Day 164:
Went in at 10, but didn't get my vest on and up front until ten minutes later. Was sent to Lumber to cover a Code 3, and then sent to LG, to cover a break. Returned up front for 5 mins, then sent on my break. When I returned, was sent back to LG, where I stayed until lunch. Went to Subway, and at 3pm, returned up front until nearly 5. Was sent on my final break, then spent the remainder of the day in LG.
Tried to involve everyone in a spontaneous 'YMCA' that was on the radio, but Brandon G was not amused, and had me hop on a register. Customer was sooo paranoid about not touching the keypad, he used a plastic bag to key in his PIN, and to approve the amount. Then, he tried to tap the pad with his hand shoved in his sleeve, which didn't work.....I tapped the pad and handed his receipt, which he took with his BARE HANDS. People amaze me...
Returned items to Lumber, Tools, Paint, and Electrical, then took out the trash and took off my vest at 7:30. All day it felt as if I was pulling myself through the day by my hair. I was THAT exhausted!
Outfit: Yellow plaid shirt, black V-neck shirt, Zirconian earrings.
Day 165:
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
April Goals
Wow was March a busy month!
-Get Mom settled at Cumberland Point Check!
-3/2: Moved her in
-3/8: Unpacked 4 boxes, put dresser and cube in closet, a few books on shelves.
-3/9: Unpacked 8 boxes; placed all her 'pretties' on the kitchenette shelves, and remaining books on bookcase.
-3/10: Was informed of new guidelines beginning 3/11; will have to enter/exit from main entrance.
-3/11: New guidelines implemented, though now only workers and residences allowed access.
-Get my stuff moved home and rearranged Sort of....
-3/5:16/18 boxes taken home; desk dismantled and put in storage
-3/15-16: Doll cabinet and safe moved; table in garage loaded up. More stuff taken to storage and donation.
-3/21: Brought TV, doll cabinet, marble tables, and majority of boxes brought home.
-3/23-24: Packed up everything; brought what we could home; took another load to storage; another load to donation; another load to Mom. Put everything to come home into garage; left the 'junk' in the living room, plus a few things in the three bedrooms and den for Jerry to haul to the transfer station.
-Put house on market Not yet....
-Get truck (Signed over to Schoolhouse Auctions for sale) and van titles transferred to my name
-Get Mom's finances secured Waiting to find out if it's safe to close one of her accounts yet...
-Finish formatting/editing Second Chances and send to editor, along with payment (Now I'm thinking release date in June?? Unless I kick it into gear, not gonna happen in next 6 weeks...) Not even close....
-Lose 5 pounds (starting 241) 3/20: 239 Two's not bad...
-Enjoy Nashville trip (21st to Book Lovers) Cancelled
-Pay for two tix to SC in Atlanta May 11th (Check!) and secure hotel accommodations Rescheduled for Sept 13th
-Hang onto funds for April trips Check; since trips are cancelled, will use some of the funds to buy vertical banner and more inventory
Books Read: 5
Print: 4
E-book: 1
Foot Update:
Abscess is closing! I've been to the wound care clinic three times and it IS getting smaller. Compression socks arrived, and have been wearing the new ones. Due to the C-virus, and our own Shelter At Home directive until April 7th, I need to call to find out if my April 3rd appointment is still on.
UPDATE ON BOOK 'Tour':
2020 Expenses:
-Book Lovers Con Book signing Sat (March 2020) $10+ travel expenses; Nashville, TN Cancelled, due to health issue, Coronovirus. Rescheduled???
-Weekend With The Authors 2020 (April table fee waived, due to generous person having to cancel and donating her table to me; $5 General Admittance or $200 Reader Ticket for Mom) and 2021: 20 ($600 hotel/gas/food/rental car);$50 charms (Paid 12/13). Cancelled, due to CoronaVirus. Rescheduled??? 21: $225-300 table fee; hotel/gas/food/rental car
-Writer's Workshop (April 25, 2020) Nashville, IN $45 Paid 2/29
-Farmer's Market (June 6, 2020) $12 Doubtful I'll do this...
-PrideFest (June 20, 2020, $25 donation)
-Corning IrishFest (June 21, 2020)
-InConJunction (June 3-5, 2020)????? Falls on daughter's birthday, so unsure if attending. UPDATE: Daughter said she didn't mind, so filled out the app 3/30
-Imaginarium (July 10-12, 2020): $100 early bird booth fee (PAID!); $35 banquet (PAID!); $100 food, $200 hotel, gas. ($186 hotel, $371, $35 food, $10 gas)
-Heroes For Kids (July 18, 2020, $50 Pd 3/27) Perrysville, MO Gas $40, hotel room, $140, food $40=$472 total)
-Watermelon Festival (July31-Aug 1st) Am doing Pegasus Author Fair (Lafayette) instead
-Indy State Fair (Aug $100) ($100-200) Gas $30, $15 admission; $24 parking fee; $20 food; $6 ride
-Minneapolis travel expenses (Aug 8, 2020) ($200-hotel,$120-food,$100- gas=$648 needed)
-Penned Con: $225 half table (6') (Paid 12/21) Hotel/food/gas
-Cil-Con 2020 ($75 Paid 12/21) plus $112 hotel, $30 food, $15 gas)
-Saluki Con expenses-Date Changed To Jan 2021 $203 ($25 refunded after stay) hotel. $66 food and $40 gas.)
-ICGAHS: $340 booth fee,hotel/gas/food $100 paid 1/31; Bal: $240; $100 paid 3/28, Bal $140.
April Goals:
-Work as many hours as I can, to build up my bank account AND buy inventory and banner
-Put Mom's house on market
-Get remainder of belongings 4/6: Brought back most of the boxed and 'loose' stuff.
-Lose 5 pounds 4/1: 239
-Transfer van title to my name and insurance
-Appeal the denial of my health insurance
-Close Mom's unnecessary account
-Finish formatting/editing Second Chances and send to editor
-Finish rearranging belongings
April Reading Schedule:
Print:
The Nightmare Collective-Brian K Morris, et al Scary...gave it to Sara to enjoy. I'll post her opinion when she gives it. Update: S loved it! Thought the next-to-last story needed more, though.
Walk On U2 -Steve Stockman Very interesting!
John Addams-David McCullough
E-book:
Now and Forever: A Love Story-Jean Joachim
The Flip-KL Montgomery
-Get Mom settled at Cumberland Point Check!
-3/2: Moved her in
-3/8: Unpacked 4 boxes, put dresser and cube in closet, a few books on shelves.
-3/9: Unpacked 8 boxes; placed all her 'pretties' on the kitchenette shelves, and remaining books on bookcase.
-3/10: Was informed of new guidelines beginning 3/11; will have to enter/exit from main entrance.
-3/11: New guidelines implemented, though now only workers and residences allowed access.
-Get my stuff moved home and rearranged Sort of....
-3/5:16/18 boxes taken home; desk dismantled and put in storage
-3/15-16: Doll cabinet and safe moved; table in garage loaded up. More stuff taken to storage and donation.
-3/21: Brought TV, doll cabinet, marble tables, and majority of boxes brought home.
-3/23-24: Packed up everything; brought what we could home; took another load to storage; another load to donation; another load to Mom. Put everything to come home into garage; left the 'junk' in the living room, plus a few things in the three bedrooms and den for Jerry to haul to the transfer station.
-Put house on market Not yet....
-Get truck (Signed over to Schoolhouse Auctions for sale) and van titles transferred to my name
-Get Mom's finances secured Waiting to find out if it's safe to close one of her accounts yet...
-Finish formatting/editing Second Chances and send to editor, along with payment (Now I'm thinking release date in June?? Unless I kick it into gear, not gonna happen in next 6 weeks...) Not even close....
-Lose 5 pounds (starting 241) 3/20: 239 Two's not bad...
