No Adventure Here

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I'd love to go on an adventure. It's snowing like crazy on Mount Hood, and I really want to be there. Instead I'll be going back to the doctor's today.

I am limiting my on-line time because of numbness in my hands and arms from my back injury so that's why I haven't been blogging or blog hopping! Hope they figure out what's causing it fast!

Have a good Wednesday!

Rainy Day

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This weekend my two girl kidlets decided it was time to share a room. I hope it goes well, and that I don't find love notes as the LOLcat above is writing. When anything happens, the kids write me notes and leave them on the computer. I think they believe it's an anonymous way to talk about something (or tattle) except their handwriting and spelling give their identity away! Some of the notes just crack me up.

The rain is pouring down outside. It's been doing that since last night. Not the greatest start to Spring Break. I haven't checked the temperature up at Timberline yet to see if it's raining or snowing. I think I need my back to heal some more before strapping on a pair of skis.

Hope you have nicer weather were you are!

Spring Break

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I thought this was a cute picture. Insert "Back" for "Block" and you'll understand why my key board has been mocking me the past week. Though I'm slowly writing a little more each day!

I had a great time with my friend Elizabeth yesterday. We ate at Mother's Bistro in downtown Portland then went to a few other places she wanted to go. Just what I needed. Time to chat and fill the well with a good friend who totally understands me!

It's spring break this coming week. Only a few things we must do next week. I really want to go skiing, but not sure that is a good idea given my back still hurts.

What do you have planned?

Friday fun

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Normally it's one of the cats leaving "presents" like the one mentioned above for us. Not this morning. I woke up to something heaving next to me. Since hubby is out of town, I knew it wasn't him. Turned on the light to find the dog spit up something that kinda looked like a hairball. Ick. As soon as that happened, the cats woke up and everyone wanted to be fed. Of course, it wasn't even close to the time for my alarm clock to go off. Oh, well... More time to write before the kidlets wake up.

This morning I'm excited. I'm going to have breakfast with the good friend Elizabeth Boyle who is in town for a librarians convention. I had to ask my mom to come up and help with the kids this morning since hubby wasn't supposed to be gone, and she gladly agreed. My dad is coming and so are my niece and two nephews.

What does your Friday look like?

Big kitty

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Yoda is huge. Not quite as big as Tiddles, but he's going to be a big kitty. Think enormous cat paws already and thick tail that's almost as wide as he is around. It looks more like a plume or a skunk's tail. My dad asked me last night if we were sure Yoda was 100% house cat.

Typical busy Wednesday for me only I had to drive hubby to the airport this morning. Flying solo again. I have a feeling this may be standard operating procedure from now on. His boss wanted him to leave last night, but he said no because it was Mackenna's birthday.

Speaking of birthdays, she had a great one. Starbucks (free pastry day) in the morning, a tour of The Candy Factory in Portland, lunch at Wendy's, classes, library visit, dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory with our family, three cousins, two friends and grandparents and home for cupcakes and presents. Lots of jewelry, makeup, cash, gift cards and books! She was a very happy twelve year old.

Time to stop procrastinating. Better get to my Wednesday before it gets to me!

Twelve

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I'm still limiting my online time so I can use the time to get actual writing done, but I hope to be back to blog hopping soon! I miss knowing what's going on out there! I did spend some time wishing people Happy Birthday on Facebook. I can't believe how many of my friends were born at the end of March. Speaking of which...

Today is my oldest's twelfth birthday. Her presents are wrapped and setting on the hearth in the Great Room. I managed to get that done last night in spite of my back! I'd ordered some books from Amazon, then made a quick run to Target. Hubby was with me and kept tossing out gift ideas. Needless to say the shopping took longer than I thought it would, but I think she'll like her presents!

We're not doing a lot since the trip to Great Wolf Lodge last month with my sister's family was an early birthday celebration for her. She did invite two of her closest neighbor friends to go to The Old Spaghetti Factory.

What are you doing today?

Books

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The proposal is off. My back bothered me all weekend, but I wrote through it. A heating pad helped! Now to finish the manuscript. Well, after I rest today. I really want to feel better so I can go skiing. A day of rest means a day of reading. A good thing because I have a couple books I need to finish.

I'm currently reading/relying on three books for my research for this story:

1) Balkan Ghosts by Robert D. Kaplan
2) Black Lamb and Grey Falcon by Rebecca West
3) The CIA World Factbook 2009

Not exactly your typical research material for a Harlequin Romance, but my book is set in a fictional Balkan country that has been torn apart by civil war. I need to understand that part of the world, as well as the people, so there's at least an air of authenticity to the story.

