Hmmm...Interesting....

Anny Cook asks an interesting question this morning: What's the strangest job skill you've acquired?

In my short working life, I've been:
-Babysitter
-Teacher's Aid in 1st grade class
-Teacher's Aid at Head Start
-Dishwasher for small restaurant (hated it!)
-Bus person for same restaurant (enjoyed it better)
-Worker in craft factory; I folded the items and sealed them in the bag along with the instructions. (Routine; I let my imagination take over and wrote like crazy during the breaks! Most of Love Finds A Way was written during this eight-week temp job!)
-Volunteer at Battered Women's Shelter (Showed me how my budding counseling skills were developing in a good way)
-Cashier for parking lot (again, did a great deal of writing during the down time)
-Rivet polker for semi-trailor factory (enjoyed this one; I was only one of three women and the rest were men! Gave me great ideas for Book #4!)
-Wait staff at a country club (Enjoyed my regular customers and became a favorite with the kids)
-'Bus' driver for pre-school (in actuality, it was a station wagon) (Hated driving in ice and snow!)
-DST for Special-needs children and adults (Taught daily living skills to the developmentally and mentally challenged; my group was at the higher-functioning level)
-More babysitting, plus a two-month foray into the 'get-rich-quick' sales (I hated walking up to people to convince them to buy something they either didn't need or couldn't afford!)
-Concession stand manager (Loved, loved, LOVED this one! I got to be my own boss, and did inventory, worked my ass off during games, counted money, and made some valuable friendships.)
-Bus Monitor for emotionally or special-needs kids (More stressful than it seems!)
-Published Author (I absolutely LOVE book signings and talking to people about writing, books, and how to get started/published.)
-Cashier for fireworks store (enjoyed this, as it got me out of the house for a while and away from moody spouse!)
-And most importantly, Domestic Engineer aka MOM (Again, I get to set my own hours:)

But have I acquired any strange skills? As I told Anny, I can now change the tape in a price sticker thingy. And discovered I really enjoy doing inventory.

This Weekend:
I'll be doing my final signing of the year at our local Santa Stroll. The parade begins at 6:30, and the stores downtown stay open until 9pm with special sales. I'll be at a friend's new art gallery, and the weather should be better than last year's Big Freeze:) On Saturday, the kids can have breakfast with Santa; there are free carriage rides and entertainment; and down the street at the Bible Bookstore, a local children's author, Roseann Perry, will also be signing copies of HER new book. I've not met her; I'll be going down to meet her between 11:30 and noon.

And Sunday begins Operation Clean-Up, as we are hosting Thanksgiving. K's girlfriend and her family will be here, as will my 'other' daughter and her family, and my friend J and her hubby. I also have to deep clean the car seats and stroller, since the new arrival will be here in a month. Plus, we always have 'strays' who wander in an out, knowing they will be well fed at Aunt Molly's.

Have a great weekend, and I'll be back on Monday!

Update

NaNo Word Count: 8962. And with next week's massive Operation Clean-Up, I don't see myself attaining that 50K needed to 'win' NaNo. Note to self: Next year if I attempt this, move out of house if the SU (Spousal Unit) is home for the winter.

Currently Reading: Regina's Highland Beast. LOVE IT! Recommended Read:) Next up: Her Spanish Topaz.

And then the list reads:
Burn by Anne Rainey
First and Ten by Fran Lee (won this lsat week!)
Infidelity by Debbie Gould
Naughty Nooners Anthology (TEB various authors)

Otherwise, I'm coming up blank this morning. Off to update my word count on the NaNo site ( yes James; I'm finally heading over there! Put away that whip!) and figure out what the SU has planned. We DID find a 22 lb turkey yesterday; I think we still need to get a ham. And the verdict is in for the Puff Pastry Chocolate-Filled Christmas Trees: Yes! Make more!

The only change is, I'll slice them open while they're still warm. I only broke two, and of course, we had to sample a couple. So I have twenty tucked away, with some white-chocolate ones and cream cheese ones planned. I'll have to do at least two batches of all three kinds. I may also experiment with phyllo dough.

Anyone else doing any experimenting for Christmas presents?

More Proud Parent Moments

2009-2010 National Honor Society Members.

K is behind the table with the white shirt and tie.

Close up of my NHS member:)

Receiving his award from his principal.

Walking back to his seat, certificate in hand.

With his Dad at the reception following. He said to me, "Several of the guys and I realized we went through this just to make our mothers happy."

Mission accomplished!

Finally bought Debbie Gould's Infidelity and the TEB antho Naughty Nooners! Am adding them to the TBR pile.

Busy Day Ahead:

I'm doing some creative baking. Made puff pastry Christmas trees yesterday; today, I'm melting down some chocolate and injecting some into each. I'll let you know a) if it works and b) how it tastes! With finances tight, I'm trying to expand my usual cookie baking. Dinner tonight will be simple: Chicken and rice in the slow cooker:)

NaNo Word Count: I did manage to write yesterday, but I'll have to type it up first in order to get a word count. It equals about a page and a half, so I'm guessing at least 300??

