Saturday, May 1, 2010

Cougarville? How about a Giveaway?

My birthday is coming up soon - May 11 - and.... I'm turning 40 *cries*. I keep thinking I counted wrong - I can't possibly be turning 40! Then I remember I've been married for almost 18 years. Damn!

So, since I'm trying to deny the fact that I'm getting older, I've decided to celebrate my birthday by giving away a Young Adult book. When Maggie Stiefvater was in New Orleans last month, I had her sign an extra copy of Shiver:



I confess I haven't read my copy yet, so I can't give an opinion on it, but the reviews I've seen are fantastic.

So, if you'd like to win a copy of Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, leave me a comment telling me it's going to be okay and turning 40 is not the end of the world, OR, because I still feel like a punk-ass kid, leave a Chuck Norris or "yo' mamma" joke.

Stuff you need to know:
1. Contest ends at midnight (central time) on May 10.
2. Contest is international.
3. You must be a follower of this blog.
4. Winner has 5 days to respond before I draw a new winner.

57 comments:

  1. Just think of it as the best of your life beginning...

    Have a great weekend hon..

    E.H>

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  2. It's ok to turn 40. Life will not end I promise!!


    Stephanie G
    sgradel(at)gmail(dot)com

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  3. You're not alone...I will be 40 in December. (I think 1970 was a great year to be born!) I agree, just think of it as a new beginning!

    bookofsecrets(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  4. Baby girl, baby girl, baby girl. "40" is the most liberating birthday that you will ever have! It is truly the beginning, not the end. Enlightenment, enjoyment, emancipation!

    I would love to win "Shiver"!!! Even though I am "MA", I still enjoy "YA", and hope to still feel like a "YA" when I am "OA" : )

    I love Chuck Norris:

    When an episode of Walker Texas Ranger was aired in France, the French surrendered to Chuck Norris just to be on the safe side : )

    I would surrender to Chuck, but he might not be safe!!!

    Happy Birthday!

    gcwhiskas at aol dot com

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  5. I agree that forty is a milestone (I turned that corner a few years back). While it can be daunting, I would like to offer a bit of encouragement.
    The twenties are about beginnings. Education, dating, first mortgages, the time flies by. The thirties are about stability. Career, marriage, children, nest eggs, somewhere along the line a little piece of individuality is lost. The forties, though, the forties are about liberation. Unsolicited approval is no longer important, speaking up becomes a necessity, and that little piece that went missing in the thirties comes back with a vengeance.
    For me, forty brought courage to start writing again, I finally told my parents about what really happened on the 1988 spring break trip to Florida (although time did wash some of the details away), and my children now understand that I have gifts beyond cooking a mean lasagna and getting out grass stains. So go not into this decade with a whimper but a roar, and celebrate all of your successes. After all, you’re forty, you’ve earned that right!

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  6. I think good things and bad things come with every single birthday so don't worry about, forget about numbers and just make the best out of what you've got! That's what life is about :)
    I hope you have a wonderful birthday!!

    entrelibros_blog at hotmail dot com

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  7. Girl, Forty is NOT bad. Granted, I am in my 30s but I am looking forward to my forties! Menopause gets closer, no more kids to give birth to (hopefully), more reading time, and they sex is better in those years! LMAO!

    I don't have a joke, but I am told I am a smart ass all the time. You just have to catch me on Twitter at the right time!

    Please enter me!
    Amy J
    djsfoxylady@gmail.com

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  8. Happy Birthday!! You're definitely NOT over the hill. And cougars are sexy!

    Please enter me :)

    thebookvixen at gmail dot com

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  9. ~~~Happy Birthday~~~

    I had my 40th this past July. I have to be honest, it was hard, lol! They say that 40 is the new 30. I hope they are right!

    Please enter me! Cougar to Cougar!

    amy
    tnsongbird865@aol.com

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  10. Happy Birthday! 40 is no big deal at all! It just keeps getting better and better! (I'd surrender to Chuck Norris myself!!)

    mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

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  11. I'm not entering (because I think the TBR piles are plotting to kill me and they don't need help). But I wanted to wish you a happy early birthdya! And hey, I'm 43 - it'll be ok. Really. :)

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  12. Oh went through this with my mom already!
    Her way of making herself feel better about turning 40? got a 28yo boyfriend! LOL :]

    Age is just numbers love! Like my dad says, it's all about how old you FEEL you are :)

    Ohh, and do enter me!
    hildakullberg (at) gmail (dot) com

    Hugs,
    Hilda

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  13. I met you and fell in love 25 years ago (even though you hated me!!!) The older we grow together, the closer we become. Dont sweat the age, as long as we age together.

