My boyfriend and his wife

The other day we had a luncheon at work in recognition of my upcoming service anniversary with the company. Technically it's supposed to be with people from your workgroup but, as much as I love my job and group, I really haven't connected with many people from my workgroup. So, I asked my boss if I could invite a few people outside of the group - and he said yes.

Which is how SCG got to be included in the guests. Well, if you've been following my blog, you know that mine and SCG's relationship has evolved over time. He's one of my favorite people and he's one of my closest friends now. And, if you've been following my blog, you also know he's married.

Now, when I talk about him to family members I always go, "My friend, SGC - you know, my married friend..." and then I proceed with the story. I have to do that so that they don't try to marry us off. I mean, not only is bigomy illegal, I don't share well.

Anyway, I don't expect to throw in that disclaimer when I'm dealing with non-family members - like work people. Yes, I talk about SCG a lot but not really any more than I do other friends of mine and SCG and I have discussed how people misinterpret our relationship and he basically said it was their problem, not ours and I've kind of taken up that torch and run with it myself since then.

But back to the lunch...I was actually more comfortable than usual at the event (I hate being the center of attention, which is why I wanted people I love and trust at the lunch with me) but my boss was making a mini-speech and he asked me what I'd ordered for my gift. Well, I haven't ordered it so he asked me what I was considering and the conversation went something like this...

Me: Well, there is a ring I'm looking at but I'd really like to see it in person rather than choosing it from a picture. There's also a crystal vase and bowl I was looking at. I was also considering a grill but I don't cook.

There were a few dazed looks and I realized that cooking has nothing to do with grilling so I felt a little uncomfortable and then followed it up with

Me: And he (pointing at SCG) doesn't grill.

SGC: No. No, I don't grill. I don't cook either.

Hmmm, can't imagine why people would think we were boyfriend and girlfriend from that! Particularly when he followed it up by making me tell a work story from before my time with this company - and one I wouldn't tell except to my close personal friends.

I spent the rest of the day repeating "No, he's really not by boyfriend! He's married!"

In any event, I had dinner last night with my "boyfriend" and his wife. I told her what had happened and she seemed to get a kick out of it. We left their house to go eat and she told me to sit up front and I said, "well of course I should sit up front with my boyfriend". We both laughed and I got in the back seat.

One of the things I really like about SCG though is, his love for his wife. It's obvious. I've never heard him speak disrespectfully of his wife. When he talks about things he wants to do (like hopping on a harley and traveling across country), he always wants to do them with Mrs SCG - always. When he is excited about something, he wants to share it with her. He makes time to spend time with just her - without the kids - on a regular basis. And they've been married 19 years. I don't know about you but I think that's pretty cool.

So, as far as faux boyfriends go, I could do a lot worse. :o)

The weekend

Numbers and I go way back. Back in junior high (we called it intermediate school here), I was in all the accelerated math classes. Same in high school. That is, until I got in to Trig in my junior. That's when numbers and I parted company. Sure, we run into each other from time to time but it's not the same. We just don't understand each other anymore.

Which causes a problem when I have to use numbers to count points when doing the Weight Watcher's (WW) program. For example, a few months back I discovered Stouffer's Cheddar Potato Bake. Have you had these before? I love them. I haven't followed WW for a while now but calculated them to be 6 points. Not bad, in the big scheme of things.

Well, I decided to go back to following WW and counting points last week and I picked up a couple of the CPB dinners. But, not 100% certain of the point value, I calculated it up Saturday when I was going to have one. Yep, 6 points. Then, when I decided to fix it up, I was pulling it out of the box and noticed something I'd never seen before. "Serves 2" Huh? What do they mean serves 2? That's when I checked the back and saw that it was 6 points per serving and that it had 2 servings in the box. So not good. When you get 21 points in a day, you don't want 12 of them going to a small portion of potatoes that someone thought was enough for two people.

This was followed yesterday by discovering that my 6 point peanut butter toast was actually 9 points! I also discovered that a serving of bread was one slice, so forget any sandwiches. And yet, for some reason, I'm not losing any weight. Go figure.

