I'd like to test that theory

home again

2008-03-03T05:26:16Z

Okay, so I lived through my stage fright.

Got to Vegas, checked into our hotel, and as per instructions, called them to let them know our hotel room number. This was for the limo driver to call and let us know when they were going to pick us up.

Got up Friday morning, showered, got dressed, and waited. I was very nervous, just knowing that at least my Mom and sisters were going to be watching. With co-workers you never know, they say they'll do something then they don't.

Eleven o'clock on the dot the phone rang and the limo driver said she would pick us up at the Tower 1 entrance (we stayed at the Excaliber) at 11:30. Giant butterflies were now taking over my stomach.

Ten minutes later the phone rang again. It was the lady from Via Las Vegas Weddings. It seems that a Canadian televison film crew were there filming weddings and wanted to know if they could film ours to include it in a show.

I couldn't help it, I started laughing. This was perfect. Now I was not only making a fool of myself in front of my family and friends, I was going to be a fool in front of people in another country. All of the butterflies went away and I felt great.

I said yes.

Twenty after eleven we headed down to the entrance and let me tell you we got a lot of looks. Both of us dressed in total black and both carrying black capes lined in red. There was another couple standing outside talking to a limo driver. They were young and dressed in the traditional white. As we stepped out the door the driver said, "There, see, I told you I was waiting for someone else. You are too young to be celebrating your 28th anniversary." The girl stared, but the guy grinned. The limo driver, Laura, helped us into the limo and away we went.

From the minute we stepped out of the limo at Via Las Vegas Weddings, until we got back into the limo to leave, we were filmed by the Canadian company. I'm embarrased to admit that I was just so jazzed by what was going on that I didn't think to ask them what they were filming for. Was it for weird weddings? Was it for weddings done on leap day? Was it for weddings done at that particular company? I do know that they asked us because we were the only ones doing the Gothic service that day, so maybe just leap day weddings.

Any way, the ceremony went by in a flash. The guy doing the Grim Reaper was fun. One really nice thing that they did was work into the ceremony the fact that we were NOT exchanging rings again. Jim can't get his off and we didn't want to cut it off and buy new ones. These have done fine for 28 years and I don't want to break the luck. I can't remember right now how he phrased what he said, but it was good.

We got a copy of the service on DVD and a copy on VHS. It's archived on the Viv Las Vegas Weddings site for the next 90 days so anyone in the entire world can look at it. My Mom and my two sisters watched it live. I've spoken with my one sister, and she said it was fun. She said my Mom giggled while she was watching. My other sister put out the information on the family web site and if I could remember how to get on there I'm sure I'd find all kinds of comments. But I haven't worked up the nerve to watch it myself.

Yet.

When we got back to the hotel I thought we would change and go get some lunch (it was after 1 o'clock and although I had been up since 7 I hadn't eaten anything). Jim was fine with the lunch idea, but didn't see any reason why we should change. He thought I looked great in my black dress. So we went and had a late lunch, early dinner, in the Sherwood Cafe. Even though we were dressed in black, the waitress took one look at the red rose pinned to Jim's shirt, looked at me, smiled and asked, "Did you just get married?"

So, as you may have been able to tell, we had a wonderful time. It was as fun as I had hoped it would be and if we are lucky enough to be married for another 28 years ( which would make us 84) we'll do it again.

And I might even watch this wedding by then.

nervous

2008-02-28T08:12:09Z

It is 1:05 am and I can't sleep.

We leave for Vegas at 10 tomorrow morning. Our vow re-newal is Friday and I am more nervous about this than I was our real wedding 28 years ago.

This was all my idea, and Jim has gone along with everything I want, but now I'm having second thoughts. I wanted it to be something fun for just us, but now most of his and my co-workers say that they will be watching. So, stage fright.

Deep breath. In, Out.

To hell with everyone else. This is for us, for fun.

If you have a stray thought at noon on Friday, send it my way. We will be at the Viva Las Vegas wedding chapels, in the Main chapel, going through the Gothic ceremony for a re-newal of our vows. By Jim's request, the minister is the Grim Reaper (I wanted Dracula, but Death is okay too).

I will be wearing a long black dress with a black hooded cloak that has a red lining. Jim will be all in black as well. I bought him a Dracula cape (black with red lining of course), but I don't know if he will wear that or not. The whole thing can be viewed live via the web cam on the site, so although it's just the two of us I think we are going to have around 30 people tuning in.

Wish me luck.

(in, out, in, out)

for istaritu

2008-02-03T01:24:02Z

istaritu had this on her site and I filled it out, so now I want others to do the same. Just follow the list. :)

1) Are you currently in a serious relationship?
A.

