Author Moment: An Interview with JR Vikse - Part The Second

Good Evening Humble Readers...

I hope you've all had a great Monday.  Or at least as good as a Monday can get.  My day has been wonderfully productive, and now I get to come and hang out with you fine folks!  Yay!

JR Vikse

Today I am privileged to bring you the second part of my interview with my friend JR Vikse.  His new book, The Keeper Chronicles: Playing With Fire, released earlier this month, and after I got a chance to read it, I fired a bunch of questions at him.  He was generous enough to share some insights into his process of creating a fantastical world, peopled with numerous races, intriguing characters, and power-hungry villains. 

On a personal note, I was blown away by this book.  As I told JR, in reading his book I became profoundly aware of the fact that I will never be fit to write fantasy.  I am already harassing him for the next installment.  If you enjoy young adult fantasy, you will LOVE this story.  I don't want to spoil anything for you guys. 

Many authors can pinpoint when or where an idea first came to them.  How did Tranthaea first come to you?  It's true, sometimes there is a moment, or an image, or an idea that you just know is going to be special. Tranthaea, and the stories that are encompassed within it, was one of those ideas for me. It originally came to me as a picture in my head. I had the idea of a warrior riding a silver, floating animal, both horse-like and fish-like, but at the same time like nothing ever seen before. The warrior and creature were slowly and silently weaving through the trees of a dark forest. 

A simple enough image, but one that held a great fascination for me, and quickly grew more detailed in my mind. This, thankfully, was expanded upon to great effect, and eventually the story and the world that you read about in The Keeper Chronicles: Playing with Fire came about. For you watchful readers, that conceptual image did make it into the book, so keep an eye out for it (although many other original ideas did not, but that's another story!).

How much of this story, and Tranthaea itself, was inspired by your time in Australia?  (If any)

Very little of the story itself (plot, etc.) was inspired by the years I lived in Australia, but some of the characters were. One old and wise character in particular (not to give too much away, though if you've read the book, you might just know who I mean!) was inspired by a neighbour of mine, and plays an integral part in the story of Tranthaea. I actually have a picture of said neighbour on my website in the Author's Blog section, for those readers who are interested in a sneak peek!  I have been fortunate enough to live in some of the most beautiful countries in the world, traversed continents and hemispheres, and seen many sights, and though I have not purposefully based any locations in the book on places I've visited, I'm sure that similarities abound. After all, we write what we know. We shall see if the next book reflects my new home in any way!

The relationship between the natural world and the peoples who inhabit it becomes a large part of the story (rather Tolkein-esque, in my opinion 😊).  Was that intentional, or did it sneak up on you? An intentional happiness. I knew early on that I wanted to start the trilogy with a very segregated group of societies, and for me those groups were naturally constructed based on their environments. A large part of my pre-production for the book was the creation of characters, peoples, societies, and creatures that would feel like they have a long and strong history with the world they live in, and with each other. I really wanted to give the feeling of a fully developed world with its own challenges and beauties that has a history outside of its interactions with Humans. I'm very glad that came across in the reading! 

You said previously that writing Jingwei’s character was ‘incredibly freeing’ and a ‘pleasure’.  She certainly isn't shy about stating her opinion.  Were there other surprises from your characters?  Characters who were harder to control or make do your bidding?  I think each character I write is surprising to me in the end. There is some unknown point in the writing of a book when the characters begin to have more input into what happens to them, and the personalities that you've created start to affect the storyline and the other characters in ways that you didn't expect. Certainly there were characters that I fell in love with that I didn't intend to, and other characters who simply decided to write themselves a bigger part than they were originally intended to have! Callum Swift (the other lead character, along with Jingwei Li) was a pleasant surprise for me. When I started the writing process, I wasn't sure if I was going to like him as much as Jingwei, (not that I disliked him, but against such a strong personality, it would have been easy for him to disappear) but he grew on me very quickly, and is now a favourite of myself and my readers!

I'm in awe of the breadth and depth of your cast of characters.  Were there any races that were more difficult to envision or create?   Thanks very much! Yes indeed. The design process was an extremely fun and challenging part of the writing of the book, and  and I knew very early on that I didn't want this to be "just another fantasy series," so I steered clear of placing any elves, dwarves, or unicorns in my world. As I mentioned before, the peoples and creatures that I created were meant to show connection and history with the environment around them, so as I designed the races, their place in the world, both figuratively and literally, helped create their physical appearance as well as their political affiliations. The gru'Esh and the Aru Faylen were a couple of tricky species to work with, because once their... unique physicalities were decided upon, some common actions, such as talking or breathing, became very difficult for them. Figuring out the solutions to these little challenges was a great deal of fun, and paid off with some intricate and interesting ideas and details that really bring the races a depth and personality that translates well in the book.

The conflict that arises in Tranthaea, while based in the immediate, stems from some pretty major decisions made in the past.  Will those decisions, made by past leaders continue to haunt the Keepers and the peoples of Tranthaea?  Will we get to learn more about Tranthaea’s history in the rest of the trilogy?  Ahhh, a very astute observation. Yes, the past is extremely important to the events of the first book of the trilogy, and will continue to be so in the next two books. I have a very thorough chronology that details major events in Tranthaea's history, going back hundreds of years, which I often refer to as I write. Tranthaea's history is long and rich, and the decisions that have been made, the baggage that has been carried, and the effects that those have on the present are driving forces in the trilogy, as you have seen, and will see again as the next two books are written and released.

I hope that you all are intrigued, Humble Readers.  This book is a wonderfully entertaining read, and creates a new and exciting fantasy world for us all to escape into. 

The Keeper Chronicles: Playing With Fire is available from Amazon.  And don't forget to check out JR Vikse's website to learn more about Playing With Fire, The Lazy Postman, and his other projects. 

And, Humble Readers, I am offering you a chance to win a copy of Playing With Fire.  Tell me in the comments what your favourite fantasy series is, and why everyone should read it.  Giveaway winner will be announced on September 29, 2013. 

Sunday Night Chit Chat: Happy Hobbit Day!!

Hey Humble Readers...

Happy Hobbit Day everyone!  Today is my hairy-toed cousins' (several times removed, of course) birthday!  I should have planned a bit of a celebration, but you know what?  I kind of forgot *gasp* until just a little while ago. 

I was in a great mood all day, even with Pippin having a major meltdown at church this morning, until about an hour ago.  Then I had to use power tools.  That involved a lot of foul language, an injured finger, and a few ugly scratches on my newly painted bathroom walls.  But at least the new mirror is finally up, as are the towel hooks.  Whew!