But, in other news, I got my hair cut Friday. Here's the deal...I got my hair cut New Year's Eve last year. I went in and told the person (this was a different salon - across town) I wanted my hair cut. I wanted a long layer at the bottom of my hair and I wanted to get bangs cut (I haven't worn bangs in a couple of years). She went wacking away at my hair and I came out with something totally different than what I'd asked for but it was actually very cute. I liked it a lot. I got more compliments on this haircut than any other I can ever remember. So, I was a little nervous when, six weeks later, I went to my usual spot and got my hair cut. The lady asked if I wanted the same hair cut and I said yes and away she went. She actually did a good job - I still liked it.

Then, another six weeks go by and I go to get my hair cut again. I got someone else, who looked vaguely familiar to me. I told her I wanted the exact same hair cut and she said okay and started wacking away on my hair. I wasn't paying a whole lot of attention until I realized she was using some sort of razor on my hair. And then I remember where I know her from...she's the crazy razor lady I blogged about here. I freaked out and our conversation went something like this:

Me: What are you doing?

Her: It's a razor.

Me: (the light going on as to where I know her from) Why are you using it on my hair?

Her: I only did one side.

She says this like it's not a big deal because she's only done one side - not like I should let her do the other side so they match. And if the the truth is known, I didn't let her do the other side. Sad thing is, the overall cut was so bad, I don't think anyone noticed the portion that had been razored.

Me: Did I ask you to use a razor on my hair?

Her: No.

Me: Then why did you?

Her: I only did one side.

Me: I asked you to give me the exact same hair cut I had! Why would you use a razor on my hair???

Her: I only did one side.

Me: Don't do anything else to my hair!

Her: Okay.

Me: I still need my eyebrows waxed.

Yes, she really did my eyebrows after that, so I deserved what I got there.

Anyway, I went Friday to get my hair cut/fixed at the same place. I got the person who had cut it the second time and had done a good job. She asked if I wanted the same cut and I said "not exactly. It got butchered the last time I got it cut so I need it fixed now." She said okay and as she cut, she pointed out where the last person had munked it up, as if it mattered at that point.

She cut things that shouldn't have been cut and after several days of playing with it, I realized why the cut looks familiar. Here is what my hair looks like.....

I only wish I was kidding!

How was your weekend?

Bunco Babes Tell All

My copy of Bunco Babes Tell All (BBTA) came in a couple of days ago. I had just started another book and kind of felt I should finish that book before I started a new one - even though I really, really wanted to read BBTA. I've really been looking forward to its release.

Anyway, I wanted to have it handy in case I finished the book I was reading so I took it with me to work along with the other book - you know, in case I read 250 pages over my lunch break and wanted to start something new. It also came with me when I'd take the other book into the bedroom, the living room or wherever I went. . . just in case.

Then I finished the other book last night. Finally! But left BBTA until this morning. I read the whole thing in two sittings. First one while I was taking a bath and the second sitting, once I got out. I probably would have finished it in the one sitting but there comes a time when you've just got to get out of the tub. :)

I loved it. It was smart. It was fun. I laughed and I cried (in a good way). It totally lived up to my expectations - and then some.

Can't wait for Bunco Babes Gone Wild comes out in November!

Most Expensive "Free Dog" ever :)

I have three dogs - Max, Harley and Brewsky. For my post labels, I only have one named for Harley and I realize that's because he's a bit "special" (bless his heart).

For those that don't know, Harley showed up in my house one day after work (the benefits of a doggy door). I tried to find his owner and discovered that he was a bit of a gypsy dog and decided to give this gypsy a real home.

I love this dog dearly but he is a bit "unique". For one thing, he sees the vet more than any other dog I've ever had. We go every 4 - 6 weeks for allergy shots. Before we realized he had allergies, the poor dog was being treated for mange, getting a shot every two weeks, followed by taking an oral medication that he hated. He limps a lot so he has to take a pill for his muscles/bones (it smells like skunk and I have to force it down his throat...meanwhile, Brewsky will gobble them up if given a chance). Things like that.

