Remember the little puppies? They are growing up.

They are just too cute.

Over the weekend, I went out for dinner and some shopping with a couple of friends. While shopping, I found this fun item.

It does say “bodice-ripping” on the packaging—a stereotype I dislike—but I couldn’t resist adding this to my inspirational magnet collection.

My first phrase:

He dreamed of her passionate kisses, rolling and rocking with pleasure.

I’ll move the phrases around each day. Should be a fun writing exercise.

You know the special features option you see on DVDs these days? I’m pretty sure it was invented just for me. I love special features. Unless I absolutely hate a movie, I always check out the special features once I finish watching.

My favorite special features: movie commentaries (especially if one of the actors participates) and documentaries providing background information or explaining how a movie was made. The more special features are included, the better. Hence my desire to buy this edition of Zodiac with all the bonuses, and my sadness that this movie has no special features.

Trailers don’t count as special features to me.

Anyone else love special features? What are your favorites?

It’s April 15, otherwise known as tax day or the day of reckoning. This year I’m getting a bit of money back. I’m looking forward to my San Francisco trip this summer, and I’m also going to put some of my return toward my debts.

The best thing about doing my taxes—besides getting a refund—is that I don’t do them. A friend of mine does. It’s such a relief to have someone else do them.

The refund isn’t half bad, either . . .

I finished Sanctuary, and it will soon be in the hands of a few test readers. Yay! I can definitely use their input. For now, though, I’m savoring the fact that it’s finished.

I’m slowly working my way through Heath Ledger’s movies, and the last one I saw is 10 Things I Hate about You. I laughed through the whole thing. It’s fabulous. Here are ten things I liked about it.

1. The story is (loosely) based on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. Not my favorite of his plays, but it’s fun to see a modern retelling.
2. Heath. He’s adorable (and pretty; see #3) in this movie.
3. This conversation.
   

   Cameron: And here’s another problem. Bianca said that Kat likes pretty guys.
   Patrick [Pulls away from the table to stand taller]: Are you telling me I’m not a pretty guy?
   Michael: Very pretty. He’s a gorgeous guy. [Gives the thumbs up sign] You’re a gorgeous guy.
   Patrick [Leans back against the table]
   Cameron: Yeah. I just wasn’t sure. I didn’t know.

4. The great one-liners. Really, there are too many to list.
5. This line.
   

   Kat’s Dad: You’re eighteen—you don’t know what you want. And you won’t know what you want ’til you’re forty-five, and even if you get it, you’ll be too old to use it.

6. This song.

7. This conversation.
   

   Patrick: We’re looking at seventy-five bucks.
   Joey: This isn’t a negotiation. Take it or leave it, Trailer Park.
   Patrick: Fifty bucks and we got a deal, Fabio.

8. This smile.



9. This line.
   

   Patrick [Shouts to be heard over the playing music]: I was watching you out there before. I’ve never seen you look [Still shouting, though the music stops] so sexy.

10. It’s a fun and funny feel-good movie.

I received another review for The Greatest Gift. This one is at Joyfully Reviewed. Here’s an excerpt:

I enjoyed The Greatest Gift very much. The emotional intensity was outstanding and I found myself a bit weepy eyed more than once. Lia Sebastian is making her way to my auto-buy list and it is for books such as this!

It’s a lovely review! You can read the entire review here.

Last week I did pretty good with the exercise challenge. This week . . . not so much. I’ve been napping instead, which is nice, but not the same thing. I think it will help to choose a regular time for exercise, and then to just do it.

Anyone have an inspiring quote or success story about exercising? I could use it.