So I mentioned coming home to cat puke in my last post. What I didn't mention was their were SIX spots and that the big, tough men in my life left them for me to clean up. And that was just the beginning. I could list the damage, but any woman who has returned to a house dominated by men for more than a few days doesn't need a detailed description. 

I guess my question is, why? My guys aren't perfect when I'm there, but they aren't...pigs. But apparently it requires constant supervision to keep them out of the sty. Did I mention the cat is male, too?

Lucky for them the Merry Maids were due in two days, or I'd probably rubbed their noses in something or other (there was plenty to choose from!) 

They did penitent really well, but then they've all had lots of practice. My son pointed out that he "did the dishes." For me, that involve's wiping down counters and starting the dishwasher, not just filling the dishwasher, but he is a guy. 

Speaking of the whole Mars/Venus/Guys/Gals thing, I'm still playing Mario Kart, but I can't help notice how my goals differ somewhat from my son's. We both like winning, but for me there is also the neatness aspect. Each person can create their own "license," and compete inside that license. At first, it was just a place for me to practice to play with Our Son, but then it became an attempt to fill in all the spaces with matching circles. (You fill them in by playing Grand Prixs and winning "cups." The circles don't match if you don't win first place. I found this out when I got a silver circle, messing up my neatness factor.)

I got this sort of blinking "look," when I asked my son what that red thing was, messing up my chart. (I've since filled in my map with GOLD circles. Feel free to be impressed.) Unfortunately, filling in all the spaces with gold unlocks the mirror level, which is just what it sounds--not to mention fricking hard. So now I have another not-matching row and a time deadline. My Son is leaving with his Wii the end of August.

I've been hinting that I'd be open to getting a Wii for my birthday, but I'm surrounded by men, so I'm not holding my breath.

I see Stargate Atlantis starts July 11. Thank goodness! Teyla has been pregnant longer than I was (three thousand months the last time). I sure hope they finally resolve that story line. Not a favorite. In other Stargate news, the last movie is releasing the end of July. I love time travel things, so really looking forward to it. 

Mostly been writing, but did manage to finish Armed and Magical by Lisa Shearin. I liked the book, though I'm hoping in the next ones she gives Mycheal more to do. He's my favorite, but she keeps saying Raine likes bad boys, so I'm thinking she'll chose the goblin. I understand there are at least two more books in the series. The first was Magic Lost, Trouble Found. I like her style, voice and the world she's created. Also finished Grimspace, which everyone was talking about several months ago. I liked it, but it was very dark. Also finished Loretta Chase's new book. I had a hard time with the prostitute heroine, but Loretta is such a good writer, I finished and went, okay, that was ultimately good.

In writing news, I'm looking forward to the print release of my two non-fiction books and working hard on the next two. I need to clear my decks for the novel. (I know, I keep saying that, but I can't go anywhere until I finish the novel, so it will get down this summer or I will die trying.)

Okay, haven't seen any movies since I last blogged, but dying to go see Get Smart. Yes, I am old enough to have seen the TV series and yes, I liked it. Sorry, but I like goofy humor. I downloaded a trailer from iTunes and it was hysterical. I may go by myself this week, but the men want me to wait for them. 

And if you haven't heard, I do have a contest running at Author Island. Sign up to win a comedy bundle and a purse charm (made by my amazingly talented sister). Click on contests or visit my contest page on my website.

That's all my news (and aren't we all thankful!). Hope you have some fun, summer reading (cause there's sure not much on television!) and plenty of time to read. :-)
Perilously yours,
Pauline

I'm from Wyoming. It's a quiet state. Not a lot of people. Mostly small towns. "Don't call attention to yourself" is kind of a mantra. I know not everyone is quiet, but the noisy ones get LOOKS. It was easy for me to not call attention to myself until I started publishing. If you want people to read your books, you pretty much have to do something to let readers know they are there. So I struggle between my Wyoming/hermit tendencies and my need for acclaim. (grin)

Then The Romance Studio announced  they were having a Promo Diva contest, my first reaction was, no way. My two sides wrestled right up until registration day, but let know one say I can't do the hard stuff--even if it's fun! So, I signed up. To participate in this Idol-like competition as a reader, you register here. Free stuff IS involved, btw. There are three rounds and a bonus round to survive and most of the judging is "blind," in that they will remove identifiers from our stuff. But there will be rounds where websites and other web presence sites will be judged.

So, if you're in the mood, stop by and check out the contest. As I said, free stuff is involved. Win-win for you. (grin)

In other news, I have procrastinated the day of our taxes and now I'm up against the deadline. I look at how much we pay and hear the candidates talking about taking MORE and realize the hungry giant of government won't be happy until they get it ALL. Punks.

Our son and I had to apply for passports. Who knew it would take TWO days and OVER THREE HOURS? When we finally got to the desk, well, I still can't figure out why it took so long, other than rampant inefficiency. I couldn't help thinking, if they are this lousy with a simple passport, what could they do to health care?????

Okay, I'm giving myself nightmares. And still not getting the taxes done. Twelve days. I can do this. 

I can't stop without talking books, now can I? Since I'm writing, haven't been reading as much, though I do have several reads-in-progress scattered around the house. I used to read one book at time. Now I have books all over the place, so I can pick them up when I have a minute--no matter where I am. Of course, there is a point in any book, the tipping point, when I can't stop. I try not to reach that point just before bed. I either have to kill myself and finish or lay awake wondering how it ended. 

I am excited by the response to my Elizabeth Cadell contest. It's been fun to introduce (or remind) readers about this wonderful author. I'm hoping we can gin up enough interest to get publishers to reprint her books, so if you love her, too, spread the word. 

I'm also delighted by reader response to my Author Island contest. You all rock. :-)

Is it just me or does rerun season on TV arrive sooner and sooner each year? Before long, the season will end before it starts! With Stargate gone until July, the son and I have racked up some time watching Foyle's War (when are they going to release the last episodes over here?????) and playing Wii. 

Yes, I've been playing Wii--not well, but hanging in there. It makes the Son laugh, so it's worth the humiliation. :-)

Well, I've procrastinated long enough! Hope that your week is filled with good friends, great books and NO TAXES!!!
Perilously yours,
Pauline