Finally some news...I went to the surgeon on Wednesday.
Her name is Valerie Sheridan; very nice and personable.
The long and short of it is there are two lumps in the left breast. One at 10:00 and one at 2:00. Dr. Sheridan is almost 100% positive that the lump at 10:00 is a cyst and isn't concerned. She is concerned about the lump at 2:00 because in the ultrasound photos, it's not shadowing, which would indicate it's a cyst (cysts are filled with fluid and when the ultrasound rays reflect off the fluid, it creates a shadow).
Because it's not shadowing, she wants to go to the next step and try aspiration to see if it is cyst and since they are going to aspirate one, they will aspirate both of them while they are in there.
As some cysts can be cancerous, once they are aspirated, the fluid will be sent for a biopsy. She is sending me back to the imaging center that I had the second mammogram and ultrasound done to have the aspiration with ultrasound. Not sure why my physician couldn't have done that instead of going through a surgeon first; seems very roundabout and drawn out this way. But it's irrelevant as now we are making some forward progress.
Now, I am waiting for the pre-certification from the insurance to come through authorizing the aspiration procedure and then the imaging center will call me to schedule the procedure. Hopefully, the wait won't be long. Tomorrow looks good for me
Stay tuned for the next installment of "The Breast Quest" where our sassy and spunky heroine manages to single-handedly save the world from the dark forces of evil with both of her breasts intact.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
The Breast Quest #5
I sucessfully found another surgeon who can see me this Wednesday! On Thursday, I was talking to a friend who went through her own personal health scare at Christmas time and she gave me the name and number of the surgeon she went to.
I called the surgeon's office on Friday, expecting that they wouldn't be open as so many medical practices have shortened business hours on Friday. They answered on the second ring, DID NOT put me on hold and at first offered to see me on Monday!
Completely and utterly shocked, I scheduled a Wednesday slot to allow me time to pick up the films from the imaging center and contact my doctor's office to arrange to have the reports faxed over. I have to pinch myself to ensure this isn't all a dream.
I'm not going to cancel the other appointment just in case I need an additional opinion, however.
I'm not sure what to think about physicians who are booked so far out...does that mean they are really good, therefore everyone wants them? That hardly seems fair as my friend thought her surgeon was absolutely wonderful and she can see me in a matter of days rather than weeks!
Are doctors really that busy that they have to be booked out like that? If they are that busy, will they take the appropriate amount of time for me and not miss anything?
I just can't be expected to wait that long without trying to find out what's going on. Routine medical check-ups, I don't mind waiting to get in, but this is definitely not routine, and it's a surgeon, not a general practice doctor. I just don't understand.
Thank God for my friend, Lizz and for the surgeon who can see me on Wednesday. Now I can get this ball rolling!
I called the surgeon's office on Friday, expecting that they wouldn't be open as so many medical practices have shortened business hours on Friday. They answered on the second ring, DID NOT put me on hold and at first offered to see me on Monday!
Completely and utterly shocked, I scheduled a Wednesday slot to allow me time to pick up the films from the imaging center and contact my doctor's office to arrange to have the reports faxed over. I have to pinch myself to ensure this isn't all a dream.
I'm not going to cancel the other appointment just in case I need an additional opinion, however.
I'm not sure what to think about physicians who are booked so far out...does that mean they are really good, therefore everyone wants them? That hardly seems fair as my friend thought her surgeon was absolutely wonderful and she can see me in a matter of days rather than weeks!
Are doctors really that busy that they have to be booked out like that? If they are that busy, will they take the appropriate amount of time for me and not miss anything?
I just can't be expected to wait that long without trying to find out what's going on. Routine medical check-ups, I don't mind waiting to get in, but this is definitely not routine, and it's a surgeon, not a general practice doctor. I just don't understand.
Thank God for my friend, Lizz and for the surgeon who can see me on Wednesday. Now I can get this ball rolling!
The Breast Quest #4
Our sassy and spunky heroine completed her covert re-con mission and was able to infiltrate the inner sanctum of the breast surgeon. After an intense interrogation session, she was able to acquire the date she will return, classified documents in hand.
The plot thickens on April 27.
(Can you hear the James Bond music in the background?)
Update...after some serious thought...our heroine is considering infiltrating other inner sanctums to see if she can get an earlier deployment date...
Stay tuned...
The plot thickens on April 27.
(Can you hear the James Bond music in the background?)
Update...after some serious thought...our heroine is considering infiltrating other inner sanctums to see if she can get an earlier deployment date...
Stay tuned...
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The Breast Quest #3
OK, here we go...
My doctor's office called today. The long and short of it is this...
I have a lump in my left breast (really?)
Biopsy or aspiration is recommended by the radiologist (stop me if you've heard this before)
My doctor can do neither (there's a surprise...duh)
Get thy happy ass to a breast surgeon so sayeth the doctor...
So, now our sassy, spunky heroine has been armed with a list of 4 breast surgeons. Her quest to find one accepting new patients as well as a partiality to redheads has begun (cue the Mission Impossible theme song).
Stay tuned for the further adventures of Sherri and The Breast Quest...
My doctor's office called today. The long and short of it is this...
I have a lump in my left breast (really?)
Biopsy or aspiration is recommended by the radiologist (stop me if you've heard this before)
My doctor can do neither (there's a surprise...duh)
Get thy happy ass to a breast surgeon so sayeth the doctor...
So, now our sassy, spunky heroine has been armed with a list of 4 breast surgeons. Her quest to find one accepting new patients as well as a partiality to redheads has begun (cue the Mission Impossible theme song).
Stay tuned for the further adventures of Sherri and The Breast Quest...
The Breast Quest #2
A few days have gone by since the rug was ripped out from under me at my mammogram.
I've done a lot of thinking. I've done a lot of crying. I've come to a lot of shocking realizations and unexpected surprises. I would like to think it's given me a little perspective about the person I've been and the person I hope to become.
People aren't very comfortable talking about cancer, so it doesn't surprise me that hearing I have a lump in my left breast causes a lot of people to stiffen and slightly lean back. Trust me, folks, this isn't contagious leprosy. We are all equally susceptible to going through this. And nothing has been determined other than it's a lump.
What shocks me is that the people I am closest to outside my blood family don't seem to give a shit. They say they are there for me, but actions speak louder than words. There have been no words of comfort and certainly no hug of compassion. Frankly, telling me "try not to worry" is about the most condescending thing I've heard. I'm scared out of my fucking mind! You would be too, in my shoes so don't hand me any patronizing bullshit. But, you know what, THAT'S OK! Showing my fear confirms my humanity and my capability to FEEL. More than I can say for a lot of people...
The people who claim they love me and care about me (again, family excluded) obviously have more important things to do than ask me how I'm holding up or taking the time to ask if I need to talk about it. Well, I do need to talk about it and since the so called friends and loved ones that I thought I could count on to provide moral support, a shoulder, an ear, a hand to hold can't be bothered, then this blog will have to suffice. That's OK, too. Nothing like a health scare to give a person perspective about who really does give a shit about you. I definitely won't be so giving of myself in the future. Adding this to an already full plate has tapped me out.
Don't mind me....I'm just a little angry and upset at being let down yet again. I will get through that as well.
Unexpected surprises...the people I least expected to offer their hand in friendship, love and support have been people I work with. Several people at work have offered to go with me to the doctor for the next procedure so I won't have to go alone. That means more to me than words can express and I will be forever grateful for the compassion these awesome people have shown me.
I don't expect everyone I know to rally to my side. I can certainly do without false pretenses so the acquaitances who say nothing at all is fine. At least they are honest.
It's the people you thought you could trust to be there who really aren't that hurts.
To the people who have offered a genuine hand of support and compassion, I thank you. To the people who claim they love me but can't be bothered, I have nothing left to offer. I need to surround myself with optimistic and uplifting people instead of people who bring me down so I won't be interacting with negativity.
Whatever happens is meant to happen, good or bad, and I will deal with it as it comes with everything I've got, keeping my sense of humor intact and maintaining a positive outlook. I would be lying, however, if I didn't say that the waiting is the worst. The unknown is very scary. The procedures they have to treat these things scare me more than what the potential outcome could be! Why is that anyway? Why should the cure/treatment be worse? Definitely something wrong with that picture...
As I deal with the emotions related to the news, I'm sure I will do quite a bit of rambling about this, that and the other, so please bear with me as I try to sort it out.
Please...God, all I ask is that I don't have to give up my caffeine...
I've done a lot of thinking. I've done a lot of crying. I've come to a lot of shocking realizations and unexpected surprises. I would like to think it's given me a little perspective about the person I've been and the person I hope to become.
People aren't very comfortable talking about cancer, so it doesn't surprise me that hearing I have a lump in my left breast causes a lot of people to stiffen and slightly lean back. Trust me, folks, this isn't contagious leprosy. We are all equally susceptible to going through this. And nothing has been determined other than it's a lump.
What shocks me is that the people I am closest to outside my blood family don't seem to give a shit. They say they are there for me, but actions speak louder than words. There have been no words of comfort and certainly no hug of compassion. Frankly, telling me "try not to worry" is about the most condescending thing I've heard. I'm scared out of my fucking mind! You would be too, in my shoes so don't hand me any patronizing bullshit. But, you know what, THAT'S OK! Showing my fear confirms my humanity and my capability to FEEL. More than I can say for a lot of people...
The people who claim they love me and care about me (again, family excluded) obviously have more important things to do than ask me how I'm holding up or taking the time to ask if I need to talk about it. Well, I do need to talk about it and since the so called friends and loved ones that I thought I could count on to provide moral support, a shoulder, an ear, a hand to hold can't be bothered, then this blog will have to suffice. That's OK, too. Nothing like a health scare to give a person perspective about who really does give a shit about you. I definitely won't be so giving of myself in the future. Adding this to an already full plate has tapped me out.
Don't mind me....I'm just a little angry and upset at being let down yet again. I will get through that as well.
Unexpected surprises...the people I least expected to offer their hand in friendship, love and support have been people I work with. Several people at work have offered to go with me to the doctor for the next procedure so I won't have to go alone. That means more to me than words can express and I will be forever grateful for the compassion these awesome people have shown me.
I don't expect everyone I know to rally to my side. I can certainly do without false pretenses so the acquaitances who say nothing at all is fine. At least they are honest.
It's the people you thought you could trust to be there who really aren't that hurts.
To the people who have offered a genuine hand of support and compassion, I thank you. To the people who claim they love me but can't be bothered, I have nothing left to offer. I need to surround myself with optimistic and uplifting people instead of people who bring me down so I won't be interacting with negativity.
Whatever happens is meant to happen, good or bad, and I will deal with it as it comes with everything I've got, keeping my sense of humor intact and maintaining a positive outlook. I would be lying, however, if I didn't say that the waiting is the worst. The unknown is very scary. The procedures they have to treat these things scare me more than what the potential outcome could be! Why is that anyway? Why should the cure/treatment be worse? Definitely something wrong with that picture...
As I deal with the emotions related to the news, I'm sure I will do quite a bit of rambling about this, that and the other, so please bear with me as I try to sort it out.
Please...God, all I ask is that I don't have to give up my caffeine...
The Breast Quest #1
I went for my first mammogram back in January and had to go back today for a follow-up because they found shadowing.
Today's mammogram (more painful than the first, for some strange reason) resulted in an ultrasound which revealed a lump in my left breast.
In order to avoid unnecessary surgery, the first step in this process is to determine if it's a cyst.
To do that, they will try to aspirate it by inserting a needle into the lump and drawing out the fluid. If it's a cyst, it will collapse and that will be that.
If it's solid, then they will have to schedule surgery to remove it and biopsy it.
Ugh.
Stay tuned...
Today's mammogram (more painful than the first, for some strange reason) resulted in an ultrasound which revealed a lump in my left breast.
In order to avoid unnecessary surgery, the first step in this process is to determine if it's a cyst.
To do that, they will try to aspirate it by inserting a needle into the lump and drawing out the fluid. If it's a cyst, it will collapse and that will be that.
