Absent!

Yes, I have been absent! Sorry about that! 

Last week That Man and I took a trip to our favorite place on earth! We rented the same little cabana we had two years ago just steps from the beach. 

It was lovely and a much needed break. 

The weather was amazing! Top down on the Jeep kind of weather! We took the top down on the old girl when we arrived and didn't put it back up until we were ready to pack to come home. Of course, the little cabana has a parking area underneath, so even if it had rained, nothing would have gotten wet, so there's that. But it didn't rain.

Lot's of sunny beach days--mostly on the beach in front of our rental, but some days traveling to nearby beaches. One day we found what looked like a desserted tropical island. There were trees in the water, a huge sandbar, and absolutely no people. The tide was going out and the water was calm. We spent quite a bit of time there. Well, until the winds died down and the black flies decided we would make a good lunch. 

Our friends were down at the same time we were. They stayed pretty close to where we were, so we gathered for some meals, Jeep trips, sunset watching, and fishing. He used to work with That Man, and I've known her since high school. We always have a good time with them and this was no exeception. It was nice to have our own space, but also have the option for hang out time if we felt like it, and it was the same for them. Everything was optional and understood. 

Coming home was rough. Torrential rain and accidents everywhere. We ditched off the main road as soon as possible and took back roads home. Even though it took a few minutes longer, it was worth it to not have to deal with the insanity of the main highway. 

Anyway. We're back at the grind. 

This weekend is the big book signing in New Jersey. I'm on Saturday's schedule. It's a long drive, but a lot of fun, so there's that. So, hey, if you're in Jersey, stop in and see me. 

And that is all! 

Behave! 

Monday Again!

So I'm kinda peeved... 

Someone reported a post on here from 2009 for being offensive. 2009. 14 years? 

I have no idea what was even in the post because I can't see it now. All I know is that the title was about coffee. I cannot imagine that anything was offensive in the post. At all. I never post stuff to be offensive, rude, or anything. 

I'm not going to fight about it. I mean... 14 years? What the what? 

But it makes me sad and mad and it sours my love of this blog. 

I don't have any intention of getting rid of the blog, but I'm definitely disgruntled. And I don't appreciate it. 

Anyway...

Back to the grind today. It was a crazy and fun weekend. 

This week is insane, but next week should be better. In fact, I know it will. 

That is all. 

Behave! 

Week End Wrap Up... HaHa!

Look at that! It's actually Sunday! 

Haha! 

Okay... here's the list...

1. Getting stuff done. Closets have been cleaned out. Drawers have been cleaned out and organized. My office has been mostly organized. Also, plant stuff. Car stuff. 

2. I'm tired. 

3. Sleeping in both days. Not a lot, but still good. 

4. Getting through a looong work week. 

5. The holiday coming up. Looking forward to it. There's going to be good food, family and friends, and I'm going to say a lot of laughter! 

And that's about it... I'm tired (did I say that?)

Behave!

Another Weekend Wrap Up on Monday...

Ha! I guess this is the thing now... 

This weekend was super busy, so there's that. 

We took off Friday to help K1 & J out. Got the grandboys to school, did the shopping, and then had a "reverse" sleepover with them. J had to have surgery and K1 needed to be with her. We had a blast with the kids, but sleeping was horrible. Little B woke up around 4am on Saturday. And it rained all day which prevented our plans of running around and doing stuff. But it was fine. We chilled, made their mommy cards, and cleaned up constantly. Ha! Made them soup so they didn't have to worry about dinner, and made sure the house looked good so J wasn't stressed out by a mess. It was exhausting, but it was good. 

Finally got our snowmen off the front porch and replaced them with some spring flowers. And we got several other items checked off of our list. 

Easter plans are underway, too. 

It's hard to believe that it'll be April in a few days! 

I, unfortunately, didn't get any writing done this weekend, which I expected but it still bums me out. I didn't even take my computer! 

Other than that... it's the same old same old busy stuff. 

And that is all...

Behave! 

Weekend Wrap Up...On Monday

I'm not going to say I need another weekend day. You know it. You feel it, too! Ha!

It was a busy one. Lots of housework, laundry, and errand running...blah blah blah. No napping either. 

The taxes are done. All I have to do is write the checks. Ugh. 

