Hmmm, I suppose I should back up to Day 1 and tell you how fan-freaking-tastic riding in the car along Tail of the Dragon was.  Let me tell you, there aren’t many straight highways in this part of NC.  Its alllll curves, but the Dragon has what, 318 sharp curves (many flip-flop hairpins) in 11 miles?  Incredible.  Did I mention we were in my GXP that is set up with 415 horsepower and performance suspension?  Like riding on rails.  Best roller coaster ride I ever had – with hubs at the wheel.

We drove along the Cherohala Skyway:

The Cherohala Skyway was completed in the fall of 1996 after being under construction for some thirty-four years. It is North Carolina’s most expensive highway carrying a pricetag of $100,000,000. Winding up and over 5,400 foot mountains for 15 miles in North Carolina and descending another 21 miles into the deeply forested backcountry of Tennessee. The road crosses through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests thus the name “Chero…hala”. The Skyway is becoming well known in motorcycling and sportscar circles for it’s long, sweeping corners, scenic views and cool summer breezes. (www.cherohala.com)

Seriously, you are IN THE CLOUDS at the highest point.  When we began the drive, it was 79 degrees – at the highest altitude, it was 66.  You can totally understand why they are called the Smoky Mountains.  Dotted all through the mountains, you could see fog drifting up through the trees, giving the appearance of smoke, as if it was on fire…

The name “Smoky” comes from the natural fog that often hangs over the range and presents as large smoke plumes from a distance. This fog, which is most common in the morning and after rainfall, is the result of warm humid air from the Gulf of Mexicocooling rapidly in the higher elevations of Southern Appalachia. (www.wikipedia.com)

Now, on to Day 2:

We woke to no electricity.  Apparently a limb had fallen on a power line and disrupted the power.  Perfectly fine with me.  The temperature outside is comfortable and I finished a book while sitting in a rocking chair.  Didn’t want to take off and go since I hadn’t had a shower….so…I was treated to the monotonous whining of “I’m bored”.  Ugh.   Pugs didn’t seem to mind either.

After a few hours, power was restored and all was right in the world of the teenagers.  We took some more curvy roads to Franklin, NC to visit the Fun Factory – the nearest arcade/go cart/laser tag establishment.  Wonderful drive there and back.  Words can’t properly paint a true picture of how beautiful this area of the US truly is.

Worked on a puzzle I brought along and started a new book before finally passing out on the sofa bed.  I slept like a baby for the first time since we arrived.  Sometime during the night the power went out again.  And now the cable isn’t working.  Doesn’t bother me none, but I’m sure there will be other opinions from the younger faction…

Nice photos of Hubs and Kid riding the Dragon:

http://www.photoreflect.com/store/Orderpage.aspx?pi=0QAK00QE020262&po=262&pc=2061

http://www.photoreflect.com/store/Orderpage.aspx?pi=0QAK00QE020215&po=215&pc=2061

There are a few photographers that sit at various points in the Dragon and take photos of people driving up and down the curves.

I’ll work on getting the Cherohala pics posted later…

The cabin is situated by a small creek.  All I can hear besides the snorting of my pugs is the babbling of the creek and the typical “woods sounds” that accompany mostly uninhabited woodsy areas.  Like where I grew up.  Like where I went to Girl Scout camp.  I didn’t realize how much I’d missed it.

I’m here for a week.  Hubs and kid went riding on the motorcycle already – I’m hangin on the covered porch with kid’s pal.  I don’t particularly care to be going 24/7 – especially on vacation.  I plan to stay in my jammies as long as possible today…right in this glider swing…reading by book and surfing the net.  With the pugs at my feet, quietly munching on chew sticks.  Kid’s pal is enjoying the quiet too.

I stayed up until about 1am – wired from all the cokes I drank.  I woke at 4am and actually GOT UP.  Been awake ever since.  If you know me, and how much I love sleep – this is very strange.  The fresh air and relaxation I think is the reason.  The more depressed I am, the more I tend to sleep.

