Worst Idea Ever
As I’ve mentioned, kiddo and I live near the beach, and rarely actually go to the beach. The harassment I’ve received about this has guilted me into taking advantage of my location. That meant spending the afternoon walking the boardwalk, which led to the title of this blog.
So, we’re walking, and to our right, bicycles and multi-person bike carts are passing. This is when kiddo says, “Why don’t we rent one of those?” My first reaction was, “Don’t be silly.”
But, it did look kind of fun. Like real family bonding kind of fun. And as you can guess, I caved.
Within minutes, we both declared, “THIS IS THE WORST IDEA EVER!” My legs are still on fire, my knees have officially gone on strike, and my back has headed south for the winter. I’m not sure exactly what that means, it’s just what the goodbye note said.
We spent an HOUR pedaling a 200lb cart. (And yes, that is the four person version in the picture above.) That’s how much it weighed before we added our combined *cough* pounds to the equation. And just as we were getting to the finish line, the large blue umbrella of the rental stand in sight, the thing chokes up and refuses to go further. The happy family behind us was nice enough to point out that my jacket was caught in the chain, which explained why my pedals would no longer turn.
Fortunately, a cart repair dude (his official title, I’m pretty sure) showed up, took the chain apart, and removed the jacket. The jacket hit the garbage can, the cart went back where it came from, and it became official, this was the WORST IDEA EVER!
Kiddo will never live this down.
Now, I have had many bad ideas in my life. It would be hard to narrow it down to just one, or even a top ten. But this week, I added another to my list. I decided to read BET ME by Jenny Crusie.
First off, if you haven’t read this book, you must. (Though I’m pretty sure I’m the only slacker who waited this long to get to it.) The book is amazing. Abso-friggin-lutely amazing. Dialogue to die for, deep POV without losing the comedy, and characters so life-like, you expect to look over and see them sitting next to you on the couch.
So why was reading this book a bad idea? I could NEVER accomplish this. I will never be this witty, this smart, this spot on. It is official, I want to be Jenny Crusie when I grow up.
Hellie can attest to the mini anxiety attack brought on by the inner critic cocktail of the awesomeness of Crusie and my abundantly obvious limitations. But it was mini. For once, I dove back into revising, told myself to do my best, and kept going.
This isn’t to say I won’t have many more of these inferiority attacks, but I’m happy to say, I recovered from this one much quicker than I’ll recover from that damn cart. (There are now Icy Hot sleeves on BOTH knees, and they are NOT working.)
I know we talk about inner critics and intimidation and doubts around here all the time. But today, we’re talking recovery. Most everyone here has finished something, be it fanfic, a short story, a text book, or a full length novel. That means we’ve all triumphed over the doubts.
What have you accomplished that you never thought you would? Did you finish college? Did you buy that house, crochet that blanket, or bake the best cookies ever? Today is a day to brag, talk yourself up, and pat yourself on the back. And if you want to make me feel better by telling me some of your really bad ideas, feel free.
Books by the Crew
134 comments:
*ROTFLMAO*
Things I've Accomplished That I Never Thought I Would:
1.) Crocheted that baby blanket. I swear I thought Vagi's baby would be in college before I put the finishing stitches on it. Yeesh. Still worth it. It came out a lot better than I thought, even if it didn't look exactly like the picture.
2.) Finished 2 manuscripts. Didn't think I'd ever finish either of them. For some reason I can usually start out with a bang, trudge through the middle (wigging out the whole way), and then belly crawl to the ending, swearing I'm never going to write a book this crappy again. I'm always wrong. They're all crappy.
3.) Finish that Independent Study class in college. (I always knew I'd finish college and graduate--I never really had that doubt in my head because failure was NOT an option when Dad was footing most of the bill.) But I admit that dumbass indep-study class that I thought was a brilliant idea when I was quoting Robert Burns to that professor--was definately the DUMBEST idea I ever had. I can't believe I actually passed it and graduated from college. If I hadn't finished college, it would have been because of THAT class.
4.) The Gingerbread House. This was Holly's fault. We do projects every year--and we both had a dream of making a REAL gingerbread house. I don't know what Norman Rockwell CRACK dream we were in, but we launched ourselves into making some three story Victorian monstronsity made from a homemade pattern we found on the net. Oh. My. God. I never thought we'd get the f*cker done. We were flinging cereal up for shingles, swearing to each other we were never doing anything stupid again. And we haven't. I'm pretty sure we haven't made cookies in the last couple years. (The groundhog cupcakes are a walk in the park compared to cookie architechture.)
5.) Made 3 Halloween costumes in one year: a Cinderella dress (like from Ever After), a saloon girl/corset-underwear outfit, and an Elizabeth Swann dress. In the same month. Thank God Holly cut out the material or I would have given up on that alone. This reminds me, I need to search my patterns for an Elvira dress... Anyway, I'm never making 3 costumes for Halloween in the same month again.
Terri, if it makes you feel better--Jackie and I rented a paddle boat on the little "lake" behind the St. Louis Art Museum at Forest Park. We got all the way to the middle, past the bridge and realized we'd ahve to paddle the damned thing back...boy, was that a mistake...and Jackie's got a lot stronger legs than me.
Oh. Uh...Yeah. Wasn't that a wonderful book? I think Q ought to read it fer all the chaos theory in it...
I want ta come back as Jennifer Crusie. But I'll settle fer worshiping at 'er feet fer now.
The things I really didn't think I'd ever do?
1) I traveled all by meself across the country after nearly dying and survived. (May not sound like a big thing, but after being under a therapist's care fer Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, this was huge.) Same goes fer riding the metro in DC. By myself!
2) I kept writing. I keep writing. Slower, but I keep writing. I flirt wit' the conviction that I can't keep doing this. But I keep on.
As fer bad ideas? How about a short little hike, with the DH. Nice afternoon... Was supposed ta take 45 mintues. 7 hours later, we returned ta where we'd parked our car. Hike? Great idea! Takin' the trail detour without a park map in hand? Bad idea.
So, this is why I didn't hear back from after the ocean excursion. So, now ya want ta give the beach back ta the tourists? ;)
I know exactly how you feel Terri ..... you poor dear!
I used to be young and super fit, going on bike tours and staying in youth hostels. I would take a break from cycling by climbing mountains. When you're fit, the adrenalin release gives a hell of a buzz!
Then I met this young lady (way before Mrs Q) who I think wanted to impress and suggested we hire a bicycle made for two. Bad idea!
It felt great at first, with a certain togetherness as we headed for the wild and woolly cotswolds, where there are lots of watering holes ... we call them pubs. We went spinning along at first but after about 20 miles my legs began to ache as though I'd run a marathon.
After about the fifth refreshment break with the sun dropping low in the sky, we crawled back to her home. I was too nackered to kiss her goodbye but managed a wave and a smile. She still looked stunning and gave me a wicked 'come hither' grin.
Next day a friend from the cycling club commented that I was a lucky fella to be dating Sabrina, but next time I should let her steer. You can make sure she pedals then!
Never underestimate a pretty gal!
