Sunday, August 31, 2008

The Sunday Salon - What a Week

The Sunday Salon.comWhat a week. I've actually done very little in the way of reading though. I did finish one book this week:


I'm going to post an official review tomorrow. But....if you are a big fan of "Vampire" fiction in any form, you should definitely go out and buy this book!! It was campy and fun, and personally, I loved it!!


The week started out horrible with the tragedy of Ninja. The kids are feeling better about it now. And Mike and I are dealing with it as well. I think the worst at the moment is Rocco. It's heartbreaking to watch my puppy (and yes, even at 160 lbs and 4 1/2 years old, I'm still calling him my puppy!) mope around the house. I took him for a trip to the "beauty" shop on Tuesday. He LOVES riding in the car and visiting PetSmart. People fall all over themselves trying to pet him. A St. Bernard, especially a clean and beautifully groomed one makes an impressive appearance. And he struts around there like he is king. That dog thinks he's the shitz! But once we got home again, he was back to moping.


This week I've also been following the Democratic Convention and McCain's choice for VP. Anyone who has ever read this blog certainly knows where my heart lays with this one. I don't plan on opening this up as a political post. Discussing politics is one of those really touchy subjects. And you know what....it shouldn't be. People should be able to talk about the candidates with openness and candor. But frankly, the last 8 years has left us all a little bruised and broken. No matter what side of the fence you fall on, there are people that are positively rabid about it. And I'm probably one of them. In fact, I know I am. But I'll save political discussions for another day. In the meantime I will say this: I was moved to tears during Obama's speech. Love him or hate him, you have to admit, he is one of the best orator's of our generation.

What else? Oh....let's see. I had an interview for a part-time job. I know. I know. I'm already working 2 jobs. Something will have to give if I get this job. But I really like the idea of it. It's a part-time bookkeeping position that works with the Peoria Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Oversight Commission. Pay is top dollar for part-time too. Keep your fingers crossed. (I also applied for a job at Barnes & Noble, though that's kind of like putting an alcoholic behind the bar, so it might not be such a good idea!)

With Hurricane Gustav looming on the horizon, I'm really worried about my fellow blogger, Chris. He's become a good friend this past year. I know the devastation he endured during Katrina and I hope this is better for him. A few little prayers are going out that he and everyone in the New Orleans area stays safe.

On the reading front, I'm over-the-top excited to start the 3rd annual RIP Challenge!! If you've read this post, you will know autumn, Halloween and RIP is my favorite time of year! I started Colleen Gleason's 3rd Gardella Vampire book, The Bleeding Dusk yesterday. Apparently, Tis the season of the Vampire!! I have a list of books for the challenge already, but I'd love to hear any suggestions you have!

Yesterday, we had a really nice cookout with the family, and a few close friends. Mike and I both have to work on the holiday, so it was the only day off we had. A wonderful way to spend it though. And I even got 8 full hours of uninterrupted sleep!! Imagine that.

Finally, the lovely Bookworm, Naida, informed me that I had won an autographed copy of Matrimony by Joshua Henkin from her!! How's that to end the week??

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!! Also have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend for those of you here in the US!

10 comments:

Ana S. said...

I know what you mean about Rocco. One of the worst things about Janiça was also seeing how heartbroken Maria was. It's been around two months now, and she still looks a bit sad to me sometimes. But most of the time she's just fine, and Rocco will be as well. It just takes time.

I look forward to your review!

samantha.1020 said...

I'm excited for the RIP challenge 3as well but haven't had a chance to officially sign up yet. Sorry to hear about your loss!

Ladytink_534 said...

You're so lucky! I want to read Vampyres of Hollywood so bad!!! Despite watching Cujo at a young age I still love St. Bernards. Hope Chris makes it through ok. It's supposed to be here sometime tomorrow :(

Booklogged said...

Congratulations on the fun win! I've got Matrimony coming in the mail, too. I'm looking forward to reading it. Hope we like it.

I've been worried about Chris, too. It was so nice of you to mention in your post. Sure hope he's okay.

BTW, I'm holding a book drawing that ends today for a Farworld book. It's a very good YA fantasy. Hope you'll drop by and enter, if you haven't already. Good luck with getting the job of your choice. I know what you mean about working in a bookstore. I'm sure I would never bring home a paycheck!

CJ said...

Hey, Steph, Rocco is grieving, just as you and your family are. I know you probably don't need me to tell you that but a reminder never hurts. Time and attention will help all of you.

I know what you mean about it being impossible to discuss politics. It's a sad comment on our culture today.

cjh

Melody said...

I'll be keeping fingers crossed for you regarding the job, Stephanie!

And congrats on winning the book!

Stephanie said...

Nymeth - I guess I didn't realize how much Rocco would be affected by it. Granted, they were together all the time. But I really thought he would snap back a little quicker. He just seems so down. It's really sad.

Samantha - Thanks! It's means a lot to hear. I love the RIP challenge. I can't wait to see your list!

Tink - Vampyres of Hollywood was really good!! Surprised me actually! Cujo had that affect on a lot of people. Rocco is much more like Beethoven though!

Booklogged - It's always nice to win something...especially a book! I've read a lot of good reviews on Matrimony. I'm looking forward to it. Yes, I've been really worried about Chris. Looks like he evactuated, and hopefully, it won't be as bad as they are predicting.

CJ - I know Rocco is grieving, and I feel so bad for him. At least with the kids, I know what to do to make them feel better. Rocco doesn't want to do anything but lay around. He's not even eating all that well. Of course, he is 160 lbs. He actually needs to lose a little weight. But still.

Melody - Thanks!!

Literary Feline said...

I am so sorry about Ninja. My animals have been getting extra love from me recently. I would miss them so much if something happened to them. I know it's inevitable for them and for us, but it doesn't make it any easier knowing that. A loss is a loss and it hurts like crazy.

I will have to keep my eye out for Vampyres of Hollywood. I recently read a couple of Colleen Gleason's books and enjoyed them quite a bit. Hopefully I will get to the fourth book soon.

Good luck with the job application! I hope you get it. :-)

I hope you will enjoy Matrimony as much as I did. :-)

Have a great week, Stephanie!

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

I love that cover of Matrimony. I'm currently reading the book and I hope you like it, too! Congrats on winning the book!

Kim L said...

Glad you liked Vampyres of Hollywood. I got that one in the mail, but I'm not a big horror reader usually, so I was a little iffy.

I love St. Bernards! How do you not gape when a dog that big goes by?