This weekend is Halloween. This holiday is one of my favorites. I really love to decorate the house, and dress up for the holiday. This year with me being pregnant and miserable....I opted not to mess the house up as I have been trying to catch up with cleaning and such since I fell behind from being sick and pregnant. I miss not having all my fun little pumpkin decorations around the house and my cute witches I have. But next year will be great because Riley will be almost one, and at a cute age to dress up.
Last night Chuck and I were able to go to the ward Christmas party. We finished up with his checks at work, and then headed to the party. I had originally planned on dressing up in my teletubbie costume, but alas......Even though it was so cold outside and rainy.....I was dying of heat, and opted not to make it worse with a costume. We had fun at the party, and I helped out as much as I could....which wasn't a whole lot. But Chuck helped out as well, and I really appreciated that. It was really good to see so many friends that I haven't been able to see in months since I have been mostly holed up at home trying to feel slightly human again.
Not much else is going on. Chuck and I didn't even get pumpkins this year. I am a little sad about it, but there is no point in doing it now I guess. And we can save the money and use it towards bills and such. I don't even think we will have trick or treaters this year either. We will probably just hide out in the back of the house and watch a movie together.
Yesterday I did see something that was completely awesome. A teddy Ruxpin bear. I haven't seen one of those since I was a little kid. I was pretty excited when I saw it. It brought back a lot of memories. I never had one as a kid, but I remember seeing the commercials on tv, and wanting one...but I think I was starting to get a little to old for it when it came out. But I got all excited about it, because I can't wait for Riley to have one. lol I want him to have some of the old school toys that I had when I was little. You know the little people, smurfs, and such. Some of the toys now a days seem to old or not very appropriate. I remember one of my favorite toys was this block set we had. I loved building towers with it....and the yellow big blocks were my favorite. Also the tiny blocks that they had in school where you could make little kaleidoscope images was awesome. I just don't think kids need so many high tech toys. Maybe I am being stingy....but I think blocks and toys that make you use your imagination are better.
Well I had better go switch over the laundry. C/ya all later. Love and miss you all.
XoXo-Andrea Carla
October 31, 2010
October 30, 2010
Busy Day!
So yesterday was a pretty busy day for me. We woke up early, and I drank my glucose drink for my blood tests. I didn't eat anything before hand because I didn't want to mess up the test at all. I had to down the entire drink in 5 minutes, and found it a little hard because it was way to sweet. I was worried about keeping it down but I was successful!!! lol We got to the hospital with a few minutes to spare, and I checked in and sat down for my testing. I guess this test is very time sensitive and your blood has to be drawn exactly one hour from the time you finish the drink. So I got there on time. The nurse taking my blood of course had problems trying to find a vein that would work. I don't know why, but for some reason my veins are a pain to work with. Every time someone comes near me with a needle it is like they know....and won't cooperate. I it's getting to the point where they have to stab me in my knuckles just to get it to work. It really doesn't feel that great.
After that was all over, Chuck and I headed into his work even though he was supposed to have the day off. On the way to his shop, the 1st Sgt. called with a heads up that there would be a full honors funeral that Tuesday and so he would need to call the reservists and see who would be willing to help out. I once got to see a full honors funeral, and it was pretty neat to see how everything happens. It was interesting to see the riflemen, the bugler, and the flag detail. So we got to the shop and we hung out for a few hours while Chuck called about 80 Marine reservists and asked them if they would be willing to help out at the funeral. He got 4 who said yes, and 12 who said no, and two returned his calls. I thought it was a little rude that they didn't even bother to return his phone call. I mean if you have a job and are already working that is fine....but be respectful and return a phone call ya know!!!
So after we spent a few hours at the shop Chuck and I went to grab some lunch. I was starving since I hadn't eaten anything yet and probably ordered a little to much food. lol But I had a really great Nacho taco salad. After chow we drove to Brentwood to a dress shop I was very excited to visit. They have formal attire, and.... They have modest dresses!!Let's face it....modest dresses that don't show all of your bits are hard to find now a days. So we drove the 30 miles and arrived in late afternoon at the shop. It was a cute little shop tucked away in the middle of the block, but it was really nice inside. I have heard several nice things about this place and have wanted to go there for over a year. I told the girl what I needed and she set to work pulling dresses for me to try on. I found a beautiful red one that I pretty much fell in love with. Then she had me look through a book and pick out what dresses I liked out of that one. I looked through the book, and only found two that were okay. One I really liked and she hated it and dismissed it as an option, and the other one she started calling on it to try and order it. I wasn't very sure about it, and didn't feel comfortable ordering a dress that I wasn't sure would even look good on me. I told the woman there that they had a dress that I loved made by Eternity Gowns, and I wanted to see if they had it. She told me the dress was ugly, and that it didn't look good and dismissed it altogether. I was starting to feel like I wasn't going to find a dress here because everything I liked she would dismiss and let me know it was ugly. She then found a dress in a catalog that she liked and it came with a jacket. I was not a fan of this dress at all, and she kept pushing it and pushing it. So I asked if I could try on the dresses we had picked out in the store. I tried on the red one and just loved it. The top was a little much and would have to be altered, but the bottom was this beautiful pleated red. And it had really pretty red beading around the empire waist. I loved it. And yes I did the princess twirl in it. lol