Wednesday Reads and a New Goal (Sort of)

Wow. I don’t know how I did it, but so far I’ve gone half the year (Yikes! Where did it go?) and posted 13 posts each month (this is the 13th for June). I didn’t even try, just posted Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Now I’m determined to see if I can do that all year. If I have to go out of my routine, I just might. I’ve got a GOAL! Hahahahahaha!

Here’s what I read the past week:

June 23: “Accidentally in Love With the Biker” by Teri Anne Stanley, a novella (by my standards) in the A What Happens in Vegas Story series, a contemporary romance at 165 pages. Blurb from book: Aspiring writer Kellie Dalton needs a man, and fast. When she’s rear-ended by a sexy-as-sin biker on the way to a Vegas romance readers convention, she sees her chance. If he’ll pose as her fake boyfriend long enough to impress a bestselling author, Kellie has a shot at saving the bookstore for underprivileged kids she runs back home. Quinn Anderson doesn’t know what to make of the cute little writer who stirs his heart and his libido, but he does know he wants to get better acquainted. And if that means keeping up their sexy ruse all week, he’s game. Quinn knows girls like Kellie deserves someone with a secure future to help with her store, not a guy struggling to turn a profit on his chopper shop. But if his motorcycle designs win the big Vegas competition, he’ll have enough prize money to fund his dreams…and hers. Cute story. Hot biker, sexy scenes, and humor to boot. If you’re looking for a quick, fun read, give this one a try. You don’t have to have read any of the books in the series to enjoy this one, either. They’re pretty much written to a theme—in this case: Vegas—by different authors, and aren’t connected.

So… What are you reading now? I’m currently reading the next in the Midnight Breed series (I’ve been alternating by reading other books between the series books). Not sure what I should read after that, though. I’ve got “End of Watch” sitting in front of the fireplace (where most of my TBR books are) begging to be read, but also a Lori Foster ARC I won at RAGT (so I’m feeling a little obligated there), and I just ordered the next Darynda Jones (Charlie Davidson series) book. If it gets here before I’m finished with my current read, I’ve got quite a dilemma in choosing! Ah, but what a dilemma to have, huh?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Arrgghh! Stop Calling!

I am so sick and tired of those recorded calls. If it’s not the “IRS” calling saying I will be arrested if I don’t call their number and get my taxes straight, or some other scam place telling me due to “Treasury Government” changes I have to call their number or face persecution, then it’s a stupid bank calling saying something’s wrong with my account (when I pay my bills in full and on time).

Hello! I’m not falling for them. Stop Calling!!

It’s gotten where I don’t even get up to answer the phone anymore. But man, having the phone ring multiple times a day is really getting on my nerves.

The latest is the rash of recorded calls (got three on Sunday alone) from Citibank for my daughter’s Goodyear account. It sounded real (they listed her name), so I gave the information (phone number) to my daughter. The message said that she hadn’t paid her bill in full, yet they hadn’t been mailing her any bills. When she went on line, she said her account shows her phone number, not ours. Daughter said she will call Goodyear (based on the phone number on their website, not the phone calls) and figure out what’s going on. Because if she owes them money, why didn’t they just bill her? They have her address! Just makes me think this is another scam.

I sure wish there was a way to report these calls, but when you can’t talk to a real person, makes it kind of hard. And being on the “do not call” list doesn’t stop scammers from calling.

So… How many of these annoying calls do you get? Have you figured out a way to get them to stop? Sometimes I think I should just call their number back and let them have it. If I was brave, I’d do it, too. But I’m chicken.

Brawk. Brawk.

(That’s a chicken call, in case you couldn’t tell. J )

Hope your Monday is stress-free!

 

Stacy

Storms and Walking

We had some nasty storms come through early Thursday morning. Like 3am early. And we were on a tornado watch, so I really couldn’t go back to sleep until the storms passed. When my alarm went off at 6am, I almost didn’t want to get up. But I did. I blame my husband and the Fit Bit for that (more on that later).

I got dressed, went downstairs, and checked the weather. Hmmm… It was still cloudy, but the radar wasn’t showing anything. Could I walk to the fitness center without getting wet? I decided not to risk it and drove.

Good thing I did, too. Apparently during the storm a tree decided to fall across the sidewalk I normally take. I would have had to detour. Plus, it started raining on the drive. Yep, made a good decision. Just meant I had to walk my five miles on the treadmill.