If it's solid, then they will have to schedule surgery to remove it and biopsy it.
Ugh.
Stay tuned...
Thursday, March 01, 2007
February Reading Review
February turned out to be a productive month in the reading department with 5 books read. Wish I could say the same for the housework department.
A Man In A Kilt by Sandy Blair - 9 *'s
I kind of lost interest in historical romances a while back but this one called out to me and I'm so glad I listened! I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Beth and Duncan are characters you truly cheer for and genuinely like. I hated to see it end. The author does an excellent job of making Scotland come alive and having just come back from Scotland, it made me miss it all the more.
The 5th Horseman by James Patterson - 8 *'s
Another very suspenseful and action packed episode of the Women's Murder Club! This story finds the reader trying to shuffle through the various clues to figure out who is doing what. There are multiple villains and crimes. It was fun trying to sort it out. Patterson in his usual way keeps the reader on the edge of their seat before providing an explosive ending that I didn't see coming.
I Think I Love You by Stephanie Bond - 7 *'s
Enjoyed the complex relationship Regina, Justine and Mica share. I could relate to Regina the most probably because she loves Nancy Drew books.
Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich - 8 *'s
Fast paced entertaining story. Not enough Ranger scenes but still enjoyed the plot and the wacky as usual characters.
A New Lu by Laura Castoro - 9 *'s
Very entertaining and uplifting story. I had a lot of admiration for Lu's character as she not only faces a pregnancy at 50 but also coming to terms with being single again and how her family (grown children) and friends and new love interest handle this major event.
A Man In A Kilt by Sandy Blair - 9 *'sI kind of lost interest in historical romances a while back but this one called out to me and I'm so glad I listened! I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Beth and Duncan are characters you truly cheer for and genuinely like. I hated to see it end. The author does an excellent job of making Scotland come alive and having just come back from Scotland, it made me miss it all the more.
The 5th Horseman by James Patterson - 8 *'sAnother very suspenseful and action packed episode of the Women's Murder Club! This story finds the reader trying to shuffle through the various clues to figure out who is doing what. There are multiple villains and crimes. It was fun trying to sort it out. Patterson in his usual way keeps the reader on the edge of their seat before providing an explosive ending that I didn't see coming.
I Think I Love You by Stephanie Bond - 7 *'sEnjoyed the complex relationship Regina, Justine and Mica share. I could relate to Regina the most probably because she loves Nancy Drew books.
Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich - 8 *'sFast paced entertaining story. Not enough Ranger scenes but still enjoyed the plot and the wacky as usual characters.
A New Lu by Laura Castoro - 9 *'sVery entertaining and uplifting story. I had a lot of admiration for Lu's character as she not only faces a pregnancy at 50 but also coming to terms with being single again and how her family (grown children) and friends and new love interest handle this major event.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
January Reading Review
2007 is off to a good start...read 5 books in the month.
Island Of The Sequined Love Nun by Christopher Moore - 8 *'s
I brought this book with me on vacation to Scotland and it made the extremely long plane ride go by much faster. As with the other titles I have read, Christopher Moore delivers another wacky story. I thought Roberto, the fruit bat, was a blast, especially in his aviator sunglasses.
If You Could See Me Now by Cecelia Ahern - 10 *'s
Another fantastic story by a very talented author. I thought this story was sweet, funny, sentimental and thoroughly entertaining. When I started it, I thought the book would focus on the relationship between Elizabeth and her sister. Discovering the truth of Ivan was a surprise and the story kept me riveted until the end.
The Princess In Training Manual by Princess Jacqueline de Soignee and Divas Don't Fake It by Erica Orloff - 8 *'s
I normally don't go for short stories, but I found these two gems quite refreshing and entertaining. Full of sharp wit and laugh out loud moments. Not sure which I would rather be; a Princess or a Diva. Can I be both?
K Is For Killer by Sue Grafton - 7 *'s
Storyline was a little more convoluted than the earlier books in this series. I wasn't able to connect any of the dots like I usually can. The ending came off flat for me, but I look forward to seeing what Kinsey finds herself into next.
Shop Till You Drop by Elaine Viets - 6 *'s
The story was a little campy but I enjoyed watching Helen struggle with the everyday problems of making ends meet, trying to catch a killer and find a new man. I have more books in this series that I am looking forward to trying out.
Island Of The Sequined Love Nun by Christopher Moore - 8 *'sI brought this book with me on vacation to Scotland and it made the extremely long plane ride go by much faster. As with the other titles I have read, Christopher Moore delivers another wacky story. I thought Roberto, the fruit bat, was a blast, especially in his aviator sunglasses.
If You Could See Me Now by Cecelia Ahern - 10 *'sAnother fantastic story by a very talented author. I thought this story was sweet, funny, sentimental and thoroughly entertaining. When I started it, I thought the book would focus on the relationship between Elizabeth and her sister. Discovering the truth of Ivan was a surprise and the story kept me riveted until the end.
The Princess In Training Manual by Princess Jacqueline de Soignee and Divas Don't Fake It by Erica Orloff - 8 *'sI normally don't go for short stories, but I found these two gems quite refreshing and entertaining. Full of sharp wit and laugh out loud moments. Not sure which I would rather be; a Princess or a Diva. Can I be both?
K Is For Killer by Sue Grafton - 7 *'sStoryline was a little more convoluted than the earlier books in this series. I wasn't able to connect any of the dots like I usually can. The ending came off flat for me, but I look forward to seeing what Kinsey finds herself into next.
Shop Till You Drop by Elaine Viets - 6 *'sThe story was a little campy but I enjoyed watching Helen struggle with the everyday problems of making ends meet, trying to catch a killer and find a new man. I have more books in this series that I am looking forward to trying out.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
The best of 2006
I can't believe how long it has been since I've posted a blog here...I'm a bad blogger, I know. I've been very busy in 2006. Started dating again, met a wonderful man from Scotland, went to visit him after Christmas and got engaged! I still managed to read 40 books in 2006; that doesn't include the 26 that I labeled as lost causes because I couldn't get through them. Here are my picks for the best reads of 2006:
L.A. WOMAN by Cathy Yardley
EVER MOVED TO A CITY YOU DIDN'T KNOW, FOR A GUY WHO WASN'T WORTH IT...ALL BECAUSE YOU THOUGHT YOU WERE IN LOVE?
Sarah Walker has.
She's just moved to Los Angeles and changed her whole life in anticipation of cohabitation with her fiancé, Benjamin. But he stalls, AGAIN. Pushed to the limit, the stability-seeking Sarah snaps and actually finds herself dumping him. Now she's in free fall: no fiancé, no job. No idea what to do next.According to her new roommate Martika, Sarah is now in the PERFECT place to start life in L.A.Before she knows it, Sarah becomes Martika's project, getting pulled headlong into a crazy, chaotic world of nightclubs and day jobs, where the only constant is change. Sarah's about to discover that "single" isn't a dirty word. Not that she'll be staying single for long....
CARPE DEMON: ADVENTURES OF A DEMON HUNTING SOCCER MOM by Julie Kenner
Lots of women put their careers aside once the kids come along. Kate Connor, for instance, hasn't hunted a demon in ages. That must be why she missed the one wandering through the pet food aisle of the San Diablo Wal-Mart. Unfortunately, he managed to catch her attention an hour later-when he crashed into the Connor house, intent on killing her. Now Kate has to clean up the mess in her kitchen, dispose of a dead demon, and pull together a dinner party that will get her husband elected to County Attorney-all without arousing her family's suspicion. Worse yet, it seems the dead demon didn't come alone... It's time for Kate Connor to go back to work.
SEE JANE DATE by Melissa Senate
A FANCY AFFAIR BRIDAL SALONFOREST HILLS, QUEENS
"Did you know that one of your hips is higher than the other?" the seamstress asked me in a totally conversational tone. The bridesmaid to my left eyed me in the mirror, then her gaze dropped to my hips.
"I didn't," I said. "I never knew that. But I'm glad you told me."
The seamstress had the decency to look embarrassed. She ducked her head back down and continued pinning. Perhaps that had been the reason why Blind Dates One, Two and Three hadn't been interested. It wasn't the smoking, after all. It was my Hip Issue. And just my luck that Blind Date Four was with a doctor, whose business it was to notice such deformities.
SEE JANE DATE will speak to singles everywhere. At once warm and witty, this look into the life of twenty-eight-year-old assistant editor Jane Gregg, screams, "You are not alone!"
Case in point: See Jane... * Endure two months of bridesmaid hell for her younger cousin's wedding. * Brilliantly dodge being fixed up with Grammy's next-door neighbor by fibbing that she, um, already HAS a boyfriend. * Date... like crazy to find one suitable guy to bring to said wedding.
Okay, find one suitable guy to LOVE.
Was that so much to ask?
OVER HER DEAD BODY by Kate White
I pushed the door to Mona's office fully open. She was lying on the floor just in front of her desk, face-up, dressed in black pants and top, her arms and legs twitching violently as if she had touched a high-voltage wire...
Talk about rapid turnover --- in a matter of days Bailey Weggins gets axed from one New York magazine and hired by another. Her new job at Buzz, a weekly filled with sizzling gossip, has Bailey covering celebrity crime, including the starlet who got caught stuffing Fendi purses down her pants and the aging hunk who shot his lover with a Magnum.
And Bailey doesn't have to look far for her next story: she finds her boss, Mona Hodges, gasping her last breath after being bludgeoned with a blunt object. A raging tyrant, Mona made Buzz a top 'zine but racked up an impressive enemies list along the way. Everyone from a chubby singer she dubbed "Fat Chance" to a mail guy she once reamed out would be glad to see Mona six feet under. And Bailey Weggins intends to get the scoop on whodunit even though one of her closest friends is at the top of the suspects list.
Now, with her strappy sandals in one hand and her cell phone in the other, Bailey's out hunting for clues everywhere from the mean streets of Brooklyn's Little Odessa to a posh company picnic in the Hamptons. In just about a New York minute she's got a crush on a sexy filmmaker --- and some scary insight into her boss's murder. The first can give her the hot summer fling she's itching to have. The second can get her killed...
YOU HAVE TO KISS A LOT OF FROGS by Laurie Graff
TALES FROM THE DATING POND
"It only takes one.""There are a lot of other fish in the sea.""Every pot has a cover."
"When it's your time, it will just happen."
Ugh!
Karrie Kline had heard it all. But her search for the perfect man had never been all that pressing until her laugh lines became more noticeable, she attended one too many bridal showers and woke up next to far too many never-gonna-commit men. Suddenly, she realized that finding someone to love (and who actually loved her back) WAS important. Karrie wanted more. But knowing what she wanted, and actually getting what she wanted... well, that was a lot to think about.Through her wry, witty and sometimes wrenching recollections, join Karrie as she looks back at over fifteen years of dating vignettes involving disastrous fix-ups, strange chance encounters and missed opportunities. From the shortest date in Manhattan history, to Mr. FamousHollywoodTelevisionActor who was more bark than bite, these are tales for every woman -- whether she's found her Prince Charming, or her lips are incredibly chapped from kissing her own share of frogs.
A CONNECTICUT FASHIONISTA IN KING ARTHUR'S COURT by Marianne Mancusi
THE LEGEND YOU ONLY THOUGHT YOU KNEW.
Once upon a time there lived an outspoken fashion editor named Kat, who certainly was not your typical damsel in distress. But when a gypsy curse sent her back in time to the days of King Arthur, she found she'd need every ounce of her 21st century wits (and pop culture references) to navigate the legend. After all, surviving a magical plot, an evil prince, and a case of mistaken identity -- all without changing history or scuffing your Manolos -- takes some doing!
Luckily, she's got her very own knight in shining armor, Lancelot du Lac, on her side. The honorable-to-a-fault and devastatingly handsome champion insists on helping her out, even though she's not quite sure she wants him to. After all, shouldn't he be off romancing Queen Guenevere or something? Will Kat manage to stay out of trouble long enough to get back to her beloved café lattes, cosmopolitans and cashmere? And what will Lancelot's forbidden love mean for the kingdom of Camelot?
