Heeeeeere's Mothie!

Wednesday night, we had a visitor at our house. It was a moth. But not just any moth, we are talking an alien moth! Actually, we looked it up and it's a Luna moth. Whatever it's called, this sucker was HUGE.

Here are the pictures:

Hi, my name is Mothie. I think this is a good spot to stay.


No, I don't need a quarter, thank you very much.


Why does this lady have a wreath with a Voodoo doll in it? I don't think I want to know. Maybe she should invest in some Windex instead.


Ooo, now strange blonde lady is getting brave and coming outside to look at me.


Maybe I should fly into her hair and freak her out. Or maybe not... She looks pretty soft. Psssst. Hey you in there. Do you have any clothes I can chew on? How about a small puppy?


Let me tell you...if that thing would've taken flight while I was outside, my screams would've been heard miles and miles away.

For those in the US who are going out of town, Happy Labor Day!

Random Thursday

more animals

Today I'm just blogging about some random things on my mind. Yes, sometimes I do think. And it's just me talking. I'm not interviewing my couch or anything. ;)

First off, I'm asking for a few thoughts and prayers for my family today. My husband's grandmother passed away yesterday, and although we were expecting it, it's still hard on all of us. She was a great woman and will be missed.

Now, onto the other things on my mind.

What I've bought recently:

The Conway Twitty Box set! Yeah, baby! Give me more Twitty! It even has Hello Darlin' in Russian! I'm going to have to take some stuff off my iPod to fit it all, but soooo worth it!

Silver Spoons, first season. I know what you're saying... That's AWESOME. And I will have to say in return, I KNOW!!! I haven't seen this show in forever and I'm really looking forward to seeing little Ricky Schroder again!

What I've been watching lately:

From G's to Gents. My husband has a tendency to watch reality shows on MTV (last time we watched every episode of Rob & Big), and the other day he caught a marathon of this show. It's so bad in such a good way. Basically they makeover these "G's" (I had to ask my husband what "G" meant. He said gangsta. I had no clue! I'm old!) into gentlemen. Yes, pretty obvious, but it is kind of a Mrs. Manners show, but for men. Here is the blurb:

From executive producer Jamie Foxx, From G's to Gents schools diamonds in the rough on how to lose the front, learn self-respect, realize their self-worth and market themselves accordingly. The wannabe gentlemen learn everything from style and grace to etiquette and chivalry. The G's discover that with the right tools, they can become true gents.

They even had a male stripper! Of course that's not the reason I watch it. ;) I think the best thing about it is the dude's names. They have names like Creeper, Shotta, E6 and my favorite J-Boogie.

What scared the crap out of me this morning:

I was sitting on the couch and my laptop was next to me as always. I was checking on my little virtual villagers when suddenly a mouse jumped out from behind my laptop and leaped onto the end table. WTF!! I am proud to say that I didn't scream. I just ran upstairs and told my husband. About five minutes later, I walked back downstairs, but I was still creeped out. I sat back down and it happened AGAIN. The mouse jumped from behind my laptop to the table and then to the floor. This time my husband came downstairs and moved the couch to make sure it was really gone. I knew we had a mouse, but as long as it didn't bother me, I wasn't too concerned. Now that f-cker has got to go!!!

What I'm looking forward to:
All the DVD's coming out in September!! I'm going to be at Target every Tuesday for the next three weeks...at least. lol Starting next week with The Office Season 2! Whoo-hooo!

Well, that's it for today. Now back to Saved by the Bell-er, I mean, time to get ready for work.

She's Been a Very Bad Girl! My Interview with Paige Tyler!

Today's interview is with the very nice, but very naughty, author, Paige Tyler. Her books will make your cheeks turn red! And I'm not talking about the one's on your face! Ha! (Where's my rim tap?)

Anyway, without further ado, here's my interview with Paige Tyler, the unspanked-uh, uncut version:

On a scale of 1-10, how awesome am I? No excuses about how you don’t know me…

LOL! Well, I've heard you're pretty awesome!

I see your newest book, Animal Attraction, is about werewolves. Can I have one for Melly’s Spot? It will be a nice addition to my collection. As long as it doesn’t eat my shape-shifting hamster.

LOL! Sure! The hunky hero has been known to bite, or at least that's what the heorine tells me, but that's only during more intimate moments, so I'm pretty sure he won't eat your shape-shifting hamster!

I see you live in Florida. My Grandma lives in Florida, too. Do you know her?

Probably not. Florida is pretty big. LOL!


Now for the hard hitting question. Brace yourself! What was your favorite toy as a child?

I have to say my Barbie dolls! I loved to make up stories for them to act out! Oh and I totally had Barbie marry Ken! See, I was a romantic even then! LOL!

Is it true you write spanking good books? Literally? Are they a spanking good time? Okay, I’ll stop now.

What can I say?! It's true! They are! LOL!

Looking at your cover for The Cutler Brothers series, I change my mind about the werewolf. Can I have that guy instead? Or can I have both?

Well, actually, they're are two Cutler Brothers, which would give you three guys? You up for that? Though you might have to fight the heroines for them, so I guess the question would be, are you up for that? LOL!

I see you have a book titled, Bridezilla. One of my favorite shows is called that too and I think they all need a spanking—but not in the good way you write about. Just out of curiosity, were you a bridezilla?

Me? No, actually, I wasn't. My mom and aunts took care of most of the prep for our wedding, so I didn't have to do too much but get my gown and pick the cake! LOL! But Bridezilla was a fun story to write! It's a fun read, too! The heroine totally needed a spanking, for sure!

Can you name a character after me? But if I get spanked, can you go gentle on me? Well, I mean if one of your heroes spanks me, not you. Umm…What was I saying?

