cleavage that makes the men drool. What can I say? I like making men sweat. It’s a female thing.

Found out that Survivor has run out of ideas, and is having another all-star season. This is the 3^rd??? Anyway, they have decided to bring back past villains and heroes. I might actually watch this season. Haven’t decided yet. But, why on earth would these people put their bodies and families through this travesty of a tv show again?

Bought myself a Blackberry. Have to say, I don’t know why I didn’t do this before, because I can keep track of EVERYTHING on here. Shopping lists, phone numbers, addresses, schedules. And, it is a phone. I can keep track of crochet projects. Log onto FaceBook and my personal email. And I haven’t even downloaded any apps yet. I can even turn my lovely phone into a GPS. Now I don’t have to buy my own!

Speaking of Facebook, I found a new app called Visual Bookshelf. No, I can show off my book snobbishness and list every book I own or have read. I was doing this last night while the child was talking to his father and other grandma. Okay, I was chatting on tv.net (Tarvalon, not television) and waiting for my son to go to bed so I could watch True Blood. That show is just a little too much for him to watch. A little graphic. Meh, it’s HBO.

Anyway, Visual Bookshelf. I’m up to over 100 books. But, I did find out that there is a new Mercedes Lackey book out (which I didn’t know). I’ve also marked which books I would like to read.  But I haven’t even finished with the books I own, not to mention what I’ve read and have gotten rid of. And, I still need to mark which ones  I currently own, and put in reviews. *sigh* If I ever get insomnia again. Or if I figure out how to run the app from my phone and can use it at work. Just another way for me to waste my time and tell people what I’m doing, even though they don’t care.

What am I doing? Well, I’m reading Divine Misdemeanors by Laurell K. Hamilton, and is the latest book in her Merry Gentry series. Very good so far. Also reading the first book in the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson, The Final Empire. Had just finished his Elantris book, which I enjoyed. Brandon is a wonderful author.

I am also making my way through the first season of Battlestar Galactica, after shocking everyone I knew that I hadn’t watched it yet. And, a friend lent me her copy of True Blood, season 1. Like I said, I love vampires but I am finding that TV and even movie vampire movies are pretty glossed over. This show is violent and sexual and…..yeah. Not sure if I like it yet. I might have to start reading the books. Battlestar Galactica is good, intriguing….And I still have a long way to go.

Currently making a shawl for a client with the full Aes Sedai symbol with a beautiful burgundy thread. I love this color. It is the same one I used for my sweater/vest.  And I think the shawl is going to be gorgeous.

Well, this was supposed to be posted yesterday. But, seeing as how I forgot my flash drive at work in my haste to get to my doctor’s appointment, I’m just going to continue it today.

Good news! I no longer have to attend therapy appointments. It seems my therapist believes we have achieved everything I wanted to talk about when I first started, so I only need to see her if and when I have an issue that comes up, or (heaven forbid) I start having panic attacks again. So, Yay!

Had the grossest experience yesterday. Went home after my doctor appointment and decided to lay down for an hour because I’m always tired after a therapy appointment. Both cats come to snuggle and, of course, nurse off each other. So, I ended up with Huggy’s butt in my face. No, that wasn’t the gross part. So, I shift him a little so he is under the blankets. After awhile, he squirms to get out, so I lift the covers and help him out. Whoosh! Big ol’ cat fart. I was dutch-oven’d by my cat. Ew, Gross! Cat farts are bad enough.

Was looking at lingerie last night because, well, I didn’t have anything else to do. And, I’m thinking that I’m going to try and make some bustiers and boneless corsets to wear instead of bras. Only, they are going to have the hook and eyes in the front, and lace up the sides so I can adjust it throughout the day if need be. Also, I will probably try to make some camis with an extra layer to prevent nips.  So, that means I have to learn to sew. Well, since I learn so much more from books, I bought “Sewing for Dummies”, because I can’t sew a lick and I want to do these myself. Sorry, Mom, love you – but you are busy, too.  And I have some 100 weight thread at home (for a different project, but I can always order more) that I might use 2 strands for and crochet some camis or something. So, I have a new project on my hands.  I will not be buying any more bras unless it is for research.  I probably will be investing in some of those “stick on” bras to wear under the camis and such until I figure out how to make my own bra shelves. This will be a fun research project.

