Tuesday, August 31, 2010

big time

Big time in store for me today. Yep, it is procurement day. I am headed to the grocery stores to refill the pantry.  The menu is planned for the month, the list is made and I think I'm sort of, kind of ready.

Still reading "The Gargoyle."  Yesterday I ventured into the library after I dropped the boy off at Scouts. Of course I came home with six books to read....three by an author who is new to me. Whooopeee:)  Exciting to find an urban fantasy novelist I've not read before.  I also picked up a Karen Harper I'd missed reading and two Patricia Briggs books I'd not read before.  Score. Still no sign of  "Mockingjay" at the library. Drats.

Not sure if I will have myself plopped on a bleacher tonight or not.  The whole JV soccer experience has been a real mess this year and the oldest might have to be in the goal tonight for the other JV squad as their keeper is still injured. But, of course, no one has said anything to her yet about having to play. We are just guessing that she might.  Some organization and communication would be so nice and refreshing. 

Off to conquer the aisles, freezer cases and produce bins.

Monday, August 30, 2010

read, walk away, read some more

I've been reading David Anderson's "The Gargoyle" since Friday. I'm still reading it. No, this book isn't a door stopper ala "The Passage."  It is simply one of those books you read slowly because you need to put it down and walk away from it every other chapter.  Intense. Horrific. Beautiful. Raw. Stunning. Captivating. Honest.

I've learned more about burn victims than I probably ever wanted to know. Note to self...don't read some parts while eating anything.  But, I'm also simply enjoying the writing. Beautiful writing. At my current pace, I should finish the book tomorrow.

Up for today, a bit of housecleaning, a few errands, lunch out with a neighbor and hoping it rains for the girlies sake as they could use an afternoon off from soccer.

Friday, August 27, 2010

fresh air

When I opened the front door to let the dog out so he could fetch the morning paper, I was pleasantly surprised to realize that the humidity had dropped and the air was cool. What welcome relief after the sticky and hot air we've dealt with over the past several weeks.

I found one of the books I had my eye on in our book store stocking closet. I've borrowed it to read and will return it next week. I found the other title in the library.

The library book, "The Late, Lamented Molly Marx" by Sally Koslow, was an easy and enjoyable read.  Molly Marx has died and left behind her beloved 4 year old daughter, a philandering husband and an assortment of family and friends.  As Molly exists now in the "Duration" she watches as they grieve and she revisits pivotal moments in her life, moments when her relationships, and how she dealt with people, steered her short and very human existence.  I enjoyed this novel. Koslow writes about flawed, lovable, normal people in an endearing yet realistic way. Nice.

Today, after the dog and I enjoy a stroll through the neighborhood, something we haven't done in way too long, I will begin reading "The Gargoyle."  Up next week is another attempt to get into "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." I heard from another avid reader who encouraged me to stick with the novel, it gets better.

Okay. Will do.  Enjoy Friday and the weekend!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

a regular thursday

Looks like I might have a normal Thursday this week. I plan on going to the Library and helping stock the store as I normally like to do on this day of the week. I've been absent for three weeks due to a variety of issues, the main one feeling ill for the past two Thursdays. I look forward to being back in the stocking closet and putting books on the store shelves.

I finished the final Percy Jackson book we had here at home.  We only own books 1-4 in the series as number 5 hadn't come out in paperback when the first four were gifted to us. I may search out number 5 at the library along with two other titles I've been thinking about reading.  I tried a page or two of the Larsson book again and my head just isn't into that type of story at the moment.

A quick stop at the store to get a few essentials and then I'm bound for home, hopefully with books in hand and a smile on my face.

Because tonight the older two darlings get recognized for their academic achievements from the past school year....and I need to be in good cheering and clapping form for that special event.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

attention span

I still haven't returned to reading the Steig Larsson book and have been enjoying the Percy Jackson children's series instead. Sometimes lighter is better and for right now, I'm happy to have these books to enjoy.

Last night was the back to school event at the high school. I skipped it.  First time ever I have not attended any back to school events. I was too tired. Hubby didn't get home until late.  Guess I will find out what I need to know second hand.

My attention span this morning resembles that of a gnat's....so no point in continuing this blog post.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

pins and needles

The first official soccer game of the season ended in a tie. Tough game and my goalie girl must have had at least 20 saves. My forward girl had one incredible left footed shot on goal that required some stellar goal keeping by the other team to deflect.  So, so close!! 