I called Chuck back to look at it, and I don't think he could see my vision on the potential of the dress. But then the woman came back and just kept putting the dress down, and it was really starting to make me feel bad. She wasn't being mean, she was being honest. But the thing is EVERYTHING that I liked and wanted she would put down as Ugly. They both told me no on the red dress. I changed back into my clothes and came out not even wanting to try on the other dresses. I am very touch when it comes to my weight, and when I have to shop for a dress that looks beautiful, and I need to look good in it next to my husband.....it tends to be a hard thing to find. I came out of the dressing room, and the woman was on the phone with the manufacturer trying to get the dress she picked out. She wanted it in Teal, I said a purple of silver. She told me I couldn't wear silver. I said I could. So she puts the phone down and gets a silver dress, hangs it around my neck and says "Oh you can wear silver. Aughhhh I was almost at the breaking point. Then she had to leave for something and went into the back and handed the info to another employee and told her " This is the dress I am trying to talk her into." As soon as she was out of sight....I said thank you and I would think about it, and got out of there. I felt bullied and ugly when we left. On the way home I put my sunglasses on and cried silently. I don't even think Chuck noticed. It shouldn't be this hard for bigger girls to find a dress and feel pretty in it. By the time we got back to Walnut Creek I asked Chuck if we could go to the really nice dress shop by his work. They have always had beautiful gowns in their windows, but we have also heard how expensive they are. When we got tot he shop we had to ring a doorbell to be let in. We were finally let in, and walked around to see the dresses, and they all looked like quincenera (spell?) dresses. So we left in just a few minutes. They were really pretty, but not the style I was needing. I was feeling hopeless. I was trying to figure out if I should attempt to sew my own dress again, or if I should just skip the ball because I can't find something to wear. We got back in the car and drove around the block to go home, and as we turned a corner I saw a bridal shop I never knew was there. I asked Chuck if we could please go....I figured it couldn't hurt to try. So we stopped in at this cute little bridal shop. We walked in and told one of the girls what I was looking for. We walked past hundreds and hundreds of beautiful gowns all different colors and styles...to a small little rack in the back that had nothing but drab dark colors, and only 3 options for my size. The lady there picked out a dress for me which I hated.....and I picked out two maybe dresses that might work. I tried on the first one that was my first pick. It was a pink hideous thing, but would do it's job if I could find a jacket to go over it. The second one I tried on and it didn't even fit. Then I tried on the third one, and it fit perfectly. This was the dress the employee had picked out for me. I was very surprised at how well it fit. I tried it on with the jacket, and the jacket was to small but it all looked good together. I was so excited. And the dress was $138 the cheapest gown I had ever bought. But the topic of alterations had not been discussed. So this cute little Asian woman came in that stood about chest height to me, and came at the jacket and dress with scissors. I was a little horrified....but hey I hadn't bought the dress....so it's not my bad. They chopped the one shoulder frilly strap off, then cut the jacket in half up the back. then ripped the bottom of the jacket all the way tot he sleeves, and then pinned it to me and the dress. I was very impressed. Chuck could tell I was running out of juice fast and so while they were doing some other things, he had them get me some cold water because I was getting way to hot in there...and then came in the dressing room and rubbed my aching back while I had to wait in the dress. The whole process took less than two hours! I know I was shocked. My body hurt from head to toe, but I had a dress!!! And of course the alterations, and jacket cost more than the dress did. Aughhhh but whatever. We spent more than we wanted to on the whole thing by like $145 but at least I have a stinking gown and can look nice next to my husband, and won't make him look like an idiot because his wife didn't show at his ball. sigh!
After we were done there, I went to get my hair washed. My hair has gotten so thick and long that it is impossible for me to wash out the shampoo and conditioner. I don't understand why it is so hard. I don't know anyone who has this much trouble. So I went to super cuts and the woman did a crap job on my hair. I asked her to take at least 2 inches off, and I could barely get her to take one off, then she is washing my hair, and taking for stinking ever....and not washing it the way I asked and with cold water like I asked. Talk about frustrating. She could barely speak any English so it was hard to communicate. But she was nice. It was a waste of money, and needs to be done again, but it's at least not nearly as bad as it was. lol
After that Chuck picked me up and we were both kinda down from a long day. Chuck asked if I wanted some ice cream, so we headed over to Yogurtland. I love how cheap it is....and super Yummo! We got some and then headed home and ate it in the driveway and talked for a bit. We then settled in bed with a good movie called Pandorum that we had never seen before. We liked it, and it turned out to be a good night.
So as you can see my day was Uber busy. I fell asleep pretty fast and hardly woke during the night.
That's all for now.
XoXo-Andrea Carla
After that was all over, Chuck and I headed into his work even though he was supposed to have the day off. On the way to his shop, the 1st Sgt. called with a heads up that there would be a full honors funeral that Tuesday and so he would need to call the reservists and see who would be willing to help out. I once got to see a full honors funeral, and it was pretty neat to see how everything happens. It was interesting to see the riflemen, the bugler, and the flag detail. So we got to the shop and we hung out for a few hours while Chuck called about 80 Marine reservists and asked them if they would be willing to help out at the funeral. He got 4 who said yes, and 12 who said no, and two returned his calls. I thought it was a little rude that they didn't even bother to return his phone call. I mean if you have a job and are already working that is fine....but be respectful and return a phone call ya know!!!
