Summer Family Vacation....

It's been a while. I'm sorry! If things could get just a bit busier, you know? Anyway, we are getting ready to take my kids to Seaworld next week. They are SO excited and counting down the days. It's like Disney World to them. It's too cute. Every day, Logan goes to our calendar and show's his sister the days. Here's a brief snippet of the conversation!

Kylee-"We're going to Seaworld tomorrow!"
Logan-"No, Kylee. We're going in, one, two, three...eight days!"
Kylee-"Ugh! That's so a long time!"
Logan-"No, it's eight days! Then we get to stay in a hotel!"

I think they're more excited about the hotel stay than anything. See, they've been to Seaworld before, but since we only live about 3 hours away, we usually drive up in the morning, then come home in the evening. Well, the big request for vacation this year was, "Mommy, can we PLEASE stay at a hotel?" How could I resist such cute pleading faces? So, I booked 2 nights in a hotel smack in the middle of down town, right on the river walk for them. Yes, I splurged and spent WAY more than I really should have, but come on...they don't get to stay in a hotel very often, and really, it's the River Walk, parking is insane down there! Brian and I went to San Antonio for our weekend escape, back in February, and spent $30 on parking ALONE! (That cost almost as much as our FINE DINING including wine!) Sheesh! So, the hotel has slightly cheaper parking than the hourly rates at the mall. We have plans to take them to dinner on the River Walk, since they haven't seen it since they were babies still in strollers. PS, strollers and the river walk do NOT go hand in hand...that place is NOT stroller friendly. Needless to say, I'm reall excited about this entire trip. :)

What are your plans this summer?

Hi! Long time no see....right?

I try very hard to be a good person. I try to be a good mother, a good wife, a good friend, and a good employee. I don't expect that I'm even remotely close to being "good" at any of those, but I do try very hard. We'll take work, for example. I don't call in unless it's ABSOLUTELY necessary. This translates to, I haven't missed a day of work due to call in in almost a year. I work very hard, and I try my very best to lead by example. Recently I was asked to train a team, something I've never done before, and it was kind of a last minute deal. No big...I'll take that challenge. I worked very hard to teach my class to the very best of my abilities. I feel very proud, too, because I saw light bulbs go off and the look of dawning comprehension took place. That really made my whole day. When one of my, we'll call them students for lack of a better word, tells me, "That is the first time this has made sense" and follows it up with a good teacher comment...it makes it worth it! Right? So, now we're getting to the root of the issue. I was in a training of my own last week, in which I was being trained. I was so disappointed in this training. After being in that situation, and working my tail off, it really irritated me how some people can take a totally lax attitude towards it.

Every time I asked a question, an eye was rolled or I'd get a "Because I said so" answer. Well, I've got news for you, "Because I said so" surely doesn't fly with me. Once, when I was about 8-ish, I asked my mom why and how Vacuums suck. "It just does" was the response. Sorry, but I'm very inquisitive, so guess what my little 8-ish year old self did? Yep...I took it apart. I never thought my mom would stop screaming at me for that one. Needless to say, I also put it back together. I may not have discovered the full "why" and "how" of the workings of a vacuum cleaner, but I can take one apart, fix it, and put it back together, to this very day. (Don't believe me? Ask my mom.)

So, as you can tell, when I got the "it-is-what-it-is" attitude, I had to keep pushing back for more information. Now tell me this....why train but not tell the "why" of it? I guess even at 32, I'm an inquisitive 5 year old at heart. It just disappoints me that I'm trying to learn something that you're teaching, and you're annoyed at me asking for more information.

The training is now done, and I feel a bit more comfortable with the issues...after pushing, some answers were given. I take comfort in the fact that somehow...I helped by asking those questions, and demanding those answers. We'll see...right?

Howdy Ya'll!

Hi! All is well here, finally starting to slow down a little at work. Only this slow down is short lived since we're doing a "shake up". *sigh*

I have re-written the first almost 6 chapters of Inheritance. I have 13, 722 words and 66 pages (roughly). I currently have been giving it a break, since I have 2 other stories bouncing around in my head. The other two stories are romance-ish, but they have a bit more "gore" and stuff in them. They're for definitely more mature audiences, and probably not something most would be interested in. LOL I have a morbid mind, apparently.

My daughter was diagnosed with ADD on Monday. My son was diagnosed with ADHD last February. I wish that at least one of them could take after their Non-ADD mom, but alas, that didn't happen. Kylee starts her meds on Saturday. Keep your fingers crossed that this is just the thing that can help her concentrate.

We've been passing an ear infection around my house. Surprisingly enough, ear infections are supposedly not contagious. (I beg to differ) Of course, I was supposedly never able to conceive. LOL

Money seems to be a big issue for everyone I know, right now. My Second Annual Retreat may be cancelled. It makes me sad, but I understand.

