Happy (?) Friday the 13th

I’m beginning to think this year is one big Friday the 13th. It’s certainly not a very good year so far.

Guess I didn’t need to worry about my trip to Las Vegas. Since the NHL has suspended the rest of the season (so we didn’t even get to go to the Pens game last night), there wasn’t any reason to go to Las Vegas, so we cancelled.

Actually, I wasn’t going to go anyway. I didn’t trust I wouldn’t get the disease at the airport and Hubby cannot be exposed (his immune system has been compromised, and technically so has mine, from cancer). So I’m glad the NHL made it easier to tell my daughter. I really didn’t want to be the one to disappoint her.

Luckily, I was able to get a refund on the room. Still working on the plane tickets, though. Travelocity is having phone issues (I wonder why). Even if I have to pay a cancellation fee, I’ll be happy to get most of my money back (those tickets were stupidly expensive).

My daughter was also able to get a refund on the Grand Canyon trip. The only issue in limbo is getting refund on the games.

Since the season is suspended, the games could just be postponed to another date. If that becomes the case, we’ll have to see if we can sell our tickets. I won’t hold my breath that we’ll get our money back.

But hey, if the Pens-CBJ game is postponed to a later date, at least we’ll be able to go (as long as we don’t have other obligations!).

Hubby is now working from home indefinitely (for both his night teaching job and his day job). We still go out to dinner but even that may end up being curtailed (I’m actually stocking up the freezer with food!), especially if anyone in the area becomes infected.

This disease really sucks. I’m hoping we’re all overreacting, but doubt we are.

So … how has this disease disrupted your life?

Happy Friday!

Stacy

It Can’t Be Me…Can It?

After the last couple of days, I’m starting to develop a complex. It’s gotten so bad even my daughter threatened me.

What’s happening? you ask.

Well… you see… I have yet to WATCH the Penguins win a game this season.

Not just in person, but on TV, too.

On Wednesday their game was on NBCSN (which is usually the only way I can see them play). I was all excited until they started losing. And losing badly. Ah, but Daughter was going to her friend’s house on Thursday (they have the NHL package) and Hubby was teaching. I was finally able to go with her. The Penguins haven’t lost two games in a row since last year. I was finally going to see them win!

Okay, so now they’ve lost two games in a row since 90 games ago. NINETY. GAMES.

I’d hate to think I was the cause of the Penguins losing, but Daughter told me that if we don’t break this cycle (and I have tickets to three upcoming games: 1 in Columbus, 2 in Pittsburgh), that I wouldn’t be allowed (ALLOWED!) to watch them play for the Stanley Cup.

Man, that would just suck. But I’d certainly HATE to be the reason they lost. Not that that’s possible. Right?

RIGHT???

So… Are you the superstitious type? I’d like to say I’m not, but I’m a sports fan. There’s always superstition about!

Happy Friday the Thirteenth! Is this a good luck day or what? Hahahahaha!

Stacy

There Was This Grand Plan – Part II

Last Friday I posted the first of the two character interviews I created for my newsletter. If you missed it, you can read it HERE. Today I’m posting the other one. This interview, originally shared in last August’s newsletter, features Jack from My Sunny Vampire and takes place before his book, so no spoilers! Now, while Perry has shown up in Bite Me, I’m Yours and Blind Temptation, he is not a character in My Sunny Vampire. However, he is mentioned as that vampire (not by name, though) who could dig into minds. So if you didn’t know that, now you do!
 

Getting to Know Your Committee Members by Perry Davenport.

Perry: Hello, fellow vamps, this is Perry Davenport here to interview Committee Member Jack VanAllen. He has been on the Committee since 1878, making him the second-longest member after our fearless Head, Barnet Groves.

Jack: Shouldn’t that be second-longest serving member? I think Abe is the longest by six inches.

Perry: What are you, the grammar police?

Jack: Just pointing out the obvious.

Perry: Yeah, sure. So tell us, Jack. It’s a known fact you prefer positive blood to negative blood, but what we don’t know is how you can tell the difference. What makes negative blood so distasteful to you?

Jack: I thought you were going to ask me real questions during this interview.

Perry: That is a real question. One I got from a listener, even.

Jack: Fine. I don’t know why, but negative blood makes my stomach upset.

Perry: So, it’s psychosomatic?

