I’ve Had Enough!

It’s official. I’m going to stop taking my allergy medicine.

I took it Tuesday night and could barely stay awake on Wednesday. I wrote all of 110 words.

I didn’t take it that night and Thursday I felt great. Wrote 723 words. So what if I’m blowing my nose more. So what if I’m clearing my throat. It’s not bothering ME! But that nodding off during the day…? Well, that WAS bothering me.

Besides, it’s not like I need the medicine to survive. Now, if I was having trouble SLEEPING, I’ll know exactly what medicine to take. J

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Yesterday I walked a LOT. Probably too much. My feet pretty much told me to cut it out!

So how much is a lot? In the morning I walked 4.22 miles. And it was a beautiful morning, too. Low humidity, comfortable temps. Really great. But later I walked 5.22 miles (to and from dinner—we met some friends). Yeah, that one was a bit much. Maybe if I hadn’t walked in the morning I would have been okay. Maybe.

But I did it and now I know not to do it again. Next Saturday hubby and I are going to a concert (which is next door to the restaurant we went to last night) to see Peter Frampton and Cheap Trick. I thought it would be nice to walk. Yeah, that ain’t happening. Driving in the convertible will be much more fun (especially if the top is down).

As for that restaurant… We will not be going there again when a concert is scheduled (which is why we met our friends there—they were going to see Dancing With the Stars). What a mad house! First they tried to sit us outside—in the sun—after my husband specifically asked for an inside seat. Then they took forever to take our food order. And then the food came out colder than we all expected. Once the concert crowd left, the place sure quieted down (our friends had to rush through their meal so they wouldn’t be late for their event), so the place is probably okay on a non-concert night. Hubby and I decided we’ll eat someplace else next Saturday, though.

So… Do you think I’m nuts stopping my medication? Or would you have done the same thing?

Have a great weekend!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and I Hate Allergies!

I’ve been taking Zyrtec and Flonase since April (I think). I asked my physician assistant how long I had to take it. He told me until there was snow on the ground. Well, I didn’t believe him and stopped taking them Sunday. My throat clearing came back. Damn it. Guess I have to start taking them again. I hate taking medications, though.

I had been taking Melatonin with those two (at night, of course), to help with my hot flashes (and to help me get some sleep), but I started having problems staying awake during the day. That wasn’t good. Really cut my writing outflow. Since I stopped taking it, my writing has picked back up, in fact I almost see the end in sight for this puppy!! Anyway, here’s what I read this week:

Jul 27: “What the Night Knows” by Dean Koontz, a horror at 442 pages long. Blurb from book: In the late summer of a long-ago year, a killer arrived in a small city. His name was Alton Turner Blackwood, and in the space of a few months he brutally murdered four families. His savage spree ended only when he himself was killed by the last survivor of the last family, a fourteen-year-old boy. Half a continent away and two decades later, someone is murdering families again, re-creating in detail Blackwood’s crimes. Homicide detective John Calvino is certain his own family—his wife and three children—will be targets in the fourth crime, just as his parent and sister were victims on that distant night when he was fourteen and killed their slayer. As a detective, John is a man of reason who deals in cold facts. But an extraordinary experience convinces him that sometimes death is not a one-way journey, that sometimes the dead return. It has been awhile since I became engrossed in a Dean Koontz book. This was one spooky story. Just the way a horror story should be. The only issue I had with the whole thing was the back and forth from past tense to present tense. Why the monster’s activities had to be told in present tense didn’t make any sense to me. In fact, it tended to pull me OUT of the story at times (then again, I’m not a huge fan of present tense stories). Other than that, I liked the story a lot. A very suspenseful ending.

Ghostly Liaison e-book is currently free. Sale runs through Sep 4th. So if you don’t have a copy yet, or you know someone who would be interested, now is the time to buy it!

So… What are you reading? I know I ask this question a lot, but I certainly HOPE you’re not reading the same book. J

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Cleaned Up in Rewards

Back with I joined the rewards program with Ulta, I could get free salon services with my points (which I get 1 point per dollar spent). Well, after about 500 points they changed the rules. Points could no longer be used in the salon.

Well, I’m not much of a cosmetics kind of person, so I just kept collecting the points. At 2000 points I earned $125 worth of merchandise (the most I can get per point). Sunday I decided to cash in.