Speaking of which, some of you might have noticed that in my FB status, I stated that I was not wearing a bra today. This is an experiment of sorts. I am wearing, instead, my bustier/bodice I bought at Ren Fest and is in my current profile pic. Yes, the one I wore as part of my Halloween project. It is supple deerskin, and very comfy to wear under my blouse. But, I also can’t clean it by throwing it in the washer, so I can’t wear it every day, or it will get stinky. So we will see what I wear tomorrow.

Found out that the JoAnn Fabrics down the street from work is moving. Went there to look for more burgundy thread for my current shawl project. They didn’t have any. I’m going to have to order some online, which I don’t mind. I just hope I don’t run out of thread before it comes.

A character in a TV show said it accurately – “The beginning is the hardest part to write. But once I have that down, the rest of the story comes easily.” Name the TV show and the character. And I’m paraphrasing, of course, but you get the idea.

So many times, I have read from successful writer have said that if you want to sell your story, you need to  grab the reader by the balls and hold them. Now, some writers choose to ease their readers into the story, but then if you do it, you wonder if you are leading them too slowly. Agents might want to read the first two chapters. You can’t tell them in a letter that the story gets better and moves along faster. They want to see it right away. Not that I could ever dream of sending this story to an agent or publisher, considering it is going straight to the blog and will be available for everyone to read who happens to stumble across my musings.

I’m thinking of getting a new phone. With the recent changes at work, namely the inability to access Internet to do book research during down time, I have decided I need to be able to access Internet from my phone. As of right now, I can only access my gmail account from my phone, but even that is limited. So, I might get an Iphone. Been talking to the co-workers and see what they have. I’d have internet access, easier calendar options to keep track of my stuff and Josh’s stuff. I’d also probably be able to get a GPS application. Also be able to put my music on my phone so I don’t have to worry about the Ipod.

I should be getting the first disc to Season 1 of True Blood in the mail. Yes, I’d rather watch BattleStar Galactica and work through that series first, but apparently there is a short wait for the series. So, I’ll start True Blood. Question is, what other tv shows should I watch? Oh, wait. I have the first 2 seasons of Dexter and Grey’s Anatomy at home, not to mention I’m about halfway through the 2^nd season of Beauty & the Beast. So, I probably should wait on finding new series to watch. What about movies? What movies should I watch? Suggestions?

Kitties are very cute. Starsky decided an aerial attack was necessary into my basket from the back of the couch. I wish I had been paying better attention because I would have taken a picture. I have been teaching the kitties to sit and wait for their treats. They are doing good. Huggy is the most proficient of the two, sitting down pretty when I grab the treats from the cupboard. Starsky just needs a little encouragement.

Huggy has decided that he doesn’t like it when the neighbor cat, Cody, comes to visit. I cannot pull him away from the patio door. He will sit there and watch Cody up to an hour after Cody leaves for his house, just to make sure this other cat isn’t going to infringe on his comfy home. Doesn’t talk to him or anything. Just watches.

A friend at work told me I’m not allowed to wear my size 10 jeans anymore, since they are too big. So, I’ve been wearing my 8’s, but the problem is I still have my baby pooch, which makes it slightly uncomfortable to wear the 8’s. So, I’m going to start doing sit-ups and crunches to help trim down my belly. Might start walking again, too. Or using the stationary bike. Maybe the exercise will wake up the muse.

Cats are very smart, I’ve discovered. If you clean out their litter box at a certain time every night, they will either go to the bathroom at that time to ensure they have a clean litter box for the evening. Or they will go right after you are done because they like pooping in the clean litter box. And sometimes they switch it up, just to confuse their human.

Musical Muse for the Day: “Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence

I made a roast on Sunday. Despite the lack of directions in the cookbook, I made a roast and it turned out very well. The directions said to brown the roast, then cook for 3 ½ hours. How do you cook it? Crock pot? Baking dish? On the stove or in the oven? I made an executive decision and cooked the roast in the same skillet I browned it in (after searching online to see if I could put Farberware in the oven. For the record, you can, up to 350 degrees.) It wasn’t the moistest roast I’ve had, but it was edible and Josh liked it. That’s all that matters, right? If your kid will eat your cooking, it can’t be half bad. So far – 3 good recipes to add to my repertoire.