    Also...

    Chuck Norris isn't lactose intolerant. He just doesn't put up with lactose's shit!!!!

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  14. I completely understand! I hit the big 4-0 December 31. 40 was my birthday I dreaded the most. And actually I don't feel any different and I actually had a great birthday. Just remember you are only as old as you feel and act;)
    Oh and I am a follower.
    Thanks!
    Angie
    bangersis at msn dot com

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  15. EH: Good thought, thanks!

    Paranormal Haven: You promise? I hope you're right!

    Diana: 1970 must have been a great year since we are so awesome! Thanks!

    Virginia: Your whole comment made me laugh - and thanks for the Chuck Norris joke!

    Elizabeth: "go not into this decade with a whimper but a roar" - words to live by. Thank you so much. (I was also in FL for Spring Break '88 - I still have my t-shirt!)

    Sharli: Thanks for the positive thoughts!

    Amy J: I think you're right on all counts :)

    Book Vixen: LOL, thanks!

    tnsongbird: 40 is the new 30? I hope you're right!

    Martha: Thanks, and <3 Chuck Norris!

    Chris: I know it will be okay, I don't know why this one is so hard... (my TBR tried to kill me and my husband last weekend, I completely understand!)

    Hilda: LOL - I don't think my husband would appreciate that approach :) Thanks!

    Major Dad: Awwww....this is why I fell in love with you. xoxo

    angie: My aunt's birthday is 12/31 - she says it's okay b/c there's always a party on her birthday!

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  16. Patti: I'm told that threatening your TBR with fire helps sometimes, but my TBR just laughs and says it knows me better than that...

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  17. Worried about 40 !

    Come on my mother turned 86 this year and she still remarks when she sees a sexy male butt !

    I am in the 50's and let me tell you that life is only what you make of it. I think that as you get older you realise that many of the things you worry about at 30 have just disappeared and life is actually a lot simpler and you care less what others say.

    Remember you are only as old as you feel so just feel up a twenty year old now and again LOL

    Carol

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  18. 40 is the new 30 you know? :)

    Have a happy birthday!

    Would love to be included in the giveaway. Many thanks!

    rubs.escalona [at]gmail.com

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  19. Well, happy Early Birthday to you !
    it's nothing wrong with 40, as you still read Maggie's books, and it's an Young adult book. Which mean, you are still young as an Adult :D

    I would really love to read this though *grins* enter me in !

    uniquas at ymail dot com

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  20. I've passed the big 40 many years ago, I'm doing just fine. Hope you have a great day! tWarner419@aol.com

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  21. I always do hear that women reach their sexual peak when they get older, so something to look forward too ;)

    Yo mama so old that when she was in school there was no history class.

    Hihi

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  22. Okay, the fact that you posted your age on your blog is indicator that it’s all good. lol

    Here's something to cheer you up:

    TURNING FORTY a sonnet by Gary Maclean
    Turning 40?
    What do you mean?
    Been there done that.
    And in between
    Turning forty ain't nothing
    You're hardly half spent
    You've got 40 more
    You haven't made a dent
    Oh to relive 40
    What glory, what fun
    Try turning 50
    You'll think you're done
    I've been through 40
    Oh man, so long ago
    Once past it there ain't
    No way to go slow
    Tomorrow your 50
    The next day 55
    Before long you'll wonder
    If you're even alive
    40 is a turning point
    I'll have to admit
    If you can pass 40
    You'll want to spit
    By now time is passing
    Slowing down for no one
    Not even the 40s
    Not for anyone
    Tomorrow is 50
    The next day 55
    Then 60, then 70
    You are going to SURVIVE
    Look at turning 40
    In a positive sense
    You've made it through 30's
    There is NO MORE SUSPENSE!
    Congratulations to you
    If 40 it is
    Be happy you're healthy
    If indeed you are

    If not then be careful
    Don't smoke, no bar.
    Turning 40 is but once
    You won't have a second
    It's time for a drink
    Better go, I reckon

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  23. Awwww Major Dad.... you made my heart squeeze! That was a sweet of you!!! (and get her more of those "toys" like you bought earlier... It will make hot mama feel good!!!!