THE BROKER by John Grisham
In his final hours in the Oval Office, the outgoing President grants a controversial last-minute pardon to Joel Backman, a notorious Washington power broker who has spent the last six years hidden away in a federal prison. What no one knows is that the President issues the pardon only after receiving enormous pressure from the CIA. It seems Backman, in his power broker heyday, may have obtained secrets that compromise the world's most sophisticated satellite surveillance system.
Backman is quietly smuggled out of the country in a military cargo plane, given a new name, a new identity, and a new home in Italy. Eventually, after he has settled into his new life, the CIA will leak his whereabouts to the Israelis, the Russians, the Chinese, and the Saudis. Then the CIA will do what it does best: sit back and watch. The question is not whether Backman will survive#there is no chance of that. The question the CIA needs answered is, who will kill him?
THE ERSATZ ELEVATOR by Lemony Snicket
If you were an orphan sent to live with Jerome and Esme Squalor in their huge penthouse apartment, you might think thoughts that could be described using words like "pleased" or "overjoyed." Then again, you are not one of the Baudelaire orphans, who have met with so much misfortune that their thoughts can usually only be described using words like "nervous" or "anxious."In this book alone, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny encounter such unpleasant things as a dark passageway, parsley soda, and a waiter dressed as a salmon. They also once again meet up with Count Olaf, who is as intent as ever upon stealing their fortune.People who read books written by Lemony Snicket often learn interesting facts, like the difference between the words "nervous" and "anxious." But keep in mind that you could learn facts like this by reading the dictionary, a book which also contains pleasant words like "amuse" and "sparkle," which you won't read anywhere in this book.
THE UNDOMESTIC GODDESS by Sophie Kinsella
Workaholic attorney Samantha Sweeting has just done the unthinkable. She's made a mistake so huge, it'll wreck any chance of a partnership.Going into utter meltdown, she walks out of her London office, gets on a train, and ends up in the middle of nowhere. Asking for directions at a big, beautiful house, she's mistaken for an interviewee and finds herself being offered a job as housekeeper. Her employers have no idea they've hired a lawyer --- and Samantha has no idea how to work the oven. She can't sew on a button, bake a potato, or get the #@%# ironing board to open. How she takes a deep breath and begins to cope --- and finds love --- is a story as delicious as the bread she learns to bake.But will her old life ever catch up with her? And if it does .... will she want it back?
CONVERSATIONS WITH THE FAT GIRL by Liza Palmer
Maggie and Olivia have been best friends since they were in grade school. Both overweight, they befriended each other when no one else would. Now grown up, Maggie is still shopping in the euphemism-if-there-ever-was-one "women's section," while Olivia went and had gastric bypass surgery in search of the elusive size 4, the holy grail for women everywhere. So now Olivia's thin and blond and getting married to a handsome surgeon, and Maggie's the fat bridesmaid, again, in charge of planning "The Shower" and keeping Olivia's secret: that she's really a fat girl in a thin body. Ain't life grand?
With wit and wisdom, Liza Palmer gives voice to women everywhere who wish for just once that they could forget about their weight.
HIT REPLY by Rocki St. Claire
What's worse than spam, more dangerous than cyber sex, and scarier than getting a computer virus? An Instant Message from the guy who got away ten years ago....
grayscale: amber fleece? is that you?
foreveramber: OMG. Am I dreaming?
grayscale: it's me, toots. amazing how many people this classreunion.com thing unearthed.
foreveramber: Sort of like worms.
What happens when a randomly accessed memory changes from a harmless Google to rekindled love? Someone has to draw the line between adultery and e-dultery...
to: wonderwoman
from: tmark
Hey gorgeous. I'm back in the halls of the old workplace.
to: tmark
from: wonderwoman
Just when I thought it was safe to go on line....
to: wonderwoman
from: tmark
I think of you every time I pass the video closet... remember?
to: tmark
from: wonderwoman
Sorry, Tom, I've gone down the mommy track and not even you can derail me. (I hope.)
Hit Reply is what happens when female friends turn to former lovers --- and each other --- to find fulfillment.
foreveramber: I'm 28, in advertising, single, and you know what I need the most?wonderwoman: You need the strength of character to survive corporate politics, the confidence to believe in your inner beauty, and a trip to the Borghese counter.
foreveramber: Nah. I need a guy who looks like Brad Pitt.
WATERMELON by Marian Keyes
At twenty-nine, fun-loving, good-natured Claire has everything she ever wanted: a husband she adores, a great apartment, a good job. Then, on the day she gives birth to her first baby, James visits her in the recovery room to inform her that he's leaving her. And he hasn't even had the decency to leave her for someone glamorous; just the frumpy woman who lives in the apartment downstairs.... Claire is left with a beautiful newborn daughter, a broken heart, and a body that she can hardly bear to look at in the mirror. Until quite recently especially when wearing a green maternity jumper that was the only thing left that fit her -- she felt she bore an uncomfortable resemblance to a popular summer fruit.So, in the absence of any better offers, Claire decides to go home to her family in Dublin. To her gorgeous man-eating sister Helen, her soap-watching mother, her bewildered father. And there, sheltered by the love of an (albeit quirky) family, she gets better. A lot better. In fact, so much better that when James slithers back into her life, he's in for a bit of a surprise.
MATCH ME IF YOU CAN by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Annabelle Granger wouldn't exactly call herself poised, polished, and sophisticated. But determined she is. Now that she's inherited her grandmother's matchmaking business, Perfect For You, she'll stop at nothing to make it a success. All she needs to do is land a major client, namely Heath Champion, the best sports agent in Chicago, if not the country. Unfortunately, he's also the most ruthless. True, Heath is wealthy and sexy. But he's also arrogant enough to frighten away even Annabelle's best candidates. But Annabelle's worked too hard to let her business fail. She'll do whatever it takes to find a woman for Heath --- no matter who that woman turns out to be....
DEFINITELY DEAD by Charlaine Harris
As a person with so few living relatives, Louisiana cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse really hated to lose one. But she never guessed that it would be her cousin Hadley---a consort of the vampire queen of New Orleans. After all, technically speaking, Hadley was already dead. And now, as unexpected heir to Hadley's estate, Sookie discovers the inheritance definitely comes with a risk.Someone doesn't want Sookie looking too deeply into Hadley's past---or for that matter, Hadley's possessions. And they're prepared to do anything in their power to stop her. But who? The range of suspects runs from the rogue weres who reject Sookie as a friend of the pack to the vampire queen herself, who could be working through a particularly vulnerable subject---Sookie's first love, Bill.Whoever it is, they're definitely dangerous and Sookie's life is definitely on the line.
TWELVE SHARP by Janet Evanovich
Welcome to Trenton, New Jersey, where bounty hunter Stephanie Plum's life is about to implode in Janet Evanovich's wildest, hottest novel yet!
FIRST A STRANGER APPEARS
While chasing down the usual cast of miscreants and weirdos Stephanie discovers that a crazed woman is stalking her.
THEN THE STRANGER REVEALS HER SECRETS
The woman dresses in black, carries a 9mm Glock, and has a bad attitude and a mysterious connection to dark and dangerous Carlos Manoso …street name, Ranger.
NEXT, SOMEBODY DIES
The action turns deadly serious, and Stephanie goes from hunting skips to hunting a murderer.
SOON, THE CHASE IS ON
Ranger needs Stephanie for more reasons than he can say. And now, the two are working together to find a killer, rescue a missing child, and stop a lunatic from raising the body count.
When Stephanie Plum and Ranger get too close for comfort, vice cop Joe Morelli (her on-again, off-again boyfriend) steps in. Will the ticking clock stop at the stroke of twelve, or will a stranger in the wind find a way to stop Stephanie Plum…forever?
Filled with Janet Evanovich's trademark action, nonstop adventure, and sharp humor, Twelve Sharp shows why her novels have been called "hot stuff" (The New York Times), and Evanovich herself "the master" (San Francisco Examiner).
DARK SIDE OF THE MOON by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Susan Michaels was once the hottest reporter on the Beltway Beat until a major scandal ruined her life and left her writing stories about alien babies and Elvis sightings. Life as she once knew it is over, or so she thinks, but then she gets a lead on a story that could salvage her extinct career. She heads to the local animal shelter, expecting a hot news tip, which she gets in the form of a major police cover-up...for a ring of soul-sucking vampires out to take over Seattle. So much for saving her credibility.
And if that isn't bad enough, she gets talked into adopting a cat and finds she's allergic to it. A cat that turns out to be a shapeshifter who claims to be an immortal vampire slayer on the prowl for the same corrupt cops. Her first thought: seek professional help.
But as Susan's drawn into Ravyn's dark and dangerous world, she comes to realize that there's a lot more at stake than just her defunct career. Now it's no longer a question of bringing the truth to her readers; it's a matter of saving their very lives and souls.
Ravyn's life was shattered over four hundred years ago, when he mistakenly trusted the wrong human with the truth of his existence. He lost his family, his honor, and his life. Now, in order to save the people of Seattle, he's forced to confront that nightmare all over again, and to trust another woman with the secret that could destroy him.
In the world of the Dark-Hunters, life is always dangerous. But never more so than now, when a very human woman can shatter their entire world with just one story. The only question is...will she?
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UNDEAD by Kim Harrison
It's a tough life for witch Rachel Morgan, sexy, independent bounty hunter, prowling the darkest shadows of downtown Cincinnati for criminal creatures of the night.She can handle the leather-clad vamps and even tangle with a cunning demon or two. But a serial killer who feeds on the experts in the most dangerous kind of black magic is definitely pressing the limits.
Confronting an ancient, implacable evil is more than just child's play -- and this time, Rachel will be lucky to escape with her very soul.
THE LUST LIZARD OF MELANCHOLY COVE by Christopher Moore
The town psychiatrist has decided to switch everybody in Pine Cove, California, from their normal antidepressants to placebos, so naturally—well, to be accurate, artificially—business is booming at the local blues bar. Trouble is, those lonely slide-guitar notes have also attracted a colossal sea beast named Steve with, shall we say, a thing for explosive oil tanker trucks. Suddenly, morose Pine Cove turns libidinous and is hit by a mysterious crime wave, and a beleaguered constable has to fight off his own gonzo appetites to find out what's wrong and what, if anything, to do about it.
BOOKENDS by Jane Green
On the heels of her national bestsellers JEMIMA J and MR. MAYBE, British sensation Jane Green delivers a sparkling tale of old friends reunited and old jealousies rekindled.
Catherine Warner and Simon Nelson are best friends: total opposites, always together, and both unlucky in love. Cath is scatterbrained, messy, and -- since she had her heart broken a few years back -- emotionally closed off. Si is impossibly tidy, bitchy, and desperate for a man of his own. They live in London's West Hampstead along with their lifelong friends, Josh and Lucy, who are happily married with a devil-spawn child and a terrifying Swedish nanny, Ingrid.
All's well (sort of) until the sudden arrival of a college friend -- the stunningly beautiful Portia, who's known for breaking hearts. Though they've grown up and grown apart from Portia, the four friends welcome her back into the fold. But does Portia have a hidden agenda or is she merely looking to reconnect with old friends? Her reappearance soon unleashes a rollicking series of events that tests the foursome's friendships to the limit and leaves them wondering if a happy ending is in store.
Fortunately, Cath has plenty to take her mind off Portia's schemes -- like her gutsy decision to leave her job in advertising to fulfill her dream of opening a bookstore. And then there's James, the sexy real-estate agent who keeps dropping by even after the bookstore deal is done. With his irresistible smile and boyish charm could he be the one to melt Cath's heart?
Told with Jane Green's captivating wit and flare, BOOKENDS is above all a story about friendship -- its twists, turns and complications -- and how it weathers the challenges of love, ambition, marriage, and, most of all, growing up. Warmhearted, sophisticated, and full of delicious surprises, BOOKENDS is Green's most dazzling novel yet.
EVERYONE WORTH KNOWING by Lauren Weisberger
An irresistible tale about what happens when a girl on the fringe enters the realm of New York's chic, party-hopping elite.
