JA Konrath is Da Bomb

Cherry Bomb, that is.  He has a whole bunch of really cool stuff in the works, and instead of praise, Publisher's Weekly does  this. (there's a link within the blog to read the article)

I've been a fan since the first Jack Daniels book.  He's written some other stuff that is a bit too creepy for me, but the fact of the matter is, Joe is an excellent author.  He is also a very smart business man.  And he is not afraid to help others learn from his lessons.  He is always winning to share what is working for him (and what is not)

The PW article just goes to show that you can say anything, even if it is only partial truths, and get away with it.

young at heart idol

Lyric is a finalist in the first annual Young At Heart Idol Contest.  She will be performing May 29th and if she wins she gets $200.  (Second place is $100 and third is $50).  She is in the 11 to 15 year old category.  (There is also 16 to 20 and 21 and up).  Winners are decided by audience reaction, so we are rallying the troops: our friends, family, friends of friends, friends of family, co workers and whoever else we can think of.  My mom and I are going to make posters this weekend.  I'm so excited for her to have this wonderful opportunity.  I know she will do a great job.  I would love to see her win!  (Duh, what mom wouldn't)  I just hope that I can hold back the tears.

Water, water everywhere...

I hate water!  I didn't used to hate water.  I actually like a nice shower, long bath, soak in a hot tub, and even sometimes swimming.  But I've had water issues in my basement two times since I moved.  A month ago. 

The first time was the weekend we moved in. It was because there was a big hairball in the pipes.  (I didn't see it, that's what the guy told me)  Jazz was taking a shower and all of a sudden I hear water.  Lots of water.  So I go to investigate and both my kitchen sinks were full, the floor was a puddle and water was leaking into the basement!  It was awful.  Thank goodness the maintainance guy came over right away.  But it didn't get fixed the first time.  they had to send the plumbing guy back a few days later. Since then, it's a been good.

Then yesterday morning, I went downstairs to get some clothes and saw that the floor was dirty.  Investigated a little further and stepped in a puddle.  Investigated more and realized that I had a huge mess down there.  So I did my best to squeegie the water toward the grain, get stuff up off the floor, and see what I could save.  Called the maintainance guy to let him know that not only was there water in my basement, but  I could see it dripping down one of the walls.  He headed over to check it out.

Now, a lot of the stuff down there was in rubbermaid type containers.  There were a few things on the floor that I could not save.  No big deal.  Until I got home last night and really started looking at what got wet.  Somehow, one of the buckets that I keep the girls' school papers in got wet.  Not just wet, but WET WET.  I started pulling out papers and as the water was dripping off the art work and report cards, the tears started dripping down my face.  I saved a few select things, hoping that when they dry out they will be semi okay.

The kicker is that the kids probably don't even care about that stuff.  But there were so many cute art projects and stuff that I never photographed.  And now they are just gone.

So, leasons learned: 1) photograph kids art work right away, 2) even in rubbermaid, stuff is not save from water, 3) don't leave cardboard boxes on the floor in the basement, 4) be thankful that nobody got hurt.

A little Excitement and a Rick Concert too!

Friday morning, while I was working away, trying to get everything done before I left for Milwaukee, I got a phone call from Lyric's school.  She might have broken her ankle.  So, I bolted on out of work, drove to her school and went back to work.  (I actually work next door to the immediate care clinic).  An hour and a half later, we were out of there.  X-ray'd and splinted.  No break, just a sprain.  (But a very colorful one at that)

Got her home and settled and then ran all the errands that I was already planning to do.  I was able to get everything done that needed to be and we headed out of town.  Here's a few of my fave pix.  (This new camera is pretty awesome!)

this is the view with no zoom

singing his heart out

super cute smile (Nice to see him sporting the scruffies!)

I love this one for some reason...

singing and smiling

This one turned out pretty dang cool, I think.

T minus 12 and counting

Yes, people, it's that time of year again.  Birds are singing, flowers are in bloom, nights are getting warmer (or at least they are supposed to) and I am off to my annual Girls Night Out to see this guy.  I'm heading up this afternoon for the show and if all goes well, staying for the charity softball game tomorrow.  Kelley and I are staying over night and I expect to have a really great time.

In case you were afraid to click the link, here's a hint...

(I'm sorry I don't remember who took these pix.  If they are yours, I would willingly give credit)

Yes, it's time for RICK SPRINGFIELD! 

Trying out my new camera tonight, so hopefully I will have better pix than in previous years!  I will post as soon as I can, but it probably won't be until Sunday because Jazz's birthday party is tomorrow after I get home.

Happy Friday, everybody!   it's time for me to get my Rick on.