CursingMama

Fluffy Friday ~ Holiday Edition

2009-07-03T08:18:00.000-05:00

I'm not here. I know I look like I'm here but you'll have to trust me when I say "Not Here". In fact if my day is going as planned I'm so far away from here that it would take quite a drive to find a free wifi source. If I'm lucky I've already managed to unpack, slather on the sunscreen and make my way to the lake.

I'm probably not that lucky.
I'm probably still in the car reading Lucky Streak by Carly Phillips.

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That's not a bad thing to be doing and I'm guessing still pretty lucky.

If you are living in the same country as I do chances are you are aware that this is the biggest holiday weekend of the summer. The one we celebrate by taking up explosives and shooting them far too close to our homes and loved ones.

Emergency rooms must love this holiday.

We also eat way too much and spend a great deal of time laying on stationary flotational devices or being flung across the lake on flotational devices whose purpose is exactly that. I sometimes even put skis on my feet and allow myself to be pulled around the lake ~ it's an annual kind of thing.

Because I'm feeling wild and crazy I thought I'd take this quiz using my real, mother given name:
(No, I'm not telling what that name is)

You Are Made Of Brilliance, Imagination, and Allure

3 parts Brilliance
2 parts Imagination
1 part Allure

And a Splash of Devilry
Finish off with whipped cream

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

And then I gave it a shot with the name you know & love:

You Are Made Of Devilry, Instinct, and Understanding

3 parts Devilry
2 parts Instinct
1 part Understanding

And a Splash of Whimsy
Finish off with an olive

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

Not sure which I like better - or which is more accurate. The devilry in both is probably spot on for this weekend where my children will wonder if they should monitor me on my flotational device and I will spoil my nephews wildly.

Keep your fingers safe! Knitting & typing gets really difficult without all your digits in tact.

If I had a Hundred Dollar Visa Card....

2009-07-02T19:12:00.001-05:00

**CONTEST ALERT**

The wonderful people at Pantene are giving away A $100 Visa gift card AND a year-long supply of Pantene (ARV $47.88) to one of my lucky readers. To enter, all you need to do is visit my review pos t over at Not So Humble Opinions and leave me a comment over there answering the following important question:

what was your worst hair day ever-

You'll find all the details over there - including an unflattering retelling of one of my worst hair day's ever. Unfortunately there have been many to choose from.

To prevent any misunderstanding about where you need to leave your comment to enter comments have been closed on this post.... what are you waiting for??? Enter Now!

Feeling the heat

2009-07-02T12:03:00.005-05:00

I didn't bring much in the way of food or snacks to the office today, I rarely do. Usually I pack just what I need for the day - my breakfast, lunch and some fruit for an afternoon snack.
Today I had yogurt & toast for breakfast, not all that long ago, but for some reason known only to the mysterious cavity known as my stomach I am starving.

So hungry that I feel like my stomach is sucking into itself...

I went into the restroom to check and I most certainly do not see any outward physical signs of my stomach inverting (it is actually the opposite of concave).

Normally I would have just looked at my desk, but after I tried to replicate the move Mayhem demonstrated here and my boss walked by....I take all my business to an area more private than my totally out in the open cubical'ish desk place.

Anyway, I may have to resort to the Emergency Popcorn to make it to lunch, which is some leftover potstickers. Jeepers do I want to go straight to the potsickers right now!

Usually I do a pretty good job of planning my own personal meals every day - but I am still classified as "Epic Fail" when it comes to planning family meals. ThePrincess and I discussed getting back into the routine of family meals this summer now that her sport schedule occurs almost entirely during daytime hours. With our evenings "free" there was absolutely no excuse for not having family meals and ThePrincess is even willing to do as much prep work as she can. I of course need to plan the meals, do the shopping, and leave the instructions; Epic Fail.

If you are into meal planning & want to give me some fantastic hints for motivating my darn self I wouldn't be opposed. I have high expectations for cooking healthy, unique, and new items for my family and instead we all end up eating different things at different times, none of it new, unique or healthy.

I can say that every night has not been "free" but I have really done a poor job overall.

Maybe this little template from Secret Agent Josephine will help. She is clearly doing a much better job than I.

I wonder if I can blame some of this lack of cooking on a disturbing lack of vegetables? I have planted 4 tomato plants, a cucumber, zucchini, 9 peppers and a pumpkin but the cool weather does not seem to be helping my garden grow. Only one of the tomato's has set fruit (it was a large potted patio tomato I bought from Costco) and nothing else is flowering..... sure wouldn't mind some cucumbers to make refrigerator pickles for the weekend.

*kicks dirt*
(actually carpet as the cleaning people vacuumed yesterday and Stole! All! My! Dirt!)

I suppose I could actually purchase vegetables, go to the farmers market even and visit with the many wonderful folks whose thumbs are far greener than mine....

Then I'd have to plan meals around them.

I do have some meals to plan that are required this weekend. For the holiday. I have requirements for my holiday meals:

Must travel well - be it something prepared ahead of time or just ingredients. It's all got to make the trip to the cabin in one piece.
Must be quickly or easily prepared. I am at the cabin, the place for flotational device sitting, I do not want to be futzing with something up in the kitchen all afternoon. The kitchen is a long way from my flotational device.
Must be wicked tasty & impress guests. I do not want to look like I don't know my way around a kitchen, because I totally do.
Have to be considerate of the picky eaters I have been strapped with.

I have to supply one wicked dinner for a large group and one super awesome breakfast for a large but slightly smaller group. So far I know that I am cooking...something....actually have a nice pork tenderloin that is going to be grilled to perfection by Mr. M. The rest remains in the air.

So, if you don't hear from me again today know that I am busy meal planning under fire.
Same story, different day.

Lemonade - That Cool Refreshing Drink!

2009-06-30T11:56:00.004-05:00

If you aren't a participating member of Mom Central you may not know that today is your last day to build your own Electrolux virtual lemonade stand - giving you a chance to win a new Electrolux French Door Refrigerator. As an added bonus for every stand opened, Electrolux will donate $1 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). In addition, you can help the cause even more by buying and sending virtual glasses of lemonade to your friends and family, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting OCRF.

Visit Kelly Confidential at Electrolux Appliances to build your very own lemonade stand and get the nitty-gritty details of the donation policy

Or - visit my Lemonade stand to buy a glass of virtual lemonade & donate to the Ovarial Cancer Research Fund (lemonade/donations start at $1)

I learned some important things yesterday:

Retaining water puts a lot of stress on my sore wrists and causes additional pain. This is likely an important piece of information to bring to my doctor.
The scale makes a sudden & frightening climb when I am retaining water.
No matter how much I want it to water weight still doesn't explain the way those cute capri's are fitting in the waist line.
Diet and exercise are something I have to work harder on. Actually I need to work on them - because I haven't really been. At all.
If I put my mind to it, have the time & properly motivating music I can spend a long time on the treadmill.
I probably shouldn't have walked 4 miles in just over one hour on my return to the treadmill & exercising.
I now know a lot about the Medial Compartment of Thigh and the adductor muscle group.
If my adductor muscles hurt really bad I will not get up and do a morning session of yoga.

