Review: Somebody Like You

Somebody Like You by Donna Alward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Why did they break up? Did he also go to college?

He didn't! What a schmuck!

Poor Ethan, how did his wife die?

When in doubt, don't agree.

Aww, he was still a virgin on that infamous night? Guess he wasn't a man-whore in high school, as she seems to think.

This doofus did not just ask her to do that for a wedding to the person he cheated with!

Wow, I didn't know the real von Trapps moved to Vermont! I will have to go there one day!

I don't think his family would have seen him as a burden if he had expressed his true opinions more growing up.

Dan's had to deal with a lot?! What about you, Laurel?

Has she only ever had sex with Dan? Because that would suck donkey-balls.



These two will never look at a brownie the same way again.

I can't believe she didn't realize that a homeless person wouldn't have a car! Although, if people in this town are as nice as they think they are, someone could have given him a ride.

I really want to know why George won't tell anyone about his past.

I would have stopped the ceremony and stabbed Dan on principle if I was her.

She's going to have an aneurysm one day and keel over if she keeps all the rage bottled up.

I don't blame Aiden for walking away. She wants to keep having sex while denying they're a couple in love? Nope.

Stupid kids.

Unfortunately, many of the homeless seem to be former military. We need to do better with the VA.

That Dan had been interested in her wedding flowers should have been a big clue.

Shoot, honey, if you don't marry him after that speech, I will!

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Plays, Concerts, Oh My!

I have recently tried to get tickets for a Broadway play. I procrastinated, so I couldn't get a wheelchair ticket for the performance I wanted. I am on a limited income, but I'm also cheap! I often talk myself out of going somewhere.

It got me thinking, though. Usually, there are wheelchair seats in Broadway theaters. A couple of times, the theater didn't have a bathroom I could use, so I didn't see a play at that theater. Each theater has at least couple of wheelchair seats, both transfer and removable spaces for your wheelchair. Telecharge gives you the option of high or low price seats. But they don't ask for proof of your using a wheelchair. Anyone could ask for a seat, and the venue won't know until the person actually shows up for the performance. Same with concerts. It doesn't help that these seats are often cheaper than those for able-bodied people.

Liev Schreiber

Now I understand that you can't police people just trying to see a show or a concert. But there must be a better system. Sellers can't feasibly interrogate potential clients, but come on! Separate the liars from the people who need and deserve accessible seating.

Review of Speechless Episode 10

I don't get people who have fake trees. It's Christmas!

Haha, it was nice until she said "dump"!

I didn't have a computer until I was way older than you, Ray. You'll live.

That's how I got into college, JJ. And chill out, Ray.

Nice arm, Minnie Driver! Poor Dylan. Let's hope she didn't land on the apples.

Oh my God, this meeting is boring.

That's a lot of choir puns.

Hey, man. Manual chairs are just as nice.

Hel-lo Julianne Hough!

And that is why I don't have a power chair, even though every stranger I meet asks me why I don't.

Haha, that's cheating, JJ!

You guys should just use the car alarm.

Aww! Humanity is saved.

Snort-laugh. Poor kid. So lucky I'm a girl.

I want that van.

At least they can be assured that no one in town would do such a thing...?

Go Kenneth, go Kenneth.

Review of Speechless Episode 9

That really is patronizing. Even the other team is cheering? Hell no!

I actually don't know anyone with CPR training.

And that's what you get for trying to climb a ladder that's heavier than you, Ray.

There were no sports like this when I was growing up. If there were, I didn't know about them.

Hello, man-boobs!

Ah, the power of suggestion. Now I want lasagna.

Ooh, a secret tunnel. But I wonder if Ray has asthma.

I'm with Maya. Their whole life is about not excluding JJ. Wrapping him in cotton goes against their whole ethics.

None of the other players have someone pushing them. Why not get JJ's strength up so he can do it himself?

Good speech, Jimmy.

Wait, what happened? Did I miss something? Did JJ make the goal?

Review of Speechless Episode 8

Seriously, this kid is just asking for an ulcer. What was on his hand?

I'm thinking that's wrong, Jimmy.

Ugh, stop saying "normal", you guys.

Yeah. I'm pretty sure this girl would see JJ as a friend, no matter what. And why shouldn't he get a broken heart? That's part of growing up, or so I'm told.

This is so wrong. But Ray looks good in a wig. Who knew?

Ray has a point. These three could give the Navy pointers, but no one can drive their son to school by 8:00 am?

Poor JJ. And that is why parents aren't allowed on dates.

That is a lot of dolls. Creepy.

Thank goodness you got a car, Ray. You wouldn't have ever gotten there.

Haha, poor Emma Watson!

Little brother giving big brother advice.

Once you have a hot tub, you rarely use it.

Stop with the Photoshop!

I'm watching yet another movie where the characters have pictures of themselves younger or with partners they are no longer with. Why do all these pictures look like they've been cut out and glued together? Why not take a new picture? You've got the actors, you've got the cameras.
If they have to look younger, a little airbrushing is fine. But most times these pictures look like something a first-grader put together as a collage. Really? In this age of CGI?

What do you think? Does this annoy you as well?

Review of Speechless Episode 7

Wow, Jimmy's brother does not look good in drag. None of his patients wanted to be in his commercial?

It took me a while to get it, but that was funny, Kenneth.

They can't take care of their own kid on Black Friday?

i love hearing Minnie Driver say "lover".

All of these are true. Disney World is awesome.

They still cerebral palsy is like a sinus infection and "clears up"? Douches.

Cousin Duncan sounds like the village idiot.

This game sounds fun!

Seriously, chill, Ray. How bad was your credit, Kenneth?

Who puts veneers on a kid?

And...point to Maya!

Oh dear god! Hello, salmonella!

Jimmy is raking it in.

Damn, you're scary right now. Kenneth.

$800,000 from your father-in-law? That's nothing to brag about.

Burn! I should use that one. Also, how pathetic do you have to be to be sitting there for a day-and-a-half?

Even in the face of a nice gesture from his brother, Billy has to make it all about him.

Review: Lost in Shadows

Lost in Shadows by Anita DeVito
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'd prefer research and editing, myself.

Shoot, that's scary. Fight or flight, baby.

Poor Kate, why does he want to take her car?

Why does he get a codename, and Nate doesn't?

Uncle Mitch sounds like a prick, to hear Nate tell it.

She's kind of obsessed with cleanliness. The state of her kitchen must be killing her.

Yikes, her imagination doesn't mess around.

Her uncle is such a butthole. I wouldn't be surprised if he was behind the break-in and the creepy phone calls.

Jeezus, way to scare her, and me!

She's both innocent and worldly at the same time.

Haha, I want to see his baddie face!

What an annoying saleswoman. She bought way more than she planned.

Wow. He really knows how to give a compliment! Is it hot in here?

Could the house be bugged?

And this guy is her uncle?

I love that Butch needs to have his wife in his lap before he can fully wake up in the morning.

Wow, a grown man having a hissy fit. Priceless.

And that's why I don't have a fancy phone.

I see you've been taking notes from Kate, Carolina.

Haha, I like Butch's sense of revenge.

Men are so stupid. Was she supposed to read your mind?

This is one crazy car chase.

Sounds like a plan, ladies. At least you'll never be bored with her, Jeb.

Serves you right, Hagerman.

Making friends, Jeb?

For the love...a delivery for you, Carolina? Really?

Nice setup for the next story.

Her uncle sucks as family. Way to make an entrance, Nate!

Haha, too late girl, he already saw you! But I don't think you need to be superstitious today. Bad luck doesn't stand a chance against your husband.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Review of Speechless Episode 6

Haha! Kenneth has to practice his sassy voice.

True that, JJ. True that. She doesn't know how good she has it.

Dear God. Is this what public schools have been reduced to?

Ray is so going to have an ulcer. Any day now.

Maybe my mom should have had a support group like this. With less sangria, obviously.

This Claire girl is definitely a Mean Girl.