I'd forgotten how exhausting it is to have both of them on the field at the same time for almost the entire game. Pins and needles for 80 minutes.

But, the first game is over, they can shake the nerves off and get ready for next week. Still not sure how that will work as both JV squads play on the same day, miles apart and we are short players. Ummmmm, coach, have you worked that one through yet???

I read a few pages in the third Percy Jackson book, watched a few shows via OnDemand and Netflix, cooked dinner, ran errands and tried to rest.  My energy level just isn't popping back as quickly as I'd like it to, but I do feel much better than I have in weeks. So, that is something to cheer about.

I might try and tackle the Girl book today....after I wrangle with the vacuum and dust cloth.  I lead such a glam life!!

Monday, August 23, 2010

postponed

I didn't begin reading the Girl book, but instead finished reading the second Percy Jackson story and then started the third. Just wasn't in the mood for any reading that required me to pay close attention to details.  I finally finished the last of my antibiotics on Saturday. Yesterday I could almost feel that nastiness leaving my body as each hour passed. Finally about bedtime I felt almost normal again and this morning I feel pretty good.

Note to self, don't ever take Biaxin again.

So, I hope I am cured of this bacterial infection and can now resume normal life.  I have a few errands to run today and the girls have their first official game this afternoon. As the school they are playing is in the city, I will be driving them over there.  Hubby hopes to get to the game, coming straight from the office.

Let's hope that the week is a healthy and happy one for all of us. We are so overdue.

Friday, August 20, 2010

the girl with....

Yep, I caved yesterday while I was in Target buying all sorts of junk and bought the paperback of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo."  I skimmed a few pages yesterday, but wasn't in the mood to read, so perhaps today I can actually get into the story.

I'm sort of eager to see what the fuss is all about.  I was tempted to order up the Swedish film version of the book, and will most likely do so and watch it before any US version arrives in theaters.  I don't mind subtitles and it might be neat to see the homegrown take on the novel.

Before I settled on buying this book, I scanned the shelves to see what else was out there. Target seems to have lessened the amount of titles they are stocking at the moment. I'm not sure if it is because our local store is being remodeled or if this is a new approach.  The shelves were not stuffed, and most books only had two to three copies.  The YA section was interesting to see as it looks like someone lost control of a paint sprayer filled with black paint.  Seriously, almost every YA title they had stocked featured a black cover. If I was publishing a YA book, I'd think the best thing to do was to put some vibrant color on that black and make it visually pop.  Or step totally out of the current trend and do an all vibrant cover! Whoa.

I was happy to see copies of Michelle Moran's books on the shelves.  I also found copies of two books I've been wanting to read for a while and have not been able to find at the library. Looks like I will try again and see if I can at least put them on hold.

Yes, it is Friday and the weekend is upon us.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Death at Devil's Bridge

Last night I finished the third Victorian Mystery by Robin Paige.  These are very nice reads...good characters and interesting plot grounded on some sort of 'new' technology.  This story contained hot air ballooning and the motor car as well as fingerprinting and the use of microscopes to examine evidence.  I never knew that early motor cars used a variety of engines: steam, electric and gas.  I enjoyed not only the 'whodunit' part of the story, but also learned a lot about cars!  Paige included Charlie Rolls and Mr. Royce as characters.  Neat.

I think I'm ready for a change of pace in what I'm reading and if I make it out to the library today, will search for something will a little more action and zing.

Still making progress on feeling better. I slept longer last night than I had the previous two thanks to taking some Benedryl. 

Can't believe it is Thursday. This week has flown by for me even though I've been rather sedentary. 

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

better yet

Even though I woke up again at 4:00 this morning, I feel better than I have in days. Yeah for breathing!!  Amazing how nice it feels to take a good deep breath and not have the sensation of a 100 pound weight on your chest.  I'm still going to take it easy, maybe do some light housework today, as I need to make sure I'm really healed before I tackle anything major.

I didn't do any reading yesterday. The cozy mystery I need to finish just isn't appealing to me right now.  I did watch some more brainless TV after I completed my morning errands. Amazing how quickly you can accomplish errands between 7:30-8:30 in the morning.  The stores were empty. It was wonderful. I was in and out of Target and Schnucks in record time. Fantastic.

