Summer Survival Journal: Year Four - Entry One

It has begun.
I cower under my covers, hoping for a tiny bit of peace. These teenage years are nearly as chaotic as the years they were toddlers. My worries are just different now.
Our camp is constant activity - video games, catching up on television shows, card games, cries of boredom and arguments. They do not go to bed. Ever. There is no peace here. No quiet. No break.
They are always hungry. Always. The food stores are forever in need of resupply.
And they do not see the mess they make. Ever.
The beasts are nearly as bad as the natives. One is shedding - despite how often she is brushed. The other day one of the natives brushed the canine in camp and did not bother to clean up the hair. You can imagine. The feline beast spends his day meowing at everything and everyone. He is well fed, watered, and has all he needs. There is no logical reason for his behavior.
There is no logical reason for much of what occurs in our camp. I am in fear of my sanity.
Behave!

Feel Good Friday...

Here's the list...
1. Friday. Thank you for still being here!
2. Getting the kid to camp and he's so happy to be there! (We won't talk about the trip I need to make tomorrow with forgotten items)
3. Hanging with the folks for a little bit tonight.
4. Sleeping in tomorrow. Yay!
5. Getting stuff done.
6. Weekend plans.
7. Being bald. I love it. (More on that later.)
8. Living through our brief, but necessary, trip to the mega store tonight. Oy.
9. Not having a raccoon in my oven. (idk)
10. Sleeping in tomorrow!
That is all...
Behave!

Lucky Seven!

My wonderful critique partner/partner-in-all-things-fun, Misty Simon, has tagged me in the Lucky Seven.

The challenge: Post seven lines from an unpublished work of fiction.

The Golden Rules:

Go to page 7 or 77 in your current manuscript
Go to line 7
Post on your blog or Facebook page the next 7 lines, or sentences, as they are – no cheating
Tag 7 other authors to do the same (This is not happening - everyone I would tag has already been tagged)


Okay, so from my brand new, never edited, still oh-so-very-rough draft of Shredded:

“What’s going on around here?” she asked.

“I don’t know.” A low howl came from outside. “Follow me.”

Julia waited while he checked the locks, then followed him up a short set of stairs. The window in the small attic-like storage space was covered with a black trash bag. Ben moved the bag as soon as the door was closed and the room dark.

“Come and look,” he said, moving to the side to make room for her at the vent.

Eh...

Behave!

It's Only Wednesday?

Geeze. This week!
Remember me talking about K4 coming down with the flu on Saturday? Turns out, it was a highly contagious flu. Took out four out of five of us - that man and I only hours apart on Monday. (I woke with K4 at 5am on Saturday, then when she got up again - around 9, the man helped her out. I got it at 5 am Monday morning and he got it around 9 - how's that for precision?) What an awful day! I won't go into the gory details, but there was moaning involved. If K2's going to get it, she should have woken up with it this morning, but so far so good. (K3 had it Thursday, but a milder version) Anyway. That's something I do not want to repeat ever.
This morning we woke to the freezer door being left open overnight. So far, no one has fessed up. I guess it was the ghosts, or maybe aliens. (Unless the dog and cat had a party overnight?) Luckily, Mother Hubbard's cupboard is bare at the moment, so nothing of importance (except a almost empty bag of ice) was sacrificed. And, bonus, tonight's dinner was pre-defrosted. The poor compressor was chugging like it was on its last leg, but finally evened out and made everything frozen again, which is a definite relief.
Oh! And it's only Wednesday! Cripes!
And I'll stop there, because you definitely do not want to know what my cat has been doing (or not doing) this week, and I know you don't want to hear about the kid arguments (saving those for Summer Survival).
Behave!

Feel Good Sunday

Sorry I missed Feel Good Friday! I'm not really sure why that happened.
Let's get to the feel good part, shall we?
1. Not having a ton of running around to do this weekend. We managed a fair amount of yard work, laundry, and house cleaning. (Though we did discover our chimney is falling apart. Oy. The man kept finding bricks in the yard. When he looked to the roof...well...yuck and $$) (And K4 woke up with the stomach flu Saturday morning, which squashed our plans for the day. And that was fine. So is she now.)
2. Making the decision to stay hair free for a little while. (I let the man actually razor shave my head last night and I won't be doing that again. It hurts like a sunburn. Besides that, I'm not sure I like it.) No hair is much cooler, and I don't have to worry about accidentally catching myself on fire. Plus, if my s-i-l has to be without her hair for a while, so will I.
3. Writing time and awesome progress.
4. Air conditioning.
5. Talks around the fire with the man.
6. Writing while sitting at the fire.
7. My kid loving his job.
8. Sleeping in x2 - even though we went to bed excessively early last night, which meant I was up early.
9. Finding out our good neighbors aren't moving right now, and meeting the landlord for the houses at the end of our street. She's very nice and working hard to find good people to rent to.
10. Watching hysterical stuff with the kids. I'm not sure if I was laughing because of their reactions or what...
In all, it's been a mostly good, but far too short weekend. Summer is officially here. Let's see how fast it goes.
Behave!

Breast Cancer Sucks...

 Yep. That's me and my new look. Last night was the "head shaving" in honor of my sister-in-law.

Here is the before picture:

Over 20 inches of hair to be donated to Locks of Love.

Things I already like about being bald:
1. Very fast showers.
2. No hair getting stuck on everything.
3. Rubbing my head.
4. My sister-in-law.

The Bff shaved her head, too. And my sister and niece dyed their hair pink. (My sister can't shave hers because of her job, so she did the next best thing.) I also forgot to mention what I was doing to my boss and I think I may have thrown her for a bit of a loop this morning. She recovered, though still had a startled look on her face every time she passed me.
Lots of people stare at me now. I say, let them. Look all you want and when you get home remind the women you love to get their mammograms and do their monthly self exam.
That is all...
Behave!

Sunday Snippets

From the work in progress - very rough first draft... (This book has no name yet.)

"This could not be real. She felt like she was either in a bad horror film, or the victim of one of those pranks where they scared the crap out of you and then everyone laughs their ass off while you try to recover from the shock. If it was the latter, someone was getting a bullet right between the eyes.

“I don’t know. Seems like there are more today than yesterday. You think he’s scary by himself, or Stacey was scary? As a group, they are horrifying and relentless.”"

Eh...it's still in the crappy stage and it's zombies or something like it. I'm getting ready to hit the page count before all of the kids come home to celebrate K1's birthday. 

Behave!

Feel Good Friday...

Thank you, Friday!

It's been a long (short) week around here!

The list:

1. Shaving my head. Because my s-i-l has lost her hair now - before her second chemo appt!! It's all good and I will be bald, too. Soon. My hair is very long and will make great wigs for other breast cancer victims. (pictures when the deed is done! Soon!) (btw... Breast cancer sucks!!!)

2. Having my mammogram and it came back fine. (Get yours!) (And btw... breast cancer sucks!)

3. Oh God! Thank you, Friday! This week was longer than a regular week, even though it was short!

4. Writing meeting tomorrow! Yay! 

5. Getting some words on the page this week! Zombies.... or something like it...

6. School is out in 3 days! 

7. My God, it's June! WTF?

8. Summer is here!

9. That man and I having a "few minutes" of time alone tonight - weird as it is....and not as long as it should have been.

10. The thunderstorms. There should have been more though...

11. Sleeping in a few tomorrow!

Behave!

Things I Miss...

Things I miss about not being home during summer vacation...
1. Sleeping in.
2. Late nights.
3. Impromptu trips to our friend's pool.
4. Feeling free.
5. Hanging out with the kiddos.
6. Last minute plans.
7. Sleeping in.
8. Late nights.
There's more, but now I'm depressed. (Yeah, I know...you gotta do what you gotta do...blah blah blah)
Behave!

Random...

I know it's Wednesday again already... Yay for short weeks!
The long weekend was awesome (and so was the black raspberry sangria). It rained. A lot. Though the rain didn't hamper much of our plans. It definitely cooled things down and gave the teenagers an opportunity to get muddy. We ate a lot, hung out with friends we don't get to see much, shared many an adult beverage, worked on the new pavilion in the camping spot, laughed, cooked, stayed up too late (which was fine because sleeping in the humidity was next to impossible), laughed, and had a blast.
It was over far too soon. And now it's Wednesday.
I'm not sure what's up for the coming weekend besides my writing meeting! In the meantime, I must get to work!
That is all for now!
Behave!

Feel Good Friday - The Saturday Edition

Yay weekend! Yay long weekend!
Here's the list:
1. Sleeping in. Considering I'm averaging less than 5 hours a night lately, I really needed the solid 8 I managed.
2. Living through the week. Trust me, it was that bad.
3. Laundry being a load away from caught up. Yesterday was pretty bad. I had to dry with a sheet since there were no clean towels.
4. Weekend plans!
5. Cutting my bangs in the dark and having them actually look okay. (Don't ask why...I'm not sure. I was on the phone and the scissors were there...)
6. Black raspberry sangria. (This has nothing to do with #5. The sangria hasn't even been made yet, only conceptualized)
7. My to do list being relatively short (now that I took care of most everything) and related to fun stuff. Yay.
8. Digging out my summer clothes and finding out the boxers I love to wear around the house (comfy pants for summer) are too big now.
9. The spawn that live here. They made what could have been a really horrible week not so bad by doing whatever necessary to help us all get through. And I didn't even have to ask.
10. That man I live with. He did the grocery shopping, cooked an amazing dinner last night, and planted the garden.
It's time to get this fun stuff started!!
Have an awesome weekend.
Behave!

