Yes!! No RADIATION!!!

We got the BEST NEWS EVER! Doctor said everything came back clean. Hubby won’t need radiation. Looks like he’s cancer-free! He’ll go back in 3 months for another PET scan to be sure, but WOW! We did NOT expect that news. So happy!!!!

Now maybe life can get back to normal. A new normal, but normal. Whew.

Big Red update: I’m pleased to say that he’s been working great since I got him back last week. So far. It’s sad that I can’t be optimistic. Maybe when a couple months have gone by without an issue, I’ll feel more confident.

Maybe.

I noticed that I posted 13 times each month this year (this one being the 13th for April). I’ve never posted the same AMOUNT for the first four months before. February usually messes things up. Then again, this is a leap year, so apparently that extra day helped. Anyway, I just thought that little stat was interesting. I know, it is for me, not necessarily for you. J

I’m still watching the Penguins/Capitals game as I write this, as it is going into overtime and I just want to go to bed. Ugh. I have a feeling this round will be stressful.

Have a great weekend.

Stacy

Wednesday Reads

Not much to report since Monday. Hubby is still improving each day and I still can’t cook him a meal he can eat (I knew there was a reason I didn’t cook – haha!). He did go into work on Monday, but not yesterday. Plans to go today (we’ll see). In the meantime, he’s showing me what life could be like if he retires without a project.

He’s definitely gonna need a project.

Here’s what I read the past week:

Apr 24: “The Beast” by J.R. Ward, #14 in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, a paranormal romance at 508 pages. Blurb from book: Nothing is as it used to be for the Black Dagger Brotherhood. After avoiding war with the Shadows, alliances have shifted and lines have been drawn. The slayers of the Lessening Society are stronger than ever, preying on human weakness to acquire more money, more weapons, more power. But as the Brotherhood readies for an all-out attack on them, one of their own fights a battle within himself… For Rhage, the Brother with the biggest appetites but also the biggest heart, life was supposed to be perfect—or, at the very least, perfectly enjoyable. Mary, his beloved shellan, is by his side, and his King and his brothers are thriving. But Rhage can’t understand—or control—the panic and insecurity that plague him… And that terrifies him—as well as distances him from his mate. After suffering a mortal injury in battle, Rhage must reassess his priorities—and the answer, when it comes to him, rocks his world…and Mary’s. But Mary is on a journey of her own—one that will either bring them closer together or cause a split that neither will recover from…. Joy and happiness. That’s what I felt when I reached the end. Ever since I met Rhage in this series, he’s been one of my favorites. It was so nice to revisit him. As well as a lot of other characters, because it’s never just about one couple. Oh no. Many story lines are being told and I can’t wait to continue with the next book. And no, I wouldn’t call them cliff hangers. More like…hope. I hope to read more about them. This is one of my most favorite series ever.

So… Do you read series books? Got a favorite?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

The SPAM I Get...

I have several e-mail accounts. One I’ve had forever, back when you were limited to how many characters you could have as an e-mail address. Luckily my initials and last name fit. I use this account for pretty much everything (even this blog) and I’m really surprised I don’t get much SPAM on this account. And I’m glad.

Another I set up when I started querying. I didn’t want the responses to get lost in my main account (like I expected to get tons of responses—boy, was I naïve or what?). The extent of SPAM on this account: Canadian Pharmacy. I guess I marked I was old or something.

Then I set up my author e-mail account via g-mail. Never really used it until I became published. Somewhere this got picked up for every SPAM site out there. I probably get over a dozen SPAM a DAY on this account. And just recently, too. I have yet to figure out what the trigger was because it doesn’t correspond with anything. Just lucky, I guess.

As I read over some of the beginnings of these e-mails (because I want to make sure a fan e-mail didn’t get put over in SPAM by mistake), I had to laugh. And then I thought it might be funny to share here (because I’m always looking for something to blog about that’s more funny than depressing). Maybe you might get these same e-mails. Or not. Here’s a sampling of the sexual nature:

• Your super helpers in love. Joy can last longer than you expect.
• Don’t let your vigor collapse! Implement your fantasies into reality!
• Her little hole won’t be so little after you… (I don’t think I want to know what the rest of this says)
• They will worship your stiff manhood.
• Your love temperament will go crazy…
• Your love-tool will always behave well… (this one really cracked me up!)
• Save your amorous life from failures!