I do have some things I need to do for the Friends in the next few days. All the publicity for the fall book sale needs to go out.  I need to check on how our membership list is going as we have a new person working on compiling it.  The September agenda needs to be set.  The website is going to undergo a major overhaul and be pared down to a very basic presence, so I need to do some serious thinking about what to keep and what to ditch.

Lots of things to do and getting started tomorrow is soon enough.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

whoa

I'm taking my medicine like a good little girl when lo and behold I have a reaction to one of the pills. Whoa. Cue the hives....all over my shins. Yikes. I start drinking glass after glass of water and take a benedryl. Within an hour the hives are gone, thank goodness as that itching was straight from the depths of hell itself.  I make a call to the doctor, the nurse calls back with instructions to discontinue taking that pill, stay on the antibiotic and flush my system with as much water as I can drink. Okay, I can do that.

Well, within five hours I was feeling better than I have in days.  This morning I feel even better. The chest tightness I've been having is almost gone....hmmmm, the cure was making me sick. Lovely.

I now know I have an allergy to guifenisen, the ingredient in Mucinex.  Not only do I get a rash, but I think it also was causing some swelling in my throat/bronchial tubes.  Live and Learn.  I've never had a reaction to medication before. I would imagine that I still have some of the chemicals in my body, but am guessing with lots of water today, I will be clean of them by tomorrow. 

I did manage, once I started to feel somewhat better yesterday, to make it to Aldi and get a few groceries. The kids will keep me around for a while I guess. They were threatening mutiny if I didn't get some food in the house.  Today I need to hit Target for printer cartridges and Schnucks for the things I don't buy at Aldi, like meat.

Then it will be home to rest.....and read....and watch more brainless TV. 

Monday, August 16, 2010

trying

Feeling sick is trying my patience, but I need to try and have a somewhat normal day today. Meaning, I need to get to the grocery store and buy food for the pantry.  I managed to get the laundry caught up yesterday and the kids along with hubby cleaned for me Saturday.

So, all in all, the household stuff is in decent shape, but I do need to restock.

We knocked out our high school soccer volunteer commitments over the weekend. Five shifts covered and done. Yeah!  I helped on two, hubby picked up the rest.  Not too hard to sit and take gate money....and we even had a breeze yesterday to keep the air temp tolerable.  We also covered a shift for a friend and she is going to cover a volunteer shift we have to complete on Thursday for the club season.  Worked out great!

Lots of resting, fluids, TV all weekend long while I was home.  I do feel better this morning, but this has been slow going. Usually with those mega antibiotics, I'm up and ready to go within 24 hours. Not this time. Ugh.

So, I have my 'job' to do today and a book to finish reading. I think I'm all caught up watching every possible TV show I'm even remotely interested in, so I may have to resort to watching movies streamed via Netflix to keep myself entertained if I continue to feel lethargic.

Nothing else to report from this front....off to drink more coffee, get ready for the kids to start waking and moving towards school, and hubby to head off to work.  Yep, it is Monday.

Friday, August 13, 2010

better late than never

The doctor visit yesterday confirmed what I suspected: bad case of bacterial bronchitis. Lovely.  The medicine is working its magic, but not without side effects. Lovely.

So, I'm at home yet again today and reading a book, watching TV and playing games on the internet.

Hope to be my old self come Monday and able to get out and do what needs doing.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

The People Of.... book series

I've been reading the early American historical fiction series from the husband and wife writing duo Kathleen O'Neal Gear and Michael Gear since their first novel was published way back when.  I enjoy the ancient history, the spirituality they infuse into their plots and the character development that drives the whole thing.  Their latest title focuses on the origins of the League of Iroqois, the five Indian nations who joined together in what could only be described as a democracy. "People of the Longhouse" is shorter than most of their other titles, but it packs a wallop.  However, if child endangerment stories bother you, don't read this story.

In other news.....I'm off to the doctor today for is nagging cough I have. I fear that the youngest has given me an infection of some sort and it has taken up residence in my lungs.  Lovely.  I'm hoping a course of antibiotics does the trick and I'm back to my energetic self by the weekend.

Still hotter than hot here. I'm ready for fall.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

settling into a new routine

I am now child free one hour earlier than I've ever been with the youngest kid heading off to middle school. My free time yesterday flew by as it was filled with a variety of errands and household chores.  Not sure what today will bring once they all head out the door, but I did manage to start a new book last night and may just spend the day reading.