    Big smiles!

    Patti... I cannot tell you anything about turning 40... only that you are only as old as you feel... which I think puts you at 25... And when we meet... we must have a drink to celebrate!!!!!
    And... Cougar... oh yeah that is all you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Own it girlfriend!!!

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  24. I am 3 years shy of turning 40 so I understand how you feel. But, look at how wise we are! We have experienced so much and am chock full of great memories. We can also give great advice to others. So, I'm hoping that turning 40 is a good thing! Happy Birthday on May 11th!!

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  25. 40 isnt old, i hear its the new black...or is it 20? i forget...im old! LOL!

    Cougars ARE sexy! Rawr!

    And you must read Shiver, hun...it's one of the great YAs out there.

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  26. Ohhh, I've been really thinking about reading this book!

    I can't tell you it's going to be okay turning 40, since I'm not quite there yet :P, but I'm sure it'll be okay.

    So how bout a yo mamma joke...

    Yo mama so lazy she thinks a two-income family is where yo daddy has two jobs.

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  27. Chris: Ouch - that's drastic!

    buddyt: Your mom sounds like a hoot! Thanks for the kind words :)

    fickle fan: Thanks!

    mariska: I like your thought process, LOL! I am a young adult!

    tetewa: Thanks!

    Blodeuedd: haha - I don't know if that's due to the hormones or the dirty books, LOL. Hahaha - love the yo mamma joke!

    Sherry: Great poem - it's so right! Thanks!

    Cecile: Isn't he a sweetie? Thanks for the kind words, I can't wait to meet you!

    Bells: Hadn't thought of it that way, I am way wiser than I was 20 years ago :)

    Sparklybearsy: Thanks for the laugh!

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  28. Amy C: thanks for the kind words - hahaha - love the yo mamma joke!

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  29. \~/ \~/ our drinks!!! Here is to us meeting!!!! Let's rock out your bday!!!

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  30. Age is just a number. Your only as old as you feel. Actually, it seems the older you get, the less you sweat the small stuff. Happy Birthday!
    marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  31. Patti, I have to say age does not bequeath wisdom but life experience does and can tell you straight out you are not old until you think so!!! I am almost 8 years older than you, see does not bother me that am close to 50!! {Okay now I am freaking out over here, half a century old. Yikes that is old man!!} I digress this is all about making you feel like 40 is not so bad, it is not really. 40 is a number that is all and everyone is right you really are as young as you feel, and think you probably feel maybe 21 right now!!!


    jackie b central texas

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  32. I've just turned 41 and will have been married 18 years this Summer.

    Life is good - the children are growing up and becoming more responsible so we have more freedom and are getting our life back.

    And age is making our vehicle insurance cheaper so soon we'll be able to afford that motorbike we've wanted for so long!

    Life begins at 40.

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  33. I'm not there yet but will be soon too! Just think of it this way: On May 11th you're only one day older than on May 10th. And what's one day in a girl's life, right?

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  34. Remember-40 is the new 20 :)
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

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  35. I think being 40 is cool:) When you're 40, you've experienced lot of great things, yet it's still not too late to experience everything else:)
    Advanced happy birthday:)

    sylvia_uy4@yahoo.com

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  36. Well I turned 40 today and so far I still feel the same

    "Chuck Norris IS the reason Waldo is hiding"

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  37. I am turning 40 this year too. I say go by how young you feel not by a number. :)
    Crystal816[at]hotmail{dot}com

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  38. The difference between men and women is like the difference between cheese and wine. Wine (women) always get better with age, with cheese (men) it is just a matter of taste. Here is wishing you a happy birthday!

    Sincerely,
    Emma Michaels
    SincerelyEmmaM@yahoo.com

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  39. Cecile: It's a date!

    mbreakfield: I think you might be right, haha!

    Hannah: Yuck it up...you're not too far behind me there, missy :)

    jacabur: I need your attitude! Yes, I do feel much younger than my actual age.

    EvaSB: Good points; all of them!

    Janna: Thanks, that's a good way to look at it :)

    throuthehaze: I can live with that!

    Sylvia: You're right, it's in the middle of everything good!

    mountie9: Happy Birthday and thanks for the Chuck joke!

    CrystalGB: Great advice; you sound like a wise woman!

    uprobdontknowme: hahaha - thanks for the joke!

    Emma Michaels: You're so right - thanks!

