if you hesitate between the other person and me, don't pick me.

we didn't do much this weekend - scary to think how tornadoes (yet again) missed us by about 60 miles.

Finished Mariana - I vacillate between liking the surprise ending and not - kinda left hanging ...but maybe that's ok? I was definitely surprised.

KColes Wicked Abyss - beauty and the beast feel yeah...i liked it. Didn't love it. 

Heat Wave - Karina Halle - it's well enough written in that I'm close to finishing. Not a one-shot from me though basically from the beginning -
 cause seriously, I just read a quote that read "if you hesitate between the other person and me, don't pick me." This should always hold true.

with all the chaos since EO Jan. I've had LOTS of opinions but I decided to try educate myself as much as I could about just one bill going through the Texas house/senate (to hopefully satisfy my ocd to have one complete thought not doubting myself)
I chose SB4 - and now I almost wish I didn't know how awful,  totally off-base and in a lot of cases just plain racist some people with their opinions are when it comes to this bill -
then I could just be ignorant
and maybe better off?
It's seems like more and more - agendas are hidden behind words like safety, military or women/children. (super "1984"-like)

Then I heard the news that a  frat at Baylor - yes the school that my nephew is going to in the Fall - threw a cinco de mayo party. Awesome right ?- sombreros and margaritas...and margaritas and fun!
Well apparently several  decided to dress as construction workers and maids,  paint their face brown and chant "Build that wall" as part of their "fun" ....
ugh...why'd they gotta cross that line like that *smh* bleh.
That's all I'll say about that...for now

And so we No Doubt - my Mini Sheldonita played it this morning - I swear it's like she knows what I want to hear

bring the joy in every kind of way

so I went to vote local yesterday -
I talked to the wife of one of the candidates -  nobody else was there -  she came across very nice and logical.
Apparently these local elections should be bipartisan but even in her own words she said that they're pressured to "fall in line" if they want the support of a party.
It really bothers me..
Though lately I'm pushed more left (obviously) - neither "side" is fitting me comfortably.

I'm getting the feeling a lot of people feel the same way and so in many cases instead of just being frustrated (like me) they just don't engage.
Problem is, I couldn't side with (or bitch about) anything if I didn't vote - plus I've read too many books and know just enough history to actually care about decisions that are being made on my behalf -  so yep I'm voting!

Dinner date night tonight - we had plans to go down tomorrow to see 1100 Springs. I was gonna go all out in a rockabilly/pinup gal outfit - but it's supposed to rain/hail/maybe tornado - oy *insertbummerfacehere*

I'm almost done with SKearsley's Mariana - just a little too much filler here. I forget how well she does with describing historic sites/times/buildings - almost to the point where the characters are secondary. Still, thoughtful, haunting - well written.

So in case we don't make it out and in tribute to this mighty fine country band - we 1100 Springs!

a dreadful selfish crime

Lots going on in the real world. 

Here's what I know - I'm American, Latina, a woman, educated (in some ways more than others), a wife and a friend.

I'd think I'm 99% likely to relate to anyone on at least one of the above. 

BUT

If you're not American, I don't expect you to know what being American feels like

If you're not Latina (specificially of Mexican heritage), I don't expect you to know what being Latina/ of Mexican heritage means/feels like

and flip side I make an effort to not presume to know every person's life experiences

So, (case in point) every time I hear/see a man give his opinion on what women should do with their own bodies, I'm going to disregard most of what he says on the basis that he has no idea what he's talking about. 

He may have been given permission to touch a woman, he may have loved or hated one, but if you're not a woman (meaning: you don't know what it feels like to be one and experience life as one) and you are asked for your opinion on women's bodies/issues -  I say find your bestest/closest/coolest gal (if you've even taken the time to even know and care for one), ask what she thinks and then just back her up on her opinion. 

That is all...

Finished reading Season of Storms - not bad, it just kinda faded...ho hummm

It's a Bobby Keen kinda day...

Seems like yesterday I was here

Dreamin' my life away and drinkin' beer

season of (half-assed fans) storms

I take exception
the whole fishface selfie girls at the Arizona D'backs game? ... At least they're at the freakin' game.

 We were at Pluckers last night and "what is this?" - audio is on the Steelers game. Our TEXAS RANGERS have a run for the WORLD SERIES and in Plano TEXAS we have audio on the Pittsburgh/Baltimore football game.

So gimme those selfie girls any day over half-assed Rangers fans...at least they're loyal to their home team. ‪#‎dbacks‬ ‪#‎texasrangers‬ ‪#‎nevereverquit‬‪ #pluckers #wfaa

Moving on....
out and about this weekend, It's gorgeous outside!
The Cedars, Arlington, The State Fair.

Reading Season of Storms - I forget how well she describes the feel of a place. And how well she meshes dual story lines in her books.

