Deb Smouse

I’m amazed how quickly the year is going.
If you haven’t visited yet, check out the mid-issue update of All Things Girl.
I’m running low on energy.  I don’t know why, but even though it’s not quite 10 PM (Eastern) I think I am going to go to bed.

I can see the sun shining brightly outside my window.  I am determined to make my way outside today and get some fresh air and enjoy the beautiful day.
The forecast is calling for rain this afternoon, so I think I am going to go to an early movie downtown and I also am in the [...]

Today is the first time I have cooked in….forever.  It’s easier in so many ways to eat out, but then, when I’m in the kitchen, I forget how incredibly comforting it is to chop and stir.
Yesterday, I did go to the grocery store and one of the things I picked up with boneless chicken breasts.  [...]

I didn’t want to make any specific plans for the day - just the ability to hang out and do…..not much….is a huge bonus in so many ways.  We’ve been to the movies (Indiana Jones), I went and got a facial while kid had a massage, we’ve had sushi and pizza…and last night watched some [...]

I’m going through the Fall / Winter Catalogs for Hachette Books (Little, Brown)….picking through the books to review and authors to interview….and it’s amazing the number of authors that live in the Virginia / Maryland / DC area.  It’s a wonder I don’t pass one of them by on the street

Yes, I know that it is only Memorial Day weekend, and not yet Memorial Day, but I have some quiet time right now…and want to post while my mind is fresh.
For many, Memorial Day is a time for BBQ and heading to the lake or simply a three-day-weekend. For others, though, it is the [...]

The painter guy just arrived.  He is doing all the prep work so that he can paint Kid’s room.  I really want to have the rest of the house painted as well, as it’s been at least four years since it was done, but kid’s room needs to be done first as I think it’s [...]

I attended a lecture and book signing last night. The Lecturer was Jonna Doolittle Hoppes and the lecture was about her grandfather, Jimmy Doolittle. I picked up the book when I was in DC a couple of weeks ago and truly enjoyed the story…. The book told the story of Jimmy as [...]

I just watched the (downloaded) finale for the mini-season of Dirt! It was good, but overall, was anti-climactic. I guess I was expecting a bit of a cliffhanger like last year…..but, to be honest, it was more on the sweet side.
I got an email tonight from the youngest kid. The title of [...]

I had mentioned the other day that life being what it is….we have the occasional reality check. Then a week later, came the call that my cholesterol was elevated, and we set an appointment to discuss it. today’s appointment was pure torture. Incredibly high cholesterol. Weight way too high. Waist [...]

Spring is very much in the air. We are experiencing the weather disturbances that happen….but also the incredibly beautiful days as well.
Home was 85 and sunny when I landed. I changed from my jeans and sweater to a skirt and sandals. I had lunch with Miss O, picked up kid from school, [...]

it seems as if i always have this running list in my head. Mostly things I need to do…things that I want to note….things I want to write.
Often I read something that makes me….just think…..
I spent some time simply thinking as I read all the panels of the Jefferson Memorial last week…… and yes, [...]

I thought I’d check the news before I dug into some work….and was struck by this photo:
Two of the three candidates look…more well rested and ready to face the world than they have been looking.
There has been a lot of talk about how McCain’s health was affecting him….and while he has aged since the last [...]

I grew up breathing devotion to the Dallas Cowboys. During the days that Tom Landry was the coach….and Roger Stabach was the quarterback….Sundays revolved around watching the game. But, since Jerry Jones purchased the Cowboys…the shine simply fell off of that silver star….
Now, when it comes to games, I don’t watch religiously…but [...]

Well, my dad is going home from the hospital today.  His heart stuff looks good - arteries are clear…stint is still in place.  What kept him in the hospital was some breathing issues.  He has fluid on his lungs, and did a CT scan to see what was going on with that.
Four “nodules” appeared…but upon [...]