Here’s a sampling of others:

• Open that door with the Degree you diserve (hmmm… do I really want a Degree from some place that can’t spell?)
• How a fiction author went from 0 to $66.236 (Really? I already do better than that. But to be fair, inside the e-mail it states $66,236)
• Match your experience with the right Degree (I know, boring, but I get a lot of Degree ones—always capitalized—for some strange reason.)

I’m still amazed at how many of these e-mails assume I’m a male. Years ago, I could understand that, since Stacy wasn’t a very popular name for girls (at least not when I was growing up). Now? It’s more popular for girls than it is for boys, isn’t it? Yet, I never get one of these sexual e-mails addressed for a woman. Then again, maybe there isn’t an equivalent female problem that gets SPAMMED.  If there is, you’ll have to enlighten me.

On Saturday, the Penguins finished off the Rangers and now head into Round 2 where they’ll face the Capitals. I am SO enjoying watching the Penguins play this year. They are so together. And fast!! It’s just awesome.

Hubby is progressing well. Each day he improves a little more (it really helped when his crutch—the feeding tube—went away). And today he actually went into work. Doubt he stays the whole day, but that doesn’t matter. It’s a step back to normalcy, something he’s been craving.

So… Do you have several e-mail accounts? Does one get more SPAM than the others?

Have a great Monday!

Stacy

Bumblebees, Big Red, and Penguins

Well, apparently painting the mailbox pole (which is wooden) did NOT help with the bumblebee problem. They’re back. And they brought friends. So now I have FOUR of those stingers flying around the mailbox instead of just two. I probably wouldn’t mind so much if they didn’t like dive-bombing me whenever I approach the mailbox. Grrr…

I got a surprise yesterday. Dell sent me one of those automated telephone calls saying Big Red (no, they don’t call it that) was on its way to me via FedEx. They had just gotten the laptop on the 19th! Then when we came home after Hubby’s doctor appointment (he got his feeding tube removed—yay!), we found Big Red waiting at the front door. I thought they shipped it yesterday, but it shipped on the 20th. I’ve got it all set up (again). Now, don’t get me wrong… I’m glad to have it back (I really don’t like Tasha Yar), but I’m not feeling all that optimistic. Big Red has been breaking down after a week of use. How would Dell know it’s fixed unless they have it on for a week? Grrr…

Penguins won last night. Yay!! If they win on Saturday, then they go onto the next round. They’re playing so good and it’s fun to watch. I love hockey.

So… Saturday looks to be a busy day (hair appointment, writer’s group meeting, hockey game), but Sunday should be nice and quiet. How’s your weekend looking?

Happy Friday!

 

Stacy

Wednesday Reads And I've Got a GREAT Daughter!

The Penguins won last night in a nail biter. Oh wait, they’re pretty much ALL nail biters during the playoffs. As long as they win, it’s all good, though. I had a good week of reading, too. Here’s what I read:

Apr 14: “One With You” by Sylvia Day, #5 in the Crossfire series, an erotica at 462 pages. Blurb from book: Gideon Cross. Falling in love with him was the easiest thing I’ve ever done. It happened instantly. Completely. Irrevocably. Marrying him was a dream come true. Staying married to him is the fight of my life. Love transforms. Ours is both a refuge from the storm and the most violent of tempests. Two damaged souls entwined as one. We have bared our deepest, ugliest secrets to each other. Gideon is the mirror that reflects all my flaws…and all the beauty I couldn’t see. He has given me everything. Now I must prove I can be the rock, the shelter for him that he is for me. Together, we could stand against those who work so viciously to come between us. But our greatest battle may lie within the very vows that give us strength. Committing to love was only the beginning. Fighting for it will either set us free…or break us apart. This is the finale to the Crossfire novels and it was fitting. I enjoyed this crazy series, but luckily got started on it late, since it appears there was this huge gap between some of the books! Eva and Gideon’s story kept me riveted. Boy, was I glad. I was beginning to wonder if I could enjoy a book again.