My stupid leg has been giving me fits. I don't know if it's sciatica or what. I'll be walking just fine and all of a sudden I get a shooting pain down my leg that stops me in my tracks. I hate it. Though it's a little better today. Last night I could barely walk and don't even ask me about going up the stairs to hit the bathroom. 

I absolutely hate this cold. I'm super cranky about it. I'm done with being cold. The wind has been brutal. I know today is the first day of spring and I'm glad for that, but it's still too cold.

And that's all I have. Despite it being a busy weekend, there is nothing to actually report on that you would care about. Ha!

Behave! 

Weekend Wrap Up!

Sunday again! Oy! These weekends are just never long enough! 

And I forgot about the stupid time change! Oh how I hate it! 

For the most part, it's been quiet around here. Some stuff yesterday, but not bad. Today has been reasonably lazy. Laundry done. Kick ass dinner made, eaten, and cleaned up from (and it's only five...). 

Best part is that I just signed and returned a contract for my novella! Yay! Currently it's titled "Life After". It's about a woman who wakes up to find she's completely alone in the world. It'll be an e-book only due to length, but that's okay with me. 

Now to get some more words on the page! 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! 

Behave! 

Feel Good Friday!

Thank goodness! This week was also a long one! 

Here's the list: 

1. Sending my novella to my editor. Nothing guaranteed there, but fingers crossed that she likes it. 

2. New words. I'm cranking it on my new story. It's a mess, but my word count is growing. And even though it's a little messy right now, it's coming together.  

3. Light weekend plans. It's about time. I'm not saying we have no plans, but they are easy. Well, if you don't count potentially exhausting yard cleaning, weather permitting. There will be naps! 

4. Sleeping in a bit tomorrow. Which is good considering we were up before four am this morning. Today was our annual work breakfast and we had to cook our stuff and get into work super early. It was a huge success, though I'm dragging now. And still full. We had so much great food. 

5. Potentially seeing the boys this weekend and plans to see K5 next week. 

That's enough... Stay warm!

Behave! 

It's Monday...And I'm Tired...

Oy, Monday! 

I definitely could have used one more weekend day! 

Little B was a hoot on Saturday. We made brownies, played with magnetic blocks, and made nine-hundred and fifty six trips to the bathroom. (Ha!) He helped water plants, and wash dishes. He really wanted to go outside and ride bikes, but it was just too cold and windy for that. 

Then our friends came over, which was really nice. Dinner turned out well and we had a good time talking and laughing. 

Sunday's plans were waylaid by our niece and future nephew's sewer pipe breakage. We went over to help. Well, That Man helped. I heckled. But it got fixed. No mega store happened. When we got home I took a long and hard nap and I'm still freaking exhausted. 

But I got to see K1 for a bit and I talked to K3 on the phone when he got off work, so there's that bit of goodness. 

Tonight, however, it's mega store time. Ugh. But very necessary since there is no laundry soap or coffee. 

At this point, our weekend coming up is looking quiet, but it's too soon to tell yet. 

I got through quite a bit of edits on Friday night, but haven't had the time to sit down and work on it since, so that has to happen this week. I'm so close to being done! 

That is all...

Behave! 

Feel Good Friday!

This has been the absolute longest week! 

Let's just hit the list! 

1. Getting almost through my critiques for my short story. I'm halfway through the last one. Then I'll give it a final read through and send it off to see what my editor thinks. Whoo! 

2. Sleeping in a tiny bit tomorrow. 

3. Little B is coming to hang out tomorrow while his mom and brother go do some stuff. We'll have fun. We went to the store and loaded up on his favorite snacks and drinks. We'll make cookies or brownies and probably play chase through the house per usual. He's so funny and is a joy to be with. 

4. Most of the laundry getting done tonight. 

5. And the grocery store. Except for the mega store run, which will happen probably Sunday. 

6. Work stuff working out. Ha! There was a slight situation that caused me a lot of worry and dismay, but it has been settled and all is well. Cryptic? Well, maybe, but do you really care? It wasn't anything I did, so there's that. 

7. Scoring a like new office chair. The one in our guest room is in terrible shape. I managed to snag the new one before it was tossed in the dumpster. There is literally nothing wrong with it. I'm not sure why it was being thrown out. (except that it is a little...okay, a lot... ugly)(but it kinda fits with the retro theme in the guest room, so there's that)

8. Getting to see my little boys briefly last night. 

9. Seeing our friends tomorrow night. It's been a while. It's our turn to cook and we're making Butter Chicken. Very much looking forward to the evening. 