-Enjoy Nashville trip (21st to Book Lovers) Cancelled
-Pay for two tix to SC in Atlanta May 11th (Check!) and secure hotel accommodations Rescheduled for Sept 13th
-Hang onto funds for April trips Check; since trips are cancelled, will use some of the funds to buy vertical banner and more inventory
Books Read: 5
Print: 4
E-book: 1
Foot Update:
Abscess is closing! I've been to the wound care clinic three times and it IS getting smaller. Compression socks arrived, and have been wearing the new ones. Due to the C-virus, and our own Shelter At Home directive until April 7th, I need to call to find out if my April 3rd appointment is still on.
UPDATE ON BOOK 'Tour':
2020 Expenses:
-Book Lovers Con Book signing Sat (March 2020) $10+ travel expenses; Nashville, TN Cancelled, due to health issue, Coronovirus. Rescheduled???
-Weekend With The Authors 2020 (April table fee waived, due to generous person having to cancel and donating her table to me; $5 General Admittance or $200 Reader Ticket for Mom) and 2021: 20 ($600 hotel/gas/food/rental car);$50 charms (Paid 12/13). Cancelled, due to CoronaVirus. Rescheduled??? 21: $225-300 table fee; hotel/gas/food/rental car
-Writer's Workshop (April 25, 2020) Nashville, IN $45 Paid 2/29
-Farmer's Market (June 6, 2020) $12 Doubtful I'll do this...
-PrideFest (June 20, 2020, $25 donation)
-Corning IrishFest (June 21, 2020)
-InConJunction (June 3-5, 2020)????? Falls on daughter's birthday, so unsure if attending. UPDATE: Daughter said she didn't mind, so filled out the app 3/30
-Imaginarium (July 10-12, 2020): $100 early bird booth fee (PAID!); $35 banquet (PAID!); $100 food, $200 hotel, gas. ($186 hotel, $371, $35 food, $10 gas)
-Heroes For Kids (July 18, 2020, $50 Pd 3/27) Perrysville, MO Gas $40, hotel room, $140, food $40=$472 total)
-Watermelon Festival (July31-Aug 1st) Am doing Pegasus Author Fair (Lafayette) instead
-Indy State Fair (Aug $100) ($100-200) Gas $30, $15 admission; $24 parking fee; $20 food; $6 ride
-Minneapolis travel expenses (Aug 8, 2020) ($200-hotel,$120-food,$100- gas=$648 needed)
-Penned Con: $225 half table (6') (Paid 12/21) Hotel/food/gas
-Cil-Con 2020 ($75 Paid 12/21) plus $112 hotel, $30 food, $15 gas)
-Saluki Con expenses-Date Changed To Jan 2021 $203 ($25 refunded after stay) hotel. $66 food and $40 gas.)
-ICGAHS: $340 booth fee,hotel/gas/food $100 paid 1/31; Bal: $240; $100 paid 3/28, Bal $140.
April Goals:
-Work as many hours as I can, to build up my bank account AND buy inventory and banner
-Put Mom's house on market
-Get remainder of belongings 4/6: Brought back most of the boxed and 'loose' stuff.
-Lose 5 pounds 4/1: 239
-Transfer van title to my name and insurance
-Appeal the denial of my health insurance
-Close Mom's unnecessary account
-Finish formatting/editing Second Chances and send to editor
-Finish rearranging belongings
April Reading Schedule:
Print:
The Nightmare Collective-Brian K Morris, et al Scary...gave it to Sara to enjoy. I'll post her opinion when she gives it. Update: S loved it! Thought the next-to-last story needed more, though.
Walk On U2 -Steve Stockman Very interesting!
John Addams-David McCullough
E-book:
Now and Forever: A Love Story-Jean Joachim
The Flip-KL Montgomery
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Life As A Red Vest (Ghost), Week #35
Day 159: "When Can You Come Back To Work?"
Me: Today????
Mgr T: Yes....what time can you be here?
Me: It's almost 2....I'll be here at 4.
Arrived; couldn't clock in. T was leaving for lunch, so she told me to partner with Mgr B, who turned me over to Mel, who put me on a register. My 1st act: Change my password. 2nd act: Had to ask how to do a tax exempt, since I'd left my notebook in my locker! 3rd act: Customer walked me through the LAR. 4th act: Had to ask how to do a military discount. 5th act: How to load a damn gift card! Thankfully, customers were more 'normal' after that....then at 5:30, Aggie sent me out to L and G, 'just until 7'.
Had three customers until 7:30....and freezing my butt off....and wondering if maybe A had forgotten me??? Had three more between 7:35-7:45, then finally A showed up and closed down LG. I emptied the trash, then went back into the blessed heat and took all the trash to the compactor. Took a potty break and ate my candy bar, then went back up front as the store was closing. Took a cart back to RTM, then another trip back to the trash compactor, then helped wipe down a few baskets. T had me wipe down all the office door handles, then took off my vest. Couldn't clock out, so told T to mark me down from 4-9pm for the day.
Only screwed up once; out in LG, had to run a check, only it wasn't working. While I was getting help, customer went ahead and loaded his mulch. Mgr T came down and was NOT happy the customer was outside, already loading his truck! I thanked the customer for his honesty after giving him his receipt.
Outfit: Maroon plaid shirt, black tank top, blue compression sox, gold textured earrings.
Day 160: "You Can Have All The Hours You Want..."
Woke up at 10:10 am to a text sent at 7:30:
"Scott told me to give you all the hours you want....can you come in and work 10-4?"
Texted back....
"Just woke up....let me get some b'fast and get dressed. Blame my 2.5 hours in LG, freezing my ass off!"
"You'll be in LG, so dress warm."
"Oh geez....(thinking to myself, do I really WANT to go in today?) ....thanks, at least you gave me a head's up!"
Guess I'm low man on the totem pole? At least it's supposed to be a little warmer today! Also woke up to a deposit from LHI for $150, which was a nice surprise!
UPDATE:
Actually enjoyed myself in LG....place was fairly quiet from noon-2, with the occasional customer, but the sun came out and so did every gardener in town! (Just kidding....was extrenely busy between 2-3!) Only upset one customer, who wanted to know about straw bales, and I need to preface this with the fact only one phone works, and it was Reg 19. So when I called to find out about another place straw would be, then reported it, she naturally asked the price, and I said I 'assumed' it would be the same price! When I offered to call again (keep in mind, there were three other customers in line!), she said no and left.
I also couldn't get the check machine to take a check; had to call Mel down, and think I've discovered my issue....I wasn't pushing it in far enough.
When I was relieved at 4, I asked MK if I was needed; she didn't know. I took off my outerwear, and a pit stop, plus ate my sandwich, then went to find her. Worked in Lumber for an hour, then went to the store for some Lunchables and other items, then went out to Walmart for Rise of Skywalker. Came home, ate dinner, and watched the movie:)
Was also asked to take over Jill's schedule this week....tomorrow, 3-close, and Sat, 6AM-3pm. No clue what her schedule is next week. Am I insane? But then again, it's hours.....it's $$....
Outfit: Black/gray long-sleeved tee, red sweatshirt (for outside), Colts hat, blue compression sox, blue stud earrings.
Day 161: "You're Back In Lumber!"
Was thrilled to be back in my 'happy place'!! Marci and I enjoyed two hours together, and things went rather smoothly. Found out this month, we're all getting a $2 raise....and as of tomorrow (Friday 4/3), we close at 7pm instead of 8:30. I also talked to Don in HR, and he's going to put me back into the computer system!
Only had to call for one override.....and had to switch registers b/c it was out of ones...then the 2nd one's scanner went dead! MK brought me the ones and the rest of the evening went well. Had to sanitize the carts and plexiglass and doors, then walk the trash down to the far door. Went up front and was told to sanitize the chairs in the break room, then we could go back up front.