Just realized that Pip was wearing the WRONG colours!
He's wearing Lions orange.  Bah!
Gotta find that kid something in Rider green. 

Today was a football day for the residents of this little hobbit hole.  Ginny was particularly excited because she got to wear her own "jersey shirt" this afternoon.  She's had it for a while but it was way too big last year, and way too warm to wear it until now.  Sadly, the Riders lost it in the last 30 seconds of the game (personally, I think they came to the game too late).  But Ginny was having a blast cheering for "da green guys".  At least she was most of the time.  Sometimes she would cheer for the wrong team, but she thought that was terribly funny. 

She told Daddy that she wants to be a
football player.  Too cute!

Tomorrow's post will be the second half of my interview with actor, director, author, and my friend, JR Vikse.  I heard a rumour that there might even be another give away... You better stop by to check it out.  :)

On to this week's chit chat.  Here's what I'm...

Reading - I'm about a third of the way into The Cuckoo's Calling.  Mystery isn't usually my taste, but I'm liking this one, and no, not just because JK Rowling wrote it.  The main character is intriguing, and I'm liking the grittiness of it.  Who knows, there might be more mysteries in my future. 

Watching - A Mike Holmes show.  Not sure which one, he has a bunch on HGTV.  But I love him, and what he does to make things right for people who have been screwed over by unethical contractors. 

Listening To - My Beloved, making his lunch for tomorrow.

Cooking/Baking - Tonight was a roasted turkey breast, mashed potatoes, and broccoli.  Pretty tame.  Tomorrow is Chicken Pesto Pizza and salad.  I'm also making a big pot of vegetable soup (for my lunches next week) and I'm thinking I'm going to try altering my favourite pumpkin bread recipe into something a bit lower carb.  I've been craving pumpkin bread.

Happy I Accomplished This Week - All my cooking.  The pesto, the tomato sauce, the plum jam.  I managed to get the hobbit-hole cleaned, and I remembered to go to the eyewear place to get them to fix my frames (yes, I had a screw loose). 

Looking Forward To Next Week - Hopefully seeing some movement on the scale.  Donating blood.  Trying a couple of new recipes.

Thankful For - Awesome sales (see the Bonus Question), children who fall asleep before the bedtime story is over, free movie rental from our cable company that allowed us to see "Silver Linings Playbook" (GREAT movie). 

***Bonus Question*** Have you started thinking about Christmas? Shopping yet? Planning anything??  Of course I have!  I started really thinking about it last month, and started my planning right after our little mini-vacation.  I have I have a few gifts already, including my Beloved's main gift.  I went out today, just planning on pricing out a few options, and ended up finding a smoking good price on what I was looking for.  Seriously, I saved more than 50% on it (sorry I can't tell you all what it is, but my Beloved reads this from time to time, and I don't want him to find out).  I was stoked.  I also got a few ideas for the wee-lings, and decided that some of the ideas I thought we would go with just wouldn't work.  I start early so that I can watch for good sales, and to spread out the shopping so that it's not as big a hit on our budget.  I actually have much more to say about how I plan for the holidays, but I think I'll do a whole separate post for that later in the week. 

*****
This was posted as a part of Carla's Sunday Night Chit Chat.  Pop over and check out what the others are chatting about this week. 

Author Moment: An Interview with J.R. Vikse (Part The First)

Hey Humble Readers...

Today I bring you something different from my usual ramblings about life with an ent and two wee-lings.  I think it's actually pretty special. 

A friend of mine, a blogger, actor, fellow bibliophile, and author is getting set to release a new book next month, the first in a fantasy trilogy for young adults called The Keeper Chronicles: Playing With Fire and he has agreed to let me pick his brain, not once but twice, about his work as a writer.  The second half of this interview will be posted during September's ICLW. 


J.R. Vikse

Before we begin, I want you to imagine someone who is a combination of Harry Potter, Niles Crane (from Frasier) and Eric Forman (from That 70s Show) in both looks and personality, and that's my friend J.R. Vikse.  He's funny, smart, creative (who else could come up with the most excellent game called "Most Likely To...") and is the reigning champ of our "Six Degrees of Separation" tournaments that helped to pass many slow winter afternoons in the bookstore where we both worked.  I can genuinely say I knew him way back when... :) 

So J.R., why don’t you tell my readers a little bit about yourself?
I was born, as so many are, as a baby.  From that point on, a variety of events happened which had a variety of consequences and eventually led me to this interview.  In the meantime, I grew up in the medium-sized city of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, where I earned my degree in history and met and married my incredible wife, Krista.  We then moved to Victoria, BC, where I wrote my first novel, The Lazy Postman, and spent a great deal of my free time onstage, as a theatrical actor and director.  In my non-free time, I worked in a plethora of bookstores, which afforded me the opportunity to read an absolutely ridiculous amount of books, as well as meet and work with my friend Mrs. Gamgee, the gracious host of this blog.  My wife and I currently live in Melbourne, Australia, where I have been doing more writing, acting, and directing, all while surrounded by people with funny accents. 
 

When and why did you start to write?

As is so often the case, my love of writing began exactly where it ought to: in the library.  I was an early reader and as a child was encouraged by my parents to read lots and read often, developing my imagination through the power of the written word.  It even got to the point of being used as my punishment (no quiet times for me; if I was a bad boy, I was grounded from reading!).  In high school I had an English teacher who encouraged us to write a little every day in class.  So we had fifteen minutes to write whatever we wanted to write: poetry, stories, journaling, etc.  And there began my love of writing (thanks, Mr. Issler!) as a purely entertaining activity.  I didn't start writing short stories with the aim of actually finishing them until six years later, but once I started, I couldn't be stopped!  Now my brain no longer turns off, but continues to send stories to my fingers, forcing them to dance on the keyboard like authorial marionettes.  I am a huge proponent of the idea that concepts can best be taught through fiction, and that storytelling is THE method of passing on culture, ideas, morality, social conscience, etc.  After all, they're called heroes for a reason, right?


Available at Amazon.com
Paperback and Kindle editions

You’ve published a book prior to this new one (The Keeper Chronicles: Playing with Fire).  Can you tell us a bit about The Lazy Postman?
The Lazy Postman was an accidental novel.  It was meant to be a short story, and then grew out of control until suddenly I had a full book on my hands!  The story details two weeks in the life of Jordan Melville, a recent high-school graduate who is, for the first time, living on his own in a new city.  Everything is going swimmingly until he realizes that he is receiving all the mail for his entire housing complex and is forced to deliver it to his new neighbours.  As he meets them and is introduced to their eccentricities, he discovers that the world outside of his childhood bubble is more complex, and more hilarious, than he'd ever expected.  Soon, Jordan is inserting himself into their lives, reading their mail, and getting into situations that make him confront the reality of relationships in all their complicated glory.  The Lazy Postman is a book about connecting with people, and all the hysteria, hilarity, and heartache that can result. 