And let me tell you, that’s not fun at all.

I discovered that when I want to walk faster on the treadmill, I have a harder time reading. Or maybe it was due to the fact I was blowing my nose every five minutes. Yeah, this cold is still lingering, but I’m not going to let it stop me from exercising.

I walked for 45 minutes before my weight routine and then 45 minutes (faster and on an incline) after. Got my five miles and 10+K steps. Felt good about that.

So what does my husband and Fit Bit have to do with my going to the fitness center?

Hubby likes to create these challenges with me. Like I even have a shot at winning. He walks 10 miles to my 5. Still, I want to at least make it a respectable loss, so I couldn’t not walk yesterday.

Funny thing is, I had a good shot at beating him last week. He couldn’t walk for a couple of days because of weather (threat of rain in the afternoon). Unfortunately, I got sick, so I didn’t walk, either. He won. Bummer!

But this will be the first week I’ve walked 5+ miles five days in a row (because I will be walking this morning). I feel pretty good about that, even if I don’t beat Hubby.

Tonight Hubby and I will be going to a Dragons game. Got another one to go to tomorrow. Weather looks to be a whole bunch better. Temps will be in the mid 80s but the dew points will be in the low 50s. I like those numbers!

So… Are you doing anything fun this weekend? Besides the games, it looks to be rather quiet around here. Hmmm… Maybe I’ll take a walk!

Have a great Friday!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and a Giveaway

Yay! I finished a book. Here’s what I read the past week:

June 16: “Taken By Midnight” by Lara Adrian, book 8 in the Midnight Breed series, a paranormal romance at 370 pages. Blurb from book: In the frozen Alaskan wilderness, former state trooper Jenna Darrow survives an unspeakable breach of body and soul. But with her narrow escape comes an even greater challenge. For strange changes are taking place within her as she struggles to understand—and control—a new hunger. To do so, she will seek shelter in the Boston compound of the Order, an ancient race of vampire warriors whose very existence is shrouded in mystery. Perhaps the most mysterious of them all is Brock, a brooding, dark-eyed alpha male whose hands hold the power to comfort, heal…and arouse. As she recovers under Brock’s care, Jenna finds herself drawn to the Order’s mission: to stop a ruthless enemy and its army of assassins from subjecting Earth to a reign of terror. Yet in spite of their resolve, a purely physical relationship without strings soon binds Brock and Jenna together with a desire fiercer than life and stronger than death itself—until a secret from Brock’s past and Jenna’s own mortality challenge their forbidden love to the ultimate trial by fire. If anyone looked at my stats (and they’re posted somewhere, I’m sure), you’d wonder if I enjoyed reading this book because it took me nearly two weeks to read. Yes. TWO. WEEKS. But sometimes life (and work) just get in the way and the first thing to go is reading. Doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the story because I did. Very much. Sure made it hard on me to work, though (because I kept wanting to pick it up and read!). But once I got down to 60 or so pages remaining (about 90 minutes worth of reading), I pretty much said “forget it,” and finished it. I enjoyed reading about Brock and Jenna and the continuing storyline is keeping me hooked (as is the writing). I love this series.

I’ve got a Goodreads giveaway starting today where you can enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of Bite Me, I’m Yours. I’ll eventually have something in the sidebar where you can click to enter, but you should be able to see the giveaway on the book page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22647199-bite-me-i-m-yours

I just thought it would be nice to give away a copy of this book to celebrate the release of A Vampire Wedding. I mean, it is the book that made the novella possible. Plus, I’m hoping it generates some interest (for both books). I’m still trying to find my audience (which is not an easy thing to do nowadays).

So… Got any vacation plans this summer? How about weekend trips? Hubby and I are going up to Chicago (and Wisconsin) for a weekend trip next month (found a great rate on a hotel room). Planning on returning with a trunk load of Kringles, too. Man, are we hooked on those things! Hopefully Hubby won’t have any problems eating them by then (although he’s doing pretty darn good at eating right now—yay!).

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Life is in a Lull For Now

After the last couple of weeks, the calendar seems strangely empty this week. No appointments. No conventions. No concerts. No hockey. L

Okay, it’s not completely empty. We have some Dragons games to go to, but not until Friday and Saturday. I consider that the weekend. J

And if the weather cooperates, I’ll even see less of hubby this week. He likes to walk after work. 10 miles. About 3 hours. I’m lucky to have DINNER with him on those days (I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to eat dinner after 8:30 pm).

