TinaV's Tales of Wedding, Honeymooning (with some reading thrown in)

Us on our honeymoon in Asheville NC
Waiting on a table at a French restaurant.... What you can't see well is that it is raining in the background. The whole first two days were rainy and nasty, but we didn't really care! :)

If you missed it in the last thread, our pictures are online for anyone who wants to look. So.... for those folks interested, go to:

www.guybryant.smugmug.com
Go to PhotoShoots
Click on "Lisa and Tina, Take 2"

He and his photo partner are still working on them and have about 100 more to load as of tonight. So, they'll keep changing positions if you want to check back often! ;)

2013 Reading up to this point

1. Case Histories by Kate Atkinson 4 stars
2. Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett 4.5 stars
3. A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan -- via audio book 3.5 stars
4. Swamplandia! by Karen Russell 3 stars
5. The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien 4 stars
6. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy 2.5 stars
7. Graceling by Kristin Cashore 5 stars!!
8. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde 4 stars
9. Wake by Amanda Hocking. 3.5 stars
10. Fire by Kristin Cashore 5 stars!!
11. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren 3.5 stars
12. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman 4 stars
13. Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore 4.5 stars
14. The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club by Duncan Whitehead 3.5 stars
15. Selected Poems of Emily Dickinson - 4 stars
16. Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich 3.5 stars
17. Approaching the Hunger Games Trilogy by Tom Henthorne
18. The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group by Catherine Jinks (mostly audio book -- last CD was missing from the library audio, so I had to finish reading it by print) 2.5 stars
19. Kitty and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn 3 stars
20. Cinder by Marissa Meyer 4 stars
21. Hex Marks the Spot by Madelyn Alt 3 stars
22. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris 3.5 to 4 stars (still thinking)
23. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka 3.5 stars
24. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 4 stars
25. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie - 4.5 stars!
26. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Long Way Home my FIRST Graphic Novel *no idea how to rate these things
27. The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood 4.5 stars
28. The Night Circus - "re-read" to hear the audio performed by Jim Dale 5 STARS AGAIN! Jim Dale is superb!!
29. Beautiful Creatures by Garcia and Stohl - enjoyable 3.5 stars
30. First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones -- 3.5 stars
31. Life After Life by Jill McCorkle -- 4 stars
32. Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris -- 3.5 stars
33. Lisel & Po by Lauren Oliver 4.5 stars
34. The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland by Catherynne M. Valente via audio book 4.5 stars
35. Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen 4 stars
36. Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown 4 stars
37. Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer 3 stars (via audio book)

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST

I have no idea why I have this one saved and since I can't edit the above post right now, I will make an addition here.

2013 Reading continued
38. A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home by Sue Halpern 4 stars
39. Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones 3.5 stars
40. Fallen by Lauren Kate 3 stars
41. The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There by Catherynne M. Valente 4 stars
42. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness 5 STARS!!
43. Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx 4 stars
44. Claire of the Moon by Nicole Conn 3 stars
45. Haldol and Hyacinths by Melody Moezzi 5 STARS!!!

Does that make me first up? Congratulations on your latest thread. x

Morning lovebirds! Your pictures are amazing. Great shots and it's so nice when the photographer gets good pictures of the guests too. The flower girl and ring bearer are a hoot!

What better way to spend Sunday morning than looking at very happy wedding pictures! Congratulations once again. Loved that you each wore different outfits for the reception, that was a great idea. Can't have too many beautiful dresses!

The pictures are fantastic, Tina. There are so many that made me smile. The ones with family members are actually quite moving -- I have no idea who's who, but I know at one point you were concerned about who would show up and who wouldn't. It's great to see such happy faces all around.

Hello Tina (& Lisa)!

Shiny new thread of awesomeness! *tosses some glitter around*

I'm way behind!
Congrats on the wedding which I have completely missed by jumping to your shiny new thread.

Hi Tina,
Settling back in to normal life yet? Normal with a twist though, as now you are half of a married couple.
Nice new thread :)

Welcome back! 'Bout time you showed up around here. Not like you've been busy or anything. :)

Yes, I also loved the ones with family. Although some of the very best were just the two of you!

So, did you enjoy Asheville?

Hi Tina- Congrats on the new thread. Hopefully, you had a nice weekend. How is the old married couple, anyway?

Hello newlyweds! All settled into the routine of married life yet?

Congratulations, Tina! I'll have to wait to look at the pics, but your thread header is lovely. So much joy! You're both radiant.

Lovely new thread here, Tina! What great moments your photographer captured for you! I'm just so happy for you!

*waving* at Tina

Paul -- That DOES make you first!! Although, unlike your post I don't have prizes.... Maybe one day. ;)

Lynda -- I love that term (lovebirds)! We used lovebirds on one of our favors!! I asked Guy & Amy to take candid shots of the guests. He looked at me like I had lost my mind, but they are some of my favorites too!! :)

Diane -- Thanks for checking them out!! The dresses are a funny story! Since you are new, I'll give you the short version. Yours truly had a bit of pre-wedding anxiety, worsened by watching too many episodes of David Tutera and "Say Yes to the Dress" (thank you Lisa for that! lol). The cream pantsuit was my original outfit purchased online at the same time as the flow-y dress I wore for the reception. I didn't think the pantsuit was wedding-ish enough and the cream dress was too plain after watching all the "real" wedding shows. So.... I made us go buy other dresses! Lisa ended up liking the cream pantsuit on her, so we suddenly had "reception outfits" as well as ceremony outfits. Honestly, I should have just taken a few Valium and stopped watching those shows. The cream dress was MUCH more comfortable! :)

Laura -- Thank you so much for saying that! It was quite a shock that my parents came. Then I found out that my mom's sister and husband were coming too!!! I had quite a lot of family support -- much more than Lisa did. I choked up in my wedding "thank you" toast when I was talking about how grateful we were to the family that attended.

Roberta -- HEY!! How goes it??

Es -- LOVE the glitter thrown beautifully around here... You're a sparkly gal after my own heart!

Fourpawz -- No worries on being behind as I am the QUEEN of behind-on-threads lately!

Megan -- I'm trying to settle back in to 'normality' such as it is. It's odd. I keep using the term "wife" and giggling! :) Wonder how long it takes to really grasp on to the fact that it's reality now????

Jim -- HI! Yes, I'm finally back off of my little wedding hiatus and trying to get back into the groove. I missed y'all, even though I was kinda busy! :)

Roni -- Thanks!! I'm a little partial to a few of the two of us. Both of us keep picking our favorites by whether you can see multiple chins or not LOL!!

Ellen -- Asheville was AMAZING!! We loved it!! What is up with so many chocolate places in ONE city??? We made ourselves sick on at least two occasions! We ate the truffles at Chocolate Fetish (the key lime was the favorite for us BOTH) and we went to French Broad Chocolate Lounge twice. There are at least 3 other chocolatiers (I'm quite sure that's spelled incorrectly, but y'all get my drift) that we saw that we didn't go into!

Mark -- Hey there! This old married couple is trying to settle in to life & home! Thanks for asking!

Heidi -- We are trying, but we are nowhere close! We just opened gifts and there are things all over the house from the wedding (gifts, decorations, reception decor, etc.) that we are going to have to clean OUT spaces to find them permanent homes!

Lizzie -- Take your time in looking at the pictures! They will be there when you are ready! Thank you for the "radiant" compliment... We are both pretty happy in this self portrait via iPhone if I do say so myself!

Mamie -- Thank you so much, dear friend!! That means so much to me!

Stasia -- HEY!! *Waving back* Good to see you!

So I feel like I have to tell one story at a time for several reasons:

1. I am normally terribly boring so I'm saving some stories to fill in during the boring pieces of life
2. I don't want to bore anyone here by droning on and on about the wedding
3. I have two days of teaching tomorrow and Thursday that require me to spend a good bit of time refreshing and getting good sleep.

So, here goes Cute-ish wedding story #1

The two little ones.... the flower girl and ring bearer.... are my second cousin's children. They call me Aunt Tina though and I have been around them (geographically) since the oldest (Henry) was 1 or so... Needless to say, I LOVE these kids. If I could eat them with a spoon, I would! (So not literally but y'all get it, I'm sure)

When we were planning this originally, y'all know I had NO idea what I was doing. I never thought I would get a ceremony so it wasn't anything I had planned for like most girls do. We weren't going to have a wedding party at all, but we both wanted at least one person to stand with us symbolically. So, we chose our siblings.

When we told the kids' parents we were getting married, they were obviously over the moon happy for us. It was the first REAL excitement we had seen! It made me feel wonderful! But, again I never thought of having "real" things like a ring bearer, flower girl... It was months into planning when I decided that I wanted to ask if the kids could participate. I had to work up the courage to ask my cousin Connie, because I was afraid they would say "no." I mean, being excited is one thing, but having your kids involved in a same sex commitment ceremony might have been a little too much. When I finally got the guts to ask her if they had planned on bringing the kids, her original answer was "we can leave them with someone if that's a problem." I literally almost choked. She thought I was asking her NOT to bring them at all (someone else in my family who will remain nameless asked for no kids at their ceremony). I quickly told her that I really wanted them there, and more than that, we were asking if they would be willing to let them participate as RB and FG. You would have thought she won the lottery she was so happy and surprised. I was so thrilled that I could have whoop-whooped for hours!

We couldn't have a rehearsal because the cottage was booked for another wedding the night before so we had to give verbal directions to my sister, Lisa's brother, and the rest of the family on the day of.... Because of that (and because of their ages), we decided to have each child walk with an adult -- Emily with my sister (both in silver to match me and Henry with Lisa's bro (in sort of matching black with copper in their ties).

They did GREAT! Emily put down one rose petal at a time on the way down LOL. She wasn't too keen on listening to my sister's directions, so it took them a while to walk down but it went well. On the way out, she was still putting petals down and Henry grabbed handfuls and said "You do it like THIS" and dumped a load on the ground! In the picture where the woman is reared back laughing -- that's my mom cackling at Henry showing Emily how to properly dump the rose petals!

The other side note of the kid story is that Henry had never met Lisa's brother before. *None of my family had met any of her family for that matter.* So the first they met was taking the picture by the lake. Henry wasn't too sure about this tall stranger at first, but Rusty apparently won Henry over because on the way down the aisle, Henry said "Do you like video games? Maybe you could come to my house and play games with me. I like Skylanders." :)

I tried telling my cousin how much it meant to me for them allowing the kids to be involved, but I got all weepy and couldn't get the words out. There's a picture of me hugging her where I'm trying to express my gratitude, but it just wouldn't come out in words.

So, there you have it. Story #1.

Most of the stories will just be informational, but the story of the swan is my other funny one (it's like a $5 stuck in my back pocket for emergency use later HAHA).

Congratulations! I loved the pictures, thanks for sharing them. You guys look so sweet together. I wish you both many years of wedded bliss!

Great story, Tina. The kids can't hide their excitement on the pictures. Pure happiness.

You are a great story teller :)

Love the story, Tina!

Aww, what a great story. I love that your cousin was excited for the kids to participate but hate that there had to be any worry she'd say no in the first place! I'm so happy your families came together for you girls and made it a special day.

Her putting one petal at a time out is so adorable! My daughter was a flower girl when she was about 5, and she forgot to put any petals out at all. Thankfully no one really noticed but me. I was freaking out but the bride didn't mind at all, lol. I love kids being involved in special events-- we can always use some levity and whimsy whilst wearing suits and dresses. ;)

I really loved how much family was there at your wedding Tina. It made me think of when I was growing up and so many friends could never dream of a day like yours. What a blessing.

I'm getting a little teary as I type this. I have lost friends to AIDS in the 80s and 90s and some to suicide because they were never given the opportunity to just be much less celebrated for who they were.

You bless the world when you share your life with us. It has a ripple effect. Those kids will talk about participating in their aunts wedding and somewhere it will reach someone who really needs to know how beautiful life can be.

Oh boy, cute wedding stories! *smiles largely*

And about Asheville, I know!!! My sister loves it there and I don't doubt that the availability of amazing chocolate is no small part of that.

P and I are talking about getting married on August 10 after 17+ years together. It's legal in Washington (as you know) and more and more states are getting on the bandwagon. It feels like the snowball is getting some real momentum. (how many more metaphors can I mix in here?)

Keep enjoying.

Wonderful wedding story and photos! You know we'd all come back and visit your thread even without the stories, right? The stories are awesome, don't get me wrong, but you don't have to bribe me into hanging out around here. :-)

Of course, if you were to offer up some of that Asheville chocolate ... well, I can be bought is all I'm saying.

Dee -- AWW, thank you so much for saying that!! That was very sweet!

Lynda -- And you know what??? I think at first my parents were a little uncomfortable, but seeing how happy the kids were and being around their laughter and smiles made them loosen up! They love those kids too -- they're like our adopted grandkids / nephew / niece!

Thanks Es!! *Throwing sparkly glitter back your way in thanks*

Stasia -- Thank you!! :)

Kathy -- Thanks! You know, to be fair, I don't think there would have been any hesitation on my cousin's part or her husband's... His best friend is a gay man; I think it was all my paranoia that I was projecting onto the situation in fear of rejection. **I'm glad your daughter participated even if she didn't put down any petals!! She'll love that story one day (or be angry at you for telling it to her first boyfriend LOL).

