Extremely Busy Week

Writing Status - Don't Ask
Mood - Frantic
Playing on itunes - Uprising by Muse

This week is going to be insane. I can already feel the noose tightening. I have to finish up the first round of edits on Eternity, host a fellow Loose Id author for ten questions (as well as a couple of other stories she's sharing, check back tomorrow!), write my monthly update for the websites, and finish up 3 blogs for the Dead tour.

For some reason, the "blogs" aren't coming along as well as they did last time. I'm simply not in the mood to write and my brain is refusing to cooperate. Hopefully, I'll be able to get a grip and get it out. If you happen to drop by my tour and the blog hosted is a bit ripe...well, you know why!

Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between releases next Sunday! I'll be on the Eternal Press loop to promo (with excerpts) on release day with my fellow authors. Consider dropping by and saying hello!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EternalPressReaders/

We will also have a live author's chat that evening and I'd love the support (I'm mortified of entering into no mans land alone!)

http://www.eternalpress.ca/LiveAuthorChats.html

Back to work! Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

Dead, Undead, Excerpt #2

In a little over a week, Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between releases at Eternal Press! As I promised last week, here is another excerpt from the story.

Excerpt #2

We rounded the corner in front of Beny’s Jewelry and I stopped. Goose kept walking, unaware that I saw something. A few steps ahead, and he whipped around, confusion changing to excitement. But I wasn’t paying attention to Goose, eyes drawn to someone else.

He stared at me just as I stared at him. His thick hair was dark, his skin barely transparent, and his eyes were the most amazing shade of green I had ever seen. He approached me, and unlike all the times before when I’d walk away, or turn in the other direction, I allowed him to.

“What do you see?” Goose asked anxiously.

“Gorgeous guy, in his thirties maybe, with dark hair and the most vivid green eyes.” My words were hoarse, my voice detached.

“Green eyes, that’s him!” Goose took my hand. The contact made me jump, but I didn’t break it. A strange undercurrent passed between us, a tiny vibration. He was silent a few seconds, then squeezed my fingers in a crushing grip. “My God, you can see them.”

I tore my gaze away from Baxter to stare at Goose. His eyes were wide in awe and wonderment.

“How do you see him now when you couldn’t before?”

“Your necromancy. You’re sharing it with me through physical contact.”

My attention returned to Baxter. His long white sleeves were covered in blood, as was his chest, which had been opened wide. The shirt dangled in ripped shreds around his torn flesh. His sternum was cracked, several ribs broken or missing, and his heart was gone, leaving nothing behind but empty red casing.

I swallowed back the bile rising to my throat.

“They took the heart.” Goose sounded repulsed.

“Look at his wrists.” I cringed, fighting nausea. The skin was ragged and raw. I could see white flashes of bone. “He was bound somehow. What kind of object can hold a vampire?”

“Holy ones,” he answered, equally horrified. “Anything blessed, especially silver, can keep them restrained. Once it’s on, they’re powerless.”

Baxter’s arm extended. The ripped skin splayed out as his hand rose palm up into the air.

“Touch him,” Goose instructed, giving me a shove but keeping contact with my right hand.

“Are you fucking insane?” I yelled in disbelief, yanking my hand free and turning on him.

“My attempts to establish contact through other mediums haven’t worked, and I don’t have the ability to communicate with him through physical contact. But you do, so touch him!” Goose explained anxiously. “Hurry up!”

“Oh man,” I whined. This was not what I wanted to do today. His face might be gorgeous, but his body was minced. Baxter was waiting, palm raised. I did the spider dance, extending my hand but pulling it back before we made solid contact.

This shit was beyond disgusting.

I held my breath and went for it, fingers sliding past until our palms touched. My hand molded into his as if he were a solid object. The skin was smooth, fingers long. I looked into his face, and garbled images flashed in my head.

