And the Results of Saturday’s Football Game…

We’re going to State! We’re going to State! We’re going to STATE!!

That’s right. The Wayne Warriors beat Colerain Saturday night in the Division I Region 2 Final. They will meet the Division I Region 1 champion (Lake St. Edward) on Saturday, December 5th to determine the Division I State Champion.

Wayne played against this team last year for the championship and lost. This year I say it’s our turn to win! And I believe we have the team to do it.

But let me tell you about Saturday’s game. It wasn’t cold-cold. Probably in the 40s. But it was raining. All. Game. Long. The front of my coat was soaked (I wore a plastic blanket around my shoulders, which kept the rest of my coat relatively dry—thank goodness). While my boots kept my feet dry and my rain pants kept my pants dry, my gloves were soaked before the game even started, so I ended up taking them off and using my pockets, which were wet, but at least warmer than the gloves. Still, my hands pretty much turned into prunes. But you know what? I’d do it all over again to see them win.

But man, I sure hope the next game is warmer and drier, or at least just DRIER. We play at 3pm and so far the forecast calls for sunny and temps in the 50s. I can only hope it’s accurate. **fingers crossed**

“Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2” was a very good movie. I think the whole movie series covered the books pretty well. Of course, it’s been awhile since I read them, and I did only read them once, so maybe I’m not remembering correctly. I do remember not having the same response to the ending that most people did. I thought it ended okay—it was an ending. Was it happy? I guess it just depends on how you go about looking at it.

So… did you do any Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping? I did some Black Friday shopping on line. I’m hoping to finish up the big shopping today. Hopefully the prices didn’t go up. If they do, then I know not to wait until Monday next year!

Happy Monday (and happy shopping, if applicable)!

Stacy

Movie Day and a Hockey Game

For our family, the day after Thanksgiving is Movie Day. We’ve been doing this since the 80s. This year we’re going to see “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2” and we’ll have two more joining us (my son’s girlfriend and her daughter). I like this family event/tradition.

It’s been awhile since I’ve gone to the theatre. Used to go all the time, but since Rave/Cinemark changed our theatre to lounge seats and assigned seating, it’s not fun going at the last minute. Usually can’t find a seat I want because they’re mostly sold in advance.

But since I knew six of us were going this Friday, I kept waiting for the schedule to post on line so I could buy the tickets ahead of time. On Wednesday the schedule finally posted (why it took so long, I have no idea). I was all set to order them (nearly choking at the $7.90 price—this is a matinee!) when they listed a $7.50 service charge.

What the…??? This wasn’t Fandango or Movietickets.com. This was Cinemark’s website.

No way was I paying that fee. It didn’t cost me $7.50 to drive over to the theatre and buy the tickets. Of which an actual individual took care of my order. I swear, companies are bilking people with fees for stuff that can’t be all that hard to process! I’m sure I would have had to use my own printer to print out the tickets, so what the heck am I getting for my $7.50? Convenience? I wouldn’t need to buy my tickets ahead of time if I wasn’t forced to pick a seat!

It’s stuff like this that is really turning me off on going to Rave/Cinemark. I’m not all that crazy about the lounge seats, either. Hmmm… Maybe I should have just said we’d see the movie at Regal Cinemas (13 miles away). Might do that next year.

After the movie, my hubby, daughter, and I are then headed to Columbus to see the Penguins play the Blue Jackets. I love going to hockey games, they’re so much fun! And when the Penguins are playing in Columbus, there are sooooo many Pens fans, it sometimes feels like I’m in Pittsburgh. I love it! I’ll be wearing my black & gold Crosby jersey (or sweater if you’re one of those fans, even though it’s not a sweater at all). Can’t wait!

So… What are you doing this Black Friday? While I hated my experience in purchasing the movie tickets, I am excited about seeing the Hunger Games movie. I loved the books and the movies have done a pretty good job at sticking to the storyline. And going to the movies is a whole lot more fun than fighting the shoppers on Black Friday. At least, it used to be. I’ll let you know how it went. J

Have a great weekend!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads, Happy Thanksgiving, and It’s My Blogiversary!

