What good is after the fact?

I spent pretty much all of last week being scared.  

I was scheduled to go in for a procedure at the hospital on Monday.  The procedure itself was pretty standard, but I was going to be anesthetized, and this scared the bejeesus out of me.  

When I was thirteen I got hit by a car and broke my leg in three places.  The aftermath of the accident became all jumbled and blurred.  Due mostly I believe, because I was in shock.  Now shock, that is a great state of being.  I felt no pain.  I wasn't anxious.  I remember being pretty calm for a kid who had a balloon cast wrapped around her leg.  The sounds from the ambulance were soothing.  That's right I said soothing.  Have you ever heard an ambulance?  They are a lot louder when your inside of them.  But for whatever reason, on that day, it was soothing. 

Probably because I equated it with being safe.  I don't know.

I did a lot of reading on the procedure I was scheduled to have on Monday (thank god for the Internet) and by the time Monday rolled around I wasn't nervous about that part.  I have been seeing this doctor for about twelve years and I keep up on her credentials yearly, but the Anesthesiologist was a total mystery to me.  The hospital could not tell me who would be working my case as they are staffed by an anesthesia group.  Yes, I did call the group.  All they could tell me was they had ten people scheduled to work the OR's that day.  Ten.

Yes, I did check all of them out (whatever) and no red flags for any of them.  So guess what?  Monday, the doctor and CRNA who showed up for my procedure were not on my list.  Go figure.  So here is what I want to know.  I have their names and I can research them now, but is it worth it?  What if I find out something bad?  Will I freak out?  Would you? Come on, you just read this post right?  I am a little bit neurotic and I don't know if knowing would be a good thing in this case, especially since the procedure is over and I feel great!  What do you guys think?

In a New York Minute...Someone's going to jail

It's that time of the week again...Fun and Games with K&K

Check it out!

Truman had stayed at Grace’s into the early morning but still found himself awake by eight.  In anticipation of the first cup of brew, he showered and decided to hit the mall.  He knew it would be a mad house, but he needed to get through his Christmas shopping.  Grabbing his coat, he headed toward the stairs with a detour to Harper’s room.

Smacking the door with his fist, he pushed it open and walked in without waiting for an invitation.  She was already dressed in her usual–jeans and hoodie– curled up on her window seat under an old flannel blanket, staring out at the grey, overcast landscape.

   

Moving her head in his direction, she smiled and asked, “How’d it go last night?”

Truman felt a hitch in his chest, and rubbing the spot, pictured Grace when he left.  Curled up asleep on the couch, snoring like a trucker and out like a light.  One corner of his mouth tipped, and he said, “Pretty great.   We watched a movie and fell asleep on the couch.  Mrs. M woke me about two and booted me out.”

Rising, Harper rearranged the blanket around her shoulders before facing him, “Wow, Tru.  You actually spent the night with a girl–or part of one anyway– and all you did was sleep?”

“Hey,” he said on a half laugh, even as he picked up a stuffed bear from her bed and tossed it her way.

“Hey nothing,” she shot back, gracefully catching the toy and setting it back in place.  “This is Grace we’re talking about.  Not some slutty college girl.  You better not mess this up, Truman.  I mean it.” 

“I think Grace is old enough to take care of herself,” he said as his back went a little straighter.  “I know you love her, but what happens between us is none of your business.”

“Oh really,” she smirked parking her hands on her hips in a trademark Harper move that pushed the flannel blanket over her shoulders cape-like, reminding him of the super-hero cartoons they used to watch as kids.  “Okay hot-shot.  What happens when you go back to school and your slutty ways?  Who do you think will be left to pick up those pieces?”

“Alright, I’ll make a deal with you,” he supplicated, holding up both hands.  “You tell me what happened with Haas–and I mean the truth this time–and you can give me all the advice you want when it comes to Grace.”

Truman watched in stupefied fascination as the blood drained from her face even as she pulled the blanket tighter and tucked her arms across her chest.  The defensive position only acted as more proof that something happened between Harper and the music teacher.  By nature, he wasn’t a patient man, but after last night, he was positive this needed to be handled in a more delicate manner.  And not the way he and Owen were going to go about it.

 

Biting off the words, Harper turned away from Truman and snarled, “Hopefully she won’t stay stupid too much longer.  With any luck, she’ll see you for the man-whore you really are.  Preferably sooner rather than later.”

“Man-whore huh,” he asked, trying to inject some levity back into the conversation, “Aw Harpy, I love you, too.”

 

“Shut-up.”