A dark room, the hard concrete floor stained with blood, silver chains and knives, arms bound, cutting skin, breaking bone, unbearable pain, and then nothing. The images shifted. A bedroom painted lilac, white lace curtains, twin beds. Scratchy music from the record player as it skipped over one section and drowned out the muffled begging coming from the next room that turned to tear filled cries…

Yanking my hand free, I started to tremble—mind blank, thoughts incoherent—caught in something worse than my temper could ever be. I was suffocating in blind terror, unable to breathe. I bent at the waist, gagging and dry heaving. Something touched my shoulder, and I reacted defensively, grabbing the hand and twisting at the wrist. I maneuvered the arm around and up, forcing weight into the shoulder joint, pressing down.

“Rhiannon,” Goose screamed in pain. “Calm down! It’s okay!”

At first, I didn’t hear. My blood was pounding too loudly, chest heaving with adrenaline and fear. Slowly, my ears adjusted, and I could hear muted whispers. People were watching cautiously, afraid to intervene but too terrified to look away. Goose lay at my feet, his wrist and hand trapped in mine, forcing him to the ground.

I let go and stepped back, folding my arms to mask my trembling. I struggled to pull my shit together, taking measured breaths. Goose rose on unsteady feet, his white polo stained black from the dirty pavement. His usually tidy hair was uneven and messy around his temples.

“What happened?” he asked calmly, hands lifted harmlessly in the air.

A few witnesses stood around while I collected myself, and realizing the show was over, moved along. I glanced at Baxter. He stood waiting. For what, I had no idea.

After a tense minute, I cleared my throat. My voice came out shaken. “He was alive when they took his heart. He was—fuck, you know what I mean!”

Goose’s eyes widened in alarm. I’ve been around enough people to know spooked when I see it, and he was spooked as hell.

“What?” I barked. I didn’t go through those memories to be left hanging.

“This has black magic written all over it.” He peered at me as he started pacing erratically. “This is not good, not good at all. Harvesting organs while the victim is alive is reminiscent of voodoo magic.”

“You’ve got to be shitting me. Granted, what I’m about to say is very naïve, but voodoo magic? You can’t be serious.”

“How do you think we raise the dead? Do you think that just happens naturally? There’s a structured ritual to follow, and that includes magic. Necromancy is just one of the requirements. Voodoo works the same. There are catalysts to bring forth the magic, but the ritual and powers are still required to make it work.”

“So someone is killing vampires off for their organs? Who would be that stupid?” I was as edgy as hell. The concept of capturing vampires to collect hearts made me sick.

Someone who would willingly go against a force that powerful wouldn’t care if they lived or died.

“We need to go to my office. I need to do some digging and research.” Goose was deep in thought, fingers on his chin rubbing the skin as he contemplated where to start.

“Oh no.” I lifted my hands, stepped back, and shook my head. “I did what I promised. I’m taking my sorry ass home.”

I ran off the sidewalk and across the street. I didn’t stop when Goose asked me to reconsider, and I didn’t look back when he called my name. The constant thuds of my footsteps were the only sounds I cared about as I hauled ass to the L train and went home.

Overwhelmed

Writing Status - *Cringes*
Mood - Overwhelmed
Playing on itunes - Absolution by Muse

I have a confession to make -- I'm teetering on the brink of a meltdown.

It started out innocently enough. I decided to do a tour for Dead, Undead and contacted the wonderful people at Goddess Fish to get going. Within a week, it was a go. Then, I got the news...it was time to edit Eternity and a Day.

No problem, right? I can juggle three things at once (reviews, Dead, Eternity). Then, I got an email about Crimson Sunrise. As a new rule at TWRP it has to be sent out to two test readers before it can go to the Sr. Editor for contract consideration, so it may or may not be accepted.

Now, herein lies my problem.

When I submitted Crimson Sunrise, it was ROUGH (disastrously so). I told my editor this when I gave it to her. It's been very, VERY, loosely edited, and needs substantial revisions, building, etc. I figured I would get an idea if she liked the direction of the material (Crimson Moon was always intended to be the first story in a trilogy), and if not, tuck it away and forget about it. Now I know I need to get off my bohonkus and clean up the MS, give it some meat, and try to make an enjoyable story out of it. Knowing they might not accept it isn't the issue, but rather, I know I'll be saving myself one hell of a headache by getting this done now if they do.