Oh, Mel also told Marci and I we could switch shifts for Sat, so now mine is 10-6pm:)
Outfit: Blue Lowes tee, black long-sleeved tee, light blue earrings, yellow/teal compression socks.
Day 162: "You're Back!!"
It's nice to be greeted by co workers who are HAPPY to see you again!
Worked Lumber with Marci again, and everything went smoothly. Took my 1st break around noon, and lunch at 3. Went to McAllister's and picked up my order, then discovered my sandwich was on BREAD, not a ciabatta bun. Enjoyed my chicken caesar salad though!
After lunch, Marci left at 4, and Brea came down. We were slow until 5:30, and when she went to leave at 6, I asked her to wait while I ran to make a pit stop.....which turned out to be a good thing, b/c I was SLAMMED until closing! At 6:50, I had three customers backed up, and thought it would be okay....but then EVERYONE came down! Kyle jumped on a register, b/c I had flooring that wouldn't ring up....turned out they'd left out a number.....then it was discounted, and needed an override! Overall, good shift. Emptied trash, sanitized the carts and counters, then filled the soda machine. Left at 8:15.
Outfit: Blue Cabella's hoodie, small silver hoops.
Day 163: Palm Sunday in LG
New policy: Only 30 people at a time in LG, so once people exited the outside doors, they had to return via the store entrance. Needless to say, some people weren't too happy about it. Emma was called a 'cunt'; Aggie and Nancy were cussed at. Bryce said someone cussed him out in hardware. Even Steve lost his temper at an employee.....and I guess that NEVER happens!
We were fairly steady through 2pm, when I was sent to lunch. When I returned, I hopped on Reg 21, and the credit card reader refused to read Customer A's card, even after several attempts, and even trying a different card! Aggie messed with it, and was able to get it to work. Customer B's card worked fine, but by the time Customer C arrived, my price gun decided to quit. An hour later, after Aggie re-booted the system, she sent me for my 2nd break, then it worked just fine. I took over for Emma on 20 when she took her break, and around 5:30, that scanner decided to act up! Learned we were shutting down LG at 6, so after we closed up, I sanitized everything, took the trash to the compactor, and was told I could leave. Left at 6:30.
Outfit: Red turtleneck, red hooded sweatshirt, blue fingerless gloves, thick gold hoops.
Me: Today????
Mgr T: Yes....what time can you be here?
Me: It's almost 2....I'll be here at 4.
Arrived; couldn't clock in. T was leaving for lunch, so she told me to partner with Mgr B, who turned me over to Mel, who put me on a register. My 1st act: Change my password. 2nd act: Had to ask how to do a tax exempt, since I'd left my notebook in my locker! 3rd act: Customer walked me through the LAR. 4th act: Had to ask how to do a military discount. 5th act: How to load a damn gift card! Thankfully, customers were more 'normal' after that....then at 5:30, Aggie sent me out to L and G, 'just until 7'.
Had three customers until 7:30....and freezing my butt off....and wondering if maybe A had forgotten me??? Had three more between 7:35-7:45, then finally A showed up and closed down LG. I emptied the trash, then went back into the blessed heat and took all the trash to the compactor. Took a potty break and ate my candy bar, then went back up front as the store was closing. Took a cart back to RTM, then another trip back to the trash compactor, then helped wipe down a few baskets. T had me wipe down all the office door handles, then took off my vest. Couldn't clock out, so told T to mark me down from 4-9pm for the day.
Only screwed up once; out in LG, had to run a check, only it wasn't working. While I was getting help, customer went ahead and loaded his mulch. Mgr T came down and was NOT happy the customer was outside, already loading his truck! I thanked the customer for his honesty after giving him his receipt.
Outfit: Maroon plaid shirt, black tank top, blue compression sox, gold textured earrings.
Day 160: "You Can Have All The Hours You Want..."
Woke up at 10:10 am to a text sent at 7:30:
"Scott told me to give you all the hours you want....can you come in and work 10-4?"
Texted back....
"Just woke up....let me get some b'fast and get dressed. Blame my 2.5 hours in LG, freezing my ass off!"
"You'll be in LG, so dress warm."
"Oh geez....(thinking to myself, do I really WANT to go in today?) ....thanks, at least you gave me a head's up!"
Guess I'm low man on the totem pole? At least it's supposed to be a little warmer today! Also woke up to a deposit from LHI for $150, which was a nice surprise!
UPDATE:
Actually enjoyed myself in LG....place was fairly quiet from noon-2, with the occasional customer, but the sun came out and so did every gardener in town! (Just kidding....was extrenely busy between 2-3!) Only upset one customer, who wanted to know about straw bales, and I need to preface this with the fact only one phone works, and it was Reg 19. So when I called to find out about another place straw would be, then reported it, she naturally asked the price, and I said I 'assumed' it would be the same price! When I offered to call again (keep in mind, there were three other customers in line!), she said no and left.
I also couldn't get the check machine to take a check; had to call Mel down, and think I've discovered my issue....I wasn't pushing it in far enough.
When I was relieved at 4, I asked MK if I was needed; she didn't know. I took off my outerwear, and a pit stop, plus ate my sandwich, then went to find her. Worked in Lumber for an hour, then went to the store for some Lunchables and other items, then went out to Walmart for Rise of Skywalker. Came home, ate dinner, and watched the movie:)
Was also asked to take over Jill's schedule this week....tomorrow, 3-close, and Sat, 6AM-3pm. No clue what her schedule is next week. Am I insane? But then again, it's hours.....it's $$....
Outfit: Black/gray long-sleeved tee, red sweatshirt (for outside), Colts hat, blue compression sox, blue stud earrings.
Day 161: "You're Back In Lumber!"
Was thrilled to be back in my 'happy place'!! Marci and I enjoyed two hours together, and things went rather smoothly. Found out this month, we're all getting a $2 raise....and as of tomorrow (Friday 4/3), we close at 7pm instead of 8:30. I also talked to Don in HR, and he's going to put me back into the computer system!
Only had to call for one override.....and had to switch registers b/c it was out of ones...then the 2nd one's scanner went dead! MK brought me the ones and the rest of the evening went well. Had to sanitize the carts and plexiglass and doors, then walk the trash down to the far door. Went up front and was told to sanitize the chairs in the break room, then we could go back up front.
Oh, Mel also told Marci and I we could switch shifts for Sat, so now mine is 10-6pm:)
Outfit: Blue Lowes tee, black long-sleeved tee, light blue earrings, yellow/teal compression socks.
Day 162: "You're Back!!"
It's nice to be greeted by co workers who are HAPPY to see you again!
Worked Lumber with Marci again, and everything went smoothly. Took my 1st break around noon, and lunch at 3. Went to McAllister's and picked up my order, then discovered my sandwich was on BREAD, not a ciabatta bun. Enjoyed my chicken caesar salad though!
After lunch, Marci left at 4, and Brea came down. We were slow until 5:30, and when she went to leave at 6, I asked her to wait while I ran to make a pit stop.....which turned out to be a good thing, b/c I was SLAMMED until closing! At 6:50, I had three customers backed up, and thought it would be okay....but then EVERYONE came down! Kyle jumped on a register, b/c I had flooring that wouldn't ring up....turned out they'd left out a number.....then it was discounted, and needed an override! Overall, good shift. Emptied trash, sanitized the carts and counters, then filled the soda machine. Left at 8:15.
Outfit: Blue Cabella's hoodie, small silver hoops.
Day 163: Palm Sunday in LG
New policy: Only 30 people at a time in LG, so once people exited the outside doors, they had to return via the store entrance. Needless to say, some people weren't too happy about it. Emma was called a 'cunt'; Aggie and Nancy were cussed at. Bryce said someone cussed him out in hardware. Even Steve lost his temper at an employee.....and I guess that NEVER happens!