If it weren't for the quickly approaching holiday of eating, drinking, shooting explosives & feeling good about freedom I would make all sorts of declarations about daily exercise & good eating habits...but those will need to wait until Monday July 6th when the temptation to blow my resolutions to hell has passed.

Then, it is on.

How many times do you think you've heard that before?

So - anyone else feeling a pain in the groin?

The Read but To Be Reviewed Pile

2009-06-29T08:13:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend I realized that I have read a boat load of books that I have told you nothing about and in order to mover forward and tell you about what I'm reading now in a timely manner I really needed to clear my conscious when it came to these books.

This is obviously the short form review - with more information available on my review blog Not So Humble Opinions

Title: The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square
Author: Rosina Lippi
Publisher: Berkely Trade
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Pages: 368
On Sale: March 3, 2009

Title: How To Score
Author: Robin Wells
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Pages: 400
On Sale: June 1, 2009

Title: Best Enemies
Author: Jane Heller
Publisher: St. Martins Press
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Pages: 352
On Sale: April 6, 2004

Title: Instant Attraction
Author: Jill Shalvis
Publisher: Brava
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Pages: 320
On Sale: February 1, 2009

The Vampire books will have to wait for another day....

The Long Walk

2009-06-26T20:00:00.002-05:00

Just a last minute reminder to let you know that my dear friend Keri is walking for 15 hours overnight to help eradicate cancer. I know times are tough this year and overall donations are down, but if you can support Keri be it with a donation, a mention, or your good thoughts that would be fantastic.

Good luck to Keri, the entire Keith's Brain Trust Team, and everyone else fighting for a cure.

The Return of Fluffy Friday!

2009-06-26T11:03:00.003-05:00

When Banana's Go Bad!

In honor of my dinner last night - and the Margarita question:

You Are a Burrito

You life large, and you're happiest when you're the center of attention.
You are popular and appealing. You are charming and naturally flirtatious.
You are a trendsetter. You're always trying something new, and you never get stuck in a rut.
You are open minded and adventurous. You love to mix seemingly random elements together.

What Mexican Food Are You?

And - in honor of Margaritas!

You Are an Orange Margarita

At first glance, you are very unique - but deep down you are still quite a traditionalist.
A margarita may be "too fancy" for you, but you'll never turn a free one down.

What Flavor Margarita Are You?

Strawberry Margaritas will be served on the deck this weekend if the weather is good. If the weather is bad they will be served on the couch.

I stole this Meme from Kathy Howe a long time ago:

65 Questions!

1. First thing you wash in the shower?
Hair.

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
light grey

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
Hope so - it's Mr. M.

4. Do you plan outfits?
Sorta, usually when I buy them.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
Actually like I have way too much to do and yet I'm doing this.

6. Whats the closest thing to you that's red?
A folder titled "Monthly Reports"

7. What's the last dream you remember having?
Last night I dreamt about the ice rink, not very clear on the details though

8. Did you meet anybody new today?
Not so far.

9. What are you craving right now?
Nothing

10. Do you floss?
Yes. (Thats my story & I'm sticking to it)

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
Egg Rolls

12. Are you emotional?
Yes, why do you ask *sniff*

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
Not that I'm aware of, but I would like to count to 1,000 if it invovles paper money for me.

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
Cone - both ~ Bowl - I kinda suck it off the spoon. Whose asking these questions anyway??

15. Do you like your hair?
Yep I do!

16. Do you like yourself?
I'm feeling pretty awesome right now

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
Do I have to follow the "If you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all" rule?

18. What are you listening to right now?
Not sure what that song is....Matt Nathanson "Falling Apart"

19. Are your parents strict?
Not anymore. Those people who call themselves my parents are not the same people I grew up with.

20. Would you go sky diving?
Depends what I get in return

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
YUM!

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
Yes

23. Do you rent movies often?
I have Netflix....but I really shouldn't

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
My wedding ring.

25. How many countries have you visited?
Several - Canada (for beer) England, France, Belgum (for chocolate not beer), Netherlands.....I think thats all of them.

26. Have you made a prank phone call?
Was I a kid before Caller ID?

27. Ever been on a train?
Yes - several times

28. Brown or white eggs?
I don't discrminate - I do try to buy Organic ones though

29.Do you have a cell phone?
yes - it is old and barely functional

30. Do you use chap stick?
The brand? No. Have I been accused of being a little zelous with my purchase and use of non-colored lip stuff? Maybe.

31. Do you own a gun?
Checks purse...nope

32. Can you use chop sticks?
No - can I? Yes. Forks are much better food delivery systems.

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
ThePrincess

34. Are you too forgiving?
Ask my enemies...

35. Ever been in love?
OH YEAH.....Chocolate Ice Cream!

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow?
Not sure. Mr. M will be camping. In the rain. I will not be.

37. Ever have cream puffs?
Yes

38. Last time you cried?
When we picked ThePrincess up at camp, but I didn't let her see.

39. What was the last question you asked?
Did you receive the * (work related) from * (work related) or are they just into jacking you around?
I bet you wanna work with me too!

40. Favorite time of the year?
My Time!

41. Do you have any tattoos?
Nope.

42. Are you sarcastic?
Absolutely not. *snickers*

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
Nope

44. Ever walked into a wall?
Jeeze - are you trying to embarrass me.

45. Favorite color?
Orange

46. Have you ever slapped someone?
"Hands are for helping not for hurting" (thats what I tell kids when they hit, so obviously the answer is yes)

47. Is your hair curly?
Wavy

48. What was the last CD you bought?
Kenny Chesney something or other - that might've been a gift though.....not really sure

49. Do looks matter?
In what? Billiards? No

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
Couldn't in the past & I highly doubt that has changed.

51. Is your phone bill sky high?
Nope

52. Do you like your life right now?
Sure

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
TV was removed from the bedroom at the request of an occupant who is not me.

54. Can you handle the truth?
You can't handle the truth.

55. Do you have good vision?
As opposed to great vision - sure

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
I suppose - Hitler, Sadam Hussein, Mousalini,,,,it's not really that hard to get to 3 people

57. How often do you talk on the phone?
All the damn time.

58. The last person you held hands with?
My nephew the one of stubborness who is a FANTASTIC person for my sister to parent.

59. What are you wearing?
Capri jeans, my pink "fun police" sweater and some cute sandals

60.What is your favorite animal?
I will be going outside of the household animals so as not to hurt any feelings here.
I like Koala's very much.

61. Where was your default picture taken at?
It is an Avatar there was no photo session

62. Can you hula hoop?
Not the last time I checked

63. Do you have a job?
Yes I do.

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?
A Kalifornia Burrito at Zantigos

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
Oh YEAH!!!

That's it for me - have a good weekend and don't spill on the carpet.

Get Out of Jail Free Card - with more Morelli!

2009-06-25T11:50:00.006-05:00

I do feel as though I've been taking advantage of the Bloggers get out of jail card quite frequently, The Bullet Post. It isn't that I no longer have the power to put together a coherent post with thoughtful analysis and details, it is that I don't really have anything worthy of that kind of attention.