Speaking of books, I found this YouTube on the Book of Love. I'd never heard the song before but it's a cover by Peter Gabriel!
Enjoy!



What books are you reading right now?

Rear-ended

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We were hit on St. Patrick's Day driving home on I-5 after the kidlets danced in downtown Portland. One minute we're totally stopped in traffic. The next someone plows into the back of us. The kids were hurting right away. A Portland police officer was on the scene within minutes. I don't know if another driver called the police, but I'm thankful he showed up. He was awesome and put all of us at ease.

While we waited for the officer to do paperwork, I called hubby in Germany. It was the middle of the night there. He asked where we were. I told him just south of the Rosa Parks overpass. He hopped on the Internet and could watch us live via the I-5 Traffic cams. This is a picture he sent us!

Fortunately the minivan is okay. Three of four of us are really sore and hurting. The pain keeps getting worse, but the various doctors we saw said that was normal.

The youngest seems totally fine though she was checked out by the pediatrician anyway. Kudos to her booster seat manufacturer which I can't remember the name of right now! My brain doesn't seem to be functioning on all cylinders at the moment.

Yesterday was spent making calls, talking to the insurance company, filling out forms and going to doctor's appointments.

My proposal was originally due today, but I emailed my editor Wednesday night and said I'd send it this weekend. She replied that Monday would be fine. Now to clear my head enough to write.

My parents just got home from a trip yesterday so they're coming up today to lend a hand with the kidlets. Two of them get another day to rest and recoup.

I do want to get on my soapbox for just a minute. Please make sure you have car insurance. The driver who hit us was uninsured. You really can't afford to take a chance you won't be in an accident someday. Yes, money can be tight and insurance isn't cheap, but think about the risks and consequences you'll face if you drive without it.

I hope you have a nice Friday!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.

May the soft winds freshen your spirit.

May the sunshine brighten your heart.

May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.

And may God enfold you in the mantle of his love.

I hope you find time to dance a jig and raise your glass on this St. Patrick's Day!

Love,
Melissa

Hai!

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Yoda here. Typing on Momme'z iBook.

She iz mad at me.

I not trip her, but last night I rip her window toyz again. She said she needz more tape and a new kitten. I know she joking. I too cute. She luv me. She give me noms.

Have nice day.

Meow.

No Return Policy

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Yoda destroyed the window coverings in our bathroom. Not that I'd want to return him after that, but it's been a real pain.

It's difficult to shower or do much in there without exposing all to the neighbors. Hubby finally tapped them, after I told him about the guy arrested for indecent exposure in his own house, and seeing me using the kids' bathroom instead. I'll have to get new ones, something I've been meaning to do for a couple years now since they were only meant to be temporary.

My proposal is due at the end of the week so I'll be writing, writing, writing. Will try to blog and blog hop, but no promises. I just dropped hubby at the airport. He's spending the week in Dresden, Germany, and I'll be here with the three kidlets, four cats, dog and a Friday deadline. I asked if he wanted to switch. He said no. Smart man!

Hope you're having a good Monday!

Want

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This picture could be my cats or my kidlets. They always want what the other has!

I have a proposal due a week from today so have been trying to buckle down and be more productive with my writing. I'm still not feeling great in spite of the antibiotics, but I'll just have to make sure I don't work too late into the night! Which is why I must go write now.

Hope you have a great Friday!

Busy Wednesday

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With my typical busy Wednesday, I wouldn't mind calling in sick today. Too bad I've used up all my sick days! I guess a cat can call in dead since they have nine lives. Us humans aren't so lucky!

Hope you have a good day. I have a quiet house and am going to write while I can!

Braces

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My Monday didn't turn out as planned. I got a few pages revised, but that's it.

My oldest got braces back in December and was excited to have the colors switched out again yesterday morning. So far she's had red and green in honor of Christmas and pink in honor of St. Valentine's and wanted green for St. Patrick's day. She got the green, but they also put on some different bands and this time included her back molars.

She was in tears most of the day. Couldn't eat. Couldn't sleep. It was horrible. Nothing would help the pain.

Last night, she lay in her bed sobbing. I brought her into my bed and gave her some Nyquil. Bad mommy, I know, but I was desperate. I remember what it feels like even though that was decades ago! She fell asleep with Chaos at her side and is still sleeping now with the dog back at her side. I'm just praying she feels better today.

