Hello? Anybody home?

Holy crap! It's been more than six months since I've even done a drive by on my own blog?? You know what I miss? Besides the interacting with all the fabulous people I've met? I've actually missed writing what I WANT to write versus the stuff I HAVE to write at work. I can't honestly say I will begin reading, reviewing and showing up here on a regular basis again. But I know I do feel better and my work schedule is getting better every week --- thanks to the hiring of a new assistant -- so who knows?

The Sun is Shining

I feel like I've been living in a cave the last couple of months. Which, I suppose is what happens when one is all work and no play. This weekend I'm catching up on my sleep and my reading mojo is back.

The sun is shining, we are having a last burst of summer. Here comes the autumn and one holiday a month for the next three months.

I'm working on balance and pacing in my life. You'd think by now I'd have some of this stuff worked out, but it's a constant battle for me.

Thanks to all of you who have been so patient and hanging in with me and my erratic presence online. I love you and appreciate you so much!

Hello? Anybody Out There?

Holy toledo it's been almost three weeks since I last wrote a post. Life, man it's complicated sometimes. Three weeks is forever on the internet. Although I have to admit that I've been so distracted with stuff in my real life that it seems like hardly any time at all.

That can't possibly mean I'm getting old... Can it?

Anyway I'm popping in now because it's time for my Reader's Gab post over at Access Romance. Believe it or not, to add insult to injury it appears I'm in a reading slump. Of course, I cannot suffer this in dignified silence. It just wouldn't be me.

Dearly Beloved

Yes, once again I'm marrying someone. As God is my witness I think I feel as nervous as the bride and groom. Almost.

Beach themed wedding this time so I will be making lots of analogies to nature and storms and currents... And, of course, that potent little word L-O-V-E.

For now I'm off to eat tacos and maybe indulge in a margarita with that fabulous guy I live with, GG.

Thought for today... There's something grand about being married to someone and still feeling surprised and interested after 30 years. Wish I could somehow share that with my newly weds.

Is something burning?

I smell smoke. I smell cigarette smoke. I smell it mostly at night, but sometimes during the day at work. Both my home and office are smoke free environments. Sure I could blame it on a sneaking co-worker or a son who has a death wish, but I smell it even when I'm alone.

I have to admit this is freaking me out. Has anyone else heard of this or know why I smell smoke all the time? I've been reading stuff online and am convinced that I'm either cuckoo or someone has been secretly adding Downey dryer sheets to my clothes when I'm not looking.

This is...

my life...

I don't know nuthin' about no stinkin' internet...

I don't know nuthin' about no stinkin' internet...

I say this because I feel like a kid with my nose pressed up against the store window longing to go in and buy... whatever it is kids long to buy these days. I seem to run out of gas before I get my bottom in a chair and doing some of my favorite stuff. What's up with that? I refuse to believe that it's my age so that leaves the men in my life conspiring against me. Yes, let's go with that shall we? GG has turned into a tyrant who never lets me sit in front of the computer and demands ALL my attention.

I am feeling more energized with longer days and more sunshine and daylight hours. We'll see how it goes. I'm woefully out of the loop and have been sporadically spying lurking on some of your sites. It's sort of unbelievable that I ever posted 3-4 (or more) times a week. Or, did I ever REALLY do that?

Let's see...

1. Nose pressed against the glass? Check.

2. GG is a tyrant? Check.

3. Summer is coming and I'm elated? Double-check!

4. I totally lied about number 2? C'mon you know the answer to that one.

Stuff you really should know...

What do you need to know? Well, for instance, Shmoo turned 20 last Friday. Can't believe that. That's him in the balloon court jester hat. Can't believe we got him to wear that at dinner. Of course, he's already moved past this birthday and is planning the big "I'm turning 21" bash for Las Vegas next year. Let's just say it's hard to keep a straight face much less discuss a trip to Vegas when one of the participants has a balloon hat on his head.

Fortunately, he wants GG and I to go, which I guess is a good thing unless it's only to pay for the whole thing. That can't be the only reason, can it? OTOH, it is a little surprising since Beanie hasn't quite forgiven us for his "family" Vegas bash. Not only did he not get drunk, (Is THAT really necessary or am I dating myself by even mentioning that?) I don't think he bought or drank any alcohol that weekend. Needless to say Shmoo has different ideas for his birthday debauchery party. Thankfully it's a year away and if the college gods are listening it will be just weeks before Beanie (finally!) graduates from college.

Speaking of Beanie... The dear boy is always up to something. His latest shenanigans include a radio show called "Geek say what?" Yes you read that right. GEEK SAY WHAT? The link is to their facebook page. The little darlings in true geek fashion have gone to a whole rash of Comic Con events around the state and have interviews and other geek type stuff up. I believe they also have links to podcasts of their radio show. I'll tell you again... I never know what he's going to do next. He's thrilled that because he's on a radio show he has press passes and doesn't have to shell out for all these events. Wish I'd known that before getting he and his GF the 4-day pass to THE Comic Con in San Diego in July. Who knew?

