First day of homeschooling yesterday: Excellent.
My child is very inquisitive. She didn’t much like her Keyboarding class, but I expected as much since it’s so much repetition and hand/eye coordination, which has never been her strong suit. But mythology? BIG HIT.
Today we tackle Science and Math.
What I’ve read recently: Tessa Dare’s SURRENDER OF A SIREN, which I adored as much as GODDESS OF THE HUNT. Tessa has a way of taking familiar characters and throwing them into unchartered waters. I love her writing, too. The skill of the wordsmithing is amazing…coupled with great characters and I’m happy as a clam. Can’t wait for the third book to come out at the end of the month.
What I’m reading now? Tee, hee, hee…the first in Carly’s new series that comes out…a long time from now. (insert maniacal cackle here.) I know you all want to read it, but I get to first! (Okay, second…Janelle’s already read it. But still!) I love having access to so many great books before they hit the stores!
What I’m reading next? Hard to choose, but I think it will be Louisa Edward’s CAN’T STAND THE HEAT. I have a chef character in my latest WIP, so her book is research. And I’ve been dying to read it since I first heard about it.
Guest blogger coming this Saturday? Kate Angell! And she’s giving away an awesome prize! Do make a note in your calendar to stop by.
TV show I watch when I have a spare minute? BONES. New to me. Discovered it only a few months ago when all the NCIS episodes were reruns. Now, keep in mind that I rarely watch anything if its not a rerun. I love TNT and whatever channel is next to it on my Verizon. They run reruns of great shows like CSI and Bones and NCIS and Charmed…all shows I discovered long after people who watch normal television did.
Am EXCITED about this season of Project Runway, which I do record! I love how they are getting rid of the worst designers right up front and not keeping them around for the “drama.” I want to see design! I haven’t picked a favorite yet. It’s too early.
That’s my life right now…a series of random thoughts. So…what’s up in your life right now?
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold nearly thirty books to three publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her husband, daughter, spoiled dachshund, enormous guinea pig and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
ANOTHER WILD WEDDING NIGHT
Hard to Hold
Love Me If You Dare
Wild For Him
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Not much here, I’m as boring as ever. I’m in the middle of watching season 4 of Gilmore Girls and I’m reading Sherry Thomas’ “Not Quite a Husband”, which is really good. Her writing really draws me in.
Getting together with a bunch of girlfriends this weekend and hopefully we can see Julie & Julia. Should be fun.
That’s all I got.
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I saw Julie and Julia last week…and it was very enjoyable. MUCH better than the book, which I found very boring and never finished. I think it’s because they married the book by Julie Powell with Julia Child’s biography, which made it interesting. And Meryl Streep…amazing. And I adore Stanley Tucci. He’s so phenomenal. I found it funny that the very reasons I stopped reading the book by Powell (mainly because I found her self-absorbed and bitchy to the extreme) were brought up in the movie. Clearly, I was not alone.
I haven’t read NOT QUITE A HUSBAND and I don’t know why. I loved her first book! I’ll have to go order it.
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I liked the movie for the exact same reason…..I thought the Julia parts were so interesting and I never bought Amy Adams as Julie.
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Stacy, I absolutely love “Gilmore Girls.” If I ever have a daughter, I hope that we have a similar kind of relationship.
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Patsy, sounds like you have some fun times ahead of you…long drive notwithstanding! Be safe and I hope you find some great books along the way!
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Hi Patsy,
I always felt loved during my cancer treatments, because my son and husband never let me go alone. I wanted youtoknowhow important that transportation really is to a loved one.
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Softball Softball more softball and T ball and now Science club that is my life running one child to rec softball practice then she goes to Travel Softball practice then travel we there is the travel softball tournaments that last all weekend this last saturday I was up at 4:30 in the morning just to get to a tournament then my son has T ball and my daughter just joined the science club at school because she wants to be a scientist. I need a nap just talking about it lol
I did just finish reading Kate Angell’s Sliding Home for those of you who like an Athlete Hero.
I also just finished and ARC of He’s No Prince Charming by LuAnn McLane it was light and funny and I enjoed it, I believe it is to be released in October.quoting my 4 year old “THAT’S NOT FAIR” I’m so jelous that you are reading the new Carly series I just threw myself on the floor and I’m kicking and screaming That’s not fair!! lol
Let me end by
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michele, that’s a lot of softball! Sounds like my childhood, only it was baseball, baseball and more baseball, with the occasional softball for me, LOL!
I’m so excited about Kate Angell coming on Saturday…and I just learned she’s giving away THREE fantastic prizes. I’m telling you all…you need to make time to stop by Plotmonkeys on Saturday!
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I make time every saturday to drop in. even if Ihave to get up early. I can’t wait.