Anyway, about a month ago, I took him (when I took Brewsky to get his annual shots) to get his allergy shot and noticed he had a bald spot on his back, about the size of a nickel. I asked the vet about it and he said he didn't think it was anything to worry about but to keep an eye on it - his hair should grow back. Well, not only did his hair NOT grow back, the spot grew to the size of a quarter and the skin turned black. Then, a couple of weeks ago, he got a second bald spot on his tummy. They didn't seem to really bother him so I wasn't overly concerned but I was going to take him to the vet on Saturday with Max because Max's shots were due so I was going to make one trip (my vet is 25+ miles away - one way) and kill two birds, so to speak.

Well, Wednesday night I came home and there was a place on Harley's back that the hair was laying funny so I decided to investigate. I was running my fingers over his back to try to see if there was some sort of injury on his back and as I pulled the hair back, a big clump of hair came off in my hand! I kind of freaked. Fortunately the vet's office hadn't closed yet (I wasn't going to be able to get him in that night but I would be able to talk to the vet) so I called them.

They said they didn't think it was an emergency but didn't think I should wait until Saturday. So, I took him (and Max) to the vet yesterday morning. Apparently it's some sort of skin infection. So I got MORE pills that I have to force feed him and an expensive medicated bath soap.

I do love him but he is pretty expensive...for a free dog. :)

On the bright side, I can sleep in Saturday now, since I don't have to get up to take the dogs to the vet.

What weekend plans do y'all have?

Getting back in shape

Last year I was moved to a very stressful job and gained, in three months, almost all the weight it took me a year to take off. Since then, I've done my best to maintain that weight - or so it would seem anyway.

Every time I bring up the weight gain to SCG he asks me when I last ran - because that worked out so well last time I tried it. So, a couple of weeks ago, I went to join the gym but apparently they won't sign you up if you go in on the weekend. I took that as my cue to stock my house with DVDs and stuff that would encourage me to exercise at home and forget the gym.

My Kickboxing, Hip Hop and Yoga DVDs were shipped today, according to the email I received this morning. But the stair stepper I bought came in on Friday.

Can someone tell me why the biggest workout you get is putting the dang thing together? Anyway, I put it together last night and am already up to 31 seconds (yes seconds!). Tomorrow I'm going to try to up it to at least 32 seconds. And hey, it's still 31 seconds more than I would have been doing, right?

But the best thing is, my copy of Bunco Babes Tell All was also shipped today! And, if you haven't already, you can scroll down to read an interview with the author, Maria Geraci. I'm so looking forward to reading it, I cannot tell you. I was wishing I had it to read this weekend.

That's all for now, I hope you're all having a great Mother's day.

Fashionably Late

Can one be fashionably late to their own party? Sorry I wasn't here Thursday as promised. I had an incredible burst of energy Wednesday after all my exams were over and then I crashed hard. But I'm here now. :)

Since Wednesday was final day, I took the day off to kind of relax because I didn't want to have worked all day and then have to take 6 hours worth of tests. Part of my "relaxation" technique/method/whatever you want to call it, was taking a long hot bath while reading some non-school related material...so I read a People magazine. There was an article in there titled "Caught on Catcam".

Have you heard about this? This couple clipped a camera their cat's collar and set it to snap photos every two minutes. THEN, they sold the prints for $275 a piece and made over $5000! Can you imagine? My dogs would probably only come back with dog and people crotch shot photos and who would buy those?

Does your pet have any special talents that could make money? Please share. :)

Oh, and if you haven't seen it already, scroll down and read the interview with author Maria Geraci!

Spotlight On: Maria Geraci

Okay, I'm going to start the party early because a friend of mine has a book coming out tomorrow and I want to be sure everyone has time to get a copy because there will be a test. You can pre-order it here or maybe you prefer here. Go on, we'll wait. :o)

Anyway, a little about Maria. I first met her in Reno at the RWAOL party. She was one of three people who made a point of introducing themselves to me and making me feel welcome. I really appreciated it. So, when I think of Reno, I think of Maria.

I also think of Maria every time I get on the elevators at work because they have a glass backing that faces outside. And, if that makes no sense, if you read this post (and comments), it will make a little more sense. :o)

But anyway, here's Maria.....