So after we spent a few hours at the shop Chuck and I went to grab some lunch. I was starving since I hadn't eaten anything yet and probably ordered a little to much food. lol But I had a really great Nacho taco salad. After chow we drove to Brentwood to a dress shop I was very excited to visit. They have formal attire, and.... They have modest dresses!!Let's face it....modest dresses that don't show all of your bits are hard to find now a days. So we drove the 30 miles and arrived in late afternoon at the shop. It was a cute little shop tucked away in the middle of the block, but it was really nice inside. I have heard several nice things about this place and have wanted to go there for over a year. I told the girl what I needed and she set to work pulling dresses for me to try on. I found a beautiful red one that I pretty much fell in love with. Then she had me look through a book and pick out what dresses I liked out of that one. I looked through the book, and only found two that were okay. One I really liked and she hated it and dismissed it as an option, and the other one she started calling on it to try and order it. I wasn't very sure about it, and didn't feel comfortable ordering a dress that I wasn't sure would even look good on me. I told the woman there that they had a dress that I loved made by Eternity Gowns, and I wanted to see if they had it. She told me the dress was ugly, and that it didn't look good and dismissed it altogether. I was starting to feel like I wasn't going to find a dress here because everything I liked she would dismiss and let me know it was ugly. She then found a dress in a catalog that she liked and it came with a jacket. I was not a fan of this dress at all, and she kept pushing it and pushing it. So I asked if I could try on the dresses we had picked out in the store. I tried on the red one and just loved it. The top was a little much and would have to be altered, but the bottom was this beautiful pleated red. And it had really pretty red beading around the empire waist. I loved it. And yes I did the princess twirl in it. lol I called Chuck back to look at it, and I don't think he could see my vision on the potential of the dress. But then the woman came back and just kept putting the dress down, and it was really starting to make me feel bad. She wasn't being mean, she was being honest. But the thing is EVERYTHING that I liked and wanted she would put down as Ugly. They both told me no on the red dress. I changed back into my clothes and came out not even wanting to try on the other dresses. I am very touch when it comes to my weight, and when I have to shop for a dress that looks beautiful, and I need to look good in it next to my husband.....it tends to be a hard thing to find. I came out of the dressing room, and the woman was on the phone with the manufacturer trying to get the dress she picked out. She wanted it in Teal, I said a purple of silver. She told me I couldn't wear silver. I said I could. So she puts the phone down and gets a silver dress, hangs it around my neck and says "Oh you can wear silver. Aughhhh I was almost at the breaking point. Then she had to leave for something and went into the back and handed the info to another employee and told her " This is the dress I am trying to talk her into." As soon as she was out of sight....I said thank you and I would think about it, and got out of there. I felt bullied and ugly when we left. On the way home I put my sunglasses on and cried silently. I don't even think Chuck noticed. It shouldn't be this hard for bigger girls to find a dress and feel pretty in it. By the time we got back to Walnut Creek I asked Chuck if we could go to the really nice dress shop by his work. They have always had beautiful gowns in their windows, but we have also heard how expensive they are. When we got tot he shop we had to ring a doorbell to be let in. We were finally let in, and walked around to see the dresses, and they all looked like quincenera (spell?) dresses. So we left in just a few minutes. They were really pretty, but not the style I was needing. I was feeling hopeless. I was trying to figure out if I should attempt to sew my own dress again, or if I should just skip the ball because I can't find something to wear. We got back in the car and drove around the block to go home, and as we turned a corner I saw a bridal shop I never knew was there. I asked Chuck if we could please go....I figured it couldn't hurt to try. So we stopped in at this cute little bridal shop. We walked in and told one of the girls what I was looking for. We walked past hundreds and hundreds of beautiful gowns all different colors and styles...to a small little rack in the back that had nothing but drab dark colors, and only 3 options for my size. The lady there picked out a dress for me which I hated.....and I picked out two maybe dresses that might work. I tried on the first one that was my first pick. It was a pink hideous thing, but would do it's job if I could find a jacket to go over it. The second one I tried on and it didn't even fit. Then I tried on the third one, and it fit perfectly. This was the dress the employee had picked out for me. I was very surprised at how well it fit. I tried it on with the jacket, and the jacket was to small but it all looked good together. I was so excited. And the dress was $138 the cheapest gown I had ever bought. But the topic of alterations had not been discussed. So this cute little Asian woman came in that stood about chest height to me, and came at the jacket and dress with scissors. I was a little horrified....but hey I hadn't bought the dress....so it's not my bad. They chopped the one shoulder frilly strap off, then cut the jacket in half up the back. then ripped the bottom of the jacket all the way tot he sleeves, and then pinned it to me and the dress. I was very impressed. Chuck could tell I was running out of juice fast and so while they were doing some other things, he had them get me some cold water because I was getting way to hot in there...and then came in the dressing room and rubbed my aching back while I had to wait in the dress. The whole process took less than two hours! I know I was shocked. My body hurt from head to toe, but I had a dress!!! And of course the alterations, and jacket cost more than the dress did. Aughhhh but whatever. We spent more than we wanted to on the whole thing by like $145 but at least I have a stinking gown and can look nice next to my husband, and won't make him look like an idiot because his wife didn't show at his ball. sigh!
After we were done there, I went to get my hair washed. My hair has gotten so thick and long that it is impossible for me to wash out the shampoo and conditioner. I don't understand why it is so hard. I don't know anyone who has this much trouble. So I went to super cuts and the woman did a crap job on my hair. I asked her to take at least 2 inches off, and I could barely get her to take one off, then she is washing my hair, and taking for stinking ever....and not washing it the way I asked and with cold water like I asked. Talk about frustrating. She could barely speak any English so it was hard to communicate. But she was nice. It was a waste of money, and needs to be done again, but it's at least not nearly as bad as it was. lol
After that Chuck picked me up and we were both kinda down from a long day. Chuck asked if I wanted some ice cream, so we headed over to Yogurtland. I love how cheap it is....and super Yummo! We got some and then headed home and ate it in the driveway and talked for a bit. We then settled in bed with a good movie called Pandorum that we had never seen before. We liked it, and it turned out to be a good night.
So as you can see my day was Uber busy. I fell asleep pretty fast and hardly woke during the night.
That's all for now.
XoXo-Andrea Carla
October 28, 2010
He's a kicker
Things are going well in the land of the crazy pregnant lady. Chuck is starting his insanely busy time of year. Toys for Tots takes up a lot of his time and energy, and the poor guy is usually worked to the bone by the end of January. And of course this year is no different....we are just adding a little more stress to it. November will be very busy. We have the Marine Corps Ball, which of course always costs way to much. Why they don't spend the money on a party tent (you know like ones used for weddings) and have a nice dance floor added, and then have it catered.....I think the ball would turn out just as nice, for a fraction of the price. But hey they always seem to plan it as far away as possible so we have to rent a hotel room, and pay a lot for our food. But what do I know.
December is of course busy again. Chuck will be taking two courses for the Marine Corps, as well as working the Toys for Tots events. Also participate in that months drill.
with January comes more stuff to do. The guys will wrap up Toys for Tots, and pack it away until next year. Then they will get ready for the years biggest inspection. Also he will participate in that months drill. And to top it off....because he isn't busy enough......Riley is planned to make his big debut. Hopefully he will hold off until early February, but hey this little guy will have his own schedule. lol
Riley has really been a lot more active lately. This kid can really kick. I think he is finding it very amusing to kick me awake from a dead sleep. He is most active in the late afternoon and evening. Then he takes a small break, and then starts up again in the middle of the night. lol It is pretty fun to be able to feel him kicking and moving around. I love it.