LOL! I could totally name a character after you! And yes, you'd probably get put over some handsome hunky hero's knee for a yummy spanking, or at least your character would! But she'd definitely like it!


Okay, your turn. Here’s where you can say whatever you want. Promote, etc. I’ll be over here thinking what a bad girl I am. Wait! Not that bad. Just a little bad. Like a feather’s worth. Really.

LOL! Okay, while you do that I'll do the shameless promotion thing! I'v had several of my bestselling stories just come out in print and Amazon Kindle, as well as eBook, inlcuding The Cutler Brothers, Spicing Up Her Marriage, The Magic Spell, and Cindra and the Bounty Hunter, which was a Blue-Ribbon Favorite over at Romance Junkies!

My hot paranormal erotic romance Animal Attraction comes out from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid on September 1, and I'm already working on the sequel! I also have another book coming out with Whiskey Creek Press Torrid in January, a contemporary erotic romance called Librarian By Day, as well as a contemporary erotic romance coming out with Liquid Silver Books called Protective Custody.

Readers can a get the scoop on all of my books by visiting my website at http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com They can also find links to my blog, as well as MySpace and Facebook pages!

Thanks so much for interviewing me, Melanie! I totally enjoyed it!

Grocery Store revisited

On the way home from work, I stopped at Shoppers for some dinner. As I walked in, I grabbed a basket, swearing this time I was only going to buy a couple items...

...15-20 minutes later, I'm trudging to the register, chips in my right hand, overflowing basket on my left arm. Frozen pizzas are gorging into my sides and Marie Callender dinners are teetering on the edge of falling to their frozen death. At least my pants weren't unbuttoned! I don't think they were...

Why do I do this to myself? Why can't I just commit to a cart? What happened to the list?

*sigh*

I need help. Maybe I'll consult with the sock monkeys...

This Morning's Visual and Interview News

I wanted to include a picture with my Monkey blog earlier, but I'm not able to download pictures on my laptop, since it has Windows 2000, and my camera isn't compatible. But I can at work! So here is Fred and Cassie:



Oh and while I'm blogging again anyway, I wanted to let you know I have a new interview tomorrow! No, not the monkey's again. This time it's an author! Her name is Paige Tyler and she's going to spank me good! I'm serious. You won't want to miss it!

Monkey Business

My son bought me back two Sock Monkey's from the beach. Their names are Fred and Cassie. They wanted to talk to you today.

Fred: Hi! I'm a sock monkey that sits on the top of Melly's TV stand.

Cassie: Hello! I sit next to Fred, but for some reason I don't think he likes me.

Fred: I like you. You're just sitting a little too close to me.

Cassie: What do you mean?

Fred: Well, for starters, you're kissing my arm.

Cassie: Is there something wrong with that?

Fred: All the time??? My arm is getting chapped.

Cassie: Anyway, we weren't here to talk about that.

Fred: What are we talking about then?

Cassie: We're here to talk about Melly.

Fred: What about her?

Cassie: Well, all she does is sit on the couch on her computer.

Me: Hey! I thought you wanted to talk about something important.

Cassie: This is important. What do you do for all those hours???

Me: Well, I....

Fred: I'm sure she's writing.

Me: Yeah! What he says!

Cassie: If you're writing, then how come I rarely see you type?

Me: Well, umm...

Fred: Good point, Cassie. What are you doing, Melly?

Me: Ok, well, I did get a new game.

Cassie: Ah-ha! We're onto something!

Fred: What game?

Me: *mumbling* VirtualVillagersTheSecretCity.

Cassie: I didn't hear you.

Me: Fine! I got Virtual Villagers, The Secret City.

Fred: Uh-huh. Well, I'm sure that's important.

Me: It is! This whole village depends on me!

Cassie: Really? They depend on you, huh? The way your son depends on you?

Me: Exactly!

Fred: What did you do before you drove your son to school?

Me: Umm...

Fred: And what did you do when you got back from driving your son to school?

Me: Err....

Cassie: This is an intervention. You need a life.

Me: Wait, my two sock monkeys are holding an intervention? Somehow this wasn't how I pictured one of these going.

Fred: We wanted the refrigerator to join us, but sadly it's a bit empty at the moment.

Me: I was going to go grocery shopping.

Cassie: Give her a break, Fred. She did buy some potato chips last night.

Me: I've been busy!

Fred: Feeding your fake village?

Me: *pouting* Sock monkeys aren't as cool as I thought they were.

Cassie: It's a bit dusty up here.

Fred: I have allergies! *sneeze*

Me: I like my virtual friends better.

First Day of School

Today was J's first day of high school. Let me tell you, for someone like me, six in the morning comes pretty quick. It was still dark out! That's just WRONG. Then when I went to take him to the bus stop, my car battery was dead. Yes, dead. Stupid thing.

I had to wake up my husband so he could take us both. While me and B were sitting in the truck, he thought we should leave so J wouldn't be embarrassed by having his parents sitting there watching him get on the bus. But he's my baby! I couldn't just leave him there! I guess one day I'll have to let go...when he's 20 *cough* 18.

His bus didn't even come until close to seven, but I'm assuming that's because it was the first day. He was worried about where he was going to sit on the bus. Man, I remember those days. Kind of.

Hopefully he'll be able to find his way around. He was all worried last night because he couldn't find his map of the school. But we found it.

High school...man. This is it. The last stretch. Why am I so sad?

I have an EXCLUSIVE!

See it here first! When I asked Suz for pictures on the progress of Inn Boonsboro for my "Picture of the Day," she took some brand new ones!

From the front.



One of the suites with a tub. I told Suz she should've posed it in for me, but she wouldn't. ;).



