Adventures in Bicycling

I was going to blog about the rapture, but that's just a damn drag, so I'm going to show you my Mother's Day present from G, which isn't a drag at all.

Super cute.

You'd think they'd put a kickstand on a bike, right?

Anyway the first time I rode--shiny new bike-shoes nailed to the shiny new pedals--I toppled over onto our neighbor's front lawn with the bike still attached to my feet. He was mowing the lawn, so I'm pretty sure he didn't see me.

The other day, as I zipped along, a freaking BEE flew into the front vent of my helmet. I nearly took out a mail box. I am totally not kidding. Imagine having your shoes nailed to your pedals, while a bee buzzes inside your helmet. The first thing I thought of, after I ripped my helmet off, was that passage in The Shining, or maybe it's in Christine (both by Steven King) where the narrator wonders how many people have died in car wrecks because the driver encountered an unexpected stinging insect. Do you remember that? Well, it's REAL, man. Real.

The last time we had a day without rain (Saturday) G took me on what he termed a 'mildly' challenging hill ride. If you discount the whiny moment when I called him a dick, and the fact that I had to dismount and push my bike (just once), it went pretty well! No spills. No bees. Just a lot of sweat, a little rain, and some foul language.

I'm making progress.

And I'm nearly fit enough to bike Tuscany with the family in June. G and I are down a combined 55 pounds, we're strong, we've got the ugly crotch-padded shorts and cute fingerless gloves, and as long as the damn rapture is postponed until July, we're ready for Italy.

Here's hoping you all have a happy, bee-free, Friday.

~LB

Driving In My Car

Hello DIK friends!

It's been a while. I'm writing like the wind right now and because it's May and I'm a parent, I'm also putting major mileage on my stumpy car. I have two kids about to graduate, one from High School, one from Junior High, and, because we spend a lot of time in the car listening to tunes (loudly), I thought I'd share a few LB Gregg's Mom-Mobile Favorites.

Setting: Imagine LB Gregg in her pjs, one hand on a cup of coffee, the other wrapped around the steering wheel. It's early. The sun is rising over the hills. Possibly she hasn't yet brushed her teeth. A mom ponytail sticks out from under a white Four Seasons ball cap, and, naturally, she's free of makeup (and a bra). Music plays and LB, like an American Idol, sings to the imaginary folks in the back row while beside and behind her, two teenagers die a little inside and pray their friends can't see through the privacy glass.

Here we go!

Vampire Weekend
They make me wanna dance in my seat. Probably not a wise move.




Fiona Apple
This song is not a reflection of how I drive. And what the hell ever happened to FA?




Cindy Lou Who The Pretty Reckless

A cautionary tale. And some damn fine hose.




The Script


Because a downer should be sung four times in a row with REAL emotion. Love cuts, kids.




Justin Timberlake

Have I mentioned my obsession with JT before? No?




So, what's on your playlist?

~LB

Beth Kery Winner Announced

Sorry all, real life got in the way!

The winner of the Beth Kery drawing for a $15 Amazon gift card is:

Izzy!

Congrats, Izzy! Please contact Beth to collect your winnings at bethkery at aol dot com

Thanks for playing!

Your Help!

Okay, so this is a different cry for help. *sigh*

Since my major move, I've noticed a slow, steady decline in my reading. I've read some great ones (Victoria Dahl and Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison), but can't seem to really get my mojo back. I didn't even read the latest Angel's book by Nalini, if that tells you anything.

I'm usually the Reading Queen and hardly ever find myself in a slump. I think 90% of it is the new job. I'm working a very physical job and by the time I come home, I'm not thinking too clearly. The weekends are dedicated to looking at apartments and shopping. I'm getting kind of desperate.

Are there any suggestions out there for books? I'm big into historicals, paranormal romance & UF. I'm open to a lot. Please help me!!!! Thank you in advance! :)

Excitement!!!

Well, for me anyway. :)

One of the best parts about moving to the Midwest is the fact that I'm closer to major cities. In my head, that automatically meant conferences! lol Of course, this shows how my brain works, but it was a positive thought, which is what matters most.

I was on Nalini Singh's site a week or so ago & saw that she's coming to the States. My first thought was YAY! My second was "Where at?" Turns out, she's going to the Lori Foster Get Together in West Chester, Ohio next month. I Googled it and found that West Chester is about a 4 1/2 hour drive. It's cheap and it's over a weekend. So...I was a bad girl and signed up to go. Whee!

Now, I'm a complete & total newbie when it comes to conventions and such. I've never been to anything like it, so I have absolutely no idea what to expect. I'm nervous and excited. There are a couple of authors that are going to be there that I cannot wait to meet. Nalini is #1, but Shiloh Walker and Dana Marie Bell are going to be there! Whee! I'm a huge fan of Dana's books and can't wait to tell her that face-to-face.

So, here's my question, conundrum, etc. How am I supposed to act at one of these things? Am I allowed to go up to an author and talk to her? Most people won't believe this, but I'm actually quite shy & sometimes have a hard time putting myself out there. I hope I don't do something stupid, like give Nalini a big bear hug and scare her half to death! Ha!

Are there any experienced conference goers who can give me any pointers? Your help would definitely be appreciated! :)