Murmurs and musings

Looks like we have H1N1

2009-09-24T18:26:42Z

I took E to the doctor on Tuesday and after eliminating all the other possibilities, was given the diagnosis that "in all likelihood, it's H1N1". So, Tamiflu for him and his siblings. He's still home from school, but hoping to return tomorrow. So far, at least, the others haven't succumbed, although the Tamiflu makes J nauseous. I suppose it's better to get it out of the way early in the season. Right?

At least northern Michigan was beautiful when we went this past weekend. It was G's birthday on Monday and we celebrated with his father and sister at his dad's lake house. Incredibly blue skies, big fluffy clouds, and temps around 70. Pretty close to perfect. I managed to climb the dune at Sleeping Bear Dune National Lakeshore again this year, though it was a near thing. Who knew my heart could actually beat that fast?

More book updates to come soon.

I'm not complaining about life right now

2009-09-08T21:21:36Z

I got back from Dragon*Con last night. While there some of the highlights for me were that I:

Went to a Charlaine Harris panel (she's a delightful Southern woman who looks like somebody's favorite aunt) and asked her whether she'd choose Eric or Bill.

Heard Diana Gabaldon read from her latest book in the Outlander series (which I didn't realize comes out 9/22. More Jamie and Claire!!!!), asked her questions, and got my book signed, as well as saw art panels from the planned Outlander graphic novel.

Attended two great Farscape panels and actually asked the last question of the panel at the second one. I also got autographs from Ben Browder and Claudia Black and got to ask her when she thought Aeryn got pregnant. She wasn't sure exactly, but thought Talyn John was probably the father because,as she said, "they were practicing a lot".

The Farscape panels were some of the best I've ever seen. You can tell the genuine affection the cast has for each other and their deep appreciation of the fans. Ben Browder and Claudia Black were delightful in person as well. Yes, Jana. I got to touch him. lol And I even managed to behave like a rational human being while doing so.

Saw my dear friend De who came into town in the midst of a writing deadline and took me out to brunch in her little red VW bug convertible.

Got great gifts for my family. Older son got "It Takes A Viking to Raze a Village", older daughter got "And Then Buffy Staked Edward. The End.", younger son got "Don't Make Me Go Zelda On You" (with all the weapons from Zelda pictured), and younger daughter who is a major lover of Snape, got a pendant with "I Always Trusted Snape". Everyone was quite pleased.

Saw my brother who came down to hang out with me for a while at the Con.

Plus, a lot of other stuff happened. But, the upshot was, it was a lot of fun.

Now, I'm trying to decide what to have for dinner before taking Julia to her first concert. The Fray are coming to the new performing arts center here in town tonight and I checked with Ticketmaster this morning and scored 6th row seats. I'm not questioning fate on that one. We're calling it a belated birthday present for both of us.

Plus, it looks like it might be an early fall. Autumn is my favorite time of year, so that 's just icing on the proverbial happiness cake.

So, life is pretty good.

ETA Jason Momoa is a pretty, pretty man.

Dragon*Con, Oh, My

2009-09-04T21:27:00Z

I decided at the last minute to attend with some friends, so I'm currently ensconced in a room on the 26th floor of the Hilton. So far today, I've gotten up at 4am, driven to Atlanta, registered for the Con, donated blood and got the cool t-shirt, bought souvenirs for 80% of my nuclear family, and am planning what to wear to tonight's Buffy Sing-A-Long and Doctor Horrible Sing-A_Long. Oh yeah, I'm also heading to a Charlaine Harris panel in a little while. Tomorrow it's Farscape with Ben Browder and Claudia Black and who knows what else.

By the by, steampunk is definitely the most popular costuming choice this year.

Questions to ponder: Should I take part in the attempt to make the Guinness Book of World Records for most people dancing to Thriller? Should I buy something steampunk? Finally, what's for dinner?

Later folks.

Coolest costumes seen so far: The Jolly Green Giant, a Marie Antoinette, an excellent Iron Man, and a Wienerlicious Girl (who was very grateful that I recognized her because 4 people had thought she was a beer garden waitress).

More later!