See? That's all the accommodations we need, but somehow it's too difficult to do for some businesses.

10 years? Shoot, I haven't had sugar in ten minutes.

Seriously, slap this guy, somebody.

Poor Ray!

Drunk Minnie Driver is priceless.

Based on my own siblings, I think "special-needs" siblings would try to be better, because they don't want to take too much time from the sibling who needs them the most.

Haha! Ray's hypochondria paid off! Although, what if they go swimming together one day? These boys will recognize his nipple.

Yay, they showed JJ standing!

You're not missing much, Claire.

I'm with JJ. That's how boys saw me.

Go, Jimmy! Was that Dutch?

She thinks Ray got a girl pregnant? Ha, so far from the truth.

A lot of rage in one little person.

Excellent timing there, Dylan. Although, good for you, Maya. You were a good mom today.

Is Chivalry Dead?

I read romances. Yes, I admit it. Why should I be embarrassed? Just because there's a hot guy on the cover? Have you seen what passes for manly for the women in my generation? Ew.

He wears a scarf better than I ever could. And a man-purse?!

Give me him, any day. Air-brushing and all.

A lot of romance novels recently have had the female character surprised when the hero opens doors for her, says thank you, or generally acts like a man. Really? Should we as women be surprised by this? I'm all for women having equal rights in the workplace and at home, but I am a woman. I want to be seen as one. You see me coming behind you, your butt better open that door. 

Feminism, I think, ruined men. They got too afraid of us. If they do something for us that we could have done for ourselves, will we be mad? Are they taking our rights from us? I'm not saying that we should still be thought of as property, but a little pampering wouldn't go amiss. It's called politeness or etiquette.

So, men everywhere, pull out our chairs and open our doors. It's the right thing to do.

Stuntman or Actor?

I've been thinking about action movies and shows recently. I watch Arrow. I also love the Fast and Furious saga. I miss Paul Walker! Vin Diesel and the other actors have stated that they like to do their own stunts, up to a certain point. Other times, a movie will be in the news because the actor says they did all the stunt work himself. Shouldn't that be the case all the time, though? If you're not fit to do the movie yourself, don't audition for it.Yes, I understand some scenes might need an expert. And in this age of liability and suing for every little thing, it makes sense to have a stunt double on standby. But sometimes you can clearly see the stunt double's face in an action scene, instead of the actor they are portraying. Really? Like I can't tell that his face changed shape in five seconds? Studios should do a better job. Come on, it's 2016!

Stephen Amell and his stunt double Simon Burnett

Review of Speechless Episode 5

Yeah, I'd make copies of the list, you guys. No need to demolish the wall.

Thank God Ray's not on videochat.

Those plans are lame, Kenneth.

Dude, I need a laser.

Jimmy's gonna wake up with bruises that Maya will have to explain, haha!

I'm with JJ. I could never go to parties because their houses wouldn't have been accessible. At least he was invited.

Dylan's idea sounds so cool.

Funny how his mind goes to "fourth kid". And wow! He really gets into Halloween, doesn't he?

Aw, I liked Kenneth's costume. Too bad it wasn't teen-appropriate.

Oh, he's so gonna regret the earring. I want that leather jacket.

Ray's going to have an ulcer by freshman year.

Tricksy, JJ. Very tricksy.

Jillian is going to grow up to be a tramp.

Oh, Kenneth. Sweet, clueless Kenneth. Maya is going to kill you dead.

Doesn't JJ have to pee?

I went to a wine-tasting, and was zig-zagging down Times Square.

Dylan's the sane one in the family, in spite of the pig's blood.

I love that this show emphasizes that JJ is just a normal teenager who does stupid stuff.

Best. Costume. Ever. But no one's going to open their door to you guys.

Review of Poldark Season 2 Episode 7

I half-expect Jack Sparrow to show up.

What do they want with poor Judd?

Good attack dog, boy.

Hope Mark Daniels was telling the truth, Ross.

Seriously, Ross. From now on, you're only allowed to come to Trenwith with Demelza. You know, your wife? Married men can can have female friends, yes, but this is too much.

That is one unhappy father-of-the-bride.

Haha! Ross doesn't even blink. He's seen these three wrestle before.

That's a burn, Judd. Think about it.

How'd Caroline get in? Did they exchange keys, and we missed it? She's already looking at his mail.

Eloping is only fun if your family is happy with your marriage, and you just want to save money and have a small wedding. Otherwise they might as well call themselves Romeo and Juliet.

That makes a strange sort of sense, Caroline.

The preacher comes to eat free food once a week?

If the soldier's friend is Dwight's patient, maybe Ross can use Dwight as an informant?

Ugh, George. You can't even do one good thing for the woman you claim to love without it benefitting you.

Aunt Agatha is smarter than all of them.

Don't forget that letter in your pocket.

Be free, Enys. Although, wasn't Caroline's whole goal to get him steady work here?

Maybe he has a life and a wife of his own, Elizabeth?

Looking good, Mark. Not. Surely being under the radar means you can get a haircut once in awhile.

Well, I hope Mark is right, if they decide to do what he said. And Dwight better hope he never runs into him again.

I'm with her aunt. George will use any excuse to see her, why not now? Even his lackey thinks this is dumb.

Annnd Auntie found a gun.

Nice save, Prudie.

Yeah, good plan, not trusting that doctor to do your work.

Damn your sense of decency, man! Just take Caroline and go! And will that little girl tell what she heard?

You did your good deed. RUN!

That guard is gonna get court-martialed.

Poor Caroline. He did want to be there.

If she doesn't give you a chance to explain, she doesn't really love you.

Fine talk for someone who pays someone to do your bidding, George.

Well, duh. Of course George plans to marry the poor, defenseless widow.

Hell-o, secret compartment in the secret compartment.

Meep. All episodes should end with a Ross and Demelza moment.

Review of Speechless Episode 4

And that's why all my doors are wide.

Ryan Gosling is hot.

Well, don't I feel special? I never realized how many things I can't do.

They so need a contractor.

I've had that happen. People can be nice.

This just got weird.

Oh, Ray.

Dylan is a cute mini-psychologist.

Aww, go JJ!

Nice voice, Ken.

Aw, Dylan, it's okay to have fun without JJ.

Slow your enthusiasm, Ken. Now you're just taking advantage.

What was in the backpack?

How is JJ driving? No really, how?

That is one evil sister.

Review of Poldark Season 2 Episode 6

I guess Elizabeth is done with the tears?

Demelza is pregnant? Or does it just look that way?

Crap! So Francis died for nothing?

Elizabeth, you're not fooling anybody, least of all Verity.

The day after Christmas is my birthday. If I were Ross, that would doubly suck. Stupid George!

Take care of your own family first, Ross. Your wife can take care of herself, and would have no trouble leaving you.

So that girl still limps.

What the hell, Dwight? What are you doing with that cleaver?

Ugh, come on, Ross. No one is buying your "everything will come up roses" act. Let them help!

Huh. Guess they were lucky they had a spare dead body.

"Pride cometh before the fall."

The "old hag" will haunt your butt, George. Good luck with that.

Getting to her through her mother. Devious.

Surely you can spare a few smiles for your son, Elizabeth.

Forty pounds! But he's doing noble work, Caroline.

Seriously, Ross? So you can go to prison for debt, come home, then go back for smuggling?

I believe if Caroline got married, her fortune goes to her husband at that time.

See, if you can't tell your wife you're doing something, you shouldn't do it.

Doctor Enys with the burns!

Every time I see the miners, I think of them

Knowing your house is being used for smuggling is one thing. Actually helping is another.

Where is Judd, anyway? And their son?

Ha! Ross is talking about himself!

For the love of...Go home to your wife!

Take that, Meddlesome Uncle! But don't give her too much power, Dwight.

Elizabeth's mother sure knows how to give a backhanded compliment, even to her own daughter. Doesn't she have any money she can give her daughter and grandson?

Slow your roll, George. The boy is not even ready for Eton!