But first, I'm off to pour myself a cup of coffee and see if the paper has been delivered.  I wonder what sort of sauna we have going on outside today?  The girls didn't have soccer last night due to the heat index and I don't believe today is supposed to be any cooler.  I guess their weekend preseason friendlies may be called off due to the extreme heat.  And that, would be just fine with me.....wasn't looking forward to sitting on metal bleachers and roasting in the sun.

Happy 'hump' day.....how did Wednesday arrive already?

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

family

My uncle just left this morning on his return trip home after visiting family and friends east of the mighty Mississippi.  He makes this drive, from Portales, New Mexico, at least once a year.  I never really knew him that well growing up, but the advent of the internet enabled us to establish a relationship. We began emailing each other in the early 90's and have enjoyed corresponding and visiting ever since.  My youngest, who shares a name with his great uncle, enjoys visiting and talking to him.  They share a love for science and it is neat to watch them chat.  As my uncle does not have any grandchildren, my three have become his surrogate grandkids and he will often bring them books or other small trinkets when he visits. I send him photos of them, school or sport pictures usually, and he has remarked how much he enjoys receiving them.

And all of this was made possible by the internet.  Many times I wonder at how the internet and other communication technologies might be harming our ability to interact in more personal and meaningful ways.  This is one case where technology helped to foster a relationship that otherwise might have remained superficial.

So, for today, hurray for email!  It gave my kids a relationship with an extra older family member who loves them, listens to them and accepts them just as they are.

Monday, August 9, 2010

first day of the new school year

I feel like I have a huge Pandora's box sitting on my kitchen table.  The new school year starts today.  My youngest will take a bus, for the very first time, to a school that is not walking distance from our home. My older two will get into their own vehicle and drive themselves to the high school, another first.  My elementary school days are now truly behind me and will reside only in my memories. And the high school years for the oldest are half over. College visits loom on our horizon.

So, once they leave the house today, the box will be opened and all the good and bad of these next 10 months will be able to see the light of day.  They have all sorts of things to learn in school. Some are academic, but many are not. Many are simply life lessons, some pleasant, some painful, some neither. Some experiences are just an exposure to the many possibilities that come from making decisions and choices.

They aren't the only ones who learn. I learn with every school year what is truly important and what should be overlooked.  I learn how fast the time goes by when you are busy and how important it is to make some moments last as long as possible.  I'm reminded of what it is like to grow up and how fun it can be and how much it can hurt.

The first day of the new school year has arrived. My girls are awake and moving. Lunches are made. The sun has yet to peek over the horizon and time moves on.

Friday, August 6, 2010

friday

I didn't sleep well enough last night to compose any type of interesting blog post today. Not sure what my problem is, but I kept waking up which meant I needed to rearrange the pillow, the blanket, myself etc. Ugh.  Well, the middle kid and I are off to shop today. Hope to beat the 'tax free weekend' crowds by getting out early. For this event, she will set her alarm and be up at 8!! Funny how that works.

Off to read the morning paper and get the primary election results for our state and county.

Happy Friday. Good bye Summer Vacation.......see you next year!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

the last hurrah

Our Friends meeting went well yesterday. I managed to speak about Anne and not tear up. I knew if I started down that path, it wouldn't be good:)  So, I explained what the flowers were for, I set a trio of yellow roses in her favorite spot, we had a moment of silence to honor her memory and then got down to business.  Smooth meeting, no problems, no issues.  And we were adjourned by 1:45.  Nice.

I did pick up three books while I was at the library. I borrowed the next two books in the Victorian Mystery series and also checked out the latest from the husband and wife duo of the Gears about early Americans.  Yea!! 

I also met the latest YA library associate. The gal who replaced me quit earlier in the summer.  I put a lot of emphasis on first impressions. I usually get a gut reaction to people and my internal radar isn't wrong very often.  I'll be shocked if this woman lasts two months.  The librarian who introduced us told her I'd been the first YA person after the library split from the city system. She thought I was her immediate predecessor. I explained that I was the person before that and  I was the one who started the Teen Board.  She looked totally perplexed about that and asked if that 'worked'.....hmmmmm. Let me think, "YES"!  Not only does it work, but it is needed.  Of course we always had our best applicants for the TAB during the summer and they have done zero about asking for applications to serve over the past two months. So, all of the hard work I put in and the other YA gal put in is going to be lost. Not happy. I need to think on how to proceed, but I may be plopping myself down in the director's office and discussing that situation. Who knows, it may be today! The more I think about it, the more angry I get. Never a good sign with me.