Roberta -- You have me crying now. I won't go into details, but there was a time in the early knowledge of my gay-ness that I thought my only option was suicide. I was youngish (20ish) and highly religious and scared out of my mind. I was a smart kid and a psychology major and knew the only certain outs were painful; I thank God that I was a big huge chicken and decided that I had to live & face my family's reaction. It wasn't pretty, but without all that pain and experience, I would not be the super blessed and truly grateful person that I am today. I am SO thankful that society is changing and that more often, young folks feel less of a need to hurt themselves because they are "different." Saying I'm rippling is one of the best compliments I have ever gotten. ((((Roberta))))

Ellen -- I had been to Asheville (just the Biltmore) as a much younger person, but had no idea of all the treasures the downtown area offered. One of my best girlfriends from college gave me a list of places to eat, so Lisa's facebook entries for our entire trip were all check-ins to wonderful restaurants. I'm jealous you have an automatic place to stay in Asheville any time you want! Next time you visit, please try the liquid truffle OR the quintessential chocolate cake at French Broad Chocolate Lounge. Both are TO DIE FOR!!! **** I am so happy you and P are going to get "legally" hitched!! I can't wait for all the details! Lisa & I are already talking of going to another state with our best friends (who have been married non-legally for 10 years); and all four of us getting it done 'legally' while on vacation to one of the better states in the US... You know, one of the 11 (I think it's 11 now) that is smart and has made it legal?? ***Hugs for you and P***

Julia -- You know I'm not above bribery, right???? LOL. If it takes chocolate to keep you coming back to visit, that can be arranged!! hahaha

Did I already mention that in our wedding toast, Lisa gave a shout-out to y'all?

If I have already described this, someone shoot me.

You will all probably recall that I was a bit flustered at not knowing what to do about the traditional "groom's" toast and I had asked for advice. Which advice was all wonderful and much appreciated by the way!

So after talking on here and doing some research I found this suggested formula:

Poem / Quote
Thank Yous
Anecdote

This part feels familiar so again, just ignore if I've said this already.

I started off by explaining that I had NO idea what I was doing, admitted that I was a big nerd and that I had googled and researched my way into doing this wedding as I had never dreamed of really having a ceremony. Then I joked that I didn't know we were supposed to do a toast until my "www.theknot.com checklist" told me we needed a groom's toast. I made everyone laugh at that point by saying, "Well, um... We don't exactly have one of those so we're going to do this the way we're going to handle everything in our marriage -- we'll split it and do it together."

I began the the toast by telling them the "formula" we found and who would do which parts. I then quoted the "Love is Anterior to Life" poem by Emily Dickinson.

After that, I did the thank yous. **Insert much choking on words; trying not to cry (but tears falling anyway) while thanking various family members for attending and our friends M & W for helping plan the wedding and doing our music, etc.**

The anecdote was Lisa's term. She's a nurse, so she tried a play on words about how she thought I was saying "antidote" when I was telling her she would give the anecdote. I don't think people understood that, but I laughed out loud.

SMALL NOTE -- NO REHEARSAL WENT INTO THIS BECAUSE WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE MORE NATURAL (which I'm very glad we handled that way since what we said was a surprise to the other and much more naturally funny)

So.... guess what anecdote she chose? Thanks to you lovely guys and gals, she chose to tell the story that one of you dubbed "The Quest for the Silver Slippers" regarding my long and arduous search for wedding shoes. **huge grin**

During the story, she was trying to explain LT, but she doesn't really understand it so I think she said something like "There's this internet group Tina's on that I don't really understand, but it's all about reading and you all know baby likes to read!" Anyway, I was laughing and blushing at the tales of my shoe debacle, but it really was a great story to share with others.

So, thanks to you all who had a part in my "Quest" -- especially whoever named it thus (sorry I can't remember to give proper credit, so take credit please~!).

I love your wedding story! I can't imagine having to worry about asking a relative if their kids could participate in my wedding for fear of rejection. I am so so sorry you felt that way. But YAY that your cousin was totally into it too.

In 2010, I was a maid of honor in my college roommate's marriage to her girlfriend. It was the first same sex marriage I had ever attended but I was honored and proud to participate.

I think the world IS changing about this issue and I think children who are growing up today won't even give same sex marriage a second thought!

Ahem. Iowa is one of those 11 states, Ms. Tina. And we were cool before a whole bunch of those other come-latelys. Just sayin'. ;)

^ Yeah, yeah.

Actually, I lived in Iowa for one year and it was a very good year in a very good place.

Hi Tina - I think I'm finally all caught up! Your wedding pictures are gorgeous!

Don't you just love the digital age? All those beautiful photos and the ability to share them so easily! I loved reading your stories and thank you for sharing them.

Best wishes to you and Lisa!

I love the picture at the top of your thread - it's so casual and full of love and joy.

Hi Tina,
I loved all your wedding pictures. Thank you and Lisa soo much for sharing all this wonderful photos with us. You both looked absolutely stunning and happy.
And thank you for the wonderful stories *big smile* A belated *whoop, whoop, whoop* from myself as well.

I wonder how you still managed to get soo much interesting reading done Tina - you are indeed "superwoman".

However, I wish you and Lisa a great weekend ahead!

#34 by @EBT1002> Ha! No disrespect intended for the great state of Washington, which has also come down on the side of the angels. The more the merrier, I say. :-)

Hi Tina!
It was: PersephonesLibrary
Apr 21, 2:55pm

"That shoe-shopping will go down in history as The Quest for the Silver Slipper... hey, that's almost like Cinderella's glass slipper. :)"

on your last thread
Kathy from Austria

Heidi -- Your post made me really smile! I surely hope you are right that today's kids won't even think of gay marriage as a weird / odd / unacceptable thing in the least.

Julia -- Are you saying you'd like it to go on record that y'all were first (or close to first; I obviously need to research my history) to the new cool kid party??? :) And I agree with you... "The more the merrier" indeed!

Ellen -- Good for you for giving shout outs to Iowa! :)

Hey Joanne -- So glad to see you! Thanks for giving our pictures a review... I know there are quite a lot to see, but I do love having access to them so quickly and being able to share them with loved ones. Thanks for the compliment on our thread topper. It was a wonderful, blissful week!

Bianca -- Aww..... You're sweet! Thank you for your kind, kind words! And of course, most definitely a huge thanks for the whoop whoops!! :) I don't really feel like I'm doing "good" reading these days, but I am picking things that don't require a lot of brain capacity or time investment. So, you know....I'm reading fun stuff.

((((CEE))))) -- You're awesome; do you know that?!?! Thank you to Kathy aka PersephonesLibrary for the title of The Quest for the Silver Slipper

While out of town, I read book #31 Life After Life by Jill McCorkle - NOT the new one by Kate Atkinson. It was an ER so I'm a little out of steam to write my review tonight, but I should get to it tomorrow. I had an extremely long drive home today because I blew out a tire on the interstate and had to wait on AAA guy to come rescue me. It's another long story.... so I'll save the details an give the quick / Reader's Digest Condensed Version (my mom had tons of these growing up but I don't think she ever read any).

Listening to The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland -- which is nicely narrated by the author, btw and I hear a humming noise. The CDs give a musical cue that the disc is about to end and that's what I thought it was at first. Um... no. It was my tire shredding. Quickly I realized it was a real problem as pieces of rubber started flying. First I stopped the book, then I took of cruise control. **Honestly in that order, because saving my place in the book is important, you know.**

God was extremely good to me today. This happened on an interstate, but on the best one in my drive -- a two lane in south GA rather than an 6+ lane in Atlanta. No one was around so I didn't get hurt or hurt anyone else. I just about peed my pants though.

Here's the summary.... I was on the side of the road for almost an hour and a half waiting. I listened to Fairyland, played on FB, waited on a cop that came; didn't get out of his car; and went on to help someone who didn't have AAA. Boo.

Here's the funny / embarrassing part of the story. I've been driving almost an hour when this happens. I've been drinking water all day because I've had two full days of teaching about mental illness and interventions. My throat is sore. I need hydration. Then I have to sit for another hour??? Can you say bladder exercises???

Lisa encouraged me to call the cops back for help (in fairness this was after I sent her a text saying, "is it illegal to pee on the side of the road?"). NO. They already came and sent a guy with a huge wad of chew in his mouth that couldn't be bothered when I'm stuck inside the car because folks won't slow down or move over. I'm certainly not calling the cops to get a ride to a bathroom.

Now. Background: I'm a city girl. But my mom was raised in the country and I spent a lot of time in my youth in the hills of West Virginia where the indoor plumbing acted up sometimes. And sometimes when we were all at the house during the summer, my granny made us kids use the bathroom outside because there was "only so much water in the cistern." Also, I'm not a drinker any more. However there was a time / place called college ~~ and I did my fair share. In those days, I had to learn that sometimes (when drunk) there are places you might have to pee that aren't generally socially acceptable places. TODAY WAS ONE OF THOSE DAYS. In my dress slacks, blouse and dress shoes, I had to high tail it behind a large group of trees. You know, although I'm telling y'all here (I would NEVER post this for the judge-y FaceBook crowd), I have to say that had I not gone to squat and pee things would have been a LOT worse once the AAA guy got there.

Sorry sensitive souls that might be reading. I hope I didn't offend.

Tina, you just made my night and my break! It's 05.00 am in the morning in London and I am currently on my break *LOLOLOLOL*
What better entertainment than this story, eh?
So, if I understood you right you thought your - ahem - tyre which was already shredding was showing the end of your cd? Thanks Tina, because NOW I almost peed myself *grin*
Then the policeman ignored you because? what's AAA?
And on top of that you had to follow nature's call behind some tree's! Well, that does sound like a great adventure to me.

Tina, do you seriously call Metamorphosis light, fluffy reading? He, that's one of my fave authors. Have you read his Penal Colony already?

Tina, Iowa wasn't the first state to make same-sex marriage legal, but we were one of the earliest (2009) and certainly the first state outside of New England. Massachusetts is the state that got the ball rolling, if I remember right.

Tina, you just tell great stories :) I love that you turned off the book first, then took off the cruise control!

Happiness and sparkles to you; so glad you didn't get hurt!

Tina you are a joy! Happy Nurse's Week to Lisa!!!

Happy that all ended well in your tale (and your tail)! LOL is right!

Bianca -- First off, let me heartily apologize for making you pee yourself!! haha I'm glad I made your night / break! AAA stands for "American Automobile Association." I'm sure they have lots of other functions, but I use them for the peace of mind of having road-side assistance like changing the tire (i.e. yesterday), towing, etc. I've been a member since 2005 and this was the first time I've had to use it. Yeah, nature called in the middle of my mini-crisis. Seriously, I think God has a sense of humor! :) Keep in mind that I listened to Metamorphosis so I wasn't considering that when I said "light and fluffy"; I was meaning more like First Grave on the Right and Beautiful Creatures. :)

Julia -- Wherever y'all fell in the history books, I say "YAY Iowa!!"

Es -- *Sparkling right back at you!* Glad you enjoyed the story -- I had to laugh; I mean, really... what other person would all of that happen to??? ;)

Roberta -- Thank you!! *Smiling like a fiend* -- I will pass that on to Lisa when she wakes up from her nap.

Roni -- ROFL My tail's tale!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Book #31 Life After Life by Jill McCorkle

Life After Life is not the novel I expected...

Background: I've worked in the nursing home profession for nearly 20 years and have a good idea how things "really" work and how FUNNY residents really are.

Plot in a Nutshell: You can find this on many other reviews, so here's my quick version -- Life After Life is set in a continuing care community (which houses all levels of care including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care). The novel is centered in this community, yet is told in chapters about each character in turn. The main character is a hospice volunteer who sits with patients in their last days and records a short vignette about who the person is and what she will remember about their life. Eventually McCorkle gives a peek into the details of each character and the links between individuals unfold.

My take: I enjoyed the way the author unraveled the story slowly. I loved many of the characters in the novel and a few were exceptionally written. I thought the story was well crafted and insightful and laugh out loud funny at times. HOWEVER, what bothered me was the sadness I was left with at the end of the book. There is a good dose of humor included and although I recognize that McCorkle intended to speak clearly of death, the ending was terrible. I can't say more without spoilers, but what could have been a really great novel fell short with me because of the latter chapters. As a real life nursing home professional, I can say with confidence that there is more beauty and laughter working with the elderly and dying than comes through here because of the ending.

Would I still recommend reading this? Yes. Will you be glad you read it? That's a tough one... But the fact that I'm irritated at the ending can't override the fact that this is a well written and innovative novel that I must still give 4 stars.

Link to review: http://www.librarything.com/work/13029642/reviews/98015681

Oh my. Peeing behind trees. It just happens sometimes.

:-)

Oh Tina I love your thread - I always get a chuckle :)

Peeing in bushes is necessary! That's both the country girl me and the Mum talking ;) Short funny anecdote - last time I went on a boozy coach day trip in France we stopped by the side of the road on the way back so the boys could pee - and some girls. One squatted down without the required care and attention... into a patch of nettles! Moral of the story? Always look before you squat!

#46 And I've already been book bulleted by this, but it's clawing it's way further up...

Haha I had to laugh at your "pee"tale Tina. It reminded me of one time when my children were small and we were traveling on the QEW (the highway from Buffalo to Toronto and beyond) and my daughter (then about 7 years old) said she absolutely could not hold it any longer and we HAD to stop. Well like most highways, there were no trees and no really good places to stop but the pleading from the back seat was incredible so my hubby finally pulled over and I got out with her so she could pee while her older brother howled with a combination of laughter/embarrassment. Luckily, it was quickly completed, we hopped back into the car and were off before any police stopped.

Passing through to say Happy Weekend to you Tina! (and giggling at your escapades)

Hi Tina!

Beautiful wedding photos! (Are you sort of glad it's over now? I know I was, and I was nowhere near as attentive to details as you were. Not even close.)

I admit to skipping over the pee story (ha!), but I loved the ring bearer/flower girl story. It's always wonderful when people surprise us like that.

Have a lovely Sunday!

Hi Tina! Love your story of the tire explosion (glad you were not hurt) and that your priority was to shut off the book first! That is a true reader! And being a country girl myself, I think peeing in the woods is perfectly natural. Wouldn't occur to me to wonder if it was illegal....is it? LOL

Ellen - Sometimes you've just "gotta do what you gotta do"! And let your pride be darned!! :)

Bekka -- Ouch!!! I don't think I've ever seen a nettle but the thought just makes me cringe! I looked before I squatted, but I was looking for things like snakes or poison ivy. Lol

Bonnie -- ditto what I said to Ellen! Sometimes there's just no other choice!