Apr 19: “Midnight Rising” by Lara Adrian, #4 in the Midnight Breed series, a paranormal romance at 356 pages. Blurb from book: Fueled by pain and rage over a shattering betrayal, the warrior Rio has pledged his life to the war against the Rogues. He will let nothing stand in his way—least of all a mortal woman with the power to expose the entire vampire race. But now an ancient evil has been awakened, and a stunning darkness is on the rise. For journalist Dylan Alexander, it began with the discovery of a hidden tomb. Suddenly she is at the center of a gathering storm of violence and secrets. But nothing is as dangerous as the scarred, lethally seductive man who rises from the shadows to plunge her into his world of dark desire and endless night. Here she is powerless to resist Rio’s touch, even as she uncovers a shocking link to her own past Now Dylan must choose: Leave Rio’s midnight realm, or risk it all for the man who has shown her true passion and the infinite pleasures of the heart…. Nice mix of paranormal, suspense, and romance. Okay, lots of romance. Lots of sexy romance. But you’re not finding any complaints here! No siree. I’m enjoying this series very much.

Hubby made it through surgery fine on Monday, and didn’t have that much of a set back. In fact, he’s getting the feeding tube removed on Thursday (yeah, they put it back in just in case). That makes me happy. However, we won’t know the results of the surgery until next week. It’s possible he’ll still need radiation. And that makes me sad. I sure hope that isn’t the case.

Man, I really hate cancer!

I have to give a shout out to my daughter. She’s letting me read The Beast (J.R. Ward—Black Dagger Brotherhood series) before she reads it (it’s her book) because she’s bogged down with editing and doesn’t know when she’ll get around to reading it. So… Thank you, sweetie!!! I love you lots!!!! And guess what I’m reading now?

So… What are you reading? And how did you find that book?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Musical Monday -- All Over the World

I got hit with one of those days where I couldn't think of anything to post. At least I've been busy with revisions, which could be the cause of my non-post (my brain is fried!).

But I don't want to leave you empty-handed. Or would that be empty-eyed? Hmmm...

I've always loved Electric Light Orchestra. This video isn't featuring the group, and it's not a music video they put together, but it is featuring one of their songs (and one I enjoy--oh wait, I enjoy them all). I thought it was just...fun. Plus, I love to dance. So enjoy!

Here's Electric Light Orchestra's "All Over the World."

Have a great Monday. I'll be spending a good part of today at the hospital and hoping it will be the end of our trips there. Well, for Hubby, anyway. :)

Stacy

Good News and… Well, Of Course it Can’t All be Good

Wednesday Hubby had his follow-up appointment with his surgeon. We got the BEST news. His lymph nodes came back negative! Hubby won’t need chemotherapy! Yay!!!

Of course, that was followed up with some not so good news (ain’t that always the case?). The margins of the surgery fell below what the surgeon wanted. Instead of 5mm all around, one part came back at only 2mm. He knows exactly where the spot is and wants to go back in. If Hubby doesn’t want more surgery, then he’d have to have radiation on that spot. Surgery may very well mean no radiation at all. So, Hubby took that chance and said, “Go for it.”

Surgery is set for Monday, April 18. Should be an outpatient kind, so he won’t need to spend the night. And the doctor doesn’t think it will set Hubby back very far in his healing (probably because Hubby is still using the feeding tube for most of his nutrition).

It’s a pain, but hopefully the last of it. It’s nice to know, though, that chemotherapy is out. Now we want radiation out, too. I’m thinking it will be (after the surgery). Gotta keep those positive thoughts!!

Yesterday was a quiet day for a change. Not that I wanted it THAT quiet. I went to turn on Big Red and it wouldn’t boot up. At all. I e-mailed Dell. Again. Told them I wanted it replaced. Again. While I waited for their call, I read because I didn’t feel like pulling out Tasha Yar. Again. But then I finished the book and wanted to record the read (and maybe do some more revisions to Ghostly Interlude), so out came Tasha Yar. Again.

Dell called while I was updating my reading page. Had us remove the hard drive and then put it back in. Big Red still indicated that no hard drive was installed. I was so ready to let them have it if they told me it needed a new hard drive. Instead…

Dell’s going to replace the mother board. Gee… I think we asked them to do that awhile ago. Hubby said it’s the next step and we have to be patient (which was funny coming from the most impatient person I know). I just wish it didn’t take Dell a mile of steps to figure it out!

