Junior Slump?

Last night was Episode 2 of Grey's Anatomy....can you say BORING? I was bored to tears...I did enjoy Addison's mini breakdown and the return of McSteamy, although I knew he would be returning from all the spoilers lurking on the internet. The writers need to do something about Meredith and McA-hole. Yeah, I think he's an A-hole. I'm sick of their relationship; it's not exciting anymore, if it ever was. Izzie's storyline needs to change ASAP; I'm honestly tired of MENTAL INSTITUTION Izzie. And Alex? What a pig!!! I still want him to be with Izzie though. I was not into the show at all last night. Hopefully, the show isn't experiencing a slump. Maybe it's just me...experiencing a slump, that is. I haven't worked out in weeks...I'm like Izzie, but without the dead boyfriend and the baking. I need a storyline change ASAP also.

Anyone else hate Grey's Anatomy last night? I don't even remember which patient died...it was that bad.

Writers better focus more on regulars not named McDreamy and Meredith if they want to keep my attention.

Hospital Romance

I love Grey's Anatomy, too! Actually, more than love. I am obsessed, addicted, cannot get enough of it. The show is engaging, smart, sexy. I've never liked hospital drama. I hate ER; couldn't stand CHICAGO HOPE. In fact, I was certain I would hate Grey's Anatomy, so...Season 1 came and went. Didn't watch it. Season 2 started...didn't watch it. It just "didn't appeal to me," or so I thought.

I've known Conny for 11 years. We were friends in college, roommates/enemies (living with a friend is hazardous to that friendship...don't ever do it) for a year. She is identical to me...we may not look alike; she's of Taiwanese descent. I'm of Italian descent. She's has no curves whatsoever and I'm...Italian. Petite and curvy. We look different but our interests, personalities are IDENTICAL. I always thought that was creepy and wonderful at the same time. In any case, she told me I NEEDED to watch Grey's Anatomy. "YOU WILL LOVE SANDRA OH! YOU WILL LOVE THE SHOW." I decided to watch it...why not? How bad could it be? She liked it. We have identical tastes! Ergo...I would like it also. I netflixed it. Watched it. Loved it. Ran to Barnes and Noble. Bought Season 2. Watched it in a few days. Became obsessed. Now watching Season 3. Wow...what a show. I absolutely cannot get enough of it. It's fresh and brilliant (yes, brilliant) and the cast...wow...diverse, well-spoken and...can anyone say ALEX KAREV??? Be still my heart!

I was surprised no one noticed the potential of Patrick Dempsey as a hottie. When I was in college, I noticed a picture of him modeling some clothes for a company; I had to cut out the picture. He made my mouth water. Something about the eyes and the hair. Boy, that man has got some amazing hair (I'm jealous!!!).

The first episode ran Thursday night and I was a little disappointed. Here are my two cents on the characters and storylines of Grey's Anatomy:

Meredith and McDreamy: I'm so sick of them. I'm sick of them. Really I am so done with them. It's time for writers to spend a bit more time on the other regulars. Patrick Dempsey is hot and all, but really I am so over their love story already. I don't want them dating anyone else, mind you. I think they belong together in some odd dysfunctional highly unethical and unhealthly way, but gosh...how can this man be in love with her after a quick one night stand? Is she that good in bed? He couldn't stop thinking about her after the first time...he had to have her again and again. What the hell! Dude, you just met her. Is he really even in love with Meredith? Judging from how hurt he looked after discovering Addison had cheated on him with his friend Mark (aka McSteamy), it appears to me as if he needs someone to save him from his hurts, a rebound chick if you will. I have a feeling Mer is headed for big time heartache this season. Just my opinion.

Meredith and McVet: Really McVet is very sweet....too sweet. I smell skeletons in the closet, which would make him a lot more interesting than he is now. I mean...you want to throw your hat or whatever in the race for Meredith's love, but really do you know Meredith at all? What is it about this chick? Is she that exciting? Personally, if I were a guy I'd want to date Cristina. She's smart and I love her sharp wit. Right now McVet is McBORING!!!