Last night Chuck was able to really feel Riley move. We probably sat there for a good 20 minutes talking while Riley kicked around. And Chuck was able to feel it the whole time. I even got a little teary eyed when he finally started to feel it. ;0)
My tailbone is slowly getting better. But it doesn't seem fast enough. I can now sit with a little less pain, but I cannot sit very long. I still have to sit on my left side, and then when it gets to painful to sit and I have to move....it hurts like no other to shift from side to side. I am really wondering when I will ever start to feel better. aughhhhh
I am starting to have issues breathing sometimes. I have shortness of breath a lot, or feel like I can't get a good enough breath. I have to stop what I am doing and tip my head back and try to get a deep breath. My books say all this is normal, because my little man Riley is starting to push a lot more on my innards, and it makes it tough to take a deep breath. But I just try and not over due it.
Not much else is going on right now, but I will keep you updated.
Love you all
XoXo-Andrea Carla
December is of course busy again. Chuck will be taking two courses for the Marine Corps, as well as working the Toys for Tots events. Also participate in that months drill.
with January comes more stuff to do. The guys will wrap up Toys for Tots, and pack it away until next year. Then they will get ready for the years biggest inspection. Also he will participate in that months drill. And to top it off....because he isn't busy enough......Riley is planned to make his big debut. Hopefully he will hold off until early February, but hey this little guy will have his own schedule. lol
Riley has really been a lot more active lately. This kid can really kick. I think he is finding it very amusing to kick me awake from a dead sleep. He is most active in the late afternoon and evening. Then he takes a small break, and then starts up again in the middle of the night. lol It is pretty fun to be able to feel him kicking and moving around. I love it.
Last night Chuck was able to really feel Riley move. We probably sat there for a good 20 minutes talking while Riley kicked around. And Chuck was able to feel it the whole time. I even got a little teary eyed when he finally started to feel it. ;0)
My tailbone is slowly getting better. But it doesn't seem fast enough. I can now sit with a little less pain, but I cannot sit very long. I still have to sit on my left side, and then when it gets to painful to sit and I have to move....it hurts like no other to shift from side to side. I am really wondering when I will ever start to feel better. aughhhhh
I am starting to have issues breathing sometimes. I have shortness of breath a lot, or feel like I can't get a good enough breath. I have to stop what I am doing and tip my head back and try to get a deep breath. My books say all this is normal, because my little man Riley is starting to push a lot more on my innards, and it makes it tough to take a deep breath. But I just try and not over due it.
Not much else is going on right now, but I will keep you updated.
Love you all
XoXo-Andrea Carla
City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
Again another well written book. The story continues with all the same characters. This time they have to travel to save everything. Will we trust Jace this time? It is a great book...and I highly recommend it. Here is what Stephenie Meyer had to say:
“The Mortal Instruments series is a story world that I love to live in. I hate to see the story end, but if it has to end, then City of Glass is the most perfect way for that to happen. Beautiful!” — Stephenie Meyer, author of Twilight
I give this book a 5 out of 5...This series is amazing!
XoXo-Andrea Carla
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
So number two in the Mortal Instruments series was just as good as the first. Again you love the characters. you become friends with them, and you even wonder if you should doubt one or two of them. The story really takes off into a big adventure now. Poor Clary's world is completely different, but I think she is handling it extremely well. Here is what the the NYP had to say:
Like “Twilight,” vampires and werewolves populate The Mortal Instruments’s fantasy world, but the trilogy - which wraps up with the March 24 release of “City of Glass” - is chiefly concerned with more heavenly matters: the nephilim, humans with angel blood in their veins. The series follows 15-year-old Brooklyn girl Clary Fray’s whirlwind introduction to the world of Shadowhunters, nephilim warriors who protect oblivious humans from dangers presented by vamps, werewolves and other kinds of baddies. If you thought that human Bella and vampire Edward’s relationship was fraught with issues, imagine how much more traumatic it is for Clary to find out that the guy she’s in love with might just be . . . . —The New York Post,
I highly recommend this book, and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
XoXo-Andrea Carla
City of Bones by: Cassandra Clare
This series is AMAZING. I am so in love with it, and can't wait for book #4 to come out. City of Bones is extremely well written. The story keeps you on your toes, it keeps you guessing, and you fall in love with characters, and even doubt them at times. These books are really easy reads, and I would finish one off in a little over a day. I am very impressed with the author and the story. It really seems to be original, and I didn't find traces of other stories in it like you do with some other books. I think she is very talented, and I think you should keep an eye out for more of her work. Here is her website, and what the author had to say:
http://www.mortalinstruments.com/
Clary Fray is a normal fifteen-year-old when she sets foot in Pandemonium night club. But when she witnesses a murder, she is pulled into a world she never knew existed. Join Clary as she is introduced to the Shadowhunters, a race touched by angels and charged with protecting innocents from demons.
I HIGHLY recommend these books for a fun easy read. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars! It was perfect!!!
XoXo-Andrea Carla
Fairy Path Books
This series had been pretty fun to read. The story is great, the adventures keep you interested, and you love the characters. I am still waiting for another book to come out, and do not know the out come of the story yet, but I have loved all of them so far. Sometimes the writing seems very childish.....you know like you get sick of hearing one of the characters whine or something. But the story pulls you back in. There are 5 books so far, with the 6th to be released some time in 2011. Here is what the author had to say:
Anita was living an ordinary life. Until an elegant stranger pulled her into another world.
Swept away into a court of magic and beauty, she discovers she is Tania, the lost princess of Faerie: the youngest daughter of Oberon and Titania. Since Tania’s mysterious disappearance on the eve of her wedding five hundred years before, Faerie has been sunk into darkness and gloom. The courtly Lord Gabriel Drake, who Tania was once to marry, has found her and brought her back.
With Tania’s return, Faerie comes alive again as a land of winged children, glittering balls, and fantastic delights. But Tania can’t forget Anita’s world, or the boy she loved there.
Torn between two loves and between two worlds, Tania slowly comes to discover why she disappeared so long ago. She possesses a singular magical ability and she must use it to stop a sinister plan that threatens the entire world of Faerie.