I like Jenny Crusie as well. If 'bet me' deals with Chaos theory then I must get it. Chance I'm in love with 'strange attractors' and there are lots of em around here. :wink:
LOL, love the bike. We did a thirty person bike at work for charity. Rode it through the downtown core, making lots of noise, with police escort. Lots of fun.
I've crocheted the baby blankets. Many. I was bored. Needed to do something to occupy my mind and hands while my foot was busy rocking the bouncy chair with my babies.
Dumbest idea ever: thinking I could learn to canoe all by myself. I spent three hours in the middle of a lake going in circles before I figured out how to go in a straight line. :) I'm happy to report I've never been out on a canoe since. LOL
The last time I rode a regular bike I got an asthma attack---so riding for my health almost killed me. :)
Worst idea? Riding down the Grand Canyon on a mule. The group leader kept telling me to turn the mule's head so he could see how far up he was, assuring me mules were smart and not suicidal and would keep to the track.I, however, kept my eyes closed for most of the journey. When I got off the mule, I had to throw away my clothes, they smelled so of mule and fear-sweat.I would have been better off buying the postcards.
Bragging? Getting my deals, because I honestly never thought I would.
Terri, you will use that bike-riding scene in a book which will be just as good as Crusie's!
LOL! Aw, that's a sweet story. Proves yet again that you're a fabulous mom. It never would've occurred to me that renting that thing would give you a great workout(exercise is the silver lining here*g*).
I don't think this can be classified as an accomplishment but I never ever thought I'd ride a camel...but I did. It was so fun, though I have no clue how anyone could ride them for a prolonged amount of time-bumpy ride to say the least.
Dumbest idea: There really are so many. I think it would be dropping out of college. Twice. But in all honesty that did give me time to write two books and it saved me from wasting more student loan money while I tried to find what my major should be. So I suppose that wasn't all that dumb.
Oh wait! Here's a dumb thing: I dated an idiot who later turned out to be a cokehead. And I'm not joking...
LMAO! Ter, that's hilarious! Poor you. I hope your back, knees, etc all feel better soon.
Hmmm... Dumbest idea ever... I went back to two different boyfriends both of which didn't deserve to be gone back to.
Oh! Another. I almost majored in Biology in college. I have no idea what I was thinking on that one.
Something else.... Taking my claustrophobic 1 year old on an enclosed hayride to go apple picking. He cried the entire ride (15 minutes) to the orchard and then the entire ride back. I'm surprised that the other passengers didn't strand us out in the middle of the field.
Bragging? I've finished two full manuscripts. I went to grad school when I decided what I wanted to be when I grew up. I moved 300 miles from home when I was 21 years old to live in an apartment by myself.
Fun blog, Ter!
You're not the only slacker, Terri. I haven't read Bet Me yet, but you've sold me on the idea.
As for bragging, do I have to? I can't think of one thing right now.
LOL! Terri, the payoff is that the bike ride will become one of those do-you-remember moments that you and your daughter will always share. I hope your knees are better today.
It's hard for me to believe now, but I used to think nothing of biking 15 miles. I wish I'd had the good sense to keep it up.
Count me among the members of the Jennifer Crusie Admiration Society. Bet Me has become one of the classics of our genre, and Crusie is one smart, gutsy woman.
Proudest achievements? The moment after my dissertation defense when my committee chair extented her hand and said, "Congratulations, Dr. Janga," winning an Academy of American Poets competition, the first time I saw one of my poems in a literary magazine. I'll be even prouder when I let go of TLWH.
You all are making me feel so much better. In spirit anyway. LOL! Getting out of bed was NOT easy this morning. And I have belly dance class tonight. What the hell was I thinking?!
I'll be back with more comments in a few!
Hellie - Your MSs are NOT sucky. And kudos for all that stuff. Explained the issue with Indep Study classes.
Chance - You've had a big year following some monumental years. We're so glad you made it through and that you made it to this ship. And considering you could stop writing today and still about more than two dozen MSs to sell, I think you're doing just fine. LOL!
Q - She wasn't pedaling?! We had that issue, but as you can see from the picture, the person is next to you so a) you know when they aren't doing their part and b) you can slap them if necessary. LOL!
You do need to read this book. I think you'll love it!
Tiff - I'm trying to picture you in a canoe. Nope, it's not working. LOL! Though I can't imagine you making blankets either. But you are one woman who does exactly what she sets out to do, so I'm sure once you got that vessel going in a straight line, there was no stopping you. :)
Maggie - I love that mule story. LOL! And if I ever make it to the Grand Canyon, I will think of you and just say no to the mule ride.
You may not have thought you get those deals, but the rest of us knew it all along. Your awesome could not be contained! And thanks for that bit of encouragement. I know the perfect story in which I can use this adventure. Though it might be combined with Hellie's paddle boat one.
Kelly - I haven't ridden a camel, but I did ride an elephant once. It was quite fun actually, but I recommend wearing pants if you ever get to try it. They are not the smoothest animals in the world.
So what did you settle on for your major? And at least you keep going back to school. I waited nearly 15 years to go back, and I do NOT recommend that. :)
Congrats on those finished MSs!!! You NaNo winner, you.
Marn - At least you didn't marry either of those boyfriends. Luckily, you found Mr. Gunner and found your HEA. WTG!!
You already know the little guy is claustrophobic? I guess that's a good piece of information to have. The poor fellow. But I've never heard of an enclosed hayride. Did you know it would be enclosed before you got there?
Another with the finished MSs. This is like a roller coaster ride of "I'm not so bad off" and "I'm the only one who can't finish a damn MS!!" LOL!
Renee - Don't be silly! You have finished MSs that are awesome. You have amazing talent, you know. You're raising four teenagers and HOMESCHOOLING them, which gives you automatic sainthood. Or at least a really cushy cloud waiting for you.
You also ventured to DC for Nationals this year, branching out on your own and doing something you didn't know you could do. The plane trip alone would have some others to the funny farm!
Janga - The WORST IDEA EVER comment is now made hourly. I even reminded her of it as she was going to bed last night. Yes, we will be riding the wave of this for a long time to come.
Dr. Janga! I love that. LOL! You have so much to be proud of and when we're all standing in line to get your signature in that book, we're going to be very proud to say we knew you when. :)
OMG Hells, since I went to the zoo and we walked through Forest Park, all I've wanted to do is get the paddleboat and cruise around the pond.
I'm so jealous you've done it.
OMG, Terri, if only I had known you hadn't read Bet Me, I would have browbeat you into it months ago. It's one of my favorite books EVER (I once read it 4 times in one month, but hey, I had a 4-hour roundtrip train commute to DC, so I had the time to kill), and ultimately, one of the books that made me realize I wanted to write romance, too. And let's not go into how I totally geeked out w/ JC at RWA not once, not twice, but THREE times! It's a wonder I didn't start to drool.
Pat on the back? I never thought I'd buy a house on my own. But I did, this summer. And then, as everything started to go wrong, I didn't think I'd SURVIVE the first month of homeownership (and car ownership - @#*!& Saturn!). But we're coming to the close of month 2, so woohoo!