Bailey: I also smell skeletons in her intern past...why does she refuse to talk to Izzie, as previews for next week's episode suggest? Did she herself fall in love with a patient during her first year as a surgical intern? Just speculating. I do miss Nazi Bailey, believe it or not, but I'm digging this side of her, too. Nazi Bailey is still there...writers are just showing us there's a big heart beneath the ice.

Richard: Boy, oh, Boy! Dude doesn't want to be near his wife at all. I'm guessing he never really loved her...was with her out of guilt. Does he have any kids? Looks like his wife has given him the boot...guess that means he'll have a love interest in the near future, but who? Addison? She is more of a daughter to him, but they're both in pain, right? Anything could happen! Boy, wouldn't that be awkward. It's obvious Richard feels a lot of pain over cheating on his wife. He can't even look her in the eye. There are a lot of unresolved issues between him and Meredith's mom. Unfortunately, due to her Alzeimer's, it looks like they will never really be a resolution.

Alex: He really got me when he cared for Izzie after Denny died. Out of all her friends, he was the one who knew exactly what to do and say to calm her down and get her off Denny's bed. He may be immature and an ass at times, but you can tell he's got a heart. He holds on to a great deal of pain caused by a difficult childhood and I'm hoping the writers will delve more into his character this season. I'm sick of seeing him as the ass of Seattle Grace. There's a reason he's the way he is. I'm hoping we find out soon! I would love to see him and Izzie together. Their relationship ended so abruptly...one can hope, right???

Izzie: Argh! I wanted to beat the shit out of her at the end of Season 2. Is this chick for real? Falling in love with a patient? Getting angry at him for signing a DNR? Cutting his wires, essentially killing him? What the fuck? Izzie, are you insane!? 4 years of med school, baby! You flushed 4 years of med school down the toilet. I still don't understand the Denny/Izzie relationship. How long was he in the hospital for her to fall in love with him? Wow...girl went seriously psycho and it took her all of episode one on Thursday to get her ass and face off the probably very dirty and unsanitary bathroom floor (these people are doctors?). I would like her to get her act together, go back to being an intern and into Alex's arms...sorry, I have a thing for Alex and Izzie. They belong together!!! Oh...one more thing...the bleached blonde bimbo look's gotta go. I liked her hair a bit more last season.

Cristina and Burke: If the writers break them up, I will seriously go to ABC headquarters in NYC or LA or whereever and go on a hunger strike 'til they get back together. These two belong together! I'm sure their relationship will not be a bed of roses, but I'm hoping writers show their hard times without getting one to break up with the other. Also, no cheating...if one of them fucks over the other, then someone will have to pay. Don't mess with this couple!!!
Having said that, what the fuck was with Cristina freezing up on Burke when he needed her the most? I wanted to see her cry for him and get on her knees...we're seeing a bit more of that now, but I'm hoping she gives him the love he truly deserves. Hopefully, she'll be able to tell him she loves him when he's actually awake!

George and Callie: Ok...1) Callie is very sweet and I love her personality and 2) George deserves a great girl who will love and treasure him always. That being said...I don't like the woman who actually plays Callie...sorry, but she looks like she could beat the crap out of George. It's not even the size...it's more like the goth look she's sporting...the hair..I just want to cute it off. Maybe if she had a cute little bob or something. Right now, she just looks dirty. Maybe it was that episode from Season 2 when she went to pee and didn't wash her hands (she said she did, but whatever). I guess I want George to have a girl who loves him but also one who is somewhat dangerous and sexy, which leads me to....

George and Addison: Maybe I'm crazy, but I think this pairing would be genius. I know they never interact and I know people are thinking and wanting her to have hot casual sex with Alex, but I think Addison and George together would be incredible. Call me crazy, but I think George is the only male cast member who can actually put her in her place. Despite appearances, Addison is very insecure and she needs someone honest to treasure her. George will tell her off in his own way and will also treasure her when she needs it. Imagine it...really...just picture it. I think it would work.