Jack: It’s not psychosomatic. And if you wish to continue with this interview, I suggest you ask a different question.

Perry: Okay. Don’t be so touchy. Here’s a fun question for you. Boxers, briefs, or commando?

Jack: What male vampire wears undergarments? You?

Perry: Oh, well, no. Not me. Point taken. Next question. What’s your dream vacation?

Jack: Why would I want to take a vacation? I like my job.

Perry: But wouldn’t you like to just get away for a week?

Jack: And do what?

Perry: Okay, so you’re a workaholic. What do you do during your free time?

Jack: Sometimes I swim. Sometimes I read. Sometimes I work on my car.

Perry: (snapping fingers) Yes, your car. You own a 1965 Mustang, right?

Jack: Actually, it’s a 1964-1/2. First generation. Bought it brand new.

Perry: I bet that thing is worth a pretty penny.

Jack: I wouldn’t know. I don’t plan on selling it.

Perry: No, of course not. What other cars have you owned?

Jack: None. I like that one.

Perry: Not even before the Mustang? Maybe a Model T?

Jack: I walked faster than the Model T.

Perry: Well, yeah, didn’t we all? Okay, here’s a more serious question. The Committee hasn’t set a precedence, but what do you think of a vamp controlling a mortal for personal gain?

Jack: I know some vampires resort to that tactic, but I’d like to think they do it out of need and not fun. Still, while we are forced to control a mortal for feeding, we do not have to resort to that for fun. That is what our allure is for.

Perry: But isn’t that the same as controlling?

Jack: Not at all. It is just an attraction. The mortal can still say no. We vampires can be more persuasive in other ways, just as mortals are to one another. Do you control a mortal when you’re not feeding from them?

Perry: No. I mean, what’s the fun in that? I like a little interaction.

Jack: Exactly.

Perry: Will the Committee ever set a rule to prevent it?

Jack: As long as it’s not an issue, I doubt it. Mainly because there are times when the vampire is in need. And if we start making rules for every little thing, we might end up with another vampire war on our hands. And a war in this technological world would surely out us all. All the more reason to keep the calm.

Perry: Keep Calm and Avoid Publicity!

Jack: What?

Perry: Never mind. Thanks for joining us today, Jack. It was a real pleasure.

****

Tonight Hubby and I might actually be able to attend our first Dragons game of the season (since the other first game was rained out). No rain is in sight tonight. At least, not until after midnight. Our second game is tomorrow and while there isn’t rain forecasted, it’s supposed to be colder. As my husband asked, “Don’t the weather Gods know it’s May?” Apparently not. I foresee going from chilly weather straight into 90 degree temps. There will be no beautiful days in between. I just know it!

So… It’s Friday the thirteenth today (my daughter’s favorite day). Are you superstitious? Sometimes I think superstition is just another form of OCD. What do you think?

Have a great weekend (and don’t walk under that ladder!).

Stacy

Happy Friday the 13th—Again

When there are only 28 days in February, the February calendar can be pretty much used for March. Well…until you get to days 29, 30, & 31. At least Valentine’s Day doesn’t follow this month’s Friday the 13th. No, instead we have St. Patrick’s Day to look forward to (I know some places are already decorating. Are they expecting the celebration to start this weekend?).

I most likely won’t be able to answer any comments today because…I’m driving to Chicago (actually, Lisle). Why? I’ll be attending a retreat the Windy City RWA chapter has put together. Donald Maass is giving a day-long class on Writing in the 21st Century and I’m looking forward to it.

Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?), I couldn’t find anyone to go with me and share a room, so my hubby kindly took the day off and will drive with me and be my roommate for the night, even though he’ll basically be on his own until the class is over Saturday. He doesn’t care. He just likes being with me (insert AWWWWW here).

Now, I hope the fact that today is the 13th and it is a Friday doesn’t mean bad things will happen during our drive. I do expect some rain on the way, though. I can handle rain. It’s not snow.

Winter is over, right? RIGHT???

Remember me complaining about doing my taxes on Tuesday? Of course you do. How could you forget? Anyway, that little (humongous) task rolled right into Wednesday.