Last night was a bit rough.  The youngest had headaches and nausea; not sure if it is a 'bug' or if it is the sinuses draining or what. But, he got sick and was feeling quite nasty for about 2 hours.  He took a short nap and felt better. Whew. Hope that is past and he can continue to mend.  I'd like to be able to take him out on Saturday for a last 'hurrah' of summer. Hope he feels better by then.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

randomness abounds

I'm almost finished with the other Aurora Teagarden mystery I checked out from the library last week. So, that means, I need to get some more books when I am there for the meeting today.

Watched the first three episodes of 'Pillars of the Earth" via our Netflix stream on the Wii. Have I mentioned how much I love this service?!  Awesome.  Pretty good miniseries, different from the novel in several ways, from what I can recall, but some good actors. Got to love Ian McShane:) 

A bit of grocery shopping this morning, then my meeting then home. I need to figure out what to cook for supper. It is hard to cook food when the temps are so darn hot the weather is cooking you.

Tomorrow is off to Costco day with my oldest. Time to buy the school lunch convenience foods I like to keep stocked in the pantry.

Friday is off to the mall with the middle kid. She is in search of some new jeans....and she actually saved her money to purchase them. Gotta love that!

Then a quiet weekend before the troops head off into the new school year.  They girlies picked up their schedules yesterday after providing proof that we live where we say we live. Yikes.  No problems on their schedules, but it seems that several of their friends have issues due to this insane hybrid block schedule the school has adopted.  I think school administrators come up with the nuttiest ideas about instructional time in order to provide job security for themselves.

Off to pour that second cuppa......enjoy your Wednesday.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

too damn early

I woke up way too early today and know already that a catnap this afternoon will be a must.  The appointment with the allergist went okay. Arrived at 8 and finally walked out of the office at 11. Oh yeah. Final verdict is a sinus infection, caused by allergies, three weeks of major antibiotics followed up by a recheck in 6 weeks for a second CT scan to make sure the sinus cavities are clean and then we begin the allergy shot scenario.  In the meantime we get to gut his room, empty it out, rip out carpet, lay hardwood etc, etc, etc.....Hubby and I know the drill as we dealt with the same garbage as children.  Oh Joy.

In between nurses popping in and out of our exam room, I did manage to read a few pages of "Last Scene Dead" by Charlaine Harris.  Gosh can this woman create characters.  Some writers are all about the twisty plots, and she does a fine job there too, but her writing is character driven. Love it.

The allergy boy is reading "The Hobbit" and I read a few pages aloud to him yesterday to help pass the time and keep his mind occupied while they administered tests and medicines.  He is enjoying the story so far.

Hotter than Hades. Good thing I have more work than I can handle inside the house.

Monday, August 2, 2010

winding down and gearing up

Summer winds to a conclusion this week as we gear up for the new school year to begin a week from today. This wasn't the best summer we've ever had, but our week in Florida was a high point.  It was so nice to be able to take the kids to the beach and enjoy some time there on the gulf. 

Today I head off to the allergist with the youngest and hope that they can get his breathing situation resolved. We still have some back to school shopping to complete, but most of it is finished. We are going to wait for the tax free weekend to make those last few purchases.

I finished two books last week.  I had reserved the PC and Kristin Cast book "Burned" through our library. I read that and now the oldest has it and will most likely finish it in a few days.  It was so-so.  Some of the dialog was stilted. I didn't care for all the character hopping, but I don't think the author had a choice with the way the plot was developed.  I also read the second Robin Paige Victorian Mystery. Now, that story was actually better than the first book in the series.  I enjoyed the addition of Beatrix Potter to the mix. Very clever.

Not sure how much reading I will do this week even though I have to Aurora Teagarden mysteries from Charlaine Harris to read.  Maybe.

We have our first Friends meeting without Anne on Wednesday. I have to finalize the agenda and get ready for that.

I think that is it.  It will be a busy week and the weatherman has assured us it will be scorching hot. If we make it out to the pool, it will have to be early in the day. Too hot to swim. Now, that is hot.