Addison: I don't want her hooking up with Alex or Derek. I hope she gets over him and finds someone else (George) to obsess about.

McSteamy: I hope he doesn't fall in love with Meredith...no more! I'd love to see him with...gosh, maybe even Izzie for a few episodes but, of course, she'd have to dump him for Alex.
I think we're in for an awesome Season 3. I see McSteamy creating a lot of drama. I'd like to see McDreamy get a little jealous over Addison. He says he doesn't love her, but it wouldn't hurt to have him doubt his 2nd choice Meredith. Wouldn't that be fun???

Gosh, I am obsessed with this show. I cannot get enough and I'm glad fellow romance bloggers are as obsessed as moi! Can't wait 'til Thursday.

Fantastic...

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

I'm Back, Beeyatch!

Jury duty was an ordeal, yet somehow....it also felt like a much needed vacation. It lasted more than 2 weeks and I was able during that time to sleep in 'til 8AM (I normally wake up at 5AM to get ready for work...I start at 7). I loved not having a real 9-5 (or 7-4) schedule...loved the uncertainty of it all...not knowing what times I'd have to go in the next day and I LOVED LOVED LOVED those days when the judge would just say YOU CAN COME IN TOMORROW AT 1. Wow...it felt like college all over again, when your classes are all over the place, scheduled 3 hours apart and you can actually enjoy your days, rest, sleep and just BE!!! It was tough not having a computer in front of me. Yes, I'm still shopping for one. Why is it taking so long? I haven't had a chance to go to any stores...simple as that. Got the money...time? Well, I've been lazy and busy at the same time. I'm giving myself 2 more weeks. I'll have a computer in 2 weeks...mark my words!

I've missed blogging...missed my fellow blogging friends and the comments just made me smile, knowing that thanks to my love of "trashy" romance novels (I don't think they're trashy...well, some are...you get the idea) I've made so many friends. I wish I could meet you all. Gosh, anyone coming to SF? At all???

I haven't been reading many romances lately. I started ROSE AT MIDNIGHT by Anne Stuart a while ago and am still on page 84. I decided to read a few historical non-fictions I've had sitting next to my couch. One of them is SEX WITH THE QUEEN, a book which unfortunately sounds sexy but isn't. Good thing I bought it on OVERSTOCK. What a disappointment! The book is about...you guessed it...queens through the centuries and their paramours...Marie Antoinette and her beloved Axel Fersen...Catherine the Great and her many many many lovers. The book was good, but...gosh, I felt like the author couldn't keep her thoughts organized and it was just a big mess. Also, the author seemed to rely on a lot of rumors and speculation. I know quite a great deal about royal history...I'm obsessed with monarchies, royalty, women's history, et al. I was thoroughly disappointed in this book, the sequel to the excellent SEX WITH KINGS.

During this time, I've also rediscovered my love for Anime. My family moved to Italy when I was 12. We stayed there 'til I was 17 and then we moved back to California. The move was not work related. My parents simply decided they wanted to raise their children in their native country. I loved certain aspects of living there, but I felt very lonely and I learned to keep to myself and survive on my own, without having a dozen friends around me at all times. Anime kept me going...all of them series anime dubbed in Italian. Now...really THERE IS NO COMPARISON between US Cartoons and Japanese ones...sorry, I know it's good to be patriotic and all, but seriously Japanese cartoons are the bomb. I was in love with the stories, the characters, the perfection of colors. I bought a few old anime dubbed in Italian (the very ones I watched as a teen) recently and now I am obsessed with getting all the ones that helped me get through my years in Italy. The following are my recent purchases:

CANDY CANDY
MILA E SHIRO, DUE CUORI NELLA PALLAVOLO (ATTACKER YOU in Japanese)
(sorry, but most of this is in Italian...)