Oh, and backpacking across Europe - never thought it would happen, but so glad it did. And getting my law degree was a great feeling, too.
Dumbest ideas? Um, spending 3 years as an Economics major in college before coming to my senses springs to mind. Driving from Kansas City to the Eastern Shore of Maryland in a single day has been a bad idea several times. Some of us dummies never learn! :)
Feel better, Terri. IbuProfin is our friend. :)
Terri! Fantastic, funny blog! I'm laughing with you, not at you. :) I haven't read Jennifer Crusie (bad me) so I don't have any comparison, and I know you're writing non-fiction, but you are so funny! Yes, use the bike riding scene, and many other of your experiences, in a book!
The older we get, the harder it is to try new things. But when we do, I guess that's what makes the accomplishment more meaningful. I think one thing that surprised me by accomplishing recently (within the last year) was learning how to do a receptionist switchboard. I mean, the whole darn thing, with multiple lines and over a hundred extensions. Now, I was not a receptionist, I was a back-up, and it was part of my floater secretary duties. So mark that up also as the worst idea ever to accept a job with this requirement...third in line they told in the interview and it would rarely come up. Liars. That's all I can say. Suddenly, #1 and #2 regular receptionists call in sick and who is left?! That would be me. I was CERTAIN this would be the thing that would get me fired. Law firms frown on having a crying receptionist greet the clients. Go figure. lol
But, after multiple panic attacks, I DID do it. I really did. I even manged to eventually do it well. And overcoming this PHOBIA (oh, yes, it can't be called anything less) did change me. If I could get through that and not DIE from embarrassement and stress then a lot of other things aren't so impossible.
Janga, what an amazing feeling you must have had to hear, "Congratulations, Dr. Janga." Wow, that is a memory to cherish. :)
Kelly - I know, I don't know what took me so long. I decided to jump in and read them all, so I'm slowly accumulating them. Good thing next year is filled with Crusie reprints as well as TWO new books. Yay!
Congrats again on the house! I want to buy a house so badly. I'm still aiming for next year, but so many factors have to fall into place. Fingers crossed.
And I love how you just throw that "getting my law degree was a great feeling" in there. LOL! That is a HUGE deal. KC to the Eastern Shore is messing with my brain. I did Little Rock to VA Beach in a day more than once, but only because of extenuating circumstances. I will be happy to NEVER do that again!
And I am so popping Ibuprofen. No worries there. LOL!
I'm hoping it all falls together for you Ter, so you can get a house :) You and the kiddo deserve it.
Sin - We should buy a pirate paddle boat we tug behind us and you and Hellie can paddle your little hearts out anytime you want.
Melissa - Thank you for laughing with me, darling. LOL! You haven't even heard me tell the story about the night last week that the cat shoved the hamster cage off its perch. I'll save that one for another day. :)
I've been a receptionist many times over and there is a certain method to it. It's not for everyone, but I worked in one place that must have had a very hard time finding competent people to do the job. After less than a month, they were amazed at how well I was doing. There were only like 6 lines coming in and maybe 50 extensions. This was not brain surgery, but I became the golden receptionist. Very odd.
And you self-pubbed your first book! That's huge and I can't believe you didn't mention it. Plus, you're going back to school. Takes guts, I should know. You have MUCH to be proud of!
Terri, oops, I meant you're writing non-fiction here with the blogs, not your novel writing. I'm sure you got that, but I meant to say that I see how your tone would transfer beautifully. :)
Thanks, Sin! I keep telling myself if it doesn't happen next year, there's always the year after. But I don't wanna wait! LOL!
I got that, Melissa. LOL! Yeah, telling a story that really happened is easier for me than making one up. But the voice is the same. :)
Thanks!
BTW - When I started typing this blog last night, I had no idea it was going to come around to being a positive one. LOL! I was watching the Emmy's and everyone seemed so happy, I think it rubbed off on me.
Kelly!!!! *waves madly* mwwwahhhhh. Y'all if you're ever in DC, Kelly is the best tour guide ever. *grins* So, Kelly, when are you coming back this way?
I always see those bikes on the boardwalk and wonder who it is who thinks it's a good idea to pedal one around :) Sorry about your knees!
Dumbest idea ever? Going to Russia in January. Anybody want to take a guess as to the temperature in Moscow in January? DUMBEST idea ever. Well, the really dumb part was fixing my hair all cute to go to a ballet, and then deciding I was just too adorable to wear a hat. It was cute hair after all. Yeah, I had nine earrings in my ears at the time -- the metal in all of them froze. In my ears. It was painful.
Brag moments? Packing up and moving by myself to a little town in Mexico to teach school when I was 17. Of course, that required dropping out of high school, which probably falls in the dumb category... Actually making it through graduate school. Making it through 1 PhD-level class in Amsterdam (I didn't think I'd make it through that. Also realized I am not, in fact, smart enough to go get a PhD).
I haven't read Bet Me yet. I need to. Our program at school requires everyone to read one genre book each semester for discussion. A couple years back, the book was apparently Bet Me, and all the sci-fi and fantasy writers hated it. I heard there were brawls fought over that book. *rolls eyes*. So this semester I have to read some sci-fi book. Great.
Kelly! "Driving from Kansas City to the Eastern Shore of Maryland"
That's hilarious. I grew up just south of KC, and now live on the Eastern Shore. I have made that drive many, many times. But never in one day. I always stop somewhere in Ohio overnight. Why were you on the Eastern Shore?
Terri, those things feel kind of left undone, all but the trip to DC and that totally left me discombobulated for quite some time. But you know what, I now have my sights set on the Caribbean, this time I won't be traveling by myself.
Chance, I can also relate to riding the metro alone in DC being something to overcome! Congratulations that you did it! Years ago, when I first lived in the DC area, I had to do this. Since I didn't drive (another phobia thing I later overcame, partially anyway - - yeah, I'm a recovering basket case. That's my chosen, unofficial label. lol), it was huge to get use to public transportation. It's one of those things you have to do over and over to feel comfortable.
Hal, you have many accomlishments to be proud of! I'm in awe of your travel and experiences. I'm sure you are, in fact, smart enough to get a PhD, and it's just a matter of if it's something you want to do. :)
Ouch! The metal froze in your ears? Well, it sounds like you did have no choice. At least your hair was cute! Reminds me of something I'd have done as a teen waiting for the bus here in northern Minnesota!
OMG Hells, since I went to the zoo and we walked through Forest Park, all I’ve wanted to do is get the paddleboat and cruise around the pond.
I’m so jealous you’ve done it.
I did it twice. Actually WE did it twice. We're dumb and don't learn. *LOL*
It doesn't cost that much, and it's worthwhile. If Mattycakes won't take you, we'll go do it one day. I love the Art Museum.
lol Melissa. I was 19 at the time, so there's something of an excuse! And thank you. And you're right. I don't want the PhD, and would therefore be a terrible, terrible student.
You start next semester right? Or did you already? Ready?