Classy, George. You invite her, and then abandon her.

You rock, Caroline! If the mines stay open, Dwight has job security.

Don't question your good fortune, you two!

Happy Christmas, you two!

And to George (and his uncle), I say:

Aunt Agatha's face says it all. It's like accepting the poisoned apple.

I could listen to Demelza sing forever.

Damn, girl. Where'd you find a razor in 1700's England? Back to the sexiness...

See what can happen when you give the right woman attention, Ross?

Team Demelza Forever

Stand Up for Yourself...Always

I try to be polite and not create waves in public. It's bad enough when able-bodied people are annoying. I don't want to give wheelchair users a bad name. If I said everything I was thinking, people wouldn't think I was "sweet" and I wouldn't get "you have such a nice smile" all the time.

If I can get into your restaurant, great. If I can use your bathroom, even better. If not, I go somewhere else. Do I plan ahead as much as possible? Yes. Do restaurant staffers lie when I call, and say their restaurant is accessible when they know it's not or are unsure? Yes. Does it bug me? You betcha. I'm a human being, albeit with fewer nerves than most people. Literally.

See? I have a sense of humor about it.

REading other blogs from people who use wheelchairs, primarily The Disabled Foodie (http://www.thedisabledfoodie.com/), I realized that I don't have to be silent. In fact, I shouldn't. It's harmful, on both sides. Why shouldn't I eat there, and comfortably? And if I don't mention it, how will the staff know they're doing something wrong? Shouldn't I encourage them to do something, so that more wheelchair users will come?

I recently visited Cock & Bull here in NYC. It's a British-themed restaurant. You can even buy English food products from shelves behind the bar (they had Irn Bru!). I called ahead, even after making a reservation through OpenTable. I've learned that calling is necessary. They told me they would set aside a table for me, as the main seating area is upstairs with no elevator. I got there early, and they happily seated me, across from the bathrooms haha. If you know me, that is the best place to put me!

The bathroom was totally accessible. I was pleasantly surprised. I could transfer easily, and the soap, sink and grab bars were all on my level. That is like finding a unicorn! Even the purse hook was at eye-level! 

Until I went to lock the door. Now, oftentimes, the handicapped bathroom is the least maintained. There's usually no soap at all, or the lock is broken and no one bothered to fix it. Here, the lock was too high. I couldn't lock the door! That's important, man!

I mentioned it to my waiter. The manager came over to apologize. He said he would make a note of it and mention it to the owner. And then he had the bartender make me a free drink! You guys! This is New York! That just doesn't happen!

So what have I learned? I don't need to "hold it" and wait for someplace I know is accessible. All I have to do is ask for help. Get the manager's attention. A little embarrassment on your side will go a long way towards a lot on theirs. And it's worth it.

And try the Shepherd's Pie and Pimm's Cup at Cock & Bull http://www.cockandbullnyc.com/

Review of Speechless Episode 3

Why is Ray naked?

Is it wrong that I sometimes use myself as a snowplow?

Well, that's wrong.

You so need a better excuse, Maya.

Huh. That makes sense, Kenneth.

That is one janitor who is super hip and in-the-know with his school's students.

Aww. The class that vandalizes together, stays together.

You broke her, dude.

Hell-o steroids.

Look at JJ with the mom jokes!

I've been there. But I've been able to have a lot of cool experiences doing other stuff. It just takes planning.

What. The hell. DiMeo, remember that whole "I want my kid to have friends" thing? Go back to that!

Has no one heard of a beach chair?!

How does one grow a beard like that? And way to bring down team spirit, Dylan.

I guess it's good that they see him and not his chair...?

Whoops! Breathe, Ray.

I love the dad's speech.

Poor Eastlake, haha!

Why did you mess with the boy's board, woman?

Review of Poldark Season 2 Episode 5

We're at the halfway point. I'll miss the views.

Ooh, intrigue.

Francis is a magistrate? Who thought that was a good idea?

I guess some time has passed, haha. The kid got big! And he's adorable.

Listen to Demelza, Ross. She's the smart one in this relationship.

Dude, should you be at the "I think so" stage when you're supposed to announce your engagement tonight? Hasn't she had a year to say yes? I still maintain you play for the other team.

How goes the stepmother gig, Verity?

Hey, Francis looks good in a wig! And he's playing this guy like a fiddle.

Dwight knows what's up, George.

Burn!

Attaboy, Francis. But why is Verity dressed so dowdily?

Elizabeth and Demelza are on the same level, at in regards to fashion.

The bromance lives! Be afraid, George. I hope you've practicing your "boxing" moves whilst in Town.

Ooh, Demelza, being brought into supper by your host? My, how you've moved up in the world.

Yeah, an engagement is imminent. Not.

You're both married. Stop looking at each other like that! I'm talking to you, Elizabeth.

M-A-R-R-I-E-D.

Hope you get laid, Francis. Although, does Elizabeth feel like she's cheating on Ross with her husband, given her whole "I wish I married you" speech?

Your go-to move is a head-butt, Ross? No wonder you didn't do much in the War.

Well, that's not good.

Ugh, George scenes.

He's taken, girlie

Damn, you should talk more often, Dwight!

Francis, out. Cue the slow clap.

You really thought you were wise, Ross?

I so love all the Ross and Demelza moments.

Yup, Dwight's right. Ross knows he married up, despite what Society thinks.

So glad we have the postal service. No more getting letters delivered by random people.

Does Caroline ever go out without a hat and gloves?

You know you got game, Enys.

Dwight is so happy right now.

Okay, when a character on a TV show pours his heart out like this, it does not bode well.

And to think there was once a time when Francis was so not Team Demelza.

Dammit, Francis, don't go searching through the dark by yourself. Have you never seen a horror film?

What just happened?!

Trudie's a good friend.

Not the time for that, Ross.

Peace out, Francis. This is the best day ever for George. Ross aged overnight. Don't lose heart, Demelza.

Aunt Agatha should play lotto. She always knows when it's going to be a bad day, so theoretically she should know when it's going to be a good one. Right?

Review of Speechless Episode 2

Yeah, if I lived alone, I'd have almost no furniture. I've got a chair, and I'd need a table for meals and my laptop. That's it.

She has a point. If he was on oxygen, he'd be dead by the time the second ambulance got there.

Dang, Janitor Guy cleans up good.

I love his questions for JJ!

Ugh, stop smiling, Principal.

Don't give this woman ideas, DiMeo!

I want to smack this neighbor.

Ha! Don't tell me you never forgot your kid, Mrs. DiMeo.

JJ looks like he time-traveled from the seventies! Don't do that to the boy, Kenneth! There's a reason those clothes were in the lost-and-found.

Ray, Ray, Ray.

This physical therapist is rude! Mine have never been this mean.

Ow! Poor kid. The one chest hair he had...

I've never thought about being nonverbal or unable to transfer on and off the toilet.. There's always someone worse off than you.

Review of Poldark Season 2 Episode 4

The soldier bringing these convicts in doesn't seem to think they've committed much of a crime. He appears to agree with Ross.

Yeah, this pregnant lady can take care of herself! She's stronger than two of Ross put together, and wilier.

It's the plague, boys! I think you can afford to lose a paycheck or two right now. You're no use to your families dead.

He's busy, Caroline. He's just not that into you.

Honey, you've got two women working for you. Let them do the fishing.

So that's what scurvy looks like. I guess it's not just a pirate's disease.

You know Ross just wants to sing "Dwight's got a girlfriend..."

Is this all worth it, George? You're scared of Ross and sleep with a gun in the desk.

He's just looking out for you, Demelza.

That's weird, Francis. Just sayin'.

Keep dreamin'. You know George has the hots for you.

I guess it's hard being the stepmother of children whose mother has died. I suppose it's even harder when the children are grown.

Come on, Francis! You just tipped your hat to your own sister. Surely you can see how ridiculous that is?

Caroline's totally playing you, Dwight. She's not that blonde.