2) What was your dream growing up?
A.

3) What talent do you wish you had?
A.

4) If I bought you a drink what would it be?
A.

5) Favorite vegetable?
A.

6) What was the last book you read?
A.

7) What zodiac sign are you?
A.

8) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where.
A.

9) Worst Habit?
A.

10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?
A.

11) What is your favorite sport?
A.

12) Do you have a Negative or Optimistic attitude?
A.

13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
A.

14) Worst thing to ever happen to you?
A.

15) Tell me one weird fact about you.
A.

16) Do you have any pets?
A.

17) What if i showed up at your house unexpectedly?
A.

18) What was your first impression of me?
A.

19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
A.

20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
A.

21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
A.

22) What color eyes do you have?
A.

23) Ever been arrested?
A.

24) Bottle or can soda?
A.

25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
A.

27) What's your favorite place to hang at?
A.

28) Do you believe in ghosts?
A.

29) Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
A.

30) Do you swear a lot?
A.

31) Biggest pet peeve?
A.

32) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
A.

33) Do you believe/appreciate romance?
A.

35) Do you believe in God?
A.

36) Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?
A.

to wide rider -

2008-02-03T00:56:06Z

See, I answered!

Part I.

Place an X by all things you've done, or remove the X from the ones you have not.

() Smoked a cigarette.
(X) Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back.
(X ) Laughed so hard you peed yourself.
( ) Been on a hay ride.
(X) Been horseback riding.
(X) Rode a motorcycle.
(X) Gone on a blind date.
(X) Skipped school.
(X) Been to Canada.
(X) Been to Florida.
(X) Been to Mexico.
(X) Been on a plane.
(X ) Been lost.
(X) Been on the opposite side of the country.
(X ) Gone to Washington D.C.
(X) Swam in the ocean.
(X) Cried yourself to sleep.
(X) Played cops and robbers/cowboys and Indians with Neighborhood kids.
( ) Recently colored with crayons.
( ) Sang Kareoke.
() Paid for a meal with only coins.
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't.
() Made prank phone calls.
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of Your nose.
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue.
(X) Danced in the rain.
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus.
(X ) Been kissed under the mistletoe.
(X) Watched the sunrise with someone you care about.
(X) Blown bubbles.
( ) Made a bonfire on the beach.
() Crashed a party.
(X) Gone roller skating.
() Gone ice skating.
( ) Gone scuba diving/snorkeling in the ocean.
( ) Been deep-sea fishing.
( ) Broken any limbs.

PART II.

1. Any nicknames? Currently, no
2. Favorite food as a child? Home canned green beans. Yum
3. Favorite drink? Pepsi
4. Any tattoos? Nope
5. Love your job? Depends on the day of the month.
6. Birthday? Yes
7. Favorite vacation spot? Vegas.
8. Ever been to Africa ? Nope
9. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? No.
10. Ever been on TV/or in a movie? Yes, too long ago to admit.
11. Ever stole any traffic signs? Yes
12. Ever been in a car accident? No
13. Drive a 2 door or 4 door? 4 door.
14. Favorite Salad dressing? Ranch
15. Favorite season? Fall
16. Favorite number? 12, don't ask me why.
17. Favorite movie? Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home What's Up Doc.
18. Favorite holiday? Halloween, cause it's the day after my birthday and when i was little my older brothers and sisters took me Trick or Treating both days. Extra loot.
19. Favorite dessert? Cheesecake
20. Favorite food? Lasagna.
21. Favorite day of the week? Tuedsay
23. Favorite toothpaste? Aquafresh Extream Clean
24. Favorite smell? Vanilla
25. What do you do to relax? Read
26. Message to your friends reading this? Pppphhhhhbbbbttttt ;)yourself
27. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Older, but still me.
28. What do you do when you are bored? Surf the web.
29. Furthest place you will send this message? My lj? That's not very far, is it?
30. Who will respond the fastest? My sister.
31. Who is the least likely to respond? Everyone else

tired

2008-01-25T04:21:06Z

Month end. Closing weekend.

Enough said.

gilesbabe @ 2008-01-21T19:48:00

2008-01-22T02:53:59Z

I keep falling off the diet wagon, but I also keep getting back on, so maybe my inner child will finally shut up and let me get on with it.

Started going to Curves this morning before work. Felt really good for a couple of hours, then started to stiffen up. Thank god for asprin. But it was fun and all of the other ladies there were very welcoming. I was surprised to see that many (6) people exercising at 6:30 am. And a group came in together at 7. Jennifer, the woman in charge, said that these ladies are retirees who come in every morning. They talk about the previous day and plan the coming one. Funny, but if I was retired I could think of better things to do at 7 am, like sleep. But that's probably why I'm in the shape I'm in.

