Fall Approaches!

I started reading Harry Potter VII night before last. Collin got the book for me for my birthday, and when we visited Barnes and Noble Saturday, and I wanted to buy the book, he decided he'd better go ahead and give me an early birthday present. I did not complain.

I want my other birthday present now too, please.
Thank you.

I have to admit I didn't love the book at first. There was conflict, sure. I probably should have reread number VI first, sure. But I just didn't love it. I kept going, of course, because that's what you do (most of the time). And now that I'm about 200 pages into the book, I'm definitely into the book. I want to go home right now in fact, snuggle up with my new kitteh, Marigold, and read until my eyes get tired. Then I imagine I'd take a little nap, wake up and read some more.

What makes this new little obsession worse? (I'm still chewing gum, so there's that, too.) I'm really worried I'm going to find out how the book ends before I get there. Worried? Really?

Yes.

Onto other life news.

Summer school is over, and I have three weeks off (after I finish grading, which I will do the moment I hit "Publish Post") before a rather busy semester begins. Collin won't be taking classes, so the next few months should be much less stressful for him (once generals are over), but I've now officially got three jobs. I'm thoroughly excited ... I am a real freelance editor now! ... and at the same time hoping it won't be too difficult.

I know it won't. No use in blogging about worry that isn't really worry. I should get to grading.

Gum G-Gum-Gum ... GUM!

My gum addiction has resurfaced. I have gone through three packs of Orbit Spearmint in the past few days. This is a problem.

Awww

Forgot to post this after Kirsten sent it. Love this picture.

Not a One Piece in Sight

But we'll get to that.

Marigold is getting too big. She is also a very playful kitten--something we're not used to with Bitty slugging around all the time; that cat can sleep longer than any cat in existence; however, I think Marigold is getting her up and playing a little more than usual.

I binged for two days straight last week and am feeling the grossness that accompanies lots of ice cream and chocolate cake. As one of my friends said, maybe I'm making up for lost time (with the chocolate cake ... see previous blog).

I will miss Katie Gaylor. We got to spend some good time over the weekend. Friday at her shindig, yesterday by the pool. The girl can talk, and I love her.

We were wearing one pieces at the Reserve swimming pool. We were the only ones in one pieces. I saw two tankinis and dozens of string bikinis. I actually felt self conscious for being in a one piece. But this sweet girl named Cat (Kat?) came up and got in the water with us. She was one of the two tankini girls (with skirt). She smiled and said, "Dig the one pieces! So, are you guys just really modest?"

I thought it was cute. Come to find out we were all regular churchgoers. It was a good little convo.

Kit Cat

Here are some pics of our newest addition, Marigold Buttercup Barnes.



So cute.



Too cute.



Suffocating from cuteness.

If I didn't already tell you, I found her in a parking lot. We've decided (obviously) to keep her.

Other than the new kitten, life is moving right along. Visted family last weekend in North Carolina, which was fun. We enjoyed the drive ... mostly. I can be a real jerk sometimes when it comes to critiquing driving. Luckily, the Lord kicked me in the butt and on the way home I was much more reasonable. Poor C. He does love me.

We danced up a storm at my cousin's wedding. So much fun. C. got super sunburned and looks like he's been paper mached. We're back to work and enjoying that. This blog isn't too exciting.

Wish I had pics of the trip, but alas my camera's batteries died, and we didn't get to a store to purchase new ones. Ah well. The memories live on in our minds (and I'm journaling the trip ... I never regularly journal, but I do journal our vacations).

Along with all of this incredibly insightful news, one must know I am now a fan of chocolate cake. I never used to choose chocolate cake, crazy as that may seem to some (many?), but starting pretty much with Tim and Taryn's wedding, I now choose chocolate. The richer the better. I love it. It's weird when things like this change.