Just like when I’m editing, I had to make sure I didn’t screw anything up so I pretty much went over everything. Then, because my stupid software (H&R Block) charges $20 to e-file my state taxes, I went on the state’s site and had to enter all that crap again so I could file on-line for free (told you I’m cheap). Oh, and just when I thought I was finished, I remembered the city taxes. I filed on-line, but their stupid rule said I had to mail it in (along with the W2s), too! Why bother filing on line then? Makes no sense.

All in all, I spent another three hours filing my taxes. It’s really making me consider getting an accountant now. I do NOT want to go through that again. But I’m cheap and just the thought of paying someone to do what I COULD do, but don’t WANT to do, is enough to make my head explode. Ugh!

So… When do you think it’s worth paying someone to do something you’re capable of doing yourself?

If the hotel doesn’t offer free WiFi, I won’t be able to reply to your comments until I get home. Otherwise, it might be late tonight (or early tomorrow morning). Just know I’m not ignoring you. Really!

Happy Friday (the 13th)!

Stacy

Friday the 13th or Valentine’s Day?

Are you one of those people who will celebrate this day by spending the evening watching horror movies or slasher flicks? Or are you one of those people who won’t even venture outside until all is clear until, say, Valentine’s Day? Or are you more afraid of Valentine’s Day than Friday the 13th? Or…are both days a cause to celebrate and you’re just bubbling with joy because the party can last for two days? Or are they just two normal days for you?

My daughter loves Friday the 13th (you’d have to ask her why). And I’m guessing (okay, maybe I know) she’s super happy that it happens two months in a row this year.

The number 13 has never freaked me out. I still think it’s funny that a lot of (at least the ones I’ve been in) skyscrapers don’t have a 13th floor. Hate to break it to all you occupants on the 14th floor, but the lack of NAMING the floor 13 doesn’t mean it’s not the 13th floor.

Silly, silly, silly.

And while I love a good horror movie (not slasher-flicks, though—gross is not scary, it’s just gross), I won’t be watching them because my husband can’t stand them. Heck, he thinks The Abyss is a scary movie.

As for Valentine’s Day… I never really celebrated it. Besides being a semi-depressing day to those people who don’t have anyone, my father’s birthday falls on the 16th, so that was the holiday in our house. Then I married a man who celebrates his birthday this month and I gave birth to our son in this month, too, so Valentine’s Day is kind of brushed aside for all these birthdays we celebrate.

Which is just as well. Birthdays are so much more…FUN. Don’t you think?

As you can probably tell, it’s “two normal days.” for me. But I have to keep in mind that Saturday will probably be a big date night (hmmm… did I say PROBABLY? Haha!), which means the hubby and I will have to hit the restaurant early (or be prepared to wait).

So… You got plans this weekend? Please share. I’ve got nothing planned. Except, maybe get caught up in some TV watching. We’re a bit behind in Gotham (like 15 episodes behind). Now, THAT might make for some good Friday the 13th viewing. Hmmm…

Have a good one!

Stacy

A Rare Day

Don't you just love my masterpiece? I drew it
using Paint. Pretty awesome, right? Go on, you
can be honest. I can take it. Really!

Today is Friday the thirteenth. It’s my daughter’s favorite day. Don’t know why; she’s just strange that way.

Oh, don’t look at me that way, Steph. You know it’s true!



Picture of the Super Moon taken June 2013.
I'd have taken one of tonight's moon, but it's not,
like, you know, tonight yet!

Tonight is the full moon. I love the moon, especially when it’s full. Don’t know why, it just fascinates me. Maybe there’s some truth to being born under the sign of Cancer. I’m a moonchild. J

So today is both our favorite day. I hope it brings good luck.

You know, like the LA Kings kicking the NY Rangers’ butt tonight and taking the cup! Yeah, I know I said I wouldn’t watch the Stanley Cup Finals. So I lied! So sue me.

Well, don’t go that far. Please! I don’t have any money anyway.

That also makes today a rare day, or so I’m told. No, not because my daughter and I happen to like the same day (okay, yeah, that could be rare, too), but because the next time a full moon falls on Friday the thirteenth it will be 2049. I’ll turn 92 that year. I sure hope I’m around to see it.

Oh, what am I saying? I’ll be around until I’m at least 100. I’ve been saying that since I was a kid, so why stop now?

So…you got any plans on this rare and spooky night? Or are you just planning on staying inside and away from all the crazies? I think I’ll be staying inside. Well, except to maybe go outside a few times and check on that moon. J

Stacy