 

“Listen.”  Deciding a change of subject was a good idea, he asked, “Do you want to go with me to the mall.  I need to finish my Christmas shopping, pick up a gift I ordered and–“

“Not today, you’re not.”

 

“Huh?”

“I can’t believe you don’t remember.  Dad has been going on about it, only all week.”

At the mention of Dill Simonson, Truman’s confusion vanished.  “Shit, is that today?”

 

“Yep.  Don’t worry; we can go after we get back.”

Hunting down the Simonson Christmas tree was an annual tradition that the whole family took part in.  Their father spearheaded them all outside of town to a local tree farm where they spent family time searching for, arguing over–well Mom and Dad did–and cutting down the perfect tree. 

 

He couldn’t believe he forgot about it.  Patting the pockets of his jacket, he looked for his cell phone.  He needed to send Grace a text and tell her they would have to meet later than their agreed upon time.  A frown pleated his brow when he realized it wasn’t there.  

Dill Simonson’s voice drifted up the stairs to them, “Come on kids.  Get a move on it.  We need to get going, or all the good trees will be gone.”

                                   ***

When the Simonsons pulled up into their drive five hours later, Grace was waiting on the porch.  Truman’s heart took one quick jolt and then stuttered back into rhythm.  She looked amazing in her winter weather gear.  Pink bubble coat, white hats and mittens, along with dark denim jeans and her pink Uggs, she looked more than ready to go play in the snow.

Pushing away from the truck, he smiled and jogged up the steps.  His breath came fast in a fine vapor cloud that danced on the wintery breeze.  Stopping one step below, he grabbed her hand and said in a soft voice, “Hey, you.”

Truman watched her face, instantly noticing her refusal to meet his eyes.  What the…?  Where was the fun-loving girl from last night?  He thought it went pretty well, but in the light of day she didn’t seem happy to see him. 

 

“Hey.”  Digging into her pocket, she pulled out Truman’s cell phone and held it out for him.  “You left this at my house last night.  I thought you might need it.”

In a quick dash around him, she made way for the street where her car was parked.

 

The everyday sounds of his family barely penetrated as he watched her mad rush across the yard.  The garage door raising, his mom and dad calling out a greeting and an invitation for Grace to help with the tree, Harper hurrying to Grace’s side while her cell phone blasted Debussy.

Looking down at the phone in his hand, he noted the seven missed calls and the number they came from and cursed under his breath.  Shit and shit. 

 

He looked up just in time to see Harper stop Grace with a touch even as she placed the cell to her ear.  He couldn’t hear the conversation, but saw the panic as it swept across her features.  Jumping from the step he was on, he hurried to his sister and the girl he…  The girl he what?  Loved?  Did he?  Could he? 

 

Grace looked up and met his gaze.  Well it was obvious; whatever she was feeling for him at that moment, it most definitely wasn’t love.   Sorrow, such as he’d never seen, swamped her features.  Before he could explain about the phone calls, Harper caught both their attention with her announcement.

“Oh my God, Grace.  We need to go.  Owen’s been arrested.”

Get your dance on...

I am out of pocked for a few days but didn't want to leave you guys empty handed. 

This is one of my favorite videos of all time. 

Enjoy...

Have a great day everyone!

A Reminder: Everyday is a Gift

I was working this morning and had a lovely conversation with a counterpart acquaintance.  We were discussing vacations.  We were sharing, as you sometimes do, when you make small talk on the telephone.  She is making a trip to visit a sister in a few weeks.  Valentine's Day to be exact.  When she mentioned the date, it didn't click at first, just didn't sift through. 

Than I mentioned the trip the Captain and I are taking to memorialize twenty years together and she was enchanting.  It took us down another path of past vacations and she shared some lovely stories with me about some of her cherished vacation memories and the husband she had spent them with.  

She reminded me that everyday is to be viewed as a gift and not to take one moment for granted.  The light started to shine.  I asked how long she had been married and she told me it was almost forty years when her Mick passed away from cancer.  But she didn't dwell on what was no more, instead she chose to remember the good times.  The funny times and even the hard times when they were just the two of them, taking a road trip from Illinois to Maine because they had both decided they wanted real Maine lobster.  

No plans on that trip.  Just a car, a couple of bags, a cooler and each other.  They had only so much time for their trip but they were just going to see where the road took them.  That is still one of her most favorites as they made no plans and were surprised each day.

It was a lovely discussion and before I knew it an hour had passed.  We still had to review the original business that had her calling me in the first place, but after the call I realized it was one of the nicest hours I had spent this week.  She reminded me that life is not finite and each day should be cherished.  

