Jan 1985:
Over Christmas Break, my great-grandmother handed me a tiny zirconian ring and said she didn't want it. Since it perfectly fit my ring finger, I decided to wear it, even going so far as to tease Grandma..."Does this mean we're engaged?"
Arriving back on campus, I forgot I even had it on, since I'd worn it non-stop for a week. I reunited with my boyfriend of 3 months, TM, and my roommates. At dinner that night, an acquaintance stopped to ask about my Christmas. Since I'd also been given a beautiful gold watch, I held up my left hand. She sucked in her breath and nearly screamed congratulations, while holding my hand! I promptly corrected her, saying TM had NOT proposed, upon which he nearly choked, and my roommates nearly fell off their chairs from laughter!
Friend K was thrilled one of her old HS friends was now attending VU, and while we weren't exactly sure what to think of her, we accepted her into our group and decided to reserve judgment.
Later that month, TM and I seemed to drift apart. I had changed my major from Early Childhood Ed to Social Work, and was enjoying my classes. We no longer had the same lunch hour, so the only time we seemed to connect was after dinner. Which soon put a strain on our relationship, and by the end of the month, we were no longer seeing each other. I did form a tiny crush on his friend J, but it wasn't returned. To fill in my empty hours, I began writing.
*******
Present Day:
The temps are in the teens, and thankfully, all we have is snow flurries, nothing on the ground.
My eye surgery on my RIGHT eye on Wed went well, and next week the left eye will be done. Since the left one is the least cooperative, here's hoping all goes well.
Books Read This Week:
LOVED Seduced; High Stakes Seduction was okay, and now I'm enjoying Kilts and Kraken:)
Karaoke Songs:
Cry-Mandy Moore
How Do I Live-Leann Rimes
How You Remind Me-Nickleback
Hungry Eyes-Eric Carmen
And Still-Reba
Come back tomorrow for the SCP Anniversary Hop!
Friday, January 9, 2015
Monday, January 5, 2015
Starting 2015 With A Bang
Okay, maybe not so much a bang, but maybe a whimper of protest....
I haven't been exactly public about this, unless you're one of my Facebook friends. So bear with me.
Back in September, when I had my eyes checked, the pressure in my left eye was 'elevated'. I was told possibly 'Occular Hypertension' or simply a fluke, and told to get it rechecked in a month. I was happy with my new glasses, with the right eye 'improved' to 20/35, while the pesky left one needed trifocals.
October came, and pressure was slightly higher. Since the spouse had also seen the eye doctor, and had his eyes dilated, I refused the numbing drops for another test, since I'd never had them, and didn't know how I'd respond. I needed to drive him home, so was told to return at the end of November.
In November, the pressure was back to the original 'elevated' number, so was referred to the Eye Center for a full glaucoma work up. This was scheduled for Jan 15th, but when we discovered our local eye center did the same testing, I opted for a five minute drive, rather than an hour long one. Because, let's face it....in Indiana, you never know what's coming in winter. The roads could be clear, or we'd face driving in a foot or two of snow.
Dec 15th, I was rather traumatized by the test. After explaining my excessive phobia, the tech either was having a bad day, or no patience at 8:30 am for a skittery patient, and her compassion was a little low. I survived the four rounds of drops and the pressure test, though the spouse had to clamp my head to the machine so I wouldn't keep backing away. I still had trouble keeping my left eye open, so yes, this took several tries before she finally got a reading.
Then the doctor came in, and after examining my eyes, pronounced my eyes 'healthy', with 'just the start of early cateracts', which, given my age, is COMPLETELY normal. Then he dropped the bomb.
"I've got a laser treatment which can clear up your pressure problems."
I jolted. "Oh no."
His compassion evaporated. "Am I just wasting my time? If you're not going to accept treatment, I can walk out that door, or you can."
I protested that I'd been told for three months 'drops' would be all I needed.
"Do you want pain in your wallet or pain in your eyes? Laser will clear it up in no time."
The spouse compounded my fears by ganging up on me also by chiming in about me being a 'big baby'. And after we returned home, he laughed about me getting chewed out by the doctor.
I felt completely alone, humiliated, and as if the doctor had treated me like I was 3. In fact, as I type this, tears are still forming in my eyes, and this happened three WEEKS ago!