Too much stuff

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My oldest and I spent Saturday afternoon and yesterday in Seattle working at an Irish dance feis for our new Irish dance school. It was fun, seeing people from our old school and meeting new people from our new school. We roomed with a mom and daughter from the school, attended a nice church in Burien and won a Pretty in Pink basket as part of the feis' fundraising efforts.

When we got home last night, I discovered my hubby had cleaned. I've been slowly trying to declutter, but I only get small snatches of time to do it so really appreciated what he did. Easter isn't that far away, and we have lots of people coming over for egg hunts and dinner. One less thing to check off my To Do list.

I'm afraid to tackle on thing on the list. The playroom. It's not Horders-worthy, but a crew from one of the Clean Sweep, get-rid-of-junk-and-clutter shows would probably find it a challenge. But it must be done. So I'll try to break it down into baby steps. Either that or rent one of those dumpters and just get rid of everything! Though that would cause tears and wailing from the kidlets.

This week will be filled with writing, cleaning/decluttering and craft prep for the April meeting. No more waiting until the last minute! At least that's the plan.

What's your week look like?

Bottoms

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My bottom was trying to take over, too, so I've gone on a gluten-free diet. Results after two weeks-4 to 5 pounds loss depending on the scale I use! Being sick hasn't helped since I'm doing zero exercise, but I'll take it. Nothing I was tried with my New Years weight loss resolution was working. I'd lose, gain, lose, you get the idea.

There are so many gluten-free products it's a lot different (that's is easier) than when I had to do this when I was nursing Rose and she had a gluten-intolerance. I also found a gluten-free bakery called New Cascadia Traditional in Portland. I plan to drive down there next week to buy pizza dough and bread.

Hope you have a nice weekend!

Static Electricity

Hubby sent me this link this morning. Enjoy!

Bummer

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The cold that wouldn't go away has turned into a sinus infection. Luckily, the doctor at the Urgent Care looked at my past history and gave me the strongest antibiotic rather than fool around with weaker stuff. I went to bed early last night and slept in late because today will be another crazy busy Wednesday.

This is a bad week for me not to feel well. I have to teach at two different parishes today and a bunch of crafts to get together for Friday. On Saturday, my oldest and I are driving to Seattle for a night. Praying the medicine kicks in sooner rather than later.

Hope you are healthy and happy!

Random Tuesday

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My agent called me yesterday with a three-book offer from Harlequin Romance. The rest of 2010 is going to be busy, busy, busy!

I'm trying to put together crafts for the girls' club meeting on Friday. Only one more meeting after this and I'm free!

My minivan was making horrible sounds this weekend. It was so bad that hubby wouldn't let me drive it. Yesterday, he took it in and it's all fixed. New brakes and discs were needed.

We saw Beauty and the Beast on Saturday night and Alice the Looking Glass Girl this morning. I love musicals!

Not sure if I mentioned this before, but the sequel to Rescued by the Magic of Christmas will be out in November 2010 and they kept my working title, Christmas Magic on the Mountain.

I fear my never-ending cold may be turning into a sinus infection.

What's random with you?

Champion

I always thought 4-H was for kids who lived on farms. This summer, I learned it's for kids everywhere thanks to a Siberian Husky dog breeder from Woodland, WA.

This fall, my eleven year old joined a 4-H dog club. She's learning all kinds of wonderful things plus having to learn an amazing amount of info on dogs: AKC breeds, physiology, you name it. They also do service projects like adopting families at Christmastime. She's been having a blast.

On Saturday, my eleven year old competed with our dog, Chaos, in the Wiggles and Wags Fun Match. It was the first time they could practice all they learned and be judged. Fun Matches prep the kids for the big event in the summer-the country fair.

The two competed in three events: showmanship, rally and obedience. The day started out better than anyone expected. In Showmanship, she earned enough points for a blue ribbon, then won the Championship (first place) ribbon! Talk about exciting.

Unfortunately, the other two events didn't go as well. Chaos didn't want to sit or stay or do anything asked of her. It was frustrating for my daughter, but they had fun and most importantly learned a lot to help them prepare for the next fun match.

We did meet another family with a Norwegian Elkhound. They got their dog from the same rescue coordinator who owned Chaos. At first Shadow and Chaos didn't like each other, but they warmed up to each other as the day went on. It was fun to see two together.

How was your weekend?