Not that the things I've put in bullets aren't worthy of attention, they are, just not in-depth analysis.

For instance this morning I spit coffee on the computer screen and keyboard when I was reading the latest entry from Margaret & Helen.

Imagine a world where women were in control of governments. Children would never go without health care. Corporate executive bonuses and private jets would happen only after corporate day care centers and meaningful maternity leave were paid for. Birth control would be free and Viagra would be priced based on the going rate for a barrel of oil. And by that I mean to say the price would go up and down without making any sense – much like the penis in question.

Now, I have to admit, I don't believe that two old ladies are responsible for this content; but I don't care. They make me laugh on a pretty regular basis and when it comes to politics we could use a laugh or two million.

Speaking of 2 million - Dollars -
It is Budget time at the Widget Factory! Oh, What Fun!

We are just now beginning to go through the current budget with a fine tooth comb in an effort to explain why we haven't met the income goals that were set a year ago. I have been told that "the economy sucks ass and nobody wants new widgets right now" is not a valid reason. I'm not sure how many variations of this explanation I can come up with before I storm (after a long flight to his posh office in a posh city) into the big guys office & ask him to shove the large budget breakdown binder up his ass.

I wouldn't really do that last thing, he's actually a pretty nice guy & recently told me what a gold star employee I am. Also, that binder up the back end thing may have negative repercussions during salary review time.

I have 40 free prints due me from Shutterfly. This is very exciting but also very stressful because I have way more than 40 photos to print. Not quite 2 million, but it does feel pretty close.
How does one decide what photos to print?
Do I choose one subject & stick with it?
Do I balance them evenly amongst the different areas?
Do I just give up and say screw those 40 prints and walk away with nothing because I can't handle the stress?
Do I just choose 40 pictures of Jack & call it a day?

Jack does take a pretty good picture

I have a hard time writing sympathy cards. I have one right in front of me that needs to go in the mailbox today & I don't know what to write....and signing my name alone is not enough - there must be a note. This is totally unrelated to anything just something on my mind.

Do you know what else is on my mind (brace yourselves) The Real Housewives of New Jersey. I have been watching my backlogged shows as much as possible (and not reading) because they keep making the news (okay, gossip) and I don't want to know what happens before I get a chance to see it. I can't stand spoilers - and my life has been filled with them:

Tara Lipinski wins the Olympic gold medal in figure skating - on the damn radio with no warnings that they were going to do that , no "turn your volume down" NOTHING.
The Pivotal plot ending of The 6th Sense - also given away on the radio without warning.
Who won Survivor Africa - the internet - I opened my browser and WHAM! it's Ethan.

So, I can only think of 3 right now, but there have been others and I am totally opposed to them and work hard to avoid them. So, whatever you do, until you hear different, do not talk to me about the Real Housewives of New Jersey - I have 2 episodes to go and am hopeful that by this time tomorrow I will know it all so I can read the gossip.

I'm not usually a fan of paparazzi or gossip or any of that stuff so it is really unlike me to be interested in this stuff - but these are grown women who have chosen to throw themselves into the public eye for me to scrutinize so I think maybe I'm allowed a little unfettered gossip on this one. Also - I keep hoping Morelli will show up......

Guess what I'm getting today.......

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I promise not to publish any spoilers - maybe just a teaser...

Oh Noes - Just Toes!

2009-06-24T13:44:00.003-05:00

Breaking News!

A heinous crime was discovered yesterday afternoon in the bedroom of ThePrincess. The impossibly cute yet standoffish feline resident, code name "Benny", was seen missing his body.

Or more accurately, only two legs and a tail were seen.
Closer inspection of the cuteness of his toes....

caused the photographer to forget where the hell she was going with this.

Could've been the heat.

A Different Kind of Muesing For Monday

2009-06-22T15:47:00.002-05:00

Am I the only one who is sick to death with the media blitz being given to JK+8 or Jon&Kate Love to Hate? I watched the show briefly when it was first on and after a few episodes was so turned off by the personalities I turned it off permanently ~ same thing for the Little People Big World show. I am very hopeful that whatever tonight's big announcement is - like we don't really have an inkling - that all of the publicity will be DONE and our news programs can go back to discussing important world events...like Tehran.

Hatchette Book Group is offering download eBook Forever Titles for $1.99 during its Sizzling Summer Reads promo for June, July, and August. Theses titles are available in June:

A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore
My Wicked Enemy by Carolyn Jewel
Between the Sheets by Robin Wells
Too Far Gone by Marliss Melton

You can get any of them from Books On Board (and sometimes a wee bit cheaper)

I made a trip to Costco on Sunday and while there got to play with 3 different net books. I liked the little HP the best - except for the 3 hour battery life. I'm hoping to get a good look at Dell's model as I've discovered I can get a discount through work.

True to my Minnesotan form I did spend a lot of time in an ice rink on Saturday. Twice I went outside to "warm-up" from spending too much time in the ice arena and discovered that it didn't matter how cold I got it was so HOT outside I would almost sweating just thinking about going out there. Today, when running carpool, the bank clock stated the temperature as 94 degrees ~ guess things have warmed up for summers official arrival.

I am starting to get used to this new summer schedule - and am thankful that the phone calls from the kids during office hours are few and far between. Actually, I'm not sure if that's really a good thing. Would anyone happen to know what it is those two are doing????

Are you taking a super fun summer vacation in Minnesota (or have you lately?) Got a great photo showing you or a family member at your favorite Minnesota destination? Submit the photo and you could win a $1,000 Visa gift card, a four-night getaway to Caribou Highlands Lodge, a Minnesota Historical Society one-year household membership, and winning photo published in Star Tribune and on StarTribune.com. Details HERE

In other Money news - a search by the CursingMotorycle household didn't yield any unclaimed funds for us - but you may be in luck...give Treasury Hunt® a try and let me know if you're a finder!

This isn't the only place I mused today - I also mused in a library way over at Not So Humble Opinions....

Friday Night Fights

2009-06-19T15:03:00.001-05:00

This is a lot like bullets - only I'm calling them "hits" - hence the title....

Keri is counting down and making final preparations for her 15 Hour Walk in the Hudson Relay For Life. Help Keri Kick Cancer in the Ass and reaching her $1,500 goal by donating Here!

Katie at KatieohKatie Blogs is planning a trip to Minneapolis & Duluth - she'd love to hear about attactions she can't miss including the best yarn shops. Minnesota Bloggers surely won't let her down! She'll take your advice Here!

Speaking of Knitting! Author Barbara Bretton is holding a June Contest and the lucky winner will receive a signed copy of CASTING SPELLS and JUST DESSERTS, plus a $25 gift certificate/card to Amazon.com. Enter HERE

Still feeling lucky?

To celebrate the release of LUCKY STREAK Author Carly Phillips is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card! Enter HERE

It's got a good cover...

