Subscribe to RSSMy Current Book “crack” Reading Recommendations
Seriously, its like a vacation every time I settle into a book. So, I thought I would share my book “crack” with all of you and hopefully you’ll return the favor and offer some of your favorite getaways as well. I should note that my current reading criteria is that it can’t have anything to do with my reality, meaning, I don’t want to read about dishes, laundry, dirty diapers, marriage conflicts, kids, traffic, world hunger, people dieing of cancer, political propaganda, financial woes, etc;
Twilight Series 4 total books - Great reads (most of you have already been there done that), totally sucks you in and at the end you are totally pining for Edward. …sad but true!
Sookie Stackhouse series by Charliane Harris - The HBO True Blood series is based on these books but let me just say the show is NOTHING like the books. The books are fun, sexy, usually murder mystery and fantasy. They are a bit naughty but I enjoy a bit of naughty….;) I have read books 1-10 AND loved them all.
- Dead Until Dark (May 2001) [2]
- Living Dead in Dallas (March 2002) [3]
- Club Dead (May 2003) [4]
- Dead to the World (May 2004) [5]
- “Fairy Dust” in Powers of Detection (October 2004) - Introduction of Claudine’s brother Claude, and posthumous introduction of their sister Claudette[6]
- “Dancers in the Dark” a novella in Night’s Edge (October 2004) - Indroduction of Sean and Layla, later seen briefly in All Together Dead.[7]
- (a Sookie-universe story without the character of Sookie Stackhouse)
- “Dracula Night” in Many Bloody Returns (September 2007) [8]
- Dead as a Doornail (May 2005) [9]
- “One Word Answer” in Bite (2005) - Introduction of Hadley’s death & Mr. Cataliades, Waldo, and Sophie-Anne Leclerq.[10]
- Definitely Dead (May 2006) [11]
- “Tacky” in My Big, Fat Supernatural Wedding (2006) - Introduction of vampires Dahlia and Taffy, and their ex-husbands Todd and Don. (Dahlia is later seen in All Together Dead and with Taffy in “Bacon”.)[12]
- (a Sookie-universe story without the character of Sookie Stackhouse)
- “Tacky” in My Big, Fat Supernatural Wedding (2006) - Introduction of vampires Dahlia and Taffy, and their ex-husbands Todd and Don. (Dahlia is later seen in All Together Dead and with Taffy in “Bacon”.)[12]
- All Together Dead (May 2007) [13]
- “Lucky” in Unusual Suspects (December 2008) [14]
- From Dead to Worse (May 2008) [15]
- “Gift Wrap” in Wolfsbane and Mistletoe (October 2008) [16]
- Dead and Gone (May 2009) [17]
- “Bacon” in Strange Brew (July 2009) [17]
- (a Sookie-universe story without the character of Sookie Stackhouse)
- “The Britlingens Go To Hell” in Must Love Hellhounds (September 2009) - The Britlingens were previously introduced in All Together Dead. [17]
- (a Sookie-universe story without the character of Sookie Stackhouse)
- “Bacon” in Strange Brew (July 2009) [17]
- A Touch of Dead (October 2009) [17]
- (a compilation of some of the Sookie-universe short stories: “Fairy Dust,” “One Word Answer,” “Dracula Night,” “Lucky,” and “Giftwrap.”)
- Dead in the Family (May 2010) [17]
- Death’s Excellent Vacation (August 2010) [17]
Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon - Historical Fiction/Fantasy (7 books). - The first 2 books are a really fun, interesting and has characters you will really enjoy. She is kinda wordy but worth reading the 700-1000 pages. I really enjoy the historical tid bits and of course there was some naughty WHICH you know I like. :-) The first 2 books are must reads and once you’ve fallen in love with the beautiful Highlander you will go back for more.