I’ve already cooked breakfast, taken the dogs on a rather long walk thru some nearby trails, played on the computer, cleaned my mess up in the kitchen, watched an old episode of Three’s Company, a MotoGP race and swept the hardwood floor.  This post will be logged on Central time, but it’s really an hour later where I am.

The cabin is quaint.  Two small bedrooms, two baths, sunroom.   Wide open kitchen and den.  Furnished.  Its private property, so it’s not a commercial rental.  The air isn’t working real well, but the weather is much more temperate than it currently is in Marion, AR!  Two acres of dense woods surrounds the cabin.  Hot tub, long covered porch with inserts to keep pets or toddlers from the steps.

I’m rather proud of myself for finding this place, even if the ride here left a bit to be desired (not because the scenery wasn’t absolutely fantastic!).

Thinking about rafting, zip lining, and hiking while here.  Right now I’m happy to sit on my butt and listen to nature for the day…  ;)

Ryan

Ryan is the youngest of our Red Eared Sliders.  My daughter found him in a ditch near our home.  Currently, he is about the size of the palm of my hand.  He is in a tank by himself because our oldest RES, Tony, picks on him.  He enjoys his solitude and seems to have “come out of his shell” more – (hahaha)

(pronouns have been changed to reflect my own furry household…)

Bedtime Pet Prayer
Now I lay me down to sleep, this king sized bed is soft and deep.
I sleep right in the center groove, my human being can hardly move.
I’ve trapped her legs, she’s tucked in tight, and here is where I pass the night.
No one disturbs me or dares intrude, till morning comes and, “I want food!”
I sneak up slowly to begin, and nibble on my human’s chin.
For the morning’s here, and it’s time to play… I always seem to get my way.
So thank you Lord for giving me, this human person that I see.
The one who hugs, and holds me tight, and shares her bed with me at night.
By: Dawn from Animal Rights online

I tilled up a fair size of my backyard to level it out after removing most of a flower bed.  I figured I’d give it back to the yard since the yard keeps eating it every summer.  Bad thing is, I was tilling barefoot since my shoes kept filling up with dirt.  I now have rock bruises on both feet.  Ow.  For real.

My mom and I went to see the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus perform Mozart’s Requiem.  It was wonderful.  The Central High School Concert Singers performed along with the Chorus creating a wonderful vocal sound that would rival any professional chorus.

The Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus performs the Requiem that I enjoy the most.  On Saturday night, I felt as if I was listening to the same CD – it was incredible!

A little brown dachshund was found wandering our neighborhood and with me being the dog lady, guess who ended up with him?  Took him to the vet and he doesn’t have a chip.  He had no collar.  I’ve not seen anyone out looking for him, but he is obviously someone’s house dog.  I’m hearing from a couple of sources that he may belong to a family on the other end of the neighborhood. – who allows this dog to roam around.  wtf?  I know, I already ranted in an earlier post about this very thing – but it still makes me angry.  The little guy is scared.  He doesn’t like our pugs and doesn’t like being left alone in a strange place.  I posted signs in the neighborhood before I left for work.  I hope I get a phone call.  I hope that he wasn’t just dumped in the country

Weekend before last I did manage to get up at 5:30 Sat and Sun.  It was great.  Got lots done in the yard and in the house.  Went to the zoo with my mom, Kayleigh and her friend Destiny on Saturday.   Enjoyed myself immensely.  Then Sunday came along.  I diligently got out of bed, enjoyed my morning.  Went grocery shopping early and then…

came home and crashed HARD.  The week before I was getting up early but couldn’t manage to fall asleep any earlier.  Thursday night I did listen to some classical music while reading and it seemed to help a bit.  Being dead tired and not being able to fall asleep really stinks.

I slept most of the afternoon Sunday – and it didn’t help that I was suffering from a condition that requires copious amounts of Pamprin.  :(

Last week I did “ok” – not as good as the first week.  I fell back on the snooze button several times.  My goal is to make it two weeks with hitting the snooze no more than one time in a morning.  This morning would be day one.

