Weekend Wrap Up!

We're back from the Wilds!

We took Mr. B camping this weekend! We were supposed to have K5 and him, but K5's schedule is out of hand so we had to settle for having her last week. 

But, damn, it was hot! Thankfully the camper has air conditioning. And thankfully, Mr. B has some good sense and decided not to be a "foil baby" in his tent. He crashed in the air conditioning with us, and it was good. He slept in and so did I! It was just the three of us in the Wilds and it was so much fun! 

Met up with J to pick him up outside of the mega-mart Friday night. Ended up shopping at the mega-mart because I needed a new air mattress. (Did I post about that?) We finally got out of there, came home, and ran around like crazy people trying to get everything and the dog packed. (The rv and the truck were packed like wild monkeys packed them)

Got to the Wilds late, made dinner (sausages), and got set up enough to sleep. Saturday was our friends anniversary/pool party. Which was a blast! Got to see friends we haven't seen in a while and swim. Mr. B got to hang with his friend who will be in middle school with him, and the anniversary part of the party was so sweet. (Think wearing your wedding dress for the first time in 25 years sweet!) The pool was also sweet and I got in with my regular clothes on and I have no regrets! (I forgot my suit)

We got back to camp late, made some food because there was nothing Mr. B would eat at the party and they had a ton of food. (Even though all he does is eat! I'm not kidding!) The dog fell off the bed while B and I were playing Rummy (he beat me so hard), and there was a lightning bug in the camper. 

After breakfast this morning, we packed up and came home. Did Mr. B's laundry because there was a lot and they don't have a washer and dryer. Dropped him off at home. Got back and started editing the old man story. 

Managed a lot of pages and added a lot of words. Got the laundry done. Took a shower. And now am prepping for the work week. Oy! 

And that is all...

Behave! 

Feel Good Friday - On Saturday

It's a beautiful day out there! Actually, the weather this week has been very nice and I love it. Not looking forward to the high temps next week, but...yeah...it's summer. 

Let's get to the list:

1. Living through the work week. It was a brutal one. 

2. Having K5 overnight. She wanted to go to work with us and since her schedule is as crazy as ours, we made it happen. She helped Pappy with some stuff and earned some cash. We had a nice dinner the night before and she even got up on time. It was fun, but definitely not enough time. 

3. Sleeping in this morning. Man, I needed that. 

4. Making progress on my story. I just got through the whole thing again. I need to add a bunch more words, so hopefully I can make that happen on this next round. The story needs some empty places filled in, so fingers crossed. 

5. Plans with friends we haven't seen in ages tonight. We've had this planned for a long time. Except I forgot and kind of double-booked us, but we figured it out. He's already got the meat on the smoker and we put together some veggie kababs to add to our meal. 

That's about it for now!

Behave!

Retreat: The End

Things are wrapping up now. 

It's been a very lovely weekend. We have had lots of laughs, lots of serious, and not so serious, conversations. (There's a teepee in this house for kids, and we might have taken pictures in it) The writing, editing, and brainstorming we've done has been immense. Every single one of us has made fantastic progress. 

The family that owns this house lives right across the street and they stopped over this evening to say hello. They are the nicest people and we had a very nice conversation. Their kids are adorable. At first I was a little annoyed when I found out they like to say hi to their renters, but after meeting them, I'm glad to have met and talked with them. 

I did get through the entire manuscript and am over halfway through a second run. I had to cut quite a few pages of repetition and things that didn't fit, well, it was a lot of pages, so I need to add about twenty thousand words now. Which is fine. I still love the story and I'm so happy to be back in it.

I think I'm done for this retreat though. I'll be packing up and hitting the road in the morning, so I highly doubt I'll post again.  

And that is all...

Behave!

Retreat: Day Three

 
Last full day! 

I slept in, which was awesome. It's a gorgeous day. 

After I finished my book yesterday, I thought I knew what I was going to do next. Turns out, I didn't. 

I putzed around with a short story I'd started before last retreat, started working on the Sector series, but it was not going well, and I ended up opening the "old man" story. And that's what I need to be working on right now. 

I'm five chapters into editing and so far it's going well. I know it gets rough coming up, but that's okay. I don't know if I'll finish the edit this weekend (see previous about rough), but I do love this story, so...

Here's some pics of our view:

Lovely, right? And Cows!

Behave!

Retreat: Day Two - Done!

The book is done! Whoot! 

I even took a nap, though it was a brief one. 

I will let this sit until I return home and then edit this last section to send for critique. I need a little space from it so I can edit with a clear head. 

The work stuff I thought would affect my time today didn't happen, so that's good. I only had a little bit of day job stuff compared to the parade I expected. 