I was scheduled for a follow up pressure recheck today.
I was happy to note that a) my eyes cooperated for the numbing drops, b) both the tech and the doctor's compassion was back in full force, and c) the spouse did NOT need to come into the room with me, since he was again having another exam.
The one BAD note? Now my right eye has decided to join in the 'fun'. My pressure was now 26 in both eyes ('Normal' pressure is 20, so yeah, while not too bad, it's still 'elevated').
So now, instead of having the laser procedure on my left eye, I now have to have it on BOTH, This Wednesday, Jan 7th, is the one on my left eye, then the following week is when the right eye will be done.
Yes, I'm scared.
Yes, I WILL be taking a few shots of tequila to calm me down.
No, they can NOT sedate me or put me under for this.
I'm hoping that after the 1st one is done, I'll be fine to go with the 2nd one, like 'everyone' says. But still, keep me in your prayers?
I haven't been exactly public about this, unless you're one of my Facebook friends. So bear with me.
Back in September, when I had my eyes checked, the pressure in my left eye was 'elevated'. I was told possibly 'Occular Hypertension' or simply a fluke, and told to get it rechecked in a month. I was happy with my new glasses, with the right eye 'improved' to 20/35, while the pesky left one needed trifocals.
October came, and pressure was slightly higher. Since the spouse had also seen the eye doctor, and had his eyes dilated, I refused the numbing drops for another test, since I'd never had them, and didn't know how I'd respond. I needed to drive him home, so was told to return at the end of November.
In November, the pressure was back to the original 'elevated' number, so was referred to the Eye Center for a full glaucoma work up. This was scheduled for Jan 15th, but when we discovered our local eye center did the same testing, I opted for a five minute drive, rather than an hour long one. Because, let's face it....in Indiana, you never know what's coming in winter. The roads could be clear, or we'd face driving in a foot or two of snow.
Dec 15th, I was rather traumatized by the test. After explaining my excessive phobia, the tech either was having a bad day, or no patience at 8:30 am for a skittery patient, and her compassion was a little low. I survived the four rounds of drops and the pressure test, though the spouse had to clamp my head to the machine so I wouldn't keep backing away. I still had trouble keeping my left eye open, so yes, this took several tries before she finally got a reading.
Then the doctor came in, and after examining my eyes, pronounced my eyes 'healthy', with 'just the start of early cateracts', which, given my age, is COMPLETELY normal. Then he dropped the bomb.
"I've got a laser treatment which can clear up your pressure problems."
I jolted. "Oh no."
His compassion evaporated. "Am I just wasting my time? If you're not going to accept treatment, I can walk out that door, or you can."
I protested that I'd been told for three months 'drops' would be all I needed.
"Do you want pain in your wallet or pain in your eyes? Laser will clear it up in no time."
The spouse compounded my fears by ganging up on me also by chiming in about me being a 'big baby'. And after we returned home, he laughed about me getting chewed out by the doctor.
I felt completely alone, humiliated, and as if the doctor had treated me like I was 3. In fact, as I type this, tears are still forming in my eyes, and this happened three WEEKS ago!
I was scheduled for a follow up pressure recheck today.
I was happy to note that a) my eyes cooperated for the numbing drops, b) both the tech and the doctor's compassion was back in full force, and c) the spouse did NOT need to come into the room with me, since he was again having another exam.
The one BAD note? Now my right eye has decided to join in the 'fun'. My pressure was now 26 in both eyes ('Normal' pressure is 20, so yeah, while not too bad, it's still 'elevated').
So now, instead of having the laser procedure on my left eye, I now have to have it on BOTH, This Wednesday, Jan 7th, is the one on my left eye, then the following week is when the right eye will be done.
Yes, I'm scared.
Yes, I WILL be taking a few shots of tequila to calm me down.
No, they can NOT sedate me or put me under for this.
I'm hoping that after the 1st one is done, I'll be fine to go with the 2nd one, like 'everyone' says. But still, keep me in your prayers?