The Melly & McDreamy Suite. Okay, fine it's the Eve and Roarke suite.



Another from the front.




It's looking good!!!

Best YouTube Clip EVER

(Found this on: http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/)

Class of 2012

see more dog pictures

Tuesday night I took my son to his Freshmen Orientation. On the way to school, we had this conversation:

J: "So now that we live closer to my school, does that mean you can drive me everyday?"

Me: "I don't think so... There's no time."

J: "School starts at 7:30."

Me: "And....?"

J: "You leave at 9:00."

Me: "Your point is....?"

Doesn't he know morning is my blogging time? Silly boy.

We get close to the school and immediately there's a problem. Unbeknownst to me his freshmen class has 200+ kids in it. And I think all of their parents and relatives were there that night. I was at this stop sign for like 10 minutes trying to go straight across to his school.

We finally cross over. Thank God! Wait... Not that kind of crossing over... I mean crossed the street...never mind.

By the time we find a parking space, it's 6:00 (the time it starts). And we left early! (For a change). As soon as we walk up to the high school, I remember something I'd forgotten. High schools are BIG. What door are we supposed to go into??? We start following this one kid and his mother who is asking everyone where the orientation is. And when I say, ask, I mean YELLS.

"HEY, ARE YOU GOING TO THE FRESHMEN ORIENTATION? WHERE IS THE FRESHMEN ORIENTATION?"

Yikes! Everyone kind of ignores her for awhile until she accosts some teenage girls coming out of the nearest door. They are nice enough (or scared enough) to direct her to the correct door.

As soon as we get in, me and J lose crazy lady and her kid and go our own way. We pass the auditorium and I'm like, "Hey, J. I think we're supposed to go in there." He mumbles something and keeps walking. Umm...k. We walk to the end of this loooooong hallway, and there's a lady giving out maps. Sadly, though, they don't have a arrow pointing down saying, "You are HERE." I also thought about doing the Joey thing where we go into the map, but was afraid I might embarrass J. And as fun as that is for me, I thought it wouldn't be kosher in high school...before he even starts. I'll wait until at least 10th grade before I drive up there in my sock monkey pants and heels.

So we turn around and I steer him into the auditorium. It's freaking huge! It's like a professional stage! Or maybe I just don't get out much. We walk down the left side and keep walking and walking. We finally pick some seats at the front. On the stage a older man in a red suit is talking. Yes, a red suit. Apparently the school colors are red. Awesome!

The older man is the principal. He starts introducing members of the staff. Then he introduces the police officer who is stationed at the school during the day. The whole audience goes deathly silent like he's going to arrest us if we speak. There were a lot of guilty people in that audience. I'm just saying...

He starts by telling us his wife wasn't speaking to him. He forgot her birthday! There's a huge, "Oooooooo..." from the audience.

He continues: "She told me to make up for it, she wanted something that goes from 0 to 200 in less that 6 seconds in the driveway...."

In my mind, I'm thinking, "Oh no he isn't! Is he really passing off a old recycled joke-one that has been forwarded to me at least a hundred times-as a true story?"

Oh yes, he is. Everyone starts laughing at the punchline. (A bathroom scale...har!). I wanted to stand up and yell, "Citizen arrest! You sir, stole that joke! And it's not even that funny!"

But I don't. I just roll my eyes...a lot. That showed him!

The presentation goes on and on.... And on. The principal is back and he introduces the THREE vice principals. What happened to a principal, a vice principal and that's it? Now they have one vice principal assigned to certain students in alphabetical order. Craziness!

Just when you think it's winding up and the students will finally get to pick up their schedules, from the back of the auditorium, we hear, "Hold on!"

Everyone looks back and there's this guy running down the left side, wearing a red shirt (of course). He runs on stage and takes over the podium. He's the "activities director." (And apparently has a flair for drama). He starts running down the rather long list of activities they offer and winds it up with a strong finish, yelling, "Now lets show our some school spirit for... *school name*!" Which leads to.... Cheerleaders!!! They come running up to the stage and start cheering! Oh, this is just so awesome! I haven't seen cheerleaders in so long! (Unless repeated viewings of Bring It On count).

They finish the cheer (which was a little more provocative than the cheers in my day...Oh hell, did I just say that? *sob*). Finally, they tell the students to file out, so they can get their schedules. That leaves us with the red-suited principal.

He starts out saying, "I bet all of you feel like your kids just started kindergarten." Yes, he got me. Because it really does! Not only that, it feels like "I" was just graduating high school. It's just sooo wrong.

He starts talking about policies, etc, and this is what I got out of that:

Students...

-Must respect the teachers. I don't think J will have problems with that.

-Can't say the "F" word. Hmm....well, I don't think J says that. They aren't talking to the parents, are they? ;)

-Can't show a lot of cleavage or they will be forced to wear an ugly smock. Hmm...no cleavage issues that I know of. Are they talking to the parent-uh, never mind.

-Who do show disrespect, or have any wardrobe malfunctions, will get detention, which is on Saturday morning. Dude... Yes, my mind went straight to The Breakfast Club. Immediately I wanted J to get detention so he could meet Judd Nelson! "Hey, smoke up Johnny!"

-Must go to school...uh, blah, blah. (Yes, that's all I remember right now. So what?)

He finally finishes up and tells us to go find our kids! Whoo-hoo! Er, I mean, good speech! I learned a lot.

They encouraged us to walk around the school, but that place was a madhouse! There was no way I was going to leave when everyone else did and have to fight my way out of the parking lot. Call me a bad parent if you want, but I wasn't getting stuck there all night. We needed to get our drink on! (Ha, just kidding. Stop dialing child services).