Sweating in Auditoriums

Tonight was the second night this week that I've sweated out all bodily fluids in the high school auditorium. Don't get me wrong, the reasons for said dehydration were awesome. There's a lot of talent in that school and my kid is a part of it (yes, I'm allowed to brag. It's my blog. And my kids is funny and can sing - he gets neither thing from me, but from that man I live with).
Anyway.
Tuesday was "Showcase" - theater / improv. It was so very (so very!) long, but so awesome! Very funny and my kid was in his element.
Tonight was the chorus concert - also very awesome! And my kid was also in his element. They announced the spring musical and I could hear K3 holler "yes" from across the auditorium. And he was singing songs from the musical on the way home. He is having a blast and I love it!
***
This has been a really long week. Hooray for long holiday weekends on the horizon! I'm not really sure what our plans are yet, but there will be awesomeness involved, I am sure.
It's really hard to believe that this time last week I was at the retreat...It seems like months ago. And *hangs head in shame* this week has been so insane, I haven't touched the shiny new since Sunday morning. I'm irritated by that fact and will remedy that this weekend.
That is all...
Behave!

Retreat!! Day Three! And Four!

I'm glad I waited to post about Day Three!
I know I'm home now and while I'm very glad to be back with my family, I'm sad the Retreat is over! Only 360 days until next year though - and it's our 10th Anniversary! Special plans are already underway!
After breakfast, I got to work on the zombie nonsense. Made good progress, and then it was lunchtime. Lunch almost killed one of our members partially thanks to the alternate location due to wedding preparations (more on that later) and peppers. (Serious pepper allergy. Not sure what happened with our menu, but she didn't die, which is good) After lunch we met at the swing set to take our annual group photo. Then, a break to watch Friday's Supernatural (still processing my thoughts on that). Back to work. Did a crit for one of our newer members, hit the word count again. Then dinner - no peppers this time. The wedding guests were arriving - so many the cars were parked on the hill and everywhere. Back to work until time for the game.
Game was a blast. Wine drinking. Laughing. Espinoza. Laughing. Big prize giveaway (where I won the prize I wanted to most! Go me!). Back to the room for what was supposed to be more writing, but ended up being social time. Went to check out the scene outside...and almost walked into a pile of puke. Yes. One of the wedding guests. We watch a woman try to step onto the sidewalk and land face first in the grass, then get up and pretend nothing happened. The party's winding down and this very intoxicated guy comes over - he's missing two buttons on his rented vest (part of the wedding party), and can't even stand up. He's giving us the details of his father and the coal mine and the psychos (his word) from the wedding (peppered with lots of cursing and repeats). Then this blonde woman in very very high heels screeches his name and runs over to him, cursing and accusing him of stealing her phone. She's ranting about how they are married and how he stole her phone and now she can't even call her mom to check their babies. Then turns to Simon and I and tells us how she had brain surgery a year ago and this is the first time she's been able to drink and how her husband was ruining it because he had her phone in his pocket. They proceed to scream at each other. Simon and I head to the kitchen to look for staff, call and report the puke, and then go back to our door - passing a weeping woman who is "just so sad". Weeping woman sits in the grass crying and is comforted by two equally intoxicated people. Screaming couple has left, but now people are riding the luggage carts up and down the hall.
The staff comes to clean up the mess, lock up the carts, and apologize to us. We look to the truck where screaming couple went, only to realize they are "making up" in the cab of the truck. I mean really making up.
Things finally die down and we go to bed - really late.
Day Four -
Breakfast, packing, saying goodbye, a little writing, more saying goodbye, a little bit of planning for next year. Settle the bill. Load the car and hit the road. Take a wrong turn, have to turn around and go back. Finally get on the road. Stop for lunch - soggy burger buns, but free dessert. Quick nap in the car. Then home.
Glad to see the family. I came home to a planted garden, buffalo chicken cooking, a clean house, and a very happy K3 who had his first weekend of working a "real" job and now has tip money in his pocket. Homework is done, but my dog is in trouble. She's getting senile or something and that man found her two blocks from our house - just walking down the sidewalk. (worried)
Back to the grind tomorrow. Not so happy about that...
That is all.
Behave!

Retreat!! Day Two!

I know it's now day three, but I will catch up!
Retreat Day Two was fantastic!
I started off the day by eating too much breakfast. Took a walk, ending up in the deep dark woods with soaking wet shoes. Back to the room to take care of some regular life duties, then hit the new book.
Zombies.
Did I ever tell you how much I hate zombies? Hate with a fiery passion that borders on love? So, yeah, I've had this idea for a while now and it just won't get out of my head. So I'm writing the zombie book. And I am loving it!
I made major word count progress, won the race to 1,000 word challenge, and am feeling pretty good about where this book is going. Our cocktail party was a success with lots of laughter, wine drinking, and kibitzing about everything from books, to our wips, to life in general. It was a really good way to get to know each other.
I crashed earlier than normal and woke this morning with almost a solid eight hours of sleep in me.
...and I will blog Retreat Day Three later on today when I have more to report.
Also...since I missed blogging yesterday...
Happy Birthday to my momma!! (I tried to call you twice!)
Behave!

Retreat!! Day One!

We're here!!
After a long night of excitement in which I didn't sleep very much, an early (way too early - like 4 am) wake up time, it was finally (Finally!) time to hit the road with the bff's. Road trip! (The road trip is as awesome as the retreat, but for different reasons) After making a stop for a late lunch, we finally arrived!
This facility is the most awesome place ever!
Everyone finally arrived, and now that rooms keys have been handed out, the tour is over, dinner has been eaten, and the initial nonstop talking has calmed, it's time to get to work.
I love it! I am so excited to be here!
Behave!

Retreat!!

Sorry for the lag! This has been an insanely busy week! But all for good because tomorrow we leave for RETREAT!!!
Yes!! Finally!!
3 days and 3 nights of nothing but writing and hanging with the writing peeps! Awesome! We're back at the facility we used last year and so excited to be there!
Did I mention... I don't have to cook, think about what's for dinner, shop for what's for dinner, go to the day job, get dressed unless I want to, or get up at o'dark-thirty! It will be a very welcome break!! AND I get to write all day, every day! How awesome is that?? I cannot wait!
I am packed completely! The retreat swag is loaded into the back of Simon's car. Whoot! I just have to get through the next few hours until it's time for the road trip with the bff's!! Did I say awesome?
I will do my best to post pictures, but...
Until then...
Behave!!! (And Woooooo!)

Mother's Day!

I hope you had a good one...even if you're not a mother!
I had a spectacular day!
1. Sleeping in... that was beautiful and so needed after the neighborhood fire at 12:40 am  (and the motorcycle accident earlier).
2. Mimosas! Yes.
3. Coffee with awesome creamer! And breakfast!
4. Having the day off... no obligations, nothing hanging over my head, nothing to do but relax.... yes....
5. The family coming over... we had a fantastic time!
6. More mimosas!
...and tomorrow is Monday...
Which is really okay because there are only 3 working days until Retreat!!!
Behave!!!

Wow! I Suck! Feel Good Friday!

Okay. I do suck. I try to be better about posting and then... Well... I guess life or something happens and the next thing I know it's been way too many days...
I'm not sure anyone is still reading this... *crickets*
Anyways...Just in case...Here's the Feel Good Friday list...
1. 5 days until Retreat!!
2. The promotion...new desk...new title...pretty good so far...
3. Hey...it's Friday. And my God...Am I glad!
4. Making it through this week - a million and a half things done...did them all. Still have a million and a half things to do.
5. 5 days until Retreat!
6. Sleeping in tomorrow.
7. Supernatural tonight!
8. Catching up on Castle! (Or kind of...catching up on email and this while I watch)
9. Tomorrow's plans - head will be down, work will be done, retreat shopping will be finished.
10. Sleep - which I must do now or # 9 will not happen and it must!
Behave!

Sunday Morning

These weekends go far too fast!
Yesterday was a blast the whole way around.
Writers meeting, with a great speaker, then lunch.
While I was waiting for a friend to pick me up for girls night in, I caught up on laundry - which was not a blast, but a necessary task. But yay! It's done!
Then to the mountain for girls night with my sisters and mom. We had a blast! Laughed, talked, cried a little, learned more about my s-i-l's breast cancer, ate, drank, started watching a movie, but turned it off because we wouldn't shut up... Bedtime didn't roll around until 3am. We only saw the supermoon once before the clouds covered it.
And, of course, sleeping late was a necessity this morning. Now we're trying to get moving on today. The bff is hosting a surprise anniversary party for her parents (I can safely post that here, because I know they don't read this). My family will be arriving shortly from their weekend in the woods (if they can manage to get my brother's truck started). There's food to prepare, wine bottles to clean up, and festive things to do.
This is definitely one of those weekends where having an extra day would be a bonus. Wait. Every weekend should be like that.
That is all for now!
Behave!

Feel Good Friday - The Wow I Suck Edition

Wow! I suck! Almost a week? That's not good. The week was super busy, but surely I could have found time to post? Apparently not.
Okay. So what was good about the week you missed?
1. Today is Friday and I managed to get sprung a half an hour early from the day job (thanks to having to stay late on Monday.)
2. Making the right decision regarding the revisions I've been busting my hump on.
3. Retreat! Less than 2 weeks now! (and still so much to do!)
4. Awesome thunderstorms.
5. This weekend. Epic.
6. Chinese food for dinner.
7. Coffee Heath ice cream.
8. Weird movies that are supposed to be scary, but are just...weird.
9. Writing meeting tomorrow!
10. Oh... so much more, but it's late and I have laundry to finish.
Behave!