I do recommend these books, and give them a 3 1/2 out of 4 stars.
XoXo-Andrea Carla
Fire by: Kristin Cashore
So after reading Graceling I was eager to read Kristin's next book. I found out that even though Fire was written after Graceling....it is more of a prequel to the series. The story happens years before Graceling. The writing and style was a little different in this one, but I still very much enjoyed it. Here is what the author had to say:
Fire, Graceling's stand-alone prequel-ish companion book, takes place across the mountains to the east of the seven kingdoms, in a rocky, war-torn land called the Dells.
Beautiful creatures called monsters live in the Dells. Monsters have the shape of normal animals: mountain lions, dragonflies, horses, fish. But the hair or scales or feathers of monsters are gorgeously colored-- fuchsia, turquoise, sparkly bronze, iridescent green-- and their minds have the power to control the minds of humans.
Seventeen-year-old Fire is the last remaining human-shaped monster in the Dells. Gorgeously monstrous in body and mind but with a human appreciation of right and wrong, she is hated and mistrusted by just about everyone, and this book is her story.
Wondering what makes it a companion book/prequel? Fire takes place 30-some years before Graceling and has one cross-over character with Graceling, a small boy with strange two-colored eyes who comes from no-one-knows-where, and who has a peculiar ability that Graceling readers will find familiar and disturbing...
I recommend this book and give it a 4 out of 5 stars.
XoXo-Andrea Carla
Graceling By: Kristin Cashore
So I figured I should catch up on some of my blogs about what I have been reading in the last little while.
Graceling is a very well written book. I really enjoyed it. Graceling's are a certain type of people born with a certain type of gift. Here is what the author wrote about it:
Graceling, my debut novel, is the story of Katsa, who has been able to kill people with her bare hands since she was eight. Katsa lives in the seven kingdoms, where very occasionally, a person is born with an extreme skill called a Grace. Gracelings are feared and exploited in the seven kingdoms, and none more so than Katsa, who's expected to do the dirty work of torture and punishment for her uncle, King Randa. But then she meets a mysterious stranger named Po, who is also a Graced fighter and the first person ever to challenge her in a fight. The two form a bond, and each discovers truths they never imagined about themselves, each other, and a terrible danger that is spreading slowly through the seven kingdoms.
I highly recommend this book. It was entertaining, kept you guessing on what would come next, and makes you want more at the end of the book.
I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. I thought it was perfect!!! ;0)
XoXo-Andrea Carla
October 27, 2010
future posts
Hey all....I have decided going forward, that all future posts will no longer be e-mailed out. They will be available to view by visiting my blog.
Thanks
Love ya all
XoXo-Andrea Carla
Thanks
Love ya all
XoXo-Andrea Carla
October 20, 2010
A lazy day on the couch
Today nothing to eventful is going on. Harley, Paige, and I are hanging out in the living room having a lazy day. Sure there is tons I should be doing like cleaning, laundry, and dishes....but you know sometimes you just don't want to.
Chuck left for Camp Pendleton for 5 days today. He will be missed. He really does take good care of us. The nursery is coming a long pretty well. It still needs a lot of work though. I wish I had my sister's talent when it comes to decorating. LOL
Riley is becoming more and more active. Last night he kept me up most of the night, and I had aches and pains in my lower back, legs, and feet. Thank goodness I was able to take a hot shower at 3am and sit down and relax for a bit. Although it is getting much harder to get up. lol Riley finally kicked hard enough that his daddy felt it for the first time. Although he seems to be shy when it comes time to let the daddy feel the kicks, he sure doesn't mind giving his mommy a good karate chop now and then. ha ha
My Tailbone is slowly healing, and by slowly...I mean it's been a month and I still can't sit directly on it. I always have to prop myself up on my leg, or off to the left side. And I can't sit very long at that. I have been aching to go back to church now that I feel better, but of course there is no way I could sit on those benches for even an hour. I wish it was acceptable to sit on the floor. I am sure no one would say anything, but no one wants to see the crazy pregnant lady laying on the floor at church. lol
Chuck and I have been searching for a couch, and we found one that would fit us perfectly. You see our current couch is a hand me down from the Elders that used to live next to us a few years ago. There is a hole on one side that we always seem to fall in, and sharp pieces of wire sticking out that my feet and legs seem to find. So Chuck and I agreed that it was time to find a new couch before baby came. Because let's face it.....this couch is in bad shape, and looks like it could be carrying some sort of funky disease. lol We found one at Ashley furniture but with the Rent to Own option....it would end up costing us $2,000 more in interest than it initially cost. So we are playing with our options right now to see what we can come up with.
Tomorrow I get to go to Petaluma and listen to author Rick Riordan talk about his new book that was just released, and to hopefully get all my Percy Jackson books signed by him. I am not a fan of driving to new places alone, but I think this will be a really awesome opportunity, and He is a very popular author.
Well that is all for now. Not much else is going on. Talk to you all soon.
XoXo-Andrea Carla
Chuck left for Camp Pendleton for 5 days today. He will be missed. He really does take good care of us. The nursery is coming a long pretty well. It still needs a lot of work though. I wish I had my sister's talent when it comes to decorating. LOL
Riley is becoming more and more active. Last night he kept me up most of the night, and I had aches and pains in my lower back, legs, and feet. Thank goodness I was able to take a hot shower at 3am and sit down and relax for a bit. Although it is getting much harder to get up. lol Riley finally kicked hard enough that his daddy felt it for the first time. Although he seems to be shy when it comes time to let the daddy feel the kicks, he sure doesn't mind giving his mommy a good karate chop now and then. ha ha
My Tailbone is slowly healing, and by slowly...I mean it's been a month and I still can't sit directly on it. I always have to prop myself up on my leg, or off to the left side. And I can't sit very long at that. I have been aching to go back to church now that I feel better, but of course there is no way I could sit on those benches for even an hour. I wish it was acceptable to sit on the floor. I am sure no one would say anything, but no one wants to see the crazy pregnant lady laying on the floor at church. lol
Chuck and I have been searching for a couch, and we found one that would fit us perfectly. You see our current couch is a hand me down from the Elders that used to live next to us a few years ago. There is a hole on one side that we always seem to fall in, and sharp pieces of wire sticking out that my feet and legs seem to find. So Chuck and I agreed that it was time to find a new couch before baby came. Because let's face it.....this couch is in bad shape, and looks like it could be carrying some sort of funky disease. lol We found one at Ashley furniture but with the Rent to Own option....it would end up costing us $2,000 more in interest than it initially cost. So we are playing with our options right now to see what we can come up with.