We were fairly steady through 2pm, when I was sent to lunch. When I returned, I hopped on Reg 21, and the credit card reader refused to read Customer A's card, even after several attempts, and even trying a different card! Aggie messed with it, and was able to get it to work. Customer B's card worked fine, but by the time Customer C arrived, my price gun decided to quit. An hour later, after Aggie re-booted the system, she sent me for my 2nd break, then it worked just fine. I took over for Emma on 20 when she took her break, and around 5:30, that scanner decided to act up! Learned we were shutting down LG at 6, so after we closed up, I sanitized everything, took the trash to the compactor, and was told I could leave. Left at 6:30.
Outfit: Red turtleneck, red hooded sweatshirt, blue fingerless gloves, thick gold hoops.
Sunday, March 8, 2020
March Goals
February was a busy month!
-Finalize Starter Collection and order inventory Check:)
-Continue formatting and editing Second Chances and send it off to Leanne, along with payment (March??) (Still on Ch. 7!)
-Pack rest of Den (got half of it packed and desk dismantled), Family Room (Check!), and most of Kitchen (Check!) and Living Room (Check!)
-Rent storage room (Check!)
-Make arrangements for boxes of keepsakes to be shipped home (6/22 taken home) and to my sis BIL taking a few items home on plane)
-Lose 5 lbs (Starting 247) 2/21: 241
-Get good news at Doctor's about leg wound Check! Keep bandage on and follow up 3/6
-Secure hotel arrangements for March trip
-Hang onto my funds for April trip (So far, so good!)
By the time my BIL arrived on 2/28, I'd packed up all the books and knick-knacks, except for one set of shelves in the Family Room (her bell collection). On Sat 2/29, everyone sprang into action and we dismantled (my) roll top desk and moved it to the storage unit, plus made at least two more storage run trips with stuff from said desk.
Books Read: 1 Print
UPDATE ON BOOK 'Tour':
2020 Expenses:
-Book Lovers Con Book signing Sat (March 2020) $10+ travel expenses; Nashville, TN Cancelled, due to health issue, Coronovirus. Rescheduled???
-Weekend With The Authors 2020 (April table fee waived, due to generous person having to cancel and donating her table to me; $5 General Admittance or $200 Reader Ticket for Mom) and 2021: 20 ($600 hotel/gas/food/rental car);$50 charms (Paid 12/13). Cancelled, due to CoronaVirus. Rescheduled??? 21: $225-300 table fee; hotel/gas/food/rental car
-Writer's Workshop (April 25, 2020) Nashville, IN $45 Paid 2/29
-Farmer's Market (June 6, 2020) $12 Doubtful I'll do this...
-PrideFest (June 20, 2020, $25 donation)
-Corning IrishFest (June 21, 2020)
-InConJunction (June 3-5, 2020)????? Falls on daughter's birthday, so unsure if attending
-Imaginarium (July 10-12, 2020): $100 early bird booth fee (PAID!); $35 banquet (PAID!); $100 food, $200 hotel, gas. ($186 hotel, $371, $35 food, $10 gas)
-Heroes For Kids (July 18, 2020, $50) Perrysville, MO Gas $40, hotel room, $140, food $40=$472 total)
-Watermelon Festival (July 31-Aug 1, 2020) $45 ?????
-Indy State Fair (Aug $100) ($100-200) Gas $30, $15 admission; $24 parking fee; $20 food; $6 ride
-Minneapolis travel expenses (Aug 8, 2020) ($200-hotel,$120-food,$100- gas=$648 needed)
-Penned Con: $225 half table (6') (Paid 12/21) Hotel/food/gas
-Cil-Con 2020 ($75 Paid 12/21) plus $112 hotel, $30 food, $15 gas)
-Saluki Con expenses-Date Changed To Jan 2021 $203 ($25 refunded after stay) hotel. $66 food and $40 gas.)
-ICGAHS: $340 booth fee,hotel/gas/food $100 paid 1/31; Bal: $240.
March Goals:
-Get Mom settled at Cumberland Point
-3/2: Moved her in
-3/8: Unpacked 4 boxes, put dresser and cube in closet, a few books on shelves.
-3/9: Unpacked 8 boxes; placed all her 'pretties' on the kitchenette shelves, and remaining books on bookcase.
-3/10: Was informed of new guidelines beginning 3/11; will have to enter/exit from main entrance.
-3/11: New guidelines implemented, though now only workers and residences allowed access.
-Get my stuff moved home and rearranged
-3/5:16/18 boxes taken home; desk dismantled and put in storage
-3/15-16: Doll cabinet and safe moved; table in garage loaded up. More stuff taken to storage and donation.
-3/21: Brought TV, doll cabinet, marble tables, and majority of boxes brought home.
-3/23-24: Packed up everything; brought what we could home; took another load to storage; another load to donation; another load to Mom. Put everything to come home into garage; left the 'junk' in the living room, plus a few things in the three bedrooms and den for Jerry to haul to the transfer station.
-Put house on market
-Get truck (Signed over to Schoolhouse Auctions for sale) and van titles transferred to my name
-Get Mom's finances secured
-Finish formatting/editing Second Chances and send to editor, along with payment (Now I'm thinking release date in June?? Unless I kick it into gear, not gonna happen in next 6 weeks...)
-Lose 5 pounds (starting 241) 3/20: 239
-Enjoy Nashville trip (21st to Book Lovers) Cancelled
-Pay for two tix to SC in Atlanta May 11th (Check!) and secure hotel accommodations Rescheduled for Sept 13th
-Hang onto funds for April trips Check; since trips are cancelled, will use some of the funds to buy vertical banner.
March Reading Schedule: Print:
Bloom County: Read On The Throne-Berkely Breathed Loved this!
Yukon Ho!- (Calvin and Hobbs)- Bill Watterson Enjoyable!
Hotel New Hampshire-John Irving Enjoyable as always!
Sacajawea: Indian Girl with Lewis and Clark Informative!
The Nightmare Collective-Brian K Morris, et al
E-book:
Sugar and Spice-Phoebe Alexander Very enjoybable storyline:)
Now and Forever: A Love Story-Jean Joachim
The Flip-KL Montgomery
-Continue formatting and editing Second Chances and send it off to Leanne, along with payment (March??) (Still on Ch. 7!)
-Pack rest of Den (got half of it packed and desk dismantled), Family Room (Check!), and most of Kitchen (Check!) and Living Room (Check!)
-Rent storage room (Check!)
-Make arrangements for boxes of keepsakes to be shipped home (6/22 taken home) and to my sis BIL taking a few items home on plane)
-Lose 5 lbs (Starting 247) 2/21: 241
-Get good news at Doctor's about leg wound Check! Keep bandage on and follow up 3/6
-Secure hotel arrangements for March trip
-Hang onto my funds for April trip (So far, so good!)
By the time my BIL arrived on 2/28, I'd packed up all the books and knick-knacks, except for one set of shelves in the Family Room (her bell collection). On Sat 2/29, everyone sprang into action and we dismantled (my) roll top desk and moved it to the storage unit, plus made at least two more storage run trips with stuff from said desk.
Books Read: 1 Print
UPDATE ON BOOK 'Tour':
2020 Expenses:
-Book Lovers Con Book signing Sat (March 2020) $10+ travel expenses; Nashville, TN Cancelled, due to health issue, Coronovirus. Rescheduled???
-Weekend With The Authors 2020 (April table fee waived, due to generous person having to cancel and donating her table to me; $5 General Admittance or $200 Reader Ticket for Mom) and 2021: 20 ($600 hotel/gas/food/rental car);$50 charms (Paid 12/13). Cancelled, due to CoronaVirus. Rescheduled??? 21: $225-300 table fee; hotel/gas/food/rental car
-Writer's Workshop (April 25, 2020) Nashville, IN $45 Paid 2/29
-Farmer's Market (June 6, 2020) $12 Doubtful I'll do this...