Beanie called me on Saturday afternoon all excited because Stan Lee walked by him at a Comic Con he went to in LA. *eye roll* He was beside himself with glee. It's a goal to try and get an interview with Mr. Lee. OTOH, he was really looking forward to meeting Adam West and passed that up when he found out West was charging $50 for his autograph. I believe his words were something to the affect "Does he need money for retirement or something?" I reminded him how long ago that original Batman TV series was and how little Mr. West probably got paid.

He also told me how and I'm quoting here, how "freakin' weird" Verne Troyer, the actor who played Mini-Me, in the Austin Powers movies, is. Well duh...

In other news I've just finished re-reading Carolyn Jewel's books MY WICKED ENEMY and MY FORBIDDEN DESIRE. I needed to read something was going to be a sure thing to take my mind off real life stuff and these two books filled the ticket.

Now I'm just looking forward to getting away this coming weekend with my boyfriend. Of course as of this morning GG hadn't made any reservations. Isn't it a rule or something that if you ask your sweetie for a weekend get away you do the planning? Isn't that how it's supposed to work?

Random Bits of Stuff

I'm probably the last person on the planet to finally read JUST THE SEXIEST MAN ALIVE by Julie James, but I finally did. Not only a very nice ending to my February reading, but I think I can just about finish her second book, PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT before her new release SOMETHING ABOUT YOU makes an appearance on Tuesday.

I'm still working on my January reading list. Hopefully I'll get it posted this week and February directly after it. Reading has been interesting lately. I've purchased a few books, but have found myself turning to re-reads and my tbr tubs.

This past week I was in training. The class I attended had about 30 cops and me. I'm definitely not a cop. Whatever I thought I knew about peace officers did not come close to some of the things I learned this week. I was most struck by this thought, we don't appreciate them enough. Sure I met a couple of jerks too, but for the most part I was blown away by their dedication to serving the public. Now I'm not saying they love the public, but they are dedicated to serving and protecting us from the bad guys. I met some really good men and women this week and it was a balm to my cynical heart.

I also put up with quite a bit of good natured ribbing about working in a fire department. It appears there's a teeny tiny bit of a raw nerve about all the love people have for "America's Heroes" ...the fire fighters. It was a hoot to hear the sarcastic remarks and teasing. I may have mentioned how much I love sarcasm a time or two, haven't I?

After being away for a week I'm expecting to be really slammed this week at work. I am, however, also determined to have a life. I just get so caught up sometimes with work. It's a good thing I have sons to heap on the guilt and a patient spouse who smacks me upside of the head to remind me of a few salient facts.

You probably don't care, but I only got to swim once last week (stupid rain) and was ever so relieved to find that I didn't gain any weight while at class. All that sitting around!

GG just informed me that Canada got the win in hockey in overtime. Congratulations Canada, you hosted one hell of an Olympics and a memorable one. What an ending!

From the Peanut Gallery

Sometimes you get the light bulb moment in the unlikeliest of situations when you least expect it.

Me: *sighs pathetically* I'm so out of the loop with my blog and I miss those people so much and I haven't done a book list since November... I'm so behind, I don't know where to start...

GG: Just sit down in front of your laptop and do it. Start.

Break over. I thought I'd jumped this hurdle a month ago but apparently I'm a sloooooow learner.

Filler

1. Yes I know I suck for not posting forever and then just doing a post that sends you to Access Romance. What can I say? That column is keeping me, barely, connected.

2. Holy guacamole! I was shocked to realize that Academy Award nominations are next week. I'm further shocked to realize that I probably will have seen hardly any of the movies nominated.

3. Are you invested in the Super Bowl? Yeah, lots of history. Yes, I know the NO Saints are the underdog that has risen from the ashes, but just because he fills out a pair of jeans so nicely, I'd have liked to see Bret Favre make it to the Super Bowl. This from a woman without a favorite team and who rarely watches a game. I collect all my info by osmosis from the men in my life.

4. January was supposed to be the "slow" month at work. Yeah, not so much.

5. I've been asked to officiate another wedding.

6. I'm more connected than ever with 3 email accounts, twitter, facebook and a blog. How is then that I hardly ever get to go out and play?

7. Lisabea is visiting SoCal and we plan to drown her in SoCal blogger love on Feb 6. Wanna have lunch with us?

One is the loneliest number...

Driving into work having a one sided conversation in my head about a book is just not the same thing as interacting with other romance readers online. It just isn't. It begs the question how I've stayed away from blogging and blog hopping for a record length of time in the almost 5 years I've been a blogger doesn't it? Well, maybe for you it doesn't but I sure wonder.