Feel Good Friday - The Sunday Edition

Talk about being a slacker! Now it's Sunday! Oy!
I do have a list...
1. Being all by myself from 5pm Friday night until 1am Sunday morning. I didn't get as much work done as I'd hoped, but I had a grand time doing only what I wanted.
2. A long walk by myself with some kickass walking music Friday night, visiting with a friend, chinese food, adult beverages, Jericho, editing until the wee hours.
3. Sleeping in Saturday. Coffee. Loud music. Chapter business, then lunch and retreat shopping with Simon.
4. Grocery shopping. (I only say this because it's done and going by myself meant the bill was lower!) More editing. Frozen pizza, LoTR, more editing.
5. My girls coming home, even though they were in craptastic moods.
6. Sleeping in today.
7. K5 being with us almost all day today. She is so stinking cute and so very smart!
8. My house being in decent shape, though demo'd by the almost 2 year old.
9. New Supernatural Friday night! Awesome!
10. Finding what was stinking up the 'burban. By Saturday afternoon when I went grocery shopping, the smell inside the beast was puke worthy. I did discover the causes and removed them. Dang kids.
And now...after a mostly blissful weekend, it's almost Monday again...
Oy!
Behave!

Slacker!

I am one! Geeze, how does time go by so fast?
Here's the list of what's been up since I posted on Saturday...
1. Saturday evening we made a fantastic dinner and spent the evening playing games, watching Dr. Who, and being goofy.
2. Sunday it rained. A lot. We spent the morning relaxing. (well, the family relaxed. I edited.)
3. Sunday evening we headed to my sister's to meet their French exchange student. What an absolute blast!    We started leaving at 8pm, but didn't actually get out of the house until 10. We were gearing up to leave when M (the french exchange student) asked K3 to sing for her. One song turned into a two hour jam fest and it was awesomely fantastic. We had to take my nieces boyfriend home, and didn't make it in our door until after 11pm. And the next day was Monday.
4. Monday...well, let's just say none of us wanted to get up and deal with the day, but we did and we lived through it. The oldest and his future-bride stopped by and I had a ton of household administration stuff to take care of. Bedtime was very early.
5. Now - It's Tuesday. Still too early in the week to be glad about anything, but with the rate time is passing by, I'd better find something quick... Anyway. K4 woke with hives. Her legs, back, and arms were covered. We saw the doc and he said "major allergy attack", put her on prednisone and zyrtec and even though he had no idea what caused the hives, I felt a lot better after the appointment and the information provided. She feels a lot better after getting a dose of the meds in her.
...and it's only Tuesday...
But! Retreat in 22 days! Whooo!
Behave!!

Feel Good Friday - The Saturday Edition

So...whoa! I sign in here to post and everything is different about the posting process! hmmm... Anyway. All I can say is, whew! Saturday! Let's get to that list, shall we?
1. New Supernatural last night. Awesome! I loved it. So much.
2. K2 doing well with her surgery. (even though prescription pain meds make her angry and mean.) The doc fixed some torn cartilage and cleaned up some scar tissue. Hopefully the surgery resolves her pain.
3. Hanging out with that man. He makes me laugh. So hard.
4. Having a relatively easy weekend (for me - not for that man!), which means I can write all weekend! (After I take care of the grocery shopping and start laundry)
5. Getting the retreat t-shirts ordered!
6. 26 days until retreat! I cannot wait!
7. Hysterical laughter watching J wash K2's hair in the kitchen sink. He was soaked. She was soaked. It was a riot.
8. My to do list shrinking.
9. Being home Thursday. Even though we spent most of the day at the surgical center, it was fantastic to be home. I cleaned. I cooked. I edited.
10. 26 days until retreat! (I know I said that already!)
That's all for now. It's time to get busy.
Behave!

Wednesday? Really? Again?

These weeks go by way too fast!
1. The weather is psychotic. Monday I wore shorts. Today I am in a sweatshirt.
2. I have this sleep timer app on my phone. I might delete it. Since I downloaded it, only once have I achieved over 8 hours of sleep. Mostly it's 5 hours. And that sucks. Not that it's the app's fault, but...
3. Tomorrow is K2's wrist surgery. Early. We have to leave the house a little after 6am. I don't know if she's nervous, because she's not here.
4. It really bothers me when people judge other people. Worry about yourself, not others. There is nothing redeeming about picking someone else apart.
5. I want to take kick boxing classes.
6. Friday cannot come soon enough.
7. Friday is also new Supernatural.
Seven is enough for this Wednesday. I have work to do.
Behave!

Weekend Wrap Up...

Birthday weekends are awesome! You get to begin celebrating early and continue all weekend. Which I did.
Saturday was a good day - slept in, stayed in my jammies all day, read, wrote. The man made a fantastic dinner and cleaned up. We had good conversation and laughter. The 'rents stopped by with a present for me and I didn't do anything I didn't want to do.
Today was working on the sidewalk. We have to "bring them up to code" because our town is repaving the roads and all sidewalks have to be repaired and stuff. Our deadline is looming. The man was out there grinding cracks and slinging cement. We "think" they're about done, but have to have the code guy come out and check. Our repairs weren't nearly as bad as we thought - not like other property owners, which is lucky for us, but still work.
I made major writing progress. Did laundry, grocery shopped, made dinner, swept the floor (a million times, because of all of the dust).
The bad thing about today is that my kid is sick. We thought she was having an allergic reaction to face paint from an event she went to last night, but a fever of 102.5* (with motrin on board) says differently. Now she's coughing. I can hear her misery and it makes me sad.
And...tomorrow is Monday. Again. I really could use one more day of sleeping in and relaxing...
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

Ahh, Friday! I am so very glad to see you!
Here's the list:
1. Walking in the woods with that man. It was a beautiful evening for a walk.
2. Quick and efficient grocery shopping.
3. Sleeping in tomorrow!
4. My little red fireplace. Not only does it keep me warm, but I love watching the flames.
5. Comfy pants.
6. Netflix.
7. Cheese Steaks for dinner.
8. Writing time tomorrow!
9. How excited K3 was to go to training weekend and how his friends reacted when he got there.
10. My iPhone. Because I still love it.
And that is all for now...
Behave!!

Random...

A random Thursday list...
1. My eyes are killing me. Don't know if there's some allergy action involved, or if it's just plain eyestrain. But ouch and woe!
2. In the eye department, K4 lost her glasses today. Oy! Hopefully they show up tomorrow. If they don't, it means my eye appointment is pushed back...again, so her glasses can be replaced. (See #1)
3. Holy Homework Thursday! Two kids with ten tons of homework. And they both needed the computer at the same time. Ack! (The upside of Holy Homework Thursday is that I stayed home to supervise the homework and was in my jammies - and writing - before 7pm! Yay!)
4. When I asked K2 what she wanted for dinner tonight, she sent me a picture of a penguin. Needless to say, we did not have penguin for dinner. (We did have some kick ass stir fry. With chicken.)
5. I have made pretty dang good writing progress tonight. (That's not random. Just good.)
6. The cat has totally taken over the dog bed. It's a big bed (for a big dog). And the dog does nothing about the infringement. She will lay right beside her bed and let the cat have it. It's cute and proof that my puppy is just a huge teddy bear.
7. I'm cold. And my favorite striped socks have holes in them. I will need some new favorite striped socks before the retreat!
8. Tomorrow is Friday, which is not random, but a fact. And I am damn glad!
9. Saturday has the promise of being a good day. Already I know I will be sleeping in, writing, and not cooking. Or doing anything I don't want to do. Yay! (Because...shhh...Saturday is my birthday!)
10. I am in the middle of a good book and my eyes are bothering me too much to continue. How very sad is that?
Okay. Enough random. Time for bed.
Behave!

Time Warp?

Not The Time Warp. But I feel like I'm in a time warp. The days are going so fast. Too fast. It's Tuesday already. And almost the middle of April! I mean, really!
What have I been doing since my last post?
Well, we had Easter at my sisters. It was a blast. We ate way too much, laughed a lot, and I got the bright idea to hike to the top of the cliff. I was halfway up when I realized I was not the smartest tool in the shed. Everyone was watching, so I had to continue or look like a fool. I made it, and I'm glad I did. The view was gorgeous. No pictures because I was worried I'd drop my phone, so you'll have to trust me. We watched old home videos from when K3 and S were not quite one - holy cow! All in all, it was a very good day.
Then it was Monday...
And we all know how much Monday sucks, so I don't have too much to say about that. Except I did make a little progress on my revisions, had a nice walk with the man, and caught up on a bunch of stuff that's been hanging over my head. (So maybe not all sucky)
Today was less sucky, with more accomplishments. Laundry done (kind of), fantastic dinner made by me - shrimp tacos with mango salsa. Yum! (Though next time there will be more garlic, less taco seasoning (or no taco seasoning), and a little less hot pepper) Major pages of revisions completed. No walk, which makes me feel both sad and fat. A good conversation with K4, and silly, silly kids. (Though we will be having a reminder discussion about how when I am writing they can't bug me unless there's blood and/or fire, because gah! Really?) Oh, and I got to talk to my granddaughter on the phone while K2 watched her. She was so excited to talk to me and her Pappy and oh man, I love that kid!
And tomorrow is Wednesday. We'll see what Wednesday brings...
Behave!

Feel Good Friday - The Saturday Edition

I know I'm late!
Here's the list!
1. Supernatural returning for an 8th season with a new writer. One that has written some of my favorite episodes! I know I've been quiet on the Supernatural front lately, and that's because I've been kind of disappointed. I haven't lost my love, but I have been a little disillusioned. And that's sad. My hope is renewed.
2. Getting to see some of my former classmates last night at a mini-reunion. I won't tell you how long it's been since I've seen most of them. A long time. But we had an absolute blast. To say we're a unique graduating class would be an understatement, but those are stories for another time.
3. My writers meeting today. Always awesome, but today was especially awesome because one of our favorite speakers came.
4. Cooking. So far I've made two pans of stuffed shells, a white chocolate raspberry cheesecake, and am working on potato salad. B has a dish he is making as well.
5. Looking forward to tomorrow. Hanging with the family and friends, eating (cheesecakes!), and laughing. Can't wait!
6. Hanging out with that man I live with.
7. Writing time!
8. Weird texts with K2.
9. Retreat coming up in 40 days!
10. A less busy week on the horizon!
That is all!
Behave!