-PrideFest (June 20, 2020, $25 donation)
-Corning IrishFest (June 21, 2020)
-InConJunction (June 3-5, 2020)????? Falls on daughter's birthday, so unsure if attending
-Imaginarium (July 10-12, 2020): $100 early bird booth fee (PAID!); $35 banquet (PAID!); $100 food, $200 hotel, gas. ($186 hotel, $371, $35 food, $10 gas)
-Heroes For Kids (July 18, 2020, $50) Perrysville, MO Gas $40, hotel room, $140, food $40=$472 total)
-Watermelon Festival (July 31-Aug 1, 2020) $45 ?????
-Indy State Fair (Aug $100) ($100-200) Gas $30, $15 admission; $24 parking fee; $20 food; $6 ride
-Minneapolis travel expenses (Aug 8, 2020) ($200-hotel,$120-food,$100- gas=$648 needed)
-Penned Con: $225 half table (6') (Paid 12/21) Hotel/food/gas
-Cil-Con 2020 ($75 Paid 12/21) plus $112 hotel, $30 food, $15 gas)
-Saluki Con expenses-Date Changed To Jan 2021 $203 ($25 refunded after stay) hotel. $66 food and $40 gas.)
-ICGAHS: $340 booth fee,hotel/gas/food $100 paid 1/31; Bal: $240.
March Goals:
-Get Mom settled at Cumberland Point
-3/2: Moved her in
-3/8: Unpacked 4 boxes, put dresser and cube in closet, a few books on shelves.
-3/9: Unpacked 8 boxes; placed all her 'pretties' on the kitchenette shelves, and remaining books on bookcase.
-3/10: Was informed of new guidelines beginning 3/11; will have to enter/exit from main entrance.
-3/11: New guidelines implemented, though now only workers and residences allowed access.
-Get my stuff moved home and rearranged
-3/5:16/18 boxes taken home; desk dismantled and put in storage
-3/15-16: Doll cabinet and safe moved; table in garage loaded up. More stuff taken to storage and donation.
-3/21: Brought TV, doll cabinet, marble tables, and majority of boxes brought home.
-3/23-24: Packed up everything; brought what we could home; took another load to storage; another load to donation; another load to Mom. Put everything to come home into garage; left the 'junk' in the living room, plus a few things in the three bedrooms and den for Jerry to haul to the transfer station.
-Put house on market
-Get truck (Signed over to Schoolhouse Auctions for sale) and van titles transferred to my name
-Get Mom's finances secured
-Finish formatting/editing Second Chances and send to editor, along with payment (Now I'm thinking release date in June?? Unless I kick it into gear, not gonna happen in next 6 weeks...)
-Lose 5 pounds (starting 241) 3/20: 239
-Enjoy Nashville trip (21st to Book Lovers) Cancelled
-Pay for two tix to SC in Atlanta May 11th (Check!) and secure hotel accommodations Rescheduled for Sept 13th
-Hang onto funds for April trips Check; since trips are cancelled, will use some of the funds to buy vertical banner.
March Reading Schedule: Print:
Bloom County: Read On The Throne-Berkely Breathed Loved this!
Yukon Ho!- (Calvin and Hobbs)- Bill Watterson Enjoyable!
Hotel New Hampshire-John Irving Enjoyable as always!
Sacajawea: Indian Girl with Lewis and Clark Informative!
The Nightmare Collective-Brian K Morris, et al
E-book:
Sugar and Spice-Phoebe Alexander Very enjoybable storyline:)
Now and Forever: A Love Story-Jean Joachim
The Flip-KL Montgomery
Friday, February 14, 2020
February Goals and Reading Schedule
Yes, I realize it's now the 2nd week of Feb and I'm just now getting my goals up! I've been a little busy (scroll on down for details), but here's what I did or did not accomplish last month.
-Round #2 of self-edits on Second Chances, plus sending Cover Art query and professional editor query. Finished Ch 6; editor query sent and accepted! Made it to Ch 7.
-Paying for both (more February, perhaps?)
-Typing up and finishing Defending Your Life story
-Add words to either Heart Song, RiKer's Redemption, Guardian Vultures, Time Travel Trilogy, and Paranormal Preacher
-Get Christmas decorations sorted, packed, etc.(All put away, except for snowmen; sorted? Sort of...)
-Get Mom's finances settled for coming months (making budget, desk organized, and tax stuff ready) Check:)
-Organize office
-Sort Dad's clothing Check! and donate it to Soldier's Home (said they're not taking any donations at this time)/GW Fashions 1/8: Sent it all to Trinity Missions:)
-Settle into routine Maybe??
-Figure out status of my job at LHIC 1/27: As of now, I'm still employed, but if my LOA isn't approved, it may have to be terminated until I return. Re-hire should NOT be an issue.
-Go see Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker, Little Women, and Cats:) Nope, nada. Will have to wait for DVDs.
-Lose 5 lbs (starting 235) Ugh....gained 6 pounds over holidays!! Sigh...
Yeah, didn't accomplish much of that list. What WAS accomplished?
-Managed to get my mother to her various appointments
-Paid her deposit for the new studio apartment
-Cleaned out the books in my dad's den and all but one shelf in the family room
-Sent various boxes of of stuff to Goodwill and library
-Made (and kept!) my own doctor's appointment
-Spent a week at home, dealing with my Teen, formatting my Sample Chapter Book, and deciding on cover art
-Finding out my presence has been missed, not only at my day job, but at the weekly writer meetings
-Finding out my presence has NOT been particularly missed at home, unless you ask the fur babies....
-Discovering the cat my mother has been cat-sitting was not particularly fond of the new 'staff' person and was VERY happy to have me 'home' again....at least for a week until she was returned to her owner.
-Found out sometime in the past 30+ years, I've grown an inch and a quarter....but I'm still claiming 5'6" on my license! Weight-wise.....Mom and I either have to stop eating out, or I need to stop eating pizza when we go to our favorite restaurant! (Or maybe simply make 4 meals out of it instead of one???)
Weight: 247. I'm going the wrong way!!!
Books Read: 4 Print
Foot Update: Was supposed to see wound care today, but with the frigid temps and snowfall on Thurs, it's been pushed back to 2/21. I am NOT diabetic, so at this point, I'm hoping it's not something worse!
Karaoke Songs Added: 1. Was able to add 'Uptown Funk' to the good list while I was home, ha ha! Everyone enjoyed it, and some were surprised I'd not been drinking!
UPDATE ON BOOK 'Tour':
2020 Expenses:
-Book Lovers Con Book signing Sat (March 2020) $10+ travel expenses; Nashville, TN
-Liberty Writers-New Jersey Not gonna happen this year
-Kentuckiana Authors Fair (April) -$78 for hotel; $83 for car rental; $36 (gas total); $10 (book); $15 (approx Arby's); $2.12 (iced tea); $16 +$2 tip (Sweet-n-Savory Food Truck) Thinking I'll have to skip this year, due to Mom....Might attend Indy Comic Con instead????
-Weekend With The Authors 2020 (April table fee waived, due to generous person having to cancel and donating her table to me; $5 General Admittance or $200 Reader Ticket for Mom) and 2021: 20 ($600 hotel/gas/food/rental car);$50 charms (Paid 12/13). 21: $225-300 table fee; hotel/gas/food/rental car
-Writer's Workshop (April 25, 2020) Nashville, IN $45 Paid 2/29
-Farmer's Market (June 6, 2020) $12 Doubtful I'll do this...