I don’t blog on Thursdays anymore, but I did on Thanksgiving 2009. Yep, it’s my sixth blogiversary (and post #852). I had one book under my belt and had just joined RWA (that would be the Romance Writers of America), so I thought the next suitable step would be to write a blog. Had no idea what I was getting myself into. Certainly didn’t think I’d have any followers. Think I’ve gotten the hang of it yet? Yeah, I don't either. Guess I'll have to keep working on it.

Here's what I read this week (#84 & #85 of my goal of 90!!):

Nov 21: “Life and Death (Twilight Reimagined)” by Stephenie Meyer, a young adult paranormal romance at 387 pages. Blurb from book: When Beaufort Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edythe Cullen, his life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With her porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edythe is both irresistible and enigmatic. What Beau doesn’t realize is the closer he gets to her, the more he is putting himself and those around him at risk. And, it might be too late to turn back… I liked the story. Not as much as Twilight, though. Probably because I’d read Twilight four times and saw the movie more than that, that it was hard for me (at times) to remember that Beau was a GUY. At least the names of the characters had the same first initial as their counterparts, so I could relate to who was who (which wouldn’t have been an issue if I’d never read Twilight). Still, it was fun to read and the ending actually surprised me.

Nov 24: “Playing With Fire” by Tess Gerritsen, a suspense/thriller at 250 pages. Blurb from book: In a shadowy antiques shop in Rome, violinist Julia Ansdell happens upon a curious piece of music—the Incendio waltz—and is immediately entranced by its unusual composition. Full of passion, torment, and chilling beauty, and seemingly unknown to the world, the waltz, its mournful minor key, its feverish arpeggios, appear to dance with a strange life of their own. Julia is determined to master the complex work and make its melody heard. Back home in Boston, from the moment Julia’s bow moves across the strings, drawing the waltz’s fiery notes into the air, something strange is stirred—and Julia’s world comes under threat. The music has a terrifying and inexplicable effect on her young daughter, who seems violently transformed. Convinced that the hypnotic strains of Incendio are weaving a malevolent spell, Julia sets out to discover the man and the meaning behind the score. Her quest beckons Julia to the ancient city of Venice, where she uncovers a dark, decades-old secret involving a dangerously powerful family that will stop at nothing to keep Julia from bringing the truth to light. I love Tess Gerritsen’s books, especially her Rizzoli & Isles series. This isn’t one of those, though. As I started reading, I thought maybe it was the makings of a paranormal or horror story (because, hey, that’s where my mind automatically goes when strange things happen), but it’s nothing like that (so now I feel comfortable giving it to my hubby to read). It’s more like a mystery, but not a who-done-it kind. More of a what-is-it kind. What the blurb doesn’t mention, is that part of the book tells how Incendio came to be written. I became hooked on both Julia’s and Lorenzo’s stories and easily read this in two days. It certainly made walking on the treadmill enjoyable.

Oh, and I found out yesterday that Tess Gerritsen will be at the Centerville library on Dec 4th. Whoo hoo! I made sure to register for the free event (so did hubby). Perfect timing, huh?

So… What are your plans for Thanksgiving? We’ll be going to our friend’s house in Columbus. I’m so happy she’s home this year. Thanksgiving just isn’t the same without Mary! Now, if I can just get rid of this blasted cough!

Happy Reading and Happy Thanksgiving!

Stacy

Saturday Night Freeze, Christmas Letter Time, and Miscellaneous Stuff

On Saturday night I froze my butt off. Well, actually I didn’t freeze my butt for part of the night. I sat on this thing called a Lava Seat. Claimed to stay warm for 6 hours. I don’t know what planet’s six hours it was, but not Earth’s. It barely worked for 2 hours. At least my butt was toasty warm during that small time, but sure would have liked it to be warm for the whole length of the football game. But back to Saturday night…

The temps hovered in the mid thirties. Wind chill (and boy, was it windy) brought it down to feeling like the mid twenties. Snow was forecasted (and I was prepared—I went out and bought me some snow boots!), but we were spared that (except at 2am—I noticed a dusting when I woke up coughing). Still… even sitting outside in the cold, wearing layers, covered in a blanket, and huddling in my coat was worth seeing the Wayne Warriors win!!