Kitties have been coming to sleep with me at about 4 am. I have found that Starsky will not purr unless he is cuddled up next to his brother and Huggy is purring. It’s like he doesn’t remember how to purr. Huggy purrs enough for the both of them, but it was quite soothing to have both of them curled up on my other pillow and purring in their sleep. Then, when the alarm went off at 5:45 this morning, Huggy starts headbutting me and rubbing his cheek against mine. I know, typical cat behavior. But it is still very sweet and makes me feel loved.

Started a new shawl this weekend. And, as per usual, it takes me 3 tries in the first 2 rows to get the correct number. Because I never write down the number of chain stitches for that first row. I really should do that. One of these shawls.

I think I’m going to be bringing in yarn to work and making scarves. Why, you ask? Because my Internet at work has been cut off. That’s right. I’m only allowed to use it for work related research. Ugh. I know, it’s like this in most places. But, this means I’m cut off from my home email, bank account, etc. until I get home. So, I have nothing to do at lunch after I’m done eating. Nothing to do when I’m out of work. Which sucks when I get to that point towards the end of the day and my attention starts drifting.

Besides – I think I have more than enough yarn. I have a Boule yarn that I was saving for a sweater, but I think I will make myself a new scarf.

Can I say that Heroes is one of the best shows in the world? Finally got around to watching last week’s episode. New episode tonight. Love Sylar and his portrayer, Zachery Quinto.

It was funny. I just spent 15 minutes trying to remember his name. Kept thinking Zach Efron for some reason, even though I knew it wasn’t correct.

Anyway, I also love Zachery in Star Trek. He is a very good actor and I can’t wait until I see him in another movie.

I am getting fed up with my soaps, All My Children and One Life to Live. But I can’t stop watching them!!! Why do they keep reeling me back in? Found out who Rex’s real daddy is (Mitch – how did Roxy sleep with him???), know that Jake is the real baby daddy of Trevor (saw that one coming). What other mysteries are there? I think both shows have pretty much wrapped up everything and are just itching for new storylines. I mean, how many years did we wonder who Rex’s daddy was?

I admit – I watch way too much tv and I keep adding to the shows. I can’t keep track of them sometimes. I’m very loyal, though. Unless the writers do something to completely turn me off, I’ll keep watching. Survivor – got old. Same junk every season. Amazing Race is starting to wear on me. All in all, unless it is a talent show, I’m probably not going to watch it. Bachelor – sorry, you can’t find real love on reality tv. No matter how cute the guy is or how gorgeous the girl is. Put real-looking people on the tube! Stop bringing in girls that have all these beautiful dresses at their fingertips. Unless the show buys the dresses and the girls spend all day trying on dresses for the cocktail parties. But you can’t tell me that within 5 minutes of meeting someone, you are desperately in love with them and are devastated by not getting a rose in the first Rose ceremony. Puh-lease.  Reality shows are supposed to be believable!

True, most of my shows have a certain degree of eye-candy. NCIS has Sean Murray (love my geeks). Dollhouse has Eliza Dushku (I can have female eye-candy and still be straight). BTW, very upset this show is being cancelled. Lost has Naveen Andrews and Josh Holloway, though I am upset that they ruined Sawyer. He was such a bad boy, and during last season he had fallen in love. Why does falling in love change a man from a beautiful renegade to a sap? At least motherhood didn’t change Kate.

Okay, I’ve spent 2 days on this blog posting. Yesterday I was planning on writing a new chapter for Guardian, but I spent the evening talking genetics and storyline with a friend online. Maybe this weekend, since I have Monday off and Josh will be at Kids Kampus all day, I will get a chance to write the scene that has been playing in my head.

Song of the Day: “Life on the Moon” by David Cook.