That means I'll be juggling two stories for edits/revisions (Eternity and Sunrise), doing the tour, and slowing down on my reading (which is something I've known I have to do for a while now). It also tells me that all the writing I've been dying to start will be put on hold again, and it's extremely frustrating. I suppose this is what happens when you've horded MS's for six-months, only to send them out later at the same time.

Note to self: Write one book at a time and submit one at a time.

Does anyone have any helpful ideas on how to avoid this? Or if not, how do you deal with edits, promo, and finding the time to write?

Update on Fur Baby

Just a quick note for those who might miss it via Twitter or Facebook -- the results from the pathology are in and Ceasar does NOT have prostate cancer!

Thank.The.Lord.

We're currently trying to decide where to go next (kidneys have to be checked) but the surgeon said the anomaly was caused by an enlarged prostate on the X-ray.

Thanks for all the well-wishes and get well soon vibes!

Be sure not to miss Victoria's guest blog just below!

Dead, Undead, Excerpt

Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between releases in two weeks! I've decided to share snippets on the next two Friday's to let everyone get a sample of the story. It's got a blend of dark humor, snark, and a touch of romance.

Dead, Undead Excerpt:

The door to the BP scraped open with a shrill screech of metal, and my stomach heaved. I didn’t turn around to see who it was. My nose easily distinguished the floral smell of Paul Sebastian Design—Deena’s favorite perfume.

“Rhiannon.” Deena’s soft lilt echoed in my ears. “Hector said you’re still sick. Do you need anything?”

I turned my head slightly and called over my shoulder, “I’m fine, Deena. Go back inside. I’ll call you later.”

The door slammed shut, and I heard her heels clicking across the pavement. Double damn! She had come outside. Mr. Suckface seemed delighted by the shift in events; a smile spread across his face.

“I feel bad, asking you to come in,” Deena said, smiling at the tall, dark, handsome leech boy. She looked up and down his body and purred, “Is this a friend of yours?”

It figured. She would never think of dating someone inside the shit pit, but once she dipped outside, her freak was on.

“I’m Evan,” he greeted her casually, voice going husky.

Deena quit moving, as still and quiet as a stone monument.

“I wouldn’t recommend that,” I snapped. “Our bouncers will come looking for her. She’s the only bartender in the place tonight, and it won’t be long until she’s missed.”

“Then we should get going.” Evan turned and offered his arm. I glowered at the appendage, wishing super human strength was one of my newfound abilities so I could rip it off at the shoulder joint and knock him over the head. His smile widened and he lowered the arm, moving closer to Deena.

He extended his hand to touch the cheetah paw print tattoo that encircled her bicep, and I snarled, “Don’t you even think about it, asshole.” Reaching into my pocket, I wrapped my fingers around the carved beaded chain within.

He stepped away from her and approached me instead. His dark eyes flashed as he growled, “The first thing I’m going to work on is your attitude.”

“Take a number.” I dug out the rosary, griping the cross in my fingers. “There’s a long line.”

I extended my hand, beads cascading along my palm, and shoved it into his face.

I learned three important things in that instant. Father Rooney blessed my rosary perfectly, vampire flesh stinks like scorched plastic when it burns, and they are perfectly capable of screaming when it all goes down. His shout bounced off the brick walls in a blaring roar that seemed to carry from the pavement to the sky. He covered his face with his hands, bending over as shaking fingers accessed the damage.

I grabbed Deena’s arm. “We have to go inside, now Deena!” She staggered with each tug, unmoving and unresponsive.

The other two vampires rushed us. One snatched Deena, wrapping his arm around her neck. The other shoved me into the wall, cracking the base of my skull against the bricks. Evan reappeared, and he was pissed. The taste of rosary I’d bestowed left little connect-the-dot holes spaced along his face.

“That wasn’t an intelligent decision.” His long, white, canines gleamed. My attention stayed riveted on them. God they were huge, pointy and sharp.

The metal door to the club opened again.

“What the fuck? Butch!” Cletus barreled out, moving faster than a man that big should. I knew he wouldn’t be strong enough to stop what was happening. No amount of protein shakes and fitness in this world would change the fact that he was a mortal man. Then, I heard the sound of a shotgun being pumped.

Buckshot, on the other hand, just might save my ass.