Honestly, Renee, I think you were super-brave to get back on the plane to head home from Nationals after all the trouble you had with your first commercial flight EVER. Probably won't make it back to KC until next summer - I'll try to pick a time when it won't be the hottest week of the decade like I did last year!
Ter - Bet Me is my favorite of Crusie's books, but they're all good. Crazy for You is probably my #2. I'm so glad she's finally coming out with a new solo work next year - it's been too long.
Hal - Both of my parents are from North KC, where The Family still lives, but after a 5-year stint in Montana, we moved to Maryland. Dad always thinks driving home from KC in a single day is a good idea. Until the day after, when none of us can move. Thank goodness I flew this year!
And seriously, I'm not that good of a tour guide in DC. After I dropped Renee off at the airport, I spent the next half hour lost in Anacostia. *shudder*. Thank goodness for GPS.
Hal - I've learned my lesson, trust me on that one.
I so envy your travels. I've done the pick up and move thing, once without a place to live yet, and the other without a job to go to, but nothing like what you've done. And that metal freezing thing just sounds painful. I went to the Joffrey Ballet in downtown Pittsburgh once when it was 4 below. Wore a suade skirt with heels and stockings. My hooha nearly froze off!
One of the really amazing things about you is how much you've accomplished in such a short time! And I love that there were arguments about this book. You would think Sci-Fi fans would be more open minded, but no. LOL!
I think I'm missing the fear gene when it comes to some things. I rarely worry about riding subways or finding my way around new places. I just sort of jump in. But, I was not brave enough to try the Metro with two suitcases in tow. We took a cab to and from Union Station. :)
A couple years back, the book was apparently Bet Me, and all the sci-fi and fantasy writers hated it. I heard there were brawls fought over that book.
Exactly why I wouldn't want to take a writing class. *LOL* Snots. *LOL*
Renee - The bottom line is YOU DID IT! Keep chanting that and you'll be good. And you pitched and met all kinds of new people and lived to tell the tale. Hug yourself for that.
I love that Hells says this was a bad idea, then volunteers to do it again. LOL! Though with Sin's long legs, I bet you can get out of pedaling. :)
Kelly - I've listened to Crazy For You. It was my first Crusie. Read Anyone But You a few weeks ago and loved it. I like that they are all a little different but still the same voice. And I'm pretty sure Cal Morrisey might be the best hero ever.
Hellie, I have a friend who is trying her hand at writing inspirational romance, she also homeschools. Well she took her dd to a book club and the leader, not knowing that my friend was writing inspies, told the group that there were some really bad Christian writers out there, and then she told the group that they were romance writers. I felt so bad for my friend, especially since she's a newbie. I know that kind of prejudice would have hurt my feelings.
Hellie - I know! This is why I enrolled in a genre-writing MFA, not a normal one with literary snobs. And yet STILL, romance is sneered at. By sci-fi geeks of all people! It's not like they're writing high-brow fiction. No. They're writing aliens. And they're looking down their nose at ME?
Thanks, Terri! Now, I just need to get back to those stupid revisions and hope all the changes are worth the agony. (I've decided to move my Scottish historical into the paranormal realm.)
Ter - I hadn't put it together at the time that the boy was claustrophobic. LOL! It was a really windy day and they'd covered both sides and the top. Just the back and front were open. Apparently that was enough to freak the little Gunner out. LOL!! Not fun.
The kid doesn't like elevators, hated HATED riding backwards in the carseat, and freaks out pretty much any time he feels enclosed. (No closed doors, hates closets, etc.) It's the weirdest thing.
And you're definitely going to finish that manuscript. I know it.
I haven't read Jenny Crusie's book. In fact, I haven't read any of her books yet. I know, I think I'm the last person who hasn't picked one up.
Hal - your ears froze? That's insane. :)
Renee said:
I’ve decided to move my Scottish historical into the paranormal realm.
What?!?! When did this happen? WHY did this happen?!
Thanks Ter *g* I haven't gotten to travel much in years. It drives me nuts to be stuck in one place, but that's what a mortgage will do to you *g*
The things we do for the ballet... :)
Hal, yes, I don't start until next semester. So now, I'm in "hurry up and wait" mode and don't quite know where to focus my enthusiasm. I'm just being a hermit and working on the River story. Which reminds me, yesterday I saw a note on my car (looked like a parking ticket and I had a moment of being pissed before I realized that was impossible in my own driveway) and this is what it said:
Missy Hermit - you're always welcome to come out to the lake for a glass of wine - bring your son. - Jim (cell #)
Okay, so that was a surprise! My next big accomplishment would be to actually go...but no, I can't just pop in on someone! I hardly know the guy...he owns a resort, see him at the grocery store sometimes. No, these kinds of things definitely get the nerves going. I'll just stay a hermit. lol
Marn - not my ears. The metal inside my ears. It was twenty below zero. That's right, TWENTY below zero. And I was (clearly) the only idiot without a hat. :)
Melissa - You MUST call that cell #. OMG, that's the start of a Romance novel!!! You must, you must, you must. LOL!
Marn - These are very clear indicators, aren't they? LOL! My sister is a bit claustrophobic, but it stems from being shut in a closet when she was around 12 or so. So she wasn't from the beginning. But my sister is a total hypocondriac (sp?) and afraid of everything. Drives me nuts.
And now my daughter has these same fear issues and it makes me insane. How can you be afraid to swallow a tiny pill?! Really. Irrationality is beyond me. (Though I'm sure I have irrationalities, but this isn't about me. *g*)
Melissa - that's awesome that he invited you! But yeah, I wouldn't have the nerve to go either.
I'm weird like that. Some things don't bother me at all. Subways, public speaking, packing up moving to another country....but send me to a backyard party at a friend's house where there will be people I don't know and I'll have a panic attack. A friend invited me to happy hour for her birthday last week - I sat in the car in the parking lot for 20 minutes. The only thing that got me out of the car was the knowledge of how badly I'd be made fun of if I went home so early. I almost caved and hid in Barnes and Noble for a few hours instead. But walking past armed soldiers in St. Petersburg by myself - no problem.
Hal - The ballet was set to the music of Prince. How could you miss that?!
Twenty below? Forget the hat, I never would have left the house!
Ter - there was one day when I woke up (this was like, April by now) and it was so gray and cold, and there was so much snow, that I refused to leave my warm dorm room. Flat out refused. Skipped class all day. I just couldn't do it anymore. I've never been so cold in all my life.
And Prince! (or, the artist the formerly known as Prince...whatever). That's awesome.
Now I feel priviledged that you came to the booksigning in DC to meet us!
LOL! Terri!! I decided right before Nationals to make a bit mystic. My heroine is an accused witch and all, which works great for the time period. My hero doesn't have an ounce of superstitious blood in his body, which is a rare occurrence within his clan. But when he starts holding conversations with his deceased father he begins to wonder if she has cursed more than the lower part of his anatomy. It's actually been fun to write and brings a bit of humor into the darkness, especially when the deceased maternal grandfather shows up too (by the way, the grandfather was responsible for having my hero's father killed).
