Random Survey for the Bored ...

I'm frustrated today.   About a lot of things, and nothing all at the same time.  Questioning --- everything and nothing.  it's just one of those days.

So .. to keep myself busy, I have been playing a facebook game (don't start, or you'll be hopelessly addicted in minutes) called "Hidden Chronicles" -- one of those -- find the object games?  Yeah.  Addicting.   Now - since I'm out of energy -- on that damn game -- I'm taking a Random Survey I found online.  Awesome, I know, you just can't wait!!

On with the questions . . . . 

1) What is your current desktop background?

A gorgeous picture taken by one of my very best friends in the entire world - Jolene Burke.

2) What is your favorite zoo animal?

Toss up - the Raptors (large birds of prey) and the tigers.

3) What was your favorite toy as a child?

He-Man, She-Ra and Hot Wheels.

4) What food do you eat too much of?

The proper question - what food don't you eat enough of? .. I eat too much, of everything.   I didn't just wake up fat.  I made myself this way.   

5) What kind of hairstyle do you have?

That would imply that I had one .. it's way too long, and doesn't behave.  Is that a style?

6) What is your favorite activity in gym class?

Since I'm not a toddler, yet, have preschooler of my own, I'm altering this - my favorite activity at the gym? None.  At the studio?  Kickboxing.

7) What is on the shirt you are wearing right now?

PATRIOTS 

the NFL shield

NEW ENGLAND

8) What is the picture nearest you of?

Emily and Mike.  Emily.  My Cats.   Emily, Mike and myself.  Emily.   Emily as a chili pepper.  Emily as a present.  Emily as a UNH hockey fan.  It's a collage of sorts .. of Emily :)

9) What kind of salad dressing do you like?

Kens Italian -- Yes I can tell the difference, No I don't recommend you testing that fact out. 

10) What is your least favorite food?

If you know me - you know the answer - Broccoli and Cauliflower - in any form - cooked, raw, soup, mashed, smashed, and yes, even smothered in a gooey cheese sauce.  Keep the vile weeds.

11) What do you do on a Sunday Night?

Cry that the following day is Monday, and prepare for the morning ritual of crying, dragging feet, timers, refusals to get dressed, refusals to eat - and resign myself that we will be late.  very late.  because it is in fact Monday, and getting a nearly 5 year old (OMFG seriously?  How the hell did *that* happen?!) out the door - in any quick amount of time is a myth unless you put her to bed fully dressed, in a helmet, IV Fed her Breakfast while she was sleeping and had every door/pathway open and clear from bed to vehicle ....... I can dream, right?

12) If you could only use one condiment for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Mayonnaise.    Yep.   It would.

13) What color are your sheets?

White .. the brown ones are being laundered, and I haven't gotten the green ones yet (they are taunting me at target) 

14) What pair of shoes do you wear most often?

On the advice of my orthopedic doctor and physical therapist -- my New Balance sneakers (that are rapidly in approaching in-need of replacement), if the weather is decent, and because I'm a rebel and hate shoes? Flip Flops

15) What is your favorite game?

To Play?  Scrabble .. To watch?   Wheel of Fortune .. Sports Game?  Hockey.  Ice Hockey.

16) What is your favorite Thanksgiving Food?

Duh.  Mashed Taters and Gravy :)

17) What is your favorite pizza topping?

Cheese .. and Pineapples.   Don't judge.

18) What time do you plan on waking up tomorrow?

Seriously!? I get to sleep?!  No friggen way!   Um. truth be told, whenever my body decides I'm done .. or .. 430am when the cats decide I'm done.

19) What is your favorite day of the year?

I don't think I have one .. honestly,  I have a favorite season - Autumn ... followed immediately by Summer (you know the boat thing) .. but a day?  Not so much.

52 Books, 52 Weeks, 1 Year

SO the year has come to an end - I wanted so badly to write as I read .. alas, real life certainly has a way of screwing things up.