I've had some strange dreams lately. Really strange. I don't know if it's because I'm a strange person to begin with, or if my hormones are shifting. *shrugs*

I'm on a weight loss journey, and I suck at updating my progress on the various sites I've been on. I've lost 10 pounds. It's a slow-go process, but I'm feeling WONDERFUL! My hubby took me to San Antonio for Valentine's Weekend, and we were able to walk and climb a ton of stairs without even becoming winded. I love that I can run up the stairs at work, and not feel flushed. Also, my legs look AMAZING. My jeans are too big in the waist, but still tight on my ghetto booty and thighs. LOL Pretty soon, I'll have "butt gap" in my jeans! ROFL

I'm rambling as much as possible because I'm notoriously bad about updating anything these days. Let me know if you're interested in my morbid books, okay?

Why I love Romance Novels....

I love reading. I think it's safe to say that everyone and their grandma knows that. At the risk of digression, I specifically want to talk about why I LOVE romance novels. When I was younger, my mother read romance novels, and since I had just finished Black Beauty I was bored and wanted something to read. I was maybe 10 or 11 at the latest. I stumbled across one of my mom's books. The book was titled, Savage Ecstacy by Janelle Taylor. I still remember the book. It was my first look at love, and made me fall in love with American Indians. Yes, I was entirely too young to be reading a book that obviously had description of the "sex" act, but I secreted it away and devoured the book. I took to sneaking my mom's books without her knowledge, and had quite the collection of Janelle Taylor's under my bed.

One day, or I should say, one night, I was hunkered down in my bed reading. My mom walked into my room, and seeing me stuff the book under the covers, inquires, "What's that?"

"Nothing" I stammer.
"I'm not stupid. What are you hiding?" Mom yanks the blankets back to reveal...duh, duh, duuuuh...a book. She picks it up, looks at the cover, sees what page I'm on, and says, "This one is one of my favorites. I take it you're the book thief? Why are you hiding it?"

To be honest, I wasn't sure my mom would LET me read it. Sure, reading about the "sex act" at such a young age probably wasn't wise, but my mom was kind of hippy-ish in how she raised her children. We understood how and where babies came from long before we even had to ask. At the same time, I was smart enough to know that my young age may have made MOST parents think twice about what I was reading. So, I honestly told her why I was hiding the books. My mother felt that I was old enough to understand the difference between reality and fiction, right and wrong, and left me to use my judgement. After understanding that I had her approval, I became a reading machine.

My favorite past time is reading. Ever since my young age, I've LOVED to read about, well, love. My infatuation with cowboys and indians slowly faded, and I discovered other eras, and traveled through time using author's imaginations to view people and life from times passed, and sometimes times yet to come. I love how an author can research fashions, local slang, how daily life was for a period, and then romanticize it. Yes, it's common knowledge in the Romance Fiction world that there's really not a romance story that hasn't been told, but I love reading how an author can write and make that story her own with her own touches. Typical Romeo and Juliet becomes something more. I love that when an author writes so well that you can feel the pain that the characters are feeling when their hearts are broken, or you can laugh out loud at an antic that maybe only you would understand. I love to cry, hope, despair, laugh, and rejoice with the characters, and even though 99% of the time, there's a happy ending, life is PERFECT, and everyone lives happily ever after, it's still a fun journey for me.

I highly recommend these authors:

Julia Quinn-She's probably one of my most favorite of all times. One of my favorite books is The Secret Diary of Miss Miranda Cheever. Of course, I can't say that I dislike anything she writes. The Bridgerton Series is near and dear to my heart, especially Book 6. (hehehe)

Julie Garwood-Ever since I read her "wild west" story, For The Roses,  I simply couldn't put her down. Other recommended titles, (other than everything she writes) Prince Charming, Castles, and for a modern touch, the "Music" series.

Catherine Coulter-I actually wrote to this author, and she graciously responded. She's amazing. I highly recommend the "Sherbrooke" series, and all of her modern stuff.

Nora Roberts-Oh yeah, this list wouldn't be complete without Nora! I simply ADORE her books. I love how she can put a supernatural spin on things. I fell in love with Ireland through her. I recommend the "Sisters" series, and the "Key" series. Of course, read everything she has!

If you're into more paranormal or supernatural, I recommend Christine Feehan-I was turned on to her by a friend of mine, and I'm STUCK! The entire "Game" series has me hook, line, and sinker.

Charlaine Harris-If you've seen True Blood on HBO, or even if you haven't, the "Sookie Stackhouse" series is WONDERFUL. I'll be the first to admit I'm not fond of the first person form of literature, but I fell in love with Sookie and all of her adventures!

Stephenie Meyer-I haven't met a girl or woman who has NOT read the "Twilight" series, but if you haven't, please do. This is an amazing story, and I just fell head over heels in love, all over again! I also recommend Mrs. Meyer's other book, The Host.

I know that these aren't for everyone, but if you love...love...why not read about it?