I have titles for the newly completed book and two other projects waiting to be edited. And now I will move on to the next thing on my list! 

That is all! 

Behave! 

Retreat: Day Two - First Full Day

Woohoo!

I slept pretty good and I slept in, which was amazing. That's not to say that I wasn't up a lot during the night. But it's fine. I can nap if I need to and I probably will, more because I can. Ha! 

I made good progress last night. I got a lot of words! I will finish this book! Maybe today? And then I will decide what to do next. I have an idea of what needs to be done, so there's that. 

I also need to get some titles nailed down, but that's on our agenda list to take care of, so I'll get there. 

It's a glorious day so far. The sun is shining. It's not super hot. The view here is incredible. I'll try to post a picture of that later. We also have a visiting kitty. We've named her "Debbie". She's very cute and dramatic. And obviously someone's pet as she's well cared for. 

And that is all for now!

Behave!

RETREAT! Day One!

Finally! 

I am here in a lovely home surrounded by my writing friends! We have unloaded our cars, chosen our rooms, put away our food, and chosen our spots in the living room. And now it's the talking part...

I will finish this book this weekend!

Tonight is our traditional "Nacho Dinner" and I am looking forward to sleeping in a little tomorrow. The bed looks super comfy!

That's it for now!

Behave!

I Suck!

I didn't mean for so much time to pass. It's just... life, I guess. 

It's been kinda crazy. Well, normal for around here. 

We went to the Wilds for the holiday weekend. It was a blast. My kids were there together for the first time in years! We had Little B in the camper with us and he did really well, except for being too excited to fall asleep at first. But once he settled, he slept well and he slept in. Then, just as we were preparing dinner Saturday night, the wind started, blowing pollen and making us all cough and sneeze. Then the rain. A lot of rain. It finally stopped, we finished dinner and got the clean up done before it started to rain again. The rain was fine. The mud was not. The grandboys parents went home and Mr. B stayed with us. And since it was supposed to continue to rain later Sunday into Monday, we packed up and came home after the picnic. And then it didn't rain. But it was fine. It was nice to be back home and have time to get stuff done before heading back to the day job. 

Since then it's been day job, stuff, more stuff...

I'm almost done with my book and it will be done by this time next week, because... I'm going on retreat! I am looking forward to it a whole lot! My original plan was to finish before I got there, but that's not going to happen (see above about stuff). I'm close, so I will finish and likely get through my critiques on section three and edits on the last section. I have no idea what I'll do after that. We'll see. 

And that is it for now! 

Behave! 

Funerals Suck!

We all know this.

We've been to two in the past two weeks. 

One for That Man's aunt, and today for our granddaughter's grandpa. 

Today's was especially hard for me. Today is my momma's birthday and also the day we had her services. So yeah... a lot of memories. A lot of memories anyway, but couple that with being in a pew for a memorial service, and yeah...

Our weekend plans got changed a bit, so we're home this evening and that is wonderful. I'm editing and new writing. We're making burgers for dinner and just chilling. 

And that is all for now.

Behave!

Weekend Wrap Up

Oy! It's Monday again! Monday showed up too quickly and I don't like it. I definitely could have used another weekend day and some more sleep! 

It was a crazy weekend! 

A guy from work gave us some flowers, so on a whim and in the drizzle Saturday morning, we decided to plant them. Which meant clearing out the spot--removing a small tree and some vines. It took a little longer than we thought, but we got them in the ground and it looks nice. 

Then off to B's soccer game, which was good, except for the bathroom being six-hundred and fifty-two miles away. Ha! From there, food and flower shopping. 

Back home for a hot minute, and then off to a surprise birthday party for a former coworker. It was a lot of fun and it was so good to see some of my previous coworkers. We hadn't planned on staying long, but then we did. 

I did sleep in Sunday. K4 made me a german pancake for breakfast and it was so good. My boys and families came over for kebabs and hang out and it was fantastic. Lots of talking, eating, and laughing. It was a good day. I managed to get some editing done before everyone showed up and I'm making good progress with it. 

I'm tired today though. We have another busy weekend coming up, but thankfully, the week itself doesn't look too crazy. 

And that is all!

Behave!

Feel Good Friday

What is up with all of this rain? I feel like I'm growing moss... Ha!

It's been a really long week! 

Here's the list of Feel Good's:

1. Making progress on the book. I am 3/4 written and almost 1/2 edited. The goal is to input the critiques on section two, edit section three and send out and then plow through the final pages. Got a little stuck on section three, but I think I managed to make it make sense. We'll see what my crit partners say. 

2. Retreat coming up in a few weeks. I want this book as close to done or completely done before then so I can work on other things. Still haven't decided what yet, but it'll probably be deep edits on two other finished projects. Maybe. 