Kathy -- Glad to be of service in the giggling department. :)

Hi Kerri! Glad you enjoyed the flower girl / ring bearer story. I get all smiley just thinking about it. And truly I have mixed feelings about the wedding being over. There was just so much to do & I'm super glad the stressing is done. We're still trying to get back to normal as there is still stuff everywhere from the wedding decor & gifts, etc. I can't believe it's over though and just a memory.... I will miss the anticipation of being truly special & celebrated for a day.

Heidi -- I'm glad you understand that it is natural. I just never know about folks in small town Georgia. Can't be too careful!

I finished Book #32 Dead Ever After.. The final Sookie Stackhouse.

I enjoyed it, but it went in a much different direction than I had anticipated. Still putting my thoughts together.

Book Buying Confessions

I haven't posted the books I've purchased since my honeymoon, so here's the confessional all in one fell swoop!

Note -- I have a wonderful wife who was very kind about letting me shop in several of Asheville's book stores! :)

Malaprops Bookstore and Cafe
Recommended by the lovely Ellen -- Thank you very much! All of these are new books
The Fault in our Stars John Green
Stardust Neil Gaiman
My Two Moms: Everything I Needed to Know about Gay Marriage I Learned in Boy Scouts Zach Wahls

Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar
Dog friendly (but I didn't see any pooches on my visit), used books, and alcohol all mixed into one
The Picture of Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde

Pack Memorial Library BOOK SALE
All half price (so $1.00 or less!)
The History of Love Nicole Krauss
The Sunday List of Dreams Kris Radish
Fugitive Pieces Anne Michaels
When Will There be Good News? Kate Atkinson
Stranger at the Gate: To Be Gay and Christian in America Mel White
Brokeback Mountain Annie Proulx
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire JK Rowling (all of my HP are audio; this was a dirt cheap paperback and couldn't say no)
A Hint of Witchcraft Anna Gilbert
The Big Girls Susanna Moore

That's the list just from the honeymoon!! Don't I have an amazing partner? She sat quietly in each store / library while I browsed!

Most recent mini-haul
my local Books-a-Million
Don't shoot me for not buying local. I NEEDED the last Sookie Stackhouse!! :)
Dead Ever After Charlaine Harris
What the Dickens? Gregory Maguire
Tiger's Curse Colleen Houck

Suffice to say, I should not be buying any more books for quite some time!

Oh, TFiOS! I love John Green!

Great haul, Tina!

Sookie this and Sookie that from all corners of LT! I'm starting to get curious...

Es -- this will be my first John Green! :)

Cee -- not to put any peer pressure on you but ((((Sookie))))! A lovely escape from the everyday. You should give it a go!

>58 TinaV95:: You're in for a real treat, Tina!

I look forward to it Es.... I've heard really good things about it!

Nice book haul, Tina. I LOVED The Fault in our Stars. I see you added an Atkinson book. Did you read the 1st 3 Jackson Brodie books?

Heh. Quite the Tales from Hoffmann around your place. And move over on that corner-sittin' chair, the rotten evil wicked Linda/Whisper1 has caused my jealous and acquisitive sides to merge which means I've got 20 or so brand-spankin'-new university press books on their way to me. Even on sale I tremble at how much lettuce I leafed out for them all.

Mark -- I've only read the first Brodie, but I really enjoyed it so when I saw it for cheap, I snatched it up with a quickness!!

Richard -- I know! I'm shuddering with you at thinking of the "lettuce" (lol, love that phrasing) you forked over for your new books! Har, har... Pun intended.

Weekend to come / update:
I've shared mostly nice stories from our wedding, but a story yet unshared is how hard it was on Lisa that her parents refused to attend. What's odd is that several weeks ago her mom called and said they wanted to take us (Lisa & I, just to be clear) on a weekend trip as their wedding present to us.

So, we are headed to St Augustine FL tomorrow with Lisa's parents and her niece (8) and nephew (15). Taking the children was Lisa's idea to relieve some of the pressure off of us. They are great distractions. Especially the 8 year old who talks non-stop.

Praying folks, please pray for me. Non-prayers, please send us positive thoughts &/or "impress reluctant mother in law mojo" or something. Lisa & I are both nervous. I hope they like me... We've spent very little time with them as compared to how much time Lisa spends w my family.

My ambien is kicking in so I should stop. I have a story to share about my ENT appointment I had today, but I'm afraid I'm getting more non sensical by the moment.

Nice book haul Tina.

Good luck with the out-laws.....um I mean in-laws. Hopefully with the kids along you should have a fairly pleasant time. Sending positive thoughts :)

I agree that the in-laws are sending a mixed message, but I think it's really positive that they want not only to give you and Lisa a wedding gift to commemorate the occasion, but that their gift includes time with them. Sounds to me like they are still not as comfortable with the idea, but even more so that they are concerned with how their friends and social milieu would see the relationship. It's like they are at the point now where they can privately accept it, but can't do it publicly yet. I hope you get the chance to get to know them as individuals better, and that a good time is had by all.

Hi Tina,

I've found your thread(s)! I just sprinted through the previous chapters and then took a bit more time through this current one and now I feel reasonably caught up. Wow, what an amazing year you've had!! I've come in late I know, but please allow me be the kabillionth person to offer you my warmest CONGRATULATIONS and FELICITATIONS!!!

All your photographs are truly lovely. What a lovely thread for me to read for the first time today.

A hearty three cheers!

Regards,
Charles

What Roni said....LOL.

I think it is great that your inlaws are springing for a trip as a wedding present. Lets hope it means better relationships in the future. Have a great time in Florida!

*sending sparkles and good vibes*

Good luck to you both - parents/in-laws seem designed to stress us out the most. I guess cos we want their approval the most. All my fingers and toes crossed for an enjoayble trip and that it is a relaxing as possible :)

Yay for all the TFiOS love! It's such a great book.

Tina, good luck with the in-laws.

I loved The Fault in Our Stars but would recommend having a box of tissues nearby.

You will love The Fault in Our Stars. And I am sure the in-laws will love you, and will be sorry that they missed the wedding when they see you and Lisa with the post wedding glow.

Tina sending you and Lisa the best in regards to her parents.

>21 TinaV95: ( I know, Im way behind)
Henry grabbed handfuls and said "You do it like THIS" and dumped a load on the ground!
Classic! Cute indeed :)

>55 TinaV95: great book haul, and all the better for the bargains amongst it all.

>63 TinaV95: that does sound sad that the P's in Law refused to attend. Some "older" folk just cant get their head around the "new" ways I guess. But it is really promising that they gave a gift! And that they want to spend time with you as a couple!
Advice? Be yourself, hold you tongue when you need to and speak your mind when you must :)
Cryptic enough? that's life! ;)
Good luck!!

Adrienne -- Outlaws LOL... That's great! :) Thank you for those positive thoughts!

Roni -- I think you hit that one right on the head! Thanks for that!

Hi Charles -- Welcome to my humble abode!! Thank you for all the kindness in your post ~ it made my day to have more congratulations!!

Heidi -- Howdy! Thanks for the warm thoughts -- here's hoping you're right in your sentiments of better future relations!

Es -- Thanks for the sparkles, dear one!

Bekka -- Thanks! The wish for "relaxing as possible" didn't work cuz I am one whoooooped woman after trying to keep up with those kids!

Blue -- Thank you!

Dee -- Thanks for the warning on needing tissues! I will wait until I'm ready...

Rhonda -- What a lovely thought you posted! I will keep fingers crossed that one day they will regret not going after they figure out how much I love their daughter!

Roberta -- ((((hugs)))) to you for your best wishes!

Megan -- Well, hey there stranger! :) That is great advice and even though I didn't know you had given it, that's the tact I tried to take this weekend!

Actual Book Reading Update
Written in bold to catch your attention since there's very little book news on this thread these days LOL

Finished
33. Lisel & Po by Lauren Oliver
I LOVED this one! Great recommendation from fellow 75'ers and well worth reading!

34. The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
Listened to this one on audio, so I had a hard time following some of the 'new' words. Like her dragon-ish companion? I have no idea how to spell that word so it plagues me. I had the same issue with Harry Potter in the beginning of my audio adventures with him. I guess I eventually didn't care any more because the story was so good and I made up my own spellings in my head (many of which are wrong, I'm sure)... I really enjoyed this one too, especially because it was narrated by the author. How talented can one person be to write an enjoyable children's fantasy AND perform it on audio?!? Another great suggestion from folks in this group!

I have much to tell about this weekend and all, but I will do my best to keep things as brief as possible. Hahaha (says the queen of wordiness)

First up, for those following my sinus saga I finally had an appointment with an ENT last Thursday before we left for Florida. It was a new doctor for me, so the appointment lasted a long time! Why do we have to tell the entire history of our lives / problem first on paper, then to the nurse, then AGAIN to the doctor??? Ahem, I'm digressing. Anyhoo, so he reads the results of my CT scan and says that my symptoms don't match what the results say. The written results say that one side of my sinuses are blocked, but I have symptoms (pain, congestion, etc.) in all sinus regions. So, he wants to see the films for himself and begins discussion of doing a procedure called a balloon sinuplasty. Goes something like this: Doctor inserts balloon into my nose and blows it up; hopefully stretching out my sinuses so I can breathe. My initial reaction: OMG ouch! Fast forward to him "wanting to look up there" and inserting numbing medicine and nasal decongestants, then inserting a LONG silver tube / scope halfway up to my brain. Goes something like this: "Tell me if it starts to hurt or if you feel like you're going to sneeze." Probe, probe probe... "That hurts". Over to next nostril and probe, probe, probe "Uh oh, think I'm going to sneeze." After this ungodly intrusion, he says either the old ENT worked in my sinuses (which they expressly said they didn't touch) OR I have very odd anatomy (more likely). So, the outcome is that he has put me on ONE MONTH of antibiotics to see if that will clear the infection and he wants to view the actual pictures of my CT himself before we go further in deciding next steps.

I have to take a short dinner break, but let me say this. Thank the good Lord in heaven for numbing medicine, because although it hurt only a little during the procedure, the pain was awful as the medicine wore off. I told Lisa it felt like someone had been digging holes my nose / sinuses (she laughed and said "that's basically what he did love"). It's pretty cool being married to a nurse, I must say!!

Back in a while to update on the weekend adventures!

Number one patient complaint is that everyone ask the same questions! "Don't you talk to each other?", they ask. :)

78.... IKR!! And they put it all in the computer now, so don't they read what the others write?? :)

Weekend Update
So let me begin the weekend saga by asking a question to those of you with children. How do you DO it??? We were pretty much responsible for the kids (P, boy, 15 and A, girl, 8). By the end of the weekend I sounded like my mother: "Don't touch each other." "Feet on the floor", etc. etc. They are really good kids, but they DON'T listen and they aggravate each other something fierce. We didn't rest at all... They kept us running the entire time. I could barely read one chapter in bed before I was out like a light (and that is RARE for me). What is the parental secret to keeping up with kids and maintaining your sanity?

Now, a few weekend highlights...

P was the firstborn and his mother (who I've never met) decided it would be cute if he called all of his aunts/uncles by a two syllable repetitious name. Lisa is LaLa and he has a RaRa and something else. So now all of the kids refer to Lisa as "LaLa". On the way down to FL on Friday morning, I told Lisa that I would be fine with whatever they called me as long as it wasn't "TeeTee." The 8 year old overheard Lisa call me that less than 30 minutes later and guess what she started calling me???? I just grinned and took it; at least she likes me! :) Lisa calls me T and my mom has called me that off and on throughout life, so I guess TeeTee isn't too much of a stretch, but I'd just prefer not to sound like a bathroom break. LOL

Guess who got to braid A's long, beautiful blonde hair all weekend?? ME!! That was so much fun ~ I haven't had a little girl to dress up or do hair since I was a kid and playing dress up with friends!

We were in Saint Augustine so we did a beach trip when we got there on Friday, followed by a run to the store for drinks, etc. followed by dinner (where the in-laws joined us), dropping off parentals, then shopping. Saturday was a historical trip to a fort, shopping, shopping, shopping (short nap), and concluded with a ghost tour (big fun!!)
Sunday was another travel day, so more hours in the car with the kids watching a DVD and fighting over who was in the middle of the seat. :)

I tell you that I need a vacation from that mini-trip!! I told Lisa sometime Saturday that I was going to have to go back to work to get some rest.

We literally were in charge of the kids almost the entire time. With the exception of the fort trip and ghost trip and a few meals, WE were supposed to be the adults!

I think the funniest part of the weekend was on the way to the beach... P (again, a 15 year old boy) says to us, "So, when are y'all going to adopt some Haitian children?" We laughed and laughed. After this weekend, the resounding answer is a huge "NEVER". We weren't ever serious about kids, but after this we've decided we are WAY to old to handle them full time!!

Lol, kids say the funniest things.

Sanity and kids lol, do those things really go together?

Adrienne -- YOU tell me!!! LOL

Finished Book #35 Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen
4 stars

I really enjoyed how Kaysen told the story of her institutionalization in the 60's... It wasn't straightforward sequentially, but it fit very well into what I imagine her experience must have felt like. I had seen the movie years ago and loved it. I thought it was time for a little off-my-own-shelf-reading and Kaysen fit the bill nicely.

I never saw the film but always wanted to. I remember it came with a beguiling promotional poster featuring part of Winona's face - very catchy. But perhaps now I should just skip straight to the book!

The book of Girl, Interrupted is quite good indeed.

Hello Dear One

I'm stopping by to say hi.

The 15-year-old fights with the 8-year-old. Oh my, good times...my sister Winter and me. Yuck. So glad the childrearing is behind me. So so so so so so glad.

Hi Tina1 Love your description of the weekend.

As for the parenthood question; it's a matter of getting into a groove and lowering your expectations. And you have to know how to give them the eye.

(I always found the whole following rules thing harder with other people's kids. Because their parents have different rules than me.)