Dragonfly in Amber (1992) Voyager (1994) Drums of Autumn (1997) The Fiery Cross (2001) A Breath of Snow and Ashes (2005) An Echo in the Bone (2009) — released in many countries (including Canada, Australia and New Zealand) in September 2009; UK release date January 7, 2010
- Guilty Pleasures (1993) ISBN 0-515-13449-X
- The Laughing Corpse (1994) ISBN 0-425-19200-8
- Circus of the Damned (1995) ISBN 0-515-13448-1
- The Lunatic Cafe (1996) ISBN 0-425-20137-6
- Bloody Bones (1996) ISBN 0-425-20567-3
- The Killing Dance (1997) ISBN 0-425-20906-7
- Burnt Offerings (1998) ISBN 0-515-13447-3
- Blue Moon (1998) ISBN 0-515-13445-7
- Obsidian Butterfly (2000) ISBN 0-515-13450-3
- Narcissus in Chains (2001) ISBN 5-558-61270-3
- Cerulean Sins (2003) ISBN 0-515-13681-6
- Incubus Dreams (2004) ISBN 0-425-19824-3
- Micah (February 2006) ISBN 0-515-14087-2
- Danse Macabre (June 2006) ISBN 0-425-20797-8
- The Harlequin (2007) ISBN 978-0-425-21724-5
- Blood Noir (2008) ISBN 978-0-425-22219-5
- Skin Trade (2009) ISBN 978-0-425-22772-5
- Flirt (February 2010)
- Bullet (June 2010)
- Halfway to the Grave (October 30, 2007, ISBN 0061245089)
- One Foot in the Grave (April 29, 2008, ISBN 0061245097)
- At Grave’s End (December 30, 2008, ISBN 0061583073)
- Destined for an Early Grave (July 28, 2009, ISBN 0061583219)
The Night Huntress World Series
- First Drop of Crimson (February 9, 2010, ISBN 0061583227)
- Eternal Kiss of Darkness (July 27, 2010, ISBN 0061783161)
2. Kissing Sin (2007)
3. Tempting Evil (2007)
4. Dangerous Games (2007)
5. Embraced by Darkness (2007)
6. The Darkest Kiss (2008)
7. Deadly Desires (2009)
8. Bound to Shadows (Oct 2009)
9. Moon Sworn (May 2010)
- “The Warlord Wants Forever” in Playing Easy To Get (anthology with Sherrilyn Kenyon and Jaid Black)
- A Hunger Like No Other
- No Rest for the Wicked
- Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night
- Dark Needs at Night’s Edge
- Dark Desires After Dusk
- Kiss of a Demon King
- “Untouchable” in Deep Kiss of Winter (Duology with Gena Showalter
- Pleasure of a Dark Prince - Available February 16, 2010
- Undead and Unwed (Berkley, 2004)
- Undead and Unemployed (Berkley, 2004)
- Undead and Unappreciated (Berkley, 2005)
- Undead and Unreturnable (Berkley, 2005)
- Undead and Unpopular (Berkley, 2006)
- Undead and Uneasy (Berkley, 2007)
- Undead and Unworthy (Berkley, 2008)
- Undead and Unwelcome (Berkley, 2009)
Short stories:
- “Dead Girls Don’t Dance” in Cravings (Jove, 2004)
- “Biting in Plain Sight” in Bite (Jove, 2004)
- “A Fiend in Need” in Dead and Loving It (Berkley, 2006)
- “Undead and Wed: A Honeymoon Story” in Dead Over Heels (Berkley, 2008)
Your Scandalous Ways by Loretta Chase
Making Homes Affordable - First Hand Experience Part IV
After many phone calls and emails I was finally able to knock some heads and get some straight answers about how Wells Fargo is allowed to report our mortgage status to the credit bureaus. The bottom line is that they CAN report to the credit agency’s that our mortgage is being modified which will impact our credit rating by a few points. They CAN NOT report our mortgage as delinquent as long as we are current on our payments and adhere to the terms of the trial period.
What did I have to do to make sure Wells Fargo was abiding by the rules setup by the government?
I called my US Congressman Walt Minnick (ID) 208-888-3188 and talked with his representative Beverly Bean. I explained our situation and faxed the documentation provided by Wells Fargo to her so that she could do some leg work for us. In addition to calling Wells Fargo she also contacted the US Department of the Treasury, Malloy Evans 202-422-8135. Turns out that Wells Fargo was NOT abiding by the rules set forth by the government and now my US Congressman and the Department of the Treasury are making sure they are in fact playing by the rules.