My books so far

2009-08-30T20:13:22Z

I'm failing spectacularly at LJ cutting today, so here's the whole list out in the open for all to see. I apologize if it's incredibly long on your feed. I've starred the ones that I particularly liked. Please feel free to ask a question about any particular book.

1. The Stupidest Angel: A Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror by Christopher Moore

2. Blowing My Cover: My Life As A CIA Spy by Lindsay Moran

3. So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld

4. The Fire by Katherine Neville

5. Secrets of a Lady by Tracy Grant

6. Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich

7. Good Grief by Lolly Winston

8. Princess Forever by Meg Cabot

9. Brunelleschi’s Dome: How A Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture by Ross King

10. Fieldwork by Mischa Berlinski*

11. The Temptation of the Night Jasmine by Lauren Willig

12. Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier*

13. Zodiac by Neal Stephenson*

14. South Carolina: A Bicentennial History by Louis B. Wright

15. From Time to Time by Jack Finney

16. Blood Engines by (First book read on my Kindle2)

17. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by Anonymous (Also on Kindle)

18. The Polysyllabic Spree by Nick Hornby*

19. Blessed Are the Cheesemakers by Sarah-Kate Lynch

20. Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague by Geraldine Brooks

21. Special Relationship by Robyn Sisman

22. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell*

23. Best Friends by Martha Moody

24. City of Glass: His Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare (on Kindle)

25. Perfect Fifths by Megan McCafferty*

26. Turn Coat by Jim Butcher

27. Eat, Love, Pray by Elizabeth Gilbert*

28. The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove by Christopher Moore

29. Surrender by Pamela Clare

30. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon*

31. The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

32. Star Trek by Alan Dean Foster

33. Rites of Spring by Diana Peterfreund

34. Tap & Gown by Diana Peterfreund

35. Moby Clique by Cara Lockwood

36. The Girl She Used To Be by David Cristofano

37. The Little Lady Agency by Hester Browne

38. Little Lady, Big Apple by Hester Browne

39. The Little Lady Agency and the Prince by Hester Browne

40. Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris^

41. The Journal of Callie Wade by Dawn Miller

42. Rampant by Diana Peterfreund

43. The Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall^

44. The Last Chance Cafe by Linda Lael Miller

45. I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts About Being A Woman by Nora Ephron*

46. Confessions of a Slacker Mom by Muffy Mead-Ferro*

47. Ten Little Indians by Sherman Alexie*

48. Irish Cream by Andrew Greely

49. PS. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern

50. Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich

51. Olive Kittredge by Elizabeth Strout*

52. Black Sunday by R. Scott Reiss

53. The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews

54. Exit Strategy by Kelley Armstrong

55. Resenting the Hero by Moira J. Moore

56. The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by L. J. Smith

57. The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle by L. J. Smith

58. Nightlife by Rob Thurman

59. Moonshine by Rob Thurman

60. Madhouse by Rob Thurman

61. With or Without You by Carole Matthews

62. The Final Solution: A Novel of Detection by Michael Chabon*

63. Edge of Hunger by Rhyannon Byrd

64. Edge of Danger by Rhyannon Byrd

65. Edge of Desire by Rhyannon Byrd

66. Blame It On Paris by Laura Florand*

Mmmm

2009-08-27T23:15:46Z

I'm heading out in a few minutes to meet one of my friends for dinner at The Melting Pot. We're celebrating my birthday a few days early. Gooey cheesy goodness followed by gooey chocolate goodness. Doesn't that sound delightful?

I've also got to finally put my books for the year up. I think I'm at 65 or so now. *hand to chest* I hereby do solemnly swear that I will do that before my birthday rolls around. Feel free to make me live up to my pledge!

Anyone else ready for fall? It's my favorite time of the year and I can't wait.

Happy Birthday to you

2009-08-24T20:22:02Z

My little girl is sixteen today. Which means that she's old enough to date by our house rules. I'm not sure that I'm ready for that brave new frontier.

Happy Birthday J! You make my world a better place simply by existing in it.