And now...

We had a handle on the skunk smell. Our jackets were washed and no longer smell. The house, after boiling apple cider vinegar with lemons and limes, no longer smelled. 

I soaked her collar in white vinegar and blue dawn. This morning, there was white chunky stuff all through the container. And her collar did not smell at all. So there's that. 

But it's raining...

And the dog absolutely reeks again. She's currently sitting beside me and depending on how she moves, I cannot take a deep breath. Oy! 

And that is all for now! 

Behave! 

Stay Away From the Striped Kitty...

So yeah... you can probably guess what this is about based on the title! Ha!

This morning our dog got sprayed by a skunk right in the face. My poor old girl. 

That Man was outside with her. I was in the bathroom. I heard him yell "nooo". Got out there and...oh boy...

Almost threw up. She's trying to rub her face on my pants, on the rug, on our chairs...That Man is wiping her face down with water and blue Dawn. It's not helping. 

We bathe her, which is always a fun treat. But she actually cooperated. More blue Dawn and being careful around her eyes and ears. It helped, but not. 

Our whole house stinks. We stink. It's vomit inducing. 

Got to work and it was immediately pointed out that we reek of skunk. I have a headache. The smell doesn't appear to be around and then all of a sudden it hits me in the face. 

Texted K4 since she's off today. She said her room, which is on the third floor, reeks. I'm afraid to go home. (We made it into work only two minutes late, so I guess that's something)

I know she'll need another bath when we get home. I've looked up all of the things related to how to get rid of the smell. K4 is also on it. 

She got sprayed about five years ago, but this time is far worse. And no, I don't think she's going to learn. Ha! 

Oy! And that, folks, is what kind of week it's been for us. No lie. Every single day it's been something different. 

The weekend is coming! 

Behave!

End of February...

No, I'm not going to say how fast this year is going... 

The past week has been super hectic and chaotic. Nothing major, just a constant flow of obligations and stuff--most of which are boring and you don't care about. 

We had Mr. B over the weekend. It was a chill and relaxed time. He got a break from his little brother, lots of outside time, and he earned a few bucks by cleaning out flower beds. He helped cook, wore out the dog, and made our grocery bill go up. Ha! Then, Sunday we took him home and hung out with both boys while their parents got a little break. Little B is a riot. 

This weekend is more craziness with multiple obligations. Little B, friends, and more friends. So much to look forward to, but oy! I'm still tired from last weekend! But this is where our calendar picks up steam, so it's going to be this way for a bit unless something changes. 

Needless to say, the writing has taken somewhat of a hit, but it'll come back around. I figured out where I went off rails and am in the process of correcting it. I also finally remembered to send the novella to the critique partners. So, nervously awaiting their comments on that. 

And that is about it...

Behave!

Mid-Week Check In

See? I'm trying! Ha!

Retreat was awesome. I ended the weekend at the halfway mark of my new book, which was amazing! (Of course, we won't talk about how I haven't done crap since coming home...) 

My ice maker died. I am so very sad. That Man has to take it apart to see if it can be fixed, but we're pretty certain it reached the end of life. It's been five years though, so that's not a terrible run. But now I need to find a new one. And a new blender since we fried ours. 

So Mother Nature is having a breakdown or something. Right now it's snowing. Tomorrow it's supposed to be in the 70's. And then the temps plummet over the weekend. It's no wonder everyone is sick right now. Our trees are trying to bud and my flowers are trying to grown. I mean, at this point, my vote is to just stick with the 70's temperature from here on out. 

And that's all I have...

Behave! 

Retreat: Day Three!

And Retreat is almost a wrap! We're in the final hours. 

No, I didn't post this morning because, really, how much do you care about how I slept and what I had for breakfast? Ha! 

Today has been writing, writing, and more writing. There were no adventures. Plus, damn. It's cold! 

I did manage to sleep in a little. And I smashed yesterday's word count into dust! Not by much, but I did beat it. I only have about 1,800 words to hit the halfway mark, which is my goal before I leave tomorrow. 

But for now, my brain is a little on the fried side. I am loving this story and how it's coming together. The words are flowing so well, but I've been marinating this one for a while. 

Oh and no nap today. Damnit! I had a plan, but lost track of time and the next thing I knew it was time to start my dinner. Oh well. I know I'll be in bed early tonight. I'm already feeling it. Ha! 