 

This new series is significantly different from The Lazy Postman.  What made you go in a different direction?

Like I said before, The Lazy Postman was a bit of an experiment.  I wanted to see if I could write a full story in an extended format.  It turns out that I could, and so I decided to put my mind to a more complete and intentional project.  The Keeper Chronicles is the extension of that decision.  It's really been about me maturing as a writer and being best able to give the reader an incredible experience.  Once the idea for this story presented itself to me, I invested my time and energy into a full pre-production process, scribbling pages of notes in my own chaotic version of an encyclopaedia.  I even sketched a few designs and maps which will never see the light of day, as I am not an illustrator of any kind!  For me, this project has been about aiming to bring order and discipline to the passion project that writing has always been for me.  The entire trilogy, not just Playing With Fire, is mapped out, with full characters and plot points ready to go.  The writing experience has been very different because of that.  The fact that it's fantasy, and therefore one of the most creative of all literary styles, in my mind, is the icing on the cake.  I've always loved youth fantasy, and it has been a pleasure to delve into this side of writing and pursue the creative with the safety net of actually knowing what I'm doing this time!  I am very excited about this project, and about Playing With Fire particularly!

Is there anything you can tell us about the new book to whet our appetites?
Ooooh, you're a naughty, naughty girl for asking that!  This project has been wrapped up in more secrecy than a J.J. Abrams film!  I have released a blurb that will adorn the back jacket of the book, which I will post again here:

Under the guidance and protection of the Keepers, the world of Tranthaea has been at peace for five hundred years.  But all of that is about to change...

Callum Swift, a fifteen-year-old pickpocket, and Jingwei Li, a sixteen-year-old environmentalist, are just trying to live their lives as best they can. The challenges of school, work, and awkward relationships are all that they have time for each day, and every night when they go home; Callum to the dirty streets of London and Jingwei to an uncaring foster home in L.A., each of them wonders what it would feel like to be wanted. Until, that is, they discover they may have unexpectedly developed powerful new abilities.

When they are transported to the strange and unfamiliar world of Tranthaea, they have no idea what is expected of them, and even less of an idea of what's in store for them. Tested by shifting allegiances, incredible creatures, and powerful enemies, Jingwei and Callum are asked to defend the world from an unknown attacker with an unknown agenda. But are they able to accept the responsibility, or will their new powers be too much for them to handle? Faced with impossible decisions, Callum and Jingwei are forced to rely upon one another to find the courage they'll need to survive.

I won't be giving to much more away before it's published, but what I can tell you is that over the next couple of weeks I will be releasing some excerpts from the prologues of Playing with Fire on my website (JRVikse.com), so check it out and you'll get a sneak-peek at the two lead characters, Jingwei Li and Callum Swift. 

In the meantime, I can say that contained within the pages of this book are some of my favourite characters of those that I have written.  Jingwei Li, especially, was a true pleasure to write.  She is a very strong, forthright girl, who refuses to take any nonsense from anyone else, and more often than not speaks her mind, often to hilarious effect.  She was incredibly freeing to write, and I would often laugh out loud (and still do) at some of the things she says, and the inopportune times she chooses to say them.  In one scene, when she is being presented to a person of no small importance, she introduces herself and Callum.  The other party notes: "You speak for him.  Is he your servant?"  Jingwei responds, "Not yet... but we've only just met."  I look forward to introducing her to the readers with great anticipation. 

 

Writers are quirky folks.  Do you have any idiosyncrasies when it comes to your creative endeavors?

Certainly more than my wife wishes I had!  I do have the tendency to require absolute silence to write.  The noise of traffic, a dishwasher running, or even loud birds (of which there are many in Australia, I can tell you!) can knock my brain off-track.  This means that my most creative moments are often in the middle of the night/early morning when I jump out of bed to write down my newest, greatest idea before it fades into the dream from whence it came.  Of course the irony of this is that I am told that I am a very noisy writer; I mutter, click my tongue, pop my lips, tap my fingers, and hmmm and haw audibly.  As so many other writers do, I also always have to have something handy to jot down notes in; my phone will do in a pinch.  Inspiration will strike at the most inopportune moments, and I'll often interrupt dinner, a walk, or a night out with friends to jot down whatever brilliant thought hit me and is threatening to fly away, unexplored.

 

I also need a pen close at hand.  Preferably one that can come apart into multiple pieces.  If it can be put back together again as well, all the better. 

 

When does Playing With Fire hit Amazon?

I'm hoping for a release date of September 9, 2013.  This is, of course, dependent on how quickly the Amazon folks do whatever technological magic they need to do to make sure it's up and available on time, and perhaps even more dependent on the final editing drafts going as smoothly as possible, but barring any natural disasters, September 9 is the target date. 

 

Thanks for taking the time to hang out with us today, J.R.!  I'm very excited about Playing with Fire and can't wait to read it. 

 

And Humble Readers, I have a little bonus for you.  I'm giving away a copy of J.R.'s book The Lazy Postman this week!  It's a fun read, and there just might be another give away with the second part of my interview with J.R. next month!  To enter, just leave me a comment and tell me about the your most recent new-to-you author that you've started reading.  The winner will be announced on August 28th! 

 

And if you don't win the giveaway, you can always go to Amazon to get a copy for yourself!

Sunday Night Chit Chat: Dog Days Of Summer

Howdy Humble Readers...

Just a funny for you to remind you that
it's only FIVE MONTHS until
the return of Downton Abbey!  :)
Source unknown, via Pinterest

I hope you all had a good weekend.  Ours was productive, but blissfully calm.  Grocery shopping, a trip to the farmers market and library, and some final decisions on paint colours for our bathroom and hallway (and a rather expensive trip to the hardware store for supplies).  The only blight on the last few days was the fact that I woke up this morning with a wretched kink in my neck and shoulder that I just can't budge. 

It's been a good week in regards to my weight-loss journey.   I have officially hit the 70lb mark.  This is remarkable considering the lingering crud has kept me from being able to exercise hardly at all for the past few weeks.  I was stuck for quite a while at around 66lb and, as usual, I started to doubt that I would be able to continue to move forward.  It's a tape that plays in my head about how this is the limit, that I won't be able to lose another pound, and that the numbers on the scale will start creeping back up again.  I know it's nonsense, but it's what starts going through my mind. 