The casting agents for this show did such a good job.

You're begging a married woman to spend time with you, man! Where's your pride?

Demelza's not the only one in this marriage who can be wily.

Really, George? Why should they go through everything again just for you?

I wonder what Francis was going to say?

That's actually pretty smart of Francis.

I'd fire that boxing instructor, George. You got your butt beat!

You're a good cousin, Ross.

Verity's stepson is a delight.

Elizabeth's face says what we are all thinking, haha!

Such adorable banter. The baby's not bad, either.

You snooze, you lose, Dwight.

Notice a theme here, George? No one is telling you anything. You're not out of the loop, you're in another galaxy entirely.

Awww!

Don't Pity Me, But Do Better

I came across this video through Facebook this week. https://www.facebook.com/dontpanic/videos/10154584158398619/ It depicts a man in a wheelchair going about his day in what is presumably London. I've been to London, and it is definitely not as accessible as it could be. Same for New York, where I can often be found.

Say your favorite sports star or celebrity is making an appearance. If you are employed, you just happen to have the day off. For the sake of argument, you live in the suburbs outside a big city. You can drive or take public transportation. So you have the option of taking a cab, the subway or the bus. You've already taken the train into the city. Whichever mode of transportation you see first, you take.

Well, aren't you lucky? Now if you're handicapped and unable to drive yourself. This is what I go through every time I want to go to the city.

1. How long will it take me to get ready? What time do I need to wake up?

2. How am I getting to the train station? Will my mom take me or the shared bus? If the shared bus, what time are they coming? Have I accounted for them being late, because they always are.

3. Once I get there, where am I eating? Is the restaurant accessible? Do they have an accessible bathroom? So I have to call ahead, even though I've made an online reservation. Then you go through the whole "What do I mean by accessible" conversation. Oh joy!

4. If the restaurant I chose isn't accessible, do I have a back-up? And both restaurants have to be near to my destination.

5. How am I getting from the train station to my first stop (usually the restaurant)? Am I taking the bus or walking? I can't use the subway without help, and taxis don't stop for you if you're in a wheelchair. Even in the rain. I took my first NYC cab ride in 29 years this year.

6. Are there accessible bathrooms in places I am familiar with along the route? Yeah, this is a tricky one. All department stores are not created equal, and neither are restaurants. Just because an establishment is well-known and seemingly rolling in dough, doesn't mean they've thought about their disabled customers. I'm never surprised when I'm led deep into the bowels of the place just to use the restroom. When you gotta go, you gotta go!

7. Is the theater or filming location (yes, I'm that girl) in an area where there are handicap bathrooms? Is the building itself accessible? I couldn't see Steve Martin's play because I found out the theater didn't have a handicap bathroom. I would have had to leave and go a-huntin'.

8. How am I getting back to the train? As before, do I know what cross-street I have to be at at exactly what time?

9. How am I getting home from my local station? What do I do if I have missed the train I was supposed to take? The bus won't wait. And there have been a couple of times when the elevators at Penn Station weren't working. Luckily, I have parents who are willing to bring me home. Not everyone does.

Tired just from reading this? Welcome to my world. When I say I don't get out much, believe me.

Review of Poldark Season 2 Episode 3

Slimy and Slimier. And George, that's not how you throw a punch; even I know that.

Overdoing it a bit, Judd.

Talk to your wife, man!

Keep your enemies closer...?

Burn, Francis! I'm glad you're learning how important family is.

Why is this guy willing to be alone with a married woman? Does he know what year it is?

What the hell, Ross? Your finances are not the only things that "require urgent attention".

Watch your back, Judd.

I love how tricksy Demelza is.

The loss of the livestock is affecting Mrs. Painter more than the Poldarks.

George or George Jr. are freakin' everywhere!

Dwight's smarter than he looks, Caroline.

Count your blessings, Elizabeth. You could have married Ross, and been not nearly as willing or proficient enough to sell all your worldly goods.

Bye, Judd.

George would totally do that, Demelza.

Death really does bring people together.

What's with the stink-eye, Demelza?

What an interesting ceremony! I wonder what Francis is saying, I can't make it out.

Your boyfriend's totally gay, Caroline.

Elizabeth's mom is still a snob.

George is going to find some way to make a simple doctor's visit sound dirty.

What the-?

Well, to be fair, you did look dead, Judd.

You're not helping yourself, Ross. Stop talking.

You've made up for being stupid, man, even if you are clearly lying through your teeth.

Review of Poldark Season 2 Episode 2

What a nice memory to have.

Damn it, Judd! If you'd stay sober for any length of time, you wouldn't do stupid things like agree to testify against your former boss.

Ya got spunk, Demelza.

Stop with the dumb blonde act, Caroline. We all know you're better than that.

Who's this red-haired guy, and what's his beef with Ross?

Oh, well-played, Demelza!

It's gotta be depressing, signing your will.

Dwight sure sees through Caroline.

What's with the chairs? I didn't follow that part.

Shades of the French Revolution.

Someone stab George.

Phew! I thought you were done for, Francis.

I despise this lawyer.

No anti-depressants at the time.

Ross and Demelza Forever.

Her father sucks.

These guys know they're lying for money, and they're embarrassed.

Whoo-hoo! Good for you, Jude! That lawyer was leading the witness.

Grr. The captain told the truth, and this guy is creating doubt.

Love you, Dwight.

Too little, too late, Elizabeth. And would it kill you to sit with Demelza?

Mike-drop. His lawyer looks horrified, George is walking on sunshine, and Demelza is crying for her unborn baby being born without a father.

What is the term when the judge is prejudiced?

You knew it would be okay, because he has to live through the rest of the season, but that pause...oy.

Finally a smile from Francis. But damnit, man, she's your sister! And she loves the guy!

Your wife deserves to know about last night, Francis.

Seriously. Kill George.

Don't marry that fool, Caroline.

Be afraid, George. Be very, very afraid.

Whoa. A lot of stuff be happening next week.

Review of Speechless Episode 1

I was really excited to learn about this show. It features a boy with CP and his family. And get this. The young actor actually has Cerebral Palsy. Hallelujah! He's not just in a wheelchair onscreen, and walking to craft services the minute they yell "cut".


Wow, she really wants breakfast! Haha!

The daughter's learning to confuse men. All you have to do is yell, and they give up.

Burn! Take that, Southern Belle. I can't stand those people who want to teach you a lesson. I know I'm in a handicapped spot; you don't have to tell me. And unlike you, I need it.

I was mainstreamed, so I can't imagine being forced into special-ed or a "special school" just because I'm in a wheelchair. But, I know it happens. United Cerebral Palsy has a school on Long Island, where I live. I did go to a school for the disabled for preschool, though. It was mostly to develop my wheelchair skills and using long-leg braces to walk.

I feel bad for the second son. The sibling dynamic is realistic here. I'm sure my siblings would have appreciated a little more attention to their needs, but in the end I was just their big sister, not their "disabled big sister".

Ha! A cell tower masquerading as a tree.

They didn't have to do any construction to make it accessible?

That neighbor kid has issues. Good thing they moved.

I have spina bifida, which for me means I'm only paralyzed from the waist down. I didn't need someone to speak or write for me, but until college I did have an aide to escort me to classes, and the bathroom (in high school I had to use the faculty one, kept locked). They were never allowed to wheel me, as per my mom's instructions, but it was nice having someone available to lift my backpack and hook it on my handlebars. That sucker was heavy!

Oh. Dear. God. Two seconds in, and that woman is giving even me a headache. Why do people assume if you're in a wheelchair, they need to talk to you in a baby voice?

Okay, this principal is on some serious meds. And a sea slug? You know she just changed the theme and the mascot 'cause she found out there's a kid in a wheelchair coming to her school.

Yeah, I don't like "crippled" either. And I had to go to the elementary school farther from my house because they were accessible, and the one closer to my house was not at the time. This meant that I didn't attend elementary school with my sister, who was only two grades behind me. I feel Mrs. DiMeo's pain.