I received assurances by my Congressman and the Dept of Treasury that my mortgage Would NOT be reported as delinquent as long as I made our payments in full and on time. In addition, I received a phone call and apology from Wells Fargo/Freddie Mac indicating their Making Homes Affordable documentation will be updated appropriately.
Again, I think to myself (and to all of you) that this process is made too complicated and overwhelming so that people won’t be able to take advantage of something that is bought and paid for with tax dollars. However, we are going forward and taking that next step into the Making Homes Affordable Program.
What is next on the list?
- Make our first trial period payment.
- Trial period documentation signed and sent in.
- Hardship Affidavit *This is similar to previous hardship letter sent in to Wells Fargo/Freddie Mac.
- Signed and dated copy of IRS Form 4506-T
- Copy of all income statements (pay stub, social security, disability, pension, public assistance, unemployment, alimony/child support, etc)
- Counseling session with HUD-approved housing counseling agency *This is FREE
- www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/fc/
- HOPE Hotline 1-888-995-HOPE
- I chose this option because I could just call and it only took 45 minutes. They gave me some good information and I thought it would be beneficial to share with you.
FREE Help with Medical Expenses
1-573-996-3333 *I don’t know the details of this service but its worth checking out if you have medical expenses you can’t afford.
Angel Food Ministries 1-877-366-3646 www.angelfoodministries.com
They sell food at discounted prices.
This is going to hurt me, more than its going to hurt you. Making Homes Affordable Program Part III
Making Homes Affordable Program: First Hand Experience
How To Get 2% Interest Rate on 30 Year Mortgage
http://www.financialstability.gov/
FREE Olay Anti-Aging Eye Roller
Some days I definitely feel older than I deserve. This is mainly due to the fact that my children are sucking the life out of me. I say that in most loving way possible. They are killing me softly. I can’t prevent them from doing their worst but I can try every lotion, potion and creme to help me stay close to my fictional age of 28. You can imagine how happy I was to find out a great deal on an anti-aging product. Here’s hoping it works! 
Here is a deal I just can’t resist. Shopko has OLAY Regenerist products for $17.99 each. I have a rebate form for $20 with the purchase of a Olay Regenerist Anti-Aging Eye Roller and Pantene shampoo or conditioner. This makes your complete purchase FREE!
http://www.olay.com/Club_Olay/sep2009/images/Regenerist_Pantene_Rebate_Form.pdf
Here is another Olay rebate form for a FREE Olay Anti-Aging Eye Roller when you buy 2 Olay Regenerist products. Click here: http://www.olay.com/Club_Olay/sept2009/images/Regenerist_Rebate_Form.pdf
Special thanks to Margie for sharing this rebate offer!
Continuing Education in Your Love Life
When we first start falling in love with someone, whether we realize it or not, we become a student of that person. You try to learn as much as you can about that person, you memorize the way they look, smell, talk, and act. Becoming an expert on that certain someone becomes a priority and its intoxicatingly fun. At some point you start to feel like you know that person like the back of your hand. You know all there is to know and its a comfortable place to be. As soon as we stop becoming a student of our relationships that is when the trap is set.
We are quick to admit that we are not the person we were yesterday and we will inevitably be different tomorrow but we expect everyone around us to stay the same. Our tastes change, we grow, we learn and continue to evolve into a new self. So why is it so hard to think that the person we met oh so many years ago wouldn’t be the same?
Here is where I admit that I have continued to be student of the human condition but haven’t been a diligent student of my husband. I have a thousand excuses why this is; work, children, responsibilities, life, etc but it all boils down to the fact that I just thought I knew everything about him already. Stupid and arrogant on my part (I know) but I’m being honest here.
If you are like me and if you are ready to begin your continuing education but have forgotten how to be a student of your relationship here are a few pointers that helped me re-learn how to be a student of my love.
- Start asking questions. Find a quiet moment when you are both relaxed and ask the kind of things you would have asked in the beginning of your relationship. Keeping the questions lite and fun will make the process more enjoyable for both of you. ie What were you like as a kid? Who was your best friend? What kind of trouble did you get into? Who was your first kiss? **This isn’t a game of jeopardy so don’t get carried away with asking questions. The purpose to get reacquainted, to remember what attracted you to this person in the first place and have a conversation about each other, with each other.
