I should have clued into the fact today was going to be different. I woke to my alarm, dreaming I was working at Walmart and in charge of the Chocolate-Chip Cookie making. Only...the bakery was behind, and I had people demanding their cookies!
Second thing to happen: Daughter refused to get moving; hubby was still sound asleep, so Mom decides she'll get dressed and take the kids to school.
Result? Made a rolling stop at 4-way stop sign (I've got to get out of that bad habit; no one was even near the stop!) and 2/3 of the way to the end of the next block, flashing lights are calling me over. I politely rolled down my window, offered my paperwork and an apologetic smile, saying I was sorry; my daughter was late for school.
Did he give me a warning? Verbal 'okay; be careful?'
NO! I now have a $119.50 TICKET! Or, show up in court on May 25th and hope the nice officer doesn't show up to harass this obvious menace to society.
Onto Brighter Issues:
Edits are finished; my dedication/author info has been written and sent; the blurb is awaiting approval. Now all I have to do is pick out an excerpt for the website. Here's my question to all published authors:
How long should it be?
Do I pick a (spicy) scene at random and hope it will successfully tempt someone to buy? Or do I choose the prologue, as it sets up the action? Or part of the prologue, anyway??? You'd think I'd know this stuff; I've been buying e-books regularly now for about 18 months. But nooooooo, the excitement has gone to my head. Maybe I'll go peruse Ellora's Cave/TEB sites and check my friends' blurbs/excerpts on the buy pages. Maybe then I'll get an idea??
Or blame the steroids for this hyperactive moment....
Another Creative Moment:)
Got a brainstorm yesterday afternoon and finally finished a chapter I've been stuck on for the past year:) Yay! Now to call my friend and see if I'm channelling her life still...hopefully I just made her life slightly happier???
Only 4 more days of steroids. I predict next week I'll be vegged out on the couch, recovering from steroid withdrawl??? I can catch up on the Gilligan's Island DVD!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Grrrr...
Currently Reading: Still on The Lady Makes Three. Didn't do a whole lot of reading yesterday!
North Carolina showed up to play last night and proved they were champions. Michigan State showed up without their basic skills. Final score? UNC: 89 MSU: 72. The game was over about 3 minutes into the 1st half when MSU had foul trouble, turnover trouble, and were down by 10 points.
I was into the wine by halftime, and chatting on FaceBook during the last 10 minutes of the game.
On A Roll?
Don't know what got a hold of me yesterday, but I rather liked it:) I finished up the edits on Chs 2-5, and sent them back before 2pm.
-had the bills paid by 3:30 pm;
-I had the laundry knocked out by 4pm;
-dinner was on the table before 6pm;
-dishes cleaned up (K pulled a muscle in weight training, plus had scouts, so I helped him out) by 7:15 pm;
-attended blogtalkradio chat with Travis until 8pm (didn't want to call in);
-picked up hubby's medicine by 8:30pm;
-was settled in front of the TV by 9:15 to watch the game!
-And was in bed by 12:30 am.
Today, I have to make room in my kitchen cabinet for some of our bowls that D found in our storage unit and 'can't live without'. There are several plates and bowls we've not used in the two years we've lived here, so it's time to move Mom's out and ours in (if that makes any sense at all??)
I'm finishing up the edits on ch 5, and this shouldn't take too long.
Walking today. Don't know if I'll push for that 4 mile mark or if I'll settle for 3, since it's been two weeks.
Laptop Society tonight, so I'll warm up the leftover chicken and lay out some stir-fry veggies and rice for the family while I'm gone. And then my family can settle back, because my next big sporting event doesn't take place until the second week of May:)
Only two more days of antibiotics and I'm on day #8 of 12 on the steroids!
North Carolina showed up to play last night and proved they were champions. Michigan State showed up without their basic skills. Final score? UNC: 89 MSU: 72. The game was over about 3 minutes into the 1st half when MSU had foul trouble, turnover trouble, and were down by 10 points.
I was into the wine by halftime, and chatting on FaceBook during the last 10 minutes of the game.
On A Roll?
Don't know what got a hold of me yesterday, but I rather liked it:) I finished up the edits on Chs 2-5, and sent them back before 2pm.
-had the bills paid by 3:30 pm;
-I had the laundry knocked out by 4pm;
-dinner was on the table before 6pm;
-dishes cleaned up (K pulled a muscle in weight training, plus had scouts, so I helped him out) by 7:15 pm;
-attended blogtalkradio chat with Travis until 8pm (didn't want to call in);
-picked up hubby's medicine by 8:30pm;
-was settled in front of the TV by 9:15 to watch the game!
-And was in bed by 12:30 am.
Today, I have to make room in my kitchen cabinet for some of our bowls that D found in our storage unit and 'can't live without'. There are several plates and bowls we've not used in the two years we've lived here, so it's time to move Mom's out and ours in (if that makes any sense at all??)
I'm finishing up the edits on ch 5, and this shouldn't take too long.
Walking today. Don't know if I'll push for that 4 mile mark or if I'll settle for 3, since it's been two weeks.