One More....
Author Leanne Banks is offering one lucky winner an autographed copy of UNDERFO OT and a Leanne Banks FOOTL OOSE book bag. Enter HERE

Usually my commute is filled with mini-vans, suv's and the typical beige sedan -
this week has been different

I am still perfecting my photo while driving skills

This weekend is the Minnesota Street Rod Associations 36th Annual Back To The 50's Weekend at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds. This makes an awesome something special to do with Dad for Fathers Day that doesn't include fish guts.

I won't be attending the big car show this weekend.... nope......instead I'll be doing something about at Minnesota as you can get for a fine summer weekend.......I'll be spending a big chunk of it in an ice rink.

Never Too Much

2009-06-19T07:27:00.000-05:00

As you may be able to easily guess my time on the road allowed for the opportunity to read
I read a lot. So much in fact that Mr. Motorcycle wanted to know if I realized it was possible to get too much of a good thing.

I've been thinking about his statement and have decided that the beauty of reading is that I'm not really getting too much of a good thing...it's a lot like knitting in that way. There is a definate beginning and end; and, no matter how many different books I pick up (or knitting projects) no two are the same.

Although they can be a lot alike.....a pair or socks or mittens.....maybe something in a series.....

After getting hooked on Stephanie Bond's Body Mover Series by Chris I found myself on a personal mission to get up to speed on Carlotta, Wesley, Cooper and Jack. I don't really care much for Peter so his piece of the storyline was not something that kept me coming back for more. I think I'm rooting for Jack.....

Title: Three Men and A Body
Author: Stephanie Bond
Publisher: Mira Books
Genre: Fiction, Mystery & Romance
Pages: 320

IndieBound
BooksOnBoard

Synopsis:

When hunky body mover Cooper Craft invites Carlotta along for a VIP body pickup in Florida how can she refuse? Sure Cooper has more than body moving in mind - but so does Carlotta....

Title: Four Bodies and a Funeral
Author: Stepanie Bond
Publisher: Mira Books
Genre: Fiction, Mystery & Romance
Pages: 320
On Sale: April 2009

IndieBound
BooksOnBoard

Synopsis:

Fresh off the disaster of VIP body moving a serial killer with an unsettling signature starts targeting women in Atlanta. Nobody is safe and it appears everyone is a suspect, even those you'd least expect.

Title: Five Bodies to Die For
Author: Stephanie Bond
Publisher: Mira Books
Genre: Fiction, Mystery & Romance
Pages: 320
On Sale: May 2009

IndieBound
BooksOnBoard

Synopsis:

Caught up in the terror of the Charmed Killer and the turmoil of accusations Carlotta takes up residence in Peter's house for her safety. Whether the high buck suburban neighborhood with gated entrances and fancy security systems can provide the protection she needs remains to be seen.

Title: Six Killer Bodies
Author: Stephanie Bond
Publisher: Mira Books
Genre: Fiction, Mystery & Romance
Pages: 320
On Sale: June 2009

IndieBound
BooksOnBoard

Synopsis:

With her haphazardly constructed world and new odd ball family falling apart Carlotta has a lot of work to do to put things back together. Someone's been arrested as the Charmed Killer, someone is battling addiction, and then The Charmed Killer goes in for the final kill.

My Review:
Obviously I liked this series enough to get caught up to date in a very short period of time. The story lines move quickly, even with The Charmed Killer trilogy taking place over three books, the dialog is fantastic, and the intrigue is top notch. My only problem was the repetitive "catch us up" passages - where we are given bits and pieces of back story over and over again. I have to say although the back story might help you jump in mid series there is no way it will live up to reading the whole thing. Overall 3 Stars because it kept me coming back for more (and whining for miles over the forgotten book 6) BUT has me seriously concerned the publisher (Mira Books) may not be picking up the seventh book...Which will leaves the reader hanging with the ending from Six Killer Bodies - a big no no for me.

Books 1 & 2 reviewed

Cross Posted at my review blog NotSoHumbleOpinions

It's Windy Out There!

2009-06-18T12:01:00.000-05:00

You had to know, after yesterday, that there would be more.
I can't spend 40-45 hours in the car and not have more.
Even though I read a lot of books (I'm thinking about 6)

But First!
What the heck has happened to the price of gas? It wasn't that long ago I thought maybe we would have some breathing room in the automotive fuel budget and then in a matter of days - WHAMO! that breathing room was totally eliminated. The Associated Press is reporting that gas has risen every day for 51 days.....and that a gallon of gas costs $0.37 more than it did a month ago. It was $2.59 a gallon at the station on the corner this morning.

If you live in the Minnesota area you may be a little fascinated by the two local businessmen that have fallen from grace lately. I never had any personal or business interactions directly with Tom Petters so I can't say much about him...but I can tell you that I did meet Denny Hecker a few times and quite frankly - not impressed. I have quietly watched his empire crumble over the last months all the while feeling horrible for the people who he burned.... Yesterdays raids of his remaining dealerships and offices makes this all the more interesting.

This particular lot was emptied and closed months ago -

but yet the sign manages to hang on

It's a lot like those childhood stories that have a moral lesson at the end.

*****************************

More about my trip......see, staying current and yet fulfilling the promises I made regarding my trip......I saved some road thoughts that had nothing to do with the actual road but relate to my time on the road....

Windmills!

Totally not what you saw coming is it?

There are a darn lot of windmills in Paw Paw and greater Paw Paw area.

The name Paw Paw and the signage signaling its proximity & exit caused me to giggle a lot because that is what one of my nephews calls my dad.

Paw Paw wasn't the only place we saw windmills -they were outside Normal too.
Dying to know if you have to pass some kind of test to live in Normal or if they just let any old person in.

We're pretty sure our current HOA would object, but we'd like to have one of our own

That probably wouldn't keep us from living in Normal though, because there were more than 20 miles of them just outside Normal. So, wanting a windmill is okay in Normal.

Does the phrase "just outside of Normal" make you giggle like it made me giggle in the car?

Was it the fact that I had been in the car for DAYS ON END without free access to the internet and the bathroom along with other of lifes basic needs that caused me to take this video of my favorite windmill sideways for you?

Can you hear it "whosing"

I may have broken some trespassing laws to bring you that video...

Also - do you notice how big these things are? They make really big trees appear teeny tiny.

And my butt looked a lot smaller too up next to it -
but I didn't take a picture of that.....

On The Road...Again and Again

2009-06-17T12:16:00.010-05:00

First & Foremost! Thank you for all of the wonderful birthday messages yesterday. I am still trying to come to grips with the fact that this is my final year of the thirty's ~ but am feeling better when considering that my oldest child will graduate from high school before I hit the big four - oh....VERY likely making me the youngest mom at the ceremony next spring.

I like being the youngest mom more and more every year......although once Gameboy is no longer in high school and ThePrincess is there I may have some competition for the youngest mom title - but I will still have most of them beat and I bet I will be the youngest mom when it comes to the last child in school...so there. (No, I have no aging issues...why do you ask?)