I was starting to get excited about the trip that we have been planning for almost a year and getting myself worked up. You know what I mean.  Clothes, camera's, Passports, new suitcases, yadda, yadda, yadda.  And after speaking to her I am more relaxed, oh don't get me wrong, I am still going to get myself worked up in the days leading up to the trip, but I am going to try, to not get worked up if something doesn't go the way I thought it should in my head.  Take it one day at a time.

Be glad for the gift of time I have with this wonderful man right now and know that there are folks in the world who would give anything to have just one more day with their loved ones.  To all of you that get to spend the evening with your favorite person, make sure you remind them today why they are.  For all of you that have lost that someone special, know that my heart is a little heavier today, but I hope you got to have the life that Linda and Mick had together. 

And Mick, wherever you are...you did good.  While she thinks about you every day she still travels and goes on in your honor.  What a great legacy to leave behind.

Some hot guy diving off the boat...

I am so glad today is Thursday and Karla is up on deck with Fun and Games cuz that means that I don't have to be witty or even really entertain today.  No I am not lazy, I am just feeling the effects of the margarita's I had last night.  All two of them.  Man!  Am I a light weight or what.  I switched to water, mainly so I didn't fall asleep on our guests.

So...if you don't know how to get to Karla's blog just click here.  Let's see what she did with her write up this week. 

And for a quick and entertaining video I give you the Captain.  Here he is, in the place he loves to be the most.  This is where we live and how we spend our summers.  It's quick and painless, I promise.

Awwww...  What?  Isn't that what you're all thinking?  By the way, I think I did a pretty good job with editing of that one as well.

Hey, Phil...don't look now, no really don't look.

Today is the day that we wait for that lovable Punxsutawney Phil to make his appearance and let us know if winter will soon be over.  

Me, I am hoping Phil doesn't see his shadow.  I am wanting summer to get here sooner, rather than later.  Me and the Captain are starting to exhibit signs of  boating withdrawal, and let me tell you that can get pretty ugly.

So here is what I want to know.  If it is cloudy when Phil emerges and he doesn't see his shadow than summer is coming sooner.  But if he does see his shadow, he will go back to his burrow and we have six more weeks of winter.  Isn't that backwards.  Phil's been stuck underground for all this time.  Wouldn't you think he would be looking forward to getting out and socializing or at the very least just stretching his legs?  Of course I am not a groundhog, so what do I know? 

A bit of trivia that I thought you guys would all want to know, Groundhog Day is one of my favorite films.  Cracks me up each and every time I watch it, plus its a tradition for the Captain and I to dust off our copy and watch it yearly, whether Phil sees his shadow or not.  

We have a couple of friends over, make up my "Groundhog Inspired Chili", throw together some Groundhog punch, which is eerily similar to my awesome Margarita's.  I also put together a platter with pretzels, nuts and smoked sausage; well you guys get the picture.  We make an evening out of it and and have a great time too.

So from me and mine to you and yours...Happy Groundhog Day!

Just in case you are wanting some more information regarding Groundhog day, you can check out the official website right here.  So tell me, how are you going to be spending your Groundhog day?  If you don't have any plans, your always welcome to come and join our party.

Fun and Games...It's in our 12th Week

Grace ground the gears for what seemed like miles before she pulled into the safety of her driveway and turned off the engine.  While she was fired up, she had the ability to drive the truck just fine.  Once the adrenaline rush wore off, she was suddenly crazy, klutz girl with a clutch.

 

Setting the emergency break, she picked up her phone and looked at the screen. 

Under control.  Headed home.  See you soon. 

Sighing, she grabbed her bag and headed up the walk.  A glance at the clock told her it was riding up on ten, and her stomach growled in protest.  Letting herself into the house, she made her way to Mrs. Maguire’s room to let her know she was home.

    

This was so not how she had pictured the night ending.  She made quick work of removing her make-up and changing into a pair of flannel pajama bottoms and the long-sleeved Henley that belonged to Truman once upon a time.  Pushing her feet into well-worn slippers, she grabbed her cell before heading back downstairs.

In the den her dad dubbed his man cave, she fiddled with the various remotes until she had the large TV up and ready for a DVD.   Since she was in the mood for a chick-flick, she decided to go with While You Were Sleeping.  It was her cousin Abby’s favorite movie.  Holding up the DVD, she silently toasted her cousin who was currently traveling through Italy.

 

As the opening credits rolled, Grace made her way to the kitchen with a detour to the front door when the bell announced a visitor.  Positive it was Owen coming to collect his truck, she didn’t bother to check. 

Truman smiled when she opened the door.  Holding out the bag in his arms, he said, “I come bearing gifts.”