Tell us about your story.
Bunco Babes Tell All is about a group of women in north Florida who play Bunco. In case you’re not familiar with Bunco, think boy’s poker night, except substitute the cards with dice, the beer with frozen margaritas, and the cigar smoking with gossip. It’s the perfect backdrop, I think, for a light hearted women’s fiction novel. Kitty Burke, my main character, is the only Bunco Babe who’s still single. She’s a Realtor and wants to broker a huge land deal in order to buy her grandmother’s old house. But first, she has to butt heads with the town’s senior citizens watch group, The Gray Flamingos, her cougar-wanna-be mother, and the smarmy land developer who’s hired her. And of course, there’s a hunky, mysterious stranger who comes to town to add romance to the story.

What's a typical day like for you?
I work part-time as a labor and delivery nurse 2-3 nights a week, so if I’m working, then I’m sleeping! But when I’m not scheduled to work then I typically wake up, get the kids off to school, then mess around on the computer for a couple of hours, either writing or surfing the net trying to figure out how to promote my book. At some point in the day, I have to make dinner, do some laundry, etc… Plus I have a new puppy and she’s a lot of work! I try to take her for a walk every evening, then I catch up on some TV and visit with my husband. If I’m on deadline, though, everything that’s not essential comes to a stand still and I’m pretty much writing every second that’s available.

How long have you been writing? How many books did you write before you sold?
I started writing 7 years ago. I finished 2 manuscripts (both historicals) before I sold.

What was it like getting "the call"? Who was the first person you told?
Getting the call was strangely surreal. It was about 5pm on a Monday afternoon and I was sick as a dog and lying on the couch watching TV, waiting for my cold medicine to kick in. My agent called and the instant I saw her number on my caller ID I knew that I’d sold. I immediately began jumping up and down and screaming! It was an awesome moment. Then I called my husband, followed by my cps, and my family. By the time my husband got home from work I was asleep (that cough medicine had finally kicked in!) so oddly, we never got to do the champagne thing. We’ll have a big celebration though after my debut signing on May 9.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
To stay true to your voice and to write what you love to read. You have to be your number one fan. If you don’t love your own work, then no one else will either.

Where do you get your story ideas? What inspires you?
My ideas come from everywhere- real live events, newspaper stories, and of course, my imagination (like my rear end, it’s pretty big!) I’m inspired most by a really good book that makes me laugh or cry or makes me feel a whole lot of emotion. I love reading a story and thinking "I want to make other people feel the way I feel now."

I know you were an AT finalist but how much of a role did contests play in your quest for publication?
I think finaling in contests can you give you a real mental boost, which in turn, brings your writing up a notch. For me, it gave me the confidence to query agents and publishers. When you see other people who have finaled getting published, you begin to think "I can do that too!"

What do you wish you'd known before you reached where you are now - and would it have made a difference in the steps you've taken to get there?
I wish I’d remembered how quickly time flies. Once I sold, I knew it was going to be 17 months till my first book came out. I thought I had lots of time to get everything done. Wrong! I only got my website up 3 months ago. In retrospect, I should have had that done 6 months before the book came out. But I try never to cry over spilled milk. What’s done is done, right?

Are you a plotter or a pantser?
A little of both. I start out with a very loose plot, then write and see what happens. My stories are very character driven, so at some point the characters literally take over the story. Then when the story is done, I have to take control back and edit and plot some more to make it all work.

I know you have written in more than one genre. What's it like to write in different genres? How do you transition between the them?
I began writing historicals, but I’m not writing them anymore. Historicals are my first love, but I think my voice lends itself better to contemporary romance.

What's next for Maria Geraci?
The second book in the series, Bunco Babes Gone Wild, comes out November 3. There’s a different protagonist, but all the characters from the first book are also featured. Hopefully, if the books do well, there will be more Bunco Babe books to follow!


Thanks for stopping by Maria! You can visit Maria on her website and blog. And if you haven't already (and why haven't you?!?!?) there's still time to order her book here and here. Get to it now!