-PrideFest (June 20, 2020, $25 donation) Unsure of attending
-Corning IrishFest (June 21, 2020) Unsure of attending
-InConJunction (June 3-5, 2020)????? Falls on daughter's birthday, so unsure if attending
-Imaginarium (July 10-12, 2020): $100 early bird booth fee (PAID!); $30 banquet; $100 food, $200 hotel, gas. ($186 hotel, $371 rental car (prepaid $30 gas), $35 food, $10 gas)
-Heroes For Kids (July 18, 2020, $50) Perrysville, MO car rental $252, gas $40, hotel room, $140, food $40=$472 total)
-Watermelon Festival (July 31-Aug 1, 2020) $45 ?????
-Indy State Fair (Aug $100) ($100-200) Rental car: $257, gas $30, $15 admission; $24 parking fee; $20 food; $6 ride
-Minneapolis travel expenses (Aug 8, 2020) ($200-hotel, $228 car rental, $120-food,$100- gas=$648 needed)
-Penned Con: $225 half table (6') (Paid 12/21) Hotel/rental car/food/gas
-Cil-Con 2020 ($75 Paid 12/21) plus $340 car rental, $112 hotel, $30 food, $15 gas)
-Saluki Con expenses-Date Changed To Jan 2021 ($340 car rental (credit card), $203 ($25 refunded after stay) hotel. $66 food and $40 gas.)
-ICGAHS: $340 booth fee, $440 rental car, hotel/gas/food $100 paid 1/31; Bal: $240.
So What Are My Feb Goals And Will I Keep Them?
-Finalize Starter Collection and order inventory Check:)
-Continue formatting and editing Second Chances and send it off to Leanne, along with payment (March??)
-Pack rest of Den (got half of it packed and desk dismantled), Family Room (Check!), and most of Kitchen (Check!) and Living Room (Check!)
-Rent storage room (Check!)
-Make arrangements for boxes of keepsakes to be shipped home (6/22 taken home) and to my sis BIL taking a few items home on plane)
-Lose 5 lbs (Starting 247) 2/21: 241
-Get good news at Doctor's about leg wound Check! Keep bandage on and follow up 3/6
-Secure hotel arrangements for March trip
-Hang onto my funds for April trip (So far, so good!)
February Reading Schedule:
I've been criticized for posting my budget for the world to see, so I've removed it for this year and keeping it elsewhere. I thought I was being rather honest and transparent; apparently it was also seen as TMI. Who knows? Can't please everyone, so thhbbbbttt.
-Round #2 of self-edits on Second Chances, plus sending Cover Art query and professional editor query. Finished Ch 6; editor query sent and accepted! Made it to Ch 7.
-Paying for both (more February, perhaps?)
-Typing up and finishing Defending Your Life story
-Add words to either Heart Song, RiKer's Redemption, Guardian Vultures, Time Travel Trilogy, and Paranormal Preacher
-Get Christmas decorations sorted, packed, etc.(All put away, except for snowmen; sorted? Sort of...)
-Get Mom's finances settled for coming months (making budget, desk organized, and tax stuff ready) Check:)
-Organize office
-Sort Dad's clothing Check! and donate it to Soldier's Home (said they're not taking any donations at this time)/GW Fashions 1/8: Sent it all to Trinity Missions:)
-Settle into routine Maybe??
-Figure out status of my job at LHIC 1/27: As of now, I'm still employed, but if my LOA isn't approved, it may have to be terminated until I return. Re-hire should NOT be an issue.
-Go see Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker, Little Women, and Cats:) Nope, nada. Will have to wait for DVDs.
-Lose 5 lbs (starting 235) Ugh....gained 6 pounds over holidays!! Sigh...
Yeah, didn't accomplish much of that list. What WAS accomplished?
-Managed to get my mother to her various appointments
-Paid her deposit for the new studio apartment
-Cleaned out the books in my dad's den and all but one shelf in the family room
-Sent various boxes of of stuff to Goodwill and library
-Made (and kept!) my own doctor's appointment
-Spent a week at home, dealing with my Teen, formatting my Sample Chapter Book, and deciding on cover art
-Finding out my presence has been missed, not only at my day job, but at the weekly writer meetings
-Finding out my presence has NOT been particularly missed at home, unless you ask the fur babies....
-Discovering the cat my mother has been cat-sitting was not particularly fond of the new 'staff' person and was VERY happy to have me 'home' again....at least for a week until she was returned to her owner.
-Found out sometime in the past 30+ years, I've grown an inch and a quarter....but I'm still claiming 5'6" on my license! Weight-wise.....Mom and I either have to stop eating out, or I need to stop eating pizza when we go to our favorite restaurant! (Or maybe simply make 4 meals out of it instead of one???)
Weight: 247. I'm going the wrong way!!!
Books Read: 4 Print
Foot Update: Was supposed to see wound care today, but with the frigid temps and snowfall on Thurs, it's been pushed back to 2/21. I am NOT diabetic, so at this point, I'm hoping it's not something worse!
Karaoke Songs Added: 1. Was able to add 'Uptown Funk' to the good list while I was home, ha ha! Everyone enjoyed it, and some were surprised I'd not been drinking!
UPDATE ON BOOK 'Tour':
2020 Expenses:
-Book Lovers Con Book signing Sat (March 2020) $10+ travel expenses; Nashville, TN
-Liberty Writers-New Jersey Not gonna happen this year
-Kentuckiana Authors Fair (April) -$78 for hotel; $83 for car rental; $36 (gas total); $10 (book); $15 (approx Arby's); $2.12 (iced tea); $16 +$2 tip (Sweet-n-Savory Food Truck) Thinking I'll have to skip this year, due to Mom....Might attend Indy Comic Con instead????
-Weekend With The Authors 2020 (April table fee waived, due to generous person having to cancel and donating her table to me; $5 General Admittance or $200 Reader Ticket for Mom) and 2021: 20 ($600 hotel/gas/food/rental car);$50 charms (Paid 12/13). 21: $225-300 table fee; hotel/gas/food/rental car
-Writer's Workshop (April 25, 2020) Nashville, IN $45 Paid 2/29
-Farmer's Market (June 6, 2020) $12 Doubtful I'll do this...
-PrideFest (June 20, 2020, $25 donation) Unsure of attending
-Corning IrishFest (June 21, 2020) Unsure of attending
-InConJunction (June 3-5, 2020)????? Falls on daughter's birthday, so unsure if attending
-Imaginarium (July 10-12, 2020): $100 early bird booth fee (PAID!); $30 banquet; $100 food, $200 hotel, gas. ($186 hotel, $371 rental car (prepaid $30 gas), $35 food, $10 gas)
-Heroes For Kids (July 18, 2020, $50) Perrysville, MO car rental $252, gas $40, hotel room, $140, food $40=$472 total)
-Watermelon Festival (July 31-Aug 1, 2020) $45 ?????
-Indy State Fair (Aug $100) ($100-200) Rental car: $257, gas $30, $15 admission; $24 parking fee; $20 food; $6 ride
-Minneapolis travel expenses (Aug 8, 2020) ($200-hotel, $228 car rental, $120-food,$100- gas=$648 needed)
-Penned Con: $225 half table (6') (Paid 12/21) Hotel/rental car/food/gas
-Cil-Con 2020 ($75 Paid 12/21) plus $340 car rental, $112 hotel, $30 food, $15 gas)
-Saluki Con expenses-Date Changed To Jan 2021 ($340 car rental (credit card), $203 ($25 refunded after stay) hotel. $66 food and $40 gas.)
-ICGAHS: $340 booth fee, $440 rental car, hotel/gas/food $100 paid 1/31; Bal: $240.
So What Are My Feb Goals And Will I Keep Them?
-Finalize Starter Collection and order inventory Check:)
-Continue formatting and editing Second Chances and send it off to Leanne, along with payment (March??)
-Pack rest of Den (got half of it packed and desk dismantled), Family Room (Check!), and most of Kitchen (Check!) and Living Room (Check!)