My blow dryer was probably created in the 90s and my travel blow dryer broke years ago (the folding handle wouldn’t lock in place any longer), so I picked out two new ones (and they’re purple—pretty!). One of my brushes had lost most of the little nubs on the end of the bristles, so I got a new one. My hair dresser (and friend) told me the big bottles of shampoo and condition were on sale, so I got one of each. A pretty good steal, huh, and it only cost me about six bucks (since I went over my allotment just a little bit).

I don’t know what I’ll get the next time I reach 2000 points (which will take a little over two years to reach). Maybe I’ll get some fun stuff for a raffle basket or something. I doubt my blow dryers will need to be replaced by then. J

Hubby and I also cleaned up in some of our restaurant rewards this weekend (mainly Max & Erma’s and TGI Fridays). I love free food!

So… What reward programs do you participate in? Do you cash in?

Stacy

And Then I Found This…

I subscribe to the In’DTale magazine. The July/August issue had been sitting in my e-mail box since July10th, unopened. I just got busy with being in Wisconsin, then hosting Sizzle and Sass, and, oh yeah, my birthday, that I didn’t have time to actually READ it. I finally opened it this week.

Well, lo and behold, there, in the review section, was Blind Temptation! I had submitted it for review back in April and had no idea they finally finished reading it (it was still showing up in Goodreads as being currently read). Anyway, if you’re interested in seeing what they had to say (and yes, it’s good or I wouldn’t bother telling you about it) here’s the link to the magazine: http://myemail.constantcontact.com/July-August-summer-issue-of-InD-tale-magazine.html?soid=1110058879188&aid=uo9SwFBsAPE. My book’s review is on page 95/96. J

Well, for those of you who didn’t read the comments on Wednesday’s blog (and why didn’t you?), I do not have a hernia. Whew! I just strained one of my abdominal muscles. Now, the doctor also told me if I came down with a fever or nausea, I was to hightail it to the emergency room. Seems the muscle I pulled is in the area of the appendix. Figures, huh? Like I don’t have enough to be paranoid about. Well, the pain is subsiding, so there’s that. I’m hoping I can get back to my regular exercise routine (minus those stomach crunches—must find a new exercise, I think) next week. I don’t need an excuse not to go to the fitness center. I can usually come up with something frivolous all by myself. J

After a busy weekend last weekend, this one looks to be a lot quieter. I’m okay with that. I deserve to be lazy on some weekends.

Then again, don’t we all?

So… What’s your favorite weekend pastime? Mine would be to go to the beach (the kind with the ocean, not the lake), but the beach is too far away. Guess I’ll just have to figure out something else to do.

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and I’m Pi$$ed

I’m not a fan of the new system our local theatre (Rave Cinemas) has implemented. They have remodeled and added those lounge seats. Those are bad enough, but now when you buy a ticket to the movie, you’re assigned seats (which I believe I ranted about earlier). I was going to go see “Trainwreck” with the hubby last night. We were 45 minutes early to the theatre. Not a decent seat was left to choose (and I doubt anyone was in the theatre yet). If I can’t sit where I want, then it’s not worth the money going to the movies. I doubt I’ll return to Rave, even if it is the cheapest (so far) around here. We checked. Matinees at the Regal Cinema are $9.50. That’s outrageous! I might as well wait until the movie is on DVD and see it in the comfort of my family room. I’m beginning to think it will be WAY cheaper. Anyway, here’s what I read this week:

Jul 21: “The Forgotten Girl” by David Bell, a mystery/suspense at 410 pages. Blurb from book: The past has arrived uninvited at Jason Danvers’s door…and it’s his younger sister, Hayden, a former addict who severed all contact with her family as her life spiraled out of control. Now she’s clean and sober but in need of a desperate favor—she asks Jason and his wife to take care of her teenage daughter for forty-eight hours while she handles some business in town. But Hayden never returns. And her disappearance brings up more resolved problems from Jason’s past, including the abrupt departure of his best friend on the high school graduation night twenty-seven years earlier. When a body is discovered in the woods, the mysteries of his sister’s life—and possible death—deepen. And one by one these events will shatter every expectation Jason has ever had about families, about the awful truths that bind them and the secrets that should be taken to the grave. This book started out slow. Probably because it seemed like everything was happening TO Jason and he wasn’t DOING anything. It picked up when he started taking action, but by then I was almost finished with the book. Can’t say it was all that suspenseful. I only read this book because I promised a friend I would AND I went to the author’s book reading/signing (and yes, I paid for this book). I wish I had enjoyed it more, but I guess it’s just not the book for me. That’s not to say it isn’t for you, though.