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Michelle, I remember those days! LOL! And I’ll even admit that I miss them a little, now that The Only no long plays.
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Lilly is back in school and doing well. We have her IEP meeting this morning and the lady from the Bridge program will be there so we’ll have plenty of questions for her. She was out of school yesterday and is staying home today with a really bad cold. I can’t believe school has just started and she is already sick.
I’m past the half-way point in the Blaze I’m working on for Brenda. I’m really, really psyched about this book.
I hit pay dirt this time, I just know it. 
Keep your fingers crossed for me.
As far as television, we need to find some new programs to watch. The Closer season is over for now and everything else seems to be in re-runs. We used to watch Burn Notice but the story line took a dive… We watched Bones once but didn’t like it very much. Castle will be back on Sept 21st. Yay
Basically life is good.
Have a wonderful day,
Cher
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Thanks, Patsy.
We have been to IEP meetings since the beginning. She is a senior this year, still can’t believe it. We have had to put on the boxing gloves and duke it out many times. Hopefully today will be easy. Actually high school has been our best experience with IEP’s. We lucked out with her school. Elementary was the hardest. When Lilly was in second grade the teachers blew it one day. Lilly and the other special needs kids were standing outside alone waiting for the special ed bus to pick them up. There is supposed to be an aide with them at all times. The only way we found out about it was from the bus driver who called us. The next morning Mike and I went to the school. As soon as we walked in the door, we saw the special ed team coming out of the principal’s office. Their faces fell when they saw us because they knew instantly why we were there. Obviously they had no intention of telling any of the parents. Needless to say the meeting that day wasn’t pretty.
Cher
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Good luck, Cher…our district is pretty good (I have heard horror stories), but this year, they are dropping the ball on transportation…I guess it’s budget cuts or something…..anyway, it’s starting to not get pretty
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Cher,
That new picture is gorgeous! Hope all goes well with IEP meeting.
I can’t wait to read your book.
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Hopefully you and I both will get to read it!
IEP went great.
Cher
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That is awesome, Cher!
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Yeah, Castle! I’m following Nathan Fillion on Twitter…he’s hilarious. I can’t wait for the new season!
I can’t believe Lilly is a senior, either. I can only imagine what you must be going through…your baby all grown up!
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Yes, Julie it is amazing how that happened. It feels like overnight!
Congratulations on the home schooling.
Home schooling Lilly would totally not work. She is too much of a social butterfly and needs expert help I can’t give her. The IEP meeting went great this morning. I met the lady from Bridges so I’m psyched.
I took Lilly to the doctor. She has a sinus infection and an ear infection. The doctor said there is actually a blister on her ear drum! Yikes! My poor doll…But she is on medicine now so hopefully she will get well soon.
I didn’t know Nathan Fillion was on Twitter. I actually don’t Twitter…maybe I should so I can read all the funny stuff.
Cher
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I’m currently reading Dream Warrior by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Trying to get through some of the older books in my TBR pile right now. Tomorrow night I’m getting together with a bunch of friends to cheer for the Titans.
I’m so ready for football season! I’m also so ready for the fall tv season to begin. I’m tired of watching the same re-runs over and over again. I did give the new Melrose Place a shot last night, but not sure if it will make it for me. The original was just so wonderful and I’m really wasn’t totally drawn in with the first episode. Might give it a couple of more shows before I decide.
Julie, so glad the first day of homeschooling went so well. I look forward to getting updates from you this year.
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Thanks, Liza! The second day is going even better. She’s already into Week 2 of her online classes…though of course, I haven’t told her that. She thinks she’s still in Week 1. Tomorrow, she has a really long art class, so she’ll lose a day on at least one of her online classes.
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Not much at my end, either. I’m slowly getting my house cleaned top-to-bottom for my dad’s visit next week. He’s coming from Vancouver to stay two weeks, his annual trip. (I’m in Ontario.)
I hate housework. Maybe if I kept on top of things, I wouldn’t have so much to do now. Oh, I’m great at vacuuming every couple of days (fur kids, lots of hair), but cleaning the bathroom ventilation fan? Scrubbing out under the kitchen sink? Cleaning the basement? Cleaning in and behind the fridge? Nah, not so much.
As for TV, I can’t add any comments, because the only thing I watch are news, weather, and the occasional program on the Ontario public station or on PBS. I’ve never seen *any* of the shows that have been mentioned here, just not my thing. :-)
Have a great day, everyone! Frosh week here on campus and the kids are right outside doing their shouting/chanting. So much for my focus on real work. LOL!!!
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Kim, I hate housework, too. With a passion. I highly suggest some very loud, peppy music. I prefer George Michael’s FAITH cd (showing my age) but it’s great for housework for some reason! Good luck!