- Try this worksheet http://static.oprah.com/pdf/lybl_sexlife_foreplaymap.pdf. I’ll be honest, I found this a bit embarrassing and there was a lot of laughter involved however if you are interested in working toward your masters degree with your love this is a great way to continue your education. This worksheet and instructions provided by Dr. Laura Berman is very well done and if you are willing to let your inhibitions down it can make a huge difference in your love life.
I definitely find this topic a little out of my comfort zone but after talking with several of my close friends I felt compelled to share. I don’t mind having my failures be a source of your education. I guess its just my way of contributing and sharing the love.
This is going to hurt me, more than its going to hurt you. Making Homes Affordable Program Part III
For those of us that had the privileged of spankings as a kid probably remember their parent saying something like “this is going to hurt me more than its going to hurt you”. This of course wasn’t entirely true however there is some solace in hearing those words. This phrase sprang to my mind when I realized that I was about to bend over and take my proverbial spanking from the bank and be grateful for it.
After months of calling weekly, checking the website and waiting patiently we finally got word that we were approved for the Making Homes Affordable program. What was advertised as being a 45-60 day process turned into well over 120 days. Thankfully we are very mindful of our finances and were able to keep up with our monthly responsibilities. I do however recognize and feel a great burden on those who are in a more dire situation than ours and had to wait as long as we did. Part of me believes that the banks are purposely taking their sweet time deciding on the fates of these families in hopes that they become delinquent on their loans and thus become ineligible for the Making Homes Affordable program.
We quickly looked over the documentation and were very happy to see that Wells Fargo/Freddie Mac had tentatively modified our loan by almost $500 a month. I say “tentatively” because there is a 3 month trial period to ensure you make your payments, comply with any other request like talking with a credit counselor and the bank can review your updated financials during this time to make sure you still qualify. All the information seemed straight forward and was like a burden had been lifted.
BUT, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Every page of the 23 page packet emphasized that we were on a time line and had less than a week to accept the offer. Naturally, I was eager to sign and see the benefits of our lower mortgage payment. I started reading through the fine print to make sure we did everything correctly so we weren’t hindering the process. On a page titled “important programing info” it highlights how the program works and at the bottom of the page the final bullet read:
“CREDIT REPORTING. During the trial period, we will report your loan as delinquent to the credit reporting agencies even if you make your trial period payments on time. However, after your load is modified, we will only report the loan as delinquent if the modified payment is not received in a timely manner.”
This made my blood boil! In order to qualify for the Making Homes Affordable program you could NOT be delinquent but now that we were approved, we would HAVE to be delinquent in order to get our mortgage modified. Essentially this is what was going to happen. Let’s just say our original mortgage was for $2000 a month. For the trial period they asked that we pay $1500 and even if we pay the $1500 on time and complete, we would be reported to the credit agency’s as delinquent because our current mortgage is still at $2000 a month.
I called the number provided so that I could ask a few questions and make sure I was reading this clear. The Wells Fargo representative indicated I was correct in my assumption and if I attempted to pay the difference so that our payment wouldn’t be delinquent they would not approve us for the mortgage modification. She said “would you like 3 months of hurting your credit score or 27 years of lowering your mortgage payment”. She also said that if we did not agree to the terms and have the paper work back by September 1st we would never have to opportunity to apply for the Making Homes Affordable program again.
I then call Equifax credit agency and ask what they would 3 months of reporting “delinquent” do to our credit rating. He indicated this would affect our credit rating and could drop our rating as much as 100 points. A drop in credit score like this could be financial suicide.
Three years ago we bought a house we could afford and got a traditional 30 year fix loan. We paid 25% down and were very comfortable with our financial situation. Now, our house has depreciated almost 30%, we are down one income and we can’t qualify for a traditional refinance because of the value of our home and the state of the economy. The offer from Wells Fargo/Freddi Mac is essentially black mail but like many others we are at their mercy. We will more than likely agree to the offer on the table but I don’t have to like it and I certainly won’t be quiet about it.