On paper, Bette Robinson's life is good. At twenty-six, she's got a great deal on an apartment in Manhattan, and she's on target to become an associate at the prestigious investment bank where she works with her best friend. Her eighty-hour work weeks might keep her from socializing or dating outside her office walls -- but she's paying her dues on the well-trod path to wealth and happiness. So when Bette quits her job like the impulsive girl she's never been, she not only shocks her friends and family -- she has no idea what to do next.For months, Bette gets out and about by walking her four-pound dog around her decidedly unglamorous Murray Hill neighborhood. Then she meets Kelly, head of Manhattan's hottest PR and events planning firm, and suddenly Bette has a brand-new job where the primary requirement is to see and be seen.The work at Kelly & Company takes Bette inside the VIP rooms of the city's most exclusive nightclubs, to parties crowded with celebrities and socialites. Bette learns not to blink at the famous faces, the black Amex cards, the magnums of Cristal, or the ruthless paparazzi. Soon she's dating an infamous playboy who's great for her career but bad for her sanity -- and scaring off the one decent guy she meets. Still, as her coworkers repeatedly point out, how can you complain about a job that pays you to party? Bette has to agree -- until she begins appearing in a vicious new gossip column. That's when Bette's life on paper takes on a whole new meaning -- and she learns the line between her personal and professional lives is... invisible.
STRAIGHT UP AND DIRTY: A MEMOIR by Stephanie Klein
"I did have my own friends, my own salary, my health, and TiVo: all the important things we're likely to take for granted. Still, when it hit that I'd now have to date again, I panicked. Dating meant nightclubs, heels, and black. It meant, 'No, thank you. Really, I'm full.' It meant matching bras and underwear. Clothes with the micro used to describe them. Because until you date again, people will hiccup lines about getting back on horses. So you invest in an Agent Provocateur whip and a subscription to an online dating service. . . ." --from Straight Up and Dirty
She had every girl's dream: the perfect marriage to the perfect guy in the perfect apartment on the Upper East Side. Marriage fit Stephanie Klein like a glove . . . but unfortunately it fit her husband like a noose.
And then, just like that, Klein found herself "divorced when you're firm, fashionable, and let's face it—fetching." Celebrated bloggist, photographer, and freelance writer Stephanie Klein lets it all hang out in this juicy tell-all tracing her jump back into single life following her divorce. On the dating advice of her therapist, Klein attempts to keep "a pair and a spare" of men always on hand and has lots of bawdy fun along the way. But when the anniversary of the devastating breakup from her "wasband" forces her to revisit what happened, she finds herself wanting more than her therapist's recommended gimmick to keep her emotionally safe. Straight Up and Dirty demonstrates that the true measure of success isn't what's crossed off life's to-do list. It's having the grace and fortitude to move through change, curls intact and smiling.
MAD RIVER ROAD by Joy Fielding
After spending a year in prison, Ralph Fisher has explicit plans for his first night of freedom: tonight, someone will be held accountable. He goes to murderous lengths to obtain the address of his former wife - the woman he blames for his fate and against whom he has sworn vengeance. Determined to bring her to his idea of justice, Ralph's next step is to travel from Florida's sandy beaches to Dayton, Ohio, where his ex-wife is struggling to make ends meet on Mad River Road.
Also in Florida, Jamie Kellogg wakes from an agonizing nightmare of her mother's funeral, and assesses her life: a pretty but unaccomplished twenty-nine-year-old woman in a dead-end job, with an ex-husband in Atlanta, a married lover in the hospital, and a virtual stranger in her bed. But this stranger is everything the previous men in her life weren't: tender, attentive, and adventurous. After convincing Jamie to quit her miserable job and ditch her judgmental, perfectionist sister, he proposes a romantic getaway. While Jamie wonders if this thrilling man might finally be her Prince Charming, they plan a road trip to visit his son, who lives with his mother on a street called Mad River Road...
WHY GIRLS ARE WEIRD by Pamela Ribon
When Anna Koval decides to creatively kill time at her library job in Austin by teaching herself HTML and posting partially fabricated stories about her life on the Internet, she hardly imagines anyone besides her friend Dale is going to read them. He's been bugging her to start writing again since her breakup with Ian over a year ago. And so what if the "Anna K" persona in Anna's online journal has a fabulous boyfriend named Ian? It's not like the real Ian will ever find out about it.
The story started writing itself.
Almost instantly Anna K starts getting e-mail from adoring fans that read her daily postings religiously. One devotee, Tess, seems intent on becoming Anna K's real-life best friend and another, a male admirer who goes by the name of "Ldobler," sounds like he'd want to date Anna K if she didn't already have a boyfriend. Meanwhile, the real Anna can't help but wonder if her newfound fans like her or the alter ego she's created. It's only a matter of time before fact and fiction collide and force Anna to decide not only who she wants to be with, but who she wants to be.
J IS FOR JUDGMENT by Sue Grafton
"J" is for Jaffe: Wendell Jaffe, dead for five years. Or so it seemed until he's spotted in the bar of a dusty resort halfway between Cabo San Lucas and La Paz.Having just paid his wife $500,000, Jaffe's insurance company wants the truth and is willing to hire a private investigator to dig it up. As Kinsey Milhone pushes deeper into the mystery, she explores her own past. In family matters as in crime, she discovers, it's sometimes better to reserve judgment.
THE STARTER WIFE by Gigi Levangie Grazer
IN HOLLYWOOD, THEY LIKE TO LOVE 'EM AND LEAVE 'EM.
When her husband, Kenny, dumps her by cell phone (!) mere months before their ten-year wedding anniversary, Gracie Pollock is dazed and confused. Though life as the wife of a semi-famous Hollywood studio executive often left her yawning, Gracie always believed she and Kenny were different from other Hollywood couples. She never thought she'd be a starter wife. But Kenny has upgraded, and with images of his new pop tartlet girlfriend everywhere Gracie turns, she seeks refuge at her best friend's Malibu mansion. Then a mysterious hunk saves her from drowning and suddenly drowning in her sorrows seems like a waste of time. And when she takes up with Kenny's boss, one of Hollywood's better-known Lotharios, she discovers that maybe life after divorce -- Hollywood-style -- isn't so bad after all!
THE VILE VILLAGE by Lemony Snicket
Someone once said, "It takes a village to raise a child." Obviously that person never visited the town of V.F.D., where unlucky orphans Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire find themselves in this woeful adventure.
The inhabitants of V.F.D. do not do a very good job of raising the Baudelaires, unlss by "a very good job" you mean something like "the villagers require the children to do everyone's chores, then try to burn them at the stake when they break some of the town's 19,833 rules." In addition to ineffective child-rearing practices, this book also contains unpleasant things like a murder of crows, a night spent in jail, and some very strange hats.
L.A. WOMAN by Cathy Yardley
EVER MOVED TO A CITY YOU DIDN'T KNOW, FOR A GUY WHO WASN'T WORTH IT...ALL BECAUSE YOU THOUGHT YOU WERE IN LOVE?
Sarah Walker has.
She's just moved to Los Angeles and changed her whole life in anticipation of cohabitation with her fiancé, Benjamin. But he stalls, AGAIN. Pushed to the limit, the stability-seeking Sarah snaps and actually finds herself dumping him. Now she's in free fall: no fiancé, no job. No idea what to do next.According to her new roommate Martika, Sarah is now in the PERFECT place to start life in L.A.Before she knows it, Sarah becomes Martika's project, getting pulled headlong into a crazy, chaotic world of nightclubs and day jobs, where the only constant is change. Sarah's about to discover that "single" isn't a dirty word. Not that she'll be staying single for long....
CARPE DEMON: ADVENTURES OF A DEMON HUNTING SOCCER MOM by Julie Kenner
Lots of women put their careers aside once the kids come along. Kate Connor, for instance, hasn't hunted a demon in ages. That must be why she missed the one wandering through the pet food aisle of the San Diablo Wal-Mart. Unfortunately, he managed to catch her attention an hour later-when he crashed into the Connor house, intent on killing her. Now Kate has to clean up the mess in her kitchen, dispose of a dead demon, and pull together a dinner party that will get her husband elected to County Attorney-all without arousing her family's suspicion. Worse yet, it seems the dead demon didn't come alone... It's time for Kate Connor to go back to work.
SEE JANE DATE by Melissa Senate
A FANCY AFFAIR BRIDAL SALONFOREST HILLS, QUEENS
"Did you know that one of your hips is higher than the other?" the seamstress asked me in a totally conversational tone. The bridesmaid to my left eyed me in the mirror, then her gaze dropped to my hips.
"I didn't," I said. "I never knew that. But I'm glad you told me."
The seamstress had the decency to look embarrassed. She ducked her head back down and continued pinning. Perhaps that had been the reason why Blind Dates One, Two and Three hadn't been interested. It wasn't the smoking, after all. It was my Hip Issue. And just my luck that Blind Date Four was with a doctor, whose business it was to notice such deformities.
SEE JANE DATE will speak to singles everywhere. At once warm and witty, this look into the life of twenty-eight-year-old assistant editor Jane Gregg, screams, "You are not alone!"
Case in point: See Jane... * Endure two months of bridesmaid hell for her younger cousin's wedding. * Brilliantly dodge being fixed up with Grammy's next-door neighbor by fibbing that she, um, already HAS a boyfriend. * Date... like crazy to find one suitable guy to bring to said wedding.
Okay, find one suitable guy to LOVE.
Was that so much to ask?
OVER HER DEAD BODY by Kate WhiteI pushed the door to Mona's office fully open. She was lying on the floor just in front of her desk, face-up, dressed in black pants and top, her arms and legs twitching violently as if she had touched a high-voltage wire...
Talk about rapid turnover --- in a matter of days Bailey Weggins gets axed from one New York magazine and hired by another. Her new job at Buzz, a weekly filled with sizzling gossip, has Bailey covering celebrity crime, including the starlet who got caught stuffing Fendi purses down her pants and the aging hunk who shot his lover with a Magnum.
And Bailey doesn't have to look far for her next story: she finds her boss, Mona Hodges, gasping her last breath after being bludgeoned with a blunt object. A raging tyrant, Mona made Buzz a top 'zine but racked up an impressive enemies list along the way. Everyone from a chubby singer she dubbed "Fat Chance" to a mail guy she once reamed out would be glad to see Mona six feet under. And Bailey Weggins intends to get the scoop on whodunit even though one of her closest friends is at the top of the suspects list.
Now, with her strappy sandals in one hand and her cell phone in the other, Bailey's out hunting for clues everywhere from the mean streets of Brooklyn's Little Odessa to a posh company picnic in the Hamptons. In just about a New York minute she's got a crush on a sexy filmmaker --- and some scary insight into her boss's murder. The first can give her the hot summer fling she's itching to have. The second can get her killed...
YOU HAVE TO KISS A LOT OF FROGS by Laurie GraffTALES FROM THE DATING POND
"It only takes one.""There are a lot of other fish in the sea.""Every pot has a cover."
"When it's your time, it will just happen."
Ugh!
Karrie Kline had heard it all. But her search for the perfect man had never been all that pressing until her laugh lines became more noticeable, she attended one too many bridal showers and woke up next to far too many never-gonna-commit men. Suddenly, she realized that finding someone to love (and who actually loved her back) WAS important. Karrie wanted more. But knowing what she wanted, and actually getting what she wanted... well, that was a lot to think about.Through her wry, witty and sometimes wrenching recollections, join Karrie as she looks back at over fifteen years of dating vignettes involving disastrous fix-ups, strange chance encounters and missed opportunities. From the shortest date in Manhattan history, to Mr. FamousHollywoodTelevisionActor who was more bark than bite, these are tales for every woman -- whether she's found her Prince Charming, or her lips are incredibly chapped from kissing her own share of frogs.
A CONNECTICUT FASHIONISTA IN KING ARTHUR'S COURT by Marianne MancusiTHE LEGEND YOU ONLY THOUGHT YOU KNEW.