One thing that I'm really and truly struggling with is wrapping my brain around the fact that I have lost so much weight already.  I see the commercials on tv for different weight loss programs and exercise equipment (I lust after the bowfl.ex treadc.limber... it would make my quandary about how to get my exercise in during the winter moot) and I see all the spokespeople who have lost 40, 50, and more pounds.  I am shocked to think that I could be one of them.  I still see myself as the 300+ pound lump I was for so long.  And I have moments of surprise... like this morning I was stretched out on the couch and I had room to pull Ginny up to snuggle with me.  I could hardly do that when she was brand new, let alone now that she's my big 2 and a half year old girl.  I know it's going to take time for me to become used to the changes my body is experiencing. 

One other thing that must be mentioned today... If my second angel baby, Olivia, had been born on her due date, she would be four years old today.  In a rather ironic coincidence, or perhaps even a cruel twist of fate, tonight's Disney movie on CBC was "Up".  Ginny loves to see the Disney movies on Sunday night, so I couldn't very well not let her watch it.  I made sure to be out of the room for the first fifteen minutes or so, because I just couldn't handle that on today of all days. 

Anywho, onto tonight's chit chat.  Here's what I'm...

Reading - I finished Fried Green Tomatoes At The Whistle Stop Café by Fannie Flagg yesterday and have just begun Mistress Of My Fate by Hallie (something or other, can't remember right now).  It's a Regency/Jane Austen-esque era novel about a young woman, formerly of good means, who has to find her own way in the world after being orphaned and abandoned by her family.  I'm only a few pages in, but I like the main character's voice already. 

Watching - Nothing in particular right now.  The finale of Whodunnit will be on later this evening, so I'll watch that.  I finally finished watching Rome and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I'm sorry it only lasted two seasons.  I'm now into the BBC series Sherlock (with Benedict Cumberbatch who played Khan in the most recent Star Trek, and Martin Freeman who plays Bilbo Baggins in the Hobbit movies).  I've only watched one episode, but I loved it. 

Listening To - The whir of the fan, a pledge drive on PBS. 

Cooking/Baking - Tonight's dinner was a new recipe, and was a grand success.  It was a Spanish mixed grill (chicken, shrimp, and chorizo... marinated with lemon, garlic, and herbs), and a rice pilaf salad with green bell peppers, tomato, cucumber, and peas .  Very yummy!  Even Ginny ate it with a minimum of fuss and cajoling. 

Happy I Accomplished This Week - Met Mom's beau... seems like a decent guy.  He doesn't say much, so it's hard to have a really clear picture of who he is.  I'll need to come up with a bloggy name for him.  Bought my painting supplies.  Stuck to my daily and weekly to do lists.

Looking Forward To Next Week - Painting next Saturday (my Beloved will be taking the wee-lings down to spend the day with his mom, so I will be alone to do the painting.  I just hope I can get it all done in one day), prepping for the aforementioned painting (filling holes, sanding, etc), and a FUN SURPRISE FOR MY BLOGGY BUDDIES!  Tune in on the 22nd to find out! 

Thankful For - The support of my Beloved, and my family and friends for this on-going weight loss saga.

***Bonus Question*** What is your favourite candy treat?  Before diabetes became a part of my life during my pregnancy with Ginny, I would have told you that while I like the occasional sweet, I was just not a sweets person.  Of course now, my sweet tooth is in perpetual hyperdrive.  There was, however, one candy bar that I just loved, and would indulge in once in a while.  It was called Take Five... layers of chocolate, caramel, pretzel, nuts, and peanut butter.  Candy perfection!  I don't think it's still being manufactured, but I couldn't indulge in it even if it was. 

*****
This was posted as a part of Carla's Sunday Night Chit Chat.  Pop on over and check out what the others are chatting about this evening. 

Sunday Night Chit Chat: The Return Of Summer

Hey Humble Readers...

I think I am finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel that is this wretched cold.  I'm not going to count my chickens before they're hatched, though, because this cold has faked me out already.  I was sure I was over it last weekend, only for it to come back and pummel me again.  Still have a cough and some sinus congestion, but my ears have finally popped, for which I am incredibly thankful. 

We again spent most of the weekend with my Beloved's family in a small town to the south of us.  Happily, the rain that has been plaguing us for the majority of this summer took a break, and we actually had some great weather for the last couple of days.  It means that the wee-lings spent a good amount of time in the wading pool, beating the heat.  I got a couple of funny sunburn spots on the backs of my shoulders, where I couldn't reach with the sunscreen.  You can actually see my finger marks on one side.  :/

Hmmmm... wonder how this tastes?

Ginny & Thor

Pippin & Pepper

Today, after the wee-lings were done in the pool (read: their lips were blue), they started having fun with sidewalk chalk (a first for Ginny and Pip).  My BIL & SIL have a long driveway and the wee-lings and their cousin, Thor, had fun getting covered in chalk dust, and scribbling all over the place and needing to be reminded not to eat the chalk.  Pippin also had a lot of fun with Pepper, the black dog in the picture above.  He hasn't had a lot of interaction with dogs, and Pepper is VERY playful. 

Loki, chillin' in the shade

Thor's little brother (let's call him Loki :) ) is a happy little man.  He's seven months old now, and I confess that I did feel a little tug of baby lust.  It kind of caught me off guard as I haven't felt that in a while, and I am 100% happy with our family as it is, and with our decision to end the building phase of our family.  I held him for only a minute, but it was enough for those feelings of baby-longing to rear their head again.  Wasn't expecting that, as I honestly thought I was past it.

Anyway, on to tonight's chit-chat.  Here's what I'm ...

Reading...  Finally finished my re-read of The Help.  I just love that book.  What astounds me is that Stockett had to slog her manuscript to more than 50 publishers before it got picked up, but Stephanie Meyer got a contract right away based on the Twilight manuscript.  **sigh**  Now I'm reading Fried Green Tomatoes At The Whistle Stop Café by Fannie Flagg.  I've read it before, more than ten years ago, and I do adore the movie.  I just love Flagg's storytelling.  If you haven't read anything of hers, I highly recommend you check her out. 

Watching...  Nothing in particular at the moment.  I've gotten addicted to a BBC crime drama called Broadchurch.  I recorded tonight's episode and will watch it later in the week.

Listening to...  The whir of the fans in our living and dining rooms.  Traffic going by on the street outside. 

Cooking/Baking... Because we've been with family all weekend, I actually haven't had to do any cooking (I did pulled pork for a meal for all of us last weekend).  Tomorrow night I'm trying a new recipe for an Italian inspired skillet chicken.  I'm going to serve it with risotto and a garden salad.  I'm also going to bake some lemon bars in the morning. 