Summer isn't nearly as restful as advertised

2009-08-19T20:53:18Z

Today's To Do List:

~~Make appointment for E's annual physical.~~
~~Order J's birthday cake.~~
~~Go to bank~~
~~Take E to work~~
~~Make arrangements for J's party.~~
~~Call about a rental car for tomorrow's trip to GA.~~
~~Order J's last two presents.~~
~~Pay bills.~~
~~Take cat to vet.~~
~~Send graduation card and gift to step-niece.~~
~~Take M for haircut.~~
Pack for trip.
Straighten up house.
~~Make dinner reservations for early birthday dinner for me.~~
~~Email father-in-law about weekend trip in September.~~
~~Attend Colleges that Change Lives College Fair.~~
~~Call cable company about cost of upgrading service.~~
~~Make dinner.~~

Not too bad, but notice how the cleaning hasn't been done? Yeah, me too. Funny how I manage to skip that one. I did do the dishes though. That should count for something, right?

I'm heading to visit my family for the weekend with three of the kids tomorrow. G and E have work so they'll be staying here. J was at Duke's Young Writer's Camp in July when we went home for my mom's birthday and she wants to see my family before her 16th birthday on Monday. Yes, she'll be 16. Time is flying!

New toys

2009-08-12T22:07:43Z

I have to fly to Oregon tomorrow to get N from her grandmother's (we fly back on Friday) and as I contemplated the many hours of flying that await me in the next couple of days my thoughts turned to gadgets. Specifically to Apple and its gadgets. Yes, I succumbed to the lure of the 32 gig iPod Touch. I'm justifying it as an early birthday present to myself. Plus, the screen is much better for watching my downloaded shows than my Classic. Rationalization is indeed my friend.

Ah, the beach

2009-08-03T19:47:34Z

It's a very good thing. We're here for the week and I've got a stack of books to read while under my beach umbrella. I hope that the rest of you are having a good week.

Still here

2009-07-21T03:48:47Z

I'm actually waving, not drowning....

The obscure literary reference felt appropriate since summer league ended weekend before last. I'm pleased to report that our team was DSSL champions for the 7th straight year. I always think that summer vacation will be restful, but it turns out to just be a different kind of crazy busy.

Random things going on in my life. Let's see, saw Half Blood Prince at the midnight showing. I liked it, but didn't love it. I think Prisoner of Azkaban is still my favorite although Goblet of Fire was quite good as well. Type your cut contents here. I thought that the picture was lovely to look at and it was nice to see how much stronger the main cast has become, but the movie felt like a series of vignettes rather than a cohesive narrative and it lacked the urgency that the book possessed. Plus, I found Dumbledore's death seriously underwhelming. And why add scenes that aren't in the book when you have so many cut options to choose from? Like, I don't know, maybe some of the ones about the Half Blood Prince for example? Plus, I don't like seeing Ron sidelined as comic relief yet again. Star Trek is still my pick for best movie so far this year though.

I've read 52 books so far this year. I haven't posted about them here or at 50books1year as of yet, but I will do so hopefully before too much more times passes. *swears solemnly on large To Be Read pile*

My youngest turned 10 this month. No more single digits at my house. All my kids have milestone birthdays in '09. N turned 10, J turns 16 next month, and E and M turn 18 and 13 respectively in December. In other milestone birthday info, I just got back from visiting my family. My mom just celebrated her 60th.

I'm not fannish about much of anything these days, but I have started watching "Burn Notice" which is summer fun. There's definitely a place for brain candy viewing. We'll see how it looks on the new 42" HDTV plasma that should be delivered later this week. The old tv was giving up the ghost, so I decided it was time to join the 21st century. I'm curious to see if all the raving about picture quality, "the blackness of the blacks", and the like is true.

Now, back to lurkerage I shall go.

It's Your Birthday

2009-06-10T01:06:31Z

muffinkath7 , I hope that you're having a marvelous birthday! You deserve to have wonderful things and I hope that you find much joy in your new apartment and that unexpected pleasures await you in the coming year.

Happy Birthday my dear! Eat some cake for me.

Love,
Angela

angela_o @ 2009-05-24T00:08:00

2009-05-24T04:21:12Z

Wow, it's been a long time since I last posted. It's hard to believe that much time has passed since my last entry. Hawaii was beautiful although the trip seems like it was ages ago rather than just last month. We're coming into the end stretch of the school year and that's taking up most of my time. J is in GA doing an internship and E leaves tomorrow to act as a counselor for the annual freshman trip to the Episcopal Farmworker's Ministry. It's going to be just M and N for a week which will be odd.