Still writing a little bit every day. One of these days I'll get something finished.

gilesbabe @ 2008-01-16T21:57:00

2008-01-17T05:10:25Z

I ordered a cloak from a woman on e-bay. Hooded,velvet, reversable, made to order. My choice of size, length, and colors. I'm getting black/garnet, 60" long, and since I'm only 64" tall, that means it's floor length. The hem is 15' around. The pictures she had on e-bay were beauthful and if this is even close to the picture I'd say it's worth the price. $79 plus $12 shipping. There were a lot of cloaks that were less expensive, but they were just the one color and of the 'one size fits all' catagory and as any one who is a 'queen' size knows, those 'one size' don't fit all. So I know this will fit.

Got a Dracula cape for hubby on e-bay as well. This is going to be so much fun.

touch and go posting

2008-01-16T05:44:41Z

This just in - I made it!

Journal - check

Writing - check (kinda, if editing counts)

Program - shot to hell.

However, I now have great incentive. Hubby is totally onboard with going to Vegas next month and doing the tacky wedding. I've been looking at a special gown (not really expensive, but very different. Black, gothic style)and I panicked when I took my measurements to get the right size. The next thirty days are going to be focused and then I'll measure again. My goal is to be down at least two dress sizes.

Wish me luck.

oops

2008-01-15T04:34:57Z

Missed a few days.

Totally struck out. No journal, no writing, blew off the program. I think my mind got hyjacked. Somewhere deep inside me is an evil twin who is a stubborn three year old saying "NO!!" to everyting I want to do.

Does anyone else feel this way?

*sigh*

quickie

2008-01-11T05:54:32Z

Just to mark the day.

I'm here, I'm writing.

Totally blew the diet and i don't care. I'll get back on track tomorrow. No regrets, no second thoughts.

Feel kind of pissy. Still have mood swings even in menopause and I must be going through a doozy tonight.

Enough said.

Good night.

oops

2008-01-10T06:48:37Z

Went to bed, tossed and turned. Kept feeling like I was forgetting something. Just aboout to drift off when I remembered that I hadn't posted today.

Write in journal. Check
Write fiction. Check
Stay on program. Check
Execise - nope.

Oh well, three out of four isnt' that bad.

Night all

stuff

2008-01-09T06:12:09Z

Grabbed the wrong disk this morning and wound up working on something I haven't touched for a couple of months. Work was busy and I only got to do it at lunch, but I added a paragraph, so still writing. But I was a little upset with myself cause I had had a great idea for one of the two Atlantis stories and wanted to get it down. Real life interrupted after work and I didn't have a chance to write this evening.

Stayed on program again today. Yeah!! Got on the scale this morning and down one more pound, so it must have been liquids keeping my weight up after I hardly ate during my cold. We'll see tomorrow. Not looking for another loss, just as long as I don't gain.

Not so good with the exercise. It's very hard to get going. Years of a sedentary lifestyle aren't easy to overcome, but I'm working on it.

Talked to the hubby and he seems to be on board with the idea of going to Vegas for our anniversary. This one will be either 28 or 7, depending on how you count it. We got married on Leap Year Day (Feb 29th)1980. I want to find a tacky wedding chapel and do a re-newal of vows. Right now, I'm leaning towards a vampire theme. But the Egyptain one looks pretty goofy too. Or, just go whole hog and have it on the Enterprise bridge at the Star Trek experience. Hum, decisions, decisions.

gilesbabe @ 2008-01-07T20:06:00

2008-01-08T03:20:29Z

Making myself write a little something everyday may be working. I've got two active plot lines running in my brain and I am making progress (just a little but still progress) on both.

Lost one pound this week. Was a little disapointed, because as I said I didn't really eat a lot while I was sick. But I couldn't seem to get enough to drink, so maybe it's liquid and it will even out. I will not use it as an excuse to cheat. Stay on my program, I will.

I talked to my boss and my office partner, and they are both good with my coming in an hour later in the mornings. She is really happy about being able to leave at 3:30 every day instead of needing to stay until 4:30. I've never thought that it made sense for both of us to work 9 hour days when things usually get slow after 3:30. And it never gets busy before 9:00. The carriers (Fed Ex, UPS, etc) all leave by 4:00. So she can leave early and I can come in late. Now I just have to haul my butt out of bed at the normal time and go to Curves. The one nearest to where I live opens at 6:30 every morning. I don't know how busy they are at that time, I just know that in the evenings it's really busy. Since I'm new and slower I feel that I'm holding other people up, even though no one's ever complianed, so I keep making excuses to not stop. No reason now.

gilesbabe @ 2008-01-06T17:40:00

2008-01-07T00:39:27Z

Just a quick note.