I felt so bad for my friend, especially since she’s a newbie. I know that kind of prejudice would have hurt my feelings.
The poor kid. Not all of them all bad, please. I've read some that were really really well done. SOME...less so, but you know what? That's how it is in all genres within romance (or any fiction)--there are the Jennifer Cruisies...and then there are the non-Jennifer Cruisies.
Your friend just needs to think positive she's going to write the well-written Christian romance. And also keep in mind the people she's book clubbing with. Some people use book club as a way to tear down fiction rather than build it up. They're not happy unless they're destroying someone, which is ironic since that's not very Christian.
me? yeah, I debated caving when I saw how many people were in that room. Then I freaked out while trying to find you. But I made it through it (obviously). Besides, I would have felt dumb if I'd driven all the way to DC, spent an hour on the metro, only to get wussy and turn around and go home!
By sci-fi geeks of all people! It’s not like they’re writing high-brow fiction.
They just don't like to read about hot good-looking guys who always get the girl, even the girl next door who is slightly geeky and they've had their eye on for 10 years but haven't made a move. The hot, good-looking guy taps into their fear that women are as shallow as they are. And that we all want great sex--that they might not be able to deliver on.
I have to admit: some of their fears are justified. *LOL* And the ones who are really nasty about it: REALLY JUSTIFIED.
Hellie, that baby blanket was awesome! I wouldn’t have had the patience. I’ve got no practical mommy talents to pass down to my kids or grandkids. When my son got his baseball jersey with a patch he said very loudly “Hey mom, when we get home can we get Dad to sew my patch on?!”
All of these accomplishments are just so awesome! I’m really feeling inspired today.
And, Ter, Bet Me is my favorite by Jenny Crusie. I think I’ve read it about 5 times already! When I grow up I wanna be a Jenny Crusie/SEP combo.
This is such an awesome blog!
Okay, DUMBEST IDEA EVER! Trying to impress my then boyfriend (now DH) – who owned a motorcycle for his main form of transportation, has bungee jumped out of a hot air balloon, and parachuted out of a plane - I decided to attempt the tallest water slide at the West Edmonton water park. I went first and when the DH had arrived in the pool after me to see me ghost white and shaking by the side of the pool he thought we were going to be making an ER visit. Then, of course, after he made sure I was okay he yelled “Are you outta your freakin’ mind! What the hell did you do that for?!”
I, too, saw those bikes in Disneyland, Ter, and replied to my daughter who thought it would be sooooo cool to ride them – “If you want Mommy operational and coherent for the rest of this trip we will not be riding those bikes! It’s not as easy as it looks!” But then I have extensive experience saying no to dumbass suggestions (see previous paragraph). Unfortunately, I was a partner in creating another daredevil just like him. I’ve become very weary of anything my daughter AND DH think are a good idea!
Greatest accomplishments – travelling across Canada on the back of a motorcycle camping; riding the tallest water at the West Edmonton water park; moving 2,000 miles away from home to a new job, strange city, roommates I met through the paper, buying a new car and trying to make a relationship work; getting married and having kids! That last one was a big one – I really didn’t think that was in the cards for me.
Hal, when I went to DC that was my first experience on the Metro. And we got stuck! in a tunnel under ground! I had never even been on a train before. My grandmother was badly burnt in a derailment way back when, and I swore never to get on one. Then when the Metro accident happened I was like oh, hell no! but I got on it. By the time I got off at my stop, I had a choice between dragging a 100 pounds up that huge arse escalator or taking the elevator. I chose the escalator, there was no way I was getting stuck on an elevator when I was that close to conference.
I don't like parties either. I prefer staying home, and I fear tossing my cookies at the thought of public speaking. When I sell my books, I'm hiring dd to do all my speaking for me.;)
I'm so glad you came and found me. And you got to meet Claudia Dane right away. LOL! Since I thought you were there to see her and not me. :)
But I do understand this a bit. We've talked about this before. I'd rather talk in front of 5000 people than be told, "There's a guy here I want you to meet."
I will run as fast as my broken knees will carry me at that point.
Hellie - LAMO!!!! You're so right! Next time I hear a disparaging romance comment, I'll answer with "oh, you only wish you could f*ck a girl so well". Let's see who's fighting brawls then!
As much as I love the general Romance writing population, there are some bad groups out there who can do so much damage. I'd say tell your friend she's welcome to come here and get all the encouragement she can stand, but if she's writing Inspy, she might not like our brand of humor. :)
Then again, we were doing well today. Until Hellie brought up geeks and bad sex. LOL!
ter - I'm glad I found you too :)
Renee - yikes! those dark tunnels are freaky. Esp if you're grandmother was injured. That's fun to have in the back of your mind while stuck. Eek!
You know, I'm painfully shy one-on-one, or at parties or anywhere I have to small talk. But stick me on a stage with a microphone and cameras, and I'm totally cool. Bizarre. Very, bizarre.
Irish! You are my hero, you know that? I must admit, I'm not bungee jumping or jumping out of airplanes anytime. Or really ever for that matter. And I don't do really big water slides, though if dared I probably would.
That patch on the ball jersey reminds me of the time I had to iron Kiddo's name on the back of her shirt. I put the "B" in the middle of Isabelle backwards. We couldn't fix it, so she wore it that way all season.
Yes, I will not be earning my crafty mom badge any time soon. *sigh* And she has no crafty dad to fall back on, the poor thing. LOL!
Irish, I love it! I bet all he kept thinking was damn this girl has balls. He knew right then and there he was going to spend the rest of his life with you if he didn't already.
When dh and I were dating we were hanging with some friends and this guy came out of nowhere with a broken beer bottle waving in dh's face. It was a serious case of mistaken identity, but nobody knew that until after I jumped in between dh and the jagged bottle.
Hal, you should be an actress. :) I've heard lots of performers say they were shy and I can get that contradiction.
Isn't it amazing the little triumphs everyone accomplishes that no one seems to know about. Those are the ones that inspire me.
Phobias are really, really awful and I've heard so many people who hook up with online friends say - "This is so unlike me, but I just had to come and meet so and so." Just goes to show the tremendous positive mojo happening around here to get people to overcome those hurdles just to get to meet one another.
And someday we'll get to meet, Irish. I'm almost willing to figure out how to drag Kiddo to Chicago to make that happen. LOL! She'd love it, so it wouldn't take much dragging.
Renee - You can't leave us hanging. What happened next?!
Isn't it amazing what we'll do for love, Renee!?
I was also going to tell you that my sister home schooled for years until we could talk her out of it. It nearly drove her insane. I feel your pain. That is one tough job.
Geez, Renee, glad to know you lived to tell the tale. :) Yep, that was probably when your dh knew you were the one!
Hey, don't blame me for the geek sex--I can't help it if so many of them suck at it. If they'd put down their Star Wars glow-lite sword and practice talking to a girl, they might not have so much to get bent about regarding romance novels.