-Rent storage room (Check!)
-Make arrangements for boxes of keepsakes to be shipped home (6/22 taken home) and to my sis BIL taking a few items home on plane)
-Lose 5 lbs (Starting 247) 2/21: 241
-Get good news at Doctor's about leg wound Check! Keep bandage on and follow up 3/6
-Secure hotel arrangements for March trip
-Hang onto my funds for April trip (So far, so good!)
February Reading Schedule:
Print:
For Better or For Worse, Vol 2-Lynn Johnston DRR!! Loved this and can hardly wait for Vol 3!!
E-book:
Sugar and Spice-Phoebe Alexander
Now and Forever: A Love Story-Jean Joachim
The Flip-KL Montgomery
For Better or For Worse, Vol 2-Lynn Johnston DRR!! Loved this and can hardly wait for Vol 3!!
E-book:
Sugar and Spice-Phoebe Alexander
Now and Forever: A Love Story-Jean Joachim
The Flip-KL Montgomery
I've been criticized for posting my budget for the world to see, so I've removed it for this year and keeping it elsewhere. I thought I was being rather honest and transparent; apparently it was also seen as TMI. Who knows? Can't please everyone, so thhbbbbttt.
Friday, January 3, 2020
January Goals: Happy New Year! Looking Ahead To 2020
New year, new decade! Last year taught me that I'm on the right track, convention-wise, so my personal appearances are going to be limited to the ones where I sell the most, or just simply my favorite venues, even though they might not bring the sales, but I enjoy the people/potential customers. I did make the decision not to do the Blog Challenge this year. It was a struggle, working 30+ hours each week, then being on the road nearly every weekend, but I managed all the way up until the final two weeks before it slipped my mind completely. I may do a 'catch up' blog over there, just to finish writing those final two posts, and depending on my schedule, I might write one here and there. Who knows?
With the passing of my father, I'm now my mother's caregiver, so until we get her needs met, some of the shows I usually attend may have to go on without me this year. I committed myself to one large con in April, two in July, one in August, and three in September, so we'll see how things stack up with the rest. Mom can go with me at times, provided the venue isn't too far from the hotel, but I'm hoping she'll enjoy seeing this side of my life:)
Now, onto the 2020 Goals:
-Cleaning out Mom's house
-Getting her moved to Assisted Living
-Watch my 1st born get married
-Write RiKar's Redemption (The Chosen #5)
-Finish/add words to Heart Song
-Finish/submit Time Travel Trilogy
-Finish Paranormal Preacher
-Write new Bridges story
-Hand-sell 150 Books (previous record 145 in 2018)
-Pull titles from KU and learn D2D, plus maybe Audible?
-Buy Inventory and vertical banner
-Get Second Chances edited (Ariana??)
-Pay cover artist for Second Chances
-Promote SC and have successful launch
-Paying down personal debt ($400)
-Paying down credit card debt ($600) and medical debt ($3000)
-Set up at:
-Jan: StoryCon at Benton Co. Public Library Sold 1; cold and rainy weather kept all but maybe 5 adults and 7 kids away.
-April: Kentuckiana Book Fair (1/18: Skipping this year, due to circumstances??), Dale Library (1/18: Skipping this one also, due to circumstances??); attend writer's conference in Nashville, In, Weekend With The Authors (also, taking Mom with me to Nashville, IN and possibly KY event)
-June: Corning Irish Festival, PrideFest
-July: InConJunction, Imaginarium, Heroes For Kids,
-Aug: Watermelon Fest,Royal Readers at Mall of America, State Fair
-Sept: Cil-Con, Penned Con, Saluki-Con
-Oct: Art Walk
-Nov: ICGAHS, Rivet, Art Walk
Wow.....another ambitious year, yes? Time to break it down into the monthly goals!
January 2020 Goals:
-Round #2 of self-edits on Second Chances, plus sending Cover Art query and professional editor query. Finished Ch 6; editor query sent:)
-Paying for both (more February, perhaps?)
-Typing up and finishing Defending Your Life story
-Add words to either Heart Song, RiKer's Redemption, Guardian Vultures, Time Travel Trilogy, and Paranormal Preacher
-Get Christmas decorations sorted, packed, etc.(All put away, except for snowmen; sorted? Sort of...)
-Get Mom's finances settled for coming months (making budget, desk organized, and tax stuff ready) Check:)
-Organize office
-Sort Dad's clothing Check! and donate it to Soldier's Home (said they're not taking any donations at this time)/GW Fashions 1/8: Sent it all to Trinity Missions:)
-Settle into routine Maybe??
-Figure out status of my job at LHIC 1/27: As of now, I'm still employed, but if my LOA isn't approved, it may have to be terminated until I return. Re-hire should NOT be an issue.
-Go see Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker, Little Women, and Cats:) Nope, nada. Will have to wait for DVDs.
-Lose 5 lbs (starting 235) Ugh....gained 6 pounds over holidays!! Sigh...
2020 Expenses:
-Book Lovers Con Book signing Sat (March 2020) $10+ travel expenses; Nashville, TN
-Liberty Writers-New Jersey Not gonna happen this year
-Kentuckiana Authors Fair (April) -$78 for hotel; $83 for car rental; $36 (gas total); $10 (book); $15 (approx Arby's); $2.12 (iced tea); $16 +$2 tip (Sweet-n-Savory Food Truck) Thinking I'll have to skip this year, due to Mom....Might attend Indy Comic Con instead????
-Weekend With The Authors 2020 (April table fee waived, due to generous person having to cancel and donating her table to me; $5 General Admittance or $200 Reader Ticket for Mom) and 2021: 20 ($600 hotel/gas/food/rental car);$50 charms (Paid 12/13). 21: $225-300 table fee; hotel/gas/food/rental car
-Writer's Workshop (April 25, 2020) Nashville, IN $45
-Farmer's Market (June 6, 2020) $12 Doubtful I'll do this...
-PrideFest (June 20, 2020, $25 donation) Unsure of attending
-Corning IrishFest (June 21, 2020) Unsure of attending
-InConJunction (June 3-5, 2020)????? Falls on daughter's birthday, so unsure if attending
-Imaginarium (July 10-12, 2020): $100 early bird booth fee (PAID!); $30 banquet; $100 food, $200 hotel, gas. ($186 hotel, $371 rental car (prepaid $30 gas), $35 food, $10 gas)
-Heroes For Kids (July 18, 2020, $50) Perrysville, MO car rental $252, gas $40, hotel room, $140, food $40=$472 total)
-Watermelon Festival (July 31-Aug 1, 2020) $45 ?????
-Indy State Fair (Aug $100) ($100-200) Rental car: $257, gas $30, $15 admission; $24 parking fee; $20 food; $6 ride
-Minneapolis travel expenses (Aug 8, 2020) ($200-hotel, $228 car rental, $120-food,$100- gas=$648 needed)
-Penned Con: $225 half table (6') (Paid 12/21) Hotel/rental car/food/gas
-Cil-Con 2020 ($75 Paid 12/21) plus $340 car rental, $112 hotel, $30 food, $15 gas)
-Saluki Con expenses-Sept ($340 car rental (credit card), $203 ($25 refunded after stay) hotel. $66 food and $40 gas.)