It's Almost Friday!

What I'm looking forward to...
1. My sister-in-law getting the all clear, (we should know soon!) though she might have to do some radiation treatments. (Surgery was today and went well). Oh and if things aren't as we hope and she has to have chemo, I will be sporting a bald head in her honor and my stubble will be dyed pink.
2. My writers group meeting on Saturday!
3. Tomorrow is Friday! Yay!
4. Making cheesecake for Easter.
5. Okay...amend #4 to say...Cooking for Easter. I'm not hosting, but I'm cooking some stuff...
6. Easter at my sisters. Always fun and I can't wait to hang out with everyone.
7. Writing time!
8. Retreat! Less than 42 days! Whoot!
9. The Hobbit movie. (It's a long way off!)
10. Relaxing, and maybe sleeping in a little on Saturday, though...see #2.
That is all. It's late and I'm tired, BUT it's almost Friday!!
Behave!!

Mostly Suck Monday...

Regular Monday suck aside...
1. Having to ground my kid for grades! Argh!! He does the homework (I see it, I know it's done, and done well, too), but somehow between home and school he "forgets" that it actually has to be turned in to count towards his grade! So, now he's grounded. And I think it hurts me as much as it hurts him.
2. Not sleeping. Why, when I've stayed up far too late both weekend nights, can I not fall asleep before midnight? Yeah, I know I've screwed with my schedule, but dang it! I was tired! And now I'm more tired!
3. I'm cold! Which really has nothing to do with Monday, but it's relevant because it is Monday.
4. My face breaking out. What the heck? What am I twelve again? Grrr!
5. My house being a complete and total train wreck because no one knows how to put their crap away!
The good stuff about Monday:
1. Dinner with friends. They moved to Florida a few years ago. I haven't seen them since (B has). We didn't have enough time, but we did have a good time. And we had Mexican food, which is always awesome!
2. Watching one of my favorite movies while I "try" to get some work done.
See the ratio there? Proof that Monday is a day of suck!
Tuesday will be better!
Behave!

Weekend Wrap Up...

Well, another weekend is done. Sad!
It was a good one.
Lot's of laughing and goofing off.
We stayed up far too late both nights, and got up far too early.
I got a little bit of writing done - not nearly enough, but progress is progress.
Now I'm playing catch up, watching The Stand, and wishing for another day off.
And time keeps ticking by way too fast!
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

Now that's more like it! Ahhh....Friday!
Here's the list:
1. Meeting with writer friends during the week. Even though we had to fill out paperwork for the chapter, it was a good time.
2. Making good progress!
3. New walking shoes.
4. Sleeping in tomorrow.
5. New Supernatural tonight.
6. Getting to leave the day job early today - though the end result is that K2 has to have wrist surgery in 3 weeks.
7. The retreat coming up fast!
8. Homemade cheesesteaks for dinner. Yum!
9. Taking care of some household admin duties that have been hanging over my head for far too long.
10. The weekend! Yay!
That is all!
Behave!

Thursday Psychosis...

Seriously? It's only Thursday?
But I wore my Friday underwear today! Doesn't that count for something? (No, I do not have day of the week undies. No more explanation.) Actually, I wore my Friday clothes! The jeans that make me look skinnier than I am, my favorite shirt with the hood, socks that match...Clothes I feel good in - good enough for Friday!
What the heck, Thursday? Why are you trying to make me think you're Friday? You did!!!
Now I have to do one more day...Gah! I do not want!
The week has been long. The upside is that I get to leave the day job a little early to accompany K2 to the wrist surgeon. And it's payday - which we all know is a very good thing. And I got new walking shoes and I love them. Oh, and the weekend promises to be full of good stuff - The Walking Dead catch up, writing, hanging out with some of the people I love the most.
But I have to get through tomorrow first...
Oh time, why do you have to F with me so much?
That is all...
Behave!

Wow! I Suck!!

How did it get to be Sunday night? Seriously? I'm not done with this weekend and I do not like this...
The weekend went far too fast. Far too fast.
Here's a quick recap:
1. New Supernatural. It was a good one! The return of Cass! And Sam with a little beard!
2. Sleeping in on Saturday! (We won't talk about how I had to get up at 4am today for a Scout function!)
3. Naps! (See #2)
4. White Chili. Pad Thai. Pancakes.
5. Kids who are too funny.
6. Walking with the man. I have missed that!
7. Easter plans.
8. Making progress...
9. The gnomes staying sober.
10. My bed. I love my bed.
11. Finding new inspirations...
12. Fun times, though 4am is ridiculously stupid.
That is all.
Behave!

Gnome Rehab...

Okay, Weekend, Why do you have to go so fast?
I feel like I just got into weekend mode and now...you're leaving again!!
Not a whole heck of a lot of writing done this weekend, but the yard is coming along nicely.
And so are the gnomes...

He had brain surgery and I'm happy to report he's doing very well. Look at how happy he is! A lot of glue and some patience and he's almost as good as new. Still has a few holes in his head, but I did the best I could. His reaction times are slower than normal and I'm not sure if that will get better with time or not, but it's better than when his hat and the back of his head were laying beside him.

The crew got spiffed up and are ready to resume their positions in the flower garden. Only, because of their alcohol problems, (you wouldn't believe the bags of liquor bottles I cleaned up. They were hidden everywhere.) I've decided to relocate them to a new neighborhood. Maybe it will help. I'll be able to keep a better eye on them and maybe if they realize I can see them, they'll behave a little more. It's worth a shot.
They still tried to negotiate for fairies and a poker table, and I'm pretty sure the one with the frog is hiding a liquor cabinet in that mushroom. We won't talk about the passed out guy in his hammock, except to say he didn't come to the entire time I cleaned him. I know what that means and I see another trip to rehab in future. Maybe one of these times, he'll learn.
Right now they're hanging out on the picnic table - waiting for the planting, tan bark, and me to decide who to separate. They're behaving. For now.
That is all...
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

It's Friday!!
1. The long hard week turned out to be relatively decent. Talking does wonders...
2. Sleeping in tomorrow on clean sheets. It will be heaven!
3. New Supernatural tonight! Yay!
4. Netflix! Why was I so resistant? Not only can we watch tons of stuff on the Xbox, but I have it on my iPhone, too. Awesome and I am so willing to pay for that!
5. Walking Dead! Thanks to Netflix I am slowly getting caught up. And I love it!
6. Writing time this weekend! Oh, how I need you!
7. Preliminary wedding planning.
8. Headphones! But why is it that every time I get a new pair someone needs to "borrow" my back up pair?
9. Finding my comfy pants! I haven't seen them in a week despite the laundry being caught up. Twice. Apparently the words "I don't want to see any dirty laundry" means it gets shoved wherever there is room, even if it's in the linen closet??... ha!
10. Cooking this weekend. I have a list!
That is all. Must write before Supernatural!
Behave!

It is Wednesday...

And Wednesday is nearly over, which means the weekend is on the horizon and that has to be a good thing. Yes?
Except I feel like I'm wishing my life away - hurrying to the weekend. But, dang, sometimes that's the only way to make it through, especially lately.
So, since it's Wednesday, and I'm already thinking towards Friday, here are some things I am looking forward to:
1. More lovely weather.
2. New Supernatural.
3. Sleeping in Saturday.
4. Cooking. I have some new recipes I want to try this weekend.
5. Writing time!
6. More yard work. I know that sounds dumb, but our yard took a serious hit this winter and it looks like crap. I'm eager to get it cleaned up and looking nice.
Okay. I'm stalling...I need to get to #5 before I fall asleep.
Behave!

Tuesday Nice...

I know it's only Tuesday, but in an effort to stay positive, here's what's nice about today...
1. The weather! Love! (I might have to take back what I said about one more big snow!)
2. My kids and how hysterical they are.
3. Catching up on blogs and laughing my butt off!
4. Dinner with friends last night - tons of good food, laughter, hours and hours of talking! Just what I needed.
5. New Supernatural to look forward to.
6. No stinkbugs today!
7. Writing time beginning in a few!
8. Getting stuff done!
Okay. I think there's some kind of rule that a good list can't be longer than eight on a Tuesday so I'm going to stop there, just in case!
Behave!!

Things I Love...