Why Women Shouldn't Take Men Shopping

I saw this today at a yahoo group and figured I'd share. Happy Hump Day!

WHY WOMEN SHOULDN'T TAKE MEN SHOPPING

After I retired, my wife insisted that I accompany her on her trips to Target. Unfortunately, like most men, I found shopping boring and preferred to get in and get out. Equally unfortunate, my wife is like most women - she loves to browse. Yesterday my dear wife received the following letter from the local Target.

Dear Mrs. Samuel, Over the past six months, your husband has caused quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store. Our complaints against your husband, Mr. Samuel, are listed below and are documented by our video surveillance cameras.

1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in other people's carts when they weren't looking.

2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.

3. July 7: He made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the women's restroom.

4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice, 'Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away'. This caused the employee to leave her assigned station and receive a reprimand from her Supervisor that in turn resulted with a union grievance, causing management to lose time and costing the company money.

5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&Ms on layaway.

6. August 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.

7. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told the children shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department to which twenty children obliged.

8. August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him he began crying and screamed, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?' EMTs were called.

9. September 4: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose.

10. September 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.

11. October 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while loudly humming the 'Mission Impossible' theme.

12. October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his 'Madonna look' by using different sizes of funnels.

13. October 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed through, yelled 'PICK ME! PICK ME!'

14. October 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed 'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!'

And last, but not least: 15. October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, then yelled very loudly, 'Hey! There's no toilet paper in here.' One of the clerks passed out.

And here's some eye candy. I love me some Ryan Reynolds. He's funny, smart, and sexy as hell. Anyone else a fan?

Praying for Monday...

Writing Status - Reading Today
Mood - Blech
Playing on ipod - Fame by Naturi Naughton

This has been the week from hell. First, the dog. Then, we wound up in the ER with our oldest son last night. We hoped he had outgrown his asthma...No such luck. An hour-long treatment and steroids have him on the mend, but anytime it involves breathing, it's frightening.

Here's hoping that Monday will be a bit better.

*Crosses Fingers*

Kick-Ass Heroines

Writing Status - Doing final run through on Dead
Mood - Blech
Playing on ipod - Nada

Today I was reading a story for review, and without giving the title away, I'll simply say it's a paranormal romance with shifters of all kinds.

The hero is one of them. The heroine is human.

Now, I'm all for this kind of thing. Heck, I think most people are. However, I knew immediately that I wasn't going to like the material all that much. Why? Because these shifters are supposed to be these deadly and merciless creatures, yet our heroine, human as she is, manages to not only kick their ass but earn the praise of all the shifters for being so hardcore.

Orly?

In doing this, the tension goes from high stakes to Bug's Bunny comical. Do you honestly believe that something that can shift into say...I dunno...a panther, and is enhanced by faster reflexes and strength, would get his/her butt kicked by measly human? Now, if she used a gun or a weapon to get the job done (and a little hand-to-hand self defense in between), that's an entirely different matter. But when it's face to face, do or die, come as you are -- nope, ain't happening.

Do any of you know what I'm talking about? Have you read a story like this?

Back to reading and the last of the edits. I know I should be working but my brain (and heart) just aren't in it today.

Crimson Moon - New Release Date

I just got word -- Crimson Moon will release on June 25th at The Wild Rose Press, two-months sooner than projected. Of all my stories, I'm most nervous (and excited) about this one. Crimson Moon is the first thing I ever wrote and finished, so it's very special to me. I've included the blurb and a excerpt below.

Crimson Moon Blurb:

Trueblood vampires. Those set apart from common’s by right of blood. Graced with extraordinary abilities such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition - they are the most powerful and feared among their kind. The secret lies within, a legacy evolving from the truest form of magic, and their living bloodlines are the key.

An average routine morning is exactly what twenty-year old Emma Johnson hopes to avoid when she visits Joe’s Café for a steaming cup of coffee and freshly made donuts. She’s jaded by her small town, the community that has ostracized her, and the empty house that symbolizes what her life has become; a hollow shell. Yet things are not entirely as they appear, and Emma is about to discover she isn’t the normal girl she once believed.