Once upon a time there lived an outspoken fashion editor named Kat, who certainly was not your typical damsel in distress. But when a gypsy curse sent her back in time to the days of King Arthur, she found she'd need every ounce of her 21st century wits (and pop culture references) to navigate the legend. After all, surviving a magical plot, an evil prince, and a case of mistaken identity -- all without changing history or scuffing your Manolos -- takes some doing!
Luckily, she's got her very own knight in shining armor, Lancelot du Lac, on her side. The honorable-to-a-fault and devastatingly handsome champion insists on helping her out, even though she's not quite sure she wants him to. After all, shouldn't he be off romancing Queen Guenevere or something? Will Kat manage to stay out of trouble long enough to get back to her beloved café lattes, cosmopolitans and cashmere? And what will Lancelot's forbidden love mean for the kingdom of Camelot?
THE BROKER by John GrishamIn his final hours in the Oval Office, the outgoing President grants a controversial last-minute pardon to Joel Backman, a notorious Washington power broker who has spent the last six years hidden away in a federal prison. What no one knows is that the President issues the pardon only after receiving enormous pressure from the CIA. It seems Backman, in his power broker heyday, may have obtained secrets that compromise the world's most sophisticated satellite surveillance system.
Backman is quietly smuggled out of the country in a military cargo plane, given a new name, a new identity, and a new home in Italy. Eventually, after he has settled into his new life, the CIA will leak his whereabouts to the Israelis, the Russians, the Chinese, and the Saudis. Then the CIA will do what it does best: sit back and watch. The question is not whether Backman will survive#there is no chance of that. The question the CIA needs answered is, who will kill him?
THE ERSATZ ELEVATOR by Lemony SnicketIf you were an orphan sent to live with Jerome and Esme Squalor in their huge penthouse apartment, you might think thoughts that could be described using words like "pleased" or "overjoyed." Then again, you are not one of the Baudelaire orphans, who have met with so much misfortune that their thoughts can usually only be described using words like "nervous" or "anxious."In this book alone, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny encounter such unpleasant things as a dark passageway, parsley soda, and a waiter dressed as a salmon. They also once again meet up with Count Olaf, who is as intent as ever upon stealing their fortune.People who read books written by Lemony Snicket often learn interesting facts, like the difference between the words "nervous" and "anxious." But keep in mind that you could learn facts like this by reading the dictionary, a book which also contains pleasant words like "amuse" and "sparkle," which you won't read anywhere in this book.
THE UNDOMESTIC GODDESS by Sophie KinsellaWorkaholic attorney Samantha Sweeting has just done the unthinkable. She's made a mistake so huge, it'll wreck any chance of a partnership.Going into utter meltdown, she walks out of her London office, gets on a train, and ends up in the middle of nowhere. Asking for directions at a big, beautiful house, she's mistaken for an interviewee and finds herself being offered a job as housekeeper. Her employers have no idea they've hired a lawyer --- and Samantha has no idea how to work the oven. She can't sew on a button, bake a potato, or get the #@%# ironing board to open. How she takes a deep breath and begins to cope --- and finds love --- is a story as delicious as the bread she learns to bake.But will her old life ever catch up with her? And if it does .... will she want it back?
CONVERSATIONS WITH THE FAT GIRL by Liza PalmerMaggie and Olivia have been best friends since they were in grade school. Both overweight, they befriended each other when no one else would. Now grown up, Maggie is still shopping in the euphemism-if-there-ever-was-one "women's section," while Olivia went and had gastric bypass surgery in search of the elusive size 4, the holy grail for women everywhere. So now Olivia's thin and blond and getting married to a handsome surgeon, and Maggie's the fat bridesmaid, again, in charge of planning "The Shower" and keeping Olivia's secret: that she's really a fat girl in a thin body. Ain't life grand?
With wit and wisdom, Liza Palmer gives voice to women everywhere who wish for just once that they could forget about their weight.
HIT REPLY by Rocki St. ClaireWhat's worse than spam, more dangerous than cyber sex, and scarier than getting a computer virus? An Instant Message from the guy who got away ten years ago....
grayscale: amber fleece? is that you?
foreveramber: OMG. Am I dreaming?
grayscale: it's me, toots. amazing how many people this classreunion.com thing unearthed.
foreveramber: Sort of like worms.
What happens when a randomly accessed memory changes from a harmless Google to rekindled love? Someone has to draw the line between adultery and e-dultery...
to: wonderwoman
from: tmark
Hey gorgeous. I'm back in the halls of the old workplace.
to: tmark
from: wonderwoman
Just when I thought it was safe to go on line....
to: wonderwoman
from: tmark
I think of you every time I pass the video closet... remember?
to: tmark
from: wonderwoman
Sorry, Tom, I've gone down the mommy track and not even you can derail me. (I hope.)
Hit Reply is what happens when female friends turn to former lovers --- and each other --- to find fulfillment.
foreveramber: I'm 28, in advertising, single, and you know what I need the most?wonderwoman: You need the strength of character to survive corporate politics, the confidence to believe in your inner beauty, and a trip to the Borghese counter.
foreveramber: Nah. I need a guy who looks like Brad Pitt.
WATERMELON by Marian KeyesAt twenty-nine, fun-loving, good-natured Claire has everything she ever wanted: a husband she adores, a great apartment, a good job. Then, on the day she gives birth to her first baby, James visits her in the recovery room to inform her that he's leaving her. And he hasn't even had the decency to leave her for someone glamorous; just the frumpy woman who lives in the apartment downstairs.... Claire is left with a beautiful newborn daughter, a broken heart, and a body that she can hardly bear to look at in the mirror. Until quite recently especially when wearing a green maternity jumper that was the only thing left that fit her -- she felt she bore an uncomfortable resemblance to a popular summer fruit.So, in the absence of any better offers, Claire decides to go home to her family in Dublin. To her gorgeous man-eating sister Helen, her soap-watching mother, her bewildered father. And there, sheltered by the love of an (albeit quirky) family, she gets better. A lot better. In fact, so much better that when James slithers back into her life, he's in for a bit of a surprise.
MATCH ME IF YOU CAN by Susan Elizabeth PhillipsAnnabelle Granger wouldn't exactly call herself poised, polished, and sophisticated. But determined she is. Now that she's inherited her grandmother's matchmaking business, Perfect For You, she'll stop at nothing to make it a success. All she needs to do is land a major client, namely Heath Champion, the best sports agent in Chicago, if not the country. Unfortunately, he's also the most ruthless. True, Heath is wealthy and sexy. But he's also arrogant enough to frighten away even Annabelle's best candidates. But Annabelle's worked too hard to let her business fail. She'll do whatever it takes to find a woman for Heath --- no matter who that woman turns out to be....
DEFINITELY DEAD by Charlaine HarrisAs a person with so few living relatives, Louisiana cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse really hated to lose one. But she never guessed that it would be her cousin Hadley---a consort of the vampire queen of New Orleans. After all, technically speaking, Hadley was already dead. And now, as unexpected heir to Hadley's estate, Sookie discovers the inheritance definitely comes with a risk.Someone doesn't want Sookie looking too deeply into Hadley's past---or for that matter, Hadley's possessions. And they're prepared to do anything in their power to stop her. But who? The range of suspects runs from the rogue weres who reject Sookie as a friend of the pack to the vampire queen herself, who could be working through a particularly vulnerable subject---Sookie's first love, Bill.Whoever it is, they're definitely dangerous and Sookie's life is definitely on the line.
TWELVE SHARP by Janet EvanovichWelcome to Trenton, New Jersey, where bounty hunter Stephanie Plum's life is about to implode in Janet Evanovich's wildest, hottest novel yet!
FIRST A STRANGER APPEARS
While chasing down the usual cast of miscreants and weirdos Stephanie discovers that a crazed woman is stalking her.
THEN THE STRANGER REVEALS HER SECRETS
The woman dresses in black, carries a 9mm Glock, and has a bad attitude and a mysterious connection to dark and dangerous Carlos Manoso …street name, Ranger.
NEXT, SOMEBODY DIES
The action turns deadly serious, and Stephanie goes from hunting skips to hunting a murderer.
SOON, THE CHASE IS ON
Ranger needs Stephanie for more reasons than he can say. And now, the two are working together to find a killer, rescue a missing child, and stop a lunatic from raising the body count.
When Stephanie Plum and Ranger get too close for comfort, vice cop Joe Morelli (her on-again, off-again boyfriend) steps in. Will the ticking clock stop at the stroke of twelve, or will a stranger in the wind find a way to stop Stephanie Plum…forever?
Filled with Janet Evanovich's trademark action, nonstop adventure, and sharp humor, Twelve Sharp shows why her novels have been called "hot stuff" (The New York Times), and Evanovich herself "the master" (San Francisco Examiner).
DARK SIDE OF THE MOON by Sherrilyn KenyonSusan Michaels was once the hottest reporter on the Beltway Beat until a major scandal ruined her life and left her writing stories about alien babies and Elvis sightings. Life as she once knew it is over, or so she thinks, but then she gets a lead on a story that could salvage her extinct career. She heads to the local animal shelter, expecting a hot news tip, which she gets in the form of a major police cover-up...for a ring of soul-sucking vampires out to take over Seattle. So much for saving her credibility.
And if that isn't bad enough, she gets talked into adopting a cat and finds she's allergic to it. A cat that turns out to be a shapeshifter who claims to be an immortal vampire slayer on the prowl for the same corrupt cops. Her first thought: seek professional help.
But as Susan's drawn into Ravyn's dark and dangerous world, she comes to realize that there's a lot more at stake than just her defunct career. Now it's no longer a question of bringing the truth to her readers; it's a matter of saving their very lives and souls.
Ravyn's life was shattered over four hundred years ago, when he mistakenly trusted the wrong human with the truth of his existence. He lost his family, his honor, and his life. Now, in order to save the people of Seattle, he's forced to confront that nightmare all over again, and to trust another woman with the secret that could destroy him.
In the world of the Dark-Hunters, life is always dangerous. But never more so than now, when a very human woman can shatter their entire world with just one story. The only question is...will she?
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UNDEAD by Kim HarrisonIt's a tough life for witch Rachel Morgan, sexy, independent bounty hunter, prowling the darkest shadows of downtown Cincinnati for criminal creatures of the night.She can handle the leather-clad vamps and even tangle with a cunning demon or two. But a serial killer who feeds on the experts in the most dangerous kind of black magic is definitely pressing the limits.
Confronting an ancient, implacable evil is more than just child's play -- and this time, Rachel will be lucky to escape with her very soul.
THE LUST LIZARD OF MELANCHOLY COVE by Christopher MooreThe town psychiatrist has decided to switch everybody in Pine Cove, California, from their normal antidepressants to placebos, so naturally—well, to be accurate, artificially—business is booming at the local blues bar. Trouble is, those lonely slide-guitar notes have also attracted a colossal sea beast named Steve with, shall we say, a thing for explosive oil tanker trucks. Suddenly, morose Pine Cove turns libidinous and is hit by a mysterious crime wave, and a beleaguered constable has to fight off his own gonzo appetites to find out what's wrong and what, if anything, to do about it.
BOOKENDS by Jane GreenOn the heels of her national bestsellers JEMIMA J and MR. MAYBE, British sensation Jane Green delivers a sparkling tale of old friends reunited and old jealousies rekindled.
Catherine Warner and Simon Nelson are best friends: total opposites, always together, and both unlucky in love. Cath is scatterbrained, messy, and -- since she had her heart broken a few years back -- emotionally closed off. Si is impossibly tidy, bitchy, and desperate for a man of his own. They live in London's West Hampstead along with their lifelong friends, Josh and Lucy, who are happily married with a devil-spawn child and a terrifying Swedish nanny, Ingrid.
All's well (sort of) until the sudden arrival of a college friend -- the stunningly beautiful Portia, who's known for breaking hearts. Though they've grown up and grown apart from Portia, the four friends welcome her back into the fold. But does Portia have a hidden agenda or is she merely looking to reconnect with old friends? Her reappearance soon unleashes a rollicking series of events that tests the foursome's friendships to the limit and leaves them wondering if a happy ending is in store.