1. Sleeping in this weekend - though it wasn't as long as I wanted and I'm not a fan of the lost hour.
2. The entire hour of sunshine. Maybe it's worth losing the hour of sleep?
3. My granddaughter. She is so stinking cute! I loved being able to spend a good amount of time with her today. We all needed to see her and her mother!
4. Not having to cook dinner because we crock potted it knowing we would be working in the yard all day. Though I am craving a cheeseburger on the grill!
5. Catching up with one of my oldest and best friends.
6. Playing Frisbee with the kids.
7. The kids hanging out with their friends - even though they were throwing tennis balls at each other and freaking out the dog. Ha!
8. My iPhone - because I am able to stay off the Internet on the laptop when I'm writing knowing I can check my phone for email, etc when I take a break.
9. Putting together my music playlist for the new book.
10. The weather! What a gorgeous day! I love it!
That is all for now...tomorrow is a new week and I'm not entirely sure what it's going to bring...
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

Well, I lived through the week. Amazingly. I don't think there's a way to describe this week so you can fully appreciate how insane and ridiculous it was...
But, in an effort to be positive, let me find some good stuff about this week!
1. Not cooking last night, or tonight.
2. K2 getting to spend time with her fiance. She needed it.
3. The result of K2 being out of town is that we switched vehicles (The man's car is better on gas. I've been driving the man's car because the 'burban - while inspected and road-worthy, has a short in the electrical system that's draining the battery. The man has the battery unhooked until he has time to fix it.) I've been driving her pickup and even though it's a beat up old gas guzzling thing, it's fun to drive.
4. Managing to stay in my writing group's 50/50 challenge even with the sucky week.
5. Knowing the man is going to try to massage my locked up right side - neck, shoulder, back, ribs - you name it, my whole right side is a throbbing mass of hurt.
6. Getting to meet K3's friends (finally) and stuffing them full of pizza while they played xbox and hung out. It was good and I'm glad it worked out this time.
7. Situations working out pretty well even though a lot of time, energy, and worry were invested into them.
8. That man and his crazy brain full of things that spark ideas for me.
9. That man. Hands down. When things get rough for me, he is right there - doing everything he can to make sure I'm okay. Going above and beyond. There's a reason he's my best friend, and that's only one of them.
10. Right now. I am warm and in my comfy pants and my favorite ripped up sweatshirt, while the freezing wind rages outside. I have a belly full of pizza, my computer on my lap, and my trusty iPhone beside me. The dog is dreaming about chasing squirrels, the kids are laughing, that man is working on the grocery list, and I am getting ready to write. I have an adult beverage beside me, the promise of sleeping in tomorrow, and the weekend to write, rest, and have a little fun. I think that means life is pretty good despite the disappointments. stress, and insanity of this week. 
...and that's what really matters.
That is all...
Behave!

Tuesday Sucks!

Worse than Monday! Way worse! I quit you, Tuesday. I quit your sucktastic-ness and your crushing emotional blows and your drama!!
This day blows. Hardcore.
And I now dismiss you, Tuesday! Go F yourself and leave me alone, because I am done! Fried like a chicken and all of that stuff...
I hope your Tuesday was better than mine!
Behave!

Wow! I Suck!!

Sorry for the long radio silence! (not that there's anyone left reading this blog by now!) *crickets*
Anyways, last week was long, crazy, stupid, intense...and I lived through it! Whoot!
How about a Feel Good Friday - The Sunday Edition?
1. A rare evening out with the man. We had a blast!
2. Sleeping in - a little bit Saturday, a lot Sunday.
3. My monthly writers meeting. It was a great one.
4. Retreat planning. 73 days!
5. Managing to continue to write through a really crappy week.
6. That man cleaning the house.
7. My kid talking my ear off about everything.
8. Orange juice with extra pulp!
9. My oldest kid being okay, though the car was totaled.
Going to stop there... I find myself with an extra block of time this morning and I need to get some words on the page!
Behave!

Wednesday? Really?

I'm really behind and overwhelmed!
Trying to use tonight to catch up, but it's not working so well... I feel like I'm doing everything half-assed, with more and more issues popping up. Gah! But I'm doing what I can, and I guess that has to be good enough for right now.
So far this week:
1. The day job has been so freaking busy! Brain draining, overwhelming, and I don't think Friday is ever going to get here!
2. I have a new great niece! Born today - Leap Day! She's adorable and also in Oklahoma, so I don't know when I'll get to see more than pictures! But she's so cute!
3. My 'burban is in the shop for inspection. And for the verdict on whether or not she'll make it another year thanks to our fantastic mechanic. I know she has some rust and other issues, but I'm hopeful. She's been a good truck and I don't want to let her go - despite the fact that the radio doesn't work anymore and she takes on water during a heavy rain. Either way, I'm not looking forward to the bill...
4. Did I tell you my dryer is fixed? I still hate laundry, but a working dryer makes everything so much easier...
And the worst thing...
5. My sister-in-law has breast cancer. We found out very recently and the emotions are still very raw and fresh. It's survivable and she has a great attitude, but...
My brother is doing a Relay for Life in her honor, so look for a posting regarding that soon. And other things our family will do to show support as we work through this craptastic and difficult time. We're going to do whatever it takes...
And that makes my whining about my insane week null and void. All I can say right now is...Get your mammogram (I will be making my appointment!). Do your self exams! My sister-in-law's (who is also my best friend from high school and still one of my very bestest friends in the whole world) cancer was caught early and she still may be looking at a mastectomy and radiation!
Behave!

Feel Good Friday - The Saturday Edition

So this week really did suck rotten eggs, leaky pustules, and fish parts left out in the sun... No kidding and I'll elaborate when I can...Just not right now.
But, I can find a few good things to say...
1. Girl time with my youngest. Shopping, ear piercing, eating junk food.
2. Things happening that make me squee and jump up and down!
3. Hanging out with the guys at Scout camp even though I froze my rear end off and couldn't feel my hands. (Geeze, it's so cold and windy out.)
4. Long talks with my momma.
5. Hanging out with my sister for a little while.
6. Stressful situations that turn out okay.
7. My iPhone. Yeah, I know I put this every week, but it saved my butt a few times this week and deserves mention.
8. My new very fuzzy, very warm polka dotted jammie pants!
9. My evening plans to eat junk food, watch The Walking Dead, and write!
10. Making story progress!!
So there's the list!
Behave!

Tuesday...

More thing i know...
1. I really have no rhythm. For real. I am hoping practice will help me learn some. If it doesn't, then okay. At least I'm having fun...
2. This week sucks rotten eggs and leaky pustules. Yes, it's that bad.
3. I know I am beyond exhausted.And it's only Tuesday.
4. I know that No one puts Baby in a corner.
5. I can fully function on less than 3 hours sleep.
6. I am really mad we haven't had any snow.
7. I know the retreat cannot come soon enough.
8. I know that being rejected a random second time by the same agent hurts as much as it did the first time.
Okay... That's enough for now...
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

Man, what a week. Weird thing is - everyone I know has had the same long, craptastic week!
There was some good though, so let's focus on that!
1. Our video game system arriving and having fun with it.
2. My iphone. I am so in love with it.
3. Writing every day but one this week.
4. Spaghetti dinner prep and serving tomorrow. It's a lot of work, but also a lot of fun.
5. Being free from two of my major volunteer obligations. So very freeing.
6. Hope for the dryer repair this weekend.
7. My goofy kids.
8. Seeing my granddaughter!
9. Friday!
10. Sleeping in a little tomorrow!
So there you have it. We won't talk about that man being sick all week - with three different ailments, or the crap that broke in my house this week, or the crappy sleeping, or how insanely hot it is in my house right now, or that time to get my 'burban inspected is running out and I'm not sure it'll pass.
Behave!

Happy...

Hallmark Holiday! Ha!
We've never really celebrated Valentine's Day around here. Not between the man and I anyway. (We have our reasons - namely that you don't really need an 'official' day to show someone you love that they're special to you) This year seemed a little different because the new video game system arrived today, and the girls and I went to visit K5 so we had to stop and get her a present. (the man is still sick with the flu. He better not share! And K3 had a meeting.) And I got those living in my house chocolate, too.
K5 is a riot! She constantly throws herself into my arms, gives me hugs and kisses, and tells me everything. I love it. She pouted when we left, which made me sad. She's psycho for Sesame Street - namely Elmo and Abby, which cracks me up. I saw every one of her toys, including her fake knife that she sticks in her pocket and pulls out at random times. It was a very good visit.
The new video game system seems like a lot of fun. We didn't have too much of a chance to check it out since everyone (but the sick man) had places to go and things to do. The kids played the dancing game for a few minutes, but that's as far as we got. Tomorrow's another day though.
Another long day though. Mostly good, but very busy.
And I wrote! A decent amount, too! My brain is working on this new story and I like it.
Behave!!

Monday's List...

1. I really love my iPhone. I'm still learning it, but I'm not sure how I lived without it. I'm not happy with how quick the battery dies, but today is the first day it'll take me to time to go to bed and charge, so maybe  it'll be okay.
2. That man I live with is sick. Sick enough to go home from work after just a few hours. This is highly unusual. The flu. And he'd better not give it to me for Valentine's Day! That man is not a stereotypical sick man. He does not like to be babied, bothered, or talked to. He tries to do what he's supposed to even when I shoo him. I know I am blessed with him, because if he whined or wanted to lay his head in my lap...I don't know what I'd do...but it wouldn't be pleasant! Ha!
3. Today was long. Busy, busy, busy, and long. I swear I left a whole day's worth of work on my desk and that does not bode well for tomorrow.
4. My brain is fried from #3. There will be no writing for me tonight - at least not at this moment. That might change though.
5. K2's taxes are done and her budget is worked out. This is a good thing, even after a long work day. She's more settled knowing where and when her money needs to go and happy with her return.
6. I dragged my hair through melted butter when I was making dinner.
7. That man and I swear there was a mouse, or a bat, in our room this morning. I searched everywhere and could not find any evidence. We both heard squeaking and shuffling, but the cat does not seem to care.
8. We ordered the kids an Xbox and K'nect. It has shipped and should be here soon! Whoot! They've been waiting for so long!
9. I think I need an adult beverage.
10. Or two....
Behave!

Blogging From...