3. Sleeping in tomorrow. Sleep has sucked lately. Though it's going to be a busy day starting at like 11am. Good stuff planned, but lots of running. 

4. Winning a gift card at work for knowing our company values. That'll get me some more flowers!

That is all! 

Behave! 

Well, Hi!

That was a longer break than intended... But it was much needed. 

But here I am! I can't promise I'll be on the regular. There's a lot of craziness and really unexpected stuff going on around here, but I'll try. 

Mother's Day is coming. 

I miss my mom. A lot. It always gets rough now since this is the time of year she died. It's especially rough this year, without a doubt. We had a fabulous, and surprise - for once in our lives - birthday party for her, and then a lovely Mother's Day together, and then she went to the hospital and never came home. I know I probably tell that story every year. And I probably always will. It was the worst and I often think about how I could have made things different. In a lot of ways. 

I also miss my child who I haven't talked to in quiet some time. And I wish I could tell them how much I love them and miss their presence. How I miss their sense of humor, their elegant and sometimes messy but always fun, chaos, their wisdom, and their opinion. I miss the way we could talk things through and how their refreshing perspective brightened every single thing. How we could respectfully debate life and understand each others stance without anger or judgement and come away with some different perspective that made me think. Also, how much everyone in this family misses them, despite the angry words thrown. I wish they knew how I think about them all of the time and how I wish things were different. How I lay awake at night and wish them peace, joy, and happiness. Like my mom, there are so many things I would love to share with them. But I can't. And how, no questions asked, I would welcome them with open arms and an open heart if they ever decided they wanted to. I currently have no way to say that to them though. So I will wait and hope and wish them happiness. 

I know that's heavy, but it is what it is. Life happens like that sometimes. It's happened in my past with my brother. It was so confusing and painful, and still is in a lot of ways. The way it broke our parents was awful and I feel that now in a way I cannot describe. My heart also broke for everything he missed, everything all of us missed, especially when he realized all that was needed was communication and all of those years being angry were wasted. But our parents died before those fences could be mended, and afterwards he tried to be the brother he wasn't for far too long, but it was too late. We had learned to live without him and live life without him. And then he died. And now because of estates and property, I cannot have the relationship with my sister-in-law that started the whole thing. And I miss that. 

So yeah... I guess you might be sorry I came back with all of this deep stuff. I'll try not to be such a downer in the future, but no guarantees. Life is heavy right now. 

Behave! 

Feel Good Friday

Yay Friday!

I've got nothing I feel like reporting, so...

I'll be taking an Internet break for the next few weeks. 

Have a lovely Easter weekend! 

Behave!

Feel Good Friday

Yay! I am in my comfy pants and ready to spend the evening relaxing!

Here's the list:

1. Going to dinner with J, Mr. B, & Little B for J's birthday. We had a nice time, except J and I both got sick overnight. Some kind of food poisoning--has to be. We had items no one else did, so... Also, they had to remake Mr. B's burger, because they didn't listen to his request, and they charged us for both. Stopped in there and talked to the manager. He gave us some gift cards, though I can't say I'm eager to use them. Ha! I am feeling better, but still kind of weak and yucky. 

2. I didn't get much writing done this week because it's been crazy, but I'm heading there as soon as dinner is done. 

3. We have the boys overnight tomorrow so their mom and dad can have some alone time. We're going to color eggs, which is something we haven't done in ages. Our great-niece is going to come too! Should be a riot! 

4. Taxes are completely complete. I hated writing that check, but I'm glad it's done. 

5. Looking forward to Easter! I have my frozen potato cubes to make potato casserole! Last year no store had them, so i grabbed them when I saw them. 

6. Upcoming plans! Though the calendar is crazy! It's all good and everything will be fine. 

That is all... I'm thinking about taking another social media break here soon. 

Behave!

Weekend Wrap Up...

Here we are at Sunday again...

I am not looking forward to the work week, but what are you going to do? 

Let's see... What happened last week?

Well, it was a lot. Too much to even start to list. 

But my Jeep is home. 

And I am tired. 

Behave!

Weekend Wrap Up...

What is with this weather today? One minute it's sunny and beautiful, then next it's like a blizzard, and then it's not snowing but windy as heck. And it's cold! I hate it! Actually I'm super sick of the weather we've been having. 

Also, time change sucks. I will be happy with it being light longer, but the messed up sleep and all of that crap is not happy making.

And again, this weekend has gone by too fast! Friday was just a lazy evening. That Man made dinner and we just chilled watching a movie. 

Saturday we had plans with friends, which was a blast. Got to see people we haven't seen in a while and hear some awesome music. Also, good food. When we left, we went to pick up K1 at work since it was so late and they're down to one car. It didn't make sense for J to drag the boys out of their beds. We got home super late, but didn't really sleep in. 