Second & Foremost! As I updated yesterday The Big Yellow Dog is feeling much better and we are very relieved. Still not 100% certain what brought on his sudden change in behavior (and he is refusing to talk) but he received a clean (for age 10) bill of health. His shots are up to date, we are watching something that is currently not anything but still needs to be monitored, and the bald spot on his chest is itching him something fierce.

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As I mentioned last week I was spending a lot of time in the car. So much time in fact that I was able to read several books, balance the check book, take care of some kid sports business, knit, discuss a bunch of family stuff with Mr. M., and I even had a nap.

* We traveled approximately 2,350 miles and spent somewhere in the neighborhood of 40 to 45 hours in the car.

No where near my home

* We slept in 3 different hotel rooms and attempted to relax our aching muscles in 3 different hot tubs.

One down - two to go...

* Ate way too much restaurant food and drank way too many gas station cappuccinos...and coincidentally (not really) spent a lot more money than I had planned on....

All of this was done in the name of parenting a child with big dreams & aspirations in life and I wouldn't change it for the world.

With all that time on my hands and a myriad of traffic situations and cultural differences along the way I even managed to come up with some things that I thought were blogable... Aren't you lucky!

** If your grandma is driving a red Toyota Prius with Wisconsin plates....it might be time to take a look at her driving skills. She drove the wrong way down that freeway ramp like it was a 2 way street and made a very bizarre right hand turn from the ramp onto I-94. (I wish I was kidding - I am not)

** Crusin' Chubby's is exactly the kind of place you'd think it is....but they think they're "gentlemen"

** I want to know how fast an ambulance can go.....because we did a pretty good job of keeping up with them.

** Forgetting my book on the bathroom counter at home will cause me to whine about it for a good long time even though I have several more books packed. (It was the 6th book in the Body Movers Series and I was about 3/4 of the way through so I thought about it for approximately 1,175 miles)

** I can knit to take my mind off the book I was hoping to read.

** Forgetting my directions for the toe-up sock was disappointing; as I had just reached the pivotal heel area whatsit. Since I've never done the heel whatsit from toe-up, I don't own a mobile Internet device and I don't have anyones numbers programed into my ancient mobile phone I was stuck looking at said sock.

** Premie hats don't take to terribly long to finish and they are really cute.....
They are also scary small and kinda take my breath away when I think of a baby being THAT small.

Knit Picks Shine Sport in Butter - maybe 1/3 to 1/2 of a skein...

** "Slower Traffic Keep Right" means different things to different people. Apparently so does the term "slower"

** We never take ThePrincess to waterparks and this is apparently a torture so great that it requires tears in the telling.

** Not sure if I built up the dining experience I was expecting to a place that was unattainable, but this stop was totally not worth it.
Knowing my Moose thing, this was yet another disappointment on the road. Also, for the record - 2,300 miles and that was the only place I saw a Moose.

** I dreamed up a new header while on the road....now I just have to make it happen. I'm really excited about it. Probably more excited than is really worthy but you know....I like me some headers & tag lines and such....

Speaking of car insurance (nice segway) ....the subject came up that Mr. Motorcycle is listed as the primary driver of the Official CursingMama Mobile when in fact he would rather walk to Key West Florida (which is approximately 1,960 miles) on his hands and knees than drive the Official CursingMama Mobile with any regularity (oh it is fun trying to explain why it is always his turn to drive to the cabin so I can passenger my way there every time).

My response Mr.M's inquiry Word-For-Word:

"I know why you are listed as the primary driver of the Official CursingMama Mobile. Because even though it is a totally sucky way to do business - they give the person with the worst driving record to the car with the highest rates. Even though you drive it next to never and I drive it recklessly* all the fucking time. You probably don't want to let them know that I'm reckless like that"

*not really - just part of the time - like when I'm listening to the radio

So, if you are fortunate enough to have a 1956 Corvette Convertible in your life (I may hate you)
AND a 16 year old boy with a 1.75 GPA & a lead foot - he will be listed as the primary driver. Even though he wouldn't even be allowed to look at the car much less sit in it or goodness forbid, back it out of the garage.

Unless you are in the DWI & Traffic Violation Hall of Fame - then you win and totally don't deserve that car.

Also, I still can not believe that I had to say

"You are not buying a motorcycle in Indiana"

You should know he followed it up by asking

"Does that mean I can buy a motorcycle in Minnesota?"

Which I cracked back with

"If you sell the one you've got"

And the subject was dropped. I expect it will be resuscitated at some point because he has really pimped that ride within an inch of it's life and now all that's left is to ride it and I think he enjoys dreaming up the pimping and doing the pimping as much as the actual riding.

The Best Laid Plans Lead to Something Better.

2009-06-16T10:26:00.006-05:00

Yesterdays list of things to do included posting (which never happened) and doing some prep work for today's post (which also never happened).

You see in my little world today is somewhat of a big day, the kind of day I typically like to let slide with little fanfare and certainly with little recognition. But, I had these plans for what I wanted to post, but it was going to take me some time to put it all together and yesterdays lunch hour was to be the perfect time.....

And then someone I love very much started showing signs of not feeling well......

I wouldn't play and sometimes when I walked I cried a little bit ~ Harley

So I took some time off to make a special trip to the doctor to make sure that all was well

The doctor shaved my chest and did all sorts
of things I'd really rather not talk about.

I did like the part where he said he wasn't seeing anything to "freak out about" ~Harley

That was the part I liked too ~ CursingMama

We are waiting for some final test results but it looks like everything will be fine. (crossing of fingers and other things would not be discouraged) I might have shed a tear or two in fear and I am freaking out waiting for the final test results which should come today.

She talks about my bathroom habits all the time,

why won't she talk about his trip to the vet? ~ Jack

Our love of the Big Yellow Dog is pretty overwhelming. He's only been with us for a few short months but he has been winning hearts all over the place. I know that not everyone has the right kind of home for a Big Yellow Dog of their own but I also know that everyone can still do something to help out Big Yellow Dogs who are anxiously waiting for their furever homes.

Beyond your daily clicking (do you see that I even have a little link up in the header for clicking?) (you are still clicking and free ricing aren't you?)

The Animal Rescue Site is also hosting a $100,000 Shelter+ Challenge and all you have to do is click a little bit more to help Big Yellow Dogs!

All the extra directions are available at RAGOM.ORG (the official Big Yellow Dog Rescue of CursingMama) if you need them - but basically after you click for free food you scroll down and then click for the shelter challenge - hopefully choosing Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota as your favorite shelter.

Harley & I would really appreciate the extra clicks......and we can call it my birthday present.

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Hopefully yesterdays intended post will appear magically tomorrow and then maybe I can talk about what I was going to talk about today on Thursday....or something....we'll see.

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Super Awesome vet report ~ Harley is healthy as can be expected for an old man like him... he is nearly 10. The tests reveal that he is good to go & probably just over did his weekend of fun with Gameboy & Grandpa. Needless to say The Big Yellow Dog, Mr. Motorcycle, Gameboy, ThePrincess and I are feeling pretty happy. And relieved!

There just might be an extra treat for everyone tonight after dinner!