Here are a few reviews:

Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay 

I read this book as a pick for my book club.  Wendy (the woman that chose it) has been begging to read this book, for the year I've been involved with these ladies, and after reading the reviews, we all agreed that we'd read it this time.  And I cannot tell you how glad I am.   This book is powerful, while being based on a true historical event, it weaves just enough fiction to grip you.   I enjoyed it so much, I actually bought the book form, not Kindle form.  (GASP)

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

I am not one to read what I'm told to read.  Which is why, in some ways, a book club is the worst place for me to be.  Now, that said.  This book was read prior to my joining our book club (Reading Between the Wines .. great name right?) and all the ladies do is refer back to it when discussing other books (not - plot/character-wise, but more .. how it made them feel ... I'll explain further) ... I was told, months ago, to read this book - by many many people.  Including my Aunt.  It's a "love it or hate it sort of book" and - while I'm not a "love it or hate it" sort of reader, I get what they were saying.  This book was everything I'd been looking for to read.  Historical, but not heavy.  Light, but not easy.  Gripping, but not intense.  I borrowed the hard cover version of this book from a dear friend (the very same who got me into the book club) ... and I bet I'm going to have a hard time returning it.  The discussions always revert back to this book because of the depth in the pages.  The character development, and story -- beyond explanation, unless you've read it.  Take the time, read it.  Then we'll talk.  Promise.  BTW Skeeter?  A-Freakin'-Mazing Woman, and well beyond her time.  Well Beyond.

When did I get Like This?  The Screamer, The Worrier, The Dinosaur-Chicken-Nugget Buyer and Other Mothers I Swore I'd Never Be by Amy Wilson

Even if you're not a mom?  You need to read this book.  Amy Wilson is hilarious, and so much like so many of us - it's hard not to love her words.   She explains things in a way, that while laughing, you have a moment of "I am so not alone! I'm NOT the worst mom in the world, this is NORMAL!!  Other Moms Compromise JUST Like I do!"  Chronicling the trials and tribulations of conception, birth, and those first days, weeks, months - even years - being a first time parent ... and then, chronicling them again, being the first time parent of more than one child.


The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure (The 25th Anniversary Edition) discovered and abridged by William Goldman

Classic doesn't even begin to start describing this book .... The movie itself is a must see, must own, love story ..The Book?  Puts it to shame.   Westly, Inigo, Buttercup, The 6 Fingered Man, Vizzini, Fezzick .. they're all there - they are all as wonderful in print, as they are on the screen.   Granted, this is an abridged version of the original, focusing on the actual tale, and not the history of Florin, the compliments of "Mrs. Morgenstern" - it is still very worthy of a read.  (S. Morgenstern does not truly exist, so perhaps this version is the only version.  Perhaps)  And really?  "As You Wish" In print?   Just as powerful in print, if not more-so, than on film.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

 Really a Novella, but I believe it counts none-the-less ... A few years ago, there was a movie released - A Tim Burton Production no less.  Tim Burton - is a genius.  I will argue that to the death.  The Man Is A Genius.  The worlds he brings to life, are some of the most amazing worlds I could dare to imagine.  Coraline is about a young girl who moves with her parents to a new "flat" -- where there are 14 doors, and only 13 of them open.  Well, only 13 of them open --- Most of the Time.   This book is rather close to the movie, or vice versa anyway - the movie is much like this book.   It contains pictures, drawings, that are placed at just the right times, and help you see the story play out.   The 14th door opens to an alternate universe.  The only thing constant between the two - is Coraline herself.  Coraline is a dark, twisted tale.  At times supremely creepy, and at others supremely charming.    A story that involves charming and dark characters, twists and turns, and a creep factor that is, by all rights, out of this world.

Julie & Julia:  365 days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen  by Julie Powell

One woman's journey to recreate every dish from Julia Child's classic book "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" .. in one year, while blogging, maintaining her marriage and thankless temporary office job - while friends were excelling in their lives, one after the other.   Julie Powell is loveable.  Beyond loveable.  She is Every Woman.  Every woman who has ever seen/heard/read Julia Child and wished, for even one minute, we had the time, passion, interest and expertise (even though she was mostly self taught) to create the dishes she did.  The feed our loved ones the gorgeous, aromatic and tasty creations of Julia Child.  Julie Powell gives herself a challenge.  To prove to everyone, including herself, that she can finish something.  That she can complete a goal, and in the process - finds herself.  Whatever that means to her.  I'm not one to let reviews (obviously, I don't like to be told what to read, and what not to read) dictate to me how I feel about a book - I will say, if profanity and sex-talk offend you?  Don't read this book.  It's not all about cooking.  It's not all about Julia Child,  This Book is about the Journey of One Woman.  And her telling of it.  (The movie - phenomenal)