Slowly catching up on threads, Tina. Happy to see the wedding tales, an acquisition of TFiOS, and a completion of the The Girl Who Circumnavigated... The follow up to that one is also good although I don't know if it's available on audio yet or not. :)

#79 Tina I am fedexing you a five year old with outrageous curly blonde hair for you to play with. You may keep her.

Okay maybe not... just for a year or two?

#85 *sobs into pillow* they just won't stop climbing on each other!

Poor Tina!
Here's the thing about parenting. When children are born, they are not 15 and 8 - nor do they come together (usually). So you get a chance to start slow.

I remember before we had kids, we babysat for ONE day for our 2 year old nephew (ONE sweet, energetic, little boy). Yikes! He completely wore us out! We had to reconsider our plan to get started on a family. Luckily, we got over it fairly quickly. We were only in our early twenties - but neither of us had any experience with young children! I do think if he had been a teenager, we might not have gotten over it at all. You were very brave!

I'm glad you enjoyed Malaprop's Bookstore in Asheville, Tina!
I just got Liesl and Po from the library yesterday and will try to shoehorn it in with my two must-complete-in-May reads.... huff puff.....

Had to laugh at your story of being responsible for a 15 and an 8 year old.....my son is 15 and my daughter is 12. They bicker and torment each other constantly. It.drives.me.crazy! Sometimes I don't think I will survive it. Often my DH and I will look at each other and ask "why did we have kids again?" LOL I really do love them beyond anything but sometimes you just need a break!

Charles -- I remember being very captivated by the film. It was the first time I had seen Angelina Jolie in any role and her character is quite memorable. I think either way you go, you should be pleased if you enjoy memoirs dealing with mental health.

Es -- Thanks for agreeing with me! :) *showering you with glitter in return for support* lol

Linda -- Hey there! Are you recovered from your LT trip yet? :)

Richard -- It brought back memories of my tussles with my siblings too. I *think* I'm glad I avoided child rearing all together.

Rhonda -- Giving them the eye would require me to have developed it! I think you're right about rules with other folks' children. I surely didn't want to say something that their parents permit, so I did err on the side of caution most of the time.

Mickey -- You're right on that count. My library doesn't have the audio for the second one, so I requested the print book and I picked it up today with the print of Fairyland so I could peruse the illustrations. :)

Bekka -- I will play with her and fix her hair and be happy for a few days, then I'll be sending her by express post right on back ;-) I just don't think I have the mother gene....

Cee -- So what you're saying is that they break you in slowly? Like the cowboys "break" a horse's will?? Is that the message I was supposed to get, because that's how I read it! LOL Brave = stupid (but very much fun) :)

Ellen -- I truly loved Malaprops, but then again there are very few book stores that don't make me smile like a dummy. I think you will really enjoy Lisel and Po. Mark said it was a quick and enjoyable read, and I would say that description is spot on! Don't read the author's notes in the back until after you have finished the book though.

Heidi -- I am SO sorry for you. I send you my deepest condolences. ;-) Maybe they will grow out of the driving you bonkers phase quickly!

>92 TinaV95:: *reveling in glitter* *hugs to Tina!*

I just finished reading Book #36, Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown.

I may be the last lesbian on the planet to have read this classic novel, but it has been on my shelf for at least 10 years waiting its turn. Again with the self-imposed reminder to read some of what I already OWN, I came across this one when I was packing for the Saint Augustine trip.

In a nutshell -- Rubyfruit Jungle is the story of Molly who grows up knowing she is different and not what everyone expects her to be. She is smart, stubborn, and sassy. All characteristics that don't go over very well for a young girl in the south in the time of this novel (early 1950s). Molly finds out early on that she is adopted (a bastard is the word her mother calls her) and that all that she has known of her life is in question. She also begins to realize that she likes girls, not boys the way everyone else does.

The story follows Molly throughout childhood, into a stormy adolescence filled with sexual experimentation with girls and boys (including the boy who she thought was her cousin, but turns out is now just a best friend... so I still felt the cousin-ish sex was weird. Sue me for being a prude).

Molly has an extremely hard life and this is not a feel good story. It's pretty honest about what life must have been like in the 50's and 60's for anyone who was different -- gender, sexuality, race, etc. The language and racial slurs were hard for me to read, but made sense from the perspective she was writing to show opposition to Molly's progressive views of life.

I quite enjoyed this, even though it was not light-hearted with a happily ever after ending. I've read other works of Brown (some of her mysteries) and this was indeed a different turn. The notes at the end of my version indicate that some of the events that occur in Molly's story are taken from Brown's actual experiences, which made the novel even more interesting to me when I read that nugget of information!

Oh no! Another book bullet!

#92
"...they break you in slowly"
yup. you read that right ;-)

Hi Tina!

#79 - Entertaining story! However, regarding your in-laws, you're being a much more patient and understanding person than I would be, quite frankly. And that's a good thing! (I do hope they regret their decision to not attend the wedding though.)

#94 - Nice review. I read this a very long time ago, and don't remember much. Isn't Rita Mae Brown obsessed with fox-hunting now? What's up with that?

Just popping in, Tina!
(And I agree with the others on parenthood: the whole frog/pot metaphor thingy applies here.)

Kudos to you, Tina for putting up with the children. Personally, I find children not very entertaining and childish humor is best appreciated only by other children. I think I would have left them by the side of the road and let them duke it out there. I'm even worse about babies who, for me, are complete non-entities until they are at least 5 months old or so. You know - until they become people.

Needless to say people don't entrust me with the custody of their little ones - although, it is considered amusing around the office, when new parents among my co-workers have me hold an infant to call everyone over to watch the spectacle. Kind of like watching a baboon using a typewriter for the first time. Look! Charlotte is holding the baby!!!

Es -- Thanks for the glitter! Sorry for hitting you with a BB. ;)

Cee -- That's funnily and scarily accurate I'm sure!

Kerri -- Thanks for the encouragement about the in-laws. I didn't know Ms. Brown was into foxes now. Who knew? Have you ever ready any of her work?

Kathy -- Hey stranger! How goes it? I think parents should get rewarded for each year the child lives & isn't strangled. Lol.

Charlotte -- You are hysterical! I got an especially good giggle out of the "baboon using a typewriter" analogy!!!

I finished #38 today on my way home from my facility. It was an audio book.

Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer
A short little goofy listen for driving. It's a light YA combined with paranormal themes.

Mini plot summary -- Vladimir Tod is a half human / half vampire who is attempting up live a "normal" life in junior high school. Vlad has been orphaned 3 years before the story begins. His vampire father & mortal mother have been killed in an accident; but Vlad feels his parents were really murdered. He lives with his "aunt" and has a pretty funny best friend as a sidekick.

The plot mostly surrounds a mysterious man in black who is trying to find Vlad in hopes of finding the elder Tods. Vlad's English teacher goes missing and the new substitute teacher raises Vlad's suspicions.

Not serious literature, but a decent story for a paranormal YA. 3 stars

ETA -- Spelling of Todd to Tod. This is what happens when you listen to an audio book and don't know the correct spelling ;0)

That's a whole series innit?

Do I get a double reward if she's strangled AND still alive?

Hi Tina, I wouldn't feel too badly about you experience with those two kiddies. Sounds like you did a good job with what you had to work with haha.

Girl Interrupted--I loved that movie. An early Angelina Jolie--seems so long ago..

>80 fairywings: re: your nickname sounding like a bathroom break...my niece called me "mimi" since she was very little and had trouble saying "megsie" (which is what my sis rerfers to me as), and that has been what Im called at their place since then. THEN i find out that "mimi" is the Maori word for pi$$, AND one of many names for female...parts. Oh man! We don't know many Maori-speakers, but the few we do raise an eyebrow if they hear me being called that!!

Your baby-sitting weekend sounded BUSY! lol- you really have to try hard to schedule in reading with two kiddos in tow. Although I thought a 15 year old might be able to amuse themselves OK. You did so well even taking them for a whole weekend!!

ps my older 2 siblings used to scrap like nothing else. I was very cleverly positioned to be able to go on either side when the need arose. :)

Tina, I've not read 'Rubyfruit Jungle' but I've read several of the Sneaky Pie cat mysteries and enjoyed them despite my preference for the canine variety of mystery-solver. :-)

I have tried and tried to love Rita Mae Brown's work and I have come up short.

Tina! We're having a six-word memoir party over on my thread! Come write yours!

Kathy -- Apparently there is an entire series from 8th grade through 12th. Who knows if I'll continue or not. Yes, I definitely think you should get extra points if she is still alive after a strangling! :)

Bonnie -- Thank you for saying that! The movie of Girl Interrupted was the first movie I saw with Angelina!

Megan -- It's great to know I'm in good company! It was much harder than I had imagined keeping up with those two. I really am in awe of how you folks do this parenting thing every day.

Julia -- I've enjoyed several of the Sneaky Pie mysteries myself!

Ellen -- I'm sorry you don't enjoy Rita Mae... Have you ever tried the cozy cat mysteries written with the help of her kitty, Sneaky Pie (as mentioned by Julia above)?

Es -- I will have to go check out your thread now!

Tina, I just found out that Colum McCann will be in Atlanta on Monday June 10th, to talk about his upcoming novel TransAtlantic. The event will take place at the Carter Center at 7 pm. I'm working that day, but I should be able to get out in time to attend. Let me know if you're interested in going; I'll also let Ardene (markon) know and mention this in the Atlanta Bibliophiles group.

http://www.acappellabooks.com/event/colum-mccann-book-signing

Ooooh, I might be able to make that one!!!

I'll PM you my number so we can meet up if we can make this one work!! Yay!

Hi Tina, Nice to meet you! I' always happy to share recipes. I come from a family of sugarholics! They can get mean when deprived of their sweets so have lots of recipes to keep them sweet!

No-Name-Cake: 2 c. flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 1/2 c. crushed pineapple (20 oz. can), with juice
2 tsp. baking powder
1 c. crushed walnuts

Stir above ingredients together just until combined. Pour into greased and floured 9" x 13" pan or 10" round pan. Bake at 350 degrees about 40 minutes or until tests done.

1 1/2 c. evaporated milk
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. butter

Combine final three ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring.
Boil and stir 1 minute.

While cake is still warm punch holes with a fork all over the top. Pour hot topping over warm cake, letting it all absorb. Cool.

Turn out on plate and garnish with an icing border. I usually do cream cheese walnut or lemon cream icing.

And I see above that congratulations are due on your wedding! Add my best wishes to the list.

Tina, I haven't tried any of the Sneaky Pie novels. Perhaps I should do that.

>111 nmcognito: Made that for dinner tonight. It's OUTSTANDING.

groan... that cake looks scrumptious
I think whipped cream would be a good garnish

They should call that cake "Peak and Crash Cake"
That's probably what the sugar would do to me :-)

Natalie -- That cake looks like SIN in a pan!!! :) I'm fasting on desserts currently, but I will definitely give it a try after that is over! Yummmmmm.

Ellen -- They're not great literature, but they are fun & cozy. At least I've enjoyed them in the past. I've listened to several, but it's been years ago and I can't recall the names. I listened out of order (just a random library find) and I felt decent about the story line. I'm sure things would make more sense to start from the beginning, but I remember thinking that she gave enough of a back story that I knew the general history of the characters.

RICHARD -- You made it for dinner??? Is that all you ate??? LOL I believe in your reading recommendations and I will now also take your recipe recommendations as well :)

Cee -- I know!! I think I would have to have a tiny (wee, I mean teensy) slice or I would do the peak and crash thing too! But, it sure sounds worth while to try it though, huh???

I am in a hotel and my internet connection is spotty and my thread isn't loading appropriately so I will keep this update brief and try again later in the week.

Book news I finished book #38; an Early Reviewer book called A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home. I really enjoyed it and am giving it 4 stars. I will write a review sometime when the internet is cooperating with me.

Marriage news We bought flowers / plants last weekend (and this weekend) and have been working on creating a little deck garden for me. I LOVE flowers, but I'm not great at keeping them alive -- or I wasn't when I was single and had to beg my dad to water them for me when I was out of town. Lisa joined me in potting and picking out some herbs and flowers and this weekend we decided to go for broke and try to grow some tomatoes this season! **I've never done this before! I'm going to try to post a picture of my back deck oasis for your viewing pleasure ;0)



LT news I'm out of town this week in south Georgia where Crazymamie lives and we are planning an informal meet up tomorrow. I can hardly wait!! This will be my first! :)

Life news Work has been rough lately and I've started looking for another job. I'm not going to go into any details, but I'm doing great, I'm just not 100% on board with some things my bosses have done lately. Any way, I got a call this afternoon and I have a job interview on Friday! I haven't interviewed in about 10 years so I have NO idea what I'm doing!! LOL A few prayers and good wishes would be wonderful! I'm not sure this is "the one" so I will be praying and doing lots of soul-searching to be sure I make a good decision.

From the older threads... We had a discussion about the river rocks as a guest book? Anyone remember? Here's a photo of how they turned out originally. We have them set aside to spray with lacquer so the writing stays, but we haven't gotten that far into the post wedding tasks yet.

I did FINALLY finish my wedding thank you's last weekend! I thought my hand was going to explode from all the writing! :)

Gardening together is super fun. I'm sure these flowers and herbs will be very successful this time, with the two of you doting on them! : )

Your messages make me very happy for you!!!!!

It is ever so good to know that love survives and thrives in the world.

Thank you for adding so much wonderful energy to this group and to those with whom you connect!

The river rocks turned out beautiful, didn't they? What a great idea. I look forward to some pics of your impromptu meet-up. We'll need a full report on the extent of the Crazy in Mamie, please. :-)

I love how the rocks came out, and I love your little oasis.

Don't worry about your tomatoes - those plants are *really* hardy. My tomatoes and bell peppers have been growing like crazy in SE PA's recent hot, humid weather :) I do water regularly, though not every single morning and night like I should...

You're so lucky to be visiting Mamie! Give her hugs for me :)

Hope you have a great time with your Mamie Meet-up! Give that gal a hug for me!