Hands Off My Health Care!

What the hell is going on? New task force advises women to not have mammograms until age 50, and oh, you can skip the monthly self-exams? Whatever happened to 'Early Detection, Early Cure'?

The report went on to say the self-breast exams only caused unnecessary biopsies and in 19,000 cases, only one case of breast cancer was detected. From their financial point of view, this test is 'worthless'.

Try telling that to the one person who is now in remission. Go ahead; I dare you.

I'll admit, I've been a bit lax in the past three years. I had my borderline mammogram before the move, and while it wasn't the most pleasant X-ray I've ever had, I fully believe these are necessary to women's health. My doctor scolded me for skipping the one at age 41, and since I've still yet to schedule another, I can only imagine what he will say to me when he discovers I've now skipped three. In my defense, I do not have an OB-GYN down here. We started seeing a family doctor until we could move north again, but when I needed to see him last year, I inquired about the female side of the exam, and lo and behold, that's not his field.

I have no history of breast cancer in my family anywhere, but I did have a mild scare back in 1996, when a small lump was detected. An ultrasound revealed nothing. Two months later, it was back, and we discovered I'd done my SBE at the wrong week of the month; it was simply a reoccurring monthly thing.

(To those who know me, I looked down at my chest and shrugged. "Like it's not going to be any great loss if you have to chop it off!" Dr. S laughed and patted my shoulder. "Let's see what the films say...")

So yeah, if you're looking at the financial aspect, mammograms and biopsies are expensive. But if mine had turned out differently? I'm thankful the insurance company gave the green light for both the ultrasound AND my first mammogram ten years later!

NaNo Word Count: Total for two weeks: I'm just over the 8K mark:) Yeah, I'm well under the 25K where I should be, going in to week #3, but at least it's 8K more than I had last month! And given the fact my spouse has hindered my computer time, the fact I've written as much as I have is an accomplishment!

Weekend Photos

Son K and I were given the opportunity to attend the Purdue-Michigan State football game on Saturday. We arrived in our seats at Ross-Ade Stadium around 11 am; you can see Mackey Arena's round dome in the background, as well as the Neil Armstron building. Hopefully K will be attending here next year, and most of his classes will be in the Armstrong building.








Our seats were Section H, row 69, seats 113 and 114. NOT in the padded seats; we were sort of hoping those ticket holders would fail to show and we could sit in comfort???












11:30 am: Both teams doing pregame warm up. The fans are beginning to arrive.












The Purdue All American Marching Band has arrived:)














After high school, a few of my friends were once in this band; this is for any Purdue alumni who might be reading












Proof Purdue was winning at the half:)
















Future Boilermaker K enjoying the game.













Purdue skyline from out seats















Final score: MSU 40; Purdue 37.














Myself, K and the Schroeders, who were amazed to find 'strange people' sitting in front of them, instead of their 'normal weekend people':) We enjoyed their friendliness throughout the game.

"Hail, hail to old Purdue, all hail to our old gold and black!

Hail, hail to old Purdue, our friendship may she never lack.

Ever grateful ever true, thus we raise our song anew,

Of the days we've spent with you all hail our own Purdue..."





Monday Mania

Woke up late; discovered the Colts managed to beat the Patriots after all, 35-34 (I think!) Being the superstitious sports fan, my Colts were down by 10 as I continued to watch, so I opted to take the kindergardener to bed and read him a story.

This morning, Roxie the cocker spaniel is acting listless; she began favoring her right front paw yesterday, and in the late afternoon was not acting 'right'. We're taking her to the vet at 2:30 to see what, if anything, is wrong. She didn't jump up to greet us at the door; she just lays under the kitchen table and only lifts her head when you speak to her. This is not the active dog who left here Friday night with S and returned yesterday morning!

Other than a vet run, it's been a typical Monday. Laundry, catching up on email, and a grocery run.

Found out I did not get invited to join the Examiner family, but thank you Tracy for the referral! Maybe next time.

I'm off to do a quick word count and get Roxie ready for her check up. Have a good day:)

See? It Takes A Meltdown

Currently Reading: Finished Elfin Blood and Blood Line. If you're a fan of paranormal, they're available at Noble Romance Publishing.

Next up: Regina's Highland Beast and Anne Rainey's Burn!


I don't have bad Friday the 13's; I have rough Thursday the 12's.

Yesterday I expressed my drooping morale and later in the day erupted on the family after a careless remark by my spouse.

They were speechless that Mom was feeling overburdened, but it got results: A more even distrubution of chores, plus the assurance that yes, Mom had already planned a massive, in-depth cleaning of the house the week of Thanksgiving. Three days, three and a half rooms. Shouldn't be too hard, and the critics relaxed.

Plus, I discovered the wise words of a dear friend, who reminded me that MOM duty comes before AUTHOR duty. Thanks Anny; I was having a selfish moment. And you helped me snap out of it.