So not only will I have all the days to myself, I’ll spend a good portion of the evenings alone, too. You’d think I’d get my revisions done in no time at all, wouldn’t you? I wish it worked out that way, but my brain can only do so much before it starts scanning.

I sometimes hate my brain. I must train it to be better. Any suggestions?

I guess I better just enjoy this lull while I have it, though. Next thing I know I’ll be busy again. Up and down. Up and down. Life is a roller coaster.

My headache has gone (yay!), but my cold is still lingering (as colds are wont to do). I’m hoping it won’t keep me from walking in the morning. As long as I can breathe through my nose I should be good. Doubt I’ll go to the fitness center, though.

They kind of frown at you when you cough all over the equipment.

Hey, did you notice? I haven’t complained about Big Red since the mother board was replaced. Oh sure, it does some funky stuff (like I’ll be typing away and suddenly nothing is showing because somehow I’ve deselected the page – it does that a lot), but it’s not crashing on me anymore. Whew! I’m almost to the point where I can actually count on the thing working. Almost. I’ll give it another month or so before I have complete confidence in it.

Especially if it stops deselecting the pages I’m currently using. Ugh! Does your computer do that? Is it maybe a Windows 10 thing? It’s very distracting.

So… Did you have an enjoyable Father’s Day? The kids came over. We went out to dinner (ate too much) and then later played Phase 10. That was fun.

Have a great Monday!

Stacy

I'm Stayin' Alive -- Just Barely

I’ve caught the crud. Or should I say the crud caught me, because I certainly wasn’t chasing it!

So while I’m drugged up on NyQuil and DayQuil, I’ll share this neat video I found. I’m such a fan of the Bee Gees, but I didn’t think they had any music videos. Surprise!

Enjoy “Stayin' Alive” and I’ll try to stay alive. Uggghhh.

 

 

Stacy

P.S. They were sooooo skinny, weren't they?

No Wednesday Reads, A Concert, and Following Authors

Bad me. I haven’t finished reading a book this week. At the rate I’m going, I’ll be lucky to get 50% of my reading goal finished. At least I’m reading a good book. Of course, that kind of makes it worse. I WANT to read the book, but I HAVE to finish my revisions.

Sure, I could read on the treadmill, but it’s soooo nice to walk outside. I’ll save the treadmill for inclement weather. And winter. Brrr…

Don’t bother recommending audio books. I can’t stand being read to. My mind wanders too much that way. Hubby loves ’em, though. He may end up reading more than me this year.

Okay, maybe not. We do have two cruises scheduled this year (Hubby found one in December to make up for the one we had to cancel). I could easily catch up and pass him. Bwahahahaha!

And if I ever finish these revisions, I may take a week off and just read!

Anyway, I should have at least one book to report next Wednesday. I may cheat and read a novella next. Of course, is it really cheating when I have a couple of books in my TBR pile that are over 700 pages each? It all evens out, right?

****

Last night Hubby and I went to see The Monkees in concert. Yeah, it was only Mickey and Peter, but it was enough for me. Took me down memory lane. It helped they showed clips of the old show, too.

We did see The Monkees in concert twice before. Once in New Jersey (I believe it was their 20th reunion—Mike didn’t join them) and once in Columbus (all 4 were there then—what a treat!).

I think they were the first group I truly loved and it was all because of the television series. Yeah, the Beatles were big, and I liked them, but I didn’t SEE them every week. I didn’t connect with them like I did with Mickey, Davy, Mike, and Peter. Who cared if it was fiction? Certainly not this child!

I own most (if not all) their albums (original, in vinyl—they’re in the basement somewhere). Last year I was given the DVD series and I can’t wait to watch it (we will subject our son to it as soon as we’re finished with Batman).

Anyway, I had a nice time last night. But man, are they getting old. Oh wait. So am I.

Not as old as they are, though. Hee hee.

****

While at RAGT, I had a reader ask me about my books. When I told her my newest was out now, she looked flabbergasted. “How did I not know that?” she asked.

True—I haven’t really advertised. But I did send out a newsletter. And I blogged about it as well as mentioned it on Facebook. And anyone who follows me on Amazon or Goodreads was notified (or so I’m lead to believe).