My boy is going to high school. How did this happen? No, seriously, HOW DID THIS HAPPEN??? I'M OLD!

Follow Up: An Interview with Suz...Part Deux

I know the question that's been on everyone's mind is: How is Suz doing? Or some of you might be asking: Who is Suz? Well, let me refresh our memories. I interviewed her here: Interview with Suz McErlain. Then we did an interview with Nora: Eeeeeeee! I got Nora Roberts!.

Well, I thought it was about time to see how things were going for Suz and Nora over at Inn Boonsboro. And to my surprise Suz was still the innkeeper-uh, I mean, of course she is. Why wouldn't she be?

So without further ado, my interview with Suz McErlain, part Deux:

Am I still awesome?

“Still” awesome? Did I say you were awesome before? Huh. I don’t know if I’d say you were awesome. More along the lines of keen…or fab….or neat-o.

So Nora hasn’t fired you yet?

Actually, she did fire me about two weeks ago. But I just ignore her. She can’t get rid of me. I think she just likes doing Donald Trump impressions.

I hear you have a Myspace page now. You trying to use the inn to pick up men now?

What can I say? I like to keep my finger on the pulse of communication and stay in contact with my peeps. Stop by and visit! http://www.myspace.com/innboonsboro

Has Nora picked a name for my room yet?

Well, she’s torn between two themes for your room. Personally, I voted for the cake-themed room. You know, a big bed that looks like a birthday cake. A three-tiered cake-looking tub.… one of those air fresheners that smells like cake. But then we also had the Melly & Twitty room idea. When you open the door, you hear, “Hello darlin’.”

Hard hitting question: If you had a choice between a free shopping spree at Staples or seeing Elvis live (let’s pretend he’s alive), which would you pick?

Oh my God……this is like Sophie’s choice……..why would you ask me such a question?!?!?! I’m spramped if I do and spramped if I don’t. Wait, that’s not the correct usage of that word. Can’t I see Elvis perform live AT Staples? Surrounded by all those pencils and spiral notebooks and Post-Its and file folders and……

What’s the weather like there?

IT'S RAININ' SIDEWAYS!

Have you hired another orange squeezer to replace me yet?

Wait, what?!?! Replace you?!?!? Are you bailing on me already?! Sheesh. I should have known that someone as famous as you would be too busy to work with me at the inn. *sniff* You are irreplaceable, Melly……And now I’m singing Beyonce. “To the left, to the left…..”

Did you tell Nora my idea about a Joanie and Chachi room?

Ummm, I did. I think. Yes, I did. Well, maybe. I’m not sure. All our rooms are themed around literary couples. Were Joanie and Chachi ever in a book? Perhaps we could just keep a few of their CD’s on hand. No one says love, quite like Joanie & Chachi. Waa-waa-waa…… “When you look at me……”

What rooms do you have?

I’m so glad you asked! I love talking about the rooms! :-D

We recently added a room, so we are now up to 8 guest suites. We have Marguerite & Percy from “The Scarlet Pimpernel.” Titania & Oberon from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Jane & Rochester from “Jane Eyre.” Nick & Nora from “The Thin Man.” Elizabeth & Darcy from “Pride & Prejudice.” Eve & Roarke from J.D. Robb’s In Death series. Westley & Buttercup from “The Princess Bride.” And our Penthouse Suite which has no specific literary couple, you will just be surrounded with romance. :)

It’s just amazing the furniture and fixtures that Nora has found for each room. They reflect the style and idea of the couple perfectly. And each room will have it own scent which reflects each couple. As Nora describes it, the scent for the Jane & Rochester room is Heather, 'to remind you of a romantic, windswept moor.'

Okay, that’s it. If you want to say anything, do it now. I’ll be working up a blueprint for the Melly and McDreamy room…

Melly & McDreamy room?!?!?! Hahahahahaha! Yeah, you keep Mc-dreaming……

I would just like to thank you for having me back here on Melly’s Spot.

We are still hoping for a December opening for the inn. I would just love to be settled in by Christmas.

Stay cool, Melly. Peace out.

More Song Awards!

Best song to listen to when you're going through a bad time:

If You're Going Through Hell, Rodney Atkins.

There's no way you can feel sad after listening to that song. My favorite line is: "Ask directions from a genie in a bottle of Jim Beam and she lies to you..."

The Best "Why do I have this song on my iPod twice?" song:

All out of Love, Air Supply.

I guess I'm so out of love I need a double dose.

Best turn up the volume in traffic song:

Brooklyn, Buckcherry.

It's really fun to just scream "Brooklyn!" when you're passing a cop. (Please don't do that).

The song with the line you'll be saying for the rest of the day. I guarantee it.

Gimme Back My Bullets, Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Seriously. I dare you to listen to this song and not go around randomly saying, "Gimme Back my Bullets." It's impossible.

You: "Gimme back my bullets."

Random coworker: "What?"

You: "What?"

RC: "You just said something."

You: "No, I didn't."

The song I will sing in karaoke one day. Guaranteed.

Better Be Good to Me, Tina Turner.

I practice this song all the time. Who knows...Maybe I'll even tease up my hair. I'll make sure I use my best Phoebe phlegm voice. More cowbell!!!

Best sing at the top of your lungs song:

After All the Good is Gone, Conway Twitty.

Oh man...don't be driving by me when I'm singing this one. "Today, I.....got a letter....

Best song to put in my blog just because it will drive Jeannie insane:

What I'd Say, Earl Thomas Conley.

Jeannie doesn't know what she's missing. That's what I would say.

Best first line of a country song ever:

Startin' With Me, Jake Owen.

"I had a one night stand with my best friend's baby sister." Priceless.

Best WTF does this song mean? song:

She's My Kind of Rain, Tim McGraw.