The new phone! Oh! How cool is this? Maybe I'll be better about blogging! Maybe??
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

So we made it to Friday again. Isn't that what we do every week? Just struggle to make it until Friday? I hate that most weeks. I do - and I know I miss out on other good days in my quest to get to the end. Going to have to think about that one and see if I can rearrange my thinking...
So here's the list for this week:
1. My new iPhone! Gawd! I love it and want to have its babies and I've only had it a little over 24 hours. My computer is a little jealous, but I'm confident we can find an arrangement that works for all of us.
2. New Supernatural tonight! (Though I think it's about clowns. *shudders* I hate clowns!)
3. Snow! Or at least it's supposed to.
4. My kid buying me a case for the new phone. She's so sweet!
5. Sleeping in tomorrow.
6. K3 being so excited for his Scout training weekend.
7. Good books to critique.
8. My brain working - having ideas, thinking about the wip. I guess I'm not broken!
9. Jeans that fit. Wooo!
10. Having a menu planned out and doing the shopping (with the snow crazed people) so that I don't have to hit the store a hundred-million times!
That is all! It's almost time for Supernatural!
Behave!!

Thursday Already?

I don't know if this week has gone fast or slow...
I'm just glad it's Thursday and here's why...
My cell died on Tuesday. Ironically, it passed away only minutes after talking to a rep from my cell provider. I was sure it was a simple fix - a box got clicked on accident as she was looking over my account to answer the questions I asked. I was nervous and upset though - not having my phone is like sending your kids to their friends house and not getting the parents name or phone number.
It was bad, bad news when I called. Apparently my phone has brain damage. The sim card fried. :(
Anyway, I was due to upgrade and already had my iPhone picked out - not the brand new one, I can't justify spending that much for a phone when there are other things that need to be taken care of, besides, I'm such a newbie at iPhones I figure the 3G will be like a test run. So, I ordered it.
...And now I'm waiting - borrowing K3's phone during the day and wandering around aimlessly in the evenings, looking at my dead phone, hoping the sim will come back to life. It hasn't.
But now we're at Thursday. My new phone is at the nearest shipping hub getting ready to go on the truck for delivery. I will have it when I get home today.
If I can survive one more day without "my" phone.
Behave!

Totally Me...

Don't lie to me and tell me you have never done this!
Behave!

Things I Know

1. My neighbors are a-holes and there is no arguing about that.
2. I used to be able to drink a heck of a lot more than I can now. Me = Lame.
3. My children are chaos. And not just sometimes. All of the time. But I love them and can't imagine life any other way.
4. I will always root for the underdog, even when it puts me in uncomfortable situations.
5. Sleep is important, especially when you're not getting enough.
6. Time goes by too fast. And waiting is really hard.
7. Standing up for something you believe in, even if it isn't the popular opinion, is ALWAYS worth it - regardless of the backlash. (bring it!)
8. Hope, even if it has been proven that you are stupid for hoping, is worth it. If you can't hope for the people you love...
9. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Even if you hate it.
10. I am not Superwoman, even if I want to be.
That is all...(well, not really, but all for now!)
Behave!

Feel Good Friday - The Saturday Edition

A day late, but here goes:
1. Sleeping in a little this morning.
2. My writing meeting today!
3. Tonight's plans - today is that man's birthday and we're gathering with friends for music and laughing!
4. Getting my stuff DONE!
5. Preparing to start a new project!
6. Tomorrow's plans to hang at home and chill out. I cannot tell you how much we need that.
7. Also, my plans to read all day tomorrow. And cook.
8. The few snow flakes I saw earlier.
9. Supernatural last night!
10. Seeing people I haven't seen in a long time.
That is all for now. I must prepare for the birthday night out!
Behave!

Watch This....

Watch this...
The woman who made this video is one of the best friends I've ever had. We've been through some really stupid and crappy times, as well as some of the best times of my life (and I think hers, too)! She's my sister (not really, but yes, she is), my children's aunt, and a great person.



I think it's obvious where I stand on this issue...

Love is love. And love is beautiful.

Behave!

Answers!

Okay, so it's Thursday and I missed posting the answers yesterday. I was buried until some revisions (which I'm almost done with, whoot!).
Here we go!

1. I did not get to before before 3am either day this weekend. True. But the weekend was a blast.
2. I went out with my sister and some bearded guy tried to talk me into going to his hotel room with him. Also, true. Never going to happen, buddy.
3. I learned two new dances and am proud to say I mastered them. Haha. No.
4. Someone thought I was my sister's mother. True. In the woman's defense, she couldn't see me at first.
5. My dog got into the trash and spread it all over the back yard. Yes. Bad dog.
6. I ate escargot and deer heart. Never in a million years.
7. My granddaughter has decided I am to be called "Sho sho". No, but she is calling me Nana.
8. My husband kissed a dead pig. Yes. And then he ate it.
9. I got carded buying beer. Nope....
10. Some creeper guy tried to pick up my mom.

There you have it!
Behave!

Tall Tale Tuesday...

True or False...
1. I did not get to before before 3am either day this weekend.
2. I went out with my sister and some bearded guy tried to talk me into going to his hotel room with him.
3. I learned two new dances and am proud to say I mastered them.
4. Someone thought I was my sister's mother.
5. My dog got into the trash and spread it all over the back yard.
6. I ate escargot and deer heart.
7. My granddaughter has decided I am to be called "Sho sho".
8. My husband kissed a dead pig.
9. I got carded buying beer.
10. Some creeper guy tried to pick up my mom.
Which are true, which are false?
Answers tomorrow!
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

Here's the list:
1. Making it to Friday. We've had sickness, snow, and all kinds of crap going on around here this week.
2. Sleeping in tomorrow!
3. Being all by myself for a few hours tonight to work. (I really am. Just taking a break.)
4. Watching Supernatural reruns while I write.
5. Weekend plans. It's going to be a busy one, but a fun one!
6. Not making dinner.
7. Giving up some of my volunteer obligations and feeling really good about it. The weight from my shoulders is incredible.
8. Taking a class that really makes me think about what I'm writing.
9. Getting my ISP situation resolved satisfactorily. They treated me like much crap, but I have been apologized to and the problem has been fixed.
10. Finding out I'm eligible for an iPhone in 3 weeks! Don't know if I'm going to get one yet or not, but it's nice to know I can!
Behave!

Old Posts....

This is an old post, but it's definitely worth repeating....
If you're a new writer go and read. And if you're not... Well... read it anyway...
Behave!

More Dear...

Dear Other Neighbor,
Did you shovel that spot? No? Then don't freaking park there! Especially since you are now parked right in front of my house! I am stunned by how rude and inconsiderate you are. Stunned. And my aching back says some very bad words to you!
Get out of my parking spot.
(as an aside here, I normally don't get ticked off when someone parks in the spot I usually use. It's a public street - you park where you can and there have been many times that my guests have parked up the whole street and I know that's irritating to you, but it's not very often and I really try to be a good neighbor. But snow shoveled spaces are sacred. I think it's the ultimate in asshatery to park in a space someone else shoveled. I don't care if you park there to shovel your own spot. I'm okay with that.)

Dear Mega-Super Store,
I don't know why I keep going back to you. I try not to. We had to tonight because the m-i-l needed some things and likes you. Your shoe selection stinks hardcore. Why don't you have any cute shoes for girls -  maybe not cute, but shoes a 12 year old girl would love? Why is your book section so freaking tiny? And why do you keep moving stuff so I can't find it and your employees don't know either?
I should quit you.

Dear Writing,
Why you gotta be so hard sometimes? Why does inspiration strike at the worst possible time, and why is there not more time in the day so I can do what I need to do?
I love you and I want to be able to do you full time again. (Ha ha! How's that for innuendo?)

Dear Monday,
You suck.
That is all.

Behave!

Dear...

Dear Neighbors,
You like that nice shoveled spot you parked your car in? You're freaking welcome! And my aching back says you're welcome, too, only not that nice! My aching back says shovel your own damned parking spot, and you can shovel your own front sidewalk next time it snows, too, because we did that to be nice. My aching back also wants to know why you didn't shovel today while you were home tromping around in your backyard with your unshoveled walk? My aching back does not care that you didn't shovel the back walk. That's your business, but you don't park in the spot someone spent hours shoveling, especially when you don't even normally park there.
It's so rude and is not good for neighborly relations!

Dear Snow,
Thanks, but next time can you hit us with a little more? I'd appreciate that, even though I'll have to shovel again. (Not shoveling the rude neighbor's walk again though). My specific request would be for snow to start Friday morning (early enough that everyone has to go home early) and continue to snow through Sunday night. Enough that a state of emergency is called for Monday and no one has to go to work. And give me a little warning so I don't have to go to the store with the rest of the crazies.
Thanks.

Dear Children,
I know I am your mother and I'm supposed to be some kind of robot or something, but I do like to listen to all different kinds of music. Some of it has swearing in it. Get over it. I am an adult and that is why they make headphones and why I use them. Yes, I like a lot of the same music you do and many times I know the words better than you. And I know songs with swear words in them. I like it. Hell, I like to swear, too. That is because I am not a robot. I am a person. Yes, I will always be your mother, but I have interests and likes that are separate from my identity as your mom.
You will get over it and deal with it when you have children.
That is not a curse, it's a promise.

Dear Washer & Dryer,
Why you gotta be broken again? Why can't you wash my clothes without spewing water all over the floor, and then dry them within a reasonable amount of time? Why do I have to put up with my dining room looking like laundry central? There are actual clotheslines in my dining room and the laundry never ever ends!
I am in huge dislike of this situation.
It must end immediately!

Dear Eyes,
What the heck is with you? First, we had the cornea scratch. Then, the bite that wasn't really on my eye, but affected it anyway. I know you're bad an in need of a competent exam and I know you're not what you used to be and are stressed by my dual occupations spent staring at a computer screen for hours and hours and hours, but why the twitch?
Yeah, I'll see if you go away when I cut out caffeine (*sobs*). Then, I'll see if you go away when I get this project finished.
But...please, just go away!

Behave!

Snow Saturday!