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese 

I had a hard time with this book.  This one was a Book Club pick as well.  I won't lie (when have I ever) -- I had a really really really hard time getting through this book.  It was long - and arduous - and didn't need to be In My Opinion as long as it was.  560 pages.  Five Hundred & Sixty Pages.  If you can get through the dragging back story (and I say dragging because, really?  1947 Ethopia .. such a sad time, depressing state, horrid illnesses.  560 pages) ... This is the story of twin brothers Marion and Shiva Stone as they discover the truth of their father - their birth, their mother, their lives, and learn what it is to be doctors in the midst of a Revolution.  Love, Lies, Illness, Betrayal, Rebels, War.  It really does have it all. When I finally did finish it, I was glad I didn't give up.  The end .. blew me away.  The things these brothers, and their family (you'll see what their family consists of, and you'll agree) are put through ... the things they survive ... make you realize, even if you think you're strong - the strength of these characters, puts you in your place.  Firmly.  Even if it took me forever to read it, I'm glad I did.  I'm glad I finished.

Anyway, those are the reviews - and links to the books - thus far.   If there are any on the list that you're interested in - and want my take?  Ask away.  I'll tell you... in no uncertain terms, what I think.  If you don't like my reviews .. meh.  It's okay.  I know what I think, I know what I mean, and it's cool.   I enjoyed my challenge, and look forward to 2012.

New Year, New ... Challenge

I refuse to make resolutions in January, mostly because I'm a rebel, and stubborn and I generally don't like being told what to do - and when.  I make my own rules, thank you!  (snarky right?  I know!)    

So instead, I set challenges for myself.  And I don't mean your normal resolution type challenges.   Last year, I set a goal to read 52 books.   I read fast, like obscenely fast - during the Summer months I seem to devour books at an alarming rate.   I set a challenge for myself to slow down, and appreciate that which I am consuming.  I did it.  (The list and summary post for a few of my favorites will be up and updated really soon)  I read more than 52, but not much more.   I enjoy reading.   I Live to Read.  I Love Books.   This year, for 2012, I'm raising the stakes.

My challenge this year?   To read 365 different books with Emily.   One book per night (we generally do anyway, but this way, we make sure we set the time aside) - or if she falls asleep early, is sent to bed early for whatever, or we're out somewhere and I can't get the few minutes to read a book, we will catch up the next available night.  So far, we've read 2.   Just about on track, she had a really bad night last night, and had to go to bed early - with no story. (harder for me than it was for her)

I let her pick the books, and I'm keeping a list to make sure we don't repeat books.   My goal, with this, is to share my love of reading - help Emily learn to read, and expose her to new books she may never have shown an interest in - because they don't involve Barbie, Tinkerbell or any of the Disney Princesses.   She has an impressive collection, spanning two floors of our house - in three rooms even.  (our bedroom, her bedroom and her playroom - not to mention the books that are strewn about the house)

The first 2 books she chose, had to do with Easter.  My dear child ... has no sense of a calendar (also something we're working on)  

At this time - Emily knows how to read & spell 12 sight words (as well as a few other everyday words) ... so we're working on making sure she remembers the words she's learned during the week (four at a time) .. we allow her to "help" us read stories to her, and she points out her "Sight Words" ... such a school phrase :)

She recites her phone number, her address, her school name, her teachers, her dance studio, teachers there, her class mates, ETC.  She is beyond smart, and growing so fast, it kills me.  Since I know I can't stop it - I have to embrace it.   And I need to repeat that to myself, at least once a day.

Emily LOVES to read.   Loves book, and loves math.   The books and reading - all me.  The math?  No one knows where THAT came from!!