So now I’m back on Tasha Yar for a week or so. Again. I’m so glad I backed up Big Red on the 12th. I wasn’t home very much during the day on the 13th and there was this hockey game on at night and I barely used the computer, so I didn’t lose any data. Whew! Dodged a bullet there, huh?

I’ll say one good thing about Big Red and Dell: They’re giving me something to BLOG about! J

So… Going to any concerts this year? Hubby and I have tickets to see: The Monkees (only Mickey and Peter), Abba Concert (not featuring the actual group Abba), The Go-Gos, and The Dixie Chicks. We’ve been lucky if we go to one concert in a year. This year lots of interesting ones have been popping up. It might have something to do with the new music center in town (although we’re seeing The Dixie Chicks near Indianapolis).

Have a great weekend!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and Trying to Stay Positive

Here’s what I read last week:

Apr 12: “Dragon’s Redemption” by Eden Ashe, #2 in the Dragon Lore series, a paranormal romance at 212 pages. Blurb from Goodreads: When her brother goes missing, everything in Lily Cage's world turns upside down. Born a Hunter female, the last thing she needs is an attraction to Dallas, the scariest dragon in existence. The one known as The Destroyer. With peace between the Hunters and Dragons hanging by a thread, one wrong move on Lily or Dallas's part could catapult them all back into war. But with Dallas playing by his own rules and someone on the outside decimating her life, they have a choice--stand and fight, or lose everything they never realized they wanted. I didn’t love this one like I did the first book, but then my head’s not into reading so much right now (gee… I wonder why?). I’d like to blame my head instead of the book, but actually, it’s probably a bit of both. Which is a shame, because it was an interesting story. It just felt a little…rushed.

****

Well… the book signing at the library didn’t go so well (but I got pictures!). I had one visitor, who didn’t read romance. No one else stopped by to say hi.

I must look scary or something.

Then again, not many people wandered into the library. It was raining all day long! Plus, this is Centerville’s smaller branch. The woman running the 2nd Monday Authors program said more traffic comes through the other branch and that they may end up switching it so that all the 2nd Monday Author events happen in the other library. And, if the program is still going on next year (and she hopes it is, because she doesn’t feel there are enough author events around), she said she’d invite me back next year in the other branch. So, that’s nice. Plus, all three of my Bitten by Love books were checked out! Gotta look at the positives, huh?

My doctor appointment yesterday went pretty much as I expected. I’m scheduled for an echocardiogram next Wednesday and have a stress echo to look forward to in the near future. Oh joy!

So…This happened yesterday (see picture). Luckily, I was able to boot Big Red up on the second try. I am so not amused. I sent this picture to Dell. From now on that’s what I’m gonna do. Take pictures and send them. Then maybe they’ll replace Big Red. I’m sure Dell will call back when I’m not home, because that’s what they do!

So… Do you find reading difficult when it seems the whole world is against you or is reading a means to escape? I had really hoped for that escape, so maybe the world really IS against me.

Because I look scary or something. J

Happy Reading!

Stacy

P.S. I noticed Blogger must have changed the way pictures post. I didn't get the option to make the picture larger or smaller and I had to drag the picture instead of clicking on Left/Right/Center. Why do they have to keep messing with stuff that isn't broken???? Why am I always whining??? Wasn't I supposed to stay positive??? Ugh. I'll do better next post.

I Can’t Complain…Yet

Taking care of Hubby, I feel bad that I can’t make it all better for him. I feel bad the healing process is going slow (or at least it seems that way). And then I wonder… Is this what I have to look forward to?

Granted, I shouldn’t have any problems eating after my surgery (which I know will eventually happen, I just don’t know when). And by “shouldn’t” I mean the only sore throat I expect to have is the one caused by the oxygen machine. No cutting above the neck for me. No, my scar will be down my chest.

I still shudder at that thought.

That doesn’t mean I’ll feel like eating, though, does it? Hubby is on a liquid diet (feeding tube) right now and I hate bugging him when he should eat, but I do because he needs it. Hopefully, he’ll return the “favor” of bugging me when I’m not doing something I should (like probably getting up and walking around).

I’m glad to be there for him. And I’ll be doubly glad he’ll be there for me. I can’t imagine going through recovery without someone by my side. I want to be his motivation, because he’ll certainly be mine.