I went ahead and made up my own verse and dedicated it to my husband: He's my kind of rain, grouchy at times, like a sudden shower, leaving behind big puddles and mud everywhere. Worms coming out of the ground. Road spray in my face...He's my kind of rain.

The most snort worthy song title on my iPod:

Nutbush City Limits, Tina Turner.

Heh. She said nutbush.

Best "Seriously?" moment song:

Heart Attack, Olivia Newton John.

Seriously? That's the lyrics you're going with? Yes, this song is old as dirt, but I don't think that's a good thing to say to someone.

ONJ: "You're giving me a heart attack."

Random man: "WHAT? I'm calling 9-1-1"

ONJ: "You're the cutest thing I've ever seen." (Actual lyric).

RM *on cell phone*: "Yeah, she's speaking gibberish. Please hurry!"

Best "It's okay honey if you leave...I already got a piece of my own on the side," song.

There's A Honky Tonk Angel (Who'll Take Me Back In), Conway Twitty.

He basically tells the woman he's with that it's okay if she has someone else since there's this Honky Tonk Angel who'll take him back in. (Hence, the song title). What is a Honky Tonk Angel anyway? I guess every time a bango plays a honky tonk angel gets her wings. (Complete with matching boots).

Okay, that's quite enough for today. Until next time!

Light and Heavy

It's late. I should be in bed, but instead I sit here sad because another Sunday is almost over. (And yes, you'll be reading this on Monday, I know).

I did manage to read a couple books this weekend. The first one was called, The Chef's Choice, by Kirstin Hardy. It was about Cady McBain and Damon Hurst. Damon is a chef (duh!) who comes to Cady's parents bed and breakfast to take over the restaurant. Cady is the groundskeeper who also has her own landscaping business.

Cady comes off as a hard woman at first until slowly Damon wins her over. Damon himself is a celebrity chef who is trying to escape the beating his reputation has taken. And quite a reputation it is.

I enjoyed the cooking parts of the book since I've missed Top Chef so much. This was one of those sweet Silhouette books that you can read in like an hour. It was definitely a nice little surprise.

The second book I read was Plain Truth, by Jodi Piccoult. Yeah, sweet wouldn't describe this book at all. But it was good. Really good. I stayed up until one in the morning Saturday night reading it. It's about a teenage Amish girl who is charged with murdering her baby. But nothing is ever as it seems on the surface.

I would definitely recommend this book. You can tell Jodi does her research. Now I want to buy more of her books. This is the second book I've read by her, and even though I was mad and frustrated with the last book (My Sister's Keeper), it was still a book that kept me guessing up to the last minute.

Those are the two books I read this weekend. Now I need to find a new book! It's been a long time since I had a reading jag like this!

I'm also working on an interview for this week, but if anyone knows any writers out there who might enjoy my interview style, please send them my way! Or if you want to be interviewed yourself because it might be fun, send me a email! Don't be shy... I need you! I can't interview myself all the time. ;)

Beautiful morning until....

This morning I got out of bed, went downstairs and opened the window since it was a lovely cool morning. I turned on my computer while enjoying my first cup of coffee. The house was quiet since my guys were still asleep upstairs. Then suddenly I heard:

PSSSSSSSST.

Like the sound of a tire losing its air, but louder. My heart stopped. I looked around. What the hell was that? Everyone, including my dog, was upstairs.

What the hell???

Then I remembered. Last night my husband bought home an Air Wick, Fresh-Matic. The Ultra version (as opposed to...?). According to its box: "AIR WICK FRESHMATIC ULTRA Automatic Spray. You can set it to spray light fragrance every 9, 18, or 36 minutes for constant freshness..." A spray that just happens to sound like the air brakes on a tractor trailer. Well, in the silence of my house it does.

And what's with the increment of minutes? 9, 18 or 36? Couldn't they have just rounded that up to 10, 20 and 40?

Actually, it's kind of disconcerting in a way. Here's this little machine that can just decide when you stink and let out a little fart of freshness when it wants to.

My husband must have it at 18 minutes, because I've heard it a couple more times and each time it startles me. He got it in lavender which, according their site, is supposed to be relaxing. Sure, I'm always relaxed when some machine is shooting a stream of flower scented spray at me.

If you'd like your own flower farting machine, here is the link: http://www.airwick.us/flash_sniffer.html

Don't ask me why the link says "flash sniffer". I don't even want to know...

TGIF

I couldn't find any pictures of my own to post, so I figured I'd steal one from my friend Laura.

This is me at the Hagerstown Sun's baseball game in July where Nora Roberts threw out the first pitch. I have beer. A really big beer! So here's to you!



If you would like to learn more about Laura and her pictures, please visit her blog: Laura Metcalf's Photos

I hope everyone has a great Friday, with plenty of big beers!

What would you do baby?

This is what I've been doing lately:



Who doesn't enjoy the Family Ties theme song? I've enjoyed visiting my favorite TV family: Elyse, Steven, Alex, Mallory and Jennifer Keaton.

What I'd forgotten about Family Ties Season One:

Mallory wasn't the "dumb blonde" she ended up being by the end of the series.

Tina Yother's was a bad actress. I cringe whenever a show is centered around her.

I still heart Alex P. Keaton.

Now I need to go get ready for work. Can I call in to work saying I'm visiting family I haven't seen in awhile? I guess not...

An Interview with a world famous writer!

Ha! Just kidding. Today's interview is with Melanie Anderson, some no name author who writes about some sport... Cheese rolling? Oh no, it's racing. My bad.

Anyway, I just needed to fill space, so I agreed to interview her. But I warn you, it's pretty boring. It might be fun to read if you have insomnia.