Laptop Society tonight, so I'll warm up the leftover chicken and lay out some stir-fry veggies and rice for the family while I'm gone. And then my family can settle back, because my next big sporting event doesn't take place until the second week of May:)
Only two more days of antibiotics and I'm on day #8 of 12 on the steroids!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Monday Stuff
Currently Reading: The Lady Makes Three. I'm up to Ch 5:)
April Reading/Buying Schedule:
4/10-French Kiss by Sloane Taylor
In The Arms of Danger- Jayden Chase
This week is off to a strange start.
First of all, my second prediction came true for March Madness, and tonight, Michigan State goes up against North Carolina. I'm going to choose the Cinderella story and go with Michigan State...these boys are playing extremely well!
Secondly, I had one of those weird dreams this morning which went on and on and on...and kept morphing into weirder stuff. Think teenage rebellion, Star Trek, Star Wars, X-Men, Hellboy, and Power Rangers all rolled into one dream. Travis, maybe I've been reading too much of your stuff...
Did I do any edits over the weekend? No. But we did get the utility room shelves cleared off, several unnecessary papers thrown away, and a box of old photos uncovered. Shelves look less cluttered; I know where my Easter Egg trays are, and we cleaned the dust from several serving bowls to use next weekend.
My herb-roasted chicken dish turned out quite scrumtious....if you get past the tiny fact the chickens we bought weighed 5lbs each instead of 3.5, and took 3 hours to cook, rather than just two the recipe said! But, I managed to keep everything warm while the birds went back in the oven, and at 8:00 last night, my toddler ate everything in sight. Cheesy mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, two chicken legs, one wing, and a few bites of Mommy's white meat. And passed out two hours later.
The second bird is still in the fridge; we'll eat it tomorrow, or I might slice some off for lunch today. And the only herbs used were sage, garlic, rosemary, and a little butter. I'll be using more sage in my cooking; I like the taste:)
Today's To-Do List:
-Paying bills (always fun, but necessary to keep the utilities turned on, lol!)
-Grocery shopping for the week (including the milk chocolate rabbits and sugar-free candy)
-Edits on Chs 4 &5
-Small revisions on Chs 2 &3 (he likes my suggestions)
-Laundry (S's clothes smell smoky from her visit, as J is still lighting up!)
I've also discovered that being on steroids the past week has boosted my energy level; taken away the semi-depression; and in general, made me a happier person! And I still have six more days left, plus two on the antibiotics.
The downside? I feel as if I've put on twenty pounds. I'm resuming the walking schedule tomorrow. I know it's mainly water; I can still fit comfortably in my clothing! But my appetite has increased, which made it slightly hard to stick to my portion-control goal of Lent. Only one week left, and I've only gone off of it 3 times in the past five weeks, so still not doing too bad!
Found out 'the boys' liked my departure from romance, and have plotted out the ending to Saturday's brainstorm. Maybe James can write ch 2, and Travis ch 3, and it will be our first collaboration? Never thought of writing horror before...maybe I ought to interview Trav or even Tracy, to see how they got their start?
April Reading/Buying Schedule:
4/10-French Kiss by Sloane Taylor
In The Arms of Danger- Jayden Chase
4/17-Masked Encounter & Steamy Encounter-Samantha Gentry
Thin Ice-Liana Leverentz
4/24-Tantalizing Tilly -AJ
American Beauty-Ashley Ladd
5/1- Flavia's Secret- Lindsay Townsend
Blind Date After Dark: Mr. Right-Lara Santiago
I've decided to group some of the same books from the same publishers every week. My TBB list is back down to a reasonable 40 titles, so I'm getting caught up!
This week is off to a strange start.
First of all, my second prediction came true for March Madness, and tonight, Michigan State goes up against North Carolina. I'm going to choose the Cinderella story and go with Michigan State...these boys are playing extremely well!
Secondly, I had one of those weird dreams this morning which went on and on and on...and kept morphing into weirder stuff. Think teenage rebellion, Star Trek, Star Wars, X-Men, Hellboy, and Power Rangers all rolled into one dream. Travis, maybe I've been reading too much of your stuff...
Did I do any edits over the weekend? No. But we did get the utility room shelves cleared off, several unnecessary papers thrown away, and a box of old photos uncovered. Shelves look less cluttered; I know where my Easter Egg trays are, and we cleaned the dust from several serving bowls to use next weekend.
My herb-roasted chicken dish turned out quite scrumtious....if you get past the tiny fact the chickens we bought weighed 5lbs each instead of 3.5, and took 3 hours to cook, rather than just two the recipe said! But, I managed to keep everything warm while the birds went back in the oven, and at 8:00 last night, my toddler ate everything in sight. Cheesy mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, two chicken legs, one wing, and a few bites of Mommy's white meat. And passed out two hours later.
The second bird is still in the fridge; we'll eat it tomorrow, or I might slice some off for lunch today. And the only herbs used were sage, garlic, rosemary, and a little butter. I'll be using more sage in my cooking; I like the taste:)
Today's To-Do List:
-Paying bills (always fun, but necessary to keep the utilities turned on, lol!)