The river rocks are so sweet!

I am interested in your review of A DOg Walks Into a Nursing Home. I wanted that one also...

A meet up with Mamie. How special that she will get to meet you and you will see her!!!

Please, don't forget to take photos!

>116 TinaV95: Wow what a great deck! I hope you have good luck with your plants!
>117 TinaV95: Those rocks are such a cute idea! But I really want to know the rest of the rock at the back that says FELONY....

#125 Snarf! Me too!

Hi Charles --- I hope you're right about the plants doing better with extra love! It was much more fun "playing in the dirt" with Lisa beside me. We had a grand time ... Even though I wore as much dirt as I placed in the pots!

Linda --- You always have such kind and uplifting words! Thank you for that! It was fantastic meeting Mamie. Pics to come after my responses.

Julia --- I was really pleased with how they came out! God bless Pinterest! Honestly, I saw NO crazy in our Mamie. She was lovely!

Es -- I will be sure to tell my tomatoes they are supposed to act hardy, since my sparkly glittery friend told me so! :) I really do hope they do well as I've always hoped to try this one day. I'm glad you liked the river rocks too. Oh, and I hugged Mamie for all of us!

Mark -- Ditto on hugging Mamie for the whole gang here! The meetup was so much fun!

Rhonda--- I will recommend it heartily! No review tonight as I was off having fun with Mamie!

Nora & Bekka --- LOL... We had some prett creative uses of the rocks. One guy played tic-tac-toe. Most were sweet messages. The idea / instructions were to include wishes or marriage advice. That particular rock says "Remember, murder is (one side) a FELONY (second side)." We both howled with laughter!!!

So.... How to quickly describe my first ever real life LT meetup???? In a nutshell: We talked for 3 solid hours!

I've already told Mamie this after I got back to the hotel, so I'm not trying to butter her up, but y'all.... She is really just as lovely and charming in person as she is on her thread!! Lisa was just amazed that I talked for 3 hours in the first place, but to "a stranger" at that! I'm sure others of you have had similar experiences but it really didn't feel like meeting a stranger in the least.

We talked family, food, and BOOKS of course! Oh... The biggest surprise? She brought me two books wrapped in a beautiful silver bow representing her & Abby's favorites. How awesome and unexpectedly wonderful! I know it sounds like gushing, but I just love this group and feel so blessed to have met some incredible people!!

This is the picture from Mamie's phone. I'm on the left; Mamie is on the right.


This is one of the pics from my phone. I had to try multiple shots because I didn't know how to make the camera flip until Mamie taught me.



We almost forgot to take any pictures!! But we remembered at the last minute.

That meetup sounds perfect. What a lovely thing!

Great pics! Looks like a lovely, fun, chatty evening!

Hooray for LT meet-ups!

Great pictures!

Tina, I'm glad you took pictures. It sounds like an enjoyable evening!

Good for you for giving tomatoes a try. Are they in pots or in the ground? Either way, I will say this: they like deep watering about twice a week (unlike things like petunias and other flowers which like more frequent watering and therefore need less water per watering --- how's that for convoluted?). We have a short growing season here and tomatoes really struggle with our cool nights (which I love). Still, there is nothing better than sliced fresh tomatoes, good mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and good balsamic vinegar. Yum. Good luck with them!

Woo-hoo! Lovely meetup pictures of two lovely ladies. You both look like you were having lots of fun.

Great meet-up! And the pics are good, too!

Yay! I love the meetup pics, you girls look lovely.

The river rock keepsakes are great! Can't wait to see their ultimate fate. :)

Meetups - cool!
River rocks - cool!
New flowers - cool!

LT meetups are the best! I have one coming up this weekend and I'm super excited!

Coming over here to let all of you know that Tina is completely delightful! It was such a gift to get to meet her last night and to share a meal together - which she treated me to for my birthday, so thanks again for that, Tina! She was exactly what she appears to be here on her thread - warm and wonderful and sweet and charming. So easy to talk to and an excellent listener. And Tina is the one who remembered the photos - I would totally have forgotten!

Tina thanks so much for a special evening and for making my very first LT meet-up such a joy. You are so very lovely, both inside and out and it was such a pleasure to meet you.

I'm definitely a sparkly glittery friend, certainly NOT to be confused with creepy sparkly vampires. *shudder*

>139 Crazymamie: Awwwe

Awwww - sounds wonderful. I'm crazy jealous - I haven't found any other LTers on my rock :/ Maybe next time I'm in the UK!

So glad y'all had a good meetup! And grateful that there's documentary evidence that neither of you is an Oompa Loompa. *smooch* Hi Lisa!

Well, you just need to make sure you get your butt up to DC for the Fall meetup at the National Book Fest, Tina! :)

Love the 2 MeetUp pics, Tina. I really loved your idea of the river rocks guest book idea when you originally posted it and seeing them in the photo made my heart leap. There's nothing like a good idea coming to fruition so successfully. They're beautiful !

Oh yay! A meetup! I've never been disappointed when meeting LT friends. Thanks for sharing the pics.

Thanks for sharing the great meet-up pics Tina. It sounds like you two both had a great time.

Hi Tina!
I've been lucky enough to meet three very lovely LT ladies (individually). I am not a social butterfly, nor do I ever seek out anyone I have met online (other than LT).
I will echo lauralkeet " I've never been disappointed when meeting LT friends." I hope to meet many more :-)
Including you, Tina!

Hi Tina- Glad to hear the Mamie Meet-Up was a smashing success. Love the photos too!

Waiting for Claudia to visit her good buddy in Chicago! Tapping fingers and toes...

Hey my wonderful, lovely & sparkly friends!! I will be back sometime this weekend to fully respond but I'm here now requesting a special favor!

I have a job interview this afternoon for the first time in 10 years and I have such a busy day (two doc appointments) before that so I'm popping on to ask for prayers, warm wishes, good luck vibes, or whatever form of support you can send my way!!

You got it!

Yeppers!

*tossing good thoughts and sparkles your way*

Good luck, Tina!

No prob.

Sending you Good Luck wishes!
Can we ask what the job will be?? I hope it's something you'll really enjoy!

Good luck Tina.

The river rocks look awesome, great idea.

You ladies look lovely, what a fantastic pic of your first meet up, glad you lovely's had a great night.

I hope your interview went spectacularly, Tina. They would be fools not to hire you, and you can tell 'em I said so!

I didn't get here in time to wish you luck on your interview. But I bet you aced it. :)

I hope the interview went well! I was in a lurking mood yesterday, so didn't post, but did send vibes! What kind of job are you interviewing for? ANd how are your sinuses doing--has the ENT come up with anything to help?

Hi Tina! I hope the interview went well. Love your deck garden, your river rocks, and the pictures of your LT meetup!

Hey friends! First for the responses due to each of you, then I will try to summarize an extremely busy two days in what will probably be a typically-Tina rambling-rant :)

129 Charles -- It was BOTH lovely and perfect! Thank you!

130 Carol -- It was all of those things, but especially chatty. I hope I didn't "talk Mamie's ears off", as Southerners say...

131 Katie -- Hooray indeed!

132 Rhonda -- Thank you!

133 Ellen -- Thanks for sharing that! I didn't know about the "deep watering." I've been watering them all alike. Well, in fairness I guess you could say God has been doing the "deep watering" as we've been soaked multiple days this week! :) BTW, that is one of my favorite ways to eat tomatoes in the summer. I made them last year using the basil I had grown (and felt awesome that I had successful grown my first herb), so I can't wait to see how delicious they will be with homegrown 'maters!! :)

134 Julia -- I did have a great time ~~ lots of laughs! When can we all get together????

135 Roni -- Thank you for your kindness! :)

136 Kathy -- You're very sweet to say so! I'll be sure to post pictures of the finished products as soon as we make it to that project!

137 Megan -- Thanks for the triple cools!! :)

138 Nora -- I would have never imagined even considering meeting someone from a social network in real life, until I met THIS particular group of 75'ers. I can't wait to do it again! I may even get to meet Abby next time!! :)

139 MAMIE -- I feel exactly the same about having you as my first LT experience ~~ you are truly a joy to be around! I still can't believe we talked so long!! :) EVERYONE ELSE -- don't believe all those good things she said... I'm paying her ;0)

140 Es -- LOL. I like the sparkly vampires though (shhhh, don't tell).

141 Charles -- I know, right!!!

142 Bekka -- You're in Jersey, right?? Any plans for vacationing any time soon? Maybe you can tell us when/where and someone will be around?

143 Richard -- I'm definitely no Oompa Loompa -- I'm too darn white to qualify LOL. I read your message so Lisa could hear her "hi". She says *in a shocked tone* HI! :) She still doesn't understand how different this group of folks is from other sites.

144 Jim -- That is definitely on my wish list. If I am still in my current job, I've already requested the Friday off so we can travel up. *If* I have a new job by then, I'm still hopeful that it would be allowed since I've already made plans (no plane or hotel, but my heart is set on it!).

145 Caro -- Awwww, thanks for saying that! That made me smile! I'll definitely post another pic or two after we get them lacquered.

146 Laura -- What a great way to express it!

147 Bonnie -- Thanks, we did!

148 Cee -- You count on it!!! We will have to arrange it somehow!

149 Mark -- A "smashing success" ~~ another great phrase!!

151 and forward -- To all of you who stopped by and left me words of encouragement and cheer, I thank you immensely.... So, a very heart-felt THANK YOU to Fourpawz, Mamie, Es, Katie, Jim, Kathy, Adrienne, Julia, Carol, Rhonda, and Heidi! I tried very hard to catch each post, so if I missed you please tell me so I can properly say thanks. It's late and my eyes (brain, really) are tired.

Questions answered in next post!! :)

THE JOB?
In short, the job would basically put me to work as an Elder Care specialist where I would be taking phone calls from people around the country with geriatric issues. It is a work-life type company and employees have this as an added benefit. It's a referral and research type job where I would listen to the needs, ask questions, assess what the person needs most, then research what services are available in their area and provide them all the written information they need to make the decision that fits best for them or their loved one. There would also be chances for doing educational presentations in various community settings, which is what I love. I realllllly love the aspect of teaching folks of all ages and comprehension levels, so hearing that there would be an education aspect was really a bonus.

Or is it just The Interview?
So, I've told y'all in my "please pray or send me glitter" post that this is the first time I have interviewed in 10 years. I was an absolute nervous wreck. Like shaking. I had doctors appointments lined up, so I thought they would be helpful in distracting me. It just wasn't enough. I had to come on here and ask for help then text my closest friends and family members to do some serious praying for my nerves. By that time, I had decided that I was okay to accept if I don't get the job because that will indicate to me that it wasn't THE JOB in God's plan for me. *I'll still probably pout and be disappointed but I'll accept it.* Anyhoooooo... I digress. I already knew the person who was interviewing me would have her dog there (because she made sure that was okay with me when we were scheduling... Friday is dog day & casual Friday too). I walked in and was greeted by said puppy. We were BFFs in minutes and I'm thinking... "Well, if her dog likes me, shouldn't that get me extra points???" ;) She was super casual, wearing shorts and sandals and it was very laid back. I forgot to mention one of the neatest things! When she called me to come in, she told me that she knew when she read my resume that my name was familiar. Turns out she has been a nursing home social worker before and has either seen me train or something. Yay! Gotta be a sign, right?? Well, here's another sign... I'd been stressing over the whole gay thing. In Georgia, it's just reality that you're going to have some discrimination. I've complained enough about that on this thread, but one of my factors for starting to really search for a job is how non-supportive my bosses were when I told them about the wedding. I have known them for about 13 years and have been working for them for 10. I am not OUT per se, in my work life and am always very professional. To the point that NO ONE I work with knows about me (until I find out there's another gay person, or someone asks me a very specific question -- I don't lie). They also know how spiritual I am and that it has been a struggle for me for years to get to the place where I am now. I'm digressing again. Point being, they weren't supportive, my feelings have been very hurt and I just want to be somewhere now that I don't have to feel ashamed of who I am. Especially since I'm just so darn blissfully happy.

Taking a breath.... The phone rings (it's a call center and almost all telephone based), so she has to get it and says after she looks at her watch "It's probably just my partner." I audibly exhaled. When she hung up the phone and walked back toward the table, I said "Did you say the word 'partner'?" *Insert questioning look while positively responding. I visibly relaxed and blew out a sigh. With a quick overview, I explained how I had been very nervous about that aspect of job hunting. NOT A BIG DEAL AT ALL!! ***Oh, and at the end of the interview I find out she will be my direct supervisor, so I really won't have to explain anything!

Needless to say, I am stoked about the job. I have to now figure out when they offer it (notice the self esteem inserted for when, not IF) if I can take it financially. It will be a bit of a stretch for the money because they have to pay 40% of the insurance cost out of pocket and they've already said the top she will offer is the bottom I can leave for (what I'm making now).... So, I still think the positives far outweigh the negatives but I'll be praying about it until I find out what's the next step.

The Sinuses
I have been on 3 weeks of antibiotics and saw the ENT yesterday. He feels that my nasal passages look better and I've gone from having a headache every day to about 3-4 per week. He's still not happy with those results. So, I'll be on 3 MORE weeks of antibiotics. **I begged for Diflucan yesterday, ladies. It's not been a good week in that regard. Sorry fellas reading, just skip over that last sentence, Richard, Jim, Charles, Mark, Paul, Darryl.... In addition, he started me on a round of steroids and wants me taking them all at the same time (since I'm already having problems sleeping). So, I've had my own personal hell today. I've dripped sweat ALL day. Blech. The next step is going back in two weeks to have another CT so he can look at the comparison films and see if he feels it's sinus anatomy related or neurologically based.