Yep! Next game is Saturday against Colerain for the Division I Region 2 Final. Winner of that game goes to the State Finals. I want it to be US!!! I want to win it all!!! And I want it to be warmer!!!!!

Greedy, aren’t I?

And if you haven’t noticed with that little hint above, I still have my cold. My husband got this cold and was sick for only three days. THREE DAYS! It’s not fair, I tell you. NOT. FAIR.

Even so, I’m thinking I’m good enough to go to the fitness center today. And my knee feels great. It didn’t even react to the cold weather Saturday night. Doesn’t mean I can go overboard. I’m still afraid I’ll do something wrong. But I have my doctor appointment next week, so hopefully I’ll find out what my limits are.

Yesterday I realized I needed to write my annual Christmas letter. I thought it might be hard (because it’s always hard), but for some reason it came easier this year. I started it with the story about Boris the spider (see this blog post HERE). Figured if I started it with a funny story, maybe my annual letter wouldn’t feel so wooden (or braggy). We’ll see. I didn’t get much feedback on the Christmas short story I included in last year’s letter, except a couple of people said they’d rather hear what was going on in my life, so since that was the ONLY feedback I got, I figured I’d go back to that. Who knew my life was interesting? I certainly didn’t.

I turned on my old laptop last night thinking I could update it to Windows 10 (and be able to check it out without ruining my current laptop), but I found out later that I can’t get a free update to Windows 10 from Vista. That figures. Now I feel like I went through all these updates for nothing. The last time I had turned on that laptop was back in January, so yeah, lots of updates. Plus, I forgot how slow that laptop is. I may not like my new laptop, but at least it’s faster than the old one.

Of course, it doesn’t seem like it’s THAT much faster at times. Buying this laptop was a mistake, but I’m stuck with it for now. If I find out I hate Windows 10 and Word 2003 doesn’t work on it, I may consider getting an Apple laptop. I’m getting kind of sick of Microsoft. But I’ll definitely try one out at the Apple store first. No more impulse buys for me!

Well, lookee there. I thought I wouldn’t have anything to post today and I managed to write stuff. Don’t you love these mish-mash Mondays?

So… How was your weekend? Do anything fun?

Have a great Monday.

Stacy

Friday Fun With a Music Video

I've got nothing to write about. Too busy with the novella and this blasted cold. So I hunted for this song, "Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart" by Chris Cornell. It's been playing on the radio a lot lately and I like it. The video, though... Yeah, it's strange. Have no idea what it has to do with the song.

Anyway, enjoy the song, have a great Friday and a great weekend. I'm sure I'll be out freezing my tookus on Saturday during the football game (high is forecasted to be in the 40s, which means the night will be a lot colder!).

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and I’m Still Sick (Ugh)

***Hmmm... I thought I set this up to post at 6am, but somehow it ended up as a draft. Here it is now.***

I know colds last about 7 days and it hasn’t been 7 days, but I still want this thing over with. Now. But does it listen to me? Nope. Stupid cold.

Here’s what I read this week:

Nov 15: “The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide” by Stephenie Meyer, a companion book to the Twilight series at 543 pages. Blurb from book: In 2005, Twilight introduced readers to Bella Swan and Edward Cullen, and a worldwide phenomenon was born. Since then, millions of readers have followed the breathtaking vampire love saga as it continued in New Moon and Eclipse and culminated in Breaking Dawn. Now, for the first time, Stephenie Meyer reveals secrets of the series as well as additional exclusive material taken directly from her personal notes, including character profiles, genealogical charts, maps, extensive cross-references, an in-depth conversation with author Shannon Hale, and much more. With nearly 100 gorgeous full-color illustrations and photographs throughout, this official guide allows readers to experience the Twilight Saga as never before, from Bella’s first day in Forks to the riveting final pages of Breaking Dawn. I was obsessed with the Twilight series. Read the series four times (yes, FOUR TIMES). I just couldn’t get enough of these books. Why? Because the characters just seemed real to me. Because I felt like I was Bella when I read them. I don’t recall ever being so obsessed about anything before (heck, it was this series that got me started in writing my own vampire romances). My daughter gave me this companion book well after my obsession with all things Twilight waned, though. I wasn’t sure if I would ever read it. Then Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined came out. My daughter got a copy (from the library) and said she’d give it to me to read next. So, what better time to read this companion book! While I found it repetitive in places and some of it I might have read from Stephenie Meyer’s website, it brought back some fond memories of when I was obsessed with the series. I also finished reading this the same day my daughter finished the book. Perfect timing!