Leaning into the door, she said, “So I see.”

Time seemed to stop as they stood on either side of the threshold studying the other.  Clearing his throat, “I was glad to see you made it home okay.”   Turning, he looked at Owen’s truck parked at the curb, “Do you think he’ll need it back tonight?”

Grace shrugged in response.

“So,” Truman started, “can I come in?”

Another shrug, and Grace stepped back in order to allow him to pass. 

Truman made straight for the kitchen.  He knew the layout of Grace’s home as well as his own.  Setting the bag on the counter, he quickly pulled out the various cartons of food.  “I know we never did get our dinner, and I figured you were probably starving right about now.”

“I was going to make a grilled cheese,” she replied as her stomach acknowledged his comment.

Truman made a face and responded, “It’s a good thing I got here when I did.  Besides, I brought your favorite.”

Grace stood studying the young man in front of her.  All six foot three of him.  From the blaze in his green eyes all the way down to the soles of his feet.    What was it about him that had her heart all aflutter?     She couldn’t even remember when it changed.  When he went from being a friend to the guy she was mooning over.  Was it something he did?  Something he said? 

She wasn’t sure if it was a good idea for her and Truman to even flirt with the idea of dating now.  She knew about the girls at school.  Harper made a point of telling her about each and every one.  Also, she’d worked hard and she didn’t want anything getting in the way of her plans to study in England next year.  No one knew she received an early acceptance last week to study at Oxford.  Not even Harper.  She had wanted to soak it in a little, before telling everyone, and then the whole thing with Haas happened, and it just never seemed like the right time.

 

Becoming a forensic anthropologist was something she had wanted to do since she discovered an old arrowhead up at Lake Geneva during one of their trips when she was nine.  The possibilities of who could have touched or even made that arrowhead seemed limitless and turned a nine year old girl into a dirt loving fiend that summer.

Harper had been appalled at the idea of crawling through the dirt, but Truman understood her fascination, encouraged it even.  They spent endless hours combing the area around the lake for more ancient artifacts.  Using a metal detector that Truman’s dad got for them, they discovered coins, bottles and various other novelties during their searches.

That had been the summer Truman became her friend as well.  No longer just Harper’s annoying older brother, the two had bonded over long lazy days spent exploring and cataloging their finds. 

 

Now, he stood before her, more man than boy, with a power over her he didn’t even know he wielded.  Plus, there was the whole mess with Harper and what happened at that party.  Did he know?  Had she told him?

Truman stood still while Grace studied him and watched the play of emotions as they danced across her face.   Forehead scrunched, she chewed on her bottom lip all the while keeping her eyes steadied on his.     He’d always been fascinated with her thinking process.  Or maybe if he were honest, he had just always been fascinated with her.  For whatever reason, he’d deemed her off limits, deciding she was more Harper’s friend than his.  Now, he wished he could turn back the clock and spend more time with her before he had to go back to school.

Crossing her arms over her chest, “Did she tell you what happened at the party?”

“No.  She didn’t.  Gave me some lame bullshit excuse that­­…” Truman did a double take when he realized the shirt she was wearing was his.  And his favorite one, too.  He thought he left it at the lake house last summer, “Is that my shirt?”

A lovely shade of red zoomed up her neck and attached to her cheeks.  “Stop changing the subject.  Did she tell you?”

Truman looked at Grace, “No.  Do you know what happened?  Has she said anything to you?”

Shaking her head, Grace moved toward the cupboard that held the plates, “Nope.  Let me guess, she Jedi-mind tricked you again?  Right?”

The comment brought Truman up short.  “Damn it.  That’s exactly what she did,” he sputtered while holding out a pair of chop sticks for Grace.  “How does she do that?  Every damned time?”

“Girl’s good,” Grace said as she helped herself to Moo Goo Gai Pan.  “Speaking of, is Owen still with her?”

“Yeah, they were going to scarf down some food and catch a movie.”

“That’s what I was getting ready to do.”

“Let me guess, Singing in the Rain,” he asked, positive he was right.

“No smartass,” she sneered.  “While You Were Sleeping.”

“Just kill me now,” he moaned even as he picked up his plate and followed her into the other room.  “I bet Harper isn’t torturing Owen with a girly movie.  That lucky bastard is probably watching an action pic, even as we speak.”

Looking over from where she had curled up at the end of the sofa with her plate balanced on her knees, Grace answered, “You could always go and join them instead.”

Truman stood in the doorway, watching her attack the food on her plate, taking in her freshly scrubbed appearance, and realized a chick-flick didn’t sound all that bad after all.  In fact, there wasn’t anywhere else he would rather be and that included watching the latest Bruce Willis release with his kid sister.  Go figure.