Feeling better. check

Eating right. check

Writing. check

Writing in journal. check.

Okay, good to go for today.

pushing it

2008-01-06T06:56:28Z

Boy, I keep pushing the edge, but as long as I get it in intime, it counts.

Feeling a lot better today, so obiviously not normal cold cause it only took three days to get over it. Not totally yet, but better. Except for the persistant tickle in my throat that keeps making me cough, and my voice being gone, I could just have bad algergies.

Working on my story right now. Stopped to get this post in. Going pretty good at the moment. Fingers crossed.

Stayed pretty much on program today. Didn't eat everything I could have, appetite still a little off, but didn't eat anything off program so I consider it a win. I'll try to start my walking on Monday. If I walk on my breaks, that's 20 minutes of walking a day, in two 10 minute blocks. Better than nothing. Also, my boss had brought up the idea of one of us in the office coming in an hour later and staying over an hour. If I did that I could go to Curves before work.

Sounds like a plan. Now if I can just get the other girl in the office sold on her still coming in at 7.

I'll keep you posted.

just under the wire

2008-01-05T06:49:30Z

Been in bed most of the day, will probably spend most of the weekend there. Feel like crap.

Just before midnight here and I'm watching Atlantis and I realized that I hadn't posted in my journal. So here I am.

I also realized that I hadn't written anything today, so I just added a sentance to my story.

Haven't followed program today, but haven't eaten anything bad, just haven't really eaten. Soup and juice.

There, still following my resolutions. I don't care what the auto clock says, it's 11:55 pm on the 4th.

Nayh!

just a quickie

2008-01-04T04:51:18Z

I saw this on gileswench's lj and had to do it to.

I like it.

The Recipe For gilesbabe

3 parts Craftiness
2 parts Compassion
1 part Poise

Splash of Panache

Finish off with a little umbrella and straw

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

day three

2008-01-04T04:47:26Z

See, still here.

To quote Han Solo, "I feel like Hell."

My cold has settled in for a long winters nap. Another slow day at work, blessed be, and I made it through, but if I feel tomorrow morning the way I felt this morning, I'm staying home.

I managed to write two whole lines on my Atlantis story, but I did go back over what I had already written and revised quite a bit, so I'll say I did half a page.

I've stayed on my weight loss program for two and a half days, until the car drove itself through the Jack in the Box drive thru on the way home from work. Yep, drove itself. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. How does that saying go, 'there are no mistakes, just poor choices?' Something like that. Anyway, poor choice made. Been there, done that, bought the XXX T-shirt afterwards. Get over it and move on.

Later all.

back down to earth

2008-01-03T04:25:47Z

After all the craziness of month end (quarter end, year end) I actually got three days off: the 30th, 31st, and 1st. And as usually happens when I get time off in the winter months, I got sick. I think it's all the high levels of stress, then when you get a couple of days off your body is wide open to anything floating around.

This morning I woke up with clogged sinuses and a scratchy throat. Didn't feel bad enough to call in, but didn't feel good enough to want to be there. Thank god it was a slow day. I muddled through and am now sitting bundled up in my fuzzy bathrobe with all of the above symptoms as well as a persistant tickle in the back of my throat that makes me keep coughing. Not the real deep cough, just that nagging little 'hack, hack' that almost sounds like you're faking it. Oh, well, I'll take a slug of Nyquill here shortly and go to bed. Tomorrow will be another day.

I wrote maybe half a page today on my Stargate Atlantis story. I'm liking the way it's going, but... the words just don't want to flow. However, every little drip, drip, drip, will add up and as long as I keep at it the story will come.

My bed is calling. Night.

Happy New Year!!!!

2008-01-02T00:55:12Z

This year I resolve:

1. Write everyday. (check)

2. Write in my lj everyday. (check)

3. Finish my book and submit it somewhere.

4. Continue my weight loss journey. (check)

5. See Anthony Stewart Head in person. (This depends on him coming to America)

My life lately.

My muse not only deserted me, she cleaned out the reference library too. In my head she sat behind a desk in a version of the Sunnydale High School library. Now it's just empty shelves and cobwebs. Damn her. Any muse's needing a new home? I'll take good care of you, promise.

To be honest, I have lately felt the urge to write, but not Buffy. So, what the hell. It's my journal I can write whatever the hell I want. In the near future expect to see (if you are interesed and behind cuts of course) Stargete Atlantis, Forever Knight, Bones, Farscape, and, maybe, I'll be motivated to finishing some of those Buffy stories.