Now I want to get the following (again in Italian):
Milly, Un Giorno Dopo L'Altro (other names in Japan LADY LADY and Hello! Lady Lynn!)
E' Quasi Magia Johnny (Kimagure Orange Road in Japan)
Prendi Il Mondo e Vai (Touch in Japan)

I understand I could probably get the last three in Japanese with English subtitles, but I want them in Italian. It's how I remember seeing them and...I guess I've gotten extremely nostalgic lately...I know eventually I'll find them...after all, I never thought I'd own CANDY CANDY and MILA E SHIRO, which are incredible anime, by the way. Anyone heard of them? What I love the most about Japanese anime and manga is how realistic they are...they don't spare anyone the experiences of death or broken hearts. They're not watched or read exclusively by children, but by all. They're glimpses into everyday life, so beautiful, warming and even tragic.

I'm glad to be back to the world of blogging. I've missed it a lot. Missed you all and can't wait to get back into the swing of things. Oh, court was boring...very boring! MISTRIAL! Nice! Criminal case! Not too pretty, either! I need some good romance to cheer me up, y'all!!! I'm soooo happy to be back.

On another note, I'm taking the California Bar Exam next year. I hate my job! I need to actually do something I went through years of schooling for (whether I like it or not). Wish me luck! I think this country needs another lawyer to clean things up...a lawyer with integrity, ethics and...a love for "trashy" romances.

BTW: Anyone catch Grey's Anatomy? Alex and Izzie need to get back together and live happily ever after NOW!!!

Alive and Well...

Just on jury duty...oh, and did I mention I'm still computer shopping??? Don't ask...see ya in a week or so.

TBR Pile Meet New Books...New Books Meet TBR Pile

Plot - Heroine's parents arrange her marriage. Girl is not exactly pleased; she yearns for adventure and visits a local jail every chance she gets to see a pirate who gets her blood boiling like no man ever could. The hero can't believe this woman's visiting him so much. He's definitely intrigued. He knows she might be the only way to escape from jail, so he tricks her into releasing him and then kidnaps her, takes her hostage aboard his ship. Of course, they fall in love, but then when she is finally rescued she must decide if her heart belongs to this pirate. I paraphrased the book's backblurb. I've never read it, but Kristie was raving about this book the other day. I leapt for joy when I saw it at my favorite UBS. I'm eager to read it. Mrsgiggles also gives it a glowing review and we all know how difficult to get those are.

Lilah Chadwick thinks she's the apple of her father's eye - until he announces his plans to marry. Hoping to counter his decision, she rushes to London.

Adam Harleston, the ninth Earl of Drakesley, is a man possessed. His young cousin has been seduced by an older gentleman, and he's determined to save her honor before it's too late.

But wedding bells are about to ring for Lilah's father and Drake's cousin. Joining forces, Lilah and Drake vow to stop their loved ones from making a drastic mistake - only to discover that falling in love is never a mistake...

I love reading romances in which the lead characters hate each others' guts. I'm hoping this will be one of them. Hopefully, they won't have sex too soon...cough...IN THE BED OF THE DUKE...cough...the story strikes me as being one of the slapstick comedy sort.

When a promised inheritance turns out to be a fraud, shy spinster Charlotte Wilmont makes an impetuous wish that despite her lack of charm and fortune, she could capture the heart of the one man whom she's forever adored—Sebastian, Viscount Trent.
Be careful what you wish for...
With that utterance, Charlotte awakens shocked to find herself entwined with her beloved Sebastian. But the respectable man she knew is now a most rakish devil and she is...well, by some inexplicable magic, London's most infamous mistress.
Even passion cames at a price...