We had snow around here!
Enough to keep that man at his snow plowing gig all freaking day (like for 17 hours!!)! He is one tired man!
That meant our shoveling fell to the people living in this house... namely me...K2 has a bum wrist (one that will most likely require surgery, but we won't know until she has her ortho consult. And it hurts her. A lot.), K3 is still under the weather thanks to the stomach flu (not to mention, he has a mondo science project due Monday). K4 helped a lot. More than she thinks, but I shoveled my rear end off (one could only hope) today.
I slept in. (That was wonderful!) Made three pots of coffee, did laundry (even though my washer is now spewing water all over the floor! Gah!) And we took the rest of the Christmas decorations down. (Thank goodness) And played a lot of video games (I stink at that). And cooked. And cleaned. Plus, I did a little bit of editing. Okay, more than a little bit, but still...
Good weekend. So far.
How about you?
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

Thank Goodness it's Friday! What a long week!
Let's hit the list, shall we?
1. Making progress. (every time I say that I think of that song with the line "Every day I'm shuffling". I don't know why)
2. Not coming down with the stomach flu (yet), even though another member of my family has fallen victim and I've again cleaned up more puke than I care to admit.
3. My cable provider reaching a deal with the network of my favorite show. (Apparently. I have not verified this yet.)
4. Snow in the forecast! Whoot!
5. Maybe finally getting the rest of the Christmas decorations down this weekend!
6. $2.20 off a gallon of gas.
7. Sleeping in tomorrow!
8. Finally...finally! sitting down with an adult beverage. The grocery shopping is done. The bills are paid, and laundry has been folded. Tonight is for relaxation. Tomorrow I will work.
9. Comfy pants, my favorite sweatshirt, and my very fuzzy socks.
10. Listening to my kid recite the entire promo for The Twilight Zone.
Okay, that's enough for now. There's some reading on my horizon, and most likely an early bedtime.
Behave!

Dear Supernatural People,

I haven't written in a while. Don't think it's because I have nothing to say. That's not it at all.
I loved, loved, loved this episode. Yes, I loved it even more because I got to watch it at the beach with the bff's, but it was way more than that.
Dean in the 40's with Elliot Ness! How cool is that? Loved that Ness is a hunter. The clothes, Erma, "lettuce", all so very great. Dean's obsession with The Untouchables = Squee!
Sheriff Mills is one of my favorite characters. I so wish she and Bobby would have had the chance to be together. I loved that she thought of Sam and Dean, and then went to help Sam.
Loved Dean's hacking skills and how he hid the letter in the old house for Sam to find.
This episode was rich with so much goodness - great lines, great characters, Dean in the 40's suit!
I miss Bobby, though. So much. *Sigh*
I hope my cable provider decides to give me my channel back so I can actually watch on Friday night.
Thanks, Supernatural people. You're awesome. (and yes, I'm waiting to see what happens with Bobby. Reserving judgment, even though I'm really, really sad!)
Behave!

Answer!

Okay...Here's what it really is...

1. The inside of my new slippers. Nah. I didn't get new slippers. In fact, I don't even have slippers right now. I have slipper socks and clogs.
2. A close up of a glass of orange juice. Yes. Just goofing off with the kids borrowed camera.
3. An attempt to take a picture of the moon with wonky backlighting. Nah. But had you wondering, didn't I?
4. The inside of my pocket when the camera accidentally went off. That's logical and highly possible, but no.
So there you have it. I'm not promising Tall Tale Tuesday is back as a regular feature around here yet. I'd like it to be, but we'll see...
Behave!

Tall Tale Tuesday

Back for a brief time...
What is this?

1. The inside of my new slippers.
2. A close up of a glass of orange juice.
3. An attempt to take a picture of the moon with wonky backlighting.
4. The inside of my pocket when the camera accidentally went off.

So which is it?


Behave!

Moaning Monday

Here's where I moan about weird things...
1. When I got home tonight, the neighbor kid was digging a hole in my front yard.
2. It sleeted, rained, sleeted, and is now raining again. Where is my snow?
3. People who let their kids run willy nilly through the grocery store.
4. This headache I have.
5. Planning a productive writing evening, only to discover company and chaos when I got home. Oy!
6. The fact that I haven't had time to finish taking down the Christmas decorations. This is getting ridiculous!
7. My cable company discontinuing my Supernatural channel. I'm not just moaning about that, I'm ticked off beyond belief.
That's about it for now...
Behave!

Beach Retreat - Last Day Blues

It's been an awesome time!!
I've gotten a TON of work done and am nearing the end of these revisions. A few more things to tweak and check and make sure of, but I did more work yesterday than in forever. And that feels really, really good.
We didn't leave the house yesterday. Not even once. Lots of writing, talking, laughing, junk food eating. We watched Supernatural - which was absolutely awesome, ordered pizza, and then at game time Natalie gave Misty her first understandable football lesson, effectively turning her into a fan. I even watched with them and had a great time.
Today has been more talking, laughing, working, but now it's time to clean up so we can go home. I am sad, but also ready to go back to my crazy life and my crazy family. This weekend was exactly what I needed to find my perspective, my goals, and myself and I needed it far more than I realized.
Behave!

Feel Good Friday - The Saturday and I'm at the Beach Edition!

Yes, you read and saw that right. I'm at the beach!!
It was random and by chance, but here we are. This week started off rough - the stomach flu, followed by me getting a nasty cold. When the weekend offer was made, I wasn't sure I could make it. Not only was I sick, but the home weekend was packed full. That man I live with didn't even raise an eyebrow though. He rearranged everything to make it possible.
So, here I am with the bff's - laughing, watching sappy movies, Supernatural, and eating a ton of junk food. And having a blast. And writing!!!
That is all for now...
Behave!!

Tall Tale Tuesday - Or Not...

I'd do a Tall Tale Tuesday, but life is so bizarre right now....
Here's what has really happened around here in the past week. (and no, I'm not lying)
1. The gas company found it necessary to dig in front of our house (with jackhammers) until 1am Saturday morning. (So what there was a stupid gas leak...it was annoying)
2. They also posted my street as a "No Parking" zone and they haven't been back. (Guess who parked there tonight, even though the signs have been up since Friday and say 6am until 4pm??? If you can't come back to finish the job, then I can't read your signs! And guess what else? I don't leave until well after 6am!)
3. Not long after the gas company finally left Saturday morning, some moron decided it would be a good idea to set off mortar fireworks behind our house and in a few other locations around our town. The cops are looking for them, and we're lucky our house didn't catch fire! Morons...though I slept through it...
4. Stomach flu and head cold. K4 and yours truly.
5. Potentially awesome weekend plans. If I can make it work. And I really really hope I can (but am not holding my breath)!! (and did I mention the head cold thing?)
6. I'm pissed because of the lack of snow.
7. And... (probably the most amazing thing of all. I don't care if you don't believe me, it's true!) It's Tuesday and I have not had to stop at the store or cook anything yet. The kids made the menu, we all did the shopping, and it's good! K3 made dinner tonight and it was absolutely awesome!
That is all for now!!
Behave!

Moaning Monday...The Flu Version

I live in terror.
The stomach flu has come to visit. While it appears the visit is a short one, we all know how quickly minds can change.
K4 puked her way through all of Sunday, and still felt like dog poop this morning. On the mend now, but the question on my mind is...who's next?
That's what I'm afraid of.
According to the school, this is going around with insane craziness. K3 reports the same at his school.
Joy...
That is all.
Behave!

Feel Good Friday - The Sunday Edition

Yeah, I know Friday was days ago... It's been one of those weekends around here!
Let's cut the BS and get to the list already:
1. New Supernatural!!
2. Getting to watch new Supernatural with my sister and the bff!
3. Taking the younger kids out to dinner and having a blast.
4. Not passing out or throwing up at my very first meeting as president.
5. Great lunch conversation.
6. Sleeping in today.
7. Staying in my comfy pants all day, and getting a decent amount of revisions done. (Still going, just taking a break)
8. Movies.
9. Grocery shopping with that man I live with. Because he makes the chore fun.
10. That man I live with taking care of the supply run for sick child needs.
11. Coming home yesterday to find the tree down and the house clean.

Here's the other list:
1. The stomach flu.
2. Cleaning up vomit.
3. The somewhat queasy feeling in my own stomach.
4. Tomorrow is Monday.
5. The gas company not allowing me to park in my regular spot because they plan on showing up at an ungodly hour to finish the work they annoyed us with until 1am Saturday morning.

That is all for now.
Behave!

Some Days...

This is necessary and would make the day go ohsomuch better
Too bad I hate that stuff. Too bad.
Behave!

On Resolutions...

I never make resolutions for the New Year. I will, however, make writing goals, but I specifically try not to make "life" goals. But...
I heard something, or read something, or something - I'm not sure exactly where, so if you said it to me, credit yourself in the comments...And I don't remember it word for word, either.
Anyway.
The gist of it was, that you never face something new - a new job, a new chapter in your life, a new year, without wanting it to be your best, without wanting it to be "different". Even if you simply want to be a better person, or enjoy things more, or do the best job you can.
I guess that's why people make resolutions - because it's new. And maybe there's a lot to be said for the hope in that. If you start something new with no hope that it will be different than the old, then how do things ever change? You don't, because you're stuck in that hole of "well, same crap, different time/place/thing". And that's kind of sucky.
Maybe I'm talking about two different things - hope and change - but you can't have good change without hope. So, maybe I do believe in resolutions a little - in the hope and the excitement and the promise of the new. Maybe my problem is with how resolutions are made. You know, the ridiculous laundry list of things that are either beyond your control, or are in your control, but you're never going to do it. Maybe you only say you will because you feel like you have to.
For example: You're a smoker and you know you should quit. You don't really want to, but on New Year's Eve you make a big deal out of quitting because you have to have a resolution. Then, by 12:05am, you say "After I finish this pack", then, the next morning your boss calls and gives you heck because you messed up the Davis account and you say "I'm so stressed right now. I need a new pack, but once that one's done, I'm done too". If you really wanted to quit, nothing would stop you. Stop lying to yourself.
I think that's what bugs me about resolutions.
But the hope thing...I really like that. I do have hope that 2012 will be an awesome year. I also realize some of the things that will help to make it awesome are things within my control. And that's what I have to think about...
Behave!