Well, it looks like I went and did it again—got myself hurt. All in the effort to get into better shape. Figures, huh? Anyway, I have a doctor’s appointment later today to make sure I don’t have a hernia. All I know is my abdomen hurts whenever I move, cough, sneeze, and laugh. Sleeping has NOT been fun. Stupid exercises!

So… Has anything pissed you off lately? Feel free to rant here. J

Happy Reading!

Stacy

My Weekend Was… Whew!

Sometimes I think the busier my weekend, the less chance I have of actually writing a blog for Monday.

Or maybe, the more television I watch with my husband on Sunday night, the less chance I have of actually writing a blog for Monday.

I’ll have to go with the second, I think, since we’ve been watching Season 3 of NCIS. Good thing my husband got a phone call. Gave me a chance to get something written down! That’s not to say my weekend wasn’t busy.

It was so busy, I didn’t even get a chance to READ. Now, THAT’S busy!

I had a blast on my birthday. Breakfast with my sweetie and the oldest. Watched “A League of Their Own” with the family (that film makes me cry every time I watch it!). Opened presents (yay!). Played card games with the family. Had dinner at The Pub (very good food – I had the shephard’s pie). Played more card games. Had birthday cake for dessert (mmmm… raspberry filling, too!). And played more card games.

Would you believe I didn’t win at any of the games? What gives!

But it was fun spending the day with my favorite people. Can’t get any better than that.

I also received four contest entries to judge on Saturday (yep, doing THAT again). I completed one of those on Sunday. That certainly took up some time (and drove me a little nutso). I’m seriously wondering if I ever want to judge again.

We also watched the 3rd round of the British Open (they call it The Open over there). So I’m hoping I remember to watch the 4th round this morning (I want Jordan Spieth to win!). I figure as long as I write something down here, I’ll remember! Hahahahaha! J

And then wouldn’t you believe it? As soon as I get ready to SAVE this stupid document so I can post it on my blog, my computer froze up! Grumble grumble.

I’m beginning to think buying a Hewlett Packard Pro Book was not such a wise move. My old Toshiba didn’t give me THIS much trouble.

So… Did you take any naps for me this past weekend?

Stacy

Pictures from Racine

 

Okay, so I screwed up. Meant to have this post scheduled for 6 am. Of course, that would have meant working on this post YESTERDAY. I did not. Got caught up in reading instead. Anyway, there aren't a lot, but this is the highlight of the pictures I took in Racine:

 

This is the REASON we went to Racine: to watch my daughter play footy. These are all the girls that showed up to play, making two teams total. My daughter plays for the Columbus Jillaroos (pink uniforms), who teamed up with the NY Magpies to play against Minnesota (blue uniforms). The Jillaroos/Magpies won, making my daughter a tournament winner. It was very exciting. She'd never won a tournament before.

The next day, before we drove home, we did some sight-seeing. Found this little beach, where a group of ladies were holding their yoga class. It was a very peaceful place. Lakes aren't near as noisy as oceans, you know?

We walked along the breaker. This show is where the ladies were doing their yoga. As you can see, they left shortly after we arrived.

My daughter continued climbing the rocks on the breakers long after we lost the paved path. You see, there was this geocache... While she enjoyed looking for it, she couldn't find it. Said it was the best "did not find" she'd ever encountered.

While we were on the breaker, we noticed a lighthouse farther up the shore. So of course, we drove over to it. Very pretty park. Oh, and if you look closely enough, you'll notice someone looking for another geocache.

The lighthouse has a nice little garden and beach.

One of the places my daughter and I wanted to visit was the field the Racine Belles played in. You might recognize that name if you've ever watched "A League of Their Own." We didn't think we'd be able to actually get on the field, but when we walked around, I noticed a gate was open and music was playing. They were getting ready to play a game and we were able to just walk right on in. This picture is a little wobbly because as I was panning it, my elbow dipped. I kind of like the effect, though.