-Grocery shopping for the week (including the milk chocolate rabbits and sugar-free candy)
-Edits on Chs 4 &5
-Small revisions on Chs 2 &3 (he likes my suggestions)
-Laundry (S's clothes smell smoky from her visit, as J is still lighting up!)
I've also discovered that being on steroids the past week has boosted my energy level; taken away the semi-depression; and in general, made me a happier person! And I still have six more days left, plus two on the antibiotics.
The downside? I feel as if I've put on twenty pounds. I'm resuming the walking schedule tomorrow. I know it's mainly water; I can still fit comfortably in my clothing! But my appetite has increased, which made it slightly hard to stick to my portion-control goal of Lent. Only one week left, and I've only gone off of it 3 times in the past five weeks, so still not doing too bad!
Found out 'the boys' liked my departure from romance, and have plotted out the ending to Saturday's brainstorm. Maybe James can write ch 2, and Travis ch 3, and it will be our first collaboration? Never thought of writing horror before...maybe I ought to interview Trav or even Tracy, to see how they got their start?
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Saturday's Stupid Saying
Currently Reading: Finished Make Believe Lover, and am now on Morgan Ashbury's The Lady Makes Three, which I won the other day unexpectedly in a chat with the Siren-BookStrand authors! Also finished a wonderful Love Inspired freebie (courtesy of my mother), Restless Hearts, by Marta Perry. Kelly, this one was enjoyable! It's a Steeplechase title, so check it out:)
This is for everyone looking for domain names. A little caution, please???
www.whorepresents.com : Actual address for Who Represents
www.expertsexechange.com : Web addy for Experts Exchange programmers site
Actual domain names, although Experts Echange has since changed the site's name. The other one is still up and running!
I'm getting a rare break this morning. D, K, and W are going to help out with a BSA community clean-up project, and since S went to her 'other mommy' for the weekend, I get several hours by myself! I've already been up with words running through my head and written them down...3 pages in an hour felt wonderful! I'll probably do some chores around the house while they're gone, but the music will be cranked up and the TV off. Who wants to do chores to Blue's Clues, DIY television, or even Sci-Fi? Not me. Give me my Bon Jovi, Melissa Etheridge, or The Who. Time will go much faster.
What broke through the writer's block? A friend suggested I try to write something different. I went to bed thinking about a project and how I could make it less about romance and more about the person involved. This morning, I woke up to my daughter's alarm clock going off, and after letting Lucky outside, I ran several scenarios through my head. Suddenly a disgruntled man pops into my head and starts telling me his story. The third time he started at the beginning, I knew I'd better get my butt out of bed and write it down before I lost it.
The result? Something totally unexpected, and it's finished. Just a short piece, but there's room for expansion. I'm happy with it, and I've probably shocked Travis silly with this detour from romance.
Just hope he likes it!
So that's my Saturday; what's yours?
Oh, remember my goal to twist D's arm for a pizza last night? After discovering we would be teenager-less for dinner (S to Jackie's and K to something with his friends), he looked at me and asked how the seafood buffet at Ponderosa sounded. Five minutes later, he, W, and I were out the door!
But when nine-thirty rolled around, K came home expecting to find leftovers. He wasn't thrilled with the week's leftovers; the contents of the cabinets didn't sound appealing; finally a half hour later, D gave the okay to order the kid a pizza. So everyone got their wish!
Editor sent me an email with Ch 4 in the subject, but no ms attached. Wonder if it's okay, or if he forgot to attach it? I've been forgetting that myself lately, but usually notice it as soon as I hit 'send'. So maybe I get a day off from edits???
Final Four!
I'm going to go out on a limb and pick two of these fantastic teams. If the other two make it, well then we'll see who reigns on Monday. But for now, my pics are....
U Conn
Villanova
It might end up being Michigan State vs UNC....who knows?
This is for everyone looking for domain names. A little caution, please???
www.whorepresents.com : Actual address for Who Represents
www.expertsexechange.com : Web addy for Experts Exchange programmers site
Actual domain names, although Experts Echange has since changed the site's name. The other one is still up and running!
I'm getting a rare break this morning. D, K, and W are going to help out with a BSA community clean-up project, and since S went to her 'other mommy' for the weekend, I get several hours by myself! I've already been up with words running through my head and written them down...3 pages in an hour felt wonderful! I'll probably do some chores around the house while they're gone, but the music will be cranked up and the TV off. Who wants to do chores to Blue's Clues, DIY television, or even Sci-Fi? Not me. Give me my Bon Jovi, Melissa Etheridge, or The Who. Time will go much faster.
What broke through the writer's block? A friend suggested I try to write something different. I went to bed thinking about a project and how I could make it less about romance and more about the person involved. This morning, I woke up to my daughter's alarm clock going off, and after letting Lucky outside, I ran several scenarios through my head. Suddenly a disgruntled man pops into my head and starts telling me his story. The third time he started at the beginning, I knew I'd better get my butt out of bed and write it down before I lost it.
The result? Something totally unexpected, and it's finished. Just a short piece, but there's room for expansion. I'm happy with it, and I've probably shocked Travis silly with this detour from romance.