Saw Star Trek (okay, saw it three times) and loved it. I thought it was a very clever way to reboot the franchise and I laughed at the nods not only to the original series, but to JJ's other shows as well. Plus, I was totally into the romantic pairing. Not a couple I ever considered, but it totally worked. I may have sought out fic already.

In other news, I'm currently somewhat incapacitated, I slipped and fell in my house earlier in the week and managed to bang up my ribs. No obvious fractures on the x-rays, but a lot of pain. I'm told that "it will hurt until it gets better. It just takes time." Great. I've also learned that while Percocet does help with the pain, it also causes me to wake up repeatedly at night and gives me systemic itching. Since Vicodin doesn't really have any effect on me at all, I guess it's a good thing that I don't have a yen for the opiates.

I've also got 30ish books that I need to record for this year's 50 Books challenge, but I'm not up for that right now. Maybe later in the week.

Now, I'm going to try and find a position to sleep in where nothing hurts. Wish me luck.

Still alive

2009-04-01T13:35:53Z

*waves at FL* In case there were any questions, I'm still among the living. I've had a major work project whose initial deadline was yesterday. I've been lurking on LJ, but haven't felt the burning urge to post. Now that this phase of the project is complete, I hope to be around more. But, not in the short term because Friday I'm leaving for Maui. My icon is from the place where I'll be on Kaanapali Beach. So, aloha and try to stay out of major trouble through Easter.

It's a very special day for someone...

2009-03-08T04:37:56Z

Well, almost anyway. I'm sending birthday wishes winging east over the Atlantic to tasyfa . It's already the wee hours of your birthday there, but I'm being anticipatory here in the States. May you be plied with great music, food, and gifts, my dear, in honor of your natal day. And cake! We musn't forget that.

I hope that it's a wonderful day and the start of an even better year!

Happy Birthday to you!!

2009-02-16T21:56:39Z

Today is cookie2697 's birthday and it must be appropriately celebrated. I hope that you're having a wonderful day at the House of Mouse Anne. I remember going to Disneyland years ago on your birthday. It seems appropriate that you're back there today.

Here's wishing you great trips, great presents, and great friends in the year ahead! Not to mention cake. You can't forget the cake.

Happy Birthday!!!

angela_o @ 2009-02-08T20:39:00

2009-02-09T01:47:25Z

Life has been busier than usual lately as the winter trimester winds down. E and J's sports schedules have intensified and M was in the Middle School production of "The Music Man" which had its performances this past weekend. Practices, games, meets, and rehearsals translates into even more driving for me. Which isn't awful, but is made less pleasant due to the loss of my much lamented stolen iPod. Radio is horrible around here and being subjected to its vagaries was no fun at all. But, in happy news, my father-in-law was in town to see E's basketball game and M's play, and he took me shopping and bought me a new iPod classic to replace the one that was stolen. So, tomorrow's drive to school will be to the soundtrack that shuffle designates for me. Maybe that will help combat the winter doldrums that I seem to be stuck in these days.

Now that I have all this extra iPod space to fill up, what were your favorite cds of 2008? I need to discover some new music. I have the new Bon Iver, Snow Patrol, Elbow, and Fleet Foxes. If there's something else that you think I might like, please feel free to recommend it. I'm generally an alternative/indie kind of gal.

In other news, it was in the 70s here today. This after snow on inagural day. Screwy Mother Nature makes me nervous.

A weird feeling

2009-02-01T23:13:48Z

Apparently someone broke into my car sometime this weekend, while it was parked in my driveway, and stole my 80 gig iPod and car adapter. I can't decide which feels more unsettling. That it happened at all. Or that it happened right next to my house. It was a gift from a friend and had an inscription engraved on the back. Can it be traced via the iTunes software if someone tries to download new music onto it?

At least I can get this one right

2009-01-23T12:41:20Z

Here's to nephele ! May the furniture arrive smoothly and may this be a year full of wonderful things for you (like the cake above).

Happy Birthday!