Without further ado, blah, blah, here's the interview:

On a scale of 1-10, how awesome am I?

Seriously? You're still asking this question? Do you think it's getting a little old yet? I guess I'll give you a 10...maybe you'll stop asking it.

Whatever. Like you can talk. Why are you interviewing yourself? Are you that much of a loser?

Yes, yes, I am. Actually, I do have one writer I owe an interview at this time (Sorry, Paige, I'm working on it!), but other than that it's been pretty quiet. Hopefully, my blog will liven up soon.

Is it true your son will be starting high school in a couple weeks? Does that make you feel old as dirt?

Yes and yes. I don't want to talk about it.

Really? I mean, freshman year. Don't you remember the crazy stuff you did your freshman year?

OK. I get the point. But I am a loser, remember?

I do remember. Speaking of which...don't you ever leave the house?

I do. Sometimes. To go to work. Why? What's your point?

Oh, nothing. How is your dog Sheena doing?

She's hanging in there. The poor girl.

What are you wearing?

Excuse me? That's awfully personal. I'm wearing Snoopy shorts and a black t-shirt. Snoopy rocks.

What am we going to wear to work tomorrow?

I'm not sure yet. Did I ever wash my brown pants?

What are you reading now?

Oh! Blue-Eyed Devil, by Lisa Kleypas. So good! I really wish I could be reading it now instead of your stupid interview.

Excuse me? My interviews rock.

Umm..sure they do.

They do. Do you know I interviewed Nora Roberts?

I do. As does everyone, including a few people we don't know.

Well, I did. I did interview her.

Uh-huh. Can I go yet? Gymnastics is on and I have a book to read.

What's going on with your writing?

Umm...yeah, thanks for bringing that up. I still haven't gotten out of the funk that's been hanging over my head since well...you know. And so writing isn't going very fast. But I figure it will come back soon. It usually does. And I started a new book that I'm very excited about. The ghost story has been put on the shelf for the time being.

Are you still sad?

There's hardly a moment that goes by when I don't feel a twinge of sadness. But it's getting better.

Good. I'm tired of your moping.

Bite me.

Now you can say whatever you want. I'll be over here looking up multiple personality disorders.

Thanks. Obviously we uh...I need that. I don't have much to add. I just want to thank all those who have stuck by me and continue to read my blog and comment.

I'd also like to ask for prayers and thoughts for my friend Sheila. Her dad isn't doing too good right now.

Other than that... Oh! Swimming! Gotta go!

Sleepy girl

I'm so tired today (so tired I just spelled it wrong). I was up last night watching the end of the gymnastic events. I'm not quite sure why, since I'm never really watched the Olympics before, but for some reason I've been watching this year.

That's why I don't have a subject to blog about today. Other than I'm tired and I really need to get ready for work. I can say that I did finish Kristan Higgins book, Just One of the Guys, which was fantastic. By the time I finished it last night, it was 10 o'clock and I had no idea it was that late. I didn't even know how I ended up on the couch that I did. I was totally lost in the book, which is a very good thing.

Okay, gotta get ready. I think I hear my coffee beeping at me. Sorry for the short post.

Books, books, books

I finished some books and then read and completed an entire book this weekend.

The two I finished are:

Stormy Weather, by Carl Hiaasen. This book was written in 1995 and just recently recommended on Dear Author.com. It's set in Florida after a big hurricane has just struck, leaving everything devastated. It starts with two honeymooners and ends with many, MANY different characters. Good and bad. It was kind of fun watching all the bad guys get punished in ironic ways, but I'm not sure I quite "got" this book. It was tiring trying to keep up with everything. It seemed like a new person was introduced in each chapter.

But overall, I liked it. Even if I don't think I'll read another one of his books.

Tribute, Nora Roberts. Yes, I got this book in the beginning of July, and I'm now just finishing it. I can't say there was anything wrong with this book... It was set in my neck of the woods after all, which I thought was very cool. It just didn't hold my interest as much as I'd hoped it would. And I had a hard time keeping track of all the characters again. I'm beginning to think I have memory issues or something.

Again, I can't say I didn't like it. It was an entertaining read. I loved Ford, even if he was a little too perfect. I mean, c'mon! What man doesn't have any flaws? The dog was funny, too. I guess I was hoping for a book more like Geniune Lies (another book about an old movie star) and it wasn't quite the same. But it is a Nora book so better than a lot of books out there. And there were a lot of LOL moments.

And then I read the book that made my whole weekend. It was Catch of the Day, by Kristan Higgins. She won a RITA for this book and I can see why.

This is a story of a woman who falls in love with a priest. Not only that, but the entire small town she lives in and works knows about it and loves to remind her of it.

The book is written entirely in first person, but I don't notice that at all. I just know that there was a part of the book where I was practically sobbing. I highly recommend this author to anyone. I read her book Fools Rush In (last Thursday before the memorial) and it was a great too. She writes the kind of books where you're sad at the end because it's over.

I have one more book by her-Just One of the Guys-and I can't wait to start it. Even if I want to wait, since that's the last book she has out now.

So that's my weekend book reading. Looking at it now, I'm thinking, "Dude, you need a life." But why have a life when there are so many good books out there? Right?

Next weekend I'll work on that whole "life" thing. Unless my Suzanne Brockmann books come in the mail...

Legends of Brad

I'm sitting here watching Legends of the Fall. It's been on a couple times this week and I watch it every time.

I'm not quite sure why, since it's a movie I should hate. It's raw, it's violent and it's really, REALLY depressing. Then I remember the reason I watch it.



It's Brad. It's all about Brad. Seriously. The long blonde hair, the wild look in his eyes, the dimples that come out the few times he's happy in this movie.