-ICGAHS: $340 booth fee, $440 rental car, hotel/gas/food
Jan Income:
-1/2: $200
-$20 to church; pay Maurices ($50 Check!); pay (GSH) medical bill ($61 Check!)=$39 banked
-1/9: $200
-$20 to church; pay credit card ($50 Check!); pay Maurices (via daughter $100 Check!); pay Nancy ($50 Check!)=$32 banked
-1/16: $200
-$20 to church; pay (GSH) medical bill ($61 Check!); pay (Neuberg) medical bill ($50 Check! Bal: $108.70!!!)=$111 banked
-1/23: $200 (Bal: $234)
-$20 to church; pay (Feb) health ins ($89 Check!)=$91-$100 Check! to Suzanne for ICHTAHS+$100 (hubby)-$40 book at BN Check!=$95 banked
January Reading Schedule:
Print:
The Wedding Date-Jasmine Guillory Enjoyed this! RR:)
Bloom County: Episode IX, A New Hope-Berkely Breathed DRR!!! Loved, loved, LOVED this!!! I'm sooooo happy I discovered BB DID publish his FB strips!! Can hardly wait to get the next two:)
I Owe You One-Sophie Kinsella DRR!!! OMG....loved this soooo much!
For Better or Worse: Vol. 1-Lynn Johnston DRR!!! Loved this!!
E-book:
Sugar and Spice-Phoebe Alexander
Now and Forever: A Love Story-Jean Joachim
The Flip-KL Montgomery
With the passing of my father, I'm now my mother's caregiver, so until we get her needs met, some of the shows I usually attend may have to go on without me this year. I committed myself to one large con in April, two in July, one in August, and three in September, so we'll see how things stack up with the rest. Mom can go with me at times, provided the venue isn't too far from the hotel, but I'm hoping she'll enjoy seeing this side of my life:)
Now, onto the 2020 Goals:
-Cleaning out Mom's house
-Getting her moved to Assisted Living
-Watch my 1st born get married
-Write RiKar's Redemption (The Chosen #5)
-Finish/add words to Heart Song
-Finish/submit Time Travel Trilogy
-Finish Paranormal Preacher
-Write new Bridges story
-Hand-sell 150 Books (previous record 145 in 2018)
-Pull titles from KU and learn D2D, plus maybe Audible?
-Buy Inventory and vertical banner
-Get Second Chances edited (Ariana??)
-Pay cover artist for Second Chances
-Promote SC and have successful launch
-Paying down personal debt ($400)
-Paying down credit card debt ($600) and medical debt ($3000)
-Set up at:
-Jan: StoryCon at Benton Co. Public Library Sold 1; cold and rainy weather kept all but maybe 5 adults and 7 kids away.
-April: Kentuckiana Book Fair (1/18: Skipping this year, due to circumstances??), Dale Library (1/18: Skipping this one also, due to circumstances??); attend writer's conference in Nashville, In, Weekend With The Authors (also, taking Mom with me to Nashville, IN and possibly KY event)
-June: Corning Irish Festival, PrideFest
-July: InConJunction, Imaginarium, Heroes For Kids,
-Aug: Watermelon Fest,Royal Readers at Mall of America, State Fair
-Sept: Cil-Con, Penned Con, Saluki-Con
-Oct: Art Walk
-Nov: ICGAHS, Rivet, Art Walk
Wow.....another ambitious year, yes? Time to break it down into the monthly goals!
January 2020 Goals:
-Round #2 of self-edits on Second Chances, plus sending Cover Art query and professional editor query. Finished Ch 6; editor query sent:)
-Paying for both (more February, perhaps?)
-Typing up and finishing Defending Your Life story
-Add words to either Heart Song, RiKer's Redemption, Guardian Vultures, Time Travel Trilogy, and Paranormal Preacher
-Get Christmas decorations sorted, packed, etc.(All put away, except for snowmen; sorted? Sort of...)
-Get Mom's finances settled for coming months (making budget, desk organized, and tax stuff ready) Check:)
-Organize office
-Sort Dad's clothing Check! and donate it to Soldier's Home (said they're not taking any donations at this time)/GW Fashions 1/8: Sent it all to Trinity Missions:)
-Settle into routine Maybe??
-Figure out status of my job at LHIC 1/27: As of now, I'm still employed, but if my LOA isn't approved, it may have to be terminated until I return. Re-hire should NOT be an issue.
-Go see Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker, Little Women, and Cats:) Nope, nada. Will have to wait for DVDs.
-Lose 5 lbs (starting 235) Ugh....gained 6 pounds over holidays!! Sigh...
2020 Expenses:
-Book Lovers Con Book signing Sat (March 2020) $10+ travel expenses; Nashville, TN
-Liberty Writers-New Jersey Not gonna happen this year
-Kentuckiana Authors Fair (April) -$78 for hotel; $83 for car rental; $36 (gas total); $10 (book); $15 (approx Arby's); $2.12 (iced tea); $16 +$2 tip (Sweet-n-Savory Food Truck) Thinking I'll have to skip this year, due to Mom....Might attend Indy Comic Con instead????
-Weekend With The Authors 2020 (April table fee waived, due to generous person having to cancel and donating her table to me; $5 General Admittance or $200 Reader Ticket for Mom) and 2021: 20 ($600 hotel/gas/food/rental car);$50 charms (Paid 12/13). 21: $225-300 table fee; hotel/gas/food/rental car
-Writer's Workshop (April 25, 2020) Nashville, IN $45
-Farmer's Market (June 6, 2020) $12 Doubtful I'll do this...
-PrideFest (June 20, 2020, $25 donation) Unsure of attending
-Corning IrishFest (June 21, 2020) Unsure of attending
-InConJunction (June 3-5, 2020)????? Falls on daughter's birthday, so unsure if attending
-Imaginarium (July 10-12, 2020): $100 early bird booth fee (PAID!); $30 banquet; $100 food, $200 hotel, gas. ($186 hotel, $371 rental car (prepaid $30 gas), $35 food, $10 gas)
-Heroes For Kids (July 18, 2020, $50) Perrysville, MO car rental $252, gas $40, hotel room, $140, food $40=$472 total)
-Watermelon Festival (July 31-Aug 1, 2020) $45 ?????
-Indy State Fair (Aug $100) ($100-200) Rental car: $257, gas $30, $15 admission; $24 parking fee; $20 food; $6 ride
-Minneapolis travel expenses (Aug 8, 2020) ($200-hotel, $228 car rental, $120-food,$100- gas=$648 needed)
-Penned Con: $225 half table (6') (Paid 12/21) Hotel/rental car/food/gas
-Cil-Con 2020 ($75 Paid 12/21) plus $340 car rental, $112 hotel, $30 food, $15 gas)
-Saluki Con expenses-Sept ($340 car rental (credit card), $203 ($25 refunded after stay) hotel. $66 food and $40 gas.)
-ICGAHS: $340 booth fee, $440 rental car, hotel/gas/food
Jan Income:
-1/2: $200
-$20 to church; pay Maurices ($50 Check!); pay (GSH) medical bill ($61 Check!)=$39 banked
-1/9: $200
-$20 to church; pay credit card ($50 Check!); pay Maurices (via daughter $100 Check!); pay Nancy ($50 Check!)=$32 banked
-1/16: $200
-$20 to church; pay (GSH) medical bill ($61 Check!); pay (Neuberg) medical bill ($50 Check! Bal: $108.70!!!)=$111 banked
-1/23: $200 (Bal: $234)
-$20 to church; pay (Feb) health ins ($89 Check!)=$91-$100 Check! to Suzanne for ICHTAHS+$100 (hubby)-$40 book at BN Check!=$95 banked
January Reading Schedule:
Print:
The Wedding Date-Jasmine Guillory Enjoyed this! RR:)
Bloom County: Episode IX, A New Hope-Berkely Breathed DRR!!! Loved, loved, LOVED this!!! I'm sooooo happy I discovered BB DID publish his FB strips!! Can hardly wait to get the next two:)
I Owe You One-Sophie Kinsella DRR!!! OMG....loved this soooo much!
For Better or Worse: Vol. 1-Lynn Johnston DRR!!! Loved this!!
E-book:
Sugar and Spice-Phoebe Alexander
Now and Forever: A Love Story-Jean Joachim
The Flip-KL Montgomery
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