Actually my other theory is most sci-fi geeks are mini-Spocks and can't stand the thought of "emotions" which are necessary for all romantic stories. Must make them crazy. Now if they could just have sex without having to deal with the emotional side of things, which would be difficult unless they were sleeping with another man... Hmmm, quandries, quandries...
Sorry, Ter, I've been burnt by snotty sci-fi readers....
My favorite thing they claim though is when they say sci-fi and fantasy is not predictable. Or genre fiction--because it's not predictable. Wow, that's hilarious. I mean, spewing beer hilarious.
Well, nobody was harmed if that is what you're asking. The guy who dh was mistaken for happened to be a friend- a few years after this incident he was leaving a party and ended up killing a friend when the guy ran out in front, he served 4 years for involuntary manslaughter. Two weeks after he was released he was in a car with someone who'd been drinking they hit the guard rail and it killed him. Thankfully, dh and I out grew the partying.
As someone who actually was homeschooled, I can't say good for you for doing it, but I can agree that it is a very tough job.
But of course, my opinion of the topic is biased, as I'm still trying to deal with the leftover ramifications of that lovely experience :)
Renee - That is convoluted. Seriously. And talk about karma. Wow.
Hellie - I wasn't disagreeing, I only meant we'd manage to keep the convo somewhat clean up to that point. LOL! But I will say, the best sex I've ever had was with a dude who was an avid Dungeons and Dragons player. Who'd a thunk?!
But I will say, the best sex I’ve ever had was with a dude who was an avid Dungeons and Dragons player. Who’d a thunk?!
Actually I'd believe it. I know one or two who were major D&D players but great in the sack. Unfortunately they were also romance novel prejudiced.
It's the DUNE geeks I avoid. I'm like, "Go, have sex with your alien woman, she's the only one who'd have you anyway."
he best sex I’ve ever had was with a dude who was an avid Dungeons and Dragons player.
We need a "quote of the week" award. I'm pretty sure that would be it for this week.
Isn’t it amazing the little triumphs everyone accomplishes that no one seems to know about. Those are the ones that inspire me.
Irish, that's lovely. :) It's kind of what I'm trying to do with my heroine in my current WIP. (Although I'm not admitting to anything about ME being in her character! lol) In my writing I can, hopefully, emphasize those little triumphs and have them acknowleged.
This blog is making me think about how I don't think I've ever had my heroine be totally brave early in the relationship. I think she never has to make the choice to pursue a relationship. It's her being pursued, the next step out of her hands, or she has so much else going on (saving the world lol) or it's a "reunion" of sorts as the first meet isn't occuring.
My heroine wouldn't have to decide how to answer a note inviting her out placed on the car window. :)
I've debated on the homeschooling this year. The Boy is a tough cookie. The Princess hated being homeschooled but she wasn't being challenged at school. The Girl, was very sick. She spent more time at home than at school and every time I went to parent teacher conference they told me how well she was doing, but when I went to the last one they told me that she didn't meet any of their outcomes. When I asked them what they were going to do and they said they were sending her on to the next grade, I was like, WHAT?! She couldn't add, subtract, tell time, or read very well and they were sending her on to the next grade. It wasn't all their fault, and it wasn't all mine either, she had been very sick. But I was able to bring her home and teach her at her pace and we stuck with addition until she got it, then we stuck with subtraction until she got it. She's a junior this year and although she is a little behind on some things, just because it took us a while to get there, she is doing wonderful. The Boy is 8th grade, is too intelligent for his own good, and we fight like crazy when it comes to pre-algebra. He's just discovered the art of writing fiction and is loving it, and he's loving Uncle Tom's Cabin. Now the youngest, she's a walking encyclopedia most of the time. She refuses to go to school because, in her own words, "there's too much drama, and I want nothing to do with it."
Good gravy, I realize that was way more than y'all wanted to know about home schooling. We are an unconventional sort and don't do it for religious reasons.
Renee, there's a real bias in some parts of the Christian book community against any kind of romance. The people who made such a sweeping generalization revealed their own ignorance--not only of inspirational romance, a subgenre that includes some wonderful writers, but also of the Bible itself. What are the books of Ruth and Esther if not romances?
Hal - If the award comes with brownies, I'll take that!
Hellie - This is true, there are degrees of geekiness. Being a long time geek in my own right, I would know this. Can't stand sci-fi stuff, don't do the gamer thing, no science and extensive math classes for me. But I'm still a geek.
Though (and this should tickle Hal as well), the truly geekiest guy I ever dated was another surprise. One word. H-U-N-G.
I'm telling you, God has a wicked sense of humor.
I was pulled out of school in 6th grade, because I was also a very sickly child, and had missed too many days. I was home schooled 7th and 8th grade, and then shoved back into school in 9th grade. And it was, with no exaggeration, hell on earth. I had no social skills, no ability to defend myself against the bitchy girls, no ability to interact in normal ways. And I had been outgoing and popular before being pulled out, so it wasn't totally a case of just being a geek. But I missed fundamental learning and social experiences, and you can't get that back. It took me until college to finally feel like I was half-way normal socially. I'm still more socially awkward than I'd like, though I'm making a concerted effort to learn and get past it.
Maybe some kids can handle it, but I wasn't one of them.
Melissa - You know I'm going to pester you to answer that note. Seriously.
Renee - Those are all very valid reasons. I personally have no experience with homeschooling, and no negative opinion about it. I just know the joy of sending the children off to school and can't imagine with that option, I'd choose to keep them at home and do all the work. LOL!
But, like I said, these are all very valid reasons. One of my brothers got pushed from grade to grade when he should have been held back at least once. There was a term for it, but I can't remember what it was now. Something about them being better off staying with the peer their age. I don't know, but it didn't make any sense to me.
Now I'm feeling guilty about the hung comment since Janga brought up the Bible. And I'm betting there was lots of romance removed from the Bible when men decided what to keep and what to delete.
Something about them being better off staying with the peer their age.
Actually it makes sense to me why they'd push them through. You keep them back, you run the risk of kids gang-banging on him for being a "retard" and him falling even further behind. Eventually, he might just drop out altogether--and you don't want that either. You'd be better off getting him a tutor or sending him to summer classes to catch up.
Now I’m feeling guilty about the hung comment since Janga brought up the Bible.
No worries. I'm sure Boaz was hung like a horse. It all ties together.
That's just it, giving them extra help was never an option. Not for my brother anyway. It was just keep pushing him forward and hope he gets by enough to make it all the way through.
None of my siblings did particularly well in school (I'm an alien I tell ya!), but when my sister ran into trouble, a teacher spent extra time with her and brought her up enough to help her pass the right way.
That was in a private school and my brothers both went through public school. I'm guessing maybe that's the difference? Funding and resources and such.
Definitely funding and resources...plus anymore, the EXTRA stuff that's required of teachers anymore, it's a wonder they have time to sleep at night. It's ridiculous the stuff they have to do to play the game.