I also hope to complete the challenge of blogging, at least once a week, to start ;) ... hopefully, more.  I love to write, and I love to write about experiences I've had, or thoughts in my head, or any of the numerous things about me there are out there.   Maybe it'll be just a meme or two, maybe it'll be a review of a book, or movie, or combination of the two.

Maybe, it'll be a scathing letter to LaZBoy Furniture ... we'll see how the next few weeks turns out for that one.

For now?   Reading 365 Stories and blogging at least 52 times this year seems like the place to start.

Besides, if Emily goes the way she's going?  We'll have to lock the books up at bedtime, papercuts to the hands and face are a distinct possibility with this kid.

 

Who falls asleep like this??  An Avid Reader 

Fleas On My Dog ....

I won't rehash for you my disdain for this time of year.  It's rather obvious how I feel about it, and how I've (as long as I can remember) felt about it.

Trying to fake cheer, and teach a 4 yr old that it's not about what is or isn't under the tree, or magically delivered by a Fat Man in a Red Suit, that it's about love, and spending it with those you love (and trying to "miniature down" the story of Jesus - and the like - to a 4yr olds understanding {particularly when that four year old appears smarter than you at most times}) .. is no easy feat in and of itself - but especially when you're not sure what it's about any more either.    So, instead of rehashing all of that nonsense (though it appears as if I just gave that abridged version more attention than I feel it deserves) ... allow me to replay for you, some of my favorite "Holiday Moments"

My daughter, the little savant, has taken control of any and all radios in the immediate vicinity - and they must all play Christmas Music -- AT ALL TIMES .. while she's awake and aware that is. ;)     The radio in the truck (the van died .. the day before Thanksgiving, leaving me, stranded on the side of Route 125, in the Rain - alone - with a broken cell phone ... another story, for another day)  has a crappy radio system in it.  The speakers are not that old nor expensive, but I'm guessing were never installed quite properly (sorry hubz) and thus, they are blown already ... is tuned into and stuck on 94.9 WHOM .. who plays Christmas Music - 24 hours a day, from November First Through December 26th ... Awesome for me.

Emily's favorite song (of the moment) is "Jingle Bell Rock" . which she "insists on singing alone" even though she only knows six lyrics.   Her second favorite - is "Feliz Navidad"  ... now, last year, when my little Elfkin sang this song it sounded .. not quite right .. instead of "Feliz Navidad" it came across as "Fleas on My Dog" .. which of course, brought me an incredible of amusement - then - and even now, when I remind her of her musical blunders of years past .. at first, she'd giggle, and say something like "Silly Emi!!"  now it's .. "ECK MOM!!  It's Feleeeez NaviDAH!"  with a head tilt and roll of her gorgeous blue eyes, fitting of a 14 year old.

When reading that sentence from Emily - think this scene in Harry Potter & The Sorcerers Stone:
Ron: Wingardium Leviosar!
Hermione:  Stop, stop, stop!  You're going to take someone's eye out.  Besides, you're saying it wrong.  It's LeviOsa, not LeviosAR!

In Emily's 4 1/2 years of existence, people in costume have given her issue.   Santa, the Easter Bunny, Chuck E. Cheese .. etc there was one Santa she was okay with - last year, and the year before, and that was it - the Wal-Greens Santa - a young kid, who hardly spoke -- he was her favorite.   Until we met the Santa at DeMeritt Hill Farm in Lee, NH, and even then - she was ... iffy.   She'd talk to him, from behind my legs, and take a photo, with Mike and I, while one of us were holding her.   This year, she stood with him.   This year, she practically dragged me down the "hallway" at the local Mall, to see Santa before his "hours were up" (the hours he's there end at 8pm Until Christmas Eve) .. the excitement bursting through her like candy from a pinata.   She opted to stand with him, instead of sitting on his lap, understandable, and sooo freakin' cute.   She introduced herself, shook his hand, and proceeded to tell him about her "Elf" Elizabeth.   Without explaining who she was, she said "I know, I'm being good, I promise - Elizabeth is watching" ... no hesitation, no confusion the reply she received - astounded her.  "Ah, yes, Elizabeth - your elf,  I know her well - we have discussed you every night since she arrived at your house.  you're doing much better!!"