And just to prove they were an actual team, here's the plaque.

 

It was a fun little trip. Of course, the drive back home was horrendous. I really didn't think we'd hit THAT much traffic on a Sunday in Chicago. And I thought Los Angeles was bad. Whoo!

 

Hope you enjoy the pictures. In case any of you were interested, tomorrow's my birthday (yay!). Don't know what I'm going to do (maybe see a movie - "Trainwreck" looks interesting), but I will be having dinner at a restaurant I've never been to before: The Pub. I've always wanted to go, so now I'm going.

 

So... What do you think I should do for my birthday?

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Stacy

Wednesday Reads

Why is it when I have hosting duties on the Sizzle and Sass Facebook Page I just can’t get into writing. Argh! One of these days I’m going to figure out how to do both on the same day/week: marketing and writing. Anyway, here’s what I read this week (and yes, some of them are rather short):

Jul 8: “Blood Eternal” by Amber Belldene, the 4th book/short-story in the Blood Vine series, a paranormal romance at 19 pages. Blurb from Goodreads: Distance has grown between blood mates Pedro Torres and Lucas Bennett. Before an eternity of bonded misery becomes their fate, Pedro undertakes a plan of seduction, hoping it will close the gap and bring his lover back to him forever. This short story is a nice look at 2 characters who didn’t get their own book. And while it was an enjoyable read, I would have enjoyed it more if it were longer. Probably because I’m not ready to say goodbye to the series. Yes, I’m greedy!

Jul 10: “Ghostly Justice” by Allison Brennan, #2.5 in the Seven Deadly Sins series, an urban fantasy at 84 pages. Blurb from Goodreads: LAPD Detective Grant Nelson made a promise to his dying girlfriend that he would find out what happened to a Jane Doe who’s been in the morgue for months. Grant is a cop first, last and always – but what he’s recently witnessed makes him realize there are forces he doesn’t understand and can’t possibly fight alone. The unusual aspects of the case force him to bring in supernatural experts Moira O’Donnell and Rafe Cooper. Two puncture marks in the victim’s neck confirm she’d been bitten by a human with incisor implants, but the large-bore needle mark in her side prove that someone intentionally drained her blood. Moira doesn’t want to get involved because she doesn’t think the case is related to anything supernatural, but after Rafe communicates with the ghost, he insists that dark magic was involved in her murder. Reluctantly, Moira agrees to help and together, the three of them uncover a violent, vampiric subculture that has no intention of stopping with only one human sacrifice. Because with each death they become stronger, and the threat of hell on earth becomes all too real. It has been awhile since I read book #2, but got back into these characters easily. Nice action (and a sex scene) made it an enjoyable read for me. This novella also included the short story “Ghostly Vengeance,” which is #1.5 in the series. That one is only 13 pages and was just a tiny bit confusing, since it’d been even LONGER since I read book 1. Still liked it, though. Book 3 is due out soon and I’ll definitely be getting that. I really like Moira and Rafe.

Jul 12: “Risking Love” by Janie Mason, #1 in the New Beginnings series, a historical romance at 223 pages. Blurb from Goodreads: Reclusive widow Lucy Neels barely survived her late husband’s brutality. All she wants is to be left in peace to manage her small southern Ohio farm in the days before the Civil War. But when her only friend, a conductor on the secretive Underground Railroad, begs for her help, she can no longer stay uninvolved. Lorenzo “Renzo” Ross, second son of a Philadelphia shipping magnate, has floundered all his adult life. He’s had it with secrets and deceptions. After tracking the fiancée who has jilted him to Ohio, he finds himself deputized. When he meets Lucy, his protective instincts, and his desire, are ignited by the independent widow. But Renzo has a dark secret of his own. Harboring fugitive slaves is dangerous and illegal. The last thing Lucy needs is the attention of the mysterious new deputy sheriff. In spite of the risk, Lucy finds herself drawn to Renzo, whose kindness chips away at the walls she’s built around her heart. As their attraction grows, unscrupulous slave catchers draw closer to discovering their prey. Out of options, Lucy and Renzo must decide who they can trust, and that sometimes a lie can save a life. I’m not a big historical romance reader, but when I do read historicals, prefer the ones set in the U.S. (because frankly, I couldn’t care less about Dukes and such). And that’s one of the reasons I gave this book a try. So glad I did. I really enjoyed the story (as well as the romance) and the history involved (I could relate to it better, I guess you could say). If you like historical romance set in pre-civil war Ohio, give this book a try. It certainly kept my attention throughout.