It's occurred to me several times to pack in my blog and call it a day already. Romancelandia can function just fine without one more voice in the darkness compelled to offer up her opinion. Really it can. It isn't that I can't think of stuff to say, or that I've gotten bored with writing and exchanging ideas with all of you. It has simply come down to a question of time.

I'm not special or any different than probably thousands of women across the world. I'm sure I'm no busier at work than many of you. I work an average of 45-50 hours a week. My day has gotten longer (for me) because I've added an hour of swimming or walking 6 days a week. That's the actual workout time. With travel to and from and showering after, my workouts become more like a 2-3 hour time commitment. This, as it turns out, makes all the difference in my blog time.

At first I was dividing my disposable time between reading and blogging. I missed my reading horribly. I was down to literally cramming 15 minutes here and a half hour there. Another factor was fatigue. With an hour workout added to the day I'm not up much past 11 PM these days and so my night time reading and blogging has become non-existent. It turns out GG, the boys and my other family members want me to interact some with them too. Can you believe that????

Even though I've mentioned most of this stuff before I've finally sort of wrapped my brain around the idea that my life is going through another change. If I want to enjoy my leisure time I have to learn to be less rigid and worried about stuff. It's been driving me crazy trying to "schedule" everything. *sigh* Same lesson, new day. I'm such a slow learner sometimes. So, once again it's Independence Day. I'm liberating myself to do whatever comes naturally.

There may be brief and short posts. Posts might not be as polished as I've done in the past. My blog hopping may be sporadic. I hope you will comment, email or share with me what's going on if I've happened to miss some big news you are sharing. I will do the same in return.

So it looks like I'm here to stay. I have no idea how this will all turn out in 2010, but I'm eager as ever to see what the year brings.

Hey! Wow!

Look at that! I have a blog! Who knew? Considering how I've been neglecting it lately it's like rediscovering the whole process. I feel so out of touch. Forgive my neglectful blog hopping. I'm sure when things settle a bit here I'll be back out in the mix of things.

Anyway, I just wanted to stop by and say hello and let you know I'm enjoying the holiday season quite a bit. The Stair Steps are visiting with their mom (my seeesteer) and my brother is here from NoCal and we are having a bit of holiday fun this weekend. The only blight on my December is my reading. Nothing seems to hold my interest, although I quite enjoyed Stephanie Tyler's HARD TO HOLD and am looking forward to the next book in her SEAL trilogy. Yes, I still have a thing for a man in uniform.

I'd love some suggestions for something to read. Is anybody reading a recent release that's really knocked your socks off? Tell me, tell me.

Enjoy the holidays. I'm thinking about you all.

The heat is on...

We finally got heat on Tuesday. It feels so luxurious and decadent. Man, I will NEVER take being warm for granted again. I get cranky when I'm cold all the time.

The Banquet for work is tonight. The last couple of weeks finalizing everything are always a little hectic combined with regular work. I'm looking forward to a little bit slower pace next week. Maybe even get to do some blog hopping!!! Wouldn't that be nifty.

I hope you are all not going crazy with the holidays.

Oh, Beanie is in LA Monday night for his gig. He still hasn't told me the name of the place, which would help significantly, but I know it starts at 8 PM. I'll try to post more on this later.

Off to start my day with a swim. Crikeys! It's 36 outside. It will be a bit chilly...

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

Like most people, I love the fall and winter for the holidays they hold. Since my social life is pretty family centric this is a win-win. However, each year I'm challenged to focus on what is really important and not get "carried away". Fortunately for me I have an all-purpose, works-every-time, portable conscience barometer for just this purpose. I call it "GG".

There is nothing like hearing that deeply drawn breath before he utters one magic word. It's our own personal code. Depending on how extreme or slippery the slope, meaning my mood swings, it may go like this...

Babe!

Baaaaaay-buh...

Babe?

*eye roll* Babe.

Now Babe...

Since our Christmas shopping is almost complete I've heard all of these already.

In other news...

1. With the busy-ness of the holidays I haven't read much and obviously haven't been blogging or blogging hopping much either. It's that time of year where there just aren't enough hours in the day.

2. Beanie has entered some sort of stand-up contest at a bar. There's a purse of $500. Since he just called me yesterday on his way to work, I don't have any details. When I do I'll post 'em since a couple people mentioned interest in going to see him.

3. Shmoo has one more week of his EMT class and then his final next Saturday. He's nervous. It's been an intense 14 weeks. After he passes the class he still has to take the National Registry. Not a guy who likes school much, I'm so proud of how hard he's worked and studied. If you have a spare prayer or candle, keep him in your thoughts.

4. We still have no heat. Can you believe that? The story is too long and boring to go into, but I will say there has to be a more efficient way to put in a new unit and convert to gas (we were all electric) than the circus we've gone through this last month. Holy moly! Cuh-ray-zee!