After she is rescued from a horde of demonic bloodthirsty creatures by Caleb, the most captivating person she has ever met, she struggles to accept the unimaginable truth he imparts. That he has been dispatched by the Father she has never known, a powerful vampire from the house of DeViard, to see her safely home. For Caleb is also unique, a werewolf procured to protect the invaluable royal bloodlines from harm.

Soon, the undeniable connection Emma and Caleb share evolves beyond mere attraction into something more substantial. But their time together is short lived, forced to an end when she is sent to the trueblood vampires that claim her as one of their own.

Crimson Moon Excerpt:

“Emma.” Caleb placed his hand on my leg and I turned to him, biting back a gasp. He had silently moved across the distance and was right beside me. The incredible woodsy scent that clung to his jacket was so much better, so much sweeter, radiating from the direct source. The thought, wolf, entered my mind.

“Yeah,” I croaked, causing him to chuckle softly.

“We’re almost there, and I think I should prepare you before we arrive.” He kept his hand on my leg and my body was keenly aware of his touch and nearness. It created the oddest sensation, nearly an electricity. I could feel each and every one of his fingers individually across my jeans.

“Okay?” I managed to keep my voice even, breathing the word in a soft exhale.

The warmth of his breath caressed my face and my eyelids fluttered. His eyes met my own, moving down my nose until they rested on my lips. Shyness caused me to avert my face. My gaze flickered down, eyes freezing on his chest. My heart was racing erratically, somersaulting over and over, excited and very much alive. His nearness swamped me, the mere touch of his hand on my leg so distracting, I couldn’t think clearly.

“You always do that,” he whispered thickly.

I felt his knuckle nudge my chin, forcing my eyes upward. I looked into his face but he wasn’t smiling anymore. His expression changed to something that made my breath cling in my throat. Our eyes locked–green hazel clashing with the darkest blue. I raised my hand until it touched his, unaware I had even moved.

Derek cleared his throat, breaking the spell. I shook my head, leaning back and blinking, slightly disoriented and extremely embarrassed. I did not react to men–much less strange men–like this. A disappointed rumble emitted from Caleb but he allowed space between us.

“This place isn’t exactly where I’d hoped to take you.” Caleb’s voice was a seductive caress that made my skin prickle and thrum. My eyes fluttered and my heart pounded.

As if sensing my reaction he smiled slightly, lifting the corners of his lips. “When we go inside, keep the jacket on, don’t take it off. My scent will mark you. It’s best we keep together inside. We couldn’t tell anyone we were coming, just Sam and his people know.”

“So.” My voice came out raspy and hoarse. “You want me to act like we’re a couple?”

“Do you think that would be too hard?”

Dead, Undead Goddess Fish Tour

Just a quick note. The Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between tour is officially underway. You can CLICK HERE to redirect to the Goddess Fish blog page (or click the image above) if you are interested in having me by your blog.

One random commenter will receive a $10 gift certificate to Amazon.com, while the owner of the blog with the most visits will receive $15.

There are currently 7 slots left. So if you're a tour partner, or are interested in becoming one, be sure to check the links out. It's a great way to meet new people and visit new blogs.

Is it just me?

Writing Status - Dead, Undead Final Edits
Mood - Anxious
Playing on ipod - Keep Breathing by Ingrid Michaelson

As I edit Dead, Undead, there is a rather sizable portion of me that wonders what I was thinking when I submitted the story. Once upon a time, I loved the work, the characters, the premise... Now? I can hardly stomach it.

Perhaps it's a folly all writers experience, a unavoidable detestation of their work. I experienced the same with Crimson Moon, as well as a majority of my other stories. I'm not sure if it's because I've read the material so much, or if it's because I've grown since I submitted that particular story and the writing seems stinted and awkward.

Either way, it doesn't really matter. I have a job to do, and I have to suck it up and meet my deadlines. Dead is due to release in less than three weeks, and I have to make it as neat and clean as possible.

Back to work...