So… Did you see Todd Frazier win the Home Run Derby? I was so excited for him (especially since he’s a former Dayton Dragon!).

I’ll get pictures posted on Friday of our trip to Racine. Yes, I actually took some. Yes, I already downloaded them from my camera. Shocking, huh?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Gotta Catch Up!

Got home later than I expected on Sunday, so I didn’t get around to download the pictures from my camera, so no pictures of Racine to show you yet. Don’t have much of anything to say in this post, either.

Well, except… I’m hosting the Sizzle and Sass Facebook Page this week. Some stupid voice in my head said that it would be fun to have the week before my birthday so I could celebrate it longer. I think I need to shoot that voice.

Ah, but it will be fun. I think. Once I get organized. Of which I’m not. Because, you know, PROCRASTINATOR here! Argh!

Oh, I will say this about Racine: I bought a raspberry Kringle. From O&H Bakery. It only cost $8.50 (not the $20 they charge in their mail order catalog). And I had a tiny piece last night (okay, maybe NOT so tiny). YUM YUM!

This isn't the Kringle I bought, but it is a raspberry
one from the O&H Catalog. Just thought you'd like
to see what one LOOKS like!

So… How was your weekend?

Stacy

Watching Me Some Footy This Weekend

My daughter is playing in some footy games (that would be Australian Rules Football for you people not in the “know”) up in Wisconsin, so of course we’re going to drive up there and watch them. We’ll take any excuse to visit a city we’ve never been to before.

Well, that, and we like to watch her play.

I was kind of surprised to see that Racine wasn’t really all that far. Closer than Atlanta! For some reason I hear Wisconsin and think a day’s drive away. Of course, with driving THROUGH Chicago it could end up being that long—haha!

I hope the weather is nice up there and the bakeries are open. I plan on coming home with a Kringle (or two)!

My newsletter should have gone out this morning. If you got one and actually read it (some people don’t, I get that, because I tend to do that), would you please tell me how I did on my little interview? Cute? Stupid? I really want to know (FYI – I was going for cute/funny).

Writing sucked this week. I know what it is, too. I have to write this argument scene between the hero and heroine (something that will lead to the black moment—see I am almost finished). The WRITER in me knows it has to happen. The READER in me doesn’t want it to. Talk about conflict within! I think the writer-me is just going to have to stick a sock in the reader-me’s mouth and get on with it.

So…have you ever had a Kringle? Is it worth $20 (because that’s how much I see them for on-line)? In a way I hope it is. I want my money’s worth. On the other hand, if it is, I may end up ordering more (like I need to eat more sweets). Argh! More conflict! I’m cursed.

Have a great weekend. J

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and My Feet Hurt!

Almost didn’t think I’d finish one before Wednesday. I’ve been reading whoppers for books, which has caused me to be 3 books behind. I think I deserve to read a novella next and have it count for a book. Seems fair, doesn't it? Anyway, here’s what I read this week:

Jul 7: “Mr. Mercedes” by Stephen King, the 1st book in the Bill Hodges Trilogy, a suspense/thriller at 436 pages. Blurb from book: In the predawn hours, in a distressed American city, hundreds of unemployed men and women line up for the opening of a job fair. They are tired and cold and desperate. Emerging from the fog, invisible until it is too late, a lone driver plows through the crowd in a stolen Mercedes, running over the innocent, backing up, and charging again. Eight people are killed; fifteen are wounded. The killer escapes. Months later, an ex-cop named Bill Hodges, still haunted by the unsolved crime, contemplates suicide. When he gets a crazed letter from “the perk,” claiming credit for the murders, Hodges wakes up from his depressed and vacant retirement, fearing another even more diabolical attack and hell-bent on preventing it. Brady Hartsfield lives with his alcoholic mother in the house where he was born. He loved the feel of death under the wheels of the Mercedes, and he wants that rush again. Only Bill Hodges, with a couple of eccentric and mismatched allies, can apprehend the killer before he strikes again. And they have no time to lose, because Brady’s next mission, if it succeeds, will kill or maim thousands. Oh my gosh. This book just FASCINATED me! Totally gripping and a complete surprise. I love it when I find a book like that. I didn’t read the blurb beforehand (I rarely do for Stephen King since he’s an automatic buy for me), so I figured it was a horror book. WRONG! Just about one sick individual and a team looking to take him out. I look forward to the next book in this trilogy.