It is clear to me that the banks don’t want to use this government funded program to help people keep their homes. If they did then, there would be more than only 9% of all people that have applied for this government funded program being approved. And for that sorry 9%, they will ruin their credit, lock them in a loan they will never get out of because no other bank will approve of a loan recipient that has been delinquent on a mortgage loan.
On the upside, if you own any Wells Fargo stock you will be happy to know that it is on the rise…
Want to read more:
Making Homes Affordable Program: First Hand Experience
How To Get 2% Interest Rate on 30 Year Mortgage
http://www.financialstability.gov/
Great Deal on Carpet Cleaning
With Lyric crawling now and Noah still putting things he shouldn’t in his mouth I decided it was time to get my carpets cleaned. We have lived in the house for three years and I’m embarrassed to say this is the first time I was having the carpets professionally cleaned. I didn’t think they were that bad and I was reluctant to pay an arm and a leg to get the job done.
After getting several bids I chose Harman Family Carpet Cleaning. They are a small family run business and locally owned so I felt like I was doing my part to stimulate our local economy. Plus, they gave me the best deal!
Scott, the owner, made an appointment to fit my schedule, he was on time and the carpets look awesome. It took about an hour to clean the whole house and about an hour later the carpets were dry. The best part of the experience was that I only paid $100 for my entire house (6 rooms, hall and stairs).
If you are needing your carpets cleaned but have been putting it off because of cost you should consider Harman Family Carpet Cleaning.
Harman Family Carpet Cleaning
Scott’s cell 989-7460
Business 319-0494
harmancarpets@netzero.net
www.harmanfamilycarpetcleaning.com
How To Grow Your Small Business in this Economy? AND, Get a Great Deal.
All businesses are created equal when it comes to the state of our current economy. Both big corporations and mom and pop shops have taken a hit financially and are trying to weather the storm of this economic crisis. While large corporations rely on their size and of course government loans to help keep them afloat, smaller business are biting the proverbial dust. This is unfortunate because small businesses are actually better situated to not only thrive in this type of economy but also GROW.
Then why are all of these small business going out of business? The reason is, is that small business owners are not using there competitive advantage over their big business counterparts.
One advantages of the small business owner has is the ability to change their business model at a moments notice or on a per client basis. Realizing that go can’t continue using the same business model just because that is the way you have always done it is key to small business success.
Example: Instead of telling a potential client what you do, ASK what they are looking for. Customize your product/services according to what the market wants. Finding out is as easy as just asking.
Another example of a small business competitive advantage is the ability to negotiate. The art of negotiation is lost in large companies however as a small business owner if you are willing to negotiate price, product, service, or trade you will find a niche market that will be loyal and best of all, will refer friends and family.
Example: Big Ramp Marketing, LLC has been working with a local river rafting company (North Star River Expeditions, Inc. www.northstar-rafting.com ) for several years now. North Star prides themselves on being a first class rafting company and markets to clientele that is looking for that first class experience. Unfortunately , even those that can afford first class these days are opting for coach. However, because North Star is a small company willing to negotiate their services we were able to book a river trip at a discount because we had a very large group.
I was so impressed with North Star’s willingness to negotiate their price and be flexible with their business model that I got permission to pass on a great deal to you too. Anyone that mentions this article or Big Ramp Marketing will get to use our discount: 3 day all-inclusive Hells Canyon white water raft trip for $750 per person and the 5th person FREE. **More Information at the end of the article.
More millionaires were made during the great depression and I believe we will see some similar results with this current economic situation. My question to you is, what are you doing to thrive in the current economy?
–
Jacob & Tricia Warren, Owners
North Star River Expeditions, Inc.