Just hope he likes it!
So that's my Saturday; what's yours?
Oh, remember my goal to twist D's arm for a pizza last night? After discovering we would be teenager-less for dinner (S to Jackie's and K to something with his friends), he looked at me and asked how the seafood buffet at Ponderosa sounded. Five minutes later, he, W, and I were out the door!
But when nine-thirty rolled around, K came home expecting to find leftovers. He wasn't thrilled with the week's leftovers; the contents of the cabinets didn't sound appealing; finally a half hour later, D gave the okay to order the kid a pizza. So everyone got their wish!
Editor sent me an email with Ch 4 in the subject, but no ms attached. Wonder if it's okay, or if he forgot to attach it? I've been forgetting that myself lately, but usually notice it as soon as I hit 'send'. So maybe I get a day off from edits???
Final Four!
I'm going to go out on a limb and pick two of these fantastic teams. If the other two make it, well then we'll see who reigns on Monday. But for now, my pics are....
U Conn
Villanova
It might end up being Michigan State vs UNC....who knows?
Friday, April 3, 2009
Not A Bad Week:)
Currently Reading: Finished Penned Again last night, and am now on Make-Believe Lover. I'm on Ch 2.
Monday, had an interview (I may have mentioned this before:) and I think I can finally relax. Only good things were sent to my inbox; no angry or stern phone calls/emails from parental units, unless they are waiting to spring it on me at a later date!
Tuesday, my muse returned for a brief, one-hour stint so I could add to one of my wips; just wish she'd come back...
Wednesday, I was busy listening to blog talk radio. Listened to Cindy's interview, Tabitha Shay and Ashley Ladd's interviews (although my internet cut out before Ashley finished...sorry!), and to Travis interview the band The Broderick. I had borrowed my older son K's ear buds, and they made my ears sooooo sore! Thankfully, he came home and rescued me; turns out I had them in the wrong ears! Who knew? Bring me back my old Walkman headphones...
Yesterday, the parts to my oven came in; we had biscuits with dinner for the first time in over a week. Maybe I'd been fixing them too frequently; usually we always have four left over? Last night they were all devoured, and we need a new supply of apple butter and jelly. How do I know it is April, besides the date? Staple supplies bought back in January are starting to get thin. Time for hubby to go back to work.
And today, the following landed in my inbox. Three days too late, but, what the hell...
ATTN: CEO/Manager
From Mrs. Marylyn Elumbu
Bangkok. Thailand
My Dear.
Compliment of the day, Before I proceed, may I humbly introduce myself to
Your good self, My Name is Mrs. Marylyn Elumbu a Sudanese
Refugee, My Husband Dr Muru N. Elumbu assistant to Usman al-Mirghani of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Sudan who was formerly
Overthrown out of power by Sudanese Government.
Prior to this last serious crisis that is still
Ravaging in my country, which recently led to?
Misfortune of my husband,
I am taking treatment in Kamcha- E Hospital, 55 Moo 12, Numtieng, Kamcha -E, Mukdahan for six months for heart problem. My son will be very much interested in doing business in your country and l would like to know the procedures of a Non-Citizen will requires to do business in your country.
I inherited some money which my late husband deposited with a Security Company in Thailand for safety .So I now decided to contact you to assist my son to claim this money from where it was deposited and guide him for investment. Therefore I would like to seek your assistance and help. I am interested particularly in properties, but your advice on other areas of private sector would be highly appreciated, I believe that you would be of great help in guiding my son to a successful business investment in Your country.
I will like you to know that your assistance will help both of us. The amount in question is USD$5 Million .which I earlier stated to you that I inherited from my late husband. I will appreciate your willingness to carry out this transaction. More details will be furnished to you as soon as I hear from you. As I have mapped out 10%, for your assistance and 5% would be used for the replacement of any Expenses that is incurred during this transaction. You can contact me via email Meanwhile l contacted you for an elaborate briefing of investment guidelines in your country.
Although l can not invest in your country without a knowledge of the procedures and someone have to assist me. Also, I am ready to be in partnership with you, if you have a good knowledge of business Investment and will not betray my Trust. l thank you for having time to go through my e-mail, and l looked forward in reading your reply soon.
Best Regards,
Mrs. Marylyn Elumbu
Monday, had an interview (I may have mentioned this before:) and I think I can finally relax. Only good things were sent to my inbox; no angry or stern phone calls/emails from parental units, unless they are waiting to spring it on me at a later date!
Tuesday, my muse returned for a brief, one-hour stint so I could add to one of my wips; just wish she'd come back...
Wednesday, I was busy listening to blog talk radio. Listened to Cindy's interview, Tabitha Shay and Ashley Ladd's interviews (although my internet cut out before Ashley finished...sorry!), and to Travis interview the band The Broderick. I had borrowed my older son K's ear buds, and they made my ears sooooo sore! Thankfully, he came home and rescued me; turns out I had them in the wrong ears! Who knew? Bring me back my old Walkman headphones...