Had a dream last night where the Packers beat the Vikings next week, then went on to win the Super Bowl. Can’t tell if it was a nightmare or a good dream. The Vikes are talented this year, but their track record of choking during important games doesn’t bode well for them making it to Miami. But, if the Packers win this weekend, they will play the Vikings and the Vikes have already beaten them twice this year. Of course, that could just set up the Packers for the perfect win this season and show that they do not need Favre to make it to the playoffs or even the SuperBowl. Either way, this playoff season is going to be fun to watch.

I am not a violent person. But rude people irritate me. If I leave you a message and / or a text concerning your son, please get back to me if only to tell me you got the message and you are working on an answer.  Things like this make me angry and frustrate me and leaks into other areas of my life. Like my ability to create a new design for a shawl. Yes, I have misplaced anger issues. But I’d rather destroy an inanimate object instead of going to jail. Enough of this – writing about it will only get me so far.

Just finished reading One Good Knight by Mercedes Lackey – one of my favorite authors. She was the first fantasy writer I had read and have been hooked on the genre ever since. Misty, as her fans call her, started writing a new series, Five Hundred Kingdoms, which has each book dealing with a fairy tale or idea behind a fairy tale, and making them, well, almost modern. The stories are still set in fairy tale times (long ago, far away), but take traditionally helpless women (Cinderella, Little Mermaid, helpless virgin sacrifice) and allows them to go either against or with traditional storylines to better their futures. Godmothers, elves, dragons, sorcerers, witches, champions – all take a heady lead in these stories. I enjoyed the first book of the series, The Fairy Godmother, which introduces the audience to Elena, who was destined to be a Cinderella-type character with the wicked stepmother and stepsisters, but whose prince was a child. Instead, Elena becomes a Godmother, a mystical being in charge of the Kingdoms and who watches the various storylines to make sure Tradition is either followed (leading to happy endings) or completely broken and redirected (to avoid bad endings).

In One Good Knight, the story focuses on Princess Andromeda, a plain princess whose capital city is being ravaged by a dragon. The way Misty circumvents Tradition and re-writes the story of the virgin sacrifice is nothing short of artistry. I don’t want to give anything away, but if you like fairy tales, you will love the series. I wasn’t as fond of the other 2 books in the series, Fortune’s Fool and The Snow Queen, but I’m hoping Misty’s next endeavor into this world mirrors her first 2 attempts.

Started watching Battlestar Galactica last night. I was half expecting to be bored by it, because of all the hype from friends and family. But, I am pretty interested in it. Looks good. So, I guess I found another series to watch. Darn.

Taco burgers were a success tonight. I think I can manage cooking with the fewest number of ingredients.  Only 4 ingredients with this one, and Josh seemed to like them. Going to try more recipes next week.

Also got my new glasses tonight. Looks like I have a weekend full of headaches as I get used to the new prescription and bifocal level.

And, the best news ever – figured out how to do the new design for my latest shawl project. I guess I just needed no distractions for about an hour. Hopefully my client likes it and it won’t take me that long to make it so I can get onto the next project.

Always a new project. Story of my life.

This morning, I woke up to snow and wind and stupid drivers. People who do not know how to read and who leave their cars running while they are at the gas pump. Then, once the pump starts running, get back into their cars and sit. It is clearly posted that it is required by law for someone to remain at the pump while it is in use. Yes, it is Minnesota. It is winter and it is cold. I’m cold, too, but I take into account the law and the safety of other consumers and remain outside while filling my gas tank. People like this bug me.

Then, the drama of yesterday with my co-worker continued and grew this morning. Now I look incompetent to an attorney in the office. But if I had done the work myself, it would have been done correctly and the atttorney would have been properly informed of any issues with the files for today’s hearing.

Now, I am equally frustrated with my personal projects. I have a client who ordered an Aes Sedai shawl, only she wants the full Aes Sedai symbol. I’ve never done the full Aes Sedai symbol. I can’t draw to save my life and the ancient Aes Sedai symbol closely resembles the yin-yang symbol. I have tried 3 times to draw the symbol on my shawl template. And have been unsuccessful and am growing very frustrated. But, I am always looking for a challenge and I pride myself on being able to give my clients what they want. I am an artist. That means I get to gripe and moan and bitch about it.

Now that I have this written down, I feel better. Writing has always been a good stress reliever for me. I guess blogging is no different.