Writing has been going slow this week. Dentist appointment and writing something new for my newsletter took up my time on Monday. And then hubby and I had an appointment on Tuesday to get our wills revised and pick up prescriptions (plus, I met him for lunch!). I got a little bit written (and some notes for what I want), but mostly I just read because I wanted a book to write about! J

I go walking on the days I don’t work out at the fitness center (usually Tuesdays and Thursdays). I’ve been trying to add distance to my walk (I walked 4.69 miles yesterday), or at least walk faster (my fastest was about a 17 minute mile). And while I’m walking, my feet feel fine. So why is it later in the day I feel like an old woman? My feet are revolting against me and yell (metaphorically) anytime I stand. Maybe I just need new shoes. Think that would help? Or am I just doomed because I AM getting old? Tell me this happens to you. Please!!!!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Bragging Rights a Movie and an Idea!

No, this isn’t about USA winning the Women’s World Cup Soccer Final. Although, it was a great game and I’m very happy!

Remember when I was featured on Romance Lives Forever Blog (back on June 26)? Well, I was listed as one of their top bloggers! My post was the 4th popular for the month (out of 29 features). That means I get bragging rights and this neat emblem/award. Yay!!

Who knew I was so popular? Certainly not me. I have you all to thank for visiting and making it possible!

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I didn’t get to watch “Magic Mike XXL” on Friday, but did get to see it on Sunday. While it’s not as good as the first one, I still enjoyed it. And yes, I really enjoyed seeing Joe Manganiello’s ass. If you go in not expecting much more than seeing the guys perform, you’ll have a good time.

Our local theatre (Cinemark/Rave) is being remodeled to feature these vinyl/leather-like recliners. I got to try them out yesterday. Can’t say I’m that impressed. I can only imagine what shape they’ll be in after a month after kids have had a chance to spill stuff all over them. Cleaning crew doesn’t really do all that great a job in cleaning between shows as it is, can I really expect them to wash down the seats?

Yeah, I don’t think so.

Also, we got to pick our assigned seats. I don’t know what I think about that. Makes it nice for the people who want to spend a fortune at the concession stand and not wonder if they’ll find a decent seat. But my daughter wondered how that would work if you were meeting friends at the theatre and you didn’t all buy your tickets together. You can’t save the seat next to you; someone else might have picked it. I think it’s kind of stupid, but hey, it’s not my theatre and I can always refuse to go. Frankly, for the $7.90 matinee price, I’ll probably just stick to going on Tuesdays, when it’s $5.50 all day. It’s bad when matinee prices seem too high.

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I have to laugh at myself. I had written this whole paragraph asking for help and then ended up helping myself.

You see… I planned on including a character interview of one of my vampires in my next newsletter, but I had no idea what kind of questions to ask. So I thought you all could help. Then I went and started writing notes about who was being interviewed (Perry seemed like a fun choice) and who would be doing the interviewing (Victoria came to mind, only because she and Perry don’t get along so well). Then I realized I had it all backward. Perry would be the one asking questions and not just to Victoria. Instead, there will be five segments (in the next five newsletters) entitled: Getting to Know Your Committee Member (since there are five Committee Members in my vampire world). I’ll start with Victoria and work my way down the list. I think I can have a lot of fun with that. What do you think?

If you want to read these fun interviews, you’ll have to sign up for the newsletter. There’s a signup form on the sidebar, one on my website (www.stacymckitrick.com), or you can just sign up HERE. Am I sneaky or what?

So... What’s the most you’ll spend going to the theatre to watch a movie? What’s the most you’ll spend on a book? I find it interesting that most people won’t think twice about the movie price, but will balk at a $4.99 e-book. Doesn’t seem right.

Have a great Monday!!

Stacy

Happy Independence Day!