This past weekend was a complete bust.  Kayleigh had to wake me up at 9:15am Saturday because she had a hair appt – I made the mistake of taking non-drowsy allergy meds Friday evening and was up allllll night.

Sunday I drug myself out of bed about 8:30 am.  I was disappointed because I really wanted to finish the housework and enjoy the weather…

All in all, I’m still set on getting up early everyday.  I do enjoy the quiet time and seem to have a better day at work when I’ve given myself the gift of “me” time each morning.

The early weekend mornings will be more difficult as there are complications with the solitude part, but I’ll just have to find a way to deal with it.  I’ll post progress on that during/after this weekend.

I am now realizing that I’ll have to create some “preparing for sleep” habits.  As I mentioned yesterday, I lay awake for almost an hour after turning the lights off.  Lifehack has some ideas that may help.

Waking up earlier to enjoy some well-needed personal time has allowed me feel less rushed and more laid back during the day.  I don’t feel so scatterbrained since I’ve spent time in the morning writing down things I need to do – kinda like dust bunny cleaning of the brain.  I don’t find that I’m any sleepier during the day (except this morning when I was in a 4 hour training class in a room that contained windows with a view of the grey rainy day.)

I feel more than a little empowered – I’ve been exercising a little each morning and feel like I could actually keep it up and make a difference to my ever expanding waistline.  Who knows – maybe I an even quit smoking!!!  Oh, but that is another challenge entirely…

I’ve been able to keep up with friends and family on Facebook by having time in the morning to read.  It’s blocked at work, so the only time I can view is at home.  I’ve also kept my RSS feed reader under control – and have enjoyed the articles (like on lifehack.org) where I usually empty the list because I’ve fallen behind.  And what do you know?  I’ve been BLOGGING this week!  What a concept!

Not only that, but I had actually backed up the time to 5:30.  Decided I’d like just a little more goof off time before work.

The biggest problem I’m having now is going to sleep.  Although you’d think I’d be dead to the world by 10pm, I’m having to force myself to turn the lights out and lay there.  I’m hoping this will work itself out soon

Was a bit less disoriented this morning.  The post it note helped.  I drew the line at running in the 40 degree weather.  I opted for the Wii Fit instead.  And a dose of Aleve before leaving for work.

Admittedly, I do feel better this early in the morning.  Usually by this time, I’m at work – still trying to wake up and feeling generally rushed and a bit sullen that I never have time for me.  I’m honestly thinking about bumping the wake up time back a little.  It would be nice to sit and read for a while.

As a side note, the pugs are having NONE of the waking up early.  They are quite put out that I’ve gotten out of bed and am not the source of warmth.  Begrudgingly they follow me to the living room and try to find warm places to lay – to keep an eye on me.  Ever vigilant for the possible ration of treats, they are

So far, the cost has been worth it.

But trader-beware.  There are many “swap” sites out there.  Be sure to do your homework and read through all the rules of the site before you begin listing books for trade.

Initially I joined paperbackswap.com.  For the trade newbie, it’s probably the best site out there.  You will get a few credits when you list a certain amount of books so you can start trading right away.  Thereafter, credits are earned by trades.  Audiobooks cost 2 credits.  Find books you want, request them, and watch your snail mail.  The site contains it’s own postage kiosk so you can pay for and print out postage for standard size/weight books – or you can go to the post office.   It’s all fine and good, but you better keep on the ball about mailing stuff out when you are supposed to!  They do not have a selection for “I can only ship out every other week” etc.  You must send in the time allotted or else have your trade cancelled and receive bad feedback.  Also, they are more stringent than most on the condition of the books to be traded.

The second site I began using was swaptree.com.  Books, video games, dvds, and cds can all be swapped on this site.  I figured that I could also list the same books here that I had on paperbackswap.com to see if there was any interest in the books I couldn’t get to trade.  More than once I ran into situations where a books was requested at the same general time from both sites.  Not a good idea to have to decline a trade.  That weighs against you on both sites.  I began listing a separate collection of books on each site after that!