Whoa, slow your roll, Teach. He's a kid, not the President. Do you want him to be bullied? And personally, if one more person calls me "an inspiration", I'll scream.

I'm with Dylan. What is this non-competitive, Kumbaya crap in schools now?

Boy, she's gone off on a lot of schools.

You go, Jillian.

This aide is clearly too much of a Nervous Nellie for this family.

You'll have to come down sometime, Ray. Haha!

Now that's a voice. Good for you, JJ.

Why you little sneak. You know eventually her boyfriend will hunt you down, Ray.

Based on the first episode, the show is funny yet heart-warming. It is not preachy. JJ doesn't have a woe-is-me attitude. I would like to see interaction with his classmates in future episodes. Right now, it's "him" vs. "everyone else".

Review: Highland Chieftain

Highland Chieftain by Hannah Howell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm in pain just reading this.

Sharing a chamber pot with a stranger. Ew.

Self-preservation can make us blind.

Poor little boy.

I bet her real father is someone Callum knows.

That bastard!

Dang, Margaret! You're a smart little girl!

Either her father wants to keep his housekeeper/cook around, or he has lascivious intentions towards her.

No one should die like that, even if you are an abusive baby-killer.

Take that, idiot sheriff. Brought low by Toddler Glare.

Someone kill this guy already.

I love you, Laurel.

Poor Walter. Even committing a crime indirectly can haunt you for life.

Oh. My. God. Margaret, you brave girl!

Glad you're okay, Keith. The idiot was incompetent as well as crazy.

Ah, the days before background checks.

Personally, I think it's a cool superpower, Bethoc.

I love this kid so much.

Poor Payton! He's going to be "Pretty Mon" for years now.

I can't imagine going through that, especially as a child.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: The Rogue's Wager

The Rogue's Wager by Christi Caldwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ew.

How does she not have cabin fever? I'd go crazy if I couldn't walk freely through my house, and outdoors.

Poor thing, she has PTSD.

He's funny when he's drunk.

It's a sad day when the highlight of your life is a woman threatening to cut your balls off. Literally.

I know her brother is trying to do a good thing, to let her have a normal life as befits her station, but he's going about it the wrong way. What is this, immersion therapy?

You're a nice girl, Diana.

If her father's so nice, why hasn't he come for her before this?

It's a good plan, but it won't end well.

The poor man's not that old, Diana!

Your tattling backfired there, Duchess. Now he's more in love with her than ever.

That witch!

She should brush her teeth first...

His father is a wonderful man. I just wish he would have less trust in their man-of-affairs. Who knows what the guy is doing with their money.

What happened to James?

Would it kill you to give your sister a hug, Ryker?

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


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BISHOP'S QUEEN Cover Reveal

We're so excited to share with you the STUNNING cover of BISHOP'S QUEEN by Cristin Harber, which releases October 25th! Check out the cover and find out more about Bishop's story below!

 

ABOUT BISHOP'S QUEEN (Releasing October 25th)

“I can't shake the feeling that somebody's watching me.” One second Ella Leighton’s life was normal—the next, not so much. A social media maven who made her living saving sea turtles, the decision to join a reality TV show was a good one for the cause. But for her… the adjustment wasn’t easy. Her publicist used phrases like online personality. An overnight celebrity. Everyone explained that was why she couldn’t shake the feeling. But none of their excuses could explain the letters. The pictures. And then her stalker crossed the line, triggering the demand for security. Bishop O'Kane didn't expect to come face-to-face with his ex-girlfriend when Titan sent him on bodyguard duty. The woman he once loved, the same one he walked away from years ago, was now his responsibility. Opposites in every way, they couldn’t be more different, but maybe they had never needed each other more. With the FBI falling short in their investigation, the Titan team must rally around the woman with millions of followers, protecting her from her own as Bishop and Ella forge a path of second chances and forgiveness, unburying the past in order to survive.

Preorder BISHOP'S QUEEN now:

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Make sure to sign up for Cristin Harber's newsletter to find out when BISHOP'S QUEEN goes live for preorder on Amazon and other retailers!

ABOUT CRISTIN HARBER

Cristin Harber is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author. She writes sexy, steamy romantic suspense and military romance. Readers voted her onto Amazon’s Top Picks for Debut Romance Authors in 2013, and her debut Titan series was both a #1 romantic suspense and #1 military romance bestseller. Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Team Titan Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Poldark Season 2 Episode 1

Loved seeing the scenes from last season. I forgot a lot!

The scene before the magistrate is hilarious. Poldark's saying "Screw you", and the guy knows it.

Poor couple. First their daughter dies, and now a possible prison sentence. Damn George!

Thanks for that visual, Aunt Agatha.

Well, Francis, George would help because he's in love with your wife.

No use crying over spilt milk (or your possible hanging) when there's work to be done!

Take that, George. Seems Ross has loyal servants, even when they've been turned out.

Who else needs a shower after every scene with George?

Rossie, you might be worth more dead. Sheesh!

Who is this pretty woman?

Yeah, Ross, family is family, in the end.

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQh6EUjJkTpeAzy-stdgI5BK7Hk6g0YW-RxBLMbXH6HPWWQiENLxP17KzSy

Who else wants to move to Cornwall?

Demelza's not just a "doxie", George.

Such a cute couple. And so hot! Juxtaposed nicely with Elizabeth and Francis, who can't even have a conversation.

Aww, Francis loves his cousin. He understands why Ross can't stand to be around him, knowing Julia died because his wife got ill trying to save Francis's family.

This isn't good-bye, Ross.

"On the road again..."

Knew you were lyin', Demelza. Hi, Verity!

I like this lawyer already.

You've come down in the world, Dwight.

Whatever works, Ross. Fight fire with fire.

Hello! Francis got his backbone.

Boom! Caroline's not just a pretty face. Like every female on this show, she's got brains and beauty.

Demelza's father's face is classic. She doesn't need your help, ya drunk.

Francis, what are you up to?

He's talking about love, George, in case you were wondering.

What just happened?

To Wait or Not to Wait

I'm re-watching "Recipe for Love", a Hallmark Channel movie about a celebrity chef who falls in love with the ghostwriter for his cookbook. Ironically, I'm reading an ARC by the same name.

So you can see why I'm in the mood to talk about restaurants (and I'm hungry). In the movie, the chef says he got "slammed" the night before. And it got me thinking. We New Yorkers are always in a rush. So we want our food to come out of the kitchen fast. But how fast is too fast? You don't want cold food, or undercooked meat, right? So the longer the chef takes to make your meal, the better chance I think you have of it being good. But you don't want to sit there for 45 minutes, either. Especially since, in this carb-obsessed society, a lot of restaurants aren't giving out breadbaskets anymore. No bread is a travesty!

No wonder they say a lot of restaurants don't make it past their first year! The industry is practically built to make the chef fail. Unless you pre-make some dishes, how can you hope to keep up?

Review: One Step Behind

One Step Behind by Brianna Labuskes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ha! He's so shocked that she's calm.

He's totally already in love.

Madame LeCroix is probably Mrs. Cross.

Haha! Take some dancing lessons, Peterson!

Yeah, the couple who commits crime together, stays together.

Good for her. I love how she stands up for herself.

That's what happens when you go all over Town asking questions, Beatrice.

I hate Rathburn.

That was a fun wedding ceremony.

She's definitely not the scared-little-woman type.

Oh, nicely played, Ms. Labuskes. I had forgotten about that guy.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Hire the Disabled!

What is it in Hollywood? What is the point of casting?

I haven't seen "Me Before You", but it's been the subject of a lot of controversy. Spoiler Alert: He kills himself. Because he's paralyzed. I find that notion highly offensive. So because he's paralyzed, his life is over? Huh. I guess I shouldn't have bothered getting that Master's or making an effort to meet all those celebrities. Broadway shows and restaurants? Nah. Apparently I should just be sitting in my house, feeling sorry for myself.