Tomorrow I get to go to Petaluma and listen to author Rick Riordan talk about his new book that was just released, and to hopefully get all my Percy Jackson books signed by him. I am not a fan of driving to new places alone, but I think this will be a really awesome opportunity, and He is a very popular author.
Well that is all for now. Not much else is going on. Talk to you all soon.
XoXo-Andrea Carla
October 12, 2010
Ramblings of a crazy pregnant lady
I woke up early today, but I feel like crawling back into bed and never waking up. The last few nights I haven't slept to well, and Riley has been kicking me awake lately. A friend yesterday warned me that she thought this was to prepare me for what was to come....but in reality I have no idea what I am up against. But I still remember the sleepless nights of sleeping on the hospital room floor so my friend who had just had her baby could get rest while I took care of her newborn. I fed him, and got up with him all through the night. Now I did go home and sleep during the day and someone else took the day shift with her, but I remember almost being in tears because he wouldn't stop crying and I was trying to keep him quiet so mom could sleep.....and the one thing that kept him quiet.....Mom snuggling with him. lol go figure.
A lot of people keep laughing at Chuck and I as we tell people our little plans or routine that we would like to have for Riley. I know Riley is going to make his own schedule....but it doesn't hurt to have some sort of a game plan to shoot for, instead of feeling like you are running around with your head cut off. lol
The Marine Corps Ball is coming up next month, and I am nervous. I am scared I won't be able to find a gown that will not make me look like I am wearing a circus tent, and I am afraid of how much this thing will cost. Normally I don't have a problem shelling out a few hundred dollars for a gown. But this year I would rather spend my money on my little Riley man. I am excited though, because Chuck will be this years narrator. I think that is what he is. He will be making the announcements, and guiding us through the ceremony. Unfortunately that means I spend the whole ceremony all by me onesies.....but I am excited to see him at work. I am hoping I can take my flip, and record it, so all my friends and family can finally see how awesome our Ball is. But keep in mind this is a significantly smaller ball compared to when he is in the fleet.
Some of the Marine Corps wives have been telling me about this dress shop in Brentwood called His and Hers formal wear. They keep telling me I have to go because the prices are so cheap, and the dresses are so great. But I hate to get my hopes up because rarely is it that a dress shop carries the sizes I need, or the type of modest dress I require. So I reluctantly called them this morning, and what do you know....they carry sizes up to 30!!! And......they carry maternity dresses!!!!! Yippity Skippity!!!!! I am a little excited to be able to go try some on and see what we can find for me. Although I am still hesitant to get my hopes up.
Yesterday I pulled the ultimate crazy pregnant lady stunt. I awoke not long after Chuck had gone into work to use the gym from a very bad dream. I have had some whacked out dreams lately, but this one seems to rotate through all of them. So I called Chuck just to hear his voice and be reassured. He laughed at me told me I was cute, and he loved me. I drifted back to sleep for a little bit, and then woke back up not long after. I texted Chuck that Riley and I were hungry and we should eat something. Chuck didn't respond. He had also said he would only be a few hours working out, and then would be home. He had now been gone 4 hours. So I waited a while and then called him. No answer. Then I texted him again, and no answer. It had now been half an hour since I had first texted Chuck....I was wondering what was going on, because he usually is very prompt at responding. After a while longer I kept calling and calling. I called the shop, I called his friends house whom he was hanging out with, and got no answer from any of the numbers. I was really starting to get worried as it had now been an hour since I had first tried to contact him. So on kicked the crazy pregnant ladies mind. I started to worry that something was wrong. All sorts of scenarios starting going through my head....and I have a very big imagination..... Then I started to worry about it he had been in a car accident. I was ready to call the cops or the hospital by now. But I didn't want to be to crazy. So I changed, pulled my hair back and ran out the door and jumped in my car. I haven't driven in a while, and especially since i hurt my tailbone....it was a challenging drive. Just as I was pulling around the corner to Chuck's shop, he calls me. He had left his phone in another room, and couldn't hear it. Grrrrrr.....so I drove into the shop feeling silly. I really was worried though. Chuck and his friend were talking and thought it was funny. So we ended up all going out to lunch together at Denny's since I had a hankering for a Moons over my Hammy sandwich. We all had a nice visit, but I sat way to long in that booth, and my tailbone was killing me.
Someone bought a Marine Corps Warmer from me yesterday, and so after we were done with lunch I headed straight over to Babies R Us and used it to pay for half of a diaper bag. It's not the one I wanted, but it will do. While I was in the store, I ran into a friend from church who offered to throw me a baby shower here for my ward family. I am very excited, but a little scared that no one will show up. But hey I guess it's worth a try right? ;0)
Not much else is going on here. Chuck and I have pretty much got my craft room cleaned out, and baby stuff moved in. I will miss my craft room very much, and am sad to see it go, but on the upside....I am excited to start putting Riley's room together. ;0) And it means I get to go through everything we have collected and play with it again. ;0) We will need so many little odds and ends to complete things, but we have a few months left. ;0)
Well I guess I should go for now, and try to clean up the house a little, or do something constructive today. lol
I love and miss you all
XoXo-Andrea Carla
A lot of people keep laughing at Chuck and I as we tell people our little plans or routine that we would like to have for Riley. I know Riley is going to make his own schedule....but it doesn't hurt to have some sort of a game plan to shoot for, instead of feeling like you are running around with your head cut off. lol
The Marine Corps Ball is coming up next month, and I am nervous. I am scared I won't be able to find a gown that will not make me look like I am wearing a circus tent, and I am afraid of how much this thing will cost. Normally I don't have a problem shelling out a few hundred dollars for a gown. But this year I would rather spend my money on my little Riley man. I am excited though, because Chuck will be this years narrator. I think that is what he is. He will be making the announcements, and guiding us through the ceremony. Unfortunately that means I spend the whole ceremony all by me onesies.....but I am excited to see him at work. I am hoping I can take my flip, and record it, so all my friends and family can finally see how awesome our Ball is. But keep in mind this is a significantly smaller ball compared to when he is in the fleet.