It was a promise I had to keep...

And the winner is...

So the week before last we had a book review and you know what that means.  I give a book away.  I was supposed to announce a winner on Friday and I completely forgot.  I could go on about the changes that I have been dealing with, but that seems less stand-up than just saying it was an oversight on my part, one that I have to correct.

Today I am.

And the winner is...

Wait!

Do you want to know how I picked a winner?  Do you even care?  Maybe not.  Yeah, I am pretty sure you guys don't care how we picked a winner.  But since this time I wanted to make sure the contest was fair and just, I enlisted-and I haven't done that since the Navy-the help of my wonderful husband, Captain Kid.

For those of you who didn't know, he is an avid gamer.  Has a clan of brothers; the whole deal.  Anyway, last night I put a name for each of the contestants into a cup.  Mainly because we didn't have a hat handy, so we improvised.  The deal was simple.  He would pick a name, play a map and note down his score at the end.  After he had finished six maps we tossed out his high score-sorry Abby-and his low score-sorry Karla-and then put the rest of the names back into the cup and let Charlie pick a winner. 

The winner on that ticket was...

Patty Blount!

Congrats Patty.  I am going to be sending you a copy of Janet Millers' Promises to Keep.  I hope after you have had a chance to read it you will let me know what you thought of it.  Thanks for playing ladies and good luck next time.

Let the Normal Begin

Well it's official.  Today is the first day of my new working life, where I don't have to do anything but get up, walk to my office and work. 

I promise to keep you guys appraised of how it goes, but in the meantime I need to go and catch up on my blog reading.  I have missed a bunch for the past two weeks and I am just ready for my routine back.  It will probably be different now, but I am okay with that.  I just feel a little disconnected and out of the loop right now. 

Some don't like routine, but for me there is comfort in the idea of having a set schedule.  Knowing things are done they way they are supposed to be done, when they are supposed to be done.  So today will be the beginning of the new schedule and we will see how it goes.  

So here's to me and hoping that this new endeavor goes well.  Catch you guys in the blogs.

Times...they are a changing.

For those of you who didn't know I am in the middle of a move.  Not personal, but a business move.  

It has been a little disconcerting and tomorrow will be the first day that I get to spend in my newly outfitted home office.  No more rushing off to move this or get that turned off.  No more driving forty-five minutes across town in rush hour to get to the office by 7:30.  No more eating out at lunchtime, okay, I didn't really do that all that often, but it was nice knowing I could if I wanted to.

Now I have a twenty second commute.  Can I just say there is joy in those words for me.  I don't have to put on make-up, unless I want to.  I can forgo the bra-gasp-if I want to.  I probably won't, because lets face it, the girls just aren't as perky as they used to be, but I like knowing I now have that choice.  Breakfast is something I will actually have time for in the mornings, and I can even have it with the Captain if I choose.  

This change is something I have been dreading, but I decided that I needed to back into it from a different angle.  Instead of dread I am embracing.  I hope that it turns out to be better than I expected, and that I don't go crazy in the interim.  I am not a social butterfly, but I always enjoyed the easy camaraderie I shared with my co-workers.  I still have them, they are just scattered to our Arizona office now.  

So the winds of change have been blowing for me since the beginning of the month, but thankfully the hurricane force winds are just now starting to die down.  I hope this means I have weathered the storm and not just that the eye has moved overhead.  Only time will tell.  

On a brighter note, today is Thursday so that means Karla is up with her next installment of Fun and Games.  Make sure you check it out here.

OMG Becky...Look at her Butt

Since I hate it when I don't have anything for you guys I thought I would share this video with you today.

Last night Gracie Lou was hanging out with one of her kitty friends down the street.  She was telling a joke about two Tom Cats when this big Persian walked by and this was her friends reaction.

Enjoy!

Again with the Fun and Games

So you guys got a couple of extra treats in the Fun and Games department.

Karla was on deck yesterday with another snip, so just in case you missed it check it out here.

Okay when we last left off Truman had come to the rescue...lets see what happens next.

Owen held the door open so Grace could climb in, which was no easy feat since the truck seemed to loom two stories above her head.  Once settled, he hurried around and hopped into the cab, starting the truck with a quick twist.  Forcing the gears, he squealed out of the driveway backwards at breakneck speeds even Grace wouldn’t have attempted.

Fastening her seat belt, Grace said, “Owen.  Slow down.”

Chastened, Owen slowed the truck.

After a few minutes, Grace said, “By the way, I don’t think you’re a pussy.”