More than the whole "paralysis is worse than death" thing, why are the disabled actors not getting the parts of the disabled characters? The kid in the wheelchair in Glee? Yeah, he can walk. So can Sam Claflin. While he's very good-looking, he's not paralyzed! Even Hollywood is saying disabled people aren't good enough for the workforce, even to play themselves!

There is a new show coming out, called Speechless. It's about a boy with cerebral palsy, and his family. And guess what? The actor actually has CP!! Hallelujah! I can't wait!

I Joined a Gym-Kinda

A new gym opened up near me, in Garden City. Lifetime Fitness. Wow! Fancy!

I wanted to join as a member, so I did the tour. Turns out they have a therapy office inside. Yay! Medicare pays 80%, same as any other place. And instead of wasting time while you wait for your session to start, you can use the machines of the gym. They have a pool, but they were concerned about me swimming alone. I did see a couple of young men in electric wheelchairs. They have helpers, so they use the pool.

If you're in a wheelchair, getting fit is a problem. Every therapist has the same exercises for you to do. Bo-ring! I've been looking for something to do to increase cardio. The rope pull was recommended, but it doesn't exactly get my heart pumping. Boxing helps, but I can't really get close enough to the heavy bags to get an effective punch in. The big problem is half the machines are built for people standing who are tall and able to hook their legs into straps.

Anyone else have these problems? What do you recommend to get your heart pumping? (No pun intended.)

Review: Lady Lost

Lady Lost by Jane Goodger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great opening!

The duke is seriously creepy. I'm getting pedophile vibes.

Good riddance!

I guess it really sucked if you were sick in this part of York.

Those witches!! Both his wife and this abusive nincompoop.

I get attached to things, too.

She'll be happy later in life, when she looks younger than she is.

I hate his father.

Her sister sounds so changed.

Well that was a depressing proposal.

He was married, but he's practically a virgin himself.

Women had to wear so many layers back then.

Oh no! What caused Pamela to die at such a young age?

Theresa, a pillow? How long do you think you can keep that up?

Holy crap! Smart of you, Mr. M!

Oh good. A doctor with a sense of humor...

Go, Lord Chesterfield!

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Review of The Red Cat

I am not often downtown, but I was today. I attended a concert at the Highline Ballroom, so I needed to find someplace to eat nearby. I had plenty of time on my hands. I made the reservation through OpenTable, and I specified that I was in a wheelchair. The staff actually called me to confirm, and to make sure I knew how accessible they were! And they called again today to let me know that they would have the ramp set up ten minutes before my reservation. And did I mind that the bathroom has no grab bars? Who does that? Not many restaurants, I will tell you.

I got there early. Not a problem. You ring the bell for assistance, and someone comes out to help. They keep two portable lifts on hand, because there are two giant steps. The front door was a bit narrow, though. I managed in my manual chair. The bathroom was in a narrow hallway off to the side, next to the bar, behind a painting. They had two individual bathrooms. Again, the doorway was narrow. If my chair was an inch wider, I would have been in trouble. The room itself was wide enough that I could make a complete turn, though why are toilets always so close to the wall? I need elbow room!

The staff could not have been nicer, though. And the food was delicious! Restaurant Week is a bit of a hit-and-miss usually, because it always seems like they are trying to save money with tiny portions and low-quality ingredients. And you always feel rushed. Not so here. The salad was sooo good. I'm still thinking about that roasted lemon vinaigrette. And I had the pan-seared porgie, caught in Montauk, the waiter told me. The dish had so much corn, I was in corn-lovers' heaven! And for dessert, chocolate budino. All I know is, thank god I brought my own chair on wheels.

The porgie, on a bed of mashed potatoes

The chocolate budino-I'll be hyper tonight!

Review: The Pregnancy Proposition

The Pregnancy Proposition by Andrea Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, she works with vets? That must be sad, and rewarding at the same time.

That's a good name for a guide dog.

It's amazing how we can take our senses for granted.

A real woman wouldn't see his being blind as a problem.

Your sister should never steal your man. I wouldn't talk to her either, if I was her.

I guess your sense of smell is heightened when you can't see. But dude, don't tell her you could smell her!

I have the same aversion to doctors. It comes from seeing too many of them, one after another.

I want that dessert. Now.

Jenna wasn't worthy, but if you keep feeling sorry for yourself, people won't want to be around you anymore.

Dude. That's depressing. Even I make an effort to go to the city at least once a month. Get out of the house!

Shaved ice sounds great right about now.

I love dolphins.

I like that there isn't a sense of woe-is-me here. He is disabled, yes, but he's found a way to function that works for him. As for women, who's to say they wouldn't have been just as shallow if the accident never happened?

Whoa! Slow your roll, buddy!

Whoop! You go, girl!

That is one fancy necklace.

Travelling is hard for anyone. Being blind? It's so romantic that he went through that for her!

Swoon.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.


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Review: For Better or Worse

For Better or Worse by Lauren Layne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Interesting way to get the job you want. Maybe I should try it.

That sounds like a depressing way to live. A different girl every night?

Honey, ask your friends for help! That chick is obviously crazy.

I've had bacon both ways.

Aw, buddy. What kind of person would she be if she made you go home without actually eating all that food you cooked for her?

Helping your new love interest plan your ex's wedding to another man? You're a brave man, Josh.

Her mother should have been taking care of her, not the other way around.

That is the saddest way of choosing a career path I have ever heard.

I like it when they are jokey with each other.

Good trick, Trevor.

He likes her more than he knows.

Damn. I am starting to like Danica.

Don't wait too long to tell Alexis how you feel, Logan.

Now I want mac & cheese. And bacon.

You suck, Danica. And I was just starting to like you.

I'm glad Alexis didn't blame her.

His mom might sound like a helicopter mom to some, but can you blame her?

Omigod! He might be an idiot, and a little slow on the uptake. But when he decides to do something? Dayum.

Hahaha! Who else wants banana bread now?

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


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Review: Sweet Little Lies

Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm FINALLY reading this. I had to wait in line for my library to get a copy.

Don't we all wish we had a wishing fountain.

I like the reference to the movie Cocktail.

I don't drink, either.

I like how Ms. Shalvis sets up future books in the series right away.

Phew. I thought I was the only one who did that, Willa!

Don't be a martyr, Finn.

Now that's the way to get a guy's attention!

She's a medic who hates the sight of blood?

Now I really want to know how she knows Finn. Did she come to San Francisco to meet him?

Good for her, that she doesn't mind Jake's wheelchair or the fact that he lost his legs. I just wish she had better luck with the men she has sex with.

Nice going, Finn.

It doesn't sound like her parents were all that great, either. But at least they weren't physically abusive.

Newsflash, honey. Making a man hide from another man, whom you've slept with, doesn't look good.

Elle is magic. That is all.

I'm with Willa, I prefer paperbacks.

I'm glad she told the truth, finally.

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Review: The Debutante's Dilemma

The Debutante's Dilemma by Donna Lea Simpson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

How old is Pamela?

Jane's mother sounds horrid.

Ugh, talk about emotional neglect.

Yelling doesn't work when learning to drive a car or ride a horse.

You have to be the one to reach out to your niece, my lord.

Would someone please realize how depressed Jane is, and do something!

Wow! Belinda is one brave young girl.

Poor man! He was whipped so often as to leave scars?

Welcome to puberty, buddy.

Oooh, he only came to the ball for her!

It's a wonder riding sidesaddle didn't give women scoliosis.

You're an idiot, Haven.

Um, Rachel? He gonna assume you want a more physical relationship if you tell a guy that.

Go jump off a bridge, Yarnell.

Yikes, lat year really was a bad year for him.

They are very touchy-feely for "just friends".

Stop butting in where you aren't needed, Rachel. You've raised his suspicions now.

Buy a vowel, Colin! Rachel doesn't want to marry you. Although personally I think the lady doth protest too much.

Jeez, you need a lesson in how to talk to women, Colin.