Unless they have changed since I left, swaptree.com is very lax on their feedback requirements.  Yes, you have to leave feedback when you receive an item – but apparently no one cares whether or not they leave you negative feedback about a condition that you had explained in the listing.  For awhile, I listed everything as “acceptable” whether it was brand new or not.  After the 10th or 12 time I received negative feedback for something I listed very clearly in the description, I had all I could take and I closed my swaptree account.  It wasn’t worth the frustration and less than accountable members.

For a very short time – probably one weekend – I used frugalreader.com.  Woe be to any newbie there.  They are very impatient and cutthroat.  Make a mistake or not understand a policy and you can forget about anyone trading with you.

The last site I joined was bookmooch.com.  So far, it fits best with my lifestyle.  I prefer to mail out only every other week instead of 7 days after I accept a trade.  I really don’t have time to rush out to the post office every other day.  Sometimes it’s taken me up to a month to receive a book, but hey – I have plenty others to read.  Generally the membership is very helpful if you need a book sooner than later.  Several times I’ve sent pictures of books to moochers who wanted to give the book as a gift – making sure it didn’t look too used.    The site is international, but that is a whole other can of worms…

I’ve been considering marking my profile to say that I’ll only send domestically instead of “ask me if I will”.  I’ve never refused an international request, even though I wished I had when I was at the post office shelling out the money. (Yikes!)  Reciprocally, it’s not been a fun venture.  I’ve mooched internationally (other than Canada) about 4 times and 3 of those times were met with – well, let’s just say they weren’t very polite.  I’m not talking about terse email responses – I mean… well…  see the following:

fiordiligii@gmail.com to me

show details 11:47 AM (2 hours ago)

Oh my, someone has a problem. Shall I count how many times people mooched a book and I’ve waited weeks without an answer? Faithfully reserving the book for them?  You know what, I don’t have the patience for that anymore. When I see someone has been online but didn’t answer to my email I cancel … no matter what timeline. Hey, sometimes people only check once a week, but thanks to BM that’s indicated and then I wait. Most people are intelligent enough to send me a short email if they can’t immediately find a second book …absolutely no problem. As I’ve posted in my status message, I will check their wishlist against my TBR pile and we can sort out something. However, if someone DOES NOT answer, am I to smell that person has a) read the conditions (and every second person doesn not read them) and b) has accepted them?

You know what, I would rather burn the book than send it to someone who can’t accept that.

Katharina

That is what I got after I questioned why she rejected my mooch. Evidently I was taking too long to select another book to mooch (her condition to send to the states was mooching two books). What she failed to mention in her conditions was that she would cancel requests if you didn’t reply within 24 hours.

My point of this is – don’t be surprised if you are met with flaming if you ask questions.  Some people in the internet world aren’t very happy and look for anyone to take it out on.

The other thing that is frustrating about BookMooch is people abusing the vacation/available policy.  Generally, if a user cannot send out books for whatever reason, money, time, etc – they should put their account on vacation.  Not many people do this.  It’s more the rule than the exception that I see a book available to mooch, I begin the process only to read on their status that they aren’t mailing out any books right now because their 2nd cousin twice removed’s dog passed away last October and they are too broke.  Harsh?  Well, maybe.  It’s not uncommon for people to enter a status that is nearly 3 printed pages long lamenting about every sad thing that has befallen them in the past decade.  Not the place for such stuff.  Either you can or can’t mail books at a pre-designated time.  No one wants to read the sob story.

But, alas – I stay with BookMooch because the good so far outweighs the bad.  No, they don’t have a postage kiosk so a trip to the post office is inevitable but at least it’s on my own terms.   I’m still not interested in using any of the print-at-home postage services.  I can’t justify the monthly fee.  I’ve begun donating a small amount to BookMooch every month and signed up to become a BookMooch Angel Network to help people get the books they want

I am totally addicted.