PO Box 906
McCall, ID 83638
208-634-2296
877-610-3200
Movie Night in Meridians Setters Park
Grab your family, friends, and neighbors this summer and join Meridian Parks and Recreation for CableONE Movie Night in Meridian! Every Friday in June, July, and August (some exceptions) we’ll set up our huge inflatable movie screen in Meridian Settlers Park (Meridian Rd. & Ustick) and take in a family-friendly movie. Here’s the best part - IT’S FREE! So bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and movie pals and enjoy a summer of fun with Meridian Parks and Recreation! All movies start at dusk. http://www.meridiancity.org/parks_rec.aspx?id=222
CableONE Movie Night in Meridian 2009 Schedule
July 3rd
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
July 10th
Hotel for Dogs
July 17th
Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D
**Free 3D glasses for the first 2,000 people**
July 24th
The Princess Bride
July 31st
Kung Fu Panda
August 7th
Madagascar:
Escape 2 Africa
August 14th
Horton Hears a Who
August 21st
The Sound of Music
August 28th
The Tale of Despereaux
Great Deal On Stay-cation 5th Person FREE $750 ALL-INCLUSIVE
I love the great outdoors and with our budget even tighter this year we will be taking advantage of local staycations. Not only are staycations convenient but they can be very economical.
| “A staycation (or stay-cation, or stacation) is a neologism for a period of time in which an individual or family stays at home and relaxes at home or takes day trips from their home to area attractions. Staycations have achieved high popularity in current hard economic times in which unemployment levels and gas prices are high.” |
I contacted a highly recommended white water river outfitter and negotiated a great price for a group (12-19) of us to experience an all-inclusive 3 day white water experience. I was so impressed with our trip and the great deal we got I couldn’t keep this to myself. For MomsFirstStop.com readers, this summer ONLY, I negotiated a sweet staycation:
–
Jacob & Tricia Warren, Owners
North Star River Expeditions, Inc.
PO Box 906
McCall, ID 83638
208-634-2296
877-610-3200
Take Your Kids to the Movies For FREE
REG’s Free Family Film Festival is Now Showing!
When school’s out, kids around the country visit selected Regal theatres for the Free Family Film Festival. It’s a fun-filled nine weeks of movies for kids and parents. Since 1991, Regal has provided this service to the community, and best of all it’s FREE!
Selected G & PG movies start at 10AM each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. First-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. The Free Family Film Festival is safe, lots of fun and a great way for kids to spend a weekday morning in the summer.
Tickets for our 2009 Free Family Film Festival are exclusively available at select theatres’ box office on the day of the show.
You can also select a state from the link below to find participating theatres in your area along with what films are playing each week!
http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=ID
| Boise Downtown Stadium 9 760 Broad Street Boise ,ID 83702 208-338-7465 |
|
| 06/23/2009-06/24/2009 | Space Chimps (G) |
| Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG) | |
| 06/30/2009-07/01/2009 | Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G) |
| Evan Almighty (PG) | |
| 07/07/2009-07/08/2009 | Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G) |
| Nim’s Island (PG) | |
| 07/14/2009-07/15/2009 | Horton Hears A Who (G) |
| Inkheart (PG) | |
| 07/21/2009-07/22/2009 | The Tale Of Despereaux (G) |
| Kung Fu Panda (PG) | |
| 07/28/2009-07/29/2009 | Everyone’s Hero (G) |
| Surf’s Up (PG) | |
| 08/04/2009-08/05/2009 | All Dogs Go To Heaven 2 (G) |
| Journey To The Center Of The Earth (PG) | |
| 08/11/2009-08/12/2009 | Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (G) |
| Bee Movie (PG) | |
| Check for regular Movies and Showtimes | |
| Boise Stadium 22 & IMAX 7701 W Overland Road Boise ,ID 83709-1628 208-377-9603 |
|
| 06/23/2009-06/25/2009 | Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G) |
| Evan Almighty (PG) | |
| 06/30/2009-07/02/2009 | Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G) |
| Nim’s Island (PG) | |
| 07/07/2009-07/09/2009 | Horton Hears A Who (G) |
| Inkheart (PG) | |
| 07/14/2009-07/16/2009 | The Tale Of Despereaux (G) |
| Kung Fu Panda (PG) | |
| 07/21/2009-07/23/2009 | Everyone’s Hero (G) |
| Surf’s Up (PG) | |
| 07/28/2009-07/30/2009 | All Dogs Go To Heaven 2 (G) |
| Journey To The Center Of The Earth (PG) | |
| 08/04/2009-08/06/2009 | Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (G) |
| Bee Movie (PG) | |
| 08/11/2009-08/13/2009 | Mr. Bean’s Holiday (G) |
| Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG) | |
| Check for regular Movies and Showtimes | |