FYI: The Illustrated Guide was one heavy book. The pages were made of thick stock so that the illustrations would show better. So it was like picking up a 1000 page (or more) book (and it was almost 2” thick). You could get a good workout just lifting the thing!

So… Have you ever been obsessed with anything? Did you get over it or are you still obsessed? I really didn’t think I would ever get over all things Twilight. I’m curious how I’ll react with the reimagined book. Guess I’ll find out soon.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Colds are Such a Nuisance

In case you haven’t noticed, I changed my About Me photo. Thought I would have fun with it, because if I can’t have fun here, then what’s the point. Right? I might change it occasionally, especially if I find a better picture.

Last week I made it to the fitness center for six days! Yeah, even Saturday. Talk about dedication, huh? So far the weight machines aren’t hurting my knee (I was able to use the blasted butt blaster without any pain), so I’ll take that as a positive.

And even though I went Saturday morning, it might have been a mistake to exercise, and not because of the work out. I wasn’t feeling 100% that morning and by the evening, I was achy. Now my head (nose?) is all congested, but at least I’m no longer achy. As of this writing (Sunday), I doubt I make it to the fitness center this morning. Wouldn’t be prudent of me to go sick. Not only because working out when I’m sick isn’t all that smart (makes your body work harder than it needs to, when it’s concentrating on making you well), but why spread my germs. Of course, it’s not like I didn’t do that Saturday. At a lot of places. Ooops…

Saturday I also attended my local RWA chapter (the one in Columbus). Again, I probably shouldn’t have gone – hope I didn’t give this bug to anyone – but I really wasn’t feeling all that bad when I left and I wanted to hear the speakers. And while I did my best to stay away from anyone (just in case), I managed to give people a reason to hug me. Why? The chapter needed a Treasurer to keep on going and I volunteered. Figured I could put my degree back to work and I didn’t want to see the chapter fold.

By the time I made it home from the meeting, I was feeling pretty achy (but not congested). Didn’t stop me from going to the football game, though, and it was COLD out there (40 degree weather). Yeah, not a smart move, but I just wanted to watch Wayne play. And they won! Whoo hoo! Next week they play in the Regional semi-final against Hilliard-Davidson.

I also learned something Saturday night. My knee does NOT like cold weather. Oh joy! I can only imagine how it’ll feel this winter.

This cold is frustrating me, though, and not just because I’m sick and hate being sick (I mean, who likes being sick?). It’s just another THING that is keeping me away from exercising the way I want. Plus, history has shown that once I miss a few days at the gym because of injury or illness, those few days turn into months. I need to change history!

So… what do you think of my new About Me photo (below)? Think it could get any better? Hee hee. J

Have a great Monday. I’m sure it’ll be better than mine. **cough, cough**

Stacy

Is it Time to Change my “About Me” Photo?

Recognize this photo? Did you know it was a picture of me? Maybe not. It’s a lot bigger here than it is over there on the side bar.

I’ve been at this blogging thing for almost 6 years (first post was back on Thanksgiving 2009) and commenting a little bit longer. When I set up my account to comment on blogs, I chose a picture that was me, but so small you couldn’t recognize me (somehow I thought I would be stalked or something!). Plus it was a picture with my sweetie (taken when we were driving out to Virginia in Aug 2008—I believe that’s the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance). Now that I’m published, I’m wondering if it’s time to change my About Me photo on Blogger.

I know some people change their photo to match the holidays (hello, Ivy!). On Facebook, profile photos get changed all the time. I don’t do that. What you see is what’s been there since I created the account.

These are the photos I have with my other social media sites:

FACEBOOK

(taken 4/3/10 in Pittsburgh at the old Igloo -- that's my daughter next to me)

 

 

WORDPRESS/GRAVATAR

(taken 9/1/08 in Jamestown, VA).

Actually, only my head shows up there. Gravatar only lets you use a portion of the picture.