Silly Me

My sister and I threw a passion party on Friday evening. It was sooooo fun! I'm ever so thankful to Melissa S. for making the long drive to be our consultant. But, earlier in the evening, I did something really silly. My sister asked me to bring her some scented candles because she didn't have any. So, I grabbed my candles that I purchased from Scentsable Yum's! When I got to her place, I set them on the counter. I see another candle on the counter and say, "Oh! I thought you didn't have any candles. What's this?" I preceeded to tilt the candle to smell it...only...I ended up pouring hot candle wax all down the front of my shirt, into my bra, down my tummy, and on my neck, necklace, and chin. Yeah. Niiiice. My sister is all, "STUPID!!! Did you not just see me blow that candle out?" I'm ever so thankful that it was a soy candle, so the wax didn't burn me, but I must say, I smelled pleasantly. I ended up having to boil my necklace in water to melt the wax off of it. Soooo silly of me. It was very hilarious.

On a side note, I was soooo happy to see my BFF. We hadn't seen one another since her hubby's birthday in December. On a second side not, there are other BFF's out there that I haven't seen in some time also. *ahem....Rene*

Anyway, this is just a short blog so that you can laugh at me.

What's been going on....

It's been a while since I wrote, I'm sorry. Things are very busy and crazy in my world at the moment. So, I'll do a little re-cap on things going on.

First, We'll start with funny conversations I've had with my son.

L-"Mommy, my patteren is cool."
Me-"It's pat-tern, not patter-en."
L-"I like patteren better."
Me-"Patteren is not good English."
L-"Is it good Spanish?"

The other day, I was taking my son to his appt, and somehow we got on the subject of dating. (Keep in mind, he's only 7.) So he says, "I don't think I want a girlfriend." At which I respond, "I'm sure someday, you'll want a girlfriend."

"Why would I want one?"
"Because that's what boys and girls do. They have boyfriends/girlfriends, then they find someone they love and get married."
"Oh. I think I want kids some day."
"Oh really? Well, I hope you're at least married before you do have kids."
"Oh. Well, then I guess I'll HAVE to have a girlfriend one day."

Another....

"Mom, I love school. I wish I could sleep there."
"Well, when you go to college, you can sleep there."
"No! I don't want to go to college!"
"Why not?"
"Because, they have books there!"
"You have books at school, now."
"Yeah, but if I go to college, I'll miss you a lot."
"You'll love college, and you may not miss me so much."
"Mommy, I love you, and I WILL miss you. So, when I go to college, you can move with me and read all my books for me."

Sometimes being a mom is SO cool.

Hubby and I went to San Antonio for the weekend. It was so nice. It's also his birthday weekend, so he received lots of presents from me. He's so spoiled.

My sister watched our kids for us....and then decided she wanted to go to San Antonio, so she left her dog with me. Good grief. This dog is a Jack Russell Terrier...or should I say, TERROR! He's so hyper, and he makes MY dog hyper which makes my kids crazy, and hubby pissy. JOY! Happy Valentine's Day to me!!!

Tomorrow we're taking the kids shopping and to lunch for Hubby's Birthday. Benihana, it's like his favorite place in the entire world. I, personally, think Asian food is gross, but for him, I'll go.

Anyway, I'm sure there was much more going on, and I'm sure I could have been more fun, but I'm being bellowed at to come get the Hyper Dog. *sigh* Save me!

OMG, 10 pounds gone!!!

Weighed in...lost an additional 2 pounds. Hey, I'm damn proud of that! 2 pounds a week is standard! Of course, now I'm uberly addicted to the Biggest Loser, so tonight, as I was on my elliptical, I was watching my inspiration on TV. I'm now up to 30 minutes!!!

Saturday evening I went dancing for the first time in ages. What I'm proud of is that I was able to dance for a very long time without becoming overly tired. Also, my thighs were burning for 2 whole days! WOOT! I haven't been able to really dance in a long, long time. I'm thrilled! As soon as I hit the 15 pounds gone mark, I'm going to be getting a nice hair cut. (Okay, so I'd probably get a haircut anyway, since I need it, but I'm waiting until I've "earned" it, and maybe getting highlights...who knows?)

Brian and I are planning a very nice couple of days away around Valentine's Day. I'm so excited! We haven't been alone since our small weekend trip to Navasota last summer!

I attended my first Passion Party...learned where the G spot was. Seriously...I had NO idea. How is it I've lived 30 years, and had no idea where things were located on my own body? How disappointing. Anyway, it was a good time. Really. It was fun. It was, at times, FUNNY, but it was also fun. You never realize that others have the same questions, concerns, and preferences as you do, until you're in a room full of girls talking about sex. Seriously. I learned quite a lot. In saying that, My sister and I will be hosting our very first Passion Party on Feb 19. (Be there, or be square!) I'm actually excited. I love my husband dearly, and anything to make our "alone" time more fun...I'm game! :)

Now that I've ventured into uncharted territories, I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to all of you who read my blog! It means a ton to me to be able to share myself with you! Have a great Tuesday!