Marriage Stuff
I promise I'm trying for the short version.... After dinner last night, we drove by our regular set of stores and saw that the Mattress Firm was having a 72 hour sale. Lisa wanted to go look for a new bed. She HATES the thought of "other people's DNA" being in the bed I've had for 8ish years (LOL). So off we were to look... I've been cursing my sleep number bed a LOT lately and was doing just fine until I laid down on Sealy Posturepedic. OMG. I was gone. "Stay strong" I tell myself. No immediate purchases!!! But then my hips and joints weren't hurting and I was almost asleep in the store! Lisa was a goner when she came back from the other mattresses he was trying to sell her and at that point, he knew he was making a sale.

So, our first major purchase together is a bed. It will take us years to pay it off (we got the adjustable one!!), but it was really fun telling him we were married and were going to be buying this together. Little birdies sang songs of happiness in my ear.... Until I got in the car and thought "OMG, what have we done!!!!?????" Oh well, we are finally in the new bed and it feels amazing.

Here was our schedule today: Get up and start taking bed apart. Take Copper to the vet for ear infections (yes, in both ears). Meet my sister for lunch (my parents are out of town). Go to PetSmart so the kids can eat this week. Go to Target and spend all the gift cards we got from the wedding (new sheets, cutlery set, wall hangings, coffee, little tables for two small spaces). Come home and begin washing new sheets. Finish pulling all the insides of the mattress apart. Hang various pictures that have been sitting around forever. Wash massive amounts of dishes by hand (no dishwasher). Pull a heavy battery out of Lisa's truck (it was dead...first we did try to jump it but as soon as she saw it react and knew it was the battery she wanted to get it out so she'll be forced to handle it next weekend. Run to a quick dinner and then to deposit some checks in the bank. Got home, washed all new knives. Received new bed (setup and take down took an hour). Came to bedroom to put sheets on and bedroom back together. Cool off shower, then bed and LT.

How's that for a day! I told Lisa that I was going to ask y'all. I thought things got less stressful after the wedding. We're still super busy every weekend!! When does this slow down and go to normal? She told me tonight "You're killing me on these weekends." Please tell me normal is around the corner???

As always muchas gracias for taking the time to read my posts. I really do try to give the Reader's Digest Condensed versions here. I was on the phone with my mom for 45 minutes last night explaining just the first portions of this post.

OH.... and get this. Today is my parents' 45th wedding anniversary!! They were originally going to Callaway gardens, but mom got one of her "intuition" feelings that told her they needed to go visit her aunt, who is in her 80s and is suffering with cancer. So, they drove up Thursday part of the way, visited Friday and then drove home today. ON their 45th!! I feel very lucky and blessed to have two parents who would put aside a "fun for them" weekend to visit a family member for possibly the last time...

Lisa just asked if I was writing my dissertation over here. Smart arse. Gonna run now ;0)

That job sounds lovely for you, Tina! I hope you get it, and that everything works out financially.

Tina I am so behind on your thread. I am glad your interview went well. I hope it works out for you. I'm glad you and Mamie got to meet because you are both gems!

LOL, Tina, there is no normal! Just make sure you say "No" once in a while and just hang out together, quietly. It'll do wonders.

Fingers crossed for the new job. Even if the pay isn't better, it sounds like something that will make you happier. So that's a bonus. :)

We got a new bed a few years ago, and I do sleep better and have less back pain. So good for you!!

I hope the new job works--it sounds like fun. Except is it mostly on the phone? I think that would get old. But if this doesn't work, something else will.

You did all that in one day? I don't know that I'd blame the mattress for aching joints. If this is your typical Saturday, then it almost seems to me as if it might be your schedule - obviously designed for a required minimum of a dozen hard working people - that is the culprit.

I think that possible new job sounds like the stars are behind you on it!

... Does that sentence make sense...? I'm not sure...

Hi Tina,
I agree with Kathy - there is no normal! After 44 years of marriage, two kids, weddings and grandkids, several pets, several houses, etc - I'm still waiting to "get back to normal" and coming to realize it's an elusive dream. Every day seems to be its own "normal".

A job that has Casual Friday w/dogs can't be bad ;-) Hope all goes well for you - money and timing. Sounds like a match.

You are inspiring me to look at mattresses. I've been threatening to do so for a couple years now.
Remembering the first bed we bought just before we got married makes me smile. Ron had not been trained (by me) how to spend money and he was cheap! The mattress and box springs cost $125 and he was breaking a sweat at such a HUGE expense!!! Little did he know what he was getting into - LOL.

Now. If you could just get the sinus thing gone! Good luck with that.

Just adding my good luck on the sinus thingy too - they suck (long time continual rhinitus sufferer wave). And also extra sparkles and mojo re the new job :)

I have a feeling your new bed price would give me the eeby-jeebies... hubby and are notoriously cheap and are waiting my sisters spare bedroom mattress to replace our 6... no 7 year old mattress. It was fine till we had building work done and had to hack up the bedframe to get it out of the room (builders having put a wall in without warning) and then slept on it on the floor for 6 months (me increasingly havily pregnant). Yeah.. that didn't do it any good! Now you sit on it and it goes squeeeek gripplle squiiiirrk... boing.

And I wonder why my back hurts...

Nora -- Thank you!! I think it sounds lovely too. Now comes the waiting part. I don't do waiting well. ;)

Roberta -- How are you and mom?? I'm terribly behind on threads myself, so no worries here. I'm just treading water. hehe

Kathy -- *GASP* No normal??? You mean I'm going to have to set boundaries on myself, huh? Hoo boy. My apple doesn't fall far from my mother's "never relax if there's work to be done" mentality 'tree' so that may be a problem. I'll have to slow down for Lisa's sake, even if I don't do it for myself. It sounds lovely just thinking of spending quiet time together...

Rhonda -- We have a 100 day trial, but I think I'm more rested already! Yes, the new job would be all phone consultations. I think I'm okay with that though, if the trade off is that I don't have to drive 4 hours a day. I still think I'll be healthier and less stressed. There's a nice looking green area close to the office too, so maybe I could eat lunch there once in a while and get out.

Fourpawz -- Yes, that was all on one Saturday. Most Saturdays have been that way lately. At least since we started seriously doing the wedding / ceremony planning. I blame the job... I have virtually no time during the week to do regular errands by the time I get home at night. Then, on the weeks I'm out of town Saturdays are even more packed because I really have so much to catch up with. **NOT whining. I'm very happy I have a job, as many others don't.** Sorry if I sound whiny.

Es -- I totally got the "stars are behind it" comment! No worries about us speaking the same language my fellow glitter girl. :)

Cee -- I'm a bit sad over the "no normal." But, if I have two wonderful ladies telling me the same thing, I guess I'm going to believe y'all. Tell me there is at least an occasional lazy weekend day where there's some you and Ron time? I'm sorry if I'm spurring you on a mattress quest, but it sounds as if you might be overdue!! :)

Bekka -- Sorry to hear you're a fellow sufferer. Seems to me as the nose shouldn't be all that hard of a thing to manage, am I right???? Thanks for the sparkles and MOJO. All needed and appreciated!! Again, I will apologize if I started you on a sooner-than-expected mattress hunt, but it definitely sounds as if you NEED one. How soon to getting your sisters are you?? I hope VERY soon!

I still owe a review on Book #38 A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home -- sorry folks. I'll get to it asap.

Book #39 - listened to by audio Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones
3.5 stars; I enjoyed this as a driving distraction. This is the second in Jones' Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper series. I found it a fun, cozy mystery mixed with paranormal and a bit of romance.

Book #40 Fallen by Lauren Kate
3 stars... fairly enjoyable YA paranormal romance. Not convinced if I will continue the series or not.

Just checking in to say good luck on the job prospect--sounds like it would be a good deal for you in many ways!

Tina I found a full time caregiver for my mom. Now I will definitely be broke, but it will be worth it. She is a sweet young lady that used to work at a personal care home. She had to take an extra long maternity leave and lost her position but the owner loved her so much he referred her to a nursing home. She doesn't like it there. All three of her references were glowing. Then it turns out her boyfriend is the nephew of a good friend of my aunt Martha. Small world. She starts in two weeks. Whoop!

Tina

Please know I'm sending good wishes and positive energy your way in the hope that you get the job! It sounds perfect for you!

I'm all for taking a job that pays a bit less if you will be happier and less stressed. That is what I did 15 years ago and it was the best decision. I still don't make much money but I love what I do and have flexible hours....so worth it!

Also worth it? A bed that doesn't make your back hurt! LOL

Tina! Prayers on the job front (did you find out if you got the job yet? Did I miss that?) Hugs for the sinuses - mine continue to be troublesome too. And the rocks look great!

Thanks Roni!! I think it sounds great too!

Ro!!! That's great news!! I am so excited that you found someone GOOD and trustworthy! It is a small world, isn't it! I very happy for you and your mom both!

Linda -- Thank you for the wishes and energy!! :)

Heidi -- I think I've reached that point in my life where I have to make a decision about my overall health, rather than wealth. LOL, as a social worker, there's never been any wealth, but you get my drift. And you are SO right about the bed!

Heather -- Thanks for the prayers for the job prospect and my sinuses both!

Job I got a call today for a second interview with the owner of the company. I'm still excited, still unsure, and still praying but it sounds hopeful!! My schedule is so weird that I'm having to squeeze it in on Thursday afternoon, so keep on sending those prayers and good vibes. :)

And FINALLY a book review (as promised). Not as great as I'd like but I just wanted to get it off my "to do" list!

ONE day I will figure out how to put book pictures into these posts... No promises on when, though. :)

Reading A Dog Walks Into a Nursing Home is a bit of a mix between memoir, dog tale, and the author's lessons learned from being one part of a pet therapy team in a typical nursing home.

Sue Halpern recounts her decision to go through the pet therapy certification process with Pransky (the adorable Labradoodle on the cover) when she discovered both she and the said dog needed a new focus on life.

There was less of the day-to-day stories that I was expecting, as Halpern structured her account into chapters based on religious virtues (i.e. restraint, prudence, faith, fortitude, hope, love, and charity) but this format worked really well for me once I threw out my expectations.

Having been a nursing home social worker for many years, I see the "real" people behind the stories Halpern tells about the residents. I am thrilled that she tells her account in a way that is both truthful but also is a positive glance into the sometimes hilarious, typically unusual, and always heart-wrenching world of nursing home residents. Recommended!!

I received this "Uncorrected Proof" as part of Library Thing's Early Reviewer program.

Review link:
http://www.librarything.com/work/13392038/reviews/98392145

This thread walks you through putting in pictures and book covers.

http://www.librarything.com/topic/129158

Hope this helps :)

I've posted the meetup thread for the National Book Festival in DC!
http://www.librarything.com/topic/155277

Adrienne: Here goes nothing!
ETA -- Yay!! I did it!!!

I am currently reading (very slowly bc of life stuff):



Nora: Woooooooo Hoooooooo!! Off to star the thread!

Yay! Gold star for Tina!

Great book, too.

Well done Tina, you posted a lovely book cover :)
And the ER book sounds like it was worth it, and in your field too!

You know, I borrowed a friends copy of the Great Gatsby to re-re-read it (haha) and I finished it on the day I saw the film. I was glad to have read it again and really feel like I mustnt have been concentrating on my last read of it. I missed SO much, what a nuh I was.
Have you/will you see the film? I lurved it. It was big and bold and all over the show, but paid attention to the relationships well I thought.

Kathy --- I know; I'm in shock that I managed it! Lol

Megan --- I haven't seen the movie yet, but I hope to soon. I'm going to wait until it comes out on DVD I think. We just never go to the theater. Too much going on. How are you & yours feeling now? So sorry y'all have been so sick. Boo. :(

I will be back later to fill you all in on the ultra crazy week I've had. But... We are off now to go get out matching tattoos to celebrate our wedded bliss. Pictures to come!

All caught up here, Tina! And look at you posting book covers! Well done! We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers concerning the job. Abby read The Great Gatsby and absolutely loved it - I am doing a reread this weekend. Then we will see the movie which we are very excited about. Pulling up a seat to wait for the tattoo update! How fun!

Oh dear, I can't possibly catch up, Tina. I just hope you and Lisa enjoy that bed. :-)

Mamie -- Hey! How are things in Mamie land?? Thanks for all continued thoughts and prayers about the job hunt. Hope to have an answer next week. I'm glad Abby loved Gatsby -- it's hard to tell with classics (for me) which I will enjoy versus those I just find to be more of a chore. Let me know how y'all enjoy the movie. It's on my wish list too :)

Ellen -- no worries about catching up, dear. I just appreciate the visit! :)

I will do my best to succinctly recap the week my family has had... Let me preface this by saying that we are a very blessed bunch of folks and do tend to have a little drama here and there, but not usually to this degree. We have had to laugh a little to keep the smiles and good humor abounding...

Sunday
My mom calls me after church Sunday evening to say she and dad are coming by the house. We are eating dinner, so I pause until she tells me that dad just slammed his hand in the car door at church and they need Lisa to look at it. I'm immediately thinking gushing blood, but no. The real story is this: they were parked on an incline. As dad was getting into the car, the door shut on his arm / hand. There was a huge knot and bruise above the wrist when he got to us. Lisa did a brief assessment, but told me "I don't have X-ray vision"... Since his arm seemed stable and there was no break in skin, we sent him home with instructions to ice it and watch it.

Monday
Things seemed normal, as best I can remember.

Tuesday
Dad is having some pain in his arm / hand so he and mom go to the doctor for an X-ray. After several hours, the doc says that the X-ray looks "suspicious" so he will need to see an orthopedist. Of course, there are no specialist appointments available until the next day.

Wednesday
I get a text from my mom as I'm driving to work that I need to call her. She never does that when she knows I'm driving, so of course I call as soon as I can. At 5:00am, my sister fell down the flight of basement stairs all the way to the bottom, tile floor. My mom had had an injection in her back sometime the previous week, but apparently flew down the stairs to rescue Tara... I wasn't there but mom says there was a good amount of blood and that she landed on her face, so her eyeglasses were pretty screwed up.

Here's a picture they sent me in text midway through the day:


So... my mom takes Tara to get X-rays. Why did no one call the ambulance??? No idea ~ but the insurance wouldn't give immediate approval for a head CT, but they did okay the X-rays. **Fast Forward to results on Thursday -- no breaks, all soft tissue damage.