Time Crunch

2009-06-11T14:23:00.005-05:00

I'm not sure if my silence here and around the blogosphere is a good thing or a bad thing, but the fact of the matter is I have so much to say and so little time to say it.

The busy status of my office work has ratcheted up and conincides with a requirement that I spend a lot of time in the car. How much time in the car? Enough time that I recently said the following when Mr. M. slowed to take a peek at two motorcycles for sale along side the road

"You are not buying a motorcycle in Indiana"

I checked a map and I don't even live anywhere near Indiana.
forgot the camera cord so photos will be forthcoming another day

So the driving thing has taken up a lot of time which has taken some time away from the busy office and the busy home and left me with a big old pile of stuff to handle (AGAIN!) which keeps me from my lovely internet escapades.

The vegetable garden isn't planted yet
I'm still researching the cat litter issue
My ability to knit is still compromised and therefore to avoid unnecessary pain (because car butt pain was enough) I haven't been car knitting -this is sad
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that all of my car knitting in the past has apparently given me the ability to car read - I have a lot of books to talk about but haven't had the time to formulate the thoughts appropriately.

I stumbled upon this Blogthings Quiz and have decided to take offense at what it is implying:

You Are A Little Snobby

Being a little snobby every once and a while is totally allowed.

If no one was ever snobby, people wouldn't try to better themselves.

While you enjoy the finest things in life (that you can afford), you do tire of superficiality.

You know there's more to life than what's just on the surface.

Are You Snobby?

My results have surely been tainted by my real life shyness affliction and my desire to not eat fast food ever again because from all the car travel I have eaten enough fast food for the next 12 years.

There may be a BIG need to begin the dreaded 30 day shred again....just saying.

Of course my indignation wasn't so strong that this quiz went unnoticed........

Are You A Sociopath?

must be the VAMPIRE Book I read in the car. (Emphasis for Chris)

Of course my results aren't quite as visual as the lady with what I'm assuming are fangs....

You Are 28% Sociopath

From time to time, you may be a bit troubled and a bit too charming for your own good.

It's likely that you're not a sociopath... just quite smart and a bit out of the mainstream!

Are You A Sociopath?

But still, not totally undisturbing.

The Litterbox Chronicles

2009-06-09T14:05:00.006-05:00

Do you remember (I'm stretching here) when I went on my personal Be Greener Initiative?
(not green like Kermit, green like environmentally friendly)

Well, I did and I am pleased to report that we are continuing to be mindful of what we buy, what we throw, and what we recycle. I get a good case of the guilts if I buy something whose container or packaging can not be recycled... I still have more guilt than I feel like I should; but I am limited to a certain extent when it comes to packaging. I've got a good supply of reusable shopping totes which I remember to use 85% of the time and I have worked harder to rid my home of toxic cleaning supplies.

As part of the Green Initiative I decided to involve all members of the family, including the zoo.

Harley got off easy

His main environmental offense was poo bags
& those were switched to biodegradable bags.

Jack & Benny didn't fair so well. Standard issue clay cat litter does not fall under the "environmentally responsible" category.

Is she really talking about my bathroom habits again? ~ Jack

All of my reasons and thoughts about the big switch are in a post titled

Please, lets not have Protest Pooping

which was soon followed up with

Poop Central wherein I declared the litter lemony and failed to follow-up more than that.

After giving the litter a fair shot I just couldn't for the life of me deal with either the overwhelming lemon scent (which grew rather than dissipated as time went on) or the tracking of corn husk dust everywhere.

That dust/litter stuck to the big furry bodies of Jack & Benny better than velcro - and they left it everywhere. I don't know about you, but I was not thrilled to find kitty litter on the kitchen counters, in my favorite nappin blanket, or in the bathroom sink.

Needless to say Arm & Hammer Essentials did not pass the CursingMama test and was promptly stamped "FAIL" leaving me to figure out WTF to do next. I knew I couldn't take such a big bold step like I had the last time and think that Jack & Benny would miss the chance to protest poop again.

Lucky for me I found a box of this sitting on the shelf right next to the Undesireable Lemon Scented Corn Husk Dust of Doom. (ULSCHDoD)

I took a box of each home & began introducing the Feline Pine scoop into the ULSCHDoD slowly & methodically to improve my chances of avoiding protest pooping. Once the transition was complete I evaluated the Feline Pine Scoop and was pleased with the scent and reduced tracking - but the clumps just didn't hold together well enough for a box that gets the kind of use & abuse my boys give.

Back to the drawing board.....and the grocery store......I looked down and saw this....

Same light pine smell - no tracking - slowly introduced....I think we have a winner.

It is unlike anything I have ever used before (you scoop the solids and the liquid disintegrates the peletts & you leave that go until its time to change which I do about every 5 to 7 days) so it took a little while to get used to it...now we're wondering if we couldn't just flush the solids & dump the box into the compost bin rather than the garbage can...so I do have some more research work to do..

Crap - literally. If you want to try FelinePine here's some incentive

I thought maybe it was time to check my Green IQ - 62!!

to share a link for a place to recycle your rechargeable batteries....

Call2Recycle

and a link for a place to donate your old cell phones so they don't end up in the landfill

CollectiveGood

Mischief

2009-06-05T14:13:00.008-05:00

It is a little late for me here on a Friday, but the busyness I've been mentioning repeatedly is, once again, to blame.

Do you remember back during Mothers Day weekend I posted an essay by Claire Shipman and Katty Kay called Mothers Day Redefined? I finished reading their book Womenomics and have reviewed it over on my review blog Not So Humble Opinions - you knew about the review blog right? Anyway - would make a great college graduation gift or a gift for someone returning to the workforce - or someone in the workforce... I liked it.

Guess what this is....

Home of my favorite all purpose office supply
The Post It Note

I took that picture earlier today
to demonstrate my level of busyness.
See how I was moving quickly in the car and
didn't even have time to stop and take
a decent picture of the Post It Note Place.
Some of you may know it as 3M
or Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing
or the tape people...

I also took this one from the new I694 / 35E interchange

I'm really happy that interchange was not only totally rebuilt - but that it is all now open and free flowing. Well, except for those people we are not so good with the driving. Notice I am speeding along, but not speeding.

My family has been going through
this cereal like it is going out of style.

I'm sharing because it is Gluten Free
and certain readers may not have seen
this on the grocery shelves.

Speaking of food - have you seen Taste Spotting?

Maybe I've shared it before -
I like to go peek and see what other people are having for dinner, dessert and drinks when I feel uninspired but have time to cook.

The weather will be spectacularly craptastic here in Minnesota this weekend so it is not a weekend to go to the lake and enjoy strawberry margaritas....wonder what kind of trouble I can get myself into...might even take a picture or two....

Ingredient Spotting

2009-06-04T09:25:00.001-05:00

Help!

Anyone local (that would be the entire Twin Cities Metro Area) know where a certain someone you know and love (okay making assumptions here) can get her hands on "2 plump stalks of lemongrass"?

Is it even in season?
Can I grow it in my garden?
Would I be able to track it down at the Farmers Market?