Yesterday, the parts to my oven came in; we had biscuits with dinner for the first time in over a week. Maybe I'd been fixing them too frequently; usually we always have four left over? Last night they were all devoured, and we need a new supply of apple butter and jelly. How do I know it is April, besides the date? Staple supplies bought back in January are starting to get thin. Time for hubby to go back to work.
And today, the following landed in my inbox. Three days too late, but, what the hell...
ATTN: CEO/Manager
From Mrs. Marylyn Elumbu
Bangkok. Thailand
My Dear.
Compliment of the day, Before I proceed, may I humbly introduce myself to
Your good self, My Name is Mrs. Marylyn Elumbu a Sudanese
Refugee, My Husband Dr Muru N. Elumbu assistant to Usman al-Mirghani of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Sudan who was formerly
Overthrown out of power by Sudanese Government.
Prior to this last serious crisis that is still
Ravaging in my country, which recently led to?
Misfortune of my husband,
I am taking treatment in Kamcha- E Hospital, 55 Moo 12, Numtieng, Kamcha -E, Mukdahan for six months for heart problem. My son will be very much interested in doing business in your country and l would like to know the procedures of a Non-Citizen will requires to do business in your country.
I inherited some money which my late husband deposited with a Security Company in Thailand for safety .So I now decided to contact you to assist my son to claim this money from where it was deposited and guide him for investment. Therefore I would like to seek your assistance and help. I am interested particularly in properties, but your advice on other areas of private sector would be highly appreciated, I believe that you would be of great help in guiding my son to a successful business investment in Your country.
I will like you to know that your assistance will help both of us. The amount in question is USD$5 Million .which I earlier stated to you that I inherited from my late husband. I will appreciate your willingness to carry out this transaction. More details will be furnished to you as soon as I hear from you. As I have mapped out 10%, for your assistance and 5% would be used for the replacement of any Expenses that is incurred during this transaction. You can contact me via email Meanwhile l contacted you for an elaborate briefing of investment guidelines in your country.
Although l can not invest in your country without a knowledge of the procedures and someone have to assist me. Also, I am ready to be in partnership with you, if you have a good knowledge of business Investment and will not betray my Trust. l thank you for having time to go through my e-mail, and l looked forward in reading your reply soon.
Best Regards,
Mrs. Marylyn Elumbu
Hurray...I can buy all the e-books I want, stuff my shelves with food, and buy a house with more than two bedrooms. Plus, hire a professional publicist. Oh, the possibilities! I can tell I'll be popular when word of my windfall gets out...(snicker!)
Woo Hoo!
The rain last night cooperated with me and did NOT knock out my sattellite, so was able to watch Survivor and DVR the ER Finale and the wrap-up. Hubby had to miss out on the 200th episode of CSI, but he agreed to catch the rerun in the summer.
I've also developed a new TV habit. A few weeks back, in a fit of nostalgia, I purchased the complete 2nd season of Gilligan's Island. And have been watching two episodes every day, either in the 5pm hour or the 7pm hour. Most entertaining, let me tell you! What's most amusing is that within the first few minutes, I can pretty much tell you how it's going to go down! And some of these episodes I barely remember! After I've worked my way through both discs (I'm on side #2 of the first one), I'll move on the The Muppet Show.
Today's To-Do List:
-One or two loads of laundry
-Final edits on Ch 3
-Twisting hubby's arm so we can have pizza for dinner
-Re-reading book #7 in my Arbor U series. I've found someone who went through an eating disorder and can interview/send this person a couple of scenes to see if I'm covering it in the right manner.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Is This Really Necessary? Apparently So...
Currently Reading: Enjoyed Last Glass of Wine and The Tenth Circle! Looking forward to Jodi's Change of Heart. Purchased AJ's Penned Again and Ashley Ladd's Make-Believe Lover. I'll get to them probably later today or tomorrow.
I'm shaking my head over another news item. Remember a while back I posted about a new 'fad' among the not-yet-walking set, baby stilletto crib shoes? Well now it seems we are raising a generation of divas.
There are two year olds getting weekly manicures, pedicures, and facials.
You read that right; FACIALS!
My toddler is 5, and a boy, but his skin had no need of extra exfolliation 3 years ago, and neither did my daughter's at that age. 12, yes, but that's not the point here!
The main point of the story was, if you're going to encourage your small children to be 'beauty conscious', don't encourage it as a weekly basis, or 'entitlement' attitudes. Once a month; on special days, by all means have a 'Mommy and Me' day at the salon (if you can afford it...I used to let my daughter moisturize her skin and wear some light makeup before a preschool performance or party...and when I say light, I mean cherry lipgloss and Barbie perfume/eyeshadow.) or get 'glammed' up to go out for a meal or even a tea party. But please DON'T make it a weekly occurance?
They showed a 14-year old who gets weekly pedicures and the amount of money she'd spent on her 'beauty' regimen would pay off some people's credid card debt.
We're already in the throes of girls with low self-esteem, trying to starve themselves to look like their favorite celebrities; so why start so young? Why not encourage your child to embrace her individuality and feel comfortable in her own skin?
Two years old. What's next, liposuction at six? Implants at 11? This is insane and starting to get out of control.
Use your heads, ladies! Kids need Moms, not wanna-be models/agents.