Some of the Marine Corps wives have been telling me about this dress shop in Brentwood called His and Hers formal wear. They keep telling me I have to go because the prices are so cheap, and the dresses are so great. But I hate to get my hopes up because rarely is it that a dress shop carries the sizes I need, or the type of modest dress I require. So I reluctantly called them this morning, and what do you know....they carry sizes up to 30!!! And......they carry maternity dresses!!!!! Yippity Skippity!!!!! I am a little excited to be able to go try some on and see what we can find for me. Although I am still hesitant to get my hopes up.
Yesterday I pulled the ultimate crazy pregnant lady stunt. I awoke not long after Chuck had gone into work to use the gym from a very bad dream. I have had some whacked out dreams lately, but this one seems to rotate through all of them. So I called Chuck just to hear his voice and be reassured. He laughed at me told me I was cute, and he loved me. I drifted back to sleep for a little bit, and then woke back up not long after. I texted Chuck that Riley and I were hungry and we should eat something. Chuck didn't respond. He had also said he would only be a few hours working out, and then would be home. He had now been gone 4 hours. So I waited a while and then called him. No answer. Then I texted him again, and no answer. It had now been half an hour since I had first texted Chuck....I was wondering what was going on, because he usually is very prompt at responding. After a while longer I kept calling and calling. I called the shop, I called his friends house whom he was hanging out with, and got no answer from any of the numbers. I was really starting to get worried as it had now been an hour since I had first tried to contact him. So on kicked the crazy pregnant ladies mind. I started to worry that something was wrong. All sorts of scenarios starting going through my head....and I have a very big imagination..... Then I started to worry about it he had been in a car accident. I was ready to call the cops or the hospital by now. But I didn't want to be to crazy. So I changed, pulled my hair back and ran out the door and jumped in my car. I haven't driven in a while, and especially since i hurt my tailbone....it was a challenging drive. Just as I was pulling around the corner to Chuck's shop, he calls me. He had left his phone in another room, and couldn't hear it. Grrrrrr.....so I drove into the shop feeling silly. I really was worried though. Chuck and his friend were talking and thought it was funny. So we ended up all going out to lunch together at Denny's since I had a hankering for a Moons over my Hammy sandwich. We all had a nice visit, but I sat way to long in that booth, and my tailbone was killing me.
Someone bought a Marine Corps Warmer from me yesterday, and so after we were done with lunch I headed straight over to Babies R Us and used it to pay for half of a diaper bag. It's not the one I wanted, but it will do. While I was in the store, I ran into a friend from church who offered to throw me a baby shower here for my ward family. I am very excited, but a little scared that no one will show up. But hey I guess it's worth a try right? ;0)
Not much else is going on here. Chuck and I have pretty much got my craft room cleaned out, and baby stuff moved in. I will miss my craft room very much, and am sad to see it go, but on the upside....I am excited to start putting Riley's room together. ;0) And it means I get to go through everything we have collected and play with it again. ;0) We will need so many little odds and ends to complete things, but we have a few months left. ;0)
Well I guess I should go for now, and try to clean up the house a little, or do something constructive today. lol
I love and miss you all
XoXo-Andrea Carla
October 8, 2010
On Star You are amazing!!!
Saturday October 2 my amazing sister threw me a baby shower. Only three of my friends came, and my brother in laws family, whom I consider my family as well. ;0) We ate some really good food that my sis made (I really don't think there is anything she can't do!!) She decorated outside so cute, and everything was perfect. We got to visit with everyone, and the weather was perfect!! I got to see my friend Sarah whom I hadn't seen since I was a little girl, and another friend whom I hadn't seen since Middle school. It was a good day and we had some fun. After everyone left, Chuck came over, and we got to spend some time with my sister and her family. After a little while, we had to leave to go see Chuck's mom since it was her birthday. We drove down the road from my sister's place, and were about to turn onto highway 91 in Hyrum/Wellsville, when we saw a bad car wreck. It happened so fast it took a moment for my brain to make sense of what I was seeing, and what all the dust was. We saw a van and a pickup truck wreck in the middle of the intersection, and debris was everywhere....then the van was hurtling out of control after the impact across the intersection and off the road and up an embankment. We thought the van was going to roll over, but it came to a stop without tipping.
For some reason Chuck and I seem to witness a lot of accidents. We both react well in these situations, and we never panic. We are always calm and collected, and can think clearly through the chaos. Chuck immediately swerved off the road, and jumped out to assist. He is a trained first responder, and by law he is supposed to assist in an emergency. Of course no one would know if he did or not...but we would know. And since we both know what to do, why not stop and help. I would hope someone would do the same for me.
Chuck was the first to the van, and yanked on the door. It wouldn't come open due to the impact. He yanked again, and yanked so hard he pulled the door handle off. He ended up hurting his shoulder a little from this, but he got the door open. He got the mom out, and handed her off to someone. He could smell something burning and knew he needed to get everyone out of the car. He opened the back of the van and discovered 6 children in the back. Not all of them were in booster seats, and we can't figure out where one of them was sitting because there weren't enough seats in the back.
I flung open my door, and had hitt the emergency OnStar button in our Yukon. Someone brought me a little girl who was one of the worst off in the accident because she was not in a booster seat. She had been in a seat belt, but she flew forward, and her little face smacked the hard plastic backing of the seat in front of her. While I held this little girl, I spoke to OnStar and 911 at the same time and held this little girl in my arms as she bled down the front of me. Someone brought me a rag to help stop her face from bleeding. I told OnStar that they would need at least 5 squad cars, and two ambulances because of the amount of people who were hurt, and hot large the accident area was on the freeway. And they did just that. They even brought a third ambulance in the end.