I joined Romance Writers of America and will be joining the local chapter even if I will not be able to go to most of the meetings. They usually meet on the last Saturday of the month, and that is always month end closing at work and since I work in the shipping office, I have to be there. I got to go to the one in Novemeber because they moved it up a week due to Thanksgiving and I met a lot of people and got the most encouragement I have ever had. I was told about a big conference in Phoenix in April and I intend to go, so that will take care of resolution #3 if I get the thing in submittable condition by then.

I started a sensible weight loss effort the first of September. By Thanksgiving I had lost 32 pounds. Over the holidays I was mostly off program and did gain weight, 7 pounds, but I expected to so I'm not upset with myself. However, I am upset with some friends of ours. Jim, my husband, had to work Thanksgiving day so our friends invited me to dinner at their house. They both commented on my weight loss so far. It was nice, since no one else in my life, work or home, had commented. I can understand since they see me everyday and the change had been gradual. This same couple invited Jim and I over on Christmas eve for dinner and to exchange gifts. My gift was a LARGE box of imported chocolates. I sat there and smiled, but it felt like a slap in the face. I had to work on the 26th so I took the box there and it was gone pretty quickly. I just don't understand. Am I being too sensitive, or was that a really thoughtless gift?

Enough for today, or I'll not have anything to write about tomorrow and blow resolution #2 before it even gets started.

for ladyforash

2007-11-12T05:55:01Z

Months ago I asked for prompts to help me through my writer's block. I got some very good ones. but although the ideas came to my mind, I just couldn't get them into the computer. There seemed to be a disconnet between the two. I would struggle for hours to write a page, and then delet it because it wasn't what I wanted to say.

Things seem to be flowing a little better now, and I have one of them finished.

This is for ladyforash and I hope she enjoyes it.

Title: Strawberry Dreams
Author: gilesbabe
Rating: FRT - Harmless really
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to these characters and am making no profit from their use. This story is strictly for entertainment purposes.

This is for ladyforash who asked for Giles, chocolate covered strawberries and her. Sorry it took so long. I hope you enjoy.

Strawberry Dreams

When Carolee had awakened that morning the pain had been so intense she almost couldn’t get out of bed. Not that lying in bed had been any less painful. The muscles in her lower back and right hip were in constant spasm; alternating between a throbbing ache and a stabbing agony.

She had certainly overdone it at work last night. Her doctor and her massage therapist were going to go ballistic.

She drew in deep breaths, trying to center herself, but it didn’t work. Hobbling to the bathroom she started to take a pain pill, but hesitated. If she was going to go to the therapist she would need to drive and she wouldn’t be able to do that if she took a pill. Best to see if she could get an appointment.

Moving slowly, she returned to the living room and called the therapists office. Knowing that she wasn’t one to complain, they told her to come on in. After she reached the office the level of pain had increased to the point where she could no longer put off taking a pill. When Kimberly, the receptionist, saw her take the prescription bottle out of her purse she rushed into the back office.

Janice came out, moving quickly to her side. “Oh, my. I knew you had to be hurting to call us this morning, but it didn’t realize that it was this bad. Come with me.” Janice led her into the cool dimness of a therapy room. “Make yourself comfortable, I’ll be back in a little while.”

Several painful moments later she was lying on her stomach under the sheet, shivering slightly. Janice knocked softly, then entered. “All set? I'm sorry, but it will be some time before anyone can help you. Will you be alright here?"

Carolee sighed. "The pill should take effect soon. Thanks for agreeing to work me in; I know that it will take a while. Are you sure I'm not in the way?"

Janice flipped a switch on the end of the table and placed a blanket over Carolee. "Not a problem, you just relax. The heating element on the bed is set on low, so you shouldn't get too warm." She attached a cord to an outlet and handed the other end to Carolee. "Just push the button if you need any help. "

Janice moved to the door, but stopped before she opened it. "I know you prefer that Bobbi or I work on you, but would you object if some one else did? We have a new therapist on staff. "

"No, anyone is fine."

Janice nodded and left the room.

***********

The dimness of the room, the soothing music, the heated bed, and the pain pill finally kicking in, had Carolee drifting in and out of sleep. When the door opened it took her a few minutes to register the fact that someone had entered the room. A large, warm, hand gently touched her shoulder as a soft, English accented voice asked, “Are you ready for me to begin?”

The voice sounded vaguely familiar, and Carolee started to twist around to look. The warm hand pressed slightly. “Now, now, none of that. We don’t want you putting any more strain on that back. My name is Bert. I know that I’m not your usual therapist, but will you allow me to help you today?”