Last night, I dropped in on blogtalk radio and got to hear Regina Carlysle's lovely Texas twang and chatted with her, Anne Rainey, and Kelley Nyrae via the chat room, plus others who stopped by. Great interview, ladies!

Oh. My. God!
You've got to be freaking kidding me! Last night on Survivor, Russell found the immunity idol? For the second time, with no clues? What are the odds of that? And did you see Dave's jaw drop when Russell revealed it right before the votes were tallied?

In the previews for next week, Laura and Dave are following Russell like a hawk. I don't blame them; in order to vote him out, they can't leave him alone for a second, on the chance he'll find it a third time!

Heading North Tomorrow!
K and I have tickets to the Purdue football game tomorrow, so we're leaving tonight and spending the night at Grandma and Grandpa's. We're hoping Grandpa drops us off in front of the stadium and will return for us, so we don't have to fight the parking/traffic.

K has also completed his interview and begun his community service. He should be turning in his paperwork to the Eagle Review Board no later than Nov 30th.

More Disappointment:
I received an email from Midwest Writers, inviting me to the Author's Showcase again in Muncie the weekend of Dec 4th and 5th. I told the spouse whose reaction was 'How are you going to get there?' (That's the week we might not have any income, due to his filing for the unemployment extension.)

I guess I won't be going, after all. Unless a miracle arrives in either email or snail mail form.

On A Good Note:
I did get an offer to join the Examiner family, and I'm nearly finished with the application. Wish me luck? My friend Tracy referred me; she writes for the Chicago Paranormal. I'd be representing Indiana, obviously!

Have a good day and I'll be back on Monday. Maybe this weekend getaway will help my outlook on life!

Trying To Stay Positive

I'm normally an upbeat person. However, circumstances the last year has started to take its toll on me.

First there's the economic situation. 2007 was fantastic; my spouse worked from March until after Christmas. In 2008, he chose to not sign out of the Hall until late May, and while the summer months were tense, he did end up on a job he loved, and worked until Christmas. This year, he's only worked maybe twelve weeks.

The cut-off for a family of 5 to qualify for a middle school child's application to the 21st Scholorship is $47K. We over-qualified in 2007 by $5K, and just $200 over last year. This year, had the child been born in 1995 instead of '04, her college tuition would have been assured.

Secondly, there's my chosen profession. In 2007, I was able to attend a writer's conference and published my 2nd book. In 2008, I worked hard, both at writing and the promotion trail, and managed to out-sell the first book. I also received my first e-contract.

I began 2009 with high hopes; I signed the contract, worked hard on the edits, and rode the tidal wave of early publicity/promotion/sales. Sent off my next manuscript and waited.

I'm still waiting. Now granted, this ms is forty pages longer than the first one, but my emails are going unanswered. I don't want to badger the publisher, but I wish she'd let me know what chapter she was on, or at least her initial impressions!

And I'll admit; I'm not a 'favored author'; there are more authors in the paranormal genre than contemporary, and these are 'hot' right now. I'm also facing pressure from an angry spouse who insists 'you don't spend two weeks at #3 on the Best Seller's List and not make any money!' Apparently you can....and nothing I tell him seems to pacify him.

Remember: This is also the man who gripes about any money I spend toward promotion, or the time I take in order to further my sales. When I worked over the summer, he complained about my hours! I wish he'd make up his mind: Does he want me home, or making money? Apparently he wants both. Actually, he wants Rosie the Robot!

Then there's my health. I want to visit MY doctor, the one who knows my body's idiosyncrasies over the past 18 years, and who I trust. I don't want to have to train another doctor that I do know what I'm talking about when I say I have a sinus infection, even though the only sign is pain behind my right eye. Or that for the past 5 years my system has been screwed up and entering menapaus has thrown it entirely out of whack. And living on Advil for two weeks is definitely NOT normal. And neither is explaining to an already money-stressed household as to why certain feminine items are needed, when in previous years, one trip per month sufficed?
Besides, the spouse has regularly griped the docs in this town 'still practice medicine with beads and rattles!' If it's perfectly OK for him to still visit his cardiologist twice a year instead of getting a new one, why can't I see my OB-GYN once a year? Oh wait...his is life-threatening. How silly of me.

The stress is even affecting my friendships. I have one which has suffered because the other person is fed up with my spouse's attitude. Two others are suffering because the spouse can't stand them and refuses to pass along messages or even answer the phone if they call. I sit down to chat, or attend my weekly writer's group, and he suddenly is incapable of putting a nighttime pull-up on our youngest. Or suddenly feels the need to talk to me, and it absolutely cannot wait one more minute, even though he's not said a word to me in the past two hours!

Forgive the rant; usually when this happens, and I 'blow up' at Life, good news comes. If it does, I'll post it. In the meantime, check out the Writer's Evo blog for what life is like on the high side. I'm experiencing the down side at the moment. Or if you want to see me in a better mood, check out Kenzie's post on the same subject:)