Happy I accomplished this week...  Went through the wee-lings' bookshelves and purged any books that were too trashed for continued use, went to church today (something that I haven't managed in the last few weeks), and got back to using my daily to-do lists.  Oh, and I FINALLY surpassed my third weight-loss goal, and now weigh less than my Beloved.  Next goal is to be 75lb down by my birthday in the middle of next month. 

Looking forward to for next week... The reason I'm cooking fancy stuff tomorrow, and baking in the middle of a mini heat wave, is that my mom is coming!  Because we don't have a guest room or a pull out couch, my mom never stays (except for when the wee-lings were born) with us.  She is coming in the afternoon tomorrow and after dinner, she will drive back up to my sister's place just outside Big City To The North.  The big deal about this visit is that she's bringing her new beau.  I haven't met him yet, and I confess I'm a bit anxious about this. 

Thankful for... Family.  My Beloved so rarely gets to see his big sister, and I'm glad that we got to spend so much time with all of them over the past couple of weekends. 

****Bonus Question**** Can you walk in high heels?  Do you wear them often?  Heck no!  Can you imagine a hobbit in heels???  The last time I wore heels was on our wedding day, and I got rid of them after the first ten minutes of our pictures (after the ceremony).  Switched to some platform flip flops that were the same height as my heels.  Sooo much more comfortable.  I am a sandals and flats kind of hobbit. 

*****
This is posted as a part of Carla's Sunday Night Chit Chat.  Click over and check out what the others are chatting about tonight!

Hobbit-ish Potpurri: The Crud That Won't Die

Hey Humble Readers...

Geez... I was feeling fine over the weekend, but here I am again with a scratchy throat, plugged ears, and aching sinuses.  It's like the crud just started all over again.  Summer colds suck, big time.

Anyway, let's see.  What's been happening around here...

****
Weight loss has totally plateaued.  Part of the problem is that with the crud I haven't felt like getting up early for my walks, and when I do, I can only manage a part of my usual distance.  Another part of the problem is that I've been eating things I shouldn't just because they make me "feel better" (only in the moment, then I feel even worse after).  I'm trying not to get discouraged.  I will get over this stupid cold, and I will be able to get back on track soon. 

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We had a long weekend last weekend, and spent most of it with my Beloved's family.  His oldest brother and older sister are in from Little Town Far Away, and so there was a lot of food, card games, and laughing.  I have to say, my Beloved's family is so strange to me.  They get together and there's absolutely no drama.  They like each other.  All of them.  Crazy, right?

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My favourite plus size clothing store (not that I have a whole lot of choice here in the Shire) had a one day sale on bras on Saturday.  Because I swear half of the weight I've lost is from my boobs, I was in desperate need of new bras again.  I'm down a full band and cup size, two band sizes on the sports bra I bought.  I managed to get four bras (a couple of them are really rather sexy too!) for $100!  That's amazing for me.

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My mom is supposed to be passing through the Shire on Sunday, so I may get to meet her new beau.  That's just so weird to say.  In other family drama news, Mom and the Douchewaffle (formerly known as Dad) have a court date at the end of September to finally settle this whole divorce mess.  Thank Heaven!

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I have a small conundrum with my addiction to the television.  The third season of Game of Thrones is going to be aired (on a Canadian network) starting at the end of the month.  Problem:  I have yet to watch season 2 because I'm #16 on the wait list at the library.  Thankfully, they have 3 copies, so the list is going quicker than I originally anticipated.  I may record season three just so that I have it, and don't have to wait for the library to get season 3 (sometime next spring).  That's just a lot of space on my pvr.  Hmmm...

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I'm planning on painting the bathroom and the hallway in a couple of weeks.  I've been trying to psych myself up for this for a while now, but it's time.  We've lived with a shmegly green bathroom for more than five years.  I need to make a change in there. 

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I've been reading a fair bit lately.  I read Perks of Being a Wallflower (awesome!) and The Honest Toddler (not so great... was really funny at first, but got old quick).  Now I'm rereading The Help, with Fried Green Tomatoes At The Whistle Stop Café and Mistress of My Fate on deck. 

*****
Toothache warning... sweetness ahead!  Playing in the wading pool at my Beloved's brother's house yesterday. 

Sunday Night Chit Chat: Quiet Week

Hey Humble Readers...

It's been a pretty quiet weekend around the hobbit hole.  Did some shopping, ran a few errands, but mostly just stayed around home. 

The heat has eased, for now, but one of the lasting side effects is that poor Pippin's eczema has flared up terribly in the last couple of weeks.  My poor boy's hands, ankles and feet are all inflamed and itchy.  I know that part of the problem is the fact that he's teething (his first molars are coming in) and he's been using his hands as teething toys.  We've switched from the av.eeno for babies with eczema to a galaxal-base product and it does seem to be helping, but it's slow in healing. 

Ginny is also teething these days.  Her two-year molars are taking their own sweet time coming in.  *sigh*

Weight loss update... I'm now down 57 pounds.  I can't believe I'm approaching the 240s.  It's easily been more than 10 years since I saw those kinds of numbers.  My sugars have been okay-ish.  Definitely not off track, just up a smidge over last week, but not where I ideally like to keep them.  With the heat I've been snacking a lot more than before.  I haven't been eating terrible things, but just a lot more (quantity) than my usual diabetes-friendly snacks.  I did, however, indulge tonight (a small DQ blizzard... s'more flavoured) and I am feeling the jittery, over-caffeinated feeling I get when my sugars are a little too high.  As of tomorrow, I'm back to my routine and better choices. 

On to tonight's chit chat.  Here's what I'm...

Reading...  Still reading Paris by Rutherfurd.  I'm loving it, I really am.  It's just slow going.  I caved and bought my own copy of it as I was unable to renew it at the library (holds pending).  I'm about two thirds of the way through it.  I love how he interweaves the stories of the different families with the history, geography, and culture of the city.  I've never known much about Paris, so this has been educational as well.  Case in point, Rutherfurd's explanation for the start of the first world war made that whole miasma of politics clearer than I have ever experienced before.  In four paragraphs.  Genius!

Watching...  I'm late getting my post up tonight because I was watching the new Inspector Morse series on Masterpiece Mystery.  I've never been a big fan of the mystery side of Masterpiece, but this series may have converted me.  Oxford in the 1960s... wonderful!  Oh, and I just picked up the first season of Rome (Thanks for the recommendation, Laurie!) from the library.  I'll be getting into that this week

Listening to...  a sound that I find very annoying.  My Beloved typing on his computer.  It's one of those noises that others would never notice but my screwy misophonic brain focusses in on it and it becomes all I can hear. 