Makes me wonder how much of a reader of mine could she have been. Maybe she mistook me for someone else. That’s highly possible.

But if she didn’t, wouldn’t it make sense that she would follow me some place? How about you? When do you know your favorite author has a new book out? I usually find out from SOMEONE!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Happy Happy Joy Joy!!!

They did it! The Penguins are the Stanley Cup Champions!!! I’m so happy!!!

And now it’s time to buy some new shirts!!!!! Haha!

I had fun at the Annual Reader Author Get Together this past weekend. And I got an awesome gift from a reader!!

I saw her handing out a similar glass to the author next to me. When the author thanked the reader for the gift, the reader thanked the author for writing a good book. I thought that was rather sweet. Then this reader pulled out another glass and headed my way.

I saw what was written on it and I said, “Oh wow! You read my short story.”

She said, “Yep. I liked it so much I bought all your others, so it worked.”

 

I love how it has John’s stethoscope and a snowflake (since it was snowing in my story). The vampire mouth is pretty awesome, too. I think I need a display cabinet now. J Until then, this glass will sit on the entertainment stand, beside the neat snow globe Kensington had made for my first two books.

Let me tell you, though… It’s readers like that that make me think that maybe I do know how to write well. She certainly made my con!

So… it’s late as I write this. Don’t know if I’ll be able to get any sleep. Just so freakin’ happy! What a way to begin a week.

Have a great Monday!

Stacy

Aaaaarrrrrggggghhhhh!

I can’t believe the Penguins lost. At home. Now I have to wait another game.

Grumble, grumble…

In other news, I’m having fun at RAGT.

 

See you on Monday (with good news, I hope).

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and Keeping Fingers Crossed

Since I’ve been doing all my walking outside (weather permitting, that is), my reading has really taken a hit. And I doubt I read much this weekend, either. Why? Because I’ll be at the Reader Author Get Together. I’m sure there will be moments that I’ll FEEL like going into my room and read (or decompress), but I’ll do my best not to. Kind of hard to be seen if I’m huddled in my room.

Here’s what I read the past week:

June 3: “I Am Legend” by Richard Matheson, a horror novella at 170 pages. Blurb from book: Robert Neville is the last living man on Earth…but he is not alone. Every other man, woman, and child on earth has become a vampire, and they are all hungry for Neville’s blood. By day, he is the hunter, stalking the sleeping undead through the abandoned ruins of civilization. By night, he barricades himself in his home and prays for dawn. How long can one man survive in a world of vampires? I had seen the Will Smith movie, but until recently, didn’t know it was based on a book (or rather, novella). And I’d heard it was different, so I had to check it out. Yep, the book is way different and way better. But then, the books usually are.

Funny how I came to read this story. A discussion on Charleton Heston (one of my favorite actors) led to “Omega Man” (which I had never seen), which led to the book. Boy! Sometimes I feel like I’ve been living under a rock. Well I can now say I’ve seen “Omega Man,” too and realized I wasn’t missing much. J I still like Charleton Heston, though.

With the Penguins win on Monday night (whoo hoo!!), putting them up 3-1, I sooooo want to celebrate the Pens championship on Thursday night (**fingers crossed**). Hopefully I don’t disturb my neighbors too much. I can get a little vocal during the games. J

So… Are you enjoying nice weather in your area? If not for my walking, I’d probably never go outside! Ain’t that horrible?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Penguins, Walking, RAGT, and the Dentist

Well, no chance of the Penguins sweeping the Sharks now (they are up 2-1, though). I was hoping they would because I’ll be at the Annual Reader Author Get Together (RAGT) on Thursday and really didn’t want to watch Game 5 at the hotel. At least the game is supposed to be on NBC, so I shouldn’t have any problems seeing it in my room. But I’ll miss watching it with my daughter. And getting my game-day smoothie.

Whatever will I do???

**Must look to see if there is a Tropical Smoothie Café located near hotel**

Drat. There isn’t. Guess I’ll have to find something else.

Last week (Mon-Fri) I walked over 10,000 steps each day. I’ve never done that before. The weekend? Not even close. I think I was too pooped! J But I will continue with my quest to walk to and from the fitness center during the week.

Until Thursday, that is.