Floating Body Parts

Writing Status - Almost done with a review
Mood - Excited (Roll-Tide, BCS game tonight)
Playing on ipod - nada


I confess, I have several "bad" habits while writing. I'm terrible about using "that" when I should use "who", I oftentimes forget to remove the "n" and write "taunt" instead of "taut". But even worse are those pesky flying body parts I'm so prone to use -- especially when it comes to peepers.

Today, while going over the MS for Crimson Moon, (it's finished, was just scanning over it) I noticed that my editor at TWRP gave me a free pass when it came to eyes locking, rising, lowering, drifting etc. I know, I know, it's bad grammar, but I just can't seem to help myself.

Fortunately, as I've written better and continue trying to improve my craft, I am aware of this and adjust accordingly. That doesn't mean a few eyes don't lower or shift, but it does mean there are far less of them.

I'm curious, do you have any "bad" writing habits? Did you eventually outgrow them, or do they surface from time to time?

** As a note. The pictures in the polish post I had up kept vanishing, so I plan to redo it in the future when I have access to the pictures I want.**

Creative Blog Award

The lovely Cari Quinn and fabtastic Lynne Roberts nominated me for a Kreativ Blogger award. *blush* I've been lax in responding because revealing things about myself will probably bore the general public. However, to get in the spirit of things, I'm willing to give it a go!

Seven Things About Me:

1.) I detest Spam, and I don't mean the stuff you get in emails. The canned meat (is it really meat? it looks like cancer) has a smell that makes me retch. It sucks, too, because my hubs loves the gelatinous stuff. *gag*

2.) My career aspiration was to be an elementary school teacher...until I had four children of my own. Now? I just want a job that's calm, serene, and most importantly -- quiet!

3.) My favorite beverage is Wal-Mart brand Sam's Choice Cola. Nothing else will do. As I'm cutting calories, I only allow myself one on occasion, but it is definitely my favorite treat!

4.) Once upon a time, I appeared in the theater productions of The Merchant of Venice and Romeo and Juliet. Where forth art thou, Hollywood?

5.) My favorite scent is vanilla.

6.) When I got married, I didn't know how to cook. I couldn't even boil an egg. (I did, however, know how to bake...yeah, I don't understand it either!)

7.) I've gotten better, but I still have an unnatural yen for nail polish. I have over 600 bottles stored in my office, according to shade and rarity. I even had a photobucket account where I catalogued images of each manicure I did with them. Strangely enough, I bit my nails until my senior year of high school.

Okay, now that I've shared, it's time to spread the love. I realize I am nominating people who have been nominated by others, but I just can't help myself.

Lynne Roberts -- her witty Wednesday's make me chuckle.

Shelley Munro -- always has something to share, and rocks my socks!

Cari Quinn -- dynamo of a friend and awesome to boot.

Helen's Hardt -- shares hotties with us, what's not to love?

Jacqueline Paige -- a fantastic friend and writer who cracks me up!

Kaye Manro -- writes thought provoking blogs and is hella nice to talk to.

Wendi Zwaduk -- has some hot stuff coming out soon, and is always a blast.

Thanks for nominating me Cari and Lynne. I heart you gals!

Moon Kissed Vote

Writing Status - Neck Deep in Reviews
Mood - Trying to wake up
Playing on ipod - nada

I woke up this morning to a mind boggling review at Whipped Cream Reviews. Since Moon Kissed received 5 Cherries, I'll be up for book of the week.

If you don't mind, would you consider swinging by this weekend and dropping me a vote? I'd appreciate it. ;-)

Whipped Cream Reviews

Oh, if you're curious, the review is here: Review

Dead, Undead Tour

Writing Status - Just woke up
Mood - Sick
Playing on ipod - nada

Ugh. Two days into the New Year, and I have some kind of funk. I'm hoping it moves on outta here and leaves me be. I have too much to do.

As you can see by the shiny banner on the right, the Dead, Undead tour has been revived. It'll take place from February 8th - the 19th thanks to Goddess Fish Promotions. If you get a chance, drop by and say hello. Or, if you're a host, consider having me over. I'm offering a $15 gift card to the highest commented blog and $10 to a random commenter. So it's a win-win situation.

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. If I can climb out of bed (I'm taking shelter with my laptop at the moment) I still have tons of things to do around the house to prepare for the kiddos return to school.