“Go ahead. I trust Janice’s judgment. I know she wouldn’t hire anyone that wasn’t a licensed professional.”

“Very well. I’ll take a few minutes to go over your chart.” The warm hand left her shoulder and Carolee heard the man cross the room. She again started to turn, but stopped when he said, “Now, what did I say?” She settled back down and he gave a slight chuckle. “Very good.”

Maybe it was the meds, but that voice sounded so familiar. Somehow it made her feel safe and protected. Cherished. Carolee giggled. Yeah, it was the meds. Imagine, the voice of a total stranger making her feel protected and cherished. She heard the man chuckle again. "Ah, I see that you have the good pills."

Carolee giggled again, feeling embarrassed. "I don't understand, I've never had this reaction before."

"It's possible that it's a nervous response to the situation. I am a stranger and you are in a rather vulnerable position. I can leave if you would prefer to wait for one of the others."

"No, I'll be alright. As I said, I trust Janice's judgement. I'm an adult and you are a professional. I can handle this."

"As you wish." Carolee heard the rustle of papers. "I see that you had back surgery recently. Is that where the pain is today?"

"Yes, my lower back and my right hip. I manage a restaurant. I'm supposed to be on light duty; paperwork in the office, things like that, but two people called in sick last night so I was on my feet out at the hostess area all evening. I soaked in a hot bath as soon as I got home last night, but it didn't help."

"Did you take any medications last night?"

"No, I really don't like to unless I have no choice. I'm afraid if I use them too often they will lose their effectiveness." She heard Bert cross the room and could feel him standing next to the bed.

"That is a valid point, but at the same time, if you don't give your body the relief from pain that it needs, you can't relax properly and you muscles will continue to give you problems. However, I'm sure that your doctor has told you all of this already and I am here to help you, not lecture you."

He took a few steps to one side. "I find that it helps some people to relax if I use a scented massage oil. I have three scented oils and a non-scented one. Which would you prefer?"

"What are the scents?"

"Sandalwood, lavender, and strawberry."

Carolee sighed. "Strawberry, please."

Bert gave another little chuckle. "Somehow I knew that you would chose that one. Strawberry it is." There was small 'clink' of glass touching glass then the smell of strawberries drifted through the room. Bert pulled the sheet down to just above her surgery scar. His hands settled on her shoulder blades and he left them there for a few moments, allowing her to become accustomed to the touch.

"My word, no wonder you are having problems. Your shoulders feel like knotted ropes. You must have a great deal of stress in your life right now."

"Yes, quite a bit."

"Then it will be my pleasure to ease some of it for you today. I am going to use a deep massage. Let me know if I am causing you any discomfort."

"I will."

His hands moved up to the top of her shoulders and swept down on either side of her spine. Pushing in slightly, he moved back up. The warmth of his hands, the scent of the oil and the rhythmic movements had Carolee drifting in a pleasurable haze.

Over the next hour Bert worked miracles on her aching back and kept up a soft, unobtrusive, conversation. Carolee found herself telling him about her job, her friends, and her love of strawberries, especially chocolate covered ones. She also found herself telling him about something that she had never expected to tell a stranger: her love of reading and writing fan fiction about the Buffyverse and in particular her love for the character of Rupert Giles.

Bert chuckled again, but Carolee didn't mind. Somehow she knew he wasn't making fun of her. Shortly after her confession Bert stopped speaking and she fell asleep.

***********

"Carolee." A hand gently jiggled her shoulder. "Carolee, wake up."

She opened her eyes and saw Janice standing next to the bed. "Hi." She blinked and realized that she felt pain free and well rested. "What time is it?"

"It's 2:30. You've been asleep for five hours."

"2:30!" She sat up on the bed, pulling the sheet around herself. "I have to be at work at 5:00. I can't believe I've been asleep that long." She gave a little stretch. "And I feel great. Bert is a miracle worker."

Janice frowned slightly. "Who?"

"Bert, your new therapist, the one who came in and worked on me."

"Sweetie, our new therapist's name is Beth and she is the one who worked on you."

"No, it was a man named Bert." Carolee felt a small trace of alarm.

"Beth said that she spoke to you and you told her to go ahead. She said that you fell asleep right away and slept through the entire treatment. You must have had a dream."

"A dream? But it seemed so real."

"What did he look like?"

"I didn't see his face, he told me not to move around, that it would twist my back." Carolee sighed. "He had the most beautiful English accent." She frowned a little. "He sounded familiar, like I knew him from somewhere." She sighed again. "Of course, someone that nice would be a dream. Oh, well. I need to go, I have to get ready for work."