My regular grocery options are limited when it comes to produce; I'm wiling to make a trek to get what I need but I also don't have the time to go from one store to the next trying to find "2 plump stalks of lemongrass"

I suppose I could call the various Asian Grocers and ask if they have "2 plump stalks of lemongrass" but I don't think I'll have much luck because I have a VERY difficult time ordering Vegetable Egg Foo Young. I know, it's not something I'm proud of; but the Asian accent is one I have a difficult time with - even though I have vast experience with it. Sad but true.

Maybe you are wondering why in heck I am searching for "2 plump stalks of lemongrass".....

Its for Spicy Lemongrass Chicken, something I've never attempted to make before but happens to be one of Mr. Motorcycle's favorite foods.

Here's another recipe that has promise (with beautiful pictures)... hmmmm

This could be interesting & tasty indeed.

I'm not gonna let'em win

2009-06-03T15:35:00.005-05:00

Yesterdays lull in busyness was not long lived. Once again, I was totally unprepared for what this day has brought.

What I would like to know today is who has all this time to make mischief just for me? I don't go around setting up mischief for anyone else so why am I being targeted? A person can only take so much before they start giving....

But - I don't have a category for WTF Wednesday or Whining Wednesday so I guess I'll have to buck up, paste on a smile and find something to smile about.... which won't really be that hard because I just read a book by Carol Leifer, who happens to be a comedian and all I have to do is think about the book to get the giggles - and remember not to fret about the small stuff.....

Title: When You Lie About Your Age The Terrorists Win Reflections on Looking in the Mirror
Author: Carol Leifer
Publisher: Villard Books
Genre: Non-fiction, Memoir
Pages: 208
On Sale: March 10, 2009
Authors Website
IndieBound
BooksOnBoard

Synopsis:

Comedy veteran Leifer tells hilarious stories about herself, in her laugh-out-loud literary debut that looks at life, love, family, and the aging process.

My Review:

Note that this book is not all fun and games, because it isn't. No, When You Lie About Your Age the Terrorists Win is also a lot about growing up, figuring out who you are, and being happy with it. Carols thoughts, insights and and honesty are not only fun & funny to read; but also touching and often heart warming.

If you are even questioning whether this little number is for you may I suggest you read this Excerpt which was provided to me for your enjoyment:

A Dozen Things Men Should Know (But Most Don't)

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Disclosure: In exchange for reading and reviewing this book I received a copy of my very own!

The Leaning Tower of Cursing Mama

2009-06-02T14:43:00.010-05:00

OH MY GOODNESS has it been busy at the Widget Factory this week. I'm not sure what has caused this wide reaching string of busyness but I was totally unprepared for it.

Completely & totally blind sided.

In moments when I have had time to possibly show you what I am hopefully (oh please let the lull last) about to show you I have had people in close proximity and between you and me I was so not in the mood to try and explain why I had pictures such as these up on my computer screen. I'm sure you understand.

So - Rock Stacking 101 - Step by Steb

1.) Order new camera
2.) Receive new camera from nice UPS man
3.) Go buy XD card because they never come with that
4.) Charge battery - duh

5.) Turn to page 9 in your text books...

I mean The Double Daring Book for Girls

6.) Try to explain to your husband why you are about to mess with his pile of rocks which he has now magically deemed a "sculpture"

Mr.Motorcycles Rock Sculpture

"It's for the blog" is apparently not sufficient explanation to mess with someones sculpture.

7.) After photographing the sculpture so that you may return it to its previous state begin building. Note that you are not allowed to use glue.

8.) Start off basic and try to not draw too much attention to yourself.

This is harder than it looks and
this tower could go at any moment

9.) Be bold! Be Brave! Go to new heights!!!

Kinda looks like a person don't you think?

10.) Take it even higher!

Nobody MOVE!!!
Yes, I realize its not that much higher - but it is higher!

11.) Attempt to recreate the "sculpture" now that you've messed with every single one of these rolly polly rocks

12.) Receive a look that tells you that your sculpting abilities are sub-par and be banished from ever playing with rocks again.

Oh well..... there are plenty of other activities to keep me busy anyway.

How Many Days Till Friday?

2009-06-01T14:44:00.001-05:00

With the new Purse Camera's delivery on Friday I suppose you are hoping for photos of Mr. Motorcycle and I dressed up in our finery from the great big charity event on Friday - sadly the camera was not delivered in time for us to partake of a photo shoot or to have it travel along on my tiny tiny jeweled purse so I have no photos to share.

It is true, that I could have possibly taken photos with the big camera but I didn't think of it until after. But, even after 4 big glasses of red wine, I know better than to document the "after". That would be one of those lessons learned at college.

The whole family was dressed up in finery yesterday, and I do have some photo's but the current policy prohibits the publishing of face photos so it will take some doctoring to get to that point.... I'm pretty sure that there aren't any photos of me since I was the one running the camera anyway.

That is something I need to work on personally - allowing others to hold the camera and allowing my picture to be taken with and for my children. I have so very few photos of myself with my mother or my father....I need to work on that too.

In between all of my social duties this weekend I did glamorous things like hunting and gathering for the family, making sure everyone had clean clothes for today, and stacking rocks.
I'm pretty wiped out.
I am ready for Friday now.....
On second thought, I am going out of town this weekend and I haven't really done what I need to for that so I'm not really ready for Friday at all.

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If I can get 5 minutes of privacy I will post the rock stacking pictures I promised on Friday -

I Double Dog Dare You!

2009-05-29T12:53:00.004-05:00

When I was a kid I did all sorts of things that I can not for the life of me remember how to do. There were those hand clapping games with rhymes (Say-Say Oh Playmate is the only one I remember but there were quite a few), there were jump roping games, we made cootie catchers and folded notes to each other in super secret ways. All of these childhood memories are happy ones, but they also all lack details. Details like how to play different games and who it was that taught them to me. When I happened upon the Pocket Daring Book for Girls Things To Do at my local bookseller last summer I was immediately entranced and knew we had to have it in our house. It held the secrets to many of the games I played as a child.

That book has gotten quite a work out over the last year, and although it isn't nearly exhausted I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get my hands on the newest addition to the Daring series..

Title: The Double-Daring Book for Girls
Authors: Andrea J. Buchanan, Miriam Peskowitz
Publisher: William Morrow (Harper Collins)
Genre: Non-fiction YA
Pages: 288
On Sale: March 24, 2009
Authors Website
*A great place to peek at the book & get a few free ideas to give you a good feeling for what this book holds!

IndieBound

BooksOnBoard

Synopsis:

The eagerly anticipated follow-up to the bestselling phenomenon The Daring Book for Girls is an even more daring guide to everything from making a raft to learning how to play football to the art of the Japanese Tea ceremony. This second volume, with all new original material, promises to be even more of a daring adventure than the first. Girls will learn how to surf, get horseback riding tips, make a labyrinth, find out about April Fool’s Day history and pranks, how to organize a croquet tournament, find out about cowgirls, the Nobel Prize, being a detective and much more! Just as packed with creative and exciting material as the original, but twice as fun, this book will be beloved by all Daring fans everywhere!