Fortunately, Cath has plenty to take her mind off Portia's schemes -- like her gutsy decision to leave her job in advertising to fulfill her dream of opening a bookstore. And then there's James, the sexy real-estate agent who keeps dropping by even after the bookstore deal is done. With his irresistible smile and boyish charm could he be the one to melt Cath's heart?
Told with Jane Green's captivating wit and flare, BOOKENDS is above all a story about friendship -- its twists, turns and complications -- and how it weathers the challenges of love, ambition, marriage, and, most of all, growing up. Warmhearted, sophisticated, and full of delicious surprises, BOOKENDS is Green's most dazzling novel yet.
EVERYONE WORTH KNOWING by Lauren WeisbergerAn irresistible tale about what happens when a girl on the fringe enters the realm of New York's chic, party-hopping elite.
On paper, Bette Robinson's life is good. At twenty-six, she's got a great deal on an apartment in Manhattan, and she's on target to become an associate at the prestigious investment bank where she works with her best friend. Her eighty-hour work weeks might keep her from socializing or dating outside her office walls -- but she's paying her dues on the well-trod path to wealth and happiness. So when Bette quits her job like the impulsive girl she's never been, she not only shocks her friends and family -- she has no idea what to do next.For months, Bette gets out and about by walking her four-pound dog around her decidedly unglamorous Murray Hill neighborhood. Then she meets Kelly, head of Manhattan's hottest PR and events planning firm, and suddenly Bette has a brand-new job where the primary requirement is to see and be seen.The work at Kelly & Company takes Bette inside the VIP rooms of the city's most exclusive nightclubs, to parties crowded with celebrities and socialites. Bette learns not to blink at the famous faces, the black Amex cards, the magnums of Cristal, or the ruthless paparazzi. Soon she's dating an infamous playboy who's great for her career but bad for her sanity -- and scaring off the one decent guy she meets. Still, as her coworkers repeatedly point out, how can you complain about a job that pays you to party? Bette has to agree -- until she begins appearing in a vicious new gossip column. That's when Bette's life on paper takes on a whole new meaning -- and she learns the line between her personal and professional lives is... invisible.
STRAIGHT UP AND DIRTY: A MEMOIR by Stephanie Klein"I did have my own friends, my own salary, my health, and TiVo: all the important things we're likely to take for granted. Still, when it hit that I'd now have to date again, I panicked. Dating meant nightclubs, heels, and black. It meant, 'No, thank you. Really, I'm full.' It meant matching bras and underwear. Clothes with the micro used to describe them. Because until you date again, people will hiccup lines about getting back on horses. So you invest in an Agent Provocateur whip and a subscription to an online dating service. . . ." --from Straight Up and Dirty
She had every girl's dream: the perfect marriage to the perfect guy in the perfect apartment on the Upper East Side. Marriage fit Stephanie Klein like a glove . . . but unfortunately it fit her husband like a noose.
And then, just like that, Klein found herself "divorced when you're firm, fashionable, and let's face it—fetching." Celebrated bloggist, photographer, and freelance writer Stephanie Klein lets it all hang out in this juicy tell-all tracing her jump back into single life following her divorce. On the dating advice of her therapist, Klein attempts to keep "a pair and a spare" of men always on hand and has lots of bawdy fun along the way. But when the anniversary of the devastating breakup from her "wasband" forces her to revisit what happened, she finds herself wanting more than her therapist's recommended gimmick to keep her emotionally safe. Straight Up and Dirty demonstrates that the true measure of success isn't what's crossed off life's to-do list. It's having the grace and fortitude to move through change, curls intact and smiling.
MAD RIVER ROAD by Joy FieldingAfter spending a year in prison, Ralph Fisher has explicit plans for his first night of freedom: tonight, someone will be held accountable. He goes to murderous lengths to obtain the address of his former wife - the woman he blames for his fate and against whom he has sworn vengeance. Determined to bring her to his idea of justice, Ralph's next step is to travel from Florida's sandy beaches to Dayton, Ohio, where his ex-wife is struggling to make ends meet on Mad River Road.
Also in Florida, Jamie Kellogg wakes from an agonizing nightmare of her mother's funeral, and assesses her life: a pretty but unaccomplished twenty-nine-year-old woman in a dead-end job, with an ex-husband in Atlanta, a married lover in the hospital, and a virtual stranger in her bed. But this stranger is everything the previous men in her life weren't: tender, attentive, and adventurous. After convincing Jamie to quit her miserable job and ditch her judgmental, perfectionist sister, he proposes a romantic getaway. While Jamie wonders if this thrilling man might finally be her Prince Charming, they plan a road trip to visit his son, who lives with his mother on a street called Mad River Road...
WHY GIRLS ARE WEIRD by Pamela RibonWhen Anna Koval decides to creatively kill time at her library job in Austin by teaching herself HTML and posting partially fabricated stories about her life on the Internet, she hardly imagines anyone besides her friend Dale is going to read them. He's been bugging her to start writing again since her breakup with Ian over a year ago. And so what if the "Anna K" persona in Anna's online journal has a fabulous boyfriend named Ian? It's not like the real Ian will ever find out about it.
The story started writing itself.
Almost instantly Anna K starts getting e-mail from adoring fans that read her daily postings religiously. One devotee, Tess, seems intent on becoming Anna K's real-life best friend and another, a male admirer who goes by the name of "Ldobler," sounds like he'd want to date Anna K if she didn't already have a boyfriend. Meanwhile, the real Anna can't help but wonder if her newfound fans like her or the alter ego she's created. It's only a matter of time before fact and fiction collide and force Anna to decide not only who she wants to be with, but who she wants to be.
J IS FOR JUDGMENT by Sue Grafton"J" is for Jaffe: Wendell Jaffe, dead for five years. Or so it seemed until he's spotted in the bar of a dusty resort halfway between Cabo San Lucas and La Paz.Having just paid his wife $500,000, Jaffe's insurance company wants the truth and is willing to hire a private investigator to dig it up. As Kinsey Milhone pushes deeper into the mystery, she explores her own past. In family matters as in crime, she discovers, it's sometimes better to reserve judgment.
THE STARTER WIFE by Gigi Levangie GrazerIN HOLLYWOOD, THEY LIKE TO LOVE 'EM AND LEAVE 'EM.
When her husband, Kenny, dumps her by cell phone (!) mere months before their ten-year wedding anniversary, Gracie Pollock is dazed and confused. Though life as the wife of a semi-famous Hollywood studio executive often left her yawning, Gracie always believed she and Kenny were different from other Hollywood couples. She never thought she'd be a starter wife. But Kenny has upgraded, and with images of his new pop tartlet girlfriend everywhere Gracie turns, she seeks refuge at her best friend's Malibu mansion. Then a mysterious hunk saves her from drowning and suddenly drowning in her sorrows seems like a waste of time. And when she takes up with Kenny's boss, one of Hollywood's better-known Lotharios, she discovers that maybe life after divorce -- Hollywood-style -- isn't so bad after all!
THE VILE VILLAGE by Lemony SnicketSomeone once said, "It takes a village to raise a child." Obviously that person never visited the town of V.F.D., where unlucky orphans Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire find themselves in this woeful adventure.
The inhabitants of V.F.D. do not do a very good job of raising the Baudelaires, unlss by "a very good job" you mean something like "the villagers require the children to do everyone's chores, then try to burn them at the stake when they break some of the town's 19,833 rules." In addition to ineffective child-rearing practices, this book also contains unpleasant things like a murder of crows, a night spent in jail, and some very strange hats.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
April Book Review
My reading (or lack thereof) seems to have an all time low. I only read two books in April. At least one was really good and the other one was better than average...
The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3088180
A Clean Slate by Laura Caldwell - 6/10
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Power Tools For Girls...
This girl has evolved into a Tim "The Toolman" Taylor. Grunt....Bought a new piece of exercise equipment this week and need something with some power to put it together so I am now the proud owner of my very own Black & Decker power drill. Ain't it pretty?
Now, simple household projects won't seem so daunting, right? Once I tackle the assembly on my new Ab-scissor, then I can move on to putting holes in the wall to hang pictures....
Grunt....lookout boys, there's a new power tool out here in the hands of a girl. The world has become my workbench!
If only online dating were this easy....
Saturday, April 01, 2006
March Book Review
Once again, March was another month that I was not able to accomplish a lot of reading. Fortunately, I did read some good ones...
A Connecticut Fashionista In King Arthur's Court by Marianne Mancusi - 8/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3700886
The Broker by John Grisham - 8/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2434699
The Ersatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket - 8/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3351427
Dark Moon by Lori Handeland - 5/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3700882
Chill Of Fear by Kay Hooper - 6/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3819357
Sunday, March 05, 2006
February Book Review
I read a total of 4 books in February. Overall, pretty average reads but I was surprised at being disappointed with Unleash The Night. This book is part of a series that I usually devour but I had to struggle with it for the first half of the book.
Over Her Dead Body by Kate White - 7/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3136463
You Have To Kiss A Lot Of Frogs by Laurie Graff - 8/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2490371
Unleash The Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon - 6/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3573241
I Is For Innocent by Sue Grafton - 7/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2810897
Monday, February 06, 2006
January's Reading Review
I read 5 books in January. Good variety overall...
HUNTING FEAR by Kay Hooper - 6/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3062991
L.A. WOMAN by Cathy Yardley - 8/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2328805
METRO GIRL by Janet Evanovich - 5/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2232538
CARPE DEMON: ADVENTURES OF A DEMON-HUNTING SOCCER MOM
by Julie Kenner - 8/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3037649
SEE JANE DATE by Melissa Senate - 8/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2385341
Friday, February 03, 2006
An Obstacle On The Road Of Life
So, last Friday, I am in my 2001 Dodge Stratus on my way to MaryAnn's house to pick her up to go to the library. A trip I have made so many times I could probably do it with my eyes closed, right? Which probably explains why what I am about to tell you even happened to begin with. I must have had my eyes closed.
I ran over a branch in the road. By the time I saw it in the road, I couldn't veer around so I went over it hoping it wouldn't hit the tire. It wasn't a huge tree limb but more along the lines of a branch from a bush or some other shrub. I didn't feel the tire hit it so I continued on down the road. After a few minutes I hear a "shhhhhh" noise coming through the vents. Uh-oh. Sounds like a tire is going flat doesn't it? Damn! I pull over, get out and inspect the tires. They're fine. Can't hear the noise anymore either. OK, I'm 40 now so maybe my hearing is going though that's a whole other post! I get back in the car and continue on my journey. After a few minutes, I hear the bloody "shhhhhhh" noise again! This is irritating, let me tell you. I pull over again and get back out of the car. Noise is gone and tires are fine. I figure "what the hell" and lie down in the road and look under my car. There, in all its glory and pride, is the damn branch sticking out from where it got stuck under my car and has been dragging on the road as I was driving! No big deal, right? I reach under the car, a car that I should mention has less than 12 inches of clearance between the car and the road, grab the offending branch and pull. Nothing. I pull again. Still nothing. I begin to cuss while pulling. And still nothing. That damn branch has gotten stuck and won't budge! Now, I'm worried. What if it punctures my oil pan or severs a break line? Having no idea where these items are in proximity to the branch, I began to experience all manner of panic and anxiety.
I get back in the car and head on to MaryAnn's thinking if we could get the car jacked up higher then it would be easier to pull the branch out. I arrive and they aren't home! Not sure of what else to do, I call the dealer and ask for my service advisor. I explain the situation and he says to bring it in and within 20 minutes I am at the dealership. Along the way, I take the freeway, driving at speeds of 65+ when I realize that there is a branch stuck under the car that is dragging on the road. Could the friction be generating sparks under my car? This is not an ideal moment to have a thought such as that. I remained tense anticipating my car to turn into a huge fireball with me inside.
After about a hour at the dealer, I got my car back, branch free and inspected with no damage found. In addition, the dealer did not charge me! They were so sweet!