 

 

GOOGLE+

(taken 3/14/14 in Solvang, CA)

 

GOODREADS/AMAZON/KENSINGTON/ANY TIME SOMEONE ASKS FOR MY PHOTO

(taken 12/13/09 at a Christmas dinner)

I’m using the cover to Blind Temptation as my profile photo on my Facebook author page, and I recently set up an Instagram account, but haven’t decided on anything yet.

So… Give me your opinion. Should I find a more recent picture? Use one from my other social media sites? Have a professional photo taken? Or just leave my Blogger photo alone?

Have a fun Friday the 13th and a great weekend. I plan on it. I’ve got a football game to go to tomorrow!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and an Exercise Update

Two days of exercise down this week, three to go. So far it looks like I’ll be doing those three, too.

On Monday I rode the bike for 19 minutes and worked the weights on my upper body. Hated the bike, but my knee didn’t object later in the day. So I decided to try to walk on the treadmill on Tuesday. And I did. 20 minutes at 2mph. I might have walked for a longer time except my arms hurt from holding the book I was reading (that thing is heavy, and I ain’t kidding!). Leg felt fine during the walk and it still felt fine later in the evening. I call that a win!

Only one exercise machine bothered my knee—that horrible butt blaster. Is it a good thing that the one machine I loathe is the one I can’t use? My knee was definitely feeling it (no matter what weight I used) and I quit right away. I’ll try again on Thursday, though. Mustn’t give up, right?

I don’t really like breaking up my exercise routine (upper body on one day, legs on the next). It just doesn’t feel like I’m working out all that much. Maybe once I can get more cardio in it will. So I guess I’ll just call it maintaining for now. Better than quitting, in any case, huh?

Here’s what I read this week:

Nov 5: “Jukebox Hero” by Teri Anne Stanley, a contemporary romance novella at 52 pages. Blurb from Goodreads: It’s the fall of 1959, and young widow Peggy Anderson’s sole focus is keeping her little restaurant open for another day. Unfortunately the Jukebox Malt Shop is barely holding its own on a good day. To make matters worse, the neighboring car dealer wants to shut her down and take over the property. The last thing she needs is a very bad boy from her past, rolling in to town to stir up trouble. Ray White has been kept away from Tucker by the good warden of the Eddyville Correctional Institute, but now he’s back, and ready to take care of problems that cropped up in his absence. When his desire for redemption send him to Peggy’s diner, he can’t ignore the feelings that he’s harbored all of these years—but will the secrets between them be too much for love to conquer? Interesting little story, although I felt like maybe it was a little too short. If you’re looking for an entertaining quick read, give this one a try. Unfortunately you can only get this on Amazon for your Kindle. I was lucky and got a copy from the author (yes, she’s a friend) because I like to whine about things that are only sold on Amazon and she wanted me to have a copy (sent me a pdf, which I had hubby format for my Nook). See? Sometimes whining works.

So… Do you do your book shopping ONLY from Amazon? I don’t buy my books from there (unless it’s the only place I can get a paper copy) and I have no plans on buying a Kindle. Ever. I buy regularly from B&N (Nook and paper) and occasionally from Books & Company (paper). I just don’t get why people only sell from one place. I want my books available everywhere!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Let Me Try This Exercise-Thing Again

Keep your fingers crossed. I’m going to the fitness center this morning.

I won’t try to work on the cardio, though. I may be stupid, but I’m not THAT stupid. I’ll ride the bike to warm up, but that’s about it. In the past, working the weights did NOT affect my knee, so I assume that will still be the case. Sure hope so, anyway. The knee’s not perfect, but at least I’m walking somewhat normal now.

As for increasing my cardio, I have an appointment with my doctor on Dec 1st and hope to get on some kind of physical therapy session, where I’ll let them tell me what I can and can’t do. It sucks I can’t walk fast, though. It was the one exercise I didn’t mind and I didn’t have to go to the fitness center to do it.

Wayne High School football team won on Saturday. 56-14. Hope they keep it up all the way to the state final (which is Dec 5, by the way)!!!

So… I’m thinking about getting a Fitbit. Anyone here own one, or something similar? If so, do you use it and does it help you keep track of your heart rate?