Love,
Angela

Belated birthday greetings

2009-01-23T12:39:09Z

mockingbird39 , I'm so sorry that I missed your birthday yesterday! I hope that it was filled with wonderful people, presents, and treats.

Here's to a great 2009 for you!

Love,
Angela

Snow Day

2009-01-20T19:58:29Z

We got about 4 inches of snow today which is cause for great celebration here at Chez Z. Everyone got to sleep late as school was canceled and there have been snowball fights, snow angels, and hot chocolate. I'm pretty sure that a snowman is currently underway.

One thing that has struck me repeatedly is how clean and pristine snow makes things look when it's new. It seems fitting that it would happen today, of all days, as our country undergoes a sea change. While the snow doesn't remove what's underneath, it gives you a space to reflect what beauty is possible. Here's to new beginnings and starting afresh.

The obligatory year in review meme

2009-01-02T01:56:26Z

I've seen this one on my flist and thought I'd give it a whirl. Here's one take on 2008.

Where did you begin 2008?
At home with my husband and children. We ate junk food and toasted each other as the ball dropped in Times Square.

2. What was your status by Valentine’s Day?
The same. Married with kids.

3. Were you in school anytime this year?
Only in the sense that I drive kids back and forth to one five days a week and volunteer in various classrooms.

4. Did you have to go to the hospital?
Not me personally, but I did have to take my son to one for some tests and I visited a friend who was undergoing chemo.

5. Did you have any encounters with the police?
I got stopped by a state trooper who informed me that left turns from a one-way street onto a one-way streets at a red light are not legal in my state. But, no ticket thankfully.

6. Where did you go on vacation?
Let’s see. Georgia to visit my family, the NC beach, Atlanta for Dragon*Con, northern Michigan, and Santa Fe and Taos, NM.

7. What did you purchase that was over £100?
Okay, the internet converter makes that to be approximately $139. I’m going to interpret this to mean single items, rather than more mundane things like groceries and the like. By that basis, plane tickets to Atlanta and New Mexico.

8. Did you know anybody who got married?
Not that I can think of.

9. Did you know anybody who passed away?
Yes. My husband’s aunt, my uncle, and a former family member.

10. Did you move anywhere?
No.

11. What sporting events did you attend?
Swim meets for my kids, a Durham Bulls game, and my son’s basketball games.

12. What concerts/shows did you go to?
I saw The Old Ceremony at the Cat’s Cradle. Hopefully, Death Cab will come here on tour this year. I tried to get tickets to see Iron & Wine, but the concert was sold out.

13. Describe your birthday.
I was at Dragon*Con and got wished happy birthday by Michael Rosenbaum and James Marsters. It was a fun time.

14. What is the ONE thing you thought you would not do, but did, in 2008?

I didn’t think I’d be apart from my family on my birthday, but my brother bought tickets to Dragon*Con as his birthday gift for me. I had a great time, but it was strange not to be with my husband and kids on my birthday.

15. What have been your favorite moments?

Seeing the kids win at Champs, my vacations to the beach, MI, and Santa Fe. Enjoying people watching and Michael Rosenbaum’s panels at Dragon*Con.

16. Any new additions to your family?
Not my family, but a new nephew arrived in March and my sister got engaged at Christmas so there will be a new brother-in-law at some point.

17. What was your best month?

I guess August. I went to the beach and Dragon*Con and had my birthday.

18. Who has been your best drinking buddy?

I don’t drink, so it would have to be Starbucks consumption with Thea.

19. Made new friends?

I’ve made a number of new acquaintances that I hope will turn into deeper friendships.

20. Favorite Night out?

I don’t think I have one favorite.

21. Other than home, where did you spend most of your time?
In my van driving hither and yon to ferry people to their respective destinations.

22. Have you lost any friends this year?

I wouldn’t say lost, but I did grow apart from some people this year.

23. Change your hairstyle?

No, but I’m giving it serious consideration at this point.

24. Have any car accidents?

Thankfully, no.

25. How old did you turn this year?
43.

26. Do you have a New Years resolution?

Get back to daily walks and lose more weight so that I can wear a two piece in Hawaii in April without a second thought if I want to. Read more books. Improve our financial situation. Do some repair work on my house. Declutter.