I know I have pictures of fireworks around here. Oh yeah…here they are!

 

It’s been a very productive week for me. I can’t tell you how relieved I am that I even have it IN me to write over 1000 words a day. And then to do it four days in a row. FOUR! Yes, I’m very, very happy.

I stated on Wednesday that the only way I would get some writing in today was if I kicked my husband out of the house (since he’s off today), but now it looks like I’ll be the one leaving (the house, not him). You see… if the daughter gets off work early this afternoon, we’ll be headed to the theatre to see “Magic Mike XXL.” For some reason hubby doesn’t want to see this movie. Can’t imagine why. J

But I’m looking forward to starting this weekend on a bang (and not the fireworks kind). Tonight the hubby and I will attend a Dragons game. Tomorrow the whole family will head on over to Columbus for a BBQ at our friend’s house. And Sunday? We’ll get to sleep in (or I’ll get to that movie if I don't today). Fun times!

So… What plans do you have for the weekend? Movies? Fireworks? Food? Please share!

Have a great Fourth!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and a Writing Update

Writing is going well (shocker!). Two 1000+-word days. I’m still having problems staying away from the internet between 10am-5pm, though. But I am doing better (the last time I had two 1000+-word days was back in February!), so I’ll take it.  

Besides, it wasn’t the internet distracting me yesterday. That would be the book I finished. You know when you get close to the end, how you just don’t want to put it down? Yeah, well, that was me. I’d say I need to stop reading good books, but why would I SAY that? I’m not crazy (too often).

Now, on to what I read this week:

Jun 26: “The Buried” by Brett Battles, the 9th book in the Jonathan Quinn series, a suspense/thriller at 332 pages. Blurb from book: Everything on the job is going as expected. The target has been dealt with, and all that’s left to do is remove the body. But a surprise is waiting for Quinn and Nate, one that completely changed their mission. Then when the client who gave them their new orders disappears, they find themselves on their own, with a human asset holding a dark secret that several parties are interested in obtaining, by force if necessary. To keep the asset alive, the two cleaners must stay on the run, but even that doesn’t guarantee success. Because no matter how closely a secret is guarded, if enough people want it, it won’t stay buried forever. Fast paced and thrilling (with a bit of humor thrown in), I zipped right through this book. I love this series and look forward to more (and more and more).

Jun 30: “Hard As It Gets” by Laura Kaye, the 1st book in the Hard Ink series, a romantic suspense at 358 pages long. Blurb from book: Trouble just walked into Nicholas Rixey’s tattoo parlor. Becca Merritt is warm, sexy, wholesome—pure temptation to a very jaded Nick. He’s left his military life behind to become co-owner of Hard Ink Tattoo, but Becca is his ex-commander’s daughter. Loyalty won’t let him turn her away. Lust has plent to do with it too. With her brother presumed kidnapped, Becca needs Nick. She just wasn’t expecting to want him so much. As their investigation turns into all-out war with an organized crime ring, only Nick can protect her. And only Beca can heal the scars no one else sees. Desire is the easy part. Love is as hard as it gets. Good thing Nick is always up for a challenge… I had read Book 2 first, so I kind of knew how this one would end, but was hoping it wouldn’t be on a cliff hanger (since I knew how the second one began). Yay! It wasn’t. Why did it matter? It just tells me if it’s something I have to worry about later. Luckily, I don’t believe I will. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lots of sexy romance and nail-biting suspense. Now I’m gonna have to purchase the rest of the series, as if I NEEDED another series to read! Ah, but they’re so much fun. I highly recommend this book (and series).

I found out Monday that my husband has Friday off for the 4th. Heck, he didn’t even know he had it off (our son informed him—they work at the same company). So I’m guessing I won’t be writing much that day. Or, I kick him out of the house to go walking so I can write. I hope it doesn’t rain (as we also have a Dragons game to go to). I really want to write (and write a lot) at least five days this week.

So… What are you reading? My next read is Mr. Mercedes. It’s been awhile since I read a Stephen King book (and this one is the first of a trilogy—of course!).

Happy Reading!

Stacy

P.S. For some reason I can't get the covers to show up smaller (the little menu doesn't even show up when I click on them!). Blogger messing up again, I'm sure! But if you know something I don't, let me know. Thanks!