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You aren’t showing your age too much Jules. I listened to George Michael’s “Faith”. Now aging yourself would be talking about Wham!! and the Eurythmics…I loved those groups too. I hate cleaning house too, and I really need a lot of motivation to get it done. The only great thing about when I do it, is that I can keep it clean long enough to not worry about cleaning it.
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I am hoping today is the day that my oldest gets to school on time AND gets home on time (he has been late since school started and yesterday, he got off of the bus…we live 8-10 minutes away from the school before school ended…kind of a nifty time traveling trick…note sarcasm). Obviously, I might have to start having the “you are not in IEP compliance’ discussion with my district…other than that, school has gotten off to a smooth start.
I adore Project Runway…I did do a “DUH” moment last week with the contestant eliminated……can’t wait for all of the shows: DWTS, Castle, L and O (all of them!), yippie!
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I hope school continues to be smooth.
I found all IEPs for my daughter to be a total waste of my time. TOTAL. They must work for kids with special needs and those that can get help from the district through speech specialists, etc, but for my kid, they were a chance to have people look at me as if I’d sprung a second head when I’d claim my A-student was bored and not learning anything. Hence, homeschooling!
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Oooh, I love being research! Let me know if you want any recommendations for racy, nonfiction chef memoirs. That’s how I researched CAN’T STAND THE HEAT, and it was pure pleasure! Hope you like the book.
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Louisa, I’ve read HEAT (Bill Buford), HUMBLE PIE (Gordon Ramsay) and KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL (Anthony Bourdain, but I know you know that!). Any other suggestions? I loved Ramsay’s book, got bored with Buford’s about halfway through and have only read Bourdain in pieces.
I am looking forward to your book! And recipes! I love recipes!
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I’m still trying to recover from my trip to New Orleans. I have a request for a full MS and really need to get focused and get it out. Reading now? Roxanne St. Claire’s FIRST YOU RUN. Yeah, yeah. I know. I’m waaaaay behind on Rocki’s Bulletcatcher books! Next up are Toni McGee Causey’s next two Bobbie Faye books, GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE GUNS and WHEN A MAN LOVES A WEAPON. Need to do laundry and get groceries. The family wants home-cooked food for some reason. Jiminy…cook? Me? *sigh*
Glad the homeschooling is going well, Julie! Keep us posted on that.
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Silver, I loved all your Tweets from NOLA. Made me want to go back SO badly. What was the best meal you had…because of course, NOLA is all about the food! I’ve been wanting to read Causey for a while. I like the new look they’ve given her books.
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Julie, it sounds like you are off to a good start with the home schooling. I hope it continues to go well.
What is going on in my life? Not a lot! This week I am on Jury Duty which means it is hard to make plans. I have to call in a few minutes to see if they need me this afternoon. It will be a surprise if I don’t have to go. I’m waiting to get dressed to find out if I need to make an appearance!!
Next week I am going to be dog/house sitting and having a friend visit. I am looking forward to seeing my friend.
Over the weekend I read The DaVinci Code which I enjoyed and wish I had not let it sit on my TBR shelf so long! Now I am reading Guilty Pleasures by Cathy Yardley an older Blaze about two chefs. Very enjoyable fun, sexy read!
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Donna, I loved the DaVinci Code. That is high entertainment, IMO. I liked the film a lot, too. I thought they did a very good job of bringing the story to the screen.
Good luck on jury duty. I’ve always wanted to do it once, but now that I’m homeschooling, it’s out of the question.
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Hey Donna M, I loved The DaVinci Code, but I thought Angels and Demons was the better of the two. When you get a chance, you should check that one out too. I actually like all of Dan Brown’s books, even Digital Fortress, which I didn’t think I would like because of the technological aspect of it. But, it was really good. Have fun house sitting…I have been fortunate enough to not have to go to jury duty. Whenever I call, they always say they don’t need me. I am happy when that happens.
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Congratulations on the good day of homeschooling. I hope today goes as well if not better.
As for me, all that’s really occupying my mind is my upcoming GRE. Only two more days. lol
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Glad the home schooling is off to a great start.
As for me, I will be going to Maine for a few days with the baby.
Son and dil taking a cruise. The boys are going to their other grandmother.
AT my age it makes me think young( I nap when she does) and feel old at
the end of each day. It should be a fun week.
Ive read all of Rocki’s books and the newest Hunt her Down will not
disappoint. I can’t wait until the 25th to get Make Her Pay.
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Am preparing for a grandaughters wedding on Saturday.
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My oldest is 15 so I might make that one.
I’ll have to be 85+ to see the year olds.
I hope you have a wonderful time at the wedding Estella.
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Hey Jules, congrats on the wonderful start to homeschooling so far. It sounds like you guys are having a blast. I wish you the best with that, and can’t wait to hear more about the process.
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