After this marathon, mom then takes my dad to his orthopedic appointment, where they diagnose a fracture in his hand. Not in his arm where it was swollen and bruised, but in the hand. He'll be in a cast for 3 weeks.

Since they were having such a hard day, I told them that Lisa and I would go pick up some sandwiches and bring dinner to them so they could ice and rest and mom could recover from her all day doctor visit adventure.

Pulling out of the driveway, something went wonky with my car. Like it stopped driving. I was repeatedly saying to Lisa, "something's wrong, something's wrong." Guess what I had done??? I wrapped by key fob around the steering wheel and broke the key off in the ignition. Who else could do this????? Since I had hungry, hurting family waiting on me, I called it in to AAA then left Lisa with the car and went to grab dinner for the masses. A locksmith was supposed to come to the house and make the key, but AAA didn't get him the case by 7:30, so it wouldn't be handled to the next day. It was almost 9 when they made this call to me. By that time, I had HAD it and said to just cancel it... Fast Forward to Lisa taking thin kitchen knives to the ignition, getting the broken pieces out of the ignition and my dealer / service guy telling me to tape the keys together (because the car won't drive with the regular key, because it has to have the computer chip key to run).

What a day, right??

Thursday
I had a second interview for the job I'm interested in... this time I met with the President / Founder of the company. It went really well and I feel confident that I did my very best. ***Oh, and the bosses tell me the meeting scheduled for Friday afternoon is now Friday morning.

Friday
Breakfast meeting with my bosses...Overall went well. Major changes coming but can't be announced to our centers yet. At the end of the 2 hour meeting, they said if I ever thought of doing something else, I needed to tell them (because they "have my best interests at heart"). I said ok. Then THE question came... Have you thought about looking for something else? I had to be honest and admit I've been looking. It went much better than I had thought. They understand that the travel is very hard on me. They say they want me to stay, but understand that I have to do what is best for me. I can only hope that my honesty doesn't bite me in the butt.

And get this... the insurance company FINALLY approved a head CT for Tara for MONDAY. After a pretty significant fall on Wednesday. That's just maddening. I get that she's probably fine or she would be having lots of symptoms, but what if she wasn't????

What a week you had, Tina!
Take good care, woman.

Hey Ellen,
You sneaked in a post!! It's been crazy busy for sure! Laughter has saved my sanity!!

Next post will be all about TATTOOS!

Oh boy. Tattoos. I sort of wish I had one, except that I do think they look better on younger skin.....
But when I was 28 or so, I almost got a little (quarter-sized) tat of a labrys on my right triceps. I still kind of wish I had been brave enough (remember, that was 1988 and tattoos were still very marginal).

I'm not sure if we were ever discussing tattoos here on my thread or if it was on someone else's, but here's the evolution of the tattoo story...

In Asheville, Lisa had seen an advertisement for a woman owned & operated tattoo place. She decided she wanted to get another one, but it wasn't open on the day she had the idea. The more I started thinking about it, the more I decided we should go back to the studio that did her first one and both get something. It was an extremely clean studio and the guy did a fantastic job!

Also, my hair stylist had planted a little seed when she was doing my wedding hair coloring by telling me how cute it would be if Lisa and I got matching tattoos. This was her idea of a wedding present to each other.

So we found this great little birdhouse shaped into lovebirds in an artist studio space on our trip. We decided it was so cute and that it would be our inspiration. So we took it to Shane and from that, he created our tattoos. Here are some pictures from today....

Lisa went first. She lost the toss :)


Hurting like all get out! I thought she might have been over exaggerating a tad, but turns out she was not.


Lisa's halfway point


Lisa's completed work of art!

>194 EBT1002: Oh Ellen... After I tell you how bad I hurt today, you will probably be very glad you never did it!!

Lovely. On the thigh?

And Tina, I was going to get a little tiny one-color tat, but a friend noted that my ears were somewhat subject to infection from piercing. Kind of freaked me out. Oh well.

Here's my tattoo experience in visuals...

Be warned: If you don't like to see fat, lily white flesh, look away NOW!

Trying to be brave, but I am literally freaking out here


Excruciating pain. Not even lying. I thought I would throw up on a few occasions. But I made it through without the "tossing of the cookies" :)


Outline is done.... I kept begging him to go take smoke breaks so I could take a breath. He only gave me one smoke break to recover my tummy and breathe easily for a few minutes


My finished product! So very beautiful, but SOOOOO very painful!

Ellen -- Yes, on the thigh. I figured that was the best spot (read that: least bumpy, fatty) LOL.

You would probably have been fine with a small one then, but now they do so much to keep the risk of infection down that you would sail through it. I just happen to be someone who is very sensitive to pain, therefore I don't do well with long periods of time like today where I couldn't get frequent stops...

I hope the healing process is relatively smooth and pain-free, Tina!!

Ouch, ouch, ouch--no, I will NEVER get a tattoo. I'm not at all fond of needles and pain at the best of times.

Hope both your dad and your sister are doing much better--that WAS quite a week. I hope you will find no need to top it any time soon.

What a week your family has had Tina! I hope that's the end of it now. And then "but the insurance wouldn't give immediate approval for a head CT" - truly I will never understand the US health insurance system. As if anyone exposes their head to needless amount of radiation for kicks. Anyway I hope your Dad and Sis are both on the mend and there are no more scares in store for you or your Mum!

Btw I love the tattoos - what a great idea. It seems like the perfect way to improve on an otherwise crappy week.

WOW, what a rough week you've had! I hope your sister is okay after all that. Looks painful poor thing. :(

The tats-- wonderful! The birdies are so cute. Are you the bird on the right, or the left? ;)
I'm all for tattoos and would get one if I ever found something meaningful enough to make permanent. I've got high pain tolerance but commitment issues! lol
Good job you guys for making it through!

My goodness, you've been busy! Hope all ends up going well for you and your family.

We all know I love tattoos, having six myself. Maybe I'll post some pictures of mine for you :) I like the idea of matching ones - my hubby and I have talked about that too, we just haven't decided yet!

Oh my goodness Tina, what a week you and your family have had! Hoping everyone stays safe this week and the tattoos aren't too painful...

Yeahhhh Tina, well done with the pic, I knew you could do it.

Your poor dad and sister, I hope they are both doing ok now.

The tattoo's are so cute, well done you. I have three myself, one is a matching symbol with my best friend, so I totally get the matching tattoo idea, it's great when there's meaning behind it.

Oh and I hope you got your key sorted relatively painlessly :)

Morning Tina! You have a whole show going on over here! LOL! This is like "As the World Turns". Sorry to hear about your sister's fall. Probably glad it wasn't much worse and sorry to hear about your Dad. What a frickin' week, huh?
Congrats on the tats! You are very brave souls. Have a great Sunday!

Trying desperately to catch up ... what a week you had! I hope the weekend is just a little more relaxing for you and you don't spend even one minute in the hospital or doctor's office. The tattoos are gorgeous — an excellent choice.

I'm another keeping up less well than normal Tina. Braver than I am I must say with the tattoo. I am one for keeping the lovebirds in my heart than on my arm! Looks pretty though.

Have a lovely Sunday.

Any news on the job? My fingers are crossed. The tats are lovely. I have several & yes, it never gets less painful. I hope your sis & your dad are ok. Geez, the week you've had.

Hi Tina,
I'll never have to suffer the pain of tattoos for the simple reason I could never make up my mind on what to have done. Too many choices!

Hope all the pain goes away quickly for your family and everyone recovers with a smile or two. Sheesh!

Good luck with the job!

Tina, I'm gob-smacked. I won't tell you how far behind I was, but I'm still laughing at the adoption of Haitian orphans.
I can't believe that y'all got tatts while you were under the sinus / new job maybe / sister's & father's injury stress. I guess you must be young! Or maybe this was the ideal time. Anyway, they are lovely and I hope you enjoy them in another week or so!

Look what happens, I am away from your thread for a tad of time and whammo, your father, mother, sister have various health problems...You and your beloved get tatoos, you have more interviews...oh, and something about a key and your car...(I'm smiling).

I truly hope these days are a lot calmer.

Hugs.

Love the tattoos! I am not brave enough to have even a small one done, let alone a big one!

I'm with you Stasia. My ears are pierced and that's about it. With all the surgeries I've had, I look at the scars on my neck from two neck fusion operations as my accomplishment.

Thankfully I do not look like Sally from the Nightmare Before Christmas. Well, at least I don't think I look like her.....

Wow- matching tattoos! Now you're really committed ;)

Well, they do say marriage is an institution... :)

Wow! Tina, you have been VERY busy! That's a lot to handle. And you survived the tattoo! So brave! I am hoping that this week is proving to be much more boring. In fact what you need is a slog of a week to recover. Do you at least have plans for a delightfully lazy and decadent weekend? Hugs to you, dear friend. Hang in there.

Love the matching tattoos! My husband and I have talked about it, but haven't gotten around to it so far. At this rate, maybe for our 5th anniversary. :)

200 (Ellen) Alas, I wish it were pain free! I'm still hurting after 4-ish days??? What WAS I thinking???

201 (Roni) OUCH is right. I would have to concur that if you don't like pain, you should remain tattoo free. Dad and sister are doing much better, thank you! Dad went in to have his cast redone because he couldn't use his three free fingers and the ortho said he didn't need a cast. He's apparently super-thrilled because he's now in a wrist brace instead.

202 (Charles) INDEED, the US health care system is screwy. They finally approved her CT for Monday and she JUST found out today that it was normal. A week after a major fall??? Thank God she is young and has a hard head, lol. We had the tattoos planned for quite some time, so we didn't want to cancel (rather Lisa didn't want to cancel; I wanted to cancel because I'm a girly chicken at heart). hahaha

203 (Kathy) Yes, m'am I was glad to see the end of last week for sure!!! You crack me up about commitment issues! I'll commit to a lot, but pain is something I try to avoid!

204 (Es) We've heard about yours, but seeing is believing!! Post some pictures here please ~~ let's see!! You and hubby should do the matching thing too. :)

205 (Heather) This week has been much more safe / sound here in Georgia! Thanks! Tattoos = pain. This one is WAY worse than the small one I got 15+ years ago.

206 (Adrienne) Thank you!! I'll get this html stuff eventually. I learn some things quickly, but I have to really practice with the computer stuff. I love that someone else has a matching tattoo story to share! I'll echo what I said to Es up there earlier, let us see pictures please!?! :)

207 (Mark) Yep, it's definitely been our own little soap opera here as of late. Thankfully this week has been relatively boring! I'm SO thrilled to see that you loved The Song of Achilles as much as I did! :) I think you could use another word to describe the large-ish tattoo idea other than brave. Several times this week the word "dumb" has come to my mind.... Mostly when I've hit the area and wanted to scream though. Don't tell Lisa LOL.

More on the way...

208 (Julia) Thank you for the wish of relaxation.... After last week, anything seemed calm! And just for the record, no additional hospital or doctor visits were needed. Yay! :)

209 (Paul) You cracked me up with the "keep the lovebirds in my heart".... So very true. :) It's done now and they are there for good!

210 (Dee) It never gets less painful??? Why do people get more than one then?? I guess, as in my case, I must have forgotten how badly it hurt. JOB -- They have checked all three of my references, so now I sit and try to wait patiently. And try not to worry. And pray; a lot. :)

211 (Cee) You think never, huh? It is quite the job to think of what you love enough to mark permanently on your body. Thanks for all your well wishes!

212 (Peggy) Gob-smacked is a GREAT word! I can't believe we did it now, either. Young? Not so much. Crazy in love...wanting to do it before we changed our minds?? Probably. :)

213 (Linda) I'm glad you are smiling! I do aim to please! :) No, really. When it was all happening, I just couldn't help but laugh. I really think God has a great sense of humor. Either that, or last week was some kind of major character test that I'm not sure I passed!

214 (Stasia) Thank you!! If you ever do go, be sure to have someone there to talk you through the whole thing. Lisa was like my own special OBGYN. She was holding my hand and doing the whole "breathe through the pain" coaching bit. I'm sure our artist laughed his butt off once we left. She'd leave my side and I'd start snapping my fingers (having her beside me really did help lessen the pain a bit). I just don't know how you mothers handle giving birth!

215 (Linda) You could always cover up the neck fusion scars with a colorful tattoo! :) I just covered up some uggggly veins or something with the birdies. You can't even tell they were there! **Just kidding. I wouldn't recommend neck tattoos with the pain I just experienced on an area with fewer nerves than the neck.

216 (Megan) You've got THAT right, my friend! They'll be NO leaving now!! If walking down that aisle wasn't commitment enough, these tattoos are a bond for life!

217 (Jim) Well, they do say marriage is an institution... :) And we are trying desperately to bring the FUN back to "dysFUNctional" in my house!! :)

218 (Mamie) See what you missed while Craig was on vacation??? You just can't leave me alone for any time before I make trouble!! I'm hoping this coming weekend will be relatively lazy. I think I'll go ahead and tell myself that (since I'm the one who tends to crack the whip on the weekends 'round here). :)

219 (Ursula) That would be a great anniversary gift to one another ~ If you're both still on board with the idea! Any clue what hubby would want?

I just finished book #41
The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There
A very enjoyable second adventure for September. I didn't love it quite as much as #1, but it was still a solid 4 star read!

I was toying around with a design of interlocking/overlapping Capricorn symbols, since our birthdays are 5 days (and a number of years) apart in January. Nothing as involved and colorful as yours!

Just dropping in (read catching up - bad me!). Sounds like you've had a nightmare lately - the old line, 'it never rains but it pours' is often scarily accurate :/

Hope all the family are feeling better (and that you and Lisa are healing up nicely!).

Also glad you liked the second Valente - my reaction was pretty much the same. I'm hoping she's going to do a third.