“What?” Owen’s head swung in her direction.  “What?” he repeated.

“Lucky.  He said you were for letting Truman wail on you,” she said before looking down at her hands, which were worrying the strap of her bag.  “He’s a pretty physical guy, and it didn’t look good.  I mean, I knew you weren’t hurting her.  But, Tru…” she ended on a shrug.  “Anyway, I think with everything that’s happened it was a pretty shitty thing for him to say.  What if it was his sister?”

“Yeah, well if it were my sister…“he trailed off as his voice hitched.  Starting again, “If that had been Rachel, I would have done the same thing.”

  “O, you missed my turn,” Grace said looking over her shoulder as they passed her street.

“Shit,” Owen clipped out, wondering how the conversation with Harper and her big brother was going.  He didn’t want Truman to do anything to upset her.  Harper talked quite a bit about her older sibling, and always with affection, but Truman had never been faced with anything quite like this.  He just wanted to make sure she was okay.

Coming to a stop at the next light, Owen pulled over the side of the road.  Noticing they were closer to Harper’s, house he said, “You think she’s going to tell him the truth?”

Grace snorted before meeting Owen’s eyes across the expanse of the cab.  The green of the dashboard lights gave her an almost comical look as she rolled her eyes and replied, “Hell no, she isn’t gonna tell him.  In fact, when it’s all said and done, he’ll be offering to go and get her some take-out. Probably Chinese, cuz that’s how they work.  Truman tries to play the big brother card, but then she goes and does her Jedi mind trick bullshit, and before he knows it, she’s convinced him nothing was wrong in the first place.” 

Owen’s head bobbed.  “Yeah, Jedi mind trick.  That’s a good way of saying it.  She does that shit to me, too.  I just never knew what to call it before.”

On a sad smile, Grace joked, “The force is strong with that one.”

“Will you tell him what happened?  I mean, you two are dating now, right?”

Grace’s head shot up at the question, and she found herself surprised when no ready denial sprang to her lips.  From the very beginning, the two girls had been tight, not letting anyone or anything come between them.  In the space of a week, all that had changed.  Okay, so she and Truman weren’t a couple, and she didn’t owe him anything.  But if he asked, would she tell him?  She just didn’t know.

Going for casualness she had never felt when it came to the idea of her and Truman as a couple, Grace confided, “Actually, tonight was the first time we had ever gone out.  So no, we are not dating”-dating was marked with air quotes-“we were just getting started when you called anyway.”

“I’m sorry I ruined your date.”

“S’okay.  Harper comes first.  No question.   If Tru and I are supposed to be, we will.”

“Well I know someone who doesn’t want you and Tru to be.” Owen said pointedly, raising his eyebrows.

Leaning back against the neck rest, Grace shook her head and asked, “When did it all get so complicated?”

Pointing a finger Owen’s way and added, “Two weeks ago, I didn’t even know your brother, or you, for that matter.  And now, here I am, finally getting a chance to go out with the one guy I have been crazy about for…  Ever, and there is this other guy that is suddenly in the picture. “

Owen chuckled, “I think Lucky is just as confused as you are.  He has to beat them off with a stick sometimes, so the fact that you didn’t jump at the chance to go out with him, kind of threw him for a loop.”

“Poor Lucky,” Grace sniped sarcastically. 

 

Leaning his own head back against the neck rest Owen agreed, “Yeah.  Poor  Lucky.”

The silence that descended upon the cab was suddenly shattered when Owen’s attention was snagged by the car that came to a stop beside them.  Owen rolled down the window, and Grace stiffened when she recognized Truman’s voice and the implication of his words.

Owen quickly answered the other young man and turned to Grace apologetically.  “Sorry, Grace.  Can you get yourself home?  I will swing by and pick up the truck after.”  Not waiting for an answer, he joined Truman in his car before the other boy sped off.

Biting her lip, Grace sat immobilized for what seemed like minutes, but was probably closer to seconds.  If asked, she would have compared it to the idea of eight seconds.  The amount a time a bull rider had to stay on the back of a bull.  In the grand scheme, eight seconds really wasn’t all that long.  But when you strapped yourself to a two ton bull and had to stay up there, it probably seemed like an eternity.

After weighing everything, she quickly came to a decision and pulled out her cell phone.  Hitting the speed dial, she waited until the connection was made.  “Meet me out front of your house in two minutes.”

Harper’s voice responded, “Can’t Grace.  Tru is on his way to­-” 

 

But Grace didn’t let her finish as she maneuvered herself across the gear shift to the driver’s side.  “Mr. Haas’ house.  With Owen.”