Cooking/Baking...  Tonight's dinner was simple.  Because it was cool enough to turn on the oven, I made a balsamic pork roast, crashed potatoes (not be confused with mashed... baby taters boiled, and then gently crushed on a baking sheet, seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roasted in a very hot oven for 20 minutes until crispy), and roasted broccoli.  I'm trying a new recipe for tilapia tomorrow. 

Happy I accomplished this week...  Hmmmm.  Not a whole lot really.  The only thing of note is fleshing out the outline of a new story.  We'll see if it goes anywhere beyond an outline. 

Looking forward to next week...  My sister and her family will be stopping by later in the week on their way through to k-town. 

Thankful for this week... the fact that we were able to order a new fan for our living room.  It should arrive in the next few days, just in time for the next heat wave to hit. 

***Bonus Question***  Do you play games? Board games, card games, video games, games online, on your phone, iPad, etc...  Yes, but nothing serious.  I love Mario games on the wii, and some arcade and brain teaser type games on my computer (wordament, taptile, zuma).  As for board games... not so much these days.  Occasionally I'll play scrab.ble against my Beloved. 

*****
This has been posted as a part of Carla's Sunday Night Chit Chat.  Click over to check out what every one else is chatting about this evening.

Sunday Night Chit Chat: Odds & Ends

Hey Humble Readers...

Well, where did that week go?  Hmmm....

AF has been and gone, and kicked my ass in the process.  The old witch brought a particularly nasty IBS flare along with her that made going for my walks, or anywhere else for that matter, fairly impossible.  Even with AF around, and only being able to get half of my usual walks in, I still managed to lose a couple more pounds this week.  Woohoo!  (Take that jackass who hollered 'hey fatty!' at me today in the mall parking lot)

Summer is most certainly here on the flatland.  Once the rains stopped last week we started hitting the crazy hot summer temps (30C, feels like 36C.  That's hot for us anyway) that make the hobbit-hole more than a little uncomfortable.  I do love this time of year though for one reason... it's daylight from five in the morning until ten at night.  The joys of living this far north!  The only down side to having this much daylight means that the fireworks for Canada Day tomorrow don't get started until 11:30 at night.  Rather prohibitive given that we have two wee-lings and my Beloved has to work the next day. 

I'm hesitant to say this just yet, but my black thumb may be turning the teensiest bit green.  I planted two basil plants, three thyme, two lavender, and one gerbera daisy in pots out on the balcony and so far about half of them are doing pretty good.  The basil (my nemesis) is doing really well, as is the thyme.  The lavender is fading, but I honestly think I got a couple of bum plants to start with.  I had thought the gerbera was a goner, but it seems to be perking up.  Overall, 50% is a marked improvement.  Last year when I planted basil, it completely died within two weeks of potting it, and I won't even remind you about my tomato harvest of last year.  

I finished watching the first season of Game of Thrones.  Loved it!!  I'm not sure that I'll read the books, as my to-read list is immense right now, but I won't rule it out sometime down the road.  I'm a little bummed right now though, because I'm 25th on the hold list for season 2 from the library.  They have two copies, with another on order, but it will be a while yet before I get to watch it. 

And because I'm a royalist, I feel I need to put this out there.  My predictions for the Duchess of Cambridge's wee-ling:  The baby will be born on July 15th, will be a relatively little baby (7lbs-ish), will be a girl, and she will be named Victoria (with the names Diana, Elizabeth, and some form of Carol as middle names).  IF by chance it's a boy, his name will be Arthur (with Phillip, Charles, and George as middle names).  What are your predictions?

Anywho, on to this week's chit chat.  Here's what I'm...

Reading...  Still reading Paris by Rutherfurd.  Loving it!  Just taking a while to get through because I've been so tired this past week.  After  I'm done with Paris, I'll be moving on to the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada (can't remember what it's called just now).  My to-read list is getting a little out control, so I have to get moving.

Watching...  Nothing at the moment, but tonight my Beloved and I will be watching "The Great Escape" (an old war movie... Beloved got it for Father's Day).  I'll be recording a couple of regular Sunday night shows (Food Network Star and Whodunit) for later in the week. 

Listening to... my Beloved reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom to Ginny. 

Cooking/Baking... Oh Humble Readers!  The hobbit hole smells divine!  Tonight we are having BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with cole slaw.  I've got the pork doing it's thing in the slow cooker (the oven will not be getting turned on this week at all!) and it's all I can do to not dive into it right now.  It smells sooooooooo good!

Happy I accomplished this week...  Purged the wee-lings' dressers and closet, and sold $18 worth of it to the local kids consignment store (donated the rest to a thrift store).  Got the wee-lings swim suits.  Found some sugar-free, lactose-free chocolate ice cream bars that are only 5 grams of carbs each and they taste good!  Put together the list of to do's for the hobbit hole in preparation for listing it (hopefully next summer?  maybe?). 

Looking forward to next week...  Taking the wee-lings to the splash park tomorrow.  Going through my hoarder-esque stack of magazines. 

Thankful for this week... That we have fans that work hard to cool the hobbit-hole.  That I get the privilege to live in this beautiful country.  Even with it's flaws, I wouldn't choose to live anywhere else. 

***Bonus Question*** What was your very *first* real job?  Other than babysitting, which I hated, my first job was at a small town pizza restaurant as a dishwasher and as the restaurant's costumed mascot.  Yup, I dressed up in a bear costume and did kids' birthday parties and stood out on the corner sweltering in the summer sun waving at the passing cars.  I was even in a couple of parades.  And it was supposed to be a big secret about who was in the bear costume, so I could never tell my friends what I was doing.  I worked there when I was 12-13.  I made pretty good money for a preteen in the 80s.  $10/hour when I was the bear, $5/hour when I was dishwashing. 

*****
This was posted as a part of Carla's Sunday Night Chit Chat.  Click on over and see what the others are chatting about tonight. 

Sunday Night Chit-Chat: Under Quarantine

Good Evening Humble Readers...

Well, another weekend down the toilet, thanks to the crud.  I'm still coughing like an 80-year-old with a bad case of emphysema.  Ginny is still barking like a seal.  And now poor Pippin has got the wretched cough to add to his intense teething and drooling (cut 2 teeth...FINALLY... on Thursday).  The only hold out is my Beloved, but he rarely ever gets sick.  I can only think of twice in the past seven years that he's been sick, beyond some sniffles.  What I wouldn't give to have his immune system. 