>222 TinaV95: Third book comes out this fall. :D

delurking to leave hugs and smooches for Mrs. Tina and Mrs. Lisa

Tina, did you read the Fairyland short story yet? It tells about some things that happened before the action in the first book. So glad you're enjoying Valente, though! Deathless is one of my current recommend-to-everyone books.

I'll come back a little later to respond to everyone's posts but just had CT and am now on the way with films to the ENT. This should be the appointment that tells us next step -be it balloon up the nose or sending me elsewhere for headaches....

Prayers, love, light, glitter, whatever ya got.... Send it on over!

I am sending some of each! Hugs to you, dear!

Happy thoughts winging their way to Georgia from Iowa ...

Still hurting after four days?
Hmmmm.... rethinking my middle-aged (who am I kidding??) impulse to get that tattoo I didn't get when I was young and lovely....

Ursula What is the Capricorn symbol you were going to use? I googled it and it looks like there are a couple to choose from... What a neat idea!

Bekka Never feel bad about catching up here. I stay behind, but do my best, so I certainly understand. Did you see Mickey's response about the third one??? Yay!!

Mickey Yay!! I will be on board with y'all for that one. Maybe we could do a group read? :)

Richard Smooches back from both of the Mrs.!!

Kathy I didn't even know there was a short story!! I'll go see if my library has it right now! So I requested Deathless... is that the short story that you meant? It only has a short description from the library, but it didn't sound like Fairyland.

Mamie & Julia Thanks for the warm thoughts and prayers!

Finished Book 42 A Monster Calls



I requested this from my local library based on some really stellar reviews from folks in this group. I wish I could remember each of you who influenced me to read this now, but I can't.

I knew the story line before even beginning and told myself as I started that there was no way I would cry. I *knew* the ending, but that didn't stop me from leaving my teary DNA in the pages of this beautifully told tale.

A hearty 5 stars... So much more than a kids' book, this gives "teeth" to the way we grieve and cope with anticipatory loss. Highly, highly recommended. Go in knowing you will sob. Like a baby. Carefully consider the timing of your reading if you have recently lost a loved one. I believe this will help folks through the coping process, but you should be prepared from the beginning.

^ Oh good, another soul touched by that wonderful book.

Ellen I wouldn't call it "hurting" as of today. I'd call it itchy and annoying if I bump or graze it. Yesterday driving was tough (the seat belt buckle hits right in the middle of it).

Doctor News
The good news is that my brain showed up on the CT!! Yay! I've been convinced I had one and now I've seen it! :)

The CT shows that my sinuses are totally clear now. There is no more inflammation or blockage, but I'm still having headaches requiring meds 2-3 days per week. He does notice that I have extremely small frontal sinuses (i.e. "odd anatomy") and thinks there may still be a sinus component, but he thinks that he has ruled out that sinuses are the main cause. He feels that I'm having neurological / vascular headaches. Even though the pain is where my sinuses are, he says it could be a facial migraine (I've never even heard of that!!) or a cluster headache, etc. He says he's not allowed to diagnose the type. Anyhoo, point of the story is that he's referring me on to a neurologist.

So -- the excellent news is no balloon up the nose. Yay!!

Not-so-excellent news is that I am still having chronic headaches and now we're back to square one and will be starting over with another MD.

Tina

As one who suffers from nasty migraines, I can recommend that your follow the suggestion to see a neurologist. My nerologist is an angel. She's worked with me for 20 years and has help tremendously.

I hope you have relief soon.

On another topic, I'm glad you liked A Monster Calls. It was one of my top reads in 2012. I loved the creativity.

I've added two of the three fairyland books. One already is on the tbr pile.

Take care of yourself. By the way, if you are a coffee drinker, I can tell you that a strong cup of coffee helps a migraine. I have a prescription for fiorocet, which has the primary ingredient of caffeine.

It is a magic bullet for me.

Hi Tina, sorry to hear that you haven't had an answer to your headaches yet. A Monster Calls is one that I really must get around to.

Hahaha Tina - Glad to find you found your brain on the scan!

Have a lovely weekend.

Glad you have a brain, glad you have no balloon up the nose, but sorry the headaches are continuing. Hope the neurologist can help.

When will you hear about the job?

Migraines. Bad.

Books, marriage, and tattoos. All good.

P and I realized that since we plan to get married on August 10, we might need to get down to the courthouse for our license! Who knew we'd be thinking about such things?

Supreme Court should issue decision on DOMA in the coming week..... twilight zone, it feels like.

>233 TinaV95: I loved this book too. And was so touched when I got given it as a gift by my sister after I had raved about it to her.

Tina - so sorry to hear about your headaches, but glad you are making progress in figuring out the cause. I went down a similar path a few years ago. I was sure the problem was sinus infections, and some of it was, but like you, I was told that migraines can feel like sinus infections. I went to a neurologist who prescribed two meds - Propranolol and Nortriptyline (sp?) - which have done wonders. I hope you find some relief too! Message me if knowing more about my experiences could be helpful.

234 Ellen I totally missed that post before! I certainly was touched! Very grateful to have read it! Y'all never steer me wrong!

Linda I'm sorry to hear you are a fellow sufferer, but glad to know that I may be on the right track. I do know how wonderful caffeine / coffee is. Here's my problem: I'm known as what one researcher calls a "highly sensitive person". Among other things, I am extremely sensitive to caffeine. I can't drink any caffeine past noon or I don't sleep AT ALL. :( I used to rely heavily on Goody powders until I figured out the caffeine was the culprit in many a restless night. I do believe your review was one of the ones that heavily influenced me to read A Monster Calls, so thank you for that!

Rhian Thanks for the sympathy! I need it! :) You really must get to AMC when you are ready for an emotional evening!

Paul It was good to have the existence of a brain confirmed! There's been some doubts ~ LOL ;)

Roni Thanks for your encouragement! They are supposed to make a decision "by July." I surely wish it was sooner, rather than later, but I am trying hard to be patient.

Ellen I can't believe we are only about a month and a half away from your BIG day!! August will be here before we know it! Yay for going to the courthouse!! We can only hope the Supreme Court rules wisely. I am very hopeful! But, I'm trying not to hold my breath, cause you know what they say about doing that, right?? You often TURN BLUE while you're waiting! :P

Megan Did you actually manage to get your sister to read it? No matter how much I rave, I'm never successful in getting folks in my 'real' life to read books I love.

Amy I would definitely appreciate any further guidance you can give! Sent you a PM. Thanks so much for offering to share your personal journey!

232: Deathless is a stand-alone novel by Valente. The short story is called... The Girl who Ruled Fairyland-- For a Little While, and is available as an ebook, but you can also read it on Tor for free. :)

But ooooh, I'm so sorry to hear your headaches are coming so often! That SUCKS!! What meds are you taking? Too bad he couldn't find something wrong (not that you want something wrong, but if you find something, you can treat it, KWIM?) ((gentle non-hurty hugs)) I hope the neurologist can help you get some relief.

Hi Tina,
So sorry you are struggling with bad headaches. Hope things calm down in your life and you can leave some of the stress behind. (btw, I knew you had a brain! lol ) Good luck with the new job decision coming soon.

Looks like I will have to request A Monster Calls from my library ;-)

Popping in to say a quick hello. Mom is still in the hospital but she is getting better. :)

Hi Tina, I'm officially caught up and hope to stay that way. I'm sorry you're still dealing with headaches/sinus problems and hope that gets figured out soon. I suffered from headaches for a long time so I know how hard they can be to deal with on a daily basis.

Good luck with the job situation and I'm happy you found the perfect bed. It can make all the difference in the world.

Wow Tina, You've been busy - I hope things calm down for you soon!

I've get facial migraines - they feel like the worst sinus headache ever. In fact, the last few weeks, I've been starting many headachey days with 2 Sudafed, 4 Advil, and a Zomig chaser when the first two don't work... I'm blaming it all on spring allergies and smokey air, complicated by job stress. The auras are an unexpected bonus to my midday/evening migraines.

Best wishes on the job front!

Tina, a brain! Really! Did they say whose? How long did you borrow it for? Remember (ha) to return it unharmed.

Migraines bad, caffeine sensitivity horrendous, general boo and hiss on these complications to what should be a serene swan-like swimming on the millpond of luxury for the Mrses.

Hi Tina- Just checking in on the old married couple! Hope all is well in your little world. And I hope you have a lovely weekend in store.

Stopping in to wish you a weekend full of fabulous!

Tina, a brain! Really! Did they say whose?

Abby Normal.

At least it wasn't Frau Blucher! :)

Nice colorful tattoos, Tina. I have a couple that I got a few years ago - classic black color. They didn't hurt much, but I have this perverse enjoyment of such things. My favorite part of the dentist is the injection part. I'd like to get more, but I really don't want to end up as the tattoed lady at the carnival.

Hope you have a good weekend!

Hey my wonderful friends! I will respond individually to each of you later this weekend. Just wanted to pop on and share my not-good news.

I've been absent this week because I've been stressing over the job. They had checked all of my references (which each person had reported back to me) and they had said they would have a decision "by July." Earlier this week, the president sent me an email thanking me for the "thank you" note I sent her and saying she wouldn't make a decision until she came back from vacation in mid July. I was disappointed, but figured at least it wasn't a "no."

Well.... yesterday as I was driving in stop and go Atlanta rush hour traffic I checked my email (I know, preaching at me will commence starting NOW). I got the "dear John" email that said they picked someone else, but that I was a top contender, blah blah blah.

I spent quite lot of last night crying on Lisa's shoulder. However... I have been praying for the RIGHT job to come along, not just anything. I really am passionate about helping others, but I'd like to be where You Know Who wants me to be. I find life is much easier that way. :)

We are a couple of depressed folks, but happy for other reasons.
1. I still have a job.
2. I still love what I do, once I get to the building that may be hours & hours away.
3. My job (bosses, my social workers, and activity directors) still loves me. Even though I confessed to my bosses last week that I am looking for something else because the travel is increasingly tough on me.
4. My wife is being extremely supportive even though she is desperate for me to have another job where I'm actually at home each night.
5. OH, and the Supreme Court struck down a portion of DOMA. **I may be 80 by the time it's legal in Georgia, but we're going to celebrate small steps anyhoo.

So, we're going to have a date night tonight and go see a movie! We never go to the movies, so this is going to be a huge treat for me!

I also have two books to add, but since I'm breaking from work I'll have to wait until later to post about them.

Big love honey - it just means that the right job is still out there. Hubby and I are having the same issue - he needs out of his current role but the last one which would have been perfect got shot down at the last minute. Grrrr.

You and Lisa enjoy being newly weds and keep the faith (whichever/whatever it may be) - good things will happen. X

I'm glad you can still find things for which to be grateful, even though you didn't get the job.

What a positive attitude you have, Tina! I would still be in the foot stomping stage. I hope that you find exactly the right job for you soon.

And cheers for the Supreme Court! I have been enjoying The Daily Show's commentary on the decision this week. It is a shame that it has taken this long to get this far, but you are right that we must celebrate the small steps.

Hope you enjoy your date night!

"...it just means that the right job is still out there..."

I agree with Bekka. Keep the faith... keep looking ;-)

hugs!

Hope your date night was great, Tina!

Working backwards...

Diana It was great, Diana! Thank you! We saw "The Heat" with Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy. It was heeeeeeeesterical!

Cee Thanks, Cee! I will do both things -- keep the faith AND keep looking! **Previous message: Go into A Monster Calls knowing you will need some massive amounts of Kleenex if you're anything like me!

Amy I'm less of a foot-stomper and more of a crier LOL. I'm trying to keep positive, but the first afternoon / evening was pretty devastating and tear-filled around here. And thank you -- we did enjoy the date night.

Es I figure that if I don't try to keep positive, the negative voices in my head will win. SOOOOOO... I have to fight them really hard by constant reminders that there are many, many good things in my life.

(((Bekka))) Thank you so much! I hope things work out for your hubby too. You're right about the right job being out there. It's just hard to be patient while you're waiting. I will definitely be saying "keep the faith" as one of my mantras!

FourPawz LOL at ending up like the tattooed lady! I always joked that when I'm older, my butterfly is going to look like a dragonfly! :) About the pain... I wonder if I'm just ultra sensitive or if it really depends on where you place them or the tattoo artist?

Jim I had to look up your references, as I've never seen "Young Frankenstein". I must rectify this!

Mamie & Mark Thank you both for the lovely weekend wishes. Here's hoping you each have a wonderful weekend!

Richard They never told me whose it was!! LOLOLOLOL

Joanne I'm so sorry you have facial migraines! Boo. I'm really starting to lean toward believing that's what these things are. The are terrible. I don't have auras, and I can't imagine living with those. :(

Bonnie All caught up?? That's wishful thinking for me and LT these days. I'm glad you've conquered your headaches... that gives me some hope!

Roberta How's mom now? I'm going to respond to your PM after this!

Kathy I got Deathless from the library today, so it will be up soon! I have another ER book that I'm halfway through, then I'll pick between the Valente and Soulless -- they both came in this week! Decisions, decisions.

Do not pass go, do not collect $200 until you see Young Frankenstein! Best. Brooks. Ever. :)

I'm dying to see The Heat, so glad you thought it was good.

Sorry to hear about the job, but as for the current staff still loving you, why wouldn't they? I'm sure they understand about the distance thing and are just happy to have you for as long as they can keep you.

Keep smiling and finding good things in every day.

Tina - Travelling to work too far can be stressful. I bought a construction company recently (it is not as glamorous as it sounds) and inherited a few new staff. I relocated the company offices to the same building as my existing consulting business and this meant that the administration lady had quite a trip in the mornings. She tendered her resignation and it took all my inconsiderable charm to persuade her to stay and give the job more of a chance.
Have a lovely weekend nonetheless. xx

Jim I will!

Adrienne It was so funny! Just know about the language going in... it's pretty raunchy! Thanks for the support for the job.

Paul You must be quite the sweet talker to get her to stay on with you!! It does sound pretty glamorous owning your own company, sir! Congratulations on your new venture!