Now, cheer up. It’s only Monday. It doesn’t bite. Have a great day!

Stacy

I Need Advice

I plan to enter the contest, Judge a Book by Its Cover. It’s run by the Houston Bay Area Chapter of RWA.

This is the cover I’m entering:

 

I can only enter it in one category and I’m torn between two: Science fiction/Fantasy/Paranormal or Sexiest Cover. Which one do you think it would have a better chance of winning?

I’ve entered this contest the past two years (My Sunny Vampire and Bite Me, I’m Yours) without much luck. Maybe this year will be my year?

I could enter Ghostly Liaison, too (since it was also released this year), and maybe I will. It only costs $15 and I could use the exposure. If I did enter Ghostly Liaison, which category do you think it has a chance in? Same two categories apply.

 

By the way, I also entered Blind Temptation in the RITA contest (RWA’s big published book contest). Don’t know what kind of chance I have, but figure that’s FIVE more people who will read my book. And this book needs more readers!

It could use some more reviews, too, but that’s an issue the RITA won’t fix. Unless I final, I suppose. Wouldn’t THAT be something?

I could have also entered Ghostly Liaison, but decided against it. Besides the $50 entry fee, I have to mail 5 books (5 more if the book finals). Copies of Blind Temptation are a lot cheaper for me to buy than copies of Ghostly Liaison. Maybe that’s not a very good reason, but I have to draw the line somewhere.

Knee update: Hubby has been calling me Hop-a-long. My knee is still sore. But, it’s getting better. It hurts the worst when I get up after sitting awhile (and awhile can be a little as a couple of minutes). My knee objects to straightening (and bending and walking). At least it doesn’t hurt when I’m sitting. That’s because I’m not moving it! Hahahahaha! J

Hey, if I can’t laugh over this, I might as well throw in the towel, you know?

So… Please give me your honest opinion (as if you’d do anything else). Do my covers stand a chance? Or should I just forget about the whole thing?

Have a great weekend!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and I'm an Idiot!

Well, I went and did it. Really messed up my knee. I could kick myself (if I was able to bend my knee, that is!). Whatever made me think I could walk fast? I should have known better, but my knee was feeling great. No pain. Well, no pain until after I passed the 1 mile mark. Shortly after, my knee pretty much gave out.

I quickly turned around and headed home, limping. About half-way there, my knee was feeling a little better (I wasn’t limping as much), so I walked over to the polls and voted. Figured I was already out and it wasn’t really all that much out of the way. Probably a good thing I did, too. Once I got home and sat down? Yeah, there was no getting up. Not easily, anyway.

Stupid, stupid, stupid!

I only hope I didn’t sabotage the rest of my exercise routine. But if my knee isn’t feeling better by the end of the week, I guess I’ll go back to the doctor and see about that cortisone shot. It certainly couldn’t hurt.

Here’s what I read this week:

Oct 31: “Let the Dead Sleep” by Heather Graham, first book in the Cafferty and Quinn series, a supernatural thriller/romantic suspense at 331 pages. Blurb from book: It was stolen from a New Orleans grave—the centuries-old bust of an evil man, a demonic man. It’s an object desired by collectors—and by those with wickedness in their hearts. One day, its current owner shows up at Danni Cafferty’s antiques shop on Royal Street, the shop she inherited from her father. But before Danni can buy the statue, it disappears, the owner is found dead…and Danni discovers that she’s inherited much more than she realized. In the store is a book filled with secret writing: instructions for defeating evil entities. She’d dismissed it as a curiosity…until the arrival of this statue, with its long history of evil and even longer trail of death. Michael Quinn, former cop and now private investigator, is a man with an unusual past. He believes that doing the right thing isn’t a job—it’s a way of life. And the right thing to do is find and destroy this object weighted with malevolent powers. He and Danni are drawn together in their search for the missing statue, following it through sultry New Orleans nights to hidden places in the French Quarter and secret ceremonies on abandoned plantations. Cafferty and Quinn already know that trust in others can be misplaced, that love can be temporary. And yet their connection is primal. Mesmerizing. They also know that their story won’t end when this case is closed and the dead rest in peace once again. Well, I guess getting this book as a freebie at RT worked. I liked it and I’m interested in reading more (there are two more in the series now, no idea how many to expect). It’s got a bit of a supernatural bent, but mostly some kind of thriller/suspense thing (and I’m a sucker for those!). There is some romance going on, but it’s not really a “romance” (no happily ever after or happy for now ending—where it concerns the couple, at least). Still, I like the characters a lot and I want to read more, so I guess I have another series on my radar now. J