Toddler Hit A Milestone:)
His dad took the training wheels off his Elmo bike, and he's doing fairly well! By the end of the day, once we put some air in the back tire, he should have it mastered. Especially since the rain is supposed to arrive around 2 am. There's plenty of sunshine for him to practice today:)
Oven Parts Arrived!
It is already installed and working:) Saturday I'm making Herb-Roasted Chicken. The picture looks yummy, and I'll report back if it tastes as good as it looks!
Have a good day; I'm diving into my final edits on Ch 2.
I'm shaking my head over another news item. Remember a while back I posted about a new 'fad' among the not-yet-walking set, baby stilletto crib shoes? Well now it seems we are raising a generation of divas.
There are two year olds getting weekly manicures, pedicures, and facials.
You read that right; FACIALS!
My toddler is 5, and a boy, but his skin had no need of extra exfolliation 3 years ago, and neither did my daughter's at that age. 12, yes, but that's not the point here!
The main point of the story was, if you're going to encourage your small children to be 'beauty conscious', don't encourage it as a weekly basis, or 'entitlement' attitudes. Once a month; on special days, by all means have a 'Mommy and Me' day at the salon (if you can afford it...I used to let my daughter moisturize her skin and wear some light makeup before a preschool performance or party...and when I say light, I mean cherry lipgloss and Barbie perfume/eyeshadow.) or get 'glammed' up to go out for a meal or even a tea party. But please DON'T make it a weekly occurance?
They showed a 14-year old who gets weekly pedicures and the amount of money she'd spent on her 'beauty' regimen would pay off some people's credid card debt.
We're already in the throes of girls with low self-esteem, trying to starve themselves to look like their favorite celebrities; so why start so young? Why not encourage your child to embrace her individuality and feel comfortable in her own skin?
Two years old. What's next, liposuction at six? Implants at 11? This is insane and starting to get out of control.
Use your heads, ladies! Kids need Moms, not wanna-be models/agents.
Toddler Hit A Milestone:)
His dad took the training wheels off his Elmo bike, and he's doing fairly well! By the end of the day, once we put some air in the back tire, he should have it mastered. Especially since the rain is supposed to arrive around 2 am. There's plenty of sunshine for him to practice today:)
Oven Parts Arrived!
It is already installed and working:) Saturday I'm making Herb-Roasted Chicken. The picture looks yummy, and I'll report back if it tastes as good as it looks!
Have a good day; I'm diving into my final edits on Ch 2.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
J-4, Arbor U, Penitant Heart
Currently Reading: Still on Last Glass of Wine and The Tenth Circle.
Woo Hoo!
As you know, I've been following the CBS Morning Family Sing-Off, and the Peay Family and J-4 have been battling for the prize of a recording contract. I honestly didn't know who to vote for; last week the Peay (Pee-Ay) Family had the better singing voice, but the energy of J-4 I've loved this entire time. So ultimately I cast my vote for the younger kids.
After a wonderful collaborated performance of 'Dancing in the Streets', in which both families exchanged instruments, vocals, and even got the anchors in on the act, it was revealed that J-4, the kids from Tennessee (who's dad is a minister) won the recording contest! Go to www.CBS.com and see the performances for yourself, if it's up.
Arbor U
For anyone who listened to the interview on blog talk radio, and is confused by my unscripted ramblings about my series, I thought I would re-post the overall blurb of the series:
Romance is blossoming in the quiet university town of Arbordale, Indiana. Arbor University, a fictional college located in the southwest region of the state, plays host to a multitude of young people, all hoping to achieve a strong sense of identity and to assert their independence while away at school. It is also a time when young adults of various personalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and social upbringing are thrown together in diverse living conditions and are expected to adapt accordingly.
Set in the 1980’s, several young women encounter separate social problems and struggle to deal with the conflicts which erupt not only among each other, but within themselves. The Arbor University Tales chronicles the college lives of these friends as they fight for the men they love, hold onto their friendships, and keep their eyes on the future.
Books 1-6 take place around the dormitory of Emery Hall, an all-girls dorm. Amy Callahan and Caitlyn McCarthy share a single room, the traditional Resident Assistant's room. Down the hallway, Gretchen McLaren, Elicia Keller, Keri Patterson, and Stephanie Ridgeman have a suite. All of the rooms have private bathroom.
The men they fall in love with occupy various residences. Eric Timmons lives in Berkely Hall; Kyle Sampson and Lance Edwards live off-campus; Bryan Johnson attends the University of Illinois; and Matt Slagal is in the Air Force, stationed at George Air Force Base in southern California. However, he grew up across the river from Arbordale, in a tiny town called Brookview, Illinois.
In book #7, a new dormitory is added, Fayette-Giles. The campus is expanding, and as old friends graduate, new faces emerge to continue the saga.
This series shows how even good kids can make bad choices, and how those choices can affect relationships, shape characters, and even change their lives.
Elicia's and Amy's stories have been published; I'm still waiting to hear from another e-publisher concerning Keri's story. If it is rejected, then I'll keep submitting it until someone decides it's worth publishing. And then it will be Gretchen's, Caitlyn's, Stephanie's and Susan's turns...Who's Susan? You'll meet her in book #4, along with Lynne. I'm still working on #8.