 

This year, we also received a letter from Santa (We visited Santa's Village in Jefferson NH earlier this summer and it's a service they offer) ... which mentioned her favorite ride of the day, a few things she asked for and her bestie, Mallory.  AND A Personal Video from the Portable North Pole in an email directly from Santa to Emily (I'll have to upload the pictures of her face when she saw it.   She was ... beyond excited)  

The only thing missing - besides a Drama Free Holiday - is snow.   Emily has been begging to make a snowman, to throw snowballs at daddy, go sledding, play outside until her nose and cheeks hurt, and come in to hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies ... Except.  Mother Nature, is apparently angry that we purchased a Boat, and not some snowmobiles ... she'll survive.

Saturday Morning --- it started to flurry ... This was Her Response:

It didn't amount to anything, and the day warmed up .. but .. she was dancing and jumping as if it were the Blizzard of '78.

Oh to have that Magic Feeling for this time of year Again 

Looking back .. a reflection

(This was written in September)

It was absolutely gorgeous outside Saturday.  Yet, there I sat.  Tears streaming down my chubby cheeks, looking back.

You see, I was watching a movie, that I haven't seen in ages - and looking back, now I remember why.  Why I haven't watched this movie.  Why I haven't subjected myself to this ... torture.   Don't mistake what I'm saying. It's a good movie.  It has a great message (as all good movies do)

If you're my age, or .. older .. you remember this movie, and when it came out.  You remember watching it - for the first time, and you remember the feelings you had.  You don't even have to truly look back, you can just remember.

As the mom of a 4 yr old, maybe it's just the mom reaction.  Maybe it's a human reaction.  Maybe I'm just over emotional and dense - either way - I was a wreck.  Imagining myself in place of a character, imagining Emily in place of another.  Torture.  102 minutes of Torture.  (plus commercial breaks of course)

I am talking about the movie "My Girl" - which if you haven't ever seen this movie, might I suggest you take a moment, or 102 of them, and check it out.  It's a good movie, it really is.  I just seem to have an unnatural (or completely natural) response to it as of late.

I am currently on the path to me, whatever the hell that means.  On this path, I have expected to encounter bumps, roadblocks (or pathblocks as the case may be) . twists, turns, and any other path-slowing words you may think of.   To think this journey would be an easy one, is a joke to say the least.  I'm aware of the difficulties facing me.  I am aware of the pain I'll inevitably go through.  I have to be aware.  Otherwise, what is the point?  I'll admit to being caught by surprise a time or two - but for the most part, I'm doing well on this journey of mine.  Not there yet, but well on my way.  As a matter of fact, I started kick boxing again last week - I cannot tell you how much I've looked forward to that day .. How Much I Enjoyed Every Single Pang, Tweak, Twinge, Every Feeling of Accomplishment I Had Last Week.

I plan to go - every week, as I had been before .. and so long as injury and illness don't stand in my way, I will do just that.  People think I'm crazy, or exaggerating, when I explain my love of class.  My love of beating myself up for 60 solid minutes of cardio work out.  "Sure you .. snicker snort snicker .. kick box ...." I don't "look like" a kick boxer.  I don't "act like" a kick boxer (whatever that means) .. but yet, I am a kick boxer.  I enjoy it so very much.

It's my time to be me.  It's my time FOR me.  It's My Time.  One Hour Per Week.  and MAN how I missed it.  Looking back, I'm not sure how I made it this far in life, doing very little that I enjoyed .. just to do it.  I'm a homebody, and now, with Emily - even more so.  I have never been the sort of person to put myself first, and watching that movie ... solidified the fact that no matter what I may have told myself prior?  I was meant to be a mom.   I was meant to have Emily.

I may not be the best at it, and I know I still have a lot - I mean - a LOT - to learn, but I am fairly confident in what I've accomplished thus far in her short life.  

Had I been Mrs. Sennett?  There is no way I would have been able to compose myself the way she did.   

Had I been Vada?  Asking Thomas J to climb trees and asking for his glasses?  Would not have been what I said ... then again, I'm not 11.   and I'm not Vada, nor am I Mrs. Sennett.   

Had that been .. I can't even finish this sentence without tears welling up .. Had that been my child - or a niece or nephew - I don't know how I would have responded.