Janice nodded and left the room. Carolee dressed quickly and went out to the reception area. A pretty blonde girl stepped up. "Hi, I'm Beth. I hope I helped you today."

Carolee smiled. "Yes, I feel great. You are a very good massage therapist." The girl nodded and went back into the treatment area. Carolee paid for her treatment and again thanked Janice for letting her come in without an appointment.

On the drive home and all evening at work she kept thinking about 'Bert'. She had never had such a vivid and realistic dream. And that voice, there was just something about that voice. She wished she could remember where she had heard it before.

When she slept that night it her dreams were of strong, gentle hands and a beautiful English voice.

********

The next morning she had just finished breakfast when she heard a knock on her front door. Looking out the window she saw a UPS truck in her drive. What on earth? She hadn't ordered anything online lately. There was another knock, and shrugging she went to answer the door.

"Delivery, will you please sign here?" The man handed her an electronic device and a plastic stylus. Carolee wrote her name on the line and handed the device back. He handed her a box approximately 12 inches square and left. She closed the door, crossed over to her couch, and sat down.

Opening the box revealed a layer of packing peanuts. Digging deeper she felt the shape of another box. She scooped the styrofoam out and discovered an envelope on top of a red box with the logo 'Berry Gourmet' written on it. The envelope had her name on it and she picked it up, setting the box on the floor. She opened the flap and pulled out a card. The front of the card was a picture of a deep red strawberry. Her hand began to tremble as she opened the card.

Dear Carolee,

Or perhaps I should say, My Dear ladyforash.

There are times, very brief and very infrequent times, when those of us who reside in what you call the 'fictional' world are permitted to cross over into your reality. Yesterday was one of those times.

Our experience together was real. I was allowed to place the memory in the mind of that young lady so that she believes that she was the one who gave you your treatment. This was necessary, so that the others would not be aware of my trespass.

My actions yesterday were little enough compensation for the love and respect you have always shown my character in your fiction. I hope that in some small measure I was able to ease your pain.

Enjoy my gift. I wish I could be there to share them with you.

Affectionately,

Rupert (Bert) Giles.

Carolee stared at the card for a long time, reading it again and again. Finally she put it down and removed the smaller box. Opening it she discovered a dozen chocolate-covered strawberries.

she's baaaaack

2007-11-06T05:33:01Z

Hello.

I went to Burbank this past weekend for what had been advertised as the Final Farscape covention run by Creations Entertainment. I had gone to the very first one with a dear friend who has since died, and I intended this to be a bit of a pilgrimage.

I will go into the experiece in great detail tomorrow, though I am warning you that a lot of it will be a rant. I also had a really great two hours with wide_rider. We discussed our mutual love for our sexy Watcher, plot bunnies, and frustration at writers block. I promised to keep in touch with the journal group, and I will keep that promise. I also said that I would work on a specific story, and I did, but I didn't finish it yet.

Speaking of frustration, I just got home. I should have gotten home at 1:20 this afternoon, but Burbank was fogged in this morning and I missed my connection in Las Vegas. I spent 8 HOURS at the airport there because the other two flights to Tucson were full and I had to wait for the last one. I am not a happy camper. The airline, Southwest, didn't offer any kind of compensation, because it was weather related and beyond their control. I was not the only one, and at least I could entertain myself by reading, playing the slots ( I won $60) etc. I really felt sorry for the woman who was traveling with three kids under the age of 8. I don't know where they spent the time, but she really looked frazzled.

Enough for today, I'm going to bed now.

Wow

2007-06-26T02:14:18Z

Some very interesting prompts.

All the way home from work today I was working around an idea for ladyforash. If I can start writing on it in a little while, I might have it ready to post tomorrow.

This is SO nice. To have ideas in my mind and be eager to write. I've missed this.

prompts

2007-06-25T04:17:57Z

I need to get back into the habit of writing every day, but I just can't seem to get going on any thing that I have in progress.

So I would like to ask a favor. I know I did this before, and it did help for a while.

I am asking for prompts for either drabbles or ficlets.

Anybody? Anything? Any pairing, I'll even try slash if you don't mind it being implied slash. I just don't think I could write man/man smut. One of the authors I've been reading on Wraithbait, likethekoschka, does a fantastic John/Rodney series that is never more than 'R' rated and that's for the language. I might be able to do something similar if someone wants me to try.

So, prompts anyone?

Please?

i'm hopeless

2007-06-24T00:17:59Z

Oh, dear lord, I've done it again.

It's been more than two months since I've posted. Almost that long since I've logged on.