A heartbeat later, Harper’s voice cracked and froze all at once.  “What?  Um, what are you?  I don’t… What are you talking about Grace?”

“Owen was taking me home.  Truman caught up.  I don’t know what you told Truman happened, but he is hell bent, and now, so is Owen.”  Grace rushed to get out.  “So get ready, and get your ass outside.  I will be there in two minutes.”

Harper’s voice lost the frost and emotion completely as she replied, “Hurry, Grace.”

“I will,” she promised.  Tossing the phone back into her bag, Grace ground the truck’s gears and winced.

 

On the U-turn, she whispered, “I will Harper, cause right now, you’re the only who can stop this.” 

Okay tell me what you think and check back on Thursday when we find out what happens next.

Progressive is another word for bi-focal

Recently I noticed that my glasses haven't really been helping. 

I mean, I was using them less and less.  But I wasn't seeing any better.  In fact I was having a hard time seeing smaller print close up while my long distance vision seemed to be improving.  This really sucked for reading.

Finally I bit the bullet and went to the eye doctor this weekend.  I should preface all of this by telling you that I have worn glasses since I was in first grade, when it was discovered I had a lazy eye.  Can I just say that this is the worst name for an eye problem I have ever heard.  The solution was to have me wear a patch over my good eye in the hopes of stregtening my bad one.  

Yeah, that didn't work.  Not because the concept wasn't a good one.  Mainly it didn't work because I removed the patch every morning before I made it to the bus stop and put it back on every afternoon before  walking in to the house.  Yes, I was young, but even then I got that the one-eyed pirate look wasn't going to be very good for me.  Well it might have been, if I had a cool black patch to wear over that eye.  But, atlas, that was not the case.  Nope, they had me wear one of those flesh toned ones that made me look like a refugee from a third world country.

This weekend my doctor, who I have always perceived to be a good one, told me my eyes are completely healthy but my lenses are getting harder.  He also told me I should not be surprised as this is what happens as we age.  Did he just call me old?  Them's fighting words Doc!

His solution.  Progressive lenses.  Now, for all of you young people out there who don't have to wear progressive lenses and have no idea what I am speaking of.  Think your Grandma's bifocals, just updated.  Seriously?  I needed bifocals?  Yeah, I get it.  They slap a new name on it because, okay, they are a better type of lense.  But it still has the same result.  The ability to drive home that I really am getting older.

In the end?  I opted for readers and not the old folks glasses.  My doc, he clearly didn't agree, but then again, he didn't have to pay for them.  Once it was all said and done, my new readers and the eye exam ended up costing just less than my last car.  Of course it wasn't until after I was on my way home that I realized I could have just gotten myself a pair of cheaters at the local Wal-Mart for $7.00 and accomplished the same thing.  I consoled myself with the thought that no one can get seven dollar cheaters that are as stylish as mine.  Nope, your right, it didn't make me feel any better.

On the bright side.  I don't need them to see things at a distance.  The best part.  I can see clearly for computer work and reading.  Two of my very favorite things.  Now I want to know if this has happened to you guys?  Something made you feel less young recently?  

And when you are done over here, don't forget to swing over to Karla's blog today.  She has a bonus clip up of Fun and Games this week.  Check it out.

More fun and games....Bonus!

Today I got a special treat for you.  For those who have been following the whole Grace and Harper Saga, more affectionately know as Fun and Games with K&K, I have another snippet for you this week.

I know what you are thinking right now.  Bonus!  Score!  Right?  Well don't get to used to it.  

So lets check in and see what happens when Truman and Grace crashed Owen and Harper's date after Grace got the call.

Grace directed Truman to Owens’s house, all the while singing a silent mantra, ‘Please let her be alright.’

Watching the headlights sweep across the front of the house, both Truman and Grace could see the outline of two bodies pressed close against each other through the pulled curtains of the front room.   Panic arced through her at the visual.  Oh my god, Harper.  Confusion knitted her brow, and Grace murmured, “O, what are you doing?” 

Hearing the uneasiness in her voice had Truman flinging open the door.  Fear had him tossing over his shoulder, “he wouldn’t hurt her, huh?” before vaulting up the porch steps and steamrolling through the front door, Grace hot on his heels.

Pandemonium broke all at once.  Truman plucking Owen away from Harper with no more energy than one might use to swat a fly.  A little boy and girl, both dressed for bed, pounding down the stairs at the sound of the noise, and Lucky, pushing in from what appeared to be the kitchen, taking in the scene before hurling himself into the fray.  