27. Do anything embarrassing?

Yes, but more of the personal faux pas sorts of embarrassments.

28. Buy anything from eBay?
Yes, depression glass and a Santa costume for my son.

29. Get married or divorced?
No.

30. Get hit on?
Yes.

31. Been snowboarding?
Not even close.

32. Did you get sick this year?
Actually yes. I seldom get ill, but I had an infection in early December that necessitated a doctor’s visit and antibiotics.

33. Are you happy to see 2008 go?
Yes. It’s been a challenging year and I’m glad to have it wrapped up.

34. Been naughty or nice?
I’d say both, but more of the latter I hope.

35. What are you looking forward to most in 2009?

A new presidency.

angela_o @ 2008-12-24T18:14:00

2008-12-25T00:00:46Z

My m-i-l got snowed in, so for the first time in several years it's just our family for Christmas. She'll be coming in on the 28th and staying until New Years. We're saving the presents to and from her to be opened when she arrives and we're holding off on making the sugar cookies to decorate until she gets here as well. That's one of her favorite parts of the holiday. And It's not like we're suffering the lack of cookies. I've made six dozen today as well as a batch of fudge. We've got peanut butter kiss cookies, gingerbread men, and coconut macaroons. As well as banana bread. I'm still deciding whether or not to attempt divinity. I expect that I may make another batch of Mexican Wedding Cookies before all is said and done as well.

We're heading out soon to do our traditional drive to look at lights while singing carols. Then it will be back home for the reading of the first Christmas from Luke, hot chocolate, and the viewing of "A Christmas Story". Then the kids will get to open one gift before heading to bed in preparation for Santa's arrival. It's nice that we still have people who believe in Santa at our house.

I hope that all of you are having a wonderful holiday. Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates and may wonderful gifts await you.

Yet another Christmas post

2008-12-21T06:04:03Z

While I'm utterly disgusted that we're getting no winter weather for the holiday (the latest forecast is for the 60s on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), otherwise things are going pretty well. The kids had their last day of school yesterday, so my 100 to 150 miles of driving per day has been hugely cut back. We managed to get some fairly decent cleaning done (though not nearly all that must be done before my m-i-l arrives on Tuesday evening) and I finished wrapping the rest of the presents this evening. I even wrapped M's birthday presents (his birthday is the 27th). Now, I just need to start doing some baking. I'm thinking I'll finally try that lemon cookie recipe tomorrow and maybe some coconut macaroons.

And for those who might be interested, here's a shot of my Christmas tree. I love ornaments and always buy new ones every year. My best guess is that this tree has upwards of 600 on it.

Holiday update part deux

2008-12-13T19:31:36Z

The boxes of gifts were mailed yesterday morning and the Christmas cards went to the post office this morning. M and N are downstairs assembling a gingerbread house right now and J baked a batch of Mexican wedding cookies last night that are nearly all gone already. It's starting to feel pretty Christmassy at my house.

I'm not thrilled about the long range forecast though. It's going to hit the lower 70s the middle of next week. I want cold weather for Christmas. I'd love snow, but I know the odds of that happening are slim to none. Although Texas and Louisiana got snow this past week, so I suppose anything is possible.

I need to go nail down preparations for E's 17th birthday on Monday. How is it possible that I'm the mother of a nearly 17 year old? Talk about time flying!!

Holiday update

2008-12-12T03:42:46Z

I'm pleased to report that I've made up a lot of the ground that I missed last week while I was sick. Between Monday and today (with most of them happening in the past two days) I've:

wrapped 60+ presents
bought the last of the gifts on my list (which will be shipped directly to the recipients)
written 60 Christmas cards (though some addressing still needs to be done)
got prints of the family picture that will go in most of the cards
written the draft of my Christmas letter
packed and addressed the three boxes of gifts for out-of-state relatives that I need to mail tomorrow
and
bought the candy and a few small items for the stockings.

In the immortal words of Mr. Sandler, "not too shabby". Of course my house is a disaster area, but I'm choosing to focus on the holiday cheery. Possibly with more baking as a means of avoiding cleaning. Oooh, maybe it's about time to make some mulled cider...

How are your holiday preparations going?