I’m co-hosting one of the pre-con rooms (with Teri Anne Stanley and Meg Cooper) at RAGT and I need to be there by 10. Which means I need to leave at 9. Which means I ain’t walking. J I doubt I walk on Friday, too.

Why is it when you’re away from home, your routine crashes? Or maybe it’s just me. Well, I’m sure my feet will appreciate the break. Although I will be at a con; I might get that walking in anyway. **fingers crossed**

Today I will see the dentist about my broken crown/cap/whatever-it’s-called. That should be fun (not). Well, at least it shouldn’t be painful (yet). I’m sure that’ll come later. I’ll report the findings in the comments later today.

So… How’s your week looking?

Happy Monday!

Stacy

Any Road

I’ve been walking to and from the fitness center this week. In the process, I’ve been kind of exploring other, quieter streets to take. On Tuesday I ended up on a street that turned the wrong direction (instead of going straight to the street I thought it went to). Yeah, streets are weird like that, huh? What made it funny, was the song that was playing at the time, and this phrase:

“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.”

I didn’t know at the time who was singing this song (George Harrison). Heck, I didn’t even know I had it on my iTunes (it came from the 2004 Grammy CD). But I sure did think it was ironic playing when I had no idea where I was going.

So, on this Friday, I’ll let you enjoy this song. I really like it. Don’t know why it took me so long to finally hear it. I guess when you have more than 3000 songs, it’ll take awhile before you can hear them all, huh?

Enjoy “Any Road” by George Harrison.

 

 

By the way, in my quest of walking home that day, I did manage to find a path to the street I was looking for. But it certainly won’t be the way I’ll walk home from now on. Seems there aren’t any quieter streets without really going out of my way. Maybe when I want to walk more than 5 miles a day, I’ll start taking them.

So… Do you like to explore your town? I was surprised to find an apartment (or condominium) complex I never knew existed. It was very nice. And quiet. J  

Happy Friday!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and a Hubby Update

I have an appointment with my dentist next Monday for my broken crown. Well, I assume it’s broken. There’s a hole in it. Maybe it can be patched. That would be awesome, but I’m not holding my breath on that. If I expect the stupid thing needs to be replaced, then anything else will be a pleasant surprise.

Here’s what I read the past week:

May 31: “Shades of Midnight” by Lara Adrian, Book 7 in the Midnight Breed series, a paranormal romance at 383 pages. Blurb from book: Something inhuman is stalking the frigid Alaskan wilds, leaving unspeakable carnage in its wake. For bush pilot Alexandra Maguire, the killings stir memories of a horrific event she witnessed as a child and evoke in her the inexplicable sense of otherness she has long felt within herself but never fully understood...until a darkly seductive stranger with secrets of his own enters her world. Sent from Boston on a mission to investigate the savage attack and stop the slaughter, vampire warrior Kade has his own reasons for returning to the frigid, forbidding place of his birth. Haunted by a secret shame, Kade soon realizes the stunning truth of the threat he faces—a threat that will jeopardize the fragile bond he has formed with the courageous, determined young woman who arouses his deepest passions and most primal hungers But in bringing Alex into his world of blood and darkness, Kade must confront both his own personal demons and the even greater evil that could destroy all he holds dear. Man, if I could, I’d just read each book of this series back-to-back. But I kind of want to savor them, too, so I’m not. Plus, I have other stuff I have to do! I especially enjoyed the location of this book: Alaska. Kind of took me back to when I lived there (although I could have sworn it was colder J). Great read. Lots of suspense, romance, and some sexy vampires.

I find it interesting that I while I enjoyed reading before I wrote, it wasn’t until after I discovered my love for writing that my reading tastes exploded. I read more than ever now. And I want to read more than I have time for. I really didn’t think that was possible!

Hubby update: He’s really doing tons better now. Still can’t open his mouth all the way (so no biting into a sandwich) and tends to bite his tongue from time to time, but he’s back to eating most of his favorites (still can’t drink soda; the fizz burns too much), just with a knife and fork. He’s also back to walking after work and he’s already up to 9 miles a day. That right there tells me he’s feeling fine, and I couldn’t be happier!

So… What do you do for exercise? I started walking to and from the fitness center this week. So far, so good. I’m at least walking more than 10,000 steps a day now. Maybe next week I’ll add that cardio. We’ll see…

Happy Reading!

Stacy