It was after reading her book (i forget which now) that got me locked into planning Scotland next year. Not sure I want to make it out Aberdeen way though...we'll see.

That's the thing about traveling...we have so many people marvel at how much we travel (which is laughable compared to every Australian we've ever encountered) but really half the battle is deciding on where and when, then it's just a matter of planning and having enough time to space out costs.

and now, reading this SKearsley book ...of course I want to visit Venice.
The crowds though...oy I've heard it's crazy crowded.

I liked the book cover better

Finally finished Viper Game - I don't remember the last time it took me this long to finish a book.

As I've said, I like the action in this series, paired with cool genetic enhancements, character chemistry and sexy times - it's usually a winner for me. This time ...not so much.

She's got me hooked just enough though. I'm the 11th book in and I still want to see how it ends. Who knows when that will be. FOR -EVvv-ER...

I did like the book cover ...her latest ones are actually both pretty rad and stayed true to the character description (and no, i don't know why i'm book cover obsessed. I read on a kindle for cryin out loud.)

I also read a free teaser book - a New Adult (maybe leading into BDSM?) about her best friend's brother. Eh, the gal seemed a bit of an airhead and got on my nerves. I'll stop at the free one thanks.

Tried reading the YA Revolution. Gave up a few chapters in - bummer too cause I love dual story lines!- I just can't understand depression and destructiveness to that degree. I think it's so selfish to constantly bring misery to yourself and everyone surrounding you - especially as a result from a death of a loved one.

I mean - I get mourning -  but do you really think that loved one would want that shroud of misery for you? It negates the love and taints the memory (in my opinion)....
Maybe the book came around? But it lost me to where I didn't care to find out.
I'll stick to Susanna Kearsley for my dual story lines - she does it so well. Next.

yikes...i just noticed that I just had a bit of a bitchfest?

I'm actually in a pretty good mood! We just locked in our Hawaii trip and I've now started in on researching for that. Most everyone thinks I'm weird but I swear...for me it's like wedding planning...half the fun of traveling is the planning of it!

Smoke (Dallas) and Bone

Finished reading Manhunting - it was ok. I like stories where the leads don't really realize they're attracted to each other until well into the story. I've read better with that scenario though...what comes to mind is Enchanted. I loved that whole Medieval series really. I really wish E.Lowell would write about Erik....I'd buy to read his story on release day!

Right now I'm reading Shadowy Horses , I should've read this before reading The Firebird. They tie together - it's not bad but I am able to put it down if that says anything. 

Next up, my sister has been on me to read Daughter of Smoke and Bone....I refused until the series was finished. Waiting for Allegiant made me bonkers (and then reading it and how it ended caused an epic bitchfest on my part).  So anyway , she said it's finished -  I'll give it a go here soon. 

Speaking of Smoke (and Bone)- We ate at Smoke Dallas the first year it opened. It wasn't enough to make me crave it but we tried again on a Sunday Sangria/Bloody barhop adventure and they've changed my mind. Want a super delicious Sangria or Bloody Mary? Go to Smoke Dallas. Really tempted to try this event too https://kiosk.eztix.co/kiosk/37536

yay for adventure but I'll pass on the audio book

So freakin' glad it's Friday! Definitely going to find me a cocktail somewhere after work.

I finished the Firebird , it's one of those perfect cuddle up and read books. No roller coaster here, but there is an adventure and the dual story lines carried well. Susanna Kearsley does a great job of painting a story and now I seriously want to go to North Eastern Scotland and maybe St. Petersburg too. I loved Ireland (especially Connemara and Co. Galway), I have a feeling Scotland might be just as amazing.

Next up is Shadow Spell, Nora Roberts (second in the Cousin's O'Dwyer trilogy). She doesn't grab my attention like other authors but I like Nora Roberts. My favorite of hers is probably the Circle trilogy. I liked it so much I tried the audio book. That was officially my first and last time to try an audio book. I hated it.  Plus it's kinda embarrassing when he gets to the sexy parts (and lets face it Nora Roberts comparatively speaking is not all that graphic). I don't know how people like it?

Lots going on in Dallas this weekend! State Fair, BBQ Festival, Cottonwood Arts Festival, Texans are in town for the Cowboy game and it's going to be gorgeous...I love this time of year.

i'm a pariah!...on to The Firebird

I just posted the below to my facebook. This ebola stuff is crazy. I think the local news has done a pretty good job of reassuring people though. 

On to more positive news - I finished In Your Dreams - again K. Higgins didn't let me down. Laugh out loud shenanigans with slight serious twist re: PTSD and a mostly believable love story. I think Connor's next? Fun. Can't wait!

Next up The Firebird (Slains #2) - I really liked Susanna Kearsley's The Winter Sea - (Slains #1) Dual time romance with Scottish history in the mix. So I'm reading more of hers.