Looking at the picture I posted of the vest I did, I don’t like the picture. I just really hate pictures of myself. I think I look fat, when in reality, I don’t think I am. My cheeks look fat, my neck looks like I have a double chin. Bleh. But, at the same time, I don’t see myself as fat when I am just walking around or getting dressed or whatever. Just when I look at pictures of myself. I know. I’m weird. I’m used to it. This is why I don’t like shopping and buying new clothes.

I got two kittens for Christmas. Yes, I was only planning on getting one for Josh for Christmas. But, the more I read, and the more people I talked to, since I work all day, it is easier on the cat to get 2, that way they have a playmate and they are less destructive. This is always a plus in my book. And, while waiting for Starsky to recover from ringworm, I saw Huggy Bear. Huggy Bear is Starsky’s litter mate (Hutch was another brother, but already adopted). So, I decided to get both Starsky and Huggy since they are litter mates and kitty condo mates. They know each other. Better than trying to get 2 stranger kittens to get used to living together.

They are so adorable and very well behaved. I’m not going to say what they don’t do, because I don’t want to jinx it. But they use their litter box and my apartment has not been destroyed. I did keep them gated in the hallway next to the bathroom while I had the Christmas tree up, only because I did not want them climbing it. Took the tree down the day after Christmas and the babies have had run of the apartment ever since. I tell you, my routines have changed. I now have to look for both kittens before I can close any closet if I’ve turned my back for a second, or I may have an angry kitty on my hands. They have their chosen spots on the couch, with Starsky snuggled up next to my leg and Huggy on the back within head butting distance.

I come home and both kittens are waiting for me and Josh by the door. Give them both a pat on the head before I take off the boots and coat, then go and get dinner ready. That’s when the meowing starts. But, I’ve been hissing at them (the book says to – they treat you like momma, then act like their momma when they upset you – hiss) until they leave me alone long enough to finish getting dinner ready. Then, I fix theirs. Thanks to the advice of a friend and ignoring the book when it comes to feeding them separate, I put the wet food in 1 bowl and let them each eat their fill. Less waste that way. Huggy eats as much as he wants, and Starsky eats most of it. Strangely, Huggy is the chunky kitty and Starsky is the little skinny one. Go figure.

So, life with kitties is good. I’m enjoying talking to them and having them just look at me. The other night, I clipped their claws for the first time. No blood on their part or mine. In my mind – Success! I don’t think they like football games, though, because I tend to wake them up. Oh well. They will get used to it.

Took Josh to the dentist Tuesday night for sealants. My little man is growing up because he didn’t need me to come to the back with him. “Mommy, I can do it. I’m not scared of the dentist. When I was little, I was. But not now. They are nice.” So, I sat in the waiting room and Josh followed the pretty hygenist. Few minutes later, he was back and the dentist thanked him for his help. He is growing up so fast. I almost wish he was a baby again. Almost. I kinda like that he is independent. He is starting to get chores. He folds and puts his laundry away, makes his bed every morning and feeds his kitties. I was going to have him clean the litter box, but until he learns to breathe through his mouth, I doubt that will be possible. Besides, I don’t mind cleaning it every night. My own little chore before going to bed.

Lost will be entering its 6th and last season soon. I just finished the first 5, and I am more than ever affirmed in my belief that the only way to watch tv is to rent the DVD. Or DVR it. Commercials are a waste of my time. I can barely watch football live now, but I do so that I can get laundry done during the commercials. Still can’t stand the commentators, but I’ve learned to tune them out. That, and with DVDs, you don’t have to wait the next week for the next episode. But, I will be patient with the last season and watch it with my friends. The next tv show on my list is Battlestar Galactica.  One of these days, I’ll do a write-up of my opinion of Lost. But, JJ Abrams is a god and if he weren’t married, I’d be on the next plane to his current location. You think I’m joking. Watch the behind the scenes stuff for Star Trek – you’d fall in love with his vision as well.

I wish I could have blogged during the Christmas season with the status of my new crochet projects. But, seeing as how they were all surprises, and the people being gifted read this blog (I think), I couldn’t very well do that, now could I? But now I can post the pictures.