Andromeda is my home-girl.

You should never feel like you have to change for a particular guy. Just wait for a better one.

Game on, Colin.

Haven is finally being a man. Hallelujah!

Her grandma is hilarious! And wily as hell.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Hard to Fall

Hard to Fall by Marquita Valentine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ugh, I can't stand sluts like Lyla.

I'm not liking his father.

She's geeky. I like it.

Honey, there's nothing wrong with you. Any man would be lucky to have you.

What the heck is electronic hide-and-seek?

Dude. You're such an idiot. Don't drink so much, vacation or not.

Aww. She really goes the extra mile to connect with people. I want to give her such a big hug.

Cassette tape portraits? Sounds hard.

Her date made her pay for his driving? Oh, hell no!

I love our cops.

It sounds like his dad has let his job change him.

What?! And he still doesn't remember it? He needs to die.

Really? Two years? And her mother went with Saylor? Okay...

What was that? Drive-by Meet Your Daughter?

It's always the quiet ones.

He took that better than expected.

She's totally pregnant.

The arson investigator is an idiot.

Press charges, Saylor!

Ooh, what did her mom say to that jerk?

Aw, I wish he stayed a firefighter full-time. Their kids are adorable!

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Ask First!

As you might have guessed, I live in a suburb of New York City, on Long Island. But I go to the city as much as I can, as long as it's not snowing or raining. I prefer to walk as much as I can (yes, I realize I can't actually walk). The buses are helpful for going long distances, but I'm usually in midtown.

I came across this article through one of my Facebook friends, The Disabled Foodie, who is also a wheelchair-bound New Yorker, called "Nine things you should never say to a wheelchair user". https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/18/nine-things-never-say-wheelchair-user

ALL. ARE. TRUE.

1. "Don't run me over"

Because I was trying to stomp on your foot. I have never met you in my life, but I apparently wish you pain. And if you choose to stand still, it's on you, not me, buddy. Except kids. I hate running over kids, because I have a soul.

2. "Do you have a license to drive that thing?"

Nope. Do you have a license to drive your car? And fyi, I'm not four-years-old, so it's not funny.

3. "What happened to you then?"

I don't find this as offensive/idiotic as "Do you sleep in the chair?" Most people are asking because they truly want to know. Or they are asking for their kids. For all they know, I wasn't born disabled. And people do cringe at their own question, which I find funny.

4. "Don't assume we can't read"

Grrrrr. Yes, I can read a menu. I even have a Master's. From Fordham. Don't ask my mom what "she" wants to eat.

5. "Nice to see people like you in a pub/club/the street"

This has personally never happened to me, but really? This has happened to people? Who are "people like you"? Humans?

6. "Well done for getting out and about"

I get it. Tourists are afraid to be in the city alone. Even my aunt. But it can be done. I'm not some great miracle worker for being driven to the train, being helped on and off, and then rolling to my destination. Stop telling me how "brave" I am for leaving my house alone. And no, I don't have an aide, thank you very much.

7. "Is anyone with you? Why are you alone?"

When did I turn into Little Orphan Annie? If I want to go to a concert or a Broadway show, I go. Usually, if no one is with me, it's because no one in my family was interested in the show. That doesn't make me abandoned or unloved. I can eat where I want to eat, when I want to, no one else butting in with their own choices. It's also fun to people-watch. Try it.

8. "Don't try to drive our chairs"

I appreciate it, I really do. You're my savior. I can't stand the people who just walk right past me.But ask first. Don't try to give me a heart attack when my chair suddenly moves. "Look Ma, no hands!" does not apply here. And if you must push me, could you make sure you understand "no" and "stop" first? Let me do the pop-a-wheelies at the curbs. Don't make me scream outside Bergdorf's because you rammed me into the curb, causing me to pitch forward and almost slide out of the chair. Thank God for seat belts!

9. "Come to my religious institution and be cured"

No, I don't need to know Jesus. I know him. And He loves all His children the way they are, remember? I don't need to be "saved" or "cured". I don't need you to pray over me like you're administering Last Rites. Keep your pamphlet, I have somewhere to be!

I encourage my readers to think about all this. Don't talk to us like we're children, or act like we're invisible. Help us when you see us struggling, but make sure we actually need the help. Don't pity me, or make sure I'm not lying and hope for someone to be with me. If something happens to me, it's on me, not you. "Liability" only goes so far, and then comes common sense.

Paint Nite vs Muse Paintbar

Recently, I started going to Paint Nite. If you haven't been, it's a painting class that occurs at your local bar or restaurant. You go on the Paint Nite website, and depending on your town, you have your pick of paintings. It's $45, but there is a code that you can use all year for $20 off.

A Muse Paintbar recently opened up in Garden City, a half-an-hour drive from me. It's a dedicated painting studio, but they offer small bites and drinks.The first session I attended, they offered one free drink for that class. Because it's a studio, they can offer different classes at the same time. It's open all day, and the instructors are there all day, so you don't feel rushed. At Paint Nite, the instructor is usually in a hurry to leave, because the restaurant wants to use that space. There's only one class every couple of weeks offered at my local place, sometimes once a week. Muse Paintbar charges $35, but they do offer discount codes at certain times of the month. They put up the classes for the next month on the 23rd on every month.

Sounds good, right? As someone in a wheelchair, I can't go to every restaurant offering Paint Nite in my area. That means I miss out on some paintings. Muse is wheelchair accessible, with two unisex bathrooms. The problem, for me, has been seating. Muse has several tables at different heights. People choose to stand a lot. This means that I can't see the instructor, especially when you seat me in the back. That made my first class stressful. There is assigned seating at Paint Nite, too, but you feel more comfortable asking to be seated somewhere else. I did complain to Muse Paintbar, and got a voucher. So A for customer service. Now I know to request a specific seat when making a reservation.

Remember I mentioned Muse is open all day? Well, the second time I went, I took two classes on the same day. The second class started late, which meant I was late for my ride. The instructor was kind enough to actually finish my jars (they don't just teach canvas painting) and bring them out to the bus for me. The one time Able-Ride was on time... I also received another voucher for the trouble it caused.

One of the paintings I did at Muse Paintbar

This is not to say that I prefer Paint Nite, or Muse . I enjoyed both. Muse has the ability to offer longer class sessions with bigger classes, so your painting can be more detailed. I am definitely planning to go again. And they are not global, like Paint Nite. That might change one day.

Nail Stamping

I have been hearing a lot recently about nail art and nail stamping. I had doubts. Could I pull it off? Would it work? Would my nails look like they were painted by Picasso blindfolded?

I decided to order a couple of stamping plates from Amazon. I was worried the images would be too big for my small nail, as I had no way of knowing how big the plate was in real life.Plus, every time I watched videos on Youtube or looked at pictures on Google, the people doing the stamping all have long nails. To say nothing of how easy they make it look.

I didn't get any stamping nail polish, and I just bought one small squishy stamper, CICI & SISI brand, which came with a scraper.

Now, how to stamp. The videos all tell you to hold the scraper at a 45-degree angle and scrape away from you. Um, no. The trick is to lay the plate at an angle and scrape up. Make sure you wipe the plate first with remover. Another thing they don't tell you is that you have to "prime" the scraper by running a nail file over it. Trust me, it works.

The heart came out great, but the phrasing took a few tries. I probably need longer nails, too :)

I used MoYou London's Pride & Prejudice-themed plate, with Revlon Tuscan Sun and StripeRite in black.

Review: My Fair Princess

My Fair Princess by Vanessa Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The family that kills together, stays together.

I hope getting revenge was worth it.

He's such a Debbie Downer!

She has practical skills, which are better than having skills just to impress a man.

She's a good daughter.

Stratton is openly flirting with another woman in front of his wife, and she doesn't care?

Good for her, and good for him for defending her. Andover deserved that, and more.

He still doesn't know her stepfather was killed by bandits, does he?

I always wondered. What do the servants do all day when the master is living at one of his other houses?