I haven't been writting. I missed a deadline to submit a story to the Summer of Giles. It was due last week and I still haven't gotten it written. I also signed up to post a story on the 3rd of July and if I'm really lucky I'll get this one done in time for that.

I don't know what's wrong with me. Maybe it's just the summer blah's. Tucson gets pretty hot and going out during the day isn't something you do unless you have to, and with the hubby working 8:00 pm to 2:00 am if I were to go out in the evenings it would be by myself, and I'm too much of a chicken to do that.

Work has been unreal. Each month is getting more hectic, and I'm not the only one saying that. Even the boss is admitting that we need more people, but corporate has it's eye on the precious bottom line, so we are just getting worked into breakdowns instead.

Thursday evening on the way home from work my car died. Hotest day of the year, so far. 109. Thank god I wasn't actually in the intersection, but I was close. Rush hour traffic and everyone just honking and shaking their fists at me for being in the way. Though I don't know, if I had been in the intersection I probably would have gotten help sooner. Even a police car drove by me, igoring my flashers. It was almost ten minutes before someone stopped. I was in tears and shaking when this angel in a black Dodge pickup truck pulled in front of me, jumped out, got a rope out, tied our cars together and pulled me into a nearby parking lot. I'm so embarrased that I didn't get his name. He acted like it was no big deal, just something that he did every day.

That was around 5 o'clock and hubby usually sleeps until 6:30 so I knew I had a while to wait before he could come for me. I went into a nearby fast food place and called our answering maching so he would know why I wan't home and where I was. I was watching for him, but my phone rang instead. His car wouldn't start either. However, I had forgotten that when we got this car we had upped our insurance to full coverage, so he called them to see about getting me towed.

Well, because it was such a hot day and they had so many other cars needing towed, and because I had someplace safe to stay out of the heat, I was considered a low priority. The tow truck didn't get there until 7:30. Hubby works about five blocks from the Pep Boy's where we had the car towed, and his boss agreed to come get me, take me home, and pick him up for work. Working for a small business can have it's perks, sometimes. She even towed his car to the Pep Boys so we could get it worked on too.

It turns out that the clips that hold the fuel filter in place had broken and the filter had shifted so that there was no gasoline getting to the engine. They were surprised that it happened while I was driving. The mechanic said that something like that usually occurs at engine start-up. They also said that I was lucky that the car hadn't caught fire, with the way the gas was spraying over the hot engine. Whatever. It was an easy and reletivly inexpensive fix. Only $100 parts and labor. Hubby's car had two sensors in the engine that needed to be replaced. He told me that he had been having trouble with it lately, but hadn't said anything cause he hadn't wanted me to worry since he drives so late at night. His was a little more expensive, but still an easy fix. $250 parts and labor. We got both cars back yesteday and he says his hasn't driven this smoothly for months, so probably one of the sensors was already bad, and then the second one went Thursday.

Okay, that's it for the doom and gloom. Now on to the nice things that have happened lately.

Some sweet person nominated two of my stories for round six of the Fang Fetish awards. Each award cycle they have a speciality catagory and for round six it was called Watcher's Corner. In the upcoming round seven it is stories featuring Willow. Anyway, I was surprised when I was informed that I had been nominated, and even more surprised when I got the e-mail telling me I was among the winners. I put the banners on my front page. They are: Watcher's Corner, Best Het Winner 'Somewhere in Time', Watcher's Corner, Best Het Runner-up 'It's Not Easy Being Green Carded', Judges Choice, 'Somewhere In Time'.

Woo Hoo!!!!

Earlier this year I started gaining weight again. There is no way in hell I am going to say exactly how much I gained and what my weight was when I finally had a wake up call. The first week in May I started a new eating program. I hate to say 'diet' cause I always fail on those. So far, so good. I've slipped a couple of times, but never for more than one day. Two meals, tops. So I recorded my starting weight on May 3rd. Why a Thursday you are thinking? I don't know. Maybe because I'd always started a 'diet' on a Monday before and I was being superstitious. As of this last Thursday morning I had lost 21 pounds. That's an average of 3 pounds a week, which is a healthy amount, and it has been steady so this isn't just water that I'm losing. An indicator of how much I do weigh is that I've lost that amount and no one has noticed any change yet. Pretty bad, huh?

I have a goal weight for my next birthday. If I can manage to keep losing an average of 2 pounds a week, I'll make my goal. I have a trip planned for the first weekend in November and that is my incentive. I'm going to be in Burbank for a fan convention. If I reach my goal, I'm going to have my picture taken with Ben Brouder.

Well, that's what's been going on in my life lately. Pretty dull for the most part. I'll try not to stay away so long again.