This is the yellow ribbon shawl I made for my mom. Our family has a very strong military background and tradition. Both my brothers are currently in the military, one of them serving in Afghanistan. This is a new design. If you can’t see the center, it is double-threaded with blue and red.

This is the one I made for my mom’s best friend, Deb, who is a breast cancer survivor. Again, a brand new design, but the same as the one I made Mom.

I designed these shawls because I wanted to do something special for the two most influential women in my life. Both have taught me strength and what it means to be a Mom and a friend. I used the ribbon theme because I needed a theme that I could make for the both of them that would mean a lot. In this case, pink and yellow ribbons. I would eventually like to start a program called Ribbons and Shawls, in which I would make a shawl for someone who has gone through breast cancer, or has a loved one in the military, or another situation. Half the price of the shawl would then go to a corresponding charity, such as Susan G. Komen or USO or Operation Shoebox. Again, this is in the future when I have a lot more time on my hands or if I put together a group of people to make the shawls, in which I would share my pattern. So many details. Not enough time.

And this is a vest I made myself. The pattern is originally a longer coat with sleeves. I didn’t like the original length of the coat, so I decided to shorten it. Then, I tried it on, and it was too short for what I wanted. I crochet too tight, and I forgot to take that into consideration. Left off the sleeves and it became a nice little vest. I still will make the coat and make it the original length with sleeves. But for now, have more projects. But, this is the first thing I’ve made that I can wear every day and is somewhat form-fitting.

Since this is a new year, I’d like to share with you my resolution.  I have never been a good cook. I don’t particularly like to cook because I don’t see the purpose of spending an hour to make something that is going to take about 20 minutes to eat and longer for clean up. Unless it is a special occassion, like Christmas or Thanksgiving. Then I don’t mind cooking. So, I’ve made a resolution to go through a cookbook, sort of like Julie Powell did with Julia Child’s cookbook – decent movie, btw. Watched it last night.  But, Julie knew how to cook – she enjoyed it and it was a stress reliever. For me, this will be a way for me to try new recipes and perhaps learn how to cook.

Last night was the first test. I made honey skillet chicken. Turned out pretty well. Honey, margarine and orange juice in a skillet. Used Sunny D instead of orange juice, but it turned out well. Used the measurements for 4-6 chicken breasts, instead of 3, which is what I had. So, it took a little longer to cook. I’ll remember for next time, because Josh liked the chicken, as did I. Thursday, I think I’ll make taco burgers. Have to remember to pick up hamburger buns.

I’d like to bid farewell to Guiding Light. After 72 years on television and radio, it will be airing its last episode on Friday. I remember Mom watching Guiding Light when I was a child. Here is wishing all the actors and actresses and behind-the-scenes people luck in finding new jobs. So, what’s going to be taking its place? I believe Wayne Brady is coming back to TV with Let’s Make a Deal. Sorry, I’d rather have Guiding Light in that lineup.

Melrose Place – Meh. I could take it or leave it. The only thing to keep me watching is to see Daphne Zuniga reprise her role as Jo and to see Colin Egglesfield.  Mmmm…..I remember him from All My Children. Why’d they have to kill him off. He was the right balance of good and evil.

Vampire Diaries – a lot of people who have read the books are disappointed. I haven’t read the books, but I wasn’t all that impressed. I’ll continue to watch it until something better comes on in that time slot, but for now, it beats out Survivor. I’m Survivor’d out.

I still have to catch up with Smallville and Supernatural before I can watch those shows this season. Supernatural has already started with the premiere of Vampire Diaries, but I have a couple weeks until Smallville. Still trying to catch up with shows I taped during the Fair.

Again, I watch way too much tv.

I caught a little bit of the VMAs last night when I went to bed. I love Pink’s new song “Sober” and I thought she did a very good performance of the song last night. And I thought Beyonce was a class act when she used her time for her acceptance speech for winning “Best Video” to bring out Taylor Swift to finish her acceptance speech, which was rudely interrupted by Kanye West. This is why I do not like most rap/hip hop artists. I do have to say, though, that Eminem has grown on me. Or maybe it was just last night and his very mature acceptance speech. Because I do not like his music. Oh well.