Being the scandalous Lottie Townsend affords Charlotte unimaginable freedom—passionate nights with Sebastian, endless days of shopping, and adoring fans. But all too soon, Charlotte finds that being one man's mistress isn't the same as being his wife. Yet if she returns to her old, respectable life, can Charlotte trust there will be enough magic left to recapture Sebastian's heart...and reawaken his rakish desires? Excerpt

Ok...I'm not going to lie...when I first read this I had no clue what to think...Ok...I just lied. I actually thought we were going to revisit the DALLAS Bobby shower scene. Since I haven't read the book yet, I have no clue what will await me. I told myself I was going to wait for the review on this one, but I didn't. I've enjoyed a majority of Boyle's works in the past. I can only hope that it's not a stinker like THIS RAKE OF MINE!

Marry? Never! It would end Louisa North's work with her ladies reform group—and truth be told, she likes her independence very much, despite her royal father's protests. So when Simon Tremaine, the dashing Duke of Foxmoor whom she'd once loved—and had exiled from England-returns bent on marrying her, she's skeptical. Does he truly care for her, or does he simply want revenge? It's difficult for Louisa to resist Simon's dangerous charms, because the fire between them still burns as hot as ever. But when his ulterior motive for marriage is exposed, along with the deeply buried secrets of his past, Louisa vows to make him pay…and the price will be his heart. Excerpt

I've been waiting for this book for more than a year....I can't wait to read it. Unfortunately, I'll have to read the first book in this series which I heard was so-so! Gosh, Simon put Louisa through hell when we last met them. I cannot wait to see her do the same. Sybil...did you read this one yet???

Luke MacKenzie had always longed for Carla McQueen. But she was too young, too innocent...and he'd sent her away from the Rocking M Ranch, telling her to forget him.

But now Carla was back: a woman grown, with a woman's wants...a woman's needs. And Luke couldn't help but give in to the power - and the passion - of a love that could never be.

Ever since Sybil suggested Elizabeth Lowell's ONLY series, I was a goner. I absolutely loved it (I have a couple of more to read though...) and jumped at the chance at reading this one (not connected). Maybe it's the fact that there's history between the lead characters...

Shane Graham had always looked out for his neighbor, Dorie, but lately he'd had his own share of problems, including an arranged marriage. But then little Miss Dorie—shotgun in hand—kidnapped him from his own wedding ceremony and he found he could no longer ignore her change from scrappy girl to blossoming beauty….
The resourceful yet naive Dorie McCabe knew the struggling rancher would come to the same realization—they were meant for each other! But time was not on her side, so who could blame her for giving him a gentle nudge in the right direction? Excerpt

The thought of a woman holding a groom at gunpoint and forcing him to leave his own wedding amuses me tremendously. I hardly ever read Harlequin Historicals and am very excited to read this one...again this reeks of slapstick comedy, which I am in much need of lately.

To her spiteful aunt, Kathryn Marchant is little more than a servant: she does not deserve a place in polite society. That's about to change, when Kathryn accidentally falls into the arms of the most notorious rake of them all.
Lord Ravensmede draws the line at seducing virgins. Yet once he has tasted the lips of the delectable Miss Marchant, he wants her! He has the distinct impression that she's in need of a protector, but, no matter how much he strives to be honorable, her temptation may prove just too sweet to resist! Excerpt

Ok...ok..this is the second MISTRESS book of my list (Mailyn, I know you're shaking your head that I would dare buy not one BUT two of these, but what can I say? I needed a cheesy novel and this one looks pretty darn cheesy!!!). The fact that Kathryn falls "accidentally" into the arms of a rake isn't really what got me...actually that would normally keep me away...I like stories which include men who try to be honorable. It never works...always backfires and I love reading every bit of it. This is another Harlequin historical.

HAVE YOU EVER....

Have you ever had a crush on someone whose sexual orientation you questioned?

I'm going through that right now...a co-worker...good-looking...good body...tight jeans...tight shirt...tight ass...amazing hands...oh, dear...he's given me a few massages. I'm starting to think I just like his hands on me..on my shoulders especially, massaging the knots (and there are A LOT! Oh, did I mention he gives the most incredible massages...at work...while no one's looking and sometimes when they are...oh, dear...so unprofessional, I know) away. What do I do? How do I find out? It's been driving me nuts...argh!