We all have someone dear to us in Heaven (or your equivalent) ... we all have someone dear to us that we have lost - friends, family, pets - they may be gone from this realm, but they are not forgotten - they are not alone - they are with us every minute, of every day ... and they are with those that had gone before, or after, them.

As I watched "that movie" .. I couldn't help but place myself in those characters shoes ... the parents, the kids, the unimportant mourners .. It made me reflect further on the loss I've personally endured in the last 16 years.  Grandparents, Aunts, Friends, Pets.   It comforts me, a little, to know they are there together, where ever "there" is ... it comforts me some, to know that I am doing the best I can to ensure that what life Emily does have, is happy.  Don't misunderstand, we are all healthy, and happy, it's just a mothers lament.

In July, I almost lost my baby sister ... In August, my mom went in for surgery of her own ... As the holidays approach, and our "time to be thankful" (as people refer it) draws closer, I am struck with the realization - I am human.   I am Mom.   And one little boy on a movie, made me realize even more - I do feel emotions.  Even if I try very hard not to.  I am thankful, grateful, beyond thrilled - to be where I am today, and have who I have in my life.  Sometimes, it takes a moment, a movie, an instant, to remind you what's important.

Now, as I watch Emily learning and discovering new things, I can't help but wonder .. am I doing it right?  IS there a 'right' ... and a 'wrong'?   Am I hurting her in the long run with the choices I am making?  Will she grow up in spite of my short comings, my fears, anxieties .. Will she one day, when she's older, watch this movie and remember me crying over it and understand, finally, why?  What was so powerful in that movie?   The loss of the boy?   the grieving of a child?  of a mother?   The life lessons?   Or will it be the words?  The lines of that movie?  Like this one.

Vada: Mrs. Sennett, don't worry Tomas J will be all right. My mother will take care of him

I am a Water Baby.

I am a water baby.

My daughter is a water baby.

I am happiest, calmest, most relaxed, when I'm on the water.

The Wildlife, The Sights, The Sounds, The Smells Even.  Time with Family, and Friends.   

In our 11 years together, we have had 3 boats.  2 were purchased off the side of the road, for minimal amounts of money, and while we ran the heck out of the first one, the second one was a dud from the start.  Our third boat has been, by far, our best investment yet.  A 1991 Four Winns Freedom with a 120hp Evinrude Motor, and a Factory Trailer (all painted up to match nicely) .. we purchased it from a co-worker of mine, who I have known my entire life, five summers ago.  It's crazy to think of how long ago that was, and how much we've done, where we've been and what we've seen with her.

Our boat, motor and trailer, are 20 years old.  Twenty.   In car years?  That would be considered a Classic.  Our boat, motor and trailer, are in exceptional condition for being 20 years old.  For 2 years, Mike and I have been bantering back and forth ... should we trade in what we have, and get a slightly larger boat, for when Em gets a little bigger, and we need more space?  Me?  Nope.  The Four Winns is great, she's paid for, she runs like a top.  Fast Forward to June of this Year.   

This summer - we have had a few problems with her.   She's tired.  We used her every weekend, and sometimes, quite a bit actually, during the week.  She's seen many lakes, many hours, and many friends come and go.  She was there with us when Em was born, and has seen her through her her infancy, into and out of her toddler years, and has spent the first summer of her preschool years with us.

She had a hard time starting, and would lose her "prime" .. and her battery would drain .. quickly .. when we were on the water this Summer.   There were days, when we were afraid, we'd have to row back to the shallows, and then - haul her (and our precious cargo) in by rope.  There was a day, at the end of the Summer, when we had to do just that.   She's Tired.  She needs work.  More work than we can do ourselves, and in reality, we don't have the time to invest in the sort of overhaul she needs.

She's Tired.    She also, doesn't owe us one more minute on the water.   When we pulled her in September, we had already been revisiting the idea of trading her in.   I feel like a failure to her.  We promised her a good life, and gave her what we could.  She was appreciated, loved, and well cared for.  I feel like we're giving up on her.  Even though, in reality, We aren't.  She never gave up on us, and we never gave up on her.