Unfortunately, this incident became the final straw for me to stop procrastinating and get rid of the car. Ever since I injured my back last year, I have noticed that having to step down to get in the car aggravates my back so I knew I would need to buy something that sits up higher (small SUV or mini-van). Having it sit up higher will avoid future branch incidents in the road as well.
Last night, I became the proud new owner of a 2006 Honda CRV. Here's to a less bumpy road of life.
I ran over a branch in the road. By the time I saw it in the road, I couldn't veer around so I went over it hoping it wouldn't hit the tire. It wasn't a huge tree limb but more along the lines of a branch from a bush or some other shrub. I didn't feel the tire hit it so I continued on down the road. After a few minutes I hear a "shhhhhh" noise coming through the vents. Uh-oh. Sounds like a tire is going flat doesn't it? Damn! I pull over, get out and inspect the tires. They're fine. Can't hear the noise anymore either. OK, I'm 40 now so maybe my hearing is going though that's a whole other post! I get back in the car and continue on my journey. After a few minutes, I hear the bloody "shhhhhhh" noise again! This is irritating, let me tell you. I pull over again and get back out of the car. Noise is gone and tires are fine. I figure "what the hell" and lie down in the road and look under my car. There, in all its glory and pride, is the damn branch sticking out from where it got stuck under my car and has been dragging on the road as I was driving! No big deal, right? I reach under the car, a car that I should mention has less than 12 inches of clearance between the car and the road, grab the offending branch and pull. Nothing. I pull again. Still nothing. I begin to cuss while pulling. And still nothing. That damn branch has gotten stuck and won't budge! Now, I'm worried. What if it punctures my oil pan or severs a break line? Having no idea where these items are in proximity to the branch, I began to experience all manner of panic and anxiety.
I get back in the car and head on to MaryAnn's thinking if we could get the car jacked up higher then it would be easier to pull the branch out. I arrive and they aren't home! Not sure of what else to do, I call the dealer and ask for my service advisor. I explain the situation and he says to bring it in and within 20 minutes I am at the dealership. Along the way, I take the freeway, driving at speeds of 65+ when I realize that there is a branch stuck under the car that is dragging on the road. Could the friction be generating sparks under my car? This is not an ideal moment to have a thought such as that. I remained tense anticipating my car to turn into a huge fireball with me inside.
After about a hour at the dealer, I got my car back, branch free and inspected with no damage found. In addition, the dealer did not charge me! They were so sweet!
Unfortunately, this incident became the final straw for me to stop procrastinating and get rid of the car. Ever since I injured my back last year, I have noticed that having to step down to get in the car aggravates my back so I knew I would need to buy something that sits up higher (small SUV or mini-van). Having it sit up higher will avoid future branch incidents in the road as well.
Last night, I became the proud new owner of a 2006 Honda CRV. Here's to a less bumpy road of life.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
A Year Of Reading
In 2005, I managed to read a measly 69 books, a depressing number compared to previous years. Here is a compilation of the best books I read and the worst.
Best:
Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2151607
Carrie Pilby by Caren Lissner
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/776154
White Hot by Sandra Brown
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2191641
Blood Sucking Fiends by Christopher Moore
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2184908
The Third Victim by Lisa Gardner
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2299513
Wanderlust by Chris Dyer
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1750776
Bait by Karen Robards
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2434701
The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2452171
Kill The Messenger by Tami Hoag
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2311675
Mother Of The Bride by Lynn Michaels
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1667144
The Next Accident by Lisa Gardner
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2299535
Key Of Knowledge by Nora Roberts
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1358916
The Ex Files by Jane Moore
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1931417
The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2461911
Answered Prayers by Danielle Steel
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2476039
Every Move She Makes by Robin Burcell
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2418724
If Only It Were True by Marc Levy
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2532499
Light In Shadow by Jayne Ann Krentz
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1512701
The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2270514
Blindsighted by Karin Slaughter
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1209045
The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2418737
The Killing Hour by Lisa Gardner
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2186462
Just One Look by Harlan Coben
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2725008
The Sweetest Taboo by Carole Matthews
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1931412
Tales Of A Drama Queen by Lee Nichols
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2171528
Body Double by Tess Gerritsen
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2786836
The Miserable Mill by Lemony Snicket
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2569121
Bitten by Kelley Armstrong
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1626397
Every Boy's Got One by Meg Cabot
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2402182
Eleven On Top by Janet Evanovich
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2988729
Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2831995
Dead As A Doornail by Charlaine Harris
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2831991
Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3045087
Breakfast At Stephanie's by Sue Margolis
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1931431
No Second Chance by Harlan Coben
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2810901
Seize The Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2335376
Undead And Unappreciated by MaryJanice Davidson
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3141595
Turning Thirty by Mike Gayle
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2258605
Sense Of Evil by Kay Hooper
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1822893
Honeymoon by James Patterson
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2569156
4th Of July by James Patterson
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2832002
Ready Or Not by Meg Cabot
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3206935
The Austere Academy by Lemony Snicket
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2971660
Wedding Season by Darcy Cosper
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1915992
Alone by Lisa Gardner
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2461899
Kill The Competition by Stephanie Bond
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1192289
Conspiracy In Death by J.D. Robb
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1014140
Stolen by Kelley Armstrong
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3136466
Rosie Dunne by Cecelia Ahern
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2480877
The Givenchy Code by Julie Kenner
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3045093
The Ex Factor by Andrea Semple
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2490387
Sins Of The Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2971664
Superstition by Karen Robards
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2855217
The Other Woman by Jane Green
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2840332
Worst:
Let's Meet On Platform 8 by Carole Matthews
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1086272
Best:
Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2151607
Carrie Pilby by Caren Lissner
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/776154
White Hot by Sandra Brown
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2191641
Blood Sucking Fiends by Christopher Moore
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2184908
The Third Victim by Lisa Gardner
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2299513
Wanderlust by Chris Dyer
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1750776
Bait by Karen Robards
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2434701
The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2452171
Kill The Messenger by Tami Hoag
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2311675
Mother Of The Bride by Lynn Michaels
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1667144
The Next Accident by Lisa Gardner
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2299535
Key Of Knowledge by Nora Roberts
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1358916
The Ex Files by Jane Moore
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1931417
The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2461911
Answered Prayers by Danielle Steel
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2476039
Every Move She Makes by Robin Burcell
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2418724
If Only It Were True by Marc Levy
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2532499
Light In Shadow by Jayne Ann Krentz
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1512701
The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2270514
Blindsighted by Karin Slaughter
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1209045
The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2418737
The Killing Hour by Lisa Gardner
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2186462
Just One Look by Harlan Coben
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2725008
The Sweetest Taboo by Carole Matthews
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1931412
Tales Of A Drama Queen by Lee Nichols
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2171528
Body Double by Tess Gerritsen
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2786836
The Miserable Mill by Lemony Snicket
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2569121
Bitten by Kelley Armstrong
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1626397
Every Boy's Got One by Meg Cabot
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2402182
Eleven On Top by Janet Evanovich
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2988729
Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2831995
Dead As A Doornail by Charlaine Harris
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2831991
Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3045087
Breakfast At Stephanie's by Sue Margolis
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1931431
No Second Chance by Harlan Coben
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2810901
Seize The Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2335376
Undead And Unappreciated by MaryJanice Davidson
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3141595
Turning Thirty by Mike Gayle
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2258605
Sense Of Evil by Kay Hooper
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1822893
Honeymoon by James Patterson
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2569156
4th Of July by James Patterson
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2832002
Ready Or Not by Meg Cabot
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3206935
The Austere Academy by Lemony Snicket
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2971660
Wedding Season by Darcy Cosper
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1915992
Alone by Lisa Gardner
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2461899
Kill The Competition by Stephanie Bond
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1192289
Conspiracy In Death by J.D. Robb
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1014140
Stolen by Kelley Armstrong
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3136466
Rosie Dunne by Cecelia Ahern
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2480877
The Givenchy Code by Julie Kenner
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3045093
The Ex Factor by Andrea Semple
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2490387
Sins Of The Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2971664
Superstition by Karen Robards
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2855217
The Other Woman by Jane Green
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2840332
Worst:
Let's Meet On Platform 8 by Carole Matthews
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1086272
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
December's Book Review
In December as with the majority of 2005, my reading was sorely diminished. I read 4 books for the month. Wait a minute! That can't be right! 4???? Just 4??? How can that be? Sadly, it is just 4.
Sins Of The Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon - 10/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2971664
Superstition by Karen Robards - 8/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2855217
The Other Woman by Jane Green - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2840332
The Trials Of Tiffany Trott by Isabel Wolff - 6/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2333531
Sins Of The Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon - 10/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2971664
Superstition by Karen Robards - 8/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2855217
The Other Woman by Jane Green - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2840332
The Trials Of Tiffany Trott by Isabel Wolff - 6/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2333531
Happy New Year!
Another year over and a new one beginning and once again, I'm starting the new year off sick. Every flipping year at this time, I am sick. Is it a cold? Is it allergies? Is it valley fever? Who the hell knows! After living in Arizona for over 18 years, the damn doctors sure as hell don't know. It really is a "medical practice." Home treatments do very little for the symptoms so I will be making my trek to the doctor to pay out the big bucks for an office visit and probably an antibiotic that doesn't work either. Most colds are viral and antibiotics are useless with viral infections.
Don't mind me...I'm usually bitchy and cranky when I don't feel good. Anyway, despite the getting sick part, 2006 made its arrival very quietly in my life. I spent it with Lee and MaryAnn watching movies and eating "New Years Food" which is nothing more than snacks and finger foods.
The upside to the New Year is that 2005 is FINALLY over! That year has gone down in the record book as the worst year of my life and I have been so ready for it to be over and to begin a new and hopefully much improved year.
Don't mind me...I'm usually bitchy and cranky when I don't feel good. Anyway, despite the getting sick part, 2006 made its arrival very quietly in my life. I spent it with Lee and MaryAnn watching movies and eating "New Years Food" which is nothing more than snacks and finger foods.
The upside to the New Year is that 2005 is FINALLY over! That year has gone down in the record book as the worst year of my life and I have been so ready for it to be over and to begin a new and hopefully much improved year.
Friday, December 02, 2005
November Book Review
I sure hope that in 2006, my reading totals go up...It's a little disheartening to see that my favorite hobby has taken a downward spiral this year...
6 books for the month but most of them were really good, so that's a positive. (smile)
Shopgirl by Steve Martin - 5/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3313754
Stolen by Kelley Armstrong - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3136466
Rosie Dunne by Cecelia Ahern - 10/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2480877
The Givenchy Code by Julie Kenner - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3045093
Dating Without Novocaine by Lisa Cach - 7/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/991597
The Ex-Factor by Andrea Semple - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2490387
6 books for the month but most of them were really good, so that's a positive. (smile)
Shopgirl by Steve Martin - 5/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3313754
Stolen by Kelley Armstrong - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3136466
Rosie Dunne by Cecelia Ahern - 10/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2480877
The Givenchy Code by Julie Kenner - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3045093
Dating Without Novocaine by Lisa Cach - 7/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/991597
The Ex-Factor by Andrea Semple - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2490387
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Manners
Have people in general forgotten what having manners mean? Or have people become oblivious to saying thank you or please? Or do they just not care?
When I was growing up, I was raised to say please and thank you when asking for or receiving something. It's become a part of who I am today. Now, however, I look around me and see gratitude sorely lacking in people. It's sad to think this is what society has become.
Maybe I will just chalk it up to one more disappointment this year as this has been the year for me in disappointments. Maybe next year will bring out the manners in people. Maybe next year will find me being more reluctant in the area of gift giving.
When I was growing up, I was raised to say please and thank you when asking for or receiving something. It's become a part of who I am today. Now, however, I look around me and see gratitude sorely lacking in people. It's sad to think this is what society has become.
Maybe I will just chalk it up to one more disappointment this year as this has been the year for me in disappointments. Maybe next year will bring out the manners in people. Maybe next year will find me being more reluctant in the area of gift giving.