Mmm... So yeah, I watch it every time. I might even rewind it at a few spots. My husband, on the other hand, isn't as impressed by the movie as I am. Weird. He just came down and changed the channel. Good thing it was over or he might've been hurt. Just try to get between me and Tristan...it won't be pretty.

I guess it's time to get up and do something productive. You know...something that doesn't involve searching for Brad Pitt on YouTube. I would NEVER do that. NEVER.

RIP Bernie Mac

I've loved Bernie Mac since I watched The Original Kings of Comedy when he talked about his sister's kids. I watched his show all the time. If he was in a movie, you knew it was going to be funny. He was just a great comedian, who kept it real, and I'll miss him a lot.

I've spent most of today watching The Kings of Comedy on YouTube. Just too good to miss.

Bernie, I hope you're up there making them laugh...

"When I get a chance to play golf or go on a boat with good people, take the boat out and put some lobsters on the grill, get the ice-cold beer and the cigars - that's heaven here on earth."

~Bernie Mac.

I'm telling you, America, he will be missed.

Bittersweet Thoughts

This will be just a quick blog post since I'll be leaving to go to the memorial service in a little while.

My friend Shiela and I were talking the other day and she mentioned how at one point, she was thinking about using the name S.S. Stewart as her pen name. I told her that it sounded like a name of a ship. Me, being me, of course, started coming up with all kinds of catchphrases for her new name. If you know me, once I have something to tease you with, can go on for hours, so she told me to write them all down and she'd blog about it. Well, she did and you can read it on her blog (For those at work, she does have music on her blog, so turn the volume down): Romance with Shiela Stewart

I really need to get ready now, but I've been feeling a bit crampy (I know... TMI!) and I've been feeling really sluggish. Plus, I'm dreading what I know is going to be a really hard day for all of us. But it's family. You do what you have to do for family. Which is rally around and support one another.

I stole this picture from my husband's cousin's Myspace page, but I think it really does him justice. Kevin always tried to look like a tough guy, but inside he was really a softie. I'll never forgot how when he was a groomsmen for my husband, he was so proud to be one, he took out his tongue ring and most of his piercings. lol That's love for you. He was just such a great guy. And funny. He always had me laughing. I can still remember when I met my husband, and how he was still just a kid, roughhousing with my BIL and the other kids that would come over during my in-laws poker nights. It's just so freaking unfair...

Kevin, buddy, we miss you. Say hi to my dad for me...

The Jeannie Loves Chachi Interview

Today I'm interviewing my friend Jeannie. She's a great friend, the one who was there with me bitching when the "bitches" cut us off during my first Nora Roberts booksigning event down in Boonsboro. She also shares my love of Grey's Anatomy, Top Chef, Garth Brooks and many other obsessions. Although, apparently she doesn't like Earl Thomas Conley or Saved by the Bell. Oh well, nobody can be perfect. *cutewink*

She's also a bit of a movie buff, so I thought I'd test her a bit. Silly me. I really should know better. (I've played movie trivia games with her before...scary).

So without further ado, the interview with my clutzy friend, Jeannie, the uncut version:

On a scale from 1-10, how awesome am I? You can go above 10, you know. I’ll allow it.

Melly my cake loving friend your awesomeness is off the scale :)

Is it true McDreamy is mine?

Do you really think I’m stupid enough to say no?? I’ve seen how scary you get LOL

Who had the starring role in the child gangster film Bugsy Malone?

Well of course that was Scott Baio ( I *heart* Chachi) Dude I probably watched that movie 100 times I so wanted to be Tallulah. You can stop laughing now…I was 10.

Once at a signing, someone fell on the side of the bed. Who was that? Bonus: Who laughed hysterically and took pictures instead of helping?

Figures you’d have to bring this up . Ok, yes it was me. I fell off the side of the bed. BUT in my defense Connie was telling the Smelly Feet story (9-1-1) and I might have been a little drunk…but I doubt it LOL. But I did learn that “When you're down and troubled and you need a helping hand” DON’T call your friends. They won’t help you up… ohhhh nooooo they just point and laugh and take pictures to torment you with later. BITCHES!

What actor and actress who are now a couple in real life starred in the film Mr. & Mrs. Smith?

Geez…ok just a little tip to anyone reading this. NEVER share a drunken fantasy with your friends. They never let you forget it….EVER.

Who Dropped 40 pounds for his role as a Gulf War vet in Courage Under Fire?

Are we playing Trivial Pursuit?? I know this one…it’s Matt Damon. What do I win?? Wait… what do you mean there’s no prize? WTF kind of game is this anyway?? Oh well guess I’ll have to take McDreamy. :)

Once in a chat someone used kik instead of lol. Who was that?

Are you sure I was there for that chat?? Because I really don’t remember that. Let me think about it for a minute. Ok, I’m going to say Suz. Cuz you know how she screws up stuff like that ;) kik

What actor’s balls were on fire back in 1989?

OH that would be Dennis Quaid (yummy). I really wanted to help put out the fire but he had that damn restraining order.

What country music singer whose name rhymes with “barf” has a video where they are in the shower? Bonus: Can you find it on YouTube for me? Please???

SERIOUSLY?? You want me to go to YouTube? What the heck is wrong with you?? You know I’ll…wait a minute …video of wet, naked Garth in the shower BRB

Who fell on their butt at the baseball game this year?

No shit Melly there I was… minding my own business passing out the clappers when all the sudden I get pushed from behind. As I’m rolling around in pain I see someone run past me. I’m pretty sure it was Jen going for another beer.