Oh, and to add insult to injury... my regular cough medicine (safe for high blood pressure and diabetes) was recalled back in January due to a packaging flaw, and hasn't been available since.  What am I supposed to do without my Buck.ley's???

I did, finally after missing five days, get a walk in this morning.  But while I didn't go my usual 6km, I think I overdid it, because during breakfast I got really light-headed and ended up needing to lie down for the rest of the morning.  I will walk again tomorrow, but I'm going to take it slower. 

The good news?  Well, at least it's stopped raining. 

Well, this was supposed to be a nice little shot of Ginny and I.
Gotta love toddlers... :)

Onto this week's Chit Chat.  Here's what I'm...

Reading...  Lost Art of Mixing by Erica Bauermeister.  It's an enjoyable little book, a follow-up to School of Essential Ingredients.  I think you all know by now that I'm a foodie, and this book speaks that that aspect of me in a big way.  A sort of collection of stories about a group of people all connected by way of a small restaurant (and the cooking classes the owner offers), this a book for those who enjoy cooking.  My only complaint is that I think one or two of the characters could be a little less introspective... everyone in the stories spends a great deal of time living inside their heads. 

Watching... I'm sad that there's no more Call The Midwife or Mr. Selfridge now for quite a while, but the season/series finale of Smash is on tonight, so I need to see how they tie up all the strings.

Listening to... Ginny talking about her shadow-girl. 

Cooking/Baking...  I'm so glad that I planned an easy supper for tonight.  My Lazy Sausage Casserole.  Italian sausage, taters, carrots, fennel, onion, tomatoes, mushrooms, green pepper, garlic, and some herbs and balsamic vinegar all roasted together.  I love how it makes the hobbit hole smell like a pizzeria.

Happy I accomplished this week... I got Ginny registered for her first ever 'program'.  She's going to be doing a parent and tot gymnastics camp of sorts this summer.  I know, by some standards, I'm behind on getting her involved in something like this, but I have my reasons (budget, transportation, etc).  Part of the issue is that her birthday is in November, and so many programs required her to be 2 by September of last year for enrollment.  I've also discovered a music program that I may enroll both Ginny and Pip in for the fall. 

Looking forward to next week... Getting back to a regular schedule once we kick the crud to the curb.  I also have an appointment with Dr. B, and I'm hoping that he will be very pleased with my blood sugars.  I'm going to request that he do a blood pressure check as well, because I'm wondering if my hbp meds are too high. 

Thankful for today... my Beloved.  He doesn't shy away from jumping in and taking care of things when I'm out of commission.  He takes such good care of us. 

***Bonus Question*** What chore around the house do you 'dislike' the most?  I know I've said this before, but I despise laundry.  It's never finished.  It takes an absurd amount of time from beginning to end.  Only to have to start all over. 

*****
This was posted as a part of Carla's Sunday Night Chit Chat.  Pop over and check out what the other's are chatting about this evening, or better yet, jump in yourself and join the conversation.

Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Spring Fever

Howdy Humble Readers...

Spring fever indeed.  Ginny and I are both suffering with the crud... sinus congestion, hacking cough.  Ginny seems to be okay most of the time, until she throws a tantrum (she is two, after all) or eats something.  Me, on the other hand... oy.  So much for a fun extra long weekend. 

*****
The crud has been taking it's toll on my new exercise routine.  There's no way I can walk 6km+ when I'm hacking up a lung.  And quite frankly, I don't have the energy to do it.  It's also wreaking havoc on my stick-to-it-ivness as far as the diet is concerned.  I haven't given in yet, but it's getting harder.  All I want are my old comfort foods... potatoes, fries, pasta, bread (and not just my low carb stuff.  I want a thick slab of brioche with strawberry jam).  MUST.  STAY.  STRONG.  I've even relaxed my self-imposed ban on artificial sweeteners, just to help manage the pressing need for sweet.  Diet Dr. Pepper, anyone?  The lack of exercise, and the cold itself are making an impression on my blood sugars, not for the better. 

*****
Are all toddlers/preschoolers more than a little bit OCD?  Or is it just Ginny?  I swear it's getting worse.  The toys from her farm set CANNOT intermingle with her toys from her airplane set.  And heaven help Pippin if he messes with her tea set or picnic basket once she gets them set up.  Certain books have to be on particular shelves (ok, she may have gotten that from her mummy) or she will throw a fit.  Meal times can be a challenge at the best of times (where oh where did my good little eater go?), and if she gets the wrong colour utensil or plate?  Yikes!  Please tell me this is a phase. 

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A couple of you asked, so here it is... my thoughts on the new Star Trek movie.  I loved it!  (Technical difficulties at the theater notwithstanding... ended up getting a free movie pass because the sound was messed up so I can go see it again.  With my Beloved this time.)  I thought that it was spectacularly well done, and the story was awesome.  Like the first in this reboot series, it's very accessible to new Trek fans, and still honours the original.  I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it yet, but there are some great tributes to the original series.  And of course, the eye candy in the movie is outstanding.  :)  I never would have thought that I would find a Vulcan attractive.

*****
I've given up on "The Purchase" by Linda Spalding.  I got 150 pages in, and it was just too depressing.  I swear, if I wanted to read about Job I would read about him in the Bible.  Life is too short to read boring maudlin books.  I've moved on to "Shepherd's Abiding" by Jan Karon (second to last in the Mitford series), and I picked up a couple of books at the library yesterday that I'm looking forward to reading... "Lost Art Of Mixing" by Erica Bauermeister and "Winter Palace" by Eva Stachniak.   What are you reading right now? 

*****
It was supposed to stay nice all day today, but the clouds are rolling in.  I would guess that we're in for some rain earlier than anticipated.  It suits how I'm feeling.  Maybe once the wee-lings are settled for their afternoon naps, I'll get a chance to curl up on the couch with my book and a cup of tea. 

Sunday Night Chit Chat:

Howdy Humble Readers!

Happy Sunday!

Things here in the hobbit-hole have been a little bit busy this weekend, partially because I had a completely unmotivated Friday.  Blood donor clinic, grocery shopping (which I despise doing on a Saturday afternoon... but I can't blame anyone but myself for that), and the hairdresser for me yesterday.  Walmart and Toy's R Us (for a replacement on a Christmas gift) for my Beloved today.  Church for all of us this morning, too. 

All dressed up for church.

Pip, caught napping!

Reading - The Changeling by Philippa Gregory.  Only just started it late last night, but I think I'm going to like it.  It's Gregory's first foray into young adult fiction.  It's set in fifteenth century Italy, and so far I've just met the two main characters.  I'm anticipating much intrigue and drama. Finished my re-read of Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts last night... stayed up much too late reading. 
 