Post Holiday Ramblings
Survived the holiday in one piece. Went to TX to see my parents. Had a good time but I really need to rethink the whole staying at their house next time. All of the cigarette smoke got to me and now I'm coming down with a sinus or upper respiratory infection, which is so NOT what I need.
Picked up some Zicam cough mist which seems to be helping the scratchy throat and cough and congestion. It's supposed to cut the life and symptoms of a cold in half. It's also supposed to reduce the severity of the cold.
I've reinjured my back today. Getting out of my bed this morning, I didn't have a light on and tripped on a footstool so I am back in pain but am taking the drugs left over from the last time. I am tired of this already. I've been using heat and ice alternately hoping that will help too and doing the exercises. I'll see how I feel tomorrow. If I still have pain, I will call Dr. White to get adjusted.
I bought a portable DVD player to use in the bedroom and also take with me on the plane when I go to Alabama in January. On the flight from Dallas to Phoenix last week, I was sitting next to a woman using a laptop to watch movies and thought it was a great idea to pass the time during the flight. Usually, I read, but sometimes feel nauseous after reading for too long on the plane. Happens all the time, especially if I try to read in the car. It's a Polaroid brand and has a 10" screen which is a pretty good size.
Picked up some Zicam cough mist which seems to be helping the scratchy throat and cough and congestion. It's supposed to cut the life and symptoms of a cold in half. It's also supposed to reduce the severity of the cold.
I've reinjured my back today. Getting out of my bed this morning, I didn't have a light on and tripped on a footstool so I am back in pain but am taking the drugs left over from the last time. I am tired of this already. I've been using heat and ice alternately hoping that will help too and doing the exercises. I'll see how I feel tomorrow. If I still have pain, I will call Dr. White to get adjusted.
I bought a portable DVD player to use in the bedroom and also take with me on the plane when I go to Alabama in January. On the flight from Dallas to Phoenix last week, I was sitting next to a woman using a laptop to watch movies and thought it was a great idea to pass the time during the flight. Usually, I read, but sometimes feel nauseous after reading for too long on the plane. Happens all the time, especially if I try to read in the car. It's a Polaroid brand and has a 10" screen which is a pretty good size.
Friday, November 11, 2005
October Book Review
Here is my October reading review:
Conspiracy In Death by J.D. Robb - 10/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1014140
Kill The Competition by Stephanie Bond - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1192289
Alone by Lisa Gardner - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2461899
Wedding Season by Darcy Cosper - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1915992
The Austere Academy by Lemony Snicket - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2971660
Conspiracy In Death by J.D. Robb - 10/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1014140
Kill The Competition by Stephanie Bond - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1192289
Alone by Lisa Gardner - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2461899
Wedding Season by Darcy Cosper - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1915992
The Austere Academy by Lemony Snicket - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2971660
Gobble Gobble Gobble
Oh my gosh, I cannot believe it is November and it's nearly half over already! Let's recap:
October was pretty good. Divorce was finalized on the 13th. Rob and I had been talking about going to counseling to see if we can rebuild our relationship. Decorated my apartment for Halloween and it looked fabulous! Had a tarot reading party on the Friday before Halloween and that was a lot of fun with some friends. Looking forward to doing that again in about 6 months.
November didn't start out too well. By the 4th, I discovered that Rob betrayed me YET AGAIN! How do I fall for this shit over and over? Apparently, while he was making promises to me about wanting to be together and working out our problems, he was exploring his feelings for someone else! A different someone else, I might add, than the first skank he ran off with. He really is the most selfish bastard I have ever had the misfortune to meet. So, now, not only are we not going to reconcile, there will not be a friendship thanks to his lies. I would rather be friends with Charles Manson....
I also finished physical therapy for my back. Hopefully, there will not be any recurrences. With my back injury, there is usually an 80% chance, which frightens me somewhat because I never want to go through that again. I will be looking into taking some Pillates classes which come highly recommended to me from the therapist and doctor and chiropractor.
Now, here we are on the 11th. Happy Veteran's Day to all our brave armed forces personnel currently serving our country and to those who gave their lives to serve that didn't make it home and to those who have served in the past and are deserving of this day.
This weekend, I am going to a Harry Potter marathon with friends where we will engorge ourselves on food and watch the three Harry Potter movies to prepare for next Friday when the new edition comes out in the theaters, Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire.
More later....
October was pretty good. Divorce was finalized on the 13th. Rob and I had been talking about going to counseling to see if we can rebuild our relationship. Decorated my apartment for Halloween and it looked fabulous! Had a tarot reading party on the Friday before Halloween and that was a lot of fun with some friends. Looking forward to doing that again in about 6 months.
November didn't start out too well. By the 4th, I discovered that Rob betrayed me YET AGAIN! How do I fall for this shit over and over? Apparently, while he was making promises to me about wanting to be together and working out our problems, he was exploring his feelings for someone else! A different someone else, I might add, than the first skank he ran off with. He really is the most selfish bastard I have ever had the misfortune to meet. So, now, not only are we not going to reconcile, there will not be a friendship thanks to his lies. I would rather be friends with Charles Manson....
I also finished physical therapy for my back. Hopefully, there will not be any recurrences. With my back injury, there is usually an 80% chance, which frightens me somewhat because I never want to go through that again. I will be looking into taking some Pillates classes which come highly recommended to me from the therapist and doctor and chiropractor.
Now, here we are on the 11th. Happy Veteran's Day to all our brave armed forces personnel currently serving our country and to those who gave their lives to serve that didn't make it home and to those who have served in the past and are deserving of this day.
This weekend, I am going to a Harry Potter marathon with friends where we will engorge ourselves on food and watch the three Harry Potter movies to prepare for next Friday when the new edition comes out in the theaters, Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire.
More later....
Saturday, October 29, 2005
All done
Got the final divorce decree in the mail signed by the judge on October 13. So, now it really is all done and over with.
Not sure if I am happy about it or not. Maybe a little happy and sad and still pissed off that it all came to this in the first place. If he would have just opened his damn mouth and started communicating, maybe none of this would be happening...
Not sure if I am happy about it or not. Maybe a little happy and sad and still pissed off that it all came to this in the first place. If he would have just opened his damn mouth and started communicating, maybe none of this would be happening...
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Red Wine
Numerous people have recently told me that one glass of red wine each evening has wonderful health benefits. OK, I'll sip....
The problem is I am in no way, shape or form a wine drinker so I have no idea what is good. I tried a bottle of imported Sangria that wasn't bad. I believe the brand was Carlos Real Garcia or something along those lines. Then another person told me to try Yellow Tail Shiraz which is an Australian wine. Don't care for that. It's too bitter. I think I am definitely favoring a sweet fruity tasting wine.
Where do I begin?
The problem is I am in no way, shape or form a wine drinker so I have no idea what is good. I tried a bottle of imported Sangria that wasn't bad. I believe the brand was Carlos Real Garcia or something along those lines. Then another person told me to try Yellow Tail Shiraz which is an Australian wine. Don't care for that. It's too bitter. I think I am definitely favoring a sweet fruity tasting wine.
Where do I begin?
Saturday, October 08, 2005
September's Reads
I'm sad and embarrassed to report that I only read 5 books in the month of September and all of them were audiobooks so does that count? I say it does...the upside is that they were all really good so it's definitely time well spent.
Sense Of Evil by Kay Hooper - 8/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1822893
Puppet by Joy Fielding - 7/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3206939
Honeymoon by James Patterson - 10/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2569156
4th Of July by James Patterson - 10/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2832002
Ready Or Not by Meg Cabot - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3206935
Sense Of Evil by Kay Hooper - 8/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1822893
Puppet by Joy Fielding - 7/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3206939
Honeymoon by James Patterson - 10/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2569156
4th Of July by James Patterson - 10/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2832002
Ready Or Not by Meg Cabot - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3206935
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Can you believe it?
On my way out this afternoon to run a few errands and join up with friends for a BBQ. Stopped at the dumpster to drop off my household trash. Nothing unusual there. Noticed the dumpsters were closed which is usually a sign that they were recently emptied and saw several bags of trash lying in front. Still, I didn't think anything unusual as they probably fell out when the trash truck picked up the dumpster, right? When I got closer, I saw a bag and there was a book sticking out of the top. Upon closer inspection, I see the bag is full of books! Was someone going to throw out these books like they were trash?!? Seems like blasphemy to me to actually throw away a book! What else could I do but rescue those poor books and bring them home where I will register them at www.bookcrossing.com and find them homes where hopefully someone will appreciate them!
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Books read in August
Didn't do too badly in August with my reading...the links will take you to the book on my virtual bookshelf so you can read comments about it.
Breakfast at Stephanie's by Sue Margolis - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1931431
No Second Chance by Harlan Coben - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2810901
Seize The Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon - 10/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2335376
Undead And Unappreciated by MaryJanice Davidson - 8/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3141595
Turning Thirty by Mike Gayle - 8/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2258605
Breakfast at Stephanie's by Sue Margolis - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1931431
No Second Chance by Harlan Coben - 9/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2810901
Seize The Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon - 10/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2335376
Undead And Unappreciated by MaryJanice Davidson - 8/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3141595
Turning Thirty by Mike Gayle - 8/10
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2258605
Gimpy
I don't know what I did but I have thrown out my back. Since last Sunday (Aug. 28), I have been in excruciating pain. I was sitting at my new computer desk and stood up to get ready for work when I felt a cramp in my right shoulder. Didn't think anything of it and started rotating arm and shoulder around thinking to work out the cramp when I feel a very sharp pain radiate from my shoulder down my back. Went to the doctor on Tuesday, August 30. He told me I had strained a muscle or pinched a nerve in my neck! My neck! What the hell medical school did he go to? Yeah, I know everything is connected but I have full range of motion in my neck and no pain there! It's my frickin back that hurts. He gives me a prescription for Soma which does absolutely NOTHING for me other than to make me feel loopy. So, on Friday, September 2, I go to a chiropractor. I am a complete and total chicken and have avoided going to such places because of the horror stories I have heard about them. I am surprised and amazed that this chiropractor is different and uses different methods. After the treatment, I feel pretty good. Really good as a matter of fact. I'm thinking, "Great! I'm healed!" That was probably my first mistake. On Saturday, it was starting to tighten up again. I went for a pedicure because they let you sit in a massage chair and that felt good but by Saturday night, the pain was getting intense so much so that I was taking Soma about every 4 hours. Nothing was helping. Not the Soma, not ice, not heat, not massage. By Sunday morning, the spasms were so intense and painful that I couldn't stand upright and I was in tears. My friend MaryAnn and her daughter Samantha were staying over for a girl's night so they called her husband Lee to come and take me to the emergency room. Rob was with Lee so he came along to help. We were at the ER for 6 1/2 hours. They gave me an injection of Demerol which helped, but I had a bad reaction to it and ended up passing out. They gave me 3 prescriptions (Percoset, Skelaxin, and Motrin) and the drugs seem to be helping much more than the Soma ever began to.
Monday was a holiday so I ended up sleeping most of the day and taking the pills. I was able to get a doctor's appointment for Tuesday. Rob took the day off and drove me around to the doctor and to get xrayed. I'm going back to the chiropractor on Thursday. My doctor told me to continue going to the chiropractor and depending on what the xray tells him, I may have to get an MRI done. So, needless to say, it's been a rough few days that I will be glad to be done with.
Monday was a holiday so I ended up sleeping most of the day and taking the pills. I was able to get a doctor's appointment for Tuesday. Rob took the day off and drove me around to the doctor and to get xrayed. I'm going back to the chiropractor on Thursday. My doctor told me to continue going to the chiropractor and depending on what the xray tells him, I may have to get an MRI done. So, needless to say, it's been a rough few days that I will be glad to be done with.
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About Me
- Sherri
- I am not a professional reviewer, but I love to read and share my opinions on my reading with others who are interested. I work full time but my ideal perfect day would be to curl up with a good book. The majority of the books I review here are from my private collection and my reviews are provided purely for entertainment purposes. I receive no compensation whatsoever for sharing my thoughts and review on any book. If you would like me to review your book, please email me at sharalsbooks@yahoo.com Happy Reading! :o)