5. I can't believe the first week of December is over and my house is only half decorated.

Well I'm off to wrap and get packages ready for mailing. I hope things aren't too crazy in your life and you are enjoying the holiday season.

29 on the 29th

Yesterday was my 29th wedding anniversary. Trust me, if you don't have many miles on your marriage when you hit 29 years you can be struck anew with how fast the time goes. Conversely you may also be stunned at how much living you've done in what feels like a short amount of time.

Like any couple that has been together for 29 minutes much less 29 years we've had ups and downs, good times and bad, happy and sad. At the end of the day all I can say is love endures. Love endures AND it helps to have a sense of humor. Oh and it didn't hurt that I married a man that "gets" me and loves me anyway. That's a big plus. Thanks GG you are the best man a woman could ever hope to spend her life with. Thank you for loving me even when I forget to buy you an anniversary card.

I'm over at Access Romance Readers Gab today. Come over and see what I have to say about passion and music.

The Mandarin Sideboard

As many of you know, last year GG and I bought the BATV (code for big ass flat screen TV) and then a piece of furniture to go under the BATV. This was loosely referred to as our anniversary, birthday and Christmas gift to ourselves because these events all fall within 3 weeks of one another.

For the last couple of years we've been trying to do something for the house when we buy for each other. This has a dual benefit of getting some big ticket item we'd like to have and combines the money we've budgeted for our gifts to each other so we can afford the one big thing.

This year we've been contemplating the above pictured Mandarin sideboard. I feel guilty though. Sure it's coming out of the gift money. Sure we figured out a way to pay for the new heating and air-conditioning unit and ducting that makes me wince every time I think about it... BUT, and you knew there was one, it seems so decadent to go buy a big ticket item like this right now.

GG has no qualms whatsoever. Me? I worry. I worry about the economy, about saving more money, about our retirement in 9 years. Yes, 9 years... Is it too early to worry about that? No, I don't think so.

Anyway, because I'd really like to have the Mandarin sideboard we'll probably go ahead and buy it later today. Maybe. Probably. I think...

Life Happens...

Be kind to the woman on the corner holding out her tin cup. She just found out her 25-year old heating and air-conditioning unit is ker-flooey. Just the news you want a month before Christmas, isn't it? While temperatures have gotten a bit chillier here, we've been comfy enough in the evenings wearing sweats and adding another blanket to the beds. I am hoping we have the whole thing replaced by the end of the week so I don't have to head into Thanksgiving week with repairman wandering around. Also, it would be nice to have heat. Heh.

Now that we are over the initial shock that we have to replace the unit and the heart stopping cost, I'm philosophical. GG has survived yet another lay off at work and another pay cut. My job is going very well. At this point we are thrilled we are working and able to buy the new heat/ac unit. I've mostly been focused on being positive and optimistic that the economy is going to improve, and am hoping (and praying) that we see some change the first 6 months of 2010.

I'm off to do something more fun now, like write a book review, or read, or nag GG to make pancakes for breakfast.

"Another week!" she squeaked.

Dunno what's happening to the days. They are flying and melting away so fast! I can't believe it's been almost a week since my last post. I'm hoping this week I'll be doing some catching up because next week I'll be out of town for work.

Reading has suddenly slowed to almost a halt. Go figure. I'm thinking it's because I've been busy with real life stuff.

Uh let's see what else?

1. The visit with Nathie and the SoCal ladies was awesome. I look forward to seeing everyone and there is never enough time!

2. GG found out he's getting one unpaid furlough day per month. In a year that's almost two weeks pay he's losing. Blerg!

3. I've read 10 books this month. That's a book every other day. I haven't done that in forever.

4. Do you ever crave to read a particular kind of book? I'm craving an intense historical. Something riveting. Any ideas? Maybe a re-read is in order. Any ideas?

5. I swam for the first time in a month with my scarred up nose. Yes, me and my scar went for a swim. Hopefully it will stop the regular delivery of the "you-really-shouldn't-eat-that" food to my mouth. One can hope.

6. Shmoo went to Explorer Academy in the mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest last week. He passed all his classes and can now apply to be a wildland firefighter. While I'm happy as all get out to see him reach one of his goals, I can't say having him out in one of the ferocious wildland fires we have here in SoCal exactly thrills me. Au contraire!

7. In a little over a week Bean will be 23! Ho-lee! I already got he and his girlfriend a 4-day passes to Comic Con. My sweet little geeky boy was over the moon. But 23! I can hardly believe.

Better go take care of some of that real life stuff I was talking about. Miss you!

In case you were wondering...

Working. Reading. Eating. Sleeping. Working. Reading. Eating. Sleeping. Working. Reading. Eating. Sleeping. Working. Reading. Eating. Sleeping.

Eventually there will be a break in the cycle and I'll walk toward the light again.