Nov 3: “Bared to You” by Sylvia Day, first book in the Crossfire series, an erotica romance at 319 pages. Blurb from book: He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I’d never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily… Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other’s most private wounds…and desires. The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn’t tear us apart… I got this book free at RT. I don’t read a lot of the freebies I get, but I’ve been curious to read something by Sylvia Day and I now had a book. But as I was in Goodreads to mark it as my current read, I saw a friend mention it had a cliffhanger (and we know how much I loathe those). Then I noticed it was in first person (ugh!). I seriously wondered if I should read it. Well, I’m glad I did. I enjoyed it a lot. In fact, I had a hard time putting it down. And that cliffhanger? Well, there really wasn’t one (thank goodness). I still wasn’t crazy about the first person (doesn’t make it a real romance for me anyway, I like to know what the guy is thinking/feeling), but it’s not that off-putting to keep me from the next book. If you like steamy books with two damaged characters, this book is for you. Hot stuff!

So… Have you ever picked up a book and almost let the reviews keep you from reading it, but read it anyway then found out it was pretty darn good? I think this was a first for me.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

This and That Monday

We got six (SIX) trick-or-treaters on Saturday. I thought the year we got 16 was bad, but six is an all time low. Guess that’s what you get when you live on a cul-de-sac off another cul-de-sac. Still, I thought there were more kids living here now than when we first moved in. Guess I was wrong. Or…they went to a bigger neighborhood. Wouldn’t blame them if they had.

Wayne won their game on Friday!! They ended the season undefeated (10-0!!) and became the GWOC Central champs!!! (I just love exclamation marks!!!!). Ranked #3 in Division 1, Region 2, Wayne will get to play the first round playoff game at home (subsequent rounds are played at neutral sites) on Saturday against the #14 team, Reynoldsburg (7-3). Can’t wait! Hope the weather’s nice. Ah, but even if it isn’t, I’ll still be going to the game.

Hey! I cooked again last night. This time I made enchiladas (using the recipe on the can of Old El Paso enchilada sauce). I’ve made this recipe numerous times, so it’s not that much work for me. I figure if I make the familiar meals, maybe I’ll venture into the unfamiliar. Maybe. I still don’t like cooking, but if I lose weight from it (and that would be from making meals with fewer calories, not from making meals that aren’t edible—I know you thought that!), I’ll keep doing it.

I saw my cardiologist on Friday (the one who recommended I go to Cleveland Clinic). I just wanted to find out how often he wanted to see me (since the surgery was a no-go for now). I go back to see his replacement in 6 months (he’s leaving the Air Force), but I won’t have another echo & EKG until next year (as long as I still don’t have any symptoms). I’m to ramp up my exercise, though. He wants me to do 150 minutes a week of cardio (intense enough to get me winded). I kind of worried about that because of my knee, but everything I read about osteoarthritis says exercise is the best thing for it. I usually don’t feel any pain in my knee until AFTER an intensive walk anyway (intensive = averaging 17 min/mile).

Maybe all this cardio will help with the weight loss. I had planned on upping my cardio anyway. Now I have motivation – doctor’s orders. J I just hope I don’t have to resort to riding the stationary bicycle. It’s worse than the treadmill! But I’ll do it if I have to.

This week looks to be a little warmer than last. I’m hoping to get some outside walking in on Tuesday and Thursday (I like to walk 4 miles on non-gym days). Soon I won’t be able to do it at all. I do have my limits when the temperature drops. 50-degree mornings I can live with. 40s and below, not so much. When the temps stay low for the upcoming seasons, I’ll have to re-vamp my whole exercise program. That could be a good thing. The same ’ol, same ’ol can end up being boring.

So… How'd your weekend go? Do anything interesting?

Have a great Monday!

Stacy