I tried to take a nap, but it got cut short. That Man and K1 went to look at the Jeep and make a plan for getting it home. Not as bad as we thought, but it's still going to be a process and cost us a good bit. But it'll be done. 

Sent section two off for critique and now I'll start writing section three. It's going pretty good, I think. I still need to come up with a title, but I'll get there soon. 

This week is going to be crazy between the day job and everything else. 

And that is all! 

Behave! 

Weekend Wrap Up

 Ugh. Why does the weekend go so fast?

We're hours from a brand new work week and it's making my head hurt. I could definitely use another weekend day!

Here's the recap:

Friday - quick trip to the grocery store, then home for burgers and relaxation. 

Saturday - K4 and The Boy came home. They had last minute social stuff so we found out they were coming about two hours before they showed up. Which is fine. They did their thing and we did ours. 

We had the sibling dinner, which was good and fun. Our nephew is a crack up and had us laughing almost the whole time. Good food and lots of good conversation. 

Sunday - errand running, cleaning That Man's old car, listing it, and selling it within a half an hour of posting the ad. Wow! But that's done, which is huge! Made mac and cheese for dinner, packed lunches, laundry. Went through the critique notes I received back and organized my files. I have no more brain power today though. Kids are getting ready to head out. 

Back to the grind, I guess...

Behave!

Feel Good Friday

 What a long week! The work week was absolutely insane! Like "what the what is going on" long. But I lived and it'll all be there on Monday, so there's that! 

Here's the list:

1. Participating in an hysterical practical joke on one of the coworkers. The other participants provided the photos and general gist and I got to take care of the rest. It was pretty awesome. 

2. The new vehicle being sorted. Though I was a little worried when all of the lights came on as I was returning from my post office trip, but they went off after less than a mile and... idk? Finger crossed though. 

3. Making progress on the new book! 

4. Youngest grandson hugs! We got a quick visit so J could pick up something K1 needed to borrow. He is so stinking cute! 

5. Tomorrow plans with the siblings! 

6. Easy dinners. Being warm. My dog. 

7. Taxes are done. I did do my feds by hand and it was fine. I mailed them even though it's not recommended, but I'm also not paying out the nose for something just because I need a few forms. Now all I have to do is send money, but whatever. 

8. Sleeping in tomorrow. (After a week of rough sleep, I am looking forward to it)

And that is all...

Behave!

Weekend Wrap Up...on Monday...

I started to post about four times yesterday but kept getting distracted. 

Got to see my kid this weekend, which was awesome. It's been well over a month since she's been home. She cooked dinner Saturday night and it was so, so good. She's been perfecting her fried chicken recipe and I'll tell you what, she's got it down. She and The Boy hung out with friends and chilled, and we also chilled while getting stuff done. 

Talked to K3 for a long time, too, which was also awesome. And That Man's sister stopped by to catch up. Always a pleasure. 

Still dealing with issues on the new vehicle, but hopefully they will be sorted this week. It's been frustrating on a lot of different levels, but the dealership is doing their best to help us out. 

Taxes - ugh. Do I need to say anything more? I think I've decided to do them by hand this year. I'm having issues paying a lot of money for the same result. (And yes, I do know what I'm doing)

Upcoming plans - This weekend is a sibling gathering at our sister's. We've been trying to plan it for months. Last time, snow stopped us, so I'm hopeful it'll actually happen. It's been a long time since we've all been together. 

That Man and I have our annual alone trip coming up soon and I am so excited. Lists are being made and components gathered. The house sitter has been secured and the work tasks are in the process of being distributed. 

The new book is coming along. I sent the first section out for critique and am almost done editing the second section. Once I get the critiques back, I'll make the changes to one, make sure things flow into two that I might have missed and get that out. Then start section three. It's in my head, so hopefully I won't have too many issues getting it down. 

And that's it...

Behave! 

Post Retreat Update

Yeah, it's Wednesday. I said I was going straight back from retreat to regular life. Yep. 

I said I got halfway through my new story. I'm excited. To make sure I stay consistent with the story threads and overall pacing, I'm pulling back to edit the first two sections and send them off for critique. I'm halfway through that now and, so far, it's holding together. 

On the last morning of retreat, I discovered my plan for the rest of the sector books! I'm going to do them in shorts like the current work in progress. They'll be in one book, like an anthology, and each sector will have it's own story. I have the premise for 3 out of the 4 and I know the last one will fill in as I go. 

So that's exciting. 

We did plan our summer retreat. Awesome. 

Anyway. I'm back in real life. Exhausted. A little overwhelmed with everything going on, but there's good stuff in there too. 

And that is all...

Behave!