Grace, jumping on to his back, got a strangle hold on Truman before yelling, “Tru, stop it.  Damn it, I said stop it.”

Lucky tried inserting himself between the two, but Harper’s older brother had a pretty good neck lock on Owen.  “Jesus Christ.  Grace, what is going on?”

Grace, unsettled by Lucky’s sudden appearance, had to clear her throat before she could answer.  “Well as you can see, Owen isn’t high on Truman’s list of favorite people right now.  He thinks O was trying to hurt his little sister.”

“Hurt her?” Confusion laced each word.

Owen’s face quickly turning red had Grace’s alarm meter soaring.  Pivoting her head to get Harper’s attention, she saw her friend had slid to the floor in a boneless heap, head resting against the wall, all the while laughing like a loon.  Disbelief and anger warred in her at that moment.  This was funny?  Seriously?

Sliding from Truman’s back, she let her hand slide down before tugging on his jacket to get his attention, “Truman.  She’s fine.  See.”

Something in Grace’s tone alerted him, and he turned his head to look at his sister.  Seeing his opportunity, Lucky pushed Truman off Owen with more force than necessary, which sent Grace tumbling backward.   With nothing to make purchase of, she flailed before landing, hard on her ass in a very unladylike sprawl across the living room floor.   The sight, which seemed to tickle Harper’s funny bone all the more, had the pixie teen teetering to the side before she tottered over while tears continually streamed down her face.

“Owen!” The little girl wailed.

“Lucky, is O getting beat up?” the little boy demanded.

Truman raced to his sister and dropped to his haunches to make sure she was alright.

Pushing himself up and off the wall, Owen looked over at his twin and said, “Get them upstairs to bed.  Please.”

The brothers looked at each other, communicating in that silent way twins seemed to do so well, 

before Lucky nodded once and turned to herd his brother and sister out of the room and up the stairs.    

Grace levered herself into a sitting position and was taking in the weird tableau that consisted of Truman, Harper and Owen all the while wondering how her evening, which had started so promising had turned to shit so quickly.  

The laughter finally died down, and Truman eased Harper up in order to look at her more clearly.  Shaking her, he demanded, “Are you okay?   Did this ass-hole hurt you?” 

Harper stared at Truman through eyes devoid of emotion, and he felt the rage start to boil again.  “I swear Harps if he did anything to hurt you I will kill him.”

The earnestness, with which those words were uttered, seemingly more like a benediction than a promise, had Grace moving.  On hands and knees, she crawled across the hardwood floor to Harper. 

Truman’s temper was legendary.  Not because it was so common; it wasn’t.  It took a lot to get him to the point of no return, but once there, he was of the mindset to follow through and apologize later.  The last thing they needed was Tru pounding on Owen, especially for something he didn’t do. 

In Graces opinion, if he was going to use his fists to avenge Harper, there was only one person who should be on the receiving end of that, and it wasn’t Owen.

“Who should it be Grace?”  Truman asked in a mild tone underlined by solid steel.

Shaking her head, Grace asked, “what?”

“You just said that if I was going to be wailing on anyone, it shouldn’t be Owen.  Who should it be?”

Grace just stared.  “Did I say that out loud?” she squeaked.  How the devil was she going to backtrack from that?  Glancing over at Harper, she wasn’t surprised to see her friend shell-shocked, obviously overwhelmed by what Grace had just revealed.  Hell, Grace was just as taken aback.

Before Truman could respond, Lucky’s voice whipped across the room from his place at the bottom of the stairs.  “Why don’t you ask you sister that question?”

All eyes turned in his direction, and for once, Grace felt profound relief that someone had jumped to her defense.  The fact that someone was Lucky was not lost on Grace.

 

Truman pinned Harper with just a look and asked, “Harper?  Who?”

Harper turned and accusingly sought Grace with her eyes. 

 

The helplessness that rained across her features made everyone aware of her unease.  But Grace had to agree with Lucky on this one.  Harper wanted to handle this herself.  She had been very clear on that, and maybe it was time Grace stopped running to the rescue and listened to what Harper wanted. 

It was the hardest thing she ever did.  Shrugging, Grace lifted herself up and moved to the front door.  “Truman, take Harper home.  This is a conversation you should have in private.”

Frustration marking every word, Truman said, “Grace, what the hell is going on?”  Standing, he planted himself in front of her, prepared to stay that way as long as it took. 

 

Sighing, she turned away, and her eyes met Owen’s before sliding back to her date for the evening.  “Sorry, Truman.  I can’t tell you.  I wish I could.  Only Harper can.”

Okay, there you go.  You know the drill.  What do you think?

Until next time.