He thinks he’s being a pain. And a wimp. Well, he might be a wimp at times (he tends to get that way when he’s sick), but he’s not a pain. I just want him to get better. And if that means nagging for him to do what he needs to do to get better, then I guess I’ll nag.

*****

Hey! Today is my library event. Wish me luck! And if you happen to be near the Washington-Centerville (OH) Public Library on Far Hills Road, stop by and say hi. I'll be there from 1-3pm.

Tomorrow I go in for my six-month check up, or the start of it. I’m sure my doctor will schedule tests (like an echocardiogram and EKG). Fun, fun! And while I may feel a little symptomatic (mainly, I just never feel like I’m getting ahead in my exercise program), I don’t think it’s at the severe level yet (and I hope it doesn’t get there for a very long time).

On Wednesday Hubby should get the results of the pathology on his lymph nodes. Fingers crossed for some good news. I sure would love to say he beat cancer.

And I’d love to be in a super-duper good mood when the Penguins game comes on. Penguins and Rangers start this Wednesday in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Let’s go Pens!

So… Do you tend to nag your loved one when they’re sick and not doing what they should be doing to get better (even if that means staying in bed and sleeping)? And why are sick people so stubborn? J

Have a great Monday!

 

Stacy

Hubby is Home and Library Event on Monday

I don’t know about you, but it’s been a long week. Lots of driving for me. Lots of healing for Hubby. But he’s home now. Eating with a feeding tube, but home.

I’m hoping he won’t need the tube for long, but since the swelling kicked in, he’s had difficulty swallowing. But the doctors say he's healing nicely, so at least no complications! Yay!

My exercise took a hit this week, too. I just didn’t feel like going to the fitness center when all I wanted to do was go to the hospital and be with Hubby. I’ll most likely go back this morning. Can’t stop exercising. Got my own health to worry about, too.

On Monday I’ll be at the Washington-Centerville (OH) Public Library from 1-3pm selling and signing my books. The event even made the paper (on Mar 26). Whoo hoo! Now, do you think I’ll sell any books? It’d be cool if I do.

So… Got any plans this weekend? I’m kind of hoping it’s quiet. I could use some quiet. Whatever you’re doing, hope you enjoy it!

Happy Friday!

 

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and the Hospital Has Wi-Fi

I expect to be home late Tuesday night, so it’s nice the hospital has wi-fi (FREE wi-fi!) and I can post this early. Here’s what I read last week:

Apr 1: “The Unleashed” by Brett Battles, #10 in the Jonathan Quinn series, a suspenseful thriller at 289 pages. Blurb from book: Even those who make bodies disappear for a living need a vacation. To Quinn and Orlando, the offer of a private villa on a quiet island beach sounds like heaven, and they jump at the chance for some family time with their six-month old daughter and Orlando’s teenage son. At first it seems as though their holiday will be even better than they’d hoped. The water is warm, the house is beautiful, and the view is spectacular. But when revenge is in the air, things have a way of going sideways. Another goodie. But it leaves it hanging on the next job, errr… next book. Not a cliff hanger per se, but pretty damn close. Great read, though. Hard to put down. Plus, I just love Quinn and Orlando. Can’t wait for the next one.

Apr 5: “Wallbanger” by Alice Clayton, a humorous contemporary romance at 365 pages. Blurb from book: The first night after Caroline moves into her fantastic new San Francisco apartment, she realizes she’s gaining an—um—intimate knowledge of her new neighbor’s nocturnal adventures. Thanks to paper-thin walls and the guy’s athletic prowess, she can hear not just his bed banging against the wall but the ecstatic response of what seems (as loud night after loud night goes by) like an endless parade of women. And since Caroline is currently on a self-imposed “dating hiatus,” and her neighbor is clearly lethally attractive to women, she finds her fantasies keep her awake even longer than the noise. So when the wallbanging threatens to literally bounce her out of bed, Caroline, clad in sexual frustration and a pink baby-doll nightie, confronts Simon Parker, her heard-but-never-seen neighbor. The tension between them is as thick as the walls are thin, and the results just as mixed. Suddenly, Caroline is finding she may have discovered a whole new definition of neighborly… I noticed this book at RT last year, but that was about it. A lot of my friends raved about it, but still, I didn’t pay much attention. Then I noticed a sale at B&N for buying 3 books for $30. Well, they had the next two of the Crossfire series (a series I got hooked on), but I needed a third book for the deal. Then I saw this one. Boy, am I glad I bought it. It wasn’t anything like I thought (I thought erotica, and while it has its sexy scenes, it’s not erotica). It’s in first person (not my favorite), but it’s so funny I didn’t care (the texts going back and forth are very entertaining). Clive the cat was awesome. Looking for a humorous romance? Here ya go!