I learned this little girls name was Lexy. I felt awful for her. Her face was starting to bulge on the left side. She clung to me, and complained that she couldn't see out of her eye. Someone else opened the back door of our Yukon and placed more children in the back trying to help them. Lexy and I sat there and within 3 minutes the first squad car arrived. I could see Chuck helping the other children and Lexy and I just stayed in the car. Eventually the paramedics came over to help Lexy, and she wouldn't let go of me. She wouldn't go to her mom, and it took 4 EMT's to try and get her to pull her head up that she had buried in my shoulder so they could get a neck brace on. We played games with her where we had her wiggle her toes, and count as high as she could go. Finally we got her to lift her head a little, and got the neck brace on her. Then they wanted to put her on a back board, but she wouldn't let go of me. I was the only one who could calm her down, and had earned her trust. As each person came up to help her out I would tell her that they were my friend Amy, and gary. I made up a few things about them so they didn't seem like such strangers to her. I felt so bad for her though. She was in so much pain, and trying to be so brave about it. I finally got her to calm down and we got her on the board and strapped her down. They took her to the ambulance, and she just started freaking out again. So the EMT's had me get in with her to get her to calm down so they could get the oxygen mask on her, and find out where it was hurting the most on her. She was such a brave girl.
Eventually everyone was taken care of and we were no longer needed. We looked at the time and realised that we had been helping out for over an hour. It didn't seem like it had been that long...but I guess with all the adrenaline...it passed pretty fast.
Chuck and I decided not to go shopping since the kids had accidentally urinated on us since they were so scared and in shock. So we ran over to where his mom's birthday party had already ended said hi to everyone ate a little cake and then we headed back to my parents for a much needed shower.
I know it sounds weird, but I enjoy helping in that type of situation. I don't get scared or panicky. I feel level headed the whole time. But that night as I came down from my adrenalin rush...I kept thinking about that little girl Lexy, and how she clung to me. She ended up scratching my arms up when the EMT's tried to take her, and I think my new mommy heart was just aching to know if she was okay. It took a little bit for me to fall asleep that night.
After all was said and done.....I was very impressed with OnStar and how fast the Logan City Police department and emergency services were to respond. I hope everyone turned out to be okay in the accident, and am thankful that I was able to help.
Well that is all for now....More later
XoXo-Andrea Carla
For some reason Chuck and I seem to witness a lot of accidents. We both react well in these situations, and we never panic. We are always calm and collected, and can think clearly through the chaos. Chuck immediately swerved off the road, and jumped out to assist. He is a trained first responder, and by law he is supposed to assist in an emergency. Of course no one would know if he did or not...but we would know. And since we both know what to do, why not stop and help. I would hope someone would do the same for me.
Chuck was the first to the van, and yanked on the door. It wouldn't come open due to the impact. He yanked again, and yanked so hard he pulled the door handle off. He ended up hurting his shoulder a little from this, but he got the door open. He got the mom out, and handed her off to someone. He could smell something burning and knew he needed to get everyone out of the car. He opened the back of the van and discovered 6 children in the back. Not all of them were in booster seats, and we can't figure out where one of them was sitting because there weren't enough seats in the back.
I flung open my door, and had hitt the emergency OnStar button in our Yukon. Someone brought me a little girl who was one of the worst off in the accident because she was not in a booster seat. She had been in a seat belt, but she flew forward, and her little face smacked the hard plastic backing of the seat in front of her. While I held this little girl, I spoke to OnStar and 911 at the same time and held this little girl in my arms as she bled down the front of me. Someone brought me a rag to help stop her face from bleeding. I told OnStar that they would need at least 5 squad cars, and two ambulances because of the amount of people who were hurt, and hot large the accident area was on the freeway. And they did just that. They even brought a third ambulance in the end.
I learned this little girls name was Lexy. I felt awful for her. Her face was starting to bulge on the left side. She clung to me, and complained that she couldn't see out of her eye. Someone else opened the back door of our Yukon and placed more children in the back trying to help them. Lexy and I sat there and within 3 minutes the first squad car arrived. I could see Chuck helping the other children and Lexy and I just stayed in the car. Eventually the paramedics came over to help Lexy, and she wouldn't let go of me. She wouldn't go to her mom, and it took 4 EMT's to try and get her to pull her head up that she had buried in my shoulder so they could get a neck brace on. We played games with her where we had her wiggle her toes, and count as high as she could go. Finally we got her to lift her head a little, and got the neck brace on her. Then they wanted to put her on a back board, but she wouldn't let go of me. I was the only one who could calm her down, and had earned her trust. As each person came up to help her out I would tell her that they were my friend Amy, and gary. I made up a few things about them so they didn't seem like such strangers to her. I felt so bad for her though. She was in so much pain, and trying to be so brave about it. I finally got her to calm down and we got her on the board and strapped her down. They took her to the ambulance, and she just started freaking out again. So the EMT's had me get in with her to get her to calm down so they could get the oxygen mask on her, and find out where it was hurting the most on her. She was such a brave girl.
Eventually everyone was taken care of and we were no longer needed. We looked at the time and realised that we had been helping out for over an hour. It didn't seem like it had been that long...but I guess with all the adrenaline...it passed pretty fast.
Chuck and I decided not to go shopping since the kids had accidentally urinated on us since they were so scared and in shock. So we ran over to where his mom's birthday party had already ended said hi to everyone ate a little cake and then we headed back to my parents for a much needed shower.
I know it sounds weird, but I enjoy helping in that type of situation. I don't get scared or panicky. I feel level headed the whole time. But that night as I came down from my adrenalin rush...I kept thinking about that little girl Lexy, and how she clung to me. She ended up scratching my arms up when the EMT's tried to take her, and I think my new mommy heart was just aching to know if she was okay. It took a little bit for me to fall asleep that night.
After all was said and done.....I was very impressed with OnStar and how fast the Logan City Police department and emergency services were to respond. I hope everyone turned out to be okay in the accident, and am thankful that I was able to help.
Well that is all for now....More later
XoXo-Andrea Carla
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