I've never heard of a kissing gate. Cool. You learn something new every day.

Can you feel the sexual tension in the air?

And Stratton had seemed so helpful...

If it had happened now, Pietro would get arrested for statutory rape, and rightly so.

Scunthorpe is probably a smuggler himself.

Such a stupid man. Does he not know women at all?

I bet she would kill for a camcorder to be invented right now.

Now that's a lady who can take care of herself!

Who's Sir Dominic?

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Review of Outlander Season 2 Episode 13

Caitriona looks good with graying hair. And Claire's a surgeon now. Nice.

Bree's a ball-buster.

"Roger and Bree, sittin' in a tree.."

"That one person.." Poor Roger thinks she must miss Frank, but she's talking about Jamie.

And we're back to the 1700s. And Charlie's still crazy.

Bree and Roger continue the lovefest. At Fort William. Tears.

Love Bree's accent!

The gallows!

Caitriona rocks those glasses. Lallybroch! So sad.

Whoa, Claire. You want to kill a prince?

Haha, Bree! Way to stumble into an innuendo.

Claire's looking at a document that she signed in the past. Weird.

Yikes, hope Roger's not a relative!

Yeah, Bree. She's been to Fort William.

Dougal's not cool with Claire's murder plan. Shocking.

Hey, Gellis. Have you gone through the stones yet?

Creepy wax statue of Charlie.

Dougal and Jamie fight. Dougal goes after poor Jamie's hands.

What the..Did you just help kill Dougal, Claire?

Nice singing voice, Roger!

So Frank Black Jack was a psycho?

Not all his fault, Rupert.

Claire goes to visit the Clan Fraser marker at Culloden. Beautiful.

Trying to explain to your daughter that you traveled in time...

I heart Roger.

Murtagh's not broken up at all by the murder of Dougal. He's all, "Yeah, and?"

Fergus, be safe.

Bree's understandably shocked. But that was a low blow, girlie. Just because she said Jamie was the love of her life? You should have seen him. You wouldn't have blamed your mother.

I wish they could have adopted Fergus.

Geillis sucks in the 1960s, too.

Jamie, why do you want to fight? You could be safe.

The Jamie/Murtagh bromance lives on,

Poor Roger, to be related to crazy Geillis.

Jamie's very knowledgeable about women's cycles. Better than most men now.

See, Brianna? Mama's not so crazy after all, is she?

Wow. That sky is gorgeous!

What a hard thing for Jamie, to send his wife to the "other man".

Because there's always time for sex with Jamie. If she wasn't pregnant before, she sure is now.

Hope you won't be disappointed with another girl, Jamie.

Jamie lived! Yay! But are you sure you can go back to the right time, Claire?

Caitriona's eyes. Wow.

So weird to hear modern music during the credits.

Review: Cookie Therapy

Cookie Therapy by Karla Brandenburg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Why does Mrs. Mead not want to see his father?

Nice bedside manner, Ted. You suck.

Her mother sounds like an idiot.

I think he should sue for custody. If Shannon can't handle it full-time when Trey is two, what happens when he turns into a hormonal teenager?

Great first impression, Audrey. Haha!

Why is her aunt acting so weird?

Boy is she clumsy!

His father slept with his girlfriend? While his own grandson was sleeping in the room? Eww!

A lot of busybodies in this town.

Ewwww. No wonder Aunt Brenda didn't want this guy to be her doctor. He's a creep!

They should re-open the bookstore.

Hallelujah! Finally you grew some balls and told your mother off, girl.

Ooh, nice ring. I like the symbolism of why he chose it.

Crawl back to your hole, Shannon. And take Elizabeth's mother with you.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Buried Treasures

Buried Treasures by Mary Manners
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Boy, I would not want to be driving in that storm!

Her husband was killed in a church? Poor thing! No wonder she doesn't want to go.

Such an adorable little girl.

So they are both widowed.

Paul is a good young man.

Now I'm hungry for Italian food.

I like his sneaky approach to fixing her house.

Lemonade from a mix sounds gross.

Poor man. He was caught between a rock and a hard place. He had to do this for his friends. His wife should have understood. The blame for her death lies as much on her shoulders.

I want Paul to paint my room.

Oh, Paul. I want to give you a big hug. Alcoholism is a disease.

It's good to give Paul tasks to keep him busy in a crisis like this.

I like Julianna's idea of heaven.

Girl, you gotta work on your excuses.

Kids bounce back so easily sometimes.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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FitBit: Useful or Not?

So today I saw a potential new physical therapist. I wasn't getting enough cardio at my usual place, so I asked him what I could do to change that. He suggested the arm bike, which I've had for years (and I hate it because it overheats and locks up on me).

Then he suggested wheeling as fast as I can and wearing a FitBit watch to see how fast I can go. But don't those cost a lot? And aren't they only for walking and running?

Not the case, it appears. Or at least, it won't be the case soon. Apple has apparently developed a watch for wheelchair users. But is this watch feasible?

According to a recent article, "Instead of standing breaks, people in wheelchairs will be prompted to wheel or spin their chairs around regularly. Apple will also start tracking distance, speed and calories burned during wheelchair use, just as it does for walking or running." http://bigstory.ap.org/article/45481999f2e3401d9ec6238b54825f76/apple-watch-will-soon-track-fitness-wheelchair-users#

Sounds good, right? And then you go on to read that the watch will cost at least 300 dollars. WHAT? Most people in wheelchairs can't find jobs. No matter what the media will tell you, prejudice against the disabled exists. If no one will hire me, and my only income is my disability check, how am I going to afford half a month's pay? Granted, I personally don't live off my check, but what if I did?

Society is already telling us that as disabled people we just just stay at home and age. If you want to not get fat as well, you should buy an expensive watch to prompt you into exercising. That, or join a gym, which takes care of that pesky disability check burning a hole in your pocket.

And hey, now that you can't afford to eat, you'll lose the weight even quicker.

Review: Dangerous Protector

Dangerous Protector by Katie Reus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I didn't think I'd be good at painting, but it's fun to challenge myself. It's harder than it looks!

Well that came out of nowhere. Poor car.

Flirting and car bombs just go together. Not. Haha!

Whoever planned the bombing did so for maximum impact. Kids could have been hurt or killed!

Cute kid. He's smart, too. His grandma clearly loves him a lot.

Well the cops sure messed up.

Wow. He sure knows how to start an evening out right! Even I'm overheated.

Okay, who the hell is this Gina? Are the cookies poisoned?

Good man. You called her bluff like she needed you to do.

It's not over, you two.

Hubris is a criminal's downfall.

Good doggie.

Dillion, one day you'll understand women. Sort of.

That is the loveliest idea for an engagement ring I ever heard.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


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Release Day Blitz: LIVE WIRE by Cristin Harber

ABOUT LIVE WIRE

Where Are They Now? on iBooks!

Titan Group is expanding! New recruits mean Jared Westin has potential new hires

to scrutinize. What he didn’t expect was his very pregnant wife Sugar to finagle her

way onto the surveillance team as the prospects were assessed.

Her involvement in the simple observation goes dangerously wrong. She and best

friend Lexi Black stumble into a problem with Russian mobsters. Sugar is forced to

draw on her old ATF tricks, but weeks from her due date, she has no choice but to

team up with Bishop O’Kane, a potential-new recruit and Parker Black, Lexi’s hacker

husband, who must go undercover.

This is special ops novella is packed with high-stakes crime and intrigue, a baby

story for Boss Man, and two steamy romances for two of Titan’s favorite couples!

Buy LIVE WIRE, an iBooks exclusive now:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/live-wire/id1120732484

ABOUT CRISTIN HARBER

Cristin Harber is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author. She

writes sexy, steamy romantic suspense and military romance. Readers voted her

onto Amazon’s Top Picks for Debut Romance Authors in 2013, and her debut Titan

series was both a #1 romantic suspense and #1 military romance bestseller.

Website: http://cristinharber.com/

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