So welcome to Arbordale; take a trip back in time to the mid-1980's. By the time the series is finished, who knows what year it will be? Book #13 takes place in 1993...#14 in 2003. I may fill in some blanks here and there! Visit my website http://www.mollydaniels.com/ and click on the 'About Us' page for more information. And if you see something you like, or think of a social problem I've not touched on, let me know!
Where was Jiminy Cricket when I Needed Him?
Nothing like a kick to the conscience to start the day...
My QT this morning touched on vengeance and WWJD. My Guidepost devotion spoke about how sometimes a bad attitude can get the better of even the most mild-mannered person, and how his conscience quietly reminded him that even though in the short run, he felt better, maybe he just continued the chain of vengeance. Basically, it was raining as he pulled into the grocery store for one item; he followed a red sports car into the parking lot and noticed two spaces. The guy in the sports car parked diagonally, taking up both. Fuming, the author circled around and found another spot, not quite so close.
He began pushing some stray carts toward the cart corral....and then realized the perfect spot to put them beside the sports car!
But later, he began to wonder if Sports Car was also in a hurry, and then took out his anger on another unsuspecting soul. See what I mean about a chain?
I don't consider myself vengeful either, but back in 2002, when I was rudely ousted from my concession duties (the incoming President and I did NOT see eye-to eye; let's leave it at that), anger took over and suddenly I was plotting how to bring down the new manager's success. And I took small satisfaction when other moms stood behind me and started bringing their own coolers to the games, so they didn't have to buy from the stand. I also took satisfaction when disgruntled coaches, visitors from other leagues, and the kids themselves complained about the changes she'd made.
But about halfway through the first tournament, it became abundantly clear that she did not have a clue about everything I had done behind the scenes to set up workers, properly clean the machine, and all the effort I put in to seeing the stand was well stocked. I'm proud to say we never had to close during the two tournaments we hosted under my watch; plenty of parents volunteered their time; a farmer even generously donated 100 ears of corn for 'roasting ears'.
I was urged by friends to let her take the fall. I had coaches pleading with me to work 'one more night; she didn't line up any workers. I wrestled with my own conscience of letting the kids down. So I agreed to help.
And the following week, all hell broke loose.
She called me, complaining of the amount of work that went into the stand, and how the coaches, league representatives weren't helping to round up volunteers, and how she was getting tired of being at the ball field every day. I quietly reminded her of the phone conversations she and I had had, asking her which days/shifts she'd mind working, and mentioned the hours I'd spent on the phone, lining up the volunteers. And also reminded her it was HER job to line up workers, not the coaches. She quickly ended the conversation.
I heard from angry coaches, saying she had closed up early and the kids were thirsty at the end of the games. I heard from disgruntled umpires, who missed my uncanny knack of knowing when to go around with the free water or whatever soft drinks they preferred while standing in the hot sun. They never had to send someone for a refill under my watch:)
And finally, the Boy's Rep and the President had a heated phone conversation over my being in the stand three nights in a row. The Boy's Rep won the argument.
But, the league lost their tournaments the following year over mis-management on ALL fronts.
I stifled the urge to say, 'I told you so'. But the following year, the President stepped down; the League Board and parents voted in new officers. My name was suggested, but since my kids had opted not to play that year, I declined the invitation to return.
And no, my kids opted not to play for reasons other than the league's treatment of me. K had discovered his Major League coach was more focused on winning, rather than having fun. And S decided, after finally getting hit with a line drive during her final game catcher duties, she didn't want to be involved with Kid-Pitch Minor League.
So next time vengeance takes ahold of you, stop and think: WWJD? Don't respond in anger; take a step back and look at the BIG PICTURE. You might be surprised what happens next.
Woo Hoo!
As you know, I've been following the CBS Morning Family Sing-Off, and the Peay Family and J-4 have been battling for the prize of a recording contract. I honestly didn't know who to vote for; last week the Peay (Pee-Ay) Family had the better singing voice, but the energy of J-4 I've loved this entire time. So ultimately I cast my vote for the younger kids.
After a wonderful collaborated performance of 'Dancing in the Streets', in which both families exchanged instruments, vocals, and even got the anchors in on the act, it was revealed that J-4, the kids from Tennessee (who's dad is a minister) won the recording contest! Go to www.CBS.com and see the performances for yourself, if it's up.
Arbor U
For anyone who listened to the interview on blog talk radio, and is confused by my unscripted ramblings about my series, I thought I would re-post the overall blurb of the series:
Romance is blossoming in the quiet university town of Arbordale, Indiana. Arbor University, a fictional college located in the southwest region of the state, plays host to a multitude of young people, all hoping to achieve a strong sense of identity and to assert their independence while away at school. It is also a time when young adults of various personalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and social upbringing are thrown together in diverse living conditions and are expected to adapt accordingly.
