catheroominations

I need a book. I just finished The Mercy of Thin Air last night. I liked it. A lot. And I recommend it. Before that I read Nineteen Minutes and My Sister’s Keeper, both by Jodi Picoult. I love the way Ms. Picoult writes, and her subject matter varies with each book. I also enjoyed loved Beach Glass, and was totally sucked in to the Memory Keeper’s Daughter.

Now I need another book to like. I’m open to almost anything, except something that would be filed under “romance,” especially one that has someone resembling Fabio adorning its cover. I like suspense. Horror is fine, but by suspense I mean it keeps my interest. Freaky is good too. I read Stiff years ago, and as odd as the subject matter was, I really enjoyed it and learned a lot. It’s one of those books that just sticks in my mind, like The Lovely Bones did. I love to be entertained by a book, (and apparently I lean toward the more morbid subject matter). I can’t stop turning the pages, but at the same time I don’t want to reach the last page.

I have several unread books on my shelf, but none of them are inspiring me right now. I want this next book to be so good I want to call in sick and read. All day.

So, what do you recommend I read next?

Yesterday was not a good day. Work was hectic and I was pulled in too many different directions. By the end of the day I was feeling like too many things were out of my control. I needed to blow off some steam. I thought about going to the gym and working out my aggressions on the elliptical, but I had already had a session with my personal trainer at 5:30 that morning. I didn’t want to overdo it, you know. I considered calming down with a beer or four. But then I’d be sure to awaken with a headache this morning, and miss my workout. You see, for the last month or so, I have eaten healthy to the point of being a boring dining companion. At the suggestion of my trainer, I have learned to tolerate protein shakes after my workouts, and eat more protein throughout the day. Carbs? Only before 3 pm (metabolism slows in the afternoon). I gave up sugary sweets over a month ago, and am doing quite well with that. I usually don’t even miss it. The fact that I plan to be a fabulous looking bride in (holyshit!) 44 days has much to do with this new way of life.

But one crappy day, and I discover a way of eating that is worse than what I was doing before I started this transformation.

keep reading Pay the piper

There was a teensy bit of milk at the bottom of Matte’s glass. Jasper just had to get it. My SD card was in my card reader, while I edited photos on my laptop, so I couldn’t capture the moment. Lucky for me, the little man obliged when I staged the second try. I call this one Jasper, Under Glass.

In the meantime, Daphne was in her cat tree, practicing putting her foot behind her head.

(Boy am I gonna hear about this one.)

Kristine‘s assignment this week is HOLY. While it has been awhile since I’ve played, this week, I knew instantly what I would submit. It’s the holiest thing in our den of sin (sinful until May 25!).

I give you, Buddy Christ, from Dogma.

Did you play? Be sure to let Kristine know too!

When the calls and conversations
Accidents and accusations
Messages and misperceptions
Paralyze my mind

Busses, cars, and airplanes leaving
Burning fumes of gasoline
And everyone is running
And I come to find a refuge in the

Easy silence that you make for me
It’s okay when there’s nothing more to say to me
And the peaceful quiet you create for me
And the way you keep the world at bay for me
The way you keep the world at bay

Monkeys on the barricades
Are warning us to back away
They form commissions trying to find
The next one they can crucify

And anger plays on every station
Answers only make more questions
I need something to believe in
Breathe in sanctuary in the

Easy silence that you make for me
It’s okay when there’s nothing more to say to me
And the peaceful quiet you create for me
And the way you keep the world at bay for me
The way you keep the world at bay

Children lose their youth too soon
Watching war made us immune
And I’ve got all the world to lose
But I just want to hold on to the

Easy silence that you make for me
It’s okay when there’s nothing more to say to me
And the peaceful quiet you create for me
And the way you keep the world at bay for me

The easy silence that you make for me
It’s okay when there’s nothing more to say to me
And the peaceful quiet you create for me
And the way you keep the world at bay for me
The way you keep the world at bay for me
The way you keep the world at bay

(Easy Silence by The Dixie Chicks)

Matte and I have been planning like crazy, so I thought I’d fill you all in on some of our plans. I’m not a normal the knot dot com bride and much of what we’re doing can’t be found on the knot either. It’s just not us to do some of the more traditional stuff. For one, there will be no garter/bouquet toss. Also, I didn’t make personalized cards to ask my bridesmaids to be part of the wedding, which I guess is the appropriate way to ask (who knew!). We’re not doing personalized water bottles, or M&Ms with our names on them, or matches, or having a bride and groom topper on our cake. My dress isn’t white or ivory, or even a traditional wedding gown color. We wanted our wedding to reflect us, and be different.

Here’s a sample of what we have planned:

The color we chose for our wedding is purple and we are incorporating it throughout. Here’s a picture of my dress (Matte, no peeking!) and Matte’s suit.

I’m walking down the aisle to the theme from Star Wars because our wedding day is also the 30th anniversary of the release of the original Star Wars (Episode IV).

Our first dance is to Magic, by Olivia Newton-John because we both love Xanadu (guilty pleasure).

Instead of flowers I will be carrying a bouquet of California produce, mostly garlic, artichokes (purple ones of course!), and grapes.

Because we are both geeks, our wedding will be broadcast over the web. We’ll be sure to post the info on our blogs ahead of time so you can log on and watch the ceremony!

This is the most nerve-wracking part. We’re tring to get Jasper and Daphne to be the ring bearer and flower girl, and have them walk on leashes down the aisle by my bridesmaids. Training has proven quite difficult. Jasper is good on the leash, but Daphne would rather tangle herself up in it and attack it. She might have to be carried.

Since we’re getting married at a winery, after we are pronounced husband and wife, we will take off our shoes and smash grapes in a barrel. If we can get enough juice, the owner of the winery said he’d try to make our very own vintage from it as a memento of our special day.

My sister is friends with the personal chef to the Mayor of San Francisco (yes, Gavin). Since it’s a Friday, and he’s available, Gavin agreed to be our officiant! I will have to try so hard not to drool.

Those are the only secrets I want to divulge right now. Must save something for the guests to discover!

I found this on Jenni’s blog. Guess I’m in a mood to eat junk food and get pampered!