I probably won't post in the morning, but hopefully it won't be weeks and weeks until I get back here. 

These retreat days have been excellent and exactly what I've needed in my writing world. Though, sadly, this will be our last retreat for this year. I was already on the probably no more because of trying to cut expenses, but one of our members officially cut herself out for the rest of this year. I mean, it is what it is and we'll pick it back up next year. 

And that is all! 

Behave! 

Retreat: Day Two! Evening!

What a stellar day! Oh! And it's also Feel Good Friday! So let's do that!

1. Hitting a grand total of 12,006 words for today! I am loving this new story and it's flowing so well! I hope to get at least that tomorrow, which would put me around the halfway point. 

2. Our little trip to the outside world for fudge, cookies, and hot pepper jelly. The place was pretty cool, though most of the shops were still closed. We wanted to go in between rain sessions, so we hit it early. I could have spent a ton more money, but I reigned myself in. Ha! I didn't partake in the fudge or cookie part of it, but I did get the hot pepper jelly and some mango salsa. And some cool wax melts. And some cool coffee. 

3. Trying to take a nap. I did try. I might have nodded off for like ten minutes. It was still good and the option to nap is awesome. The best thing is that I have that option tomorrow as well! Ha! 

4. Drawing the lucky straw and getting the master bedroom. Though it's only a master while I'm sleeping. If I'm up, then the bathroom is free for anyone to use. Though this decision was based on how many times each of us gets up to pee during the night. And that's what made me the winner. Ha! But it's nice not to have to put pants on every time I need to get up. 

5. So much talking and laughing going on! It's good for refilling the well, especially with people who don't think I'm super weird. 

6. One more day of retreat! I'll head home Sunday morning. We have a long standing social obligation with friends on Sunday. Though because I'll just be coming home, the option to opt out is there. We'll see. So far I'm still a go. 

And that's about it. I am currently hating the wind and the dropping temperature, but I'm hoping that means a better night of sleep. 

Behave! 

Retreat: Day Two! Morning!

Good Morning from Retreat!

Here I am setting in my spot on the couch, drinking coffee, chatting, and listening to the horse and buggy's go by. And yes, my manuscript is open and I'm getting ready to write.

I slept okay. Had to get up and open a window, but that's just me. Was up far earlier than I wanted to be, but that just means a nap will be well deserved later. It's raining right now, which is nice. Makes my position on the couch even more cozy. You know and the fact that my only actual requirement today is writing. 

I managed over 3K words on my new manuscript! So, yeah, that's going well so far. 

We have plans to head down to the local farmer's market in a bit. Little field trip. Hopefully that's cool. 

That's all for now!

Behave!

Retreat! Day One!

Well, here we are at retreat! I haven't been on retreat since last May!

But here I am! I already have my couch seat picked out. It's a recliner and it's very comfy. We haven't picked bedrooms yet since one of us isn't here yet, but food is put away, the heat is on, and writing will commence shortly. 

Right now it's a lot of talking, which is normal. Yeah, we all saw each other on Saturday, but we were busy, so it's not the same. I think the last time I saw everyone together like this was last May, so...

Getting ready to start a new project. I even have notes! 

That's it for this first update...

Behave! 

Oof!

Sorry for the long silence! 

Now we're halfway through February! How does that happen? I mean, I know how it happens, but still! Time is flying!

So what's been going on? 

1. I finished the novella! Yay! It's going for critiquing very soon. 

2. The annual booksigning at the greenhouse happened this past weekend. Always a lot of fun! I sold a few books, got to see my writing friends, and my sister and bestie came out to support me. 

3. Normal day job craziness. It's all good. Nothing too stressful or insane. 

4. Getting to hang with the grand boys. They are fun and definitely wear us out, but it's so worth it! 

5. Writing retreat commencing in just two days! It's been a minute since I've been to one. I'm looking forward to it! (This is why I haven't sent my novella to my critique partners. Retreats are for doing your own stuff, not critiquing someone else's work) I plan to start a new story while there, and then I will try to balance edits with new writing. 

6. Looking forward to warmer weather. I mean, I know it's pretty danged warm for February right now. Since it doesn't appear we're going to get any significant snow, it's time for Spring! We're trying to figure out our vegetable garden situation. The squirrels ate ALL of our tomatoes last year, so I don't think we'll be planting them this year. Also, the little peckers dug up my rosemary bush that I've had for three years. We'll probably end up with a lot of peppers of all varieties and some herbs. I'm sad about no tomatoes, but it's not worth the frustration. I tried everything to keep them off the plants last year and nothing worked. 