Okay, if you want to add anything, you can. I’ll be over here wondering why it’s always the same person who falls at the signings. Kik

Yeah you do that…and I’ll be over here trying to remember why we’re still friends. Just kiddin…you know I love you more then my luggage :-D

Really don’t have anything else to add…just Helllooo to all the Bitches.

Oh and Melly this is for you http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMVvE7k47js

KMAB!

Going to the Country on a Jet with Crimson and Clover

My latest iTunes purchases:

Home, Blake Shelton
I love Blake and this song is really pretty. And hey, it's not about drinking! For a change. ;o)

Waitin' on a Woman, Brad Paisley
Jeannie had me watching the video for this the other day on YouTube (of course), and I just loved seeing Andy Griffith again. Plus, it's just a great song.

Look What You've Done, Jet
I heard this the other day on the radio and was determined to buy it. I'd heard it before but had no idea who sang it. So I had to remember the line, "Once you're a Jet, you're always a Jet." See! Who said I had a bad memory? Really, who was that?

Cold Hard Bitch, Jet
Once I found Jet, I realized I liked this song too. Sadly, this is not the only song with the word bitch in it on my iPod.

All I Want to Do, Sugarland
The first time I heard this song it annoyed the crap out of me. All the "Doooo...doooo"'s. But alas, I heard it one too many times and I was hooked. Now I proudly sing, "All I want doooooOOOOooooOOOO" all the way down the road.

She Never Cried in Front of Me, Toby Keith
This is a ballad that Toby Keith sings. And it's actually good! The first time I heard it, I didn't believe the DJ when he said it was Toby Keith. But it really is!

Do You Believe Me Now, Jimmy Wayne
I love Jimmy Wayne and was sad when he disappeared for awhile, so as soon as his song came out, I was so there!

We Weren't Crazy, Josh Gracin.
Again, I've loved Josh Gracin since his AI days, so I was happy to hear him on the radio again.

Crimson & Clover, Tommy James and the Shondells
Heh. Okay, a Swingtown influenced purchased. I admit it.

Okay, this post had to be quick since I'm running late this morning. Now all I have dooooooOOOOooooo is get ready for work.

The Summer of Reality and a Mustache

This weekend as I was watching season 4 episodes of The Office on my DVR, I realized how anxious I was for the this upcoming fall season. After last years writers strike, I was still left feeling like I was robbed somehow. But I have been keeping myself busy this summer. Here are the shows I've been watching:

1. Swingtown (CBS). Probably the only non-reality based show on my list. But even though the only true swinging occurred in the first episode, I still keep watching. Mostly for Grant Snow and his mustache. Oh and the basement! They should make people sign a waiver before they go into the basement.

2. Gene Simmon's Family Jewels (A&E). Even though he comes off all pompous and arrogant, which he is, he's really a great family man. And the episodes where he watches his two nephews shows he's really just a big softy. Not to mention it's just freaking hilarious.

3. Flippin' Out (Bravo). Jeff Lewis is crazy. There's no denying that. But as you watch, you see the more human side of him. Even while you still want to strangle him in his sleep. I think the finale is on this week. :o(

4. Project Runway/Shear Genius (Bravo). I put these two shows together, because even though I do watch them, I haven't been watching them that faithfully. Project Runway has just way too many designers right now for me to really keep up with. And Shear Genius can be fun, but watching what these hairdressers do to some of these poor models gives bad hair day a new meaning.

5. Bridezilla (WE). This show is the best! I can't get enough of these crazy woman terrorizing their families and bridesmaid. Some of these woman are so utterly insane you wonder what the groom is thinking. This show put the fun into dysfunctional! Last night I watched a bride have her fiance bring fast food to a high priced salon while she was getting a pedicure. Then she asked the lady doing her nails for a fake nail so she could pick the food out of her teeth. Priceless! Oh and did I mention she handed the nail back to the lady after she was done? That's class right there!

Those are the top five summer shows I'm watching right now that aren't reruns. (I've watched all 3 seasons of Grey's Anatomy and The Office on DVD). Now I'm just anxiously waiting for the fall season. I need more Mcdreamy!

Mixed Emotions

It's so hard to express what we're going through right now. Here we were, still dealing with our grief, when something so unexplainable happens and shakes it all up again. My husband's cousin was so young and about to be a daddy and something so small as a curve in the road is what ends up taking his life. He was living down here last summer and even helped my husband with this house. I can still remember him at my husband's uncle's funeral, making us laugh during such a time of tragedy. Yet, here we are going through the same thing for him, while still coming to grips with my father's death. Not to mention our dog and other things that just aren't going our way right now.

How do you deal with it all?

Maybe that's why I finally started writing again. What else is going to help me escape? Maybe if I can control my characters lives, then that will help me come to grips with things in my own life I can't control.

Oh, and I'm also reading my friend Sheila's latest vampire book. I always look forward to reading them and get slightly impatient for her newest installment. Sadly, her role as my critique partner as been less fulfilling since it's been awhile since my last book. But I swear she'll be rewarded soon!

I want to make sure I thank those who commented in my last blog. Knowing so many people are thinking about us is always a comfort. The memorial is this week and I'm not sure how I'm going to deal with that. Sadly, I've become an old hand at going to them now. Isn't that awful? But this will be different. Most of the people we've lost in the past have led full lives. Yes, they should've had more years, and it was unfair, but in this case, Kevin was 26 and his life was just about to begin. How can you explain that one?

I don't know. I guess I'll just keep writing and taking it one day at a time and be thankful I'm still around to do that. My MIL said that she now lives with the fear of who is going to be next. I've found myself doing that too, but try not to. As understandable as it is, considering what we've been through, it will just drive you mad.

Okay, I don't want to have a sad blog. I really don't. But I'm glad I have it. I think it's saved me thousands of times the last couple months.