Back to work for me. Same ol’ same ol’.

Josh is home. The Fair is over. Don’t get me wrong. I like my summers where I don’t have a schedule and if I want to write, I write. I don’t have to worry about dance or swimming. But I am very happy Josh is home. I’ve missed him and I swear he’s grown about 2 inches.

I enjoy the Fair for the first few days. But then, I get Fair’d out. The crush of people, the smells and the noise just don’t agree with my system. The only thing good about the Fair was deep fried pickles. Yes, you heard me – deep fried pickles. And the chocolate covered bacon – my 2 favorite parts of the Fair.

I am a glutton for punishment. I’m allergic to mosquitoes and I don’t particularly like the cold. Where do I live? Minnesota. I don’t like crowds, loud noises and the smell of food coming at me from all sides. In fact, I get panic attacks in such situations. Where do I work in the summers – State Fair. I had to take my anti-anxiety medication every day. Still had a panic attack Monday night – but it was no one’s fault but my own because the medication had worn off. And I was running on very little sleep. I do have to thank Mom, though, for coming over and watching Josh during the day on Monday so I could get in a nap; and for trying to help me when the panic attack first hit me Monday night. Love you, Mom! Mean it.

So, I decided to get online last night….way too many emails. A lot of it spam, but some of it was from web forums I frequent, reminding me about games I’m playing and such. I have 1 mafia game I’m playing that had 17 pages on the first 2 days, and I hadn’t even confirmed my role for the game yet.  Eep! Still haven’t finished reading through it all. Still have to put together a discussion topic for the month for one of these web forums. Have to balance the checkbook and double check the bills to make sure they are all scheduled to be paid.

And right now, all I want to do is sleep.

I received a few emails during the Fair asking if I would be willing to sell a copy of my shawl pattern. For the record – I’m not selling my shawl pattern. It is mine. If you have problems paying for the shawl, I do accept payment plans, or I will take the payment in trade. I have a few reasons for this. 1. It isn’t complete. I’m always tweaking it. 2. It is the foundation pattern for a few more shawl ideas I have.  3. I’m just not comfortable with it. If I personally knew you, and knew that you would not turn around and make shawls to sell, undercutting my price, then maybe.

Well, back to work. Lots to do to catch up from the Fair.

I am writing Chapter 7, which will be from Melissa’s POV. The aftermath of Chapters 5 and 6, so to speak. I have an intensive confrontation between Devon and Peter, but for some reason, what I have written so far isn’t working for me. I’m going to need to get deep into Devon’s character and Peter’s character to make this scene work. I feel like a director, almost, filming the scene in movie. I need to pick the right words and phrases to show Peter’s aggressiveness without being violent.

I haven’t hit a block yet. But I’ve gotten used to cranking out chapter after chapter with this story. I can continue with the story if I can’t fix this scene – I will just post what I have and move on to the next chapter, after marking in my notes to come back to that scene in a few days.

In happier news – State Fair starts in a few days. Which will put a halt to my writing. At least it will put a halt to my posting because I will not have the time to type up the story. I’ll type everything up the Tuesday after the Fair on my day off. So you may get several chapters at once. Like you guys mind.

I have found out, through writing this story, that I do not multitask as well as I thought. I cannot watch TV and write at the same time. I used to be able to. I can still crochet and watch tv, or play mah jong and watch tv, but I can only write in silence, or while listening to music. I’m getting old. That must be it.

This story loves David Cook. Loves David Cook. So, I have his CD in my car and I listen to it on the way to and from work, just to keep the creative juices moving. I think I might have to invest in a micro-recorder. I find that I come up with the best ideas while driving and/or stuck in traffic. And, since I can’t legally write and drive at the same time, I have to compromise. That means that at night I may have to transcribe notes when I get home instead of writing right away. Because my cell phone only has 60 seconds of recording available. And when I get going on a story, I take up a lot more than 60 seconds.

I also keep a notebook at my desk at all times to jot down any notes or songs that come to mind for this story. This notebook has more rejected ideas than I’ve done for any other story. But it helps me keep track of these rejected ideas in case I find another place in the story for the idea. Or unless I change my mind. Which I am prone to do.