Renee, circumstances are different for every child. I, too, relate to the joy of sending my son off to school. LOL I do get frustrated though when I think his acedemic needs aren't being met. He's very, very intelligent, and I'm always feeling guilty about how to guide a gifted child or find other options. If I could, financially, I'd try to find private schools or something flexible where he could advance with a group of peers. Socially, especially since he is an only child, I think he needs the school environment and the routines. At home (my home anyway), we have very few routines!
I admire you for knowing your children well, and searching for what will serve them best individually. :)
And what's wrong with falling in love with an alien?
Hel's bells! OK, in defence of scifi/fantasy...geeks abound everywhere. Worse snobs I ever ran into was at the SCA. Historical snobs who looked down on you if you couldn't recite chapter and verse of historical facts to back up your costume...
I've also seen some real snot stuff with romance folks. Within romance it's the erotica verses the lovey-doveys. And I bet within erotica there are battles aplenty, too!
Let's face it, people are just snotty and everyone wants to be the one on top...or at least not on the bottom. Which is why sci/fi/fantasy ends up battling romance.
Can't we all just get along? ;)
Terrio - I can see the book now. Two loners trying to find common ground, so they do the tandem bike, the paddle boat, the hike, the waterslide... All looking to bond. (They live somewhere were fitness is a religion, like Seattle or Portland. Are talked into all of these things by outdoor enthusiasts.)
And many, many, many bottles of advil, calamine lotion, noxeema, ice packs...they give up and discover a love of movies, which leads to romance.
Yes, the DH and I discovered what true teamwork was about when kayaking... I swear, we went in circles because he wouldn't let me direct the boat!
Terri, as for answering The Note, I guess I can come up with lots of pros and cons. A pro is that this is an opportunity, who knows where it could lead, and I shouldn't let life pass me by. A pro is this would mess with the "friendly stalker." LOL Make that another pro. This guy is not, as far as I can tell, a potential friendly stalker. Maybe. Fast slipping into the "con" category. LOL
Seriously, a, or perhaps the "con" for me is that he's older. I'm not saying unattractive older, but rather distinguished, sophisticated older. Okay, that should, in a way, be a "pro." He's established. I know he's financially very (and I mean VERY) well off. At my age, you'd think age wouldn't be so relevant, but I'm just not well, comfortable with it. I have a seven-year-old for pete's sake. lol Either I'm immature or I'd rather be a cougar. :)
Okay, Ter, that you mentioned Union Station during a blog about Bet Me. Because I bought Bet Me at Union Station. My train home was late, and I didn't want to do more work after leaving my tiny windowless office, so I picked it up at the B.Dalton right there in the station. I've been hooked ever since.
Oh, and Irish had a great idea - Crusie/SEP combo. How awesome would that be. And girl, you are one brave soul. The only way you would have gotten me down that slide would be if I tripped and fell and went down backwards so I couldn't see how far it was to the bottom!
Can’t we all just get along?
*LOL* Nope.
Let’s face it, people are just snotty and everyone wants to be the one on top…or at least not on the bottom.
Strictly speaking, being on bottom has all sorts of perks. Well, I enjoy it at any rate.
Chance - I'm getting all kinds of ideas now. Though I'm thinking this might make for a fun short story. Hmmmm....
Melissa - Having some wine with a male friend is not a lifetime commitment. Just sayin'...
It's totally none of my business, but really, how much older? I mean, over 60? Higher? I admit, I'm not interested with the dudes over 50 hit me up online, but that doesn't mean I can't be a hypocrit and push you anyway. LOL!
At this point, my knees almost require I stay on the bottom.
Kelly/Irish - The Crusie/SEP combo would be amazing. That's my new goal, to get a book pubbed and have that blurb on the cover. "This author is clearly the love child of Jenny Crusie and Susan Elizabeth Phillips!"
LOL Chance, I can see the book too and would love to see the movie. It would be hilarious, resulting in the loner either trying to take the lead or maybe many uncomfortable moments of getting in each other's personal space. Once, I joined a dating service where we had all those required group activities. It was not entirely the "worst idea ever" but not exactly fun either! lol I need to write some kind of dating horror book. Sigh.
Terri, yeah, you are right that having a drink is not a life commitment. That is probably a rule in the "dating handbook" or something. LOL However, I do go there and think about how I'll get myself out of this if I don't want to continue. Not a conceited thing, but maybe a small town thing where one date is seeing someone! LOL And yes, I think he must be about 60, if I think about it. Yeah, I'm like you. Too much. I am flattered, it's not an "oh, ick" thing, if you know what I mean. I think I'm intimidated. Actually, my sister, who is only 43, a year older than me, recently remarried and her husband is 60. He doesn't seem like it, and it works for her. I don't see it for me though. :)
Yep, that would cross my threshold, I think. And I get the small town, why start something you might have trouble finishing thing. Too bad there aren't more men around 40 who are VERY well off and interested in women our age instead of the under 30 type.
Though that cougar goal has merit.
Strictly speaking, being on bottom has all sorts of perks. Well, I enjoy it at any rate.
Knew it. Knew ya'd go there!
I could say I planned it...but I didn't. Be in the lead? Be more popular? Not the total outcast on the block?
Though I enjoy being a bit of the outcast. I'd rather lead a group of geeks than be the wanna-cheerleader/popular girl.
I swear, it's like a slapfest. A little boy dressed as a spaceman having it out wit' a little girl in a princess costume!
He started it!
No, I didn't! She started it!
I don't care who started it, don't make me stop this car!
Had to do the school thing for a while. I'm trying to skim and will probably miss a few things.
Janga, add to your list the Song of Solomon, very romantic, indeed. And don't even get me started on Abraham and what he asked Sarah to do for him although it wasn't romantic, it's not hero quality, he had a lot of growing to do.
Hal and Melissa, trust me when I say my kids are very socialized. So much so that my 13 year old had to write up a police report last week because one of his friends, which was a girl, double fist punched another one of his friends and then told her mom that she was the wounded party. My kids are so socialized that the city police department called me to pick up my girl who was parked with a boy after curfew, supposedly they were eating food. And the baby, well let's just say she's an Omarosa in the making. I know it's not nice, but I was praying she'd become nice once puberty hit. I'm not holding my breath.
Okay, back to school for me.
Renee, I did have to look up Omarosa, found stuff on villainous ways, and I think I get it. Oh boy, the teenage years. Good luck to you. :) I'm not looking forward to it. My little guy is such a people pleaser so I will have a lot of worries with peer pressure!
Melissa, that is the problem with my boy. I had hoped he'd be a leader. He is just so very strong willed, but it turns out he's a people pleaser and has fallen into some of that peer pressure.
Renee - Sounds like you could do with a little less socialization. LOL! Your baby sounds like my older sister. I've been waiting my whole life for her to get nice, it's never happened. Don't think it ever will.
It doesn't help that she's very proud of her bitch status. And she wonders why she's a spinster. *rolls eyes*
Melissa - I worried about my daughter because she's very empathetic and doesn't like to hurt anyone's feelings. So far we've done pretty well. She's only 10, but I expected some ugly encounters before now.
She decided last week she wanted to run for student body president in a school where she's only attended for one full year. My first reaction was to talk her out of it so she wouldn't be hurt if she lost. But then I realized I had to support her, no matter what.