Hubby is still in ICU, but only because he has a drain tube sticking out of his neck (I like to call him Frankenstein). As soon as it stops draining, they’ll remove it and send him to a regular room. That, or home. He’s hoping for home and doing the best he can to get that. Can’t really blame him there.

So far Big Red has been cooperating. For how long is anyone’s guess, since I got a scare on Sunday (and e-mailed Dell about it). Dell said they called me (if they did, it wasn’t the number I gave them—my cell), so I have to e-mail them back, but since I’m not at home, I haven’t. Yeah, the hospital has wi-fi, but I don’t feel like dealing with Dell with this slow connection. Again, the timing couldn’t suck more.

So… It snowed here Saturday. And Monday night. And I think we’re under another freeze warning. It’s supposed to be spring, right? Where’d it go? Hope it’s warmer where you are!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Today's the Day

Hubby goes in for surgery today at 2pm. Here’s hoping he’s in there a long time (they’ve allotted five hours). If he is, then that means the doctor is removing the tonsil and surrounding area (a decision the doctor will make after he can do a thorough examination). That’s what we’re gambling on. That’s what we’re hoping for.

I don’t think I’ll relax until he’s been in surgery for a couple of hours. Because that’ll be my answer.

I’ll post the results in the comments.

So… I’m hoping to spend an awfully long time in the waiting room (we have to arrive by 11:30am for him to be registered and checked in). I’ll have my book, my iPod, and my computer. Hopefully I’ll be able to concentrate enough to get some work done (and make the time go faster).

Thanks for being there (in spirit). J

Stacy

April Fool’s!

Well, Big Red decided to work yesterday, so hopefully it was just an early April Fool’s joke when it wouldn’t start on Wednesday. I can only hope.

Sometimes this day is fun. Sometimes…not so much. There used to be a radio station in the area that liked to play on this day. One year, back in the 90s, they announced the genre was switching from pop to country then proceeded to play country music. All day! I turned the radio off (I kept checking back to see if it was just the morning show’s joke—nope!). No offense to you country-music lovers, but I can only take so much of that.

You wouldn’t believe how many people actually FELL for that prank, though. Thankfully, I was prepared. The year before they had broadcasted from a “parade” on I-75, talking about the different floats and bands and everything (including the traffic)! Now, that event was funny, although I wonder how many people actually drove down I-75 looking for it.

The extent of my fooling someone is telling them it snowed (when it hadn’t). I tried to tell Hubby I was pregnant one year (many years ago), but he was too smart for me. As you can see, I’m not an elaborate prankster. If there’s a lot of work involved, I’m probably not going to do it. They don’t call me lazy for nothing. J

Last night I wasn’t in much of a mood to write. Or read. Hubby was out teaching and I had the house all to myself. So I watched a movie I know he’ll never see: The Lost Boys. Have you ever seen it? Would you believe this is the first time I’ve ever seen it? That would most likely be because of Hubby. Or I didn’t have any friends to go see the movie with.

Let’s see… It came out in 1987. Hubby was stationed in Korea and my two little kiddies and I were living in California with my parents. Yep, I wouldn’t have found anyone to go see it with since all of my friends (which weren’t all that many) had left the area. Heck, I rarely left my kids with my parents (I felt they had put up enough letting us live with them).

Anyway… The movie was a bit cheesy, but then aren’t all flicks eventually? I probably would have loved it back in 1987, although I wasn’t (and am still not) a fan of Kiefer Sutherland’s. Jason Patric on the other hand…yum! The soundtrack was good, I’ll give it that.

So…  Do you enjoy playing tricks on this day? Or are you the one usually being tricked? What was the best one (either way)?

Have a great weekend and Happy April Fool’s!

Stacy