Year in Review...

Hey, it's only a week late!!
January: New jobs, stink bugs, dead dryers (huh...and my dryer is dead again!), more stink bugs, snow, adjustments.
February: More stink bugs, warmer temps, spaghetti, Supernatural, pictures.
March: Tall Tale Tuesday, Zombie Birthday parties, Quiet month.
April: Slacking, LotR pictures, Surprise 50th Anniversary parties, more stink bugs, motivation, gross Tall Tale Tuesday.
May: Chickens, tornadoes, Retreat!
June: Weird pictures, bad days, Chickens.
July: Camping, Summer Survival, Missing my friend, more stinkbugs, heatwaves, a week off.
August: Summer Survival, weird pictures, Jason Manns, funny notes, things I learned, more stinkbugs.
September: Tall Tale Tuesday, Floods, Weird and random, funny cakes, wedding planning, editing.
October: Weird pictures, random, Halloween, foul pictures.
November: More engagements, being elected president, taking it back, egg pictures, eye issues, guest blogger.
December: Guest blog winners, more eye issues, random, Holidays.
Actually, I posted less in December than I did every month all year. That's kind of sad, but it was a crazy month. Notice how the stink bug posts died off there...apparently, so did they, though we see an occasional one here and there.
And now we're in a new year. Come on, 2012 - show us what you're made of and make it awesome.
Behave!

Post-Holiday Nonsense....

The deed is done. Christmas is finished and I'm not sure how I feel about that. Yeah, I had my Scrooge on until nearly the very end, but we had a really good time with most of the holiday madness. And, really, I am glad its over. Now it's taking down the tree and other decorations, restoring my living room to normalcy, and putting other Christmas stuff away. I don't want to. I don't have the energy for it yet, and now that its over I kinda like the tree and all of the doodads around. How weird is that?
Anyway.
Now the year is almost over. Thank goodness.
I am looking forward to the New Year Celebration. It'll be nice to go back to basics. It's been too many years!
Hopefully later on this week, I'll have the energy to do my year in review post. I know you're just dying for that one. Ha!
Behave!!

Merry Christmas!!

And Happy Birthday to my baby!! 12 now! Holy cow...how does that happen?

I hope you and yours have a blessed day!!

Behave!

Feel Good Friday - The Christmas Edition

Holy crap! It's been over a week since I posted? What is up with that?! I'll tell you what...getting ready for Christmas, having sick kids, and general chaos!
But...I'm as ready as I'm going to be now. Which, I guess is good considering there's a little over 2 hours until Christmas Day!
I will tell you one thing... We are NEVER doing last minute shopping again. EVER! Waiting until the Friday before Christmas to buy even one thing is not a fun and pleasant experience, no matter what you've been told by others.
Believe it or not, I do have a feel good list!
1. Being ready. Even though things are a little different this year. Parts of me don't feel ready because I haven't had time to do my usual preparing/cooking/cleaning. But it is what it is and it'll be fantastic.
2. Shopping with the man. Yes, it was stressful. Very stressful - especially since after 3 hours and 4 stores we only had one thing purchased. And we were out until nearly midnight. People were rude, traffic sucked, and the grocery store was out of several things we needed, but we did have a good time together.
3. Getting to sleep in a little this morning. (Regardless of going to bed at 3am)
4. Having the wrapping all done. (Why I was up until 3am)
5. The man making awesome food.
6. K2's awesome present wrapping abilities. (Pictures to come)
7. Hanging with the family at the 'rents.
8. My fantastic youngest daughter's birthday tomorrow.
9. Looking forward to the day.
10. OH! And getting to see the trailer for The Hobbit! I am so super excited!!!
That is all.
I hope you and yours have a wonderful and blessed day tomorrow.
Behave!

Feel Good Friday

Well...I made it to Friday and I still have vision in both eyes! There's one good thing right there! Ha!
Okay...
Here's the list:
1. Not looking like so much of a freak now... but my face is still pretty hideous. Latest check up indicates it is getting better, albeit slowly. I have to stay on the double dose of mega antibiotics until they're gone, but the swelling is down. There is still tremendous pressure on my left tear duct and I'm really starting to hate yogurt.
2. Finding a smidgen (a very tiny bit) of Christmas spirit - even though I have absolutely no shopping done (yes, I realize we're at t minus 8 days), the tree is not up, and I haven't done the birthday shopping either...oy!
3. Sleeping in tomorrow.
4. Chinese food with my girl.
5. Running into our oldest friends in the grocery store parking lot.
6. The DVR! I dig that thing! (Though I've barely had a chance to watch anything!) (But it's recorded lots of Supernatural!)
7. Knowing the holidays will be over soon! (Yeah, I know that's grinch-y, but I can't help it!)
8. Sleeping in tomorrow...wait, I think I already said that!
9. Knowing this craptastic year will be over soon. Bring on 2012!
10. That man packing me lunch - though I never got a chance to eat it today!
That is all for now!
Behave!

More Eye Issues...

Yesterday I had to make yet another trip to the doctor for stupid stuff...
Not really my eye, but close enough that my (opposite than the cornea scratch) eye is involved - as in swollen like I got the crap beat out of me involved. And black and blue. And painful.
The doc thinks I got bit by something.
It's nasty and I look hideous.
I'm on mega antibiotics and I have to go back to the doc tomorrow.
It hasn't gotten any worse since I started the meds and the swelling has improved, but the actual problem remains the same. The doctor freaked me out with out adamant she was about how dangerous this could be.
Joy.
We'll see what happens tomorrow. In the meantime, I'm doing my best to do my best. The headache and discomfort are driving me nuts. I have crap to do and this is not helping. Wah!
That is all.
Behave!

Another Chance to Win...And Some Other Stuff...

First off - Let me report that I am a virus asskicking ninja! I knocked K2's virus totally OUT! Like a bitch! Okay, it was a long fight and I almost lost - especially after a very late phone call to my computer whiz brother. I followed his advice, but apparently missed something, so ended up doing things my own way and finally...at 2am...I prevailed. Whoot!!
***
I am ready for the Christmas Tree (the one that's been on the patio for a week) to come in the house. I hope we have time this week. We'll see. I am not entirely sure I'm ready for Christmas, but I'm trying.
***
The dryer is officially on the fritz. The man thinks the "reignitor" spazzed out. It starts off with a bang and then quits. Yay.
***
Okay, so if you entered to win Megan Hart's new book All Fall Down, and didn't get picked. Check her out at Misty Simon's blog!
***
That is all!
Behave!

Viruses Aren't Funny

So K2 has a really nasty virus on her computer. Really nasty.
Her virus protection didn't catch it. Still hasn't. I downloaded the program I'd told her to download when she got the computer, and thought we had it...
That was about seven hours ago...
I'm still working on it. She has work tomorrow and all of her lesson plans are on the computer...to say she's freaking out a little would be an understatement. Or she was. She's since calmed some and has resigned herself to the possibility of a system wipe.
Though I will say, we actually spent money on a program that had immediately detected the problems when we ran the free trail. After we paid, it removed one. I've emailed them, and we're going to get her money back or you'll hear a lot of screaming going on from here. I am totally kicked myself for taking the easy, but expensive, fix.
I hate to say it, but I *think* I've got it now. Nasty bugger. I downloaded the free anti-virus that I use and immediately upon installation it had quarantined and deleted it. Yeah, we're definitely getting our money back. Now I'm running another Anti-spyware program to make sure. It's taking forever, but the popups we were getting immediately upon log in haven't shown up.
We'll see...
Stupid people making stupid nasty viruses! Seriously!

Foul Language Funny...

br /> Yeah...us writers gotta watch out for that...Ha!
Behave!

This Week....

It's only Wednesday. It feels like Friday...in a way, except I can't sleep in tomorrow and I have to go to the day job and...Well...
Anyway.
Here's how my week has been...
1. I've had more bad news than good this week, but the good far, far outweighs the bad.
2. Re-reading a manuscript and still loving it.
3. Selling Christmas trees in the driving rain and freezing cold. Or not selling them since no one even braved the rain to look at them.
4. Suffering a near nervous breakdown at the noise in the main venue where we were selling trees.
5. Giving blood for the first time ever. (I didn't pass out, or cry, but I'd barely eaten all day and now I'm feeling a little woozey. I got a cool pink bandage though.) That man gave blood, too, and we traded insults in the blood mobile.
6. Going grocery shopping at 9pm.
7. Eating dinner at 9:30. After doing dishes - Why were there dishes when I hadn't even eaten yet? Because other people ate and then had to run to their events. And by rights, Wednesday night is my dish night, so...
Anyways...that's how my week is going. Friday's list should be interesting...
That is all.
Behave!

Epic Christmas Wish List

Here's what I want:
1. A time turner thingy, or a similar time travel device.
2. To be able to write full time again.
3. An office with a door that locks and my own private balcony.
4. A bedroom with a master bath.
5. An unlimited supply of cash.
6. A teleportation device.
7. A maid and a chef.
8. Grocery delivery.
9. Animals that don't shed.
And the most important...
10. For my children to always be happy.
I know there's more stuff that belongs on that list.
If you could ask for anything, what would it be?
Behave!