Since June, we've been bantering.  Should trade her in, should we wait, what happens if we wait, and no one offers us anything, or accepts our offer, should we have one?  What happens then?   Some people go away for a week here, or a week there, some people go away for days, some people (like us) do inexpensive day trips, that always end on the water.  Always.

There's nothing like packing up for the day, and just .. floating your cares away.  At least, to me.

So this weekend, I lost the battle.  After weeks of research, and offers, counter offers and even more counter offers - failed financing followed by more failed financing.  Used boats, new boats, trade ins - We made one last ditch effort, and were resigned to the fact that this wasn't our year ... the Four Winns would have to last another.   We'd have to make it work.  And we were fine with that.  We were okay with "not this year".  And then .. our bank, our credit union actually, approved the financing, for a deal that is perfect for us.  Essentially a car payment (since we don't have one of those).  In the past year, we have paid down our debt, and saved what we could.  We have built my credit up, and his credit is slowly creeping up behind mine.  

I lost the fight.  We agreed on a deal, which offered us nearly what we paid for the Four Winns 5 Summers ago, and a brand new boat, slightly larger than the one we have.  It's brand new, red & white *the perfect color scheme for us* and a pontoon boat (the argument I lost)  We can pick her up anytime, however, it being October (the best time to get a great deal) the Marina we went through offered storage through the Winter.  That way, we don't have to worry about Winterizing her, and seeing her until we can use her.  We take delivery, in March or April.  

The weekly deduction from our pay is nothing compared to what it could have been.  Saving money left and right, the deal the owner gave us - were too good to pass up.

This Summer, we'll have room to invite friends to float away their cares with us.   I can't wait.

Not that we owe anyone anything, explanation or justification wise - this blog is a way for me to work through my mixed emotions.  

I am a Water Baby.   

Emily is a Water Baby.

Plus?  She's Pretty

Reading is FUNdamental!

As part of my "52 books in 52 Weeks" Challenge ... I've been scouring the internet, book stores, friends shelves, and any other place I Can think of for titles that interest me.  Subjects that pique curiosity.

I have a varied palette when it comes to books.  I read everything.   There is literally nothing I wouldn't read, at least once.  I give everything a chance, and I devour information like a kid with a  Halloween Bucket devours their take after Trick Or Treat.

Now, I am not a Religious person - so to speak.  Honestly, I don't know what I believe anymore, nor do I know what I don't believe.  And while I fully believe questioning things is a completely healthy way to live life, I also believe that learning about other "options" is even healthier.

I follow a blogger, who is fantastic.  Unique, original, funny, charming .. you name it, I find her to be .. It.  Now, she is having a contest.

A Contest?  You Say?   Yep. A Contest.  One that I would desperately like to win (I don't win much, and this is right up my alley) ... she is giving away a copy of a book.  But not just any book, mind you.  nope.  Not just any old book off the shelf.

THIS book .. "Old World Witchcraft: Ancient Ways for Modern Days" by Raven Grimassi.   

From Amazon:

Old World Witchdraft reveals rarely discussed topics such as the concept of Shadow as the organic memory of the earth. Readers will learn rooted techniques that possess power because these ways have always been connected to it. They will learn methods of interfacing with the ancestral current and with the organic memory of the earth. Through these they can connect with the timeless arts and learn methods of empowerment directly from the ancient source.

Totally new information about familiar tools is presented. For example, the mortar and pestle is a tool for spell casting, a device that creates interfacing with plant spirits and with shadow, and a focal point for veneration of the Plant Kingdom. Grimassi also presents the art of using plant ashes for magical sigil work.

See, now THAT interests me.  That captures my attention.   I want to devour that.

While I'm not a practicing witch, or pagan, or anything like that - I'm interested in learning all about them.   The ways they do things, their beliefs and systems.  It interests me.  Far beyond my interest in the Paranormal and Ghosts, if you can believe that.   

If you're interested in trying to win this book (I'm Watching You!)  ----- just click here, on Mrs. B's name --- and read the rules to enter.  

With the colder weather upon us, I'd love to curl up with this book (and many others - let's be honest here) ... wish me luck!

Thanks Mrs. B for the opportunity!