Set in the 1980’s, several young women encounter separate social problems and struggle to deal with the conflicts which erupt not only among each other, but within themselves. The Arbor University Tales chronicles the college lives of these friends as they fight for the men they love, hold onto their friendships, and keep their eyes on the future.
Books 1-6 take place around the dormitory of Emery Hall, an all-girls dorm. Amy Callahan and Caitlyn McCarthy share a single room, the traditional Resident Assistant's room. Down the hallway, Gretchen McLaren, Elicia Keller, Keri Patterson, and Stephanie Ridgeman have a suite. All of the rooms have private bathroom.
The men they fall in love with occupy various residences. Eric Timmons lives in Berkely Hall; Kyle Sampson and Lance Edwards live off-campus; Bryan Johnson attends the University of Illinois; and Matt Slagal is in the Air Force, stationed at George Air Force Base in southern California. However, he grew up across the river from Arbordale, in a tiny town called Brookview, Illinois.
In book #7, a new dormitory is added, Fayette-Giles. The campus is expanding, and as old friends graduate, new faces emerge to continue the saga.
This series shows how even good kids can make bad choices, and how those choices can affect relationships, shape characters, and even change their lives.
Elicia's and Amy's stories have been published; I'm still waiting to hear from another e-publisher concerning Keri's story. If it is rejected, then I'll keep submitting it until someone decides it's worth publishing. And then it will be Gretchen's, Caitlyn's, Stephanie's and Susan's turns...Who's Susan? You'll meet her in book #4, along with Lynne. I'm still working on #8.
So welcome to Arbordale; take a trip back in time to the mid-1980's. By the time the series is finished, who knows what year it will be? Book #13 takes place in 1993...#14 in 2003. I may fill in some blanks here and there! Visit my website http://www.mollydaniels.com/ and click on the 'About Us' page for more information. And if you see something you like, or think of a social problem I've not touched on, let me know!
Where was Jiminy Cricket when I Needed Him?
Nothing like a kick to the conscience to start the day...
My QT this morning touched on vengeance and WWJD. My Guidepost devotion spoke about how sometimes a bad attitude can get the better of even the most mild-mannered person, and how his conscience quietly reminded him that even though in the short run, he felt better, maybe he just continued the chain of vengeance. Basically, it was raining as he pulled into the grocery store for one item; he followed a red sports car into the parking lot and noticed two spaces. The guy in the sports car parked diagonally, taking up both. Fuming, the author circled around and found another spot, not quite so close.
He began pushing some stray carts toward the cart corral....and then realized the perfect spot to put them beside the sports car!
But later, he began to wonder if Sports Car was also in a hurry, and then took out his anger on another unsuspecting soul. See what I mean about a chain?
I don't consider myself vengeful either, but back in 2002, when I was rudely ousted from my concession duties (the incoming President and I did NOT see eye-to eye; let's leave it at that), anger took over and suddenly I was plotting how to bring down the new manager's success. And I took small satisfaction when other moms stood behind me and started bringing their own coolers to the games, so they didn't have to buy from the stand. I also took satisfaction when disgruntled coaches, visitors from other leagues, and the kids themselves complained about the changes she'd made.
But about halfway through the first tournament, it became abundantly clear that she did not have a clue about everything I had done behind the scenes to set up workers, properly clean the machine, and all the effort I put in to seeing the stand was well stocked. I'm proud to say we never had to close during the two tournaments we hosted under my watch; plenty of parents volunteered their time; a farmer even generously donated 100 ears of corn for 'roasting ears'.
I was urged by friends to let her take the fall. I had coaches pleading with me to work 'one more night; she didn't line up any workers. I wrestled with my own conscience of letting the kids down. So I agreed to help.
And the following week, all hell broke loose.
She called me, complaining of the amount of work that went into the stand, and how the coaches, league representatives weren't helping to round up volunteers, and how she was getting tired of being at the ball field every day. I quietly reminded her of the phone conversations she and I had had, asking her which days/shifts she'd mind working, and mentioned the hours I'd spent on the phone, lining up the volunteers. And also reminded her it was HER job to line up workers, not the coaches. She quickly ended the conversation.
I heard from angry coaches, saying she had closed up early and the kids were thirsty at the end of the games. I heard from disgruntled umpires, who missed my uncanny knack of knowing when to go around with the free water or whatever soft drinks they preferred while standing in the hot sun. They never had to send someone for a refill under my watch:)
And finally, the Boy's Rep and the President had a heated phone conversation over my being in the stand three nights in a row. The Boy's Rep won the argument.
But, the league lost their tournaments the following year over mis-management on ALL fronts.
I stifled the urge to say, 'I told you so'. But the following year, the President stepped down; the League Board and parents voted in new officers. My name was suggested, but since my kids had opted not to play that year, I declined the invitation to return.
And no, my kids opted not to play for reasons other than the league's treatment of me. K had discovered his Major League coach was more focused on winning, rather than having fun. And S decided, after finally getting hit with a line drive during her final game catcher duties, she didn't want to be involved with Kid-Pitch Minor League.
So next time vengeance takes ahold of you, stop and think: WWJD? Don't respond in anger; take a step back and look at the BIG PICTURE. You might be surprised what happens next.
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