My Review:
I had a rather difficult time trying to review this book, not because the book is anything but wonderful and amazing. No, I had to wrestle The Double Daring Book for Girls away from my daughter, ThePrincess. ThePrincess is a big fan of this book and has discussed at great length which activities she is going to attempt this summer and which ones she is going to use when baby sitting to keep the kids occupied & out of trouble.

If you are going to be stuck at home with children this summer I highly suggest you run out & get a copy of this book to use as your guide to summer fun - very few activities require any money or special gear - and there is such a wide variety you could fill every day this summer. Even those rainy ones.

I'm not sure how many ways I can say that this is an amazing book for girls anyone that knows a girl, boys and anyone that knows a boy - okay, ANYONE. From the moment The Double Daring Book for Girls arrived in our house it has been the thing to read. From Star Gazing to Quiling and how to play Cricket (and Lacrosse!) there are a lot of activities packed into this book. One activity that caught my eye is rock stacking.

You see we are a family of rock collectors - we have vases filled with agate's, we have large crystals and we have fossils. We also have some lovely granite specimens taken from the shores of Lake Superior, rounded smooth by the crashing waves of the lake I love so very much. (as an aside, when I am totally stressed out and can not handle things I will take one of these pieces of granite and hold it. If I happen to be away from home and the stress hits, I have a small polished agate to remind me that life is not all about the material things)

So - Rock Stacking. I have spent a little time studying our rounded rocks & with the help of
The Double Daring Book for Girls I think I may have a handle on the craft. (not unlike my masterful knitting skills!) This weekend I'm going to stack those granite beauties from Lake Superior - and with my new purse cam I'll show you the results on Monday.

Bet you can't stack better than me....double dog dare you.....

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Disclosure: In exchange for reading and reviewing this book I received a copy of The Double-Daring Book for Girls, which is no longer in my possession because some crazy 13 year old is off doing every activity she can.

Word Hot Dish

2009-05-28T10:03:00.006-05:00

Is the term "Hot Dish" something that is primarily a Midwestern thing or does hot dish transcend global boundaries? My favorite hot dish is a tomato based one with hamburger & elbow macaroni's - which my beloved German Grandmother called "Goulash" and considered "Italian" even though the name usually referred to a Hungarian dish and her's wasn't really much like the honest to goodness thing. (We had her ethnic eating all straightened out by the time I graduated from High School) Ironically her "recipe" (which she didn't actually have one and used a bizarre dump method for all cooking including cakes - and was a fantastic cook!) is very similar to the one Paula Deen calls Bobby's Goulash

It isn't really a culinary masterpiece, and I'm the only one in my house that craves it, so I don't get it often - but when I do.... YUM! I think I'm craving it now.

Based on the recommendations of Chris and now-bloggless Jeanne I ordered a new purse cam last week. My Olympus Stylus 1010 should arrive by Friday - just in time to be stowed in my purse for two fancy dress parties this weekend. (Ohh! I will feel very Ashton Kutcher only with an Olympus instead of a Nikon) Short of a bit of a tan, and a trip to the salon for a haircut and mani/pedi I'm all set for the parties with two whole different outfits. Since I've waited until the last minute for those last few details I'm going to have to wing it all on my own. Oops!

The fact that I have a lot of planning responsibilities for one of these parties isn't taking up oodles of my time or weighing on me at all. *eye roll*

I have quite a few more books on the burner that I want to share and, rather than dedicating a single entry to each book I thought I'd give a quick synopsis kind of update on each of them:

Body Movers - by Stephanie Bond. I received this from Chris and am passing it on to my mother who will surely love this new to us series. Carlotta Wren is a former pampered princess who had to give up her life of luxury when her father was indicted on fraud charges and skipped bail with her mother - leaving Carlotta penniless and charged with caring for her younger brother Wesley. 10 years later Carlotta finds herself working retail and not much else - until her brothers delinquent behavior brings her fathers case back into the spotlight, her former fiancee pops up and his new wife (one of Carlotta's best customers) drops dead. A fun, funny, and great story I couldn't wait to get my hands on -

Body Movers - 2 for the price of 1 - by Stephanie Bond. After working out those pesky murder charges that nearly cost her her life Carlotta should be in the clear but then someone steals her identity, her car, and winds up dead. How much can one girl take? It isn't too bad considering the cast of characters willing to help a girl out.... I've got the next book in this series qued up!

Out of This World - Jill Shalvis. My attempt to dip my toe in the paranormal/sci-fi contemporary novel pond. A fun, fast moving story surrounding a not your normal run of the mill bed & breakfast in Alaska - with super powers, heightened sexual awareness, and pirates you never know what is going to happen next.

There will be more, bigger better book reviews coming in the following few days. I hope that you aren't tiring of them, but with my knitting on the slow boat and my everyday life being not too terribly exciting or sharable books is what I have right now. And, I love books!

Is anyone else watching Real Housewives of New Jersey? I swear that I saw Stephanie Plum & Joe Morelli run by in an episode..... okay, not really. But! I have started my countdown to the release of Finger Lickin 15. It was supposed to be released on my birthday, but now the book has been pushed out 7 days to June 23rd.

I was surprised to hear that the book I reviewed yesterday A Map of the Known World wasn't available at quite a few libraries so I checked mine, and since sent in a request that they add A Map of the Known World to the shelves. I had thought of offering up my copy for raffle - but I think it would be best used if I donated it to the school library after The Princess gets her chance to read it. Hope you don't think me selfish.

A book I had to share

2009-05-27T11:12:00.001-05:00

It happens every once in a while. A book that is outside my typical genre and interest sneaks up on me, grabs hold, and refuses to let go. These are the books I cherish, the ones I think of when I can't sleep or when I'm sitting in traffic. These are the books I tell everyone to read right away. I've been lucky in books this year, it wasn't that long ago that I read just such a book, and now, I've finished another.

Title: A Map of the Known World
Author: Lisa Ann Sandell
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Genre: YA Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 272
On Sale: April 15, 2009
Authors Website

IndieBound

Synopsis:

Cora Bradley dreams of escape. Ever since her reckless older brother, Nate, died in a car crash, Cora has felt trapped in her small town. Her parents are increasingly overprotective, and even her best friend, Rachel, has begun to slip away.

So Cora seeks solace in art, drawing elaborate maps and envisioning herself in exotic locales. Then Cora’s maps lead her to something unexpected: to Damian, the handsome, brooding boy who was in the car with Nate the night he died. Cora forms a tentative bond with Damian—himself an artist—who reveals to her the truth about who her brother really was. As Cora begins to piece together the fragments of her life, she finds herself falling for Damian. But will she have the courage to follow the chart of her heart?

My Review:
I've had to sit with this book for more than a week to try and find some way to put into words how amazing this book was. A powerful and gripping story that reveals lifes truths and emotions in an effortless manner, it transcends age and should be read by anyone and everyone. Fantastic! Just make sure you have a few tissues handy.

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Disclosure: In exchange for reading and reviewing this book I received a copy from the publisher through GoodReads