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  40. Turning 40 is not a bad thing. You are still very young and in your best years!^O^
    Wish you have a GREAT birthday!:)
    And thank you for this amazing contest! This book is already on my wishlist!*_*

    Giada M.

    fabgiada @ gmail.com

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  41. Happy (early) Birthday! 40 is not the end of the world :) Plus remember 40 is the new 30 ;)

    When you open a can of whoop ass, Chuck Norris jumps out ;)

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  42. I am 36 but will always be, no matter what, 28 in my head. It's all about how you feel and I would have to agree with that corny phrase that age is just a number because it's true. The day I turn 40, I will still be 4-evah 28. That is my eternal age.
    Here is something to make you laugh...I got the activity from my sons pre-k today, a fill in the blank deal of My Mom is Special. In it there's a fill in the blank where it says My Mom is _____ years old. My lovely son put 61.
    Happy early birthday, P!

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  43. Holy crap I used the word Eternal...reading too much BDB anyone? *raises hand*

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  44. Forty is a great age, just tell yourself your not getting older, your getting better.

    I am a follower.

    seriousreader at live dot com

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  45. Happy early Birthday Patti. Turning 40 is the beginning of the 2nd half of your life. Enjoy every minute and celebrate every day.
    I loved the poem Sherry had on her comment.
    I am 67 so I can tell you there will be good days and bad days but live them to the fullest and you will be happy. Laugh every day and as much as you want to as this will make you feel better.

    I would love to win Shiver. Thanks for the opportunity to do so.

    I am a follower

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  46. You know what they all say...You haven't lived until you hit the big 40 so think of it as not getting older but starting to live in the land of where all the fun begins ;) Besides age is nothing! I bet you still look like yo're 18 ;P ps- I follow you !

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  47. I'm close to 40, But I don't feelit at all, Been married 18 years and still feel like I'm in my 20's. I don't want to be turning 40 soon but It's not the end of the world it's all in how you feel. So I hope your feeling great!

    chirth7@yahoo.com

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  48. I'm well past 40 now, 40's were some of my Best years!! I hope they are some of your best too!

    shundelt@yahoo.com

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  49. I'm way past 40 too. 40's are great, it's the 60's you gotta watch out for. 40 is the new 30's right? Happy Birthday

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  50. For me 30 was more traumatic than 40, and I'm dreading 50 in a few years. 40 was no big deal. Happy Birthday

    ajolly1456 at gmail dot com

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  51. If Jennifer Aniston has taught the world anything, it's that being 40 is fabulous and drop-dead sexy! Besides, you're only as old as you feel and/or what your maturity states you are. Only start to worry when you are closer to 80.
    Happy Birthday!
    If you spell Chuck Norris in Scrabble, you win. Forever.
    http://www dot chucknorrisfacts dot com/

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  52. Just let all the rest of your birthdays roll on by and forever remain at 39 and holding......!

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  53. Happy birthday, Patti! (We have the same name!)

    Have a fabulous birthday! Thanks for the contest.

    patricia.platon AT gmail.com

    - Patti

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  54. Happy Birthday Patti!! Don't worry, 40 is only a number, it doesn't mean anything. My mom reinvented herself at 40: she took some classes and relived her youth: now that her kids were older she could go out more with her friends, didn't have to come home early at night to give us dinner, she really loved her new found freedom! :-)

    I had no idea who Yo Mamma was, so I googled it for you and heer's what I found:

    •Yo Mamma is so ugly, her nickname is hairy pooter.
    •Yo Mamma is so ugly, she uses a line of makeup called "Why Bother".
    •Yo Mamma is so ugly, she went to the bathroom and scared the crap out of the toilet.

    But I LOVE Chuck Norris jokes, so here are a few (had a hard time stopping myself):

    Chuck Norris does not wear a condom. Because there is no such thing as protection from Chuck Norris.

    Some people wear Superman pajamas. Superman wears Chuck Norris pajamas.

    Chuck Norris will never have a heart attack. His heart isn't nearly foolish enough to attack him.

    When the boogeyman goes to sleep, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.

    When Chuck Norris crosses the street, the cars have to look both ways.

    Chuck Norris is the reason why Waldo is hiding.

    Ok, will stop now :-)

    stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com

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  55. I know how you feel. My birthday is today. It's going to be okay though. Now it's your turn to tell me. lol

    rae_reads@hotmail.com

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