I think that's about it!

Behave! 

Weekend Wrap Up!

Sigh... The weekend is pretty much over. 

It's been nice and quiet. And lovely. 

I did not sleep in on Saturday, in fact, I woke up stupid early. Today, however, I did stay in bed and it was amazing. So amazing that I didn't take a nap today. Which is kind of sad, but okay, too. 

We made burgers on the grill last night since it was such a nice day. And then we tried to have a little fire in our pit, but the bottom of the pit was wet and the wood wouldn't catch. We gave it a good shot before we got too cold and gave up. But the try was nice. 

I worked on my novella all weekend and have gotten it to the place where all I need to do is add a new ending. This is something I finished a while ago, but sat aside. I'm pretty happy with how it's turning out and I'm happy with having the time and motivation to work as much as I did this weekend. It feels better than I can try to explain. 

My print copies of Prelude came today! It's awesome to hold that one in my hands again. It's been a while. 

Tonight's dinner was the last HelloFresh of our delivery this week. It was a different one. I liked it, but That Man and K4 were less impressed. They said it was okay, but didn't go on their favorite list. 

And that's about it. Tomorrow we go back to the daily grind. And this week will be kind of nuts. We have our big inventory day where we close to customers and everyone pitches in to count. The company pays for the main course for lunch and everyone brings side dishes and desserts. It's always a crazy, but fun, day. 

Feel Good Friday!

On Friday! How about that?

It's been a long week, but here we are at the start of the weekend! Yay! 

So let's do the list!

1. FINISHING THE BOOK! WHOOT! It still needs a hell of a lot of work, but it's finished. I have a list of research items to take care of, and a list of all of the things I think I forgot, but it's going to sit for a little bit before I tackle edits. 

2. The greenhouse booksigning coming up fast! I have my list for that, too!

3. Ordering swag. Most of it will be shipped to the organizer of the big New Jersey signing I do every year. She wants to fill goodie bags for the visitors. She does an amazing job with this signing. This year is the first time it's two days long. I'm only there for one day, but next year I might do both days. We'll see. 

4. Did I mention that I finished the book? :)

5. Very low key weekend plans. It's the first weekend in a long time that we've had no obligations, even small ones. The grocery shopping is done for at least the weekend. There is no reason for us to go out unless That Man decides to work on his truck and needs parts. But that's different. 

6. Getting my mammogram done today. Yeah, it sucks and it hurts, but it must be done. I also saw a new gynecologist, and I really liked her. (My old doc retired) 

7. Sleeping in tomorrow. At least I hope. (Oh and Sunday, too)

8. Starting edits on Sector Two. Or a short. Or the other short... Not sure yet. I'm still reveling in the glory of finishing. Ha! 

That's about it! 

Behave!

Feel Good Friday - On Saturday

Ha! I beat myself by a day! Eh...it's something, right?

What a week! It was long!

Here's the list:

1. Busy. Busy. Busy. At the day job. January is always a super busy month with all of the tax stuff and such. This week was one thing after another and I am so far behind. While it was a busy week, it was still a decent week as far as day job goes. I like to be overly busy, so there's that. 

2. Less than 5K words until I am done with my current project! I am super excited! I got in many words this morning and am at the point where I need to think about the sequence of events for the end. I mean, I've known what's going to happen since before I started actually writing, but now I have to think about how it's all going down. 

3. Being warm. Man, it's getting cold outside. I mean, it's been cold, but today didn't start off as cold as it is now. It's a damp cold. Hopefully that means we're going to actually get some snow, but I doubt it. 

4. My writing retreat coming up in about 3 weeks! So excited for that! I plan to start a new book while there! In the meantime, I will finish my current and do edits on a full length and two shorts. It feels good to be at this point. 

5. Unfortunately, finding a hole in our bed this morning. Yes, we still have a waterbed. Don't judge. I absolutely love it and cannot imagine anything else. We have always had one. Anyway. hole found and waiting to be patched (once I find the patch stuff). Which means, I have to wash everything. The mattress pad is the worst - it cannot be dried in the dryer, so it's currently hanging over the furnace. 

And that's all I have for now...

Behave!