Watching - A documentary on one of the Queen's palaces (Holyroodhouse), and later Downton Abbey.  I adore Sunday nights!




Listening to - My Beloved doing the dishes.  All else is peaceful.  Pippin's sleep issues seem like a thing of the past.  (**knocking on wood**)








Baking/Cooking - Tonight was typical Sunday fare... a pork roast, mashed taters, veg, and yorkies.  I'm excited to try making Toad In The Hole next week. 



Happy you accomplished this week - Quite a few things actually.  I was able to give blood!  Hooray!  My iron was nice and high, and I had no issues at the clinic.  I got a haircut yesterday, my first since last April.  Basically the same style, just three inches shorter.  I placed an order for Ginny's winter coat and snowpants for next year (an awesome sale online at Please Mum.  Paid $38 total for both... regular price was well over $100).  And I did a fun craft project that, when framed, will be my mom's Christmas gift this year.  I will post a picture of it later in the week. 

Looking forward to next week - Making optometrist appointments for all four of us.  My Beloved hasn't been for an eye exam since I've known him, I need a new rx, and the wee-lings need to have their first exams. 

Thankful for today - My church family.  A wee little man who seems to be his happy, well-rested, well-fed (have I mentioned that he'd been uninterested in solid food during the sleep issues?).

*BONUS QUESTION* What chore around the house do you dread doing the most?  While I don't enjoy cleaning the bathroom, I have to say that laundry is my least favourite chore.  Which is a large part of why my Beloved does most of it.  It just drives me crazy that it's never ever completely done.

*****
This was posted as a part of Carla's Sunday Night Chit Chat.  Click over and check out what others are chatting about tonight.

Sunday Night Chit Chat: A Houseful of Sickies!

Hey Humble Readers...

So you may have (or probably not) noticed that I didn't get a Foodie Friday Post up this past week.  That's because Thursday afternoon the Crud landed in a big way on yours truly.  My Beloved had been suffering with it since last weekend, and it hit me like a ton of bricks.  A head cold accompanied by a doozy of a headache and fever.  Not fun.  But I am feeling moderately improved, and my Beloved is almost over his bout.  Now if we could just get past two teething wee-lings with diaper rash who are having difficulties with the time change...

Pip falling asleep sitting up.  He was fighting it so hard.

Reading - Sad to say, I'm still reading Casual Vacancy.  I'm enjoying it, honest I am.  I just haven't been able to get much reading done this past week.  *sigh*  I need to get my butt in gear, I need to be re-reading the Hobbit soon!

Watching - Nothing much right now.  Later, once the wee-lings are asleep it will be my usual Sunday night fare... Call the Midwife and Upstairs Downstairs. 

Listening to - Ginny whispering secrets to her Daddy.  It's toooo cute!

Cooking/Baking - Lemon Dill Roasted Chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed veg (broccoli, cauliflower, & carrots), and yorkies.  It's Sunday!  Tomorrow I'm making up another big batch of applesauce in the slow cooker.  Ginny just flies through it, and with Pip starting solids soon we're just going to go through it faster.

Happy you accomplished this week - Sorted through most of Master Pippin's clothes.  He's completely outgrown his 3-6 month wardrobe.  There are a few holes to fill, but I think we're in pretty good shape right now.

Looking forward to next week - Re-establishing my daily to do lists.  I've gotten off track, but as of tomorrow morning, everything goes back to a routine.  It's the only way we'll get through the holidays.

Thankful for today - For the fact that my cold symptoms seem to be fading, for a warm chinook wind that's melting the snow, and for my Beloved who has let me be a whiny sack of snot for the last couple of days. 

What was your favourite show as a child? Tough one!  When I was really young Mr. Dress-up was the bomb!  When I got a little older (about 8 I think), I fell in love with Dr. Who... it was the doctor with the camel coloured coat, poofy hair, and the long scarf around his neck.  I remember it used to be on PBS and I would be very upset if I had to miss it (back in the days before VCRs, and decades before DVRs). 

*****
This was posted as a part of Carla's Sunday Night Chit Chat.  Click on over and see what others are chatting about tonight!

Sunday Night Chit Chat

Howdy Humble Readers...

So it's Sunday again...  Another week has just flown by!  Of course, this past week has been dominated by kleenex, cough drops, and lots of extra fluids.  Still, we are on the mend! (the wee-lings are handling this cold with much better grace than I have)

Ginny looking very solemn,
showing off her new haircut

What are you:

Reading?
Gah!  After my big hyped-up talk last week about how I have my reading mojo back... this week has shown just how pathetic I am.  I am still reading Order of the Phoenix, only a couple hundred pages from where I was at this time last week.  I have got to get it in gear!

Watching?
Nothing this evening.  There is absolutely nothing on.  I thought that a couple of my shows were starting back up this week, but it turns out I'm a week ahead of things.  But that's okay.  It will give me time to hopefully finish up reading HP & OotP tonight.

Baking/Cooking?
Dinner tonight was the first of 3 new recipes for us this week.  Parmesan Pork Roast, served with the typical Sunday night extras... gravy, mashed taters, veggies, and yorkies.
PS - if you're ever curious about what's being served in the hobbit-hole, check out the menu over there on the right.  I have gotten a lot better about updating it every week lately. 

Happy you accomplished this week?
LOL... If I accomplished anything this week it certainly wasn't anything earth shattering.  Everyone was bathed, dressed, and fed.  That about covers it.

Looking forward to next week?
While it's not terribly grown up of me to admit it, I'm looking forward to my birthday.  I don't know what my Beloved has planned, if anything, but I'm looking forward to it nonetheless. 

Thankful for this week?
The fact that we are all, relatively speaking, healthy.  Yeah, I'm a wimp and can't stand being sick, but overall we are a healthy bunch.  My Beloved has had maybe one sick day since I've known him, and the wee-lings are healthy and happy. 

What website could you NOT go a day without checking in on?
I could state the obvious and say Blogger or Pinterest, but instead I'll give you...

My OB Said What? 

I started reading this site a couple of years ago, and now it's a habit.  It's a collection of all the stuff that doctors and nurses say to (primarily) pregnant women that is 100% assinine.  From the sublime (Thoughtful Thursdays are a glimpse into the sane in the medical profession) to the absolute ridiculous (one of today's contributions was said by an OB to a new dad repeatedly "Are you sure you're the father?").  Sometimes the comment section can get a bit heated, but all in all, I find it enlightening and entertaining, in a sick and twisted kind of way. 

Wanna know what Sunday Night Chit Chat is about?  Click over to Carla's corner of the blogosphere and see what other's are talking about tonight.