She didn't make it, but instead of being hurt (which I know she was a little) she was more mad because the kid that beat her is immature and doesn't deserve the post in her opinion. That was not the approach I expected her to take.
Three cheers for Isabelle! Mad is so much better than sad. And mad for a good reason!
LOL! And she rarely gets mad at anyone but me. She reminds me of Jane in P&P. She can make an excuse for anyone and always gives the benefit of the doubt. But she does have her moments.
Yes, trying to protect our kids is tough. Even when they are little kids can be so mean and it seems like their loyalties are all over the place. My son can play in my backyard all day with a neighbor boy his age and it seems like they are the best of friends. I start to get all complacent and think, this is great, it's like my son has a brother that I didn't have to provide! lol But then, add another kid or two from the block and suddenly my son's best buddy is throwing crab apples at him with the other boys. And my son is coming in crying. He's not hurt from the crab apples, although they hurt too, but because his friend ganged up on him. And I am LIVID. I yell at the kids to get their butts home. I tell Michael's buddy that he needs to think about what being a good friend is all about. (Is that allowed to tell a seven-year-old who is not your kid that?) So the rest of the day, me and my son play Monopoly, which he always beats me at, fair and square. But in hindsight, I worry I make things worse by being overprotective. I'm sure there's a better way to handle these things. :)
Wow, Melissa, you sure your son isn't me, cloned? Geez, I can't say how many times that happened ta me growin' up. I never did figure out why...
Like we was good 'nuff ta play wit' when no one was lookin'...
Flashback. Wow. Jus' keep tellin' 'im they don't know what they are missin' and what a real friend is. Better ya stand up fer 'im then let him be pelted with apples!
Children are barbarians!
I can't believe I have over 100 comments. That never happens. LOL!
I think you can tell a 7 year old that. *shrugs* I've been known to go out into the neighborhood or whatever in pursuit of some kids who have done something to my kiddo. I'm never exactly sure what I'm going to do when I find them. LOL! But it has to be something worth going after. At times, you just have to explained that kids are mean and jealous and that's life.
I love that your 7 yr old beats you at Monopoly. We were just discussing over the weekend how my kiddo has never played the game. We need to work on that.
Chance - I was the youngest in a neighborhood full of kids, and this was back when we stayed OUTDOORS from sun up to sun down. I was taunted and run from and excluded. Spent a couple of years just hiding inside. That's leaves scars, ya know?
I'll second the kids are barbarians.
Honestly, I think they all be brain damaged and possessed by demons periodically. Save fer me. I were perfect. ;) Ask me sis. She taunted me wit' it often enough!
Ya needs ta break out some game Isabelle might enjoy and play. Yatzee? Clue? (Professor Plum in the conservatory with a candlestick!)
I wasn't perfect, but I don't remember ever being the taunter, always the tauntee.
We don't have any board games. And I loved them growing up, so I'm not sure how that happened.
Yes, children are barbarians. I don't want any more. LOL
He's been beating me at Monopoly since he was four. :) You can take either of our level of intelligence either way. LOL
I don't want anymore but only because I've done the math and look forward to be footloose and fancy free at age 45. No way would I start over now and still have a teenager in my 50s. My parents did that, not for me.
Melissa - You might want to tell people you let him win now and then. LOL!
My last sentence didn't make much sense I don't think. lol Yes, board games kind of lose out to the electronics, but somehow, even if it's hard to play some with just two, it's great alone time. :)
Trust me, Kiddo and I have LOTS of alone time. When she was at her dad's for the summer, she called me upset one day because her cousin got a mommy day. She asked if when she came back we could have a mommy daughter day. I had to remind her everyday is mommy daughter day at our house. LOL!
I don't know, a special girl's bonding day... I know, she's only ten...but you two could paint each other's toe nails or something like that...
BTW, didn't Q's story sound a little fishy? What fifteen year old would take the handlebars when he could sit behind and ogle the girl's butt the whole way?
Girl bonding happens all the time. Like yesterday on the darn double bike thing. Or everytime we got to the mall or the store or move stuff around or just laugh.
The other night when it was time to tuck her in, I pulled up the bottom of my shirt and carried the cat with me like he was in a sling. He was totally comfortable. But it must have looked funny because kiddo turned around and burst out laughing.
The cat looked up at me like "What is wrong with this child?" I had to explain she's just silly sometimes. (Yes, I talk to my cat.)
This be the cat who pushed the hamster cage off the table? Trusted against yer belly?
Brave lass!
Yep, one in the same. And the hamster cage now has a shoe string tied across the front so as not to have a repeat of the 1am hamster rescue. And to make sure the hamster doesn't mysteriously disappear while I'm at work!
I'm sure he'd leave something. Little feet, a whisker or two. Does your hamster have a ball? Oh, how much exercise the kitty would get!
No, she does not have balls. LOL!
I don't think he really wants to hurt her. He just wants to play with her. And I think part of it is her own fault. I'm convinced she has recruited him to help her escape.
Teri, talking to your cat isn't odd at all. :) Cats are very interesting animals to have around. When I had an antiques/gift shop (now out of business almost EXACTLY a year ago) my cat was the shop cat. Even customers who felt the need to say they hated cats seemed to be fascinated with her mannerisms. A small runt with perfect, symmmetrical markings, I think she thought she was royalty and took admiration as her due. :) She'd greet the customers then she'd disappear and do her thing, which was likely to go hunting and bring back a gift of a dead bird as big as she was. That part wasn't so great, but did make for conversation! lol
What's odd is that darn, scrappy thing got hit by a car the very last day my shop was open for business. No more shop, no more shop cat. It was a very tramatic day, but now can think about it as a strange coincidence.
Terrio - Get yer hamster a ball!
Ah, that is sad! The cat was suicidal about yer closin' the shop... I owned a shop cat for several years. Was the mascot a' the metaphysical bookshop I worked at. Used ta sit on the counter, next ta where I'd stand and just watch people. Didn't like ta be touched, but did like bein' admired.
Ended up comin' home wit' me after actin' stud ta the owner's other Persians... He was ready ta retire, and she knew I adored 'im. He were a great house cat!
Chance, it does seem like some businesses aren't complete without a cat. :)
Shops I mean, but hey, some big businesses would be a bit more interesting too with a cat hanging out. lol
Grace has a ball, and Bumblebee jumps over her like he's pouncing and she ignores him. LOL! Seriously, nothing scares this hamster. I forgot to block the hall once and she went rolling down the stairs. I felt terrible, but she landed at the bottom and looked at me like "Can we do that again?!"
A few months before I left Nashville, a stray showed up. I named him Baby because he loved to be held like one. I didn't know what to do because I knew I could take him to my new apartment in AR. Then the morning the moving truck pulled in the drive, he walked down the drive and moved onto the next unsuspecting owner. It was like he was sent to keep me company, then let me go.
Whoohoo for Grace! After watching "Bolt" and seeing how fab-o Rhino was with his... Almost makes one think of getting a hamster!
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