Gizmo, Pax, and Bruiser's Butt

Today is Bruiser’s official 4th birthday and Gizmo & Pax’s designated 4th birthday!

I figured since the rescues were the same general age as Bruiser, I’d make their birthdays on the same day – easier to celebrate that way.  Now they all 3 can have a nice yummy at the same time and not wonder why one was getting it and not the other.

In typical fashion, I’ll go buy the the smelliest can of wet dog food I can find and serve it up in three bowls.  They will be in heaven!

I caught this post at Lifehack.org and decided to give it a go.  I’m a bit skeptical if I can do it past 5 days.  I do love hitting the snooze button on my phone until the absolute last moment that I have to rush around to get ready for work – barely making it on time.

I went to bed last night at a decent 10:15pm.  (I intended 10pm but couldn’t turn loose of the book I was reading – THANK YOU BOOKMOOCH.COM!)  I knew I wouldn’t go to sleep straight away, so I kept going over and over what I planned to do if when I got up at 5:45am (instead of the usual 6:45am).  15 minutes to wake up, 30 minutes to exercise or whatever – as long as it was ME time and not housework, 20 minutes …. etc.  You get the picture.

The alarm goes off this morning and right as I started to push “snooze”, I remembered.  Holy Crap!  I need to get UP!  Now!  lol

I did rather well waking up and doing me-time things, but was a bit disoriented because I wasn’t in a dash to get out of the house.  I know I walked from the kitchen to the bathroom several times before I remembered what I wanted to do.  Perhaps I need to leave my tomorrow self a post-it note on the counter tonight?

One day down, 4 to go!!

Sol

C. played a big part in me deciding to add to my furry family by adopting rescued pugs.  I read her blog religiously – loving to read how Benjamin, Henry, Luna, and Sol are doing.  I’m terribly saddened to read about the heart-wrenching decision they had to make to help Sol over the Rainbow Bridge.  They gave that beautiful sweetheart the best months of her life.

I often look at my little Gizmo and wonder if he remembers the horror he suffered before he came into my life.  I hope not.  I wish that he only thinks about warm fuzzy blankets to sleep on and a never ending supply of treats in the kitchen.   I’m sure that all the love C. and G. and Sol’s furry siblings gave Sol wiped away all the bad memories and she passed over the bridge knowing that she was one of the most loved pugs in the world.

Sol – say hi to Duke and Froot Loop and tell them how much I miss them…

my orchid is not dead, it’s merely on vacation.

of the three red-eared sliders I have, the smallest one enjoys his new (actually used, from a neighbor-moving-donation) 10 gallon tank all to himself.  I was right.  The much larger Tony and Stewart had been picking on little Ryan.

Teenagers do not know how they like their steak cooked – when you take them to a restaurant.

No matter how hard you try to please someone, they will treat you like poo-poo if you let them.

Jimmie won again?  Ugh.  Maybe I should DVR the races and watch them only if I know he didn’t win.

I still don’t understand why people so vehemently feel that Damien, Jason, and Jessie are guilty.  Even with no direct evidence (like DNA) to prove it.  How can a person be given the death penalty with only circumstantial evidence?  With all the mistakes made during the witch hunt investigation and trial? What would it hurt to give them another trial?  With a different judge this time?  If they are so guilty, wouldn’t it come out?  I’d gladly shut up about it if another trial proved them guilty.  (Nope, ain’t on the recent bandwagon.  Been following this since it happened in 93.  Never thought they were guilty to begin with.)

The Right Temptation wasn’t really a “terrible” movie.  The premise was good.  And I’ll take Kiefer in a seduction scene any way I can get it.

spending the entire weekend doing laundry is no fun

if it’s there, the pugs will pee on it

happiness is three pugs cuddling in bed with you

i really need to stop the Wii-Fit from collecting dust.

I don’t know that I will ever quit smoking, given my circumstances.  If they change, well – that is another story.

You don’t realize how much of your hair is on the floor/carpet until you have to dig it out of the beater bar on your vaccum.

and now for some deep thoughts