Friday, January 2, 2015
Flashback Friday: Catching Up and New Friend
Dec 2004:
I neglected to mention this incident from ten years ago. The kids and I flew to Ottowa, via Detroit, and when we arrived at the Detroit airport, we discovered our flight was delayed by several hours. I bought the kids some games, and tried to calculate when K and I would have to take our decongestants, since our ears always gave us trouble on the take off and landings. W was content to crawl around the waiting area, and took several 'walks' with his siblings as they explored our deserted area.
It's a good thing I paid attention to the loud speaker, for they announced our flight would be departing earlier from another gate. I gathered the kids and we hurried toward our designated area, to discover our flight was to depart in twenty minutes. K and I gulped our Sudaphed, then be boarded. Twenty minutes went by; they took us all off the plane, and thirty minutes later, reboarded us. We landed in Ottowa several hours later than expected, and baby W exploded his diaper. There were no bathrooms in the luggage area, and I discovered our luggage was missing.
While I filled out the forms and waited to clear Customs, all I could do was hope and pray my father was on the other side of the opaque glass, and there would be a bathroom.
When the kids and I were cleared, we were overjoyed to see my father! I hurried into the washroom and changed W's diaper. It had leaked through his clothing, and fortunately I'd packed an extra set. I threw his soiled onezie away, not wanting to haul it around, since I didn't know if we would have access to a washing machine. Dad loaded us into the van, and took us to the Holiday Inn.
Since we had no luggage, and all our Christmas gifts were packed in my suitcase, we went ahead and exchanged gifts. The kids and I were thrilled to receive new shirts, and even more thrilled when there were laundry facilities near our room.
Every day, I called the airline to check on our luggage, to no avail. We did go to the Mall one day and purchased some necessities, and my BIL even went to the drugstore for some personal hygiene items.
My sister had given me a gift certificate to a spa, and I spent a relaxing day getting my 1st massage, facial, manicure, and hair and makeup. Too bad I had no where to go for New Year's Eve!
My nephew D 'tormented' little W. D was walking. W would creep around the room, holding onto furniture or crawling, to reach a certain toy. Just when he was about to reach it, D would grab it and run to the other side of the room. W would get a frustrated expression on his face, then start the journey around the room again, even as the adults protested D;s actions.
The day we were to depart, the kids and I were dropped off at the airport. We checked in, waited two hours, only to be told our pilot had not shown up for work. Our flight was cancelled, and rescheduled for the next day. We were given hotel vouchers for another night.
I called the hotel and arranged for transportation back. While we were waiting, a clerk who had spoken to me two days before recognized me and asked if our luggage had ever been found. When I said no, he told me to sit tight a minute.
My sister arrived; I told her the situation. The clerk returned, dragging our luggage behind him! I was so happy, I kissed him:) We returned to the hotel and could finally pass out our gifts.
The following day, our flight was cancelled again. This time, we waited in line for two hours before arriving at the desk. The clerk first wanted to send us to La Guardia, then take a taxi to Kennedy, but looked at me with the three kids. "I'm guessing you won't want to do that." He rechecked, then put us on a Delta flight to Atlanta, with a 6 hour layover.
The kids and I arrived in Atlanta, and our flight kept changing concourses. I wasn't relying on the loud speaker; I fell into the habit of checking the departure board every hour. We finally arrived back in Indiana:)
Jan 1975:
I arrived back at school and discovered we had a new classmate. KB soon proved to be another 'smart' kid, and later that day, I discovered he rode my bus. He had two siblings, a brother who was two years behind us, and sister who was in kindergarten.
I mentioned I had a sister who would be going to kindergarten the following year, and suggested she come down to my house to meet her. I don't remember when it happened, but the two girls did meet, and became life-long friends. Since Kristin spent so much time at my house, everyone soon thought my mom had 3 girls:) To this day, I still consider her my 'other' sis:) Unfortunately, I regarded her older brother as a total jerk, and I think the feeling was mutual.
**********
Present Day:
I'm spending a few days with my mom, and am helping out around the house, baking cookies, doing laundry, and continuing the 'Great Declutter Project'. My sister is in the process of moving to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, for she's been offered a supervisory position. MDQ and ME are currently at my house, which is why I chose to 'run away' for a few days, lol!
I've also committed myself to a new project, slated to arrive next October. This now makes 3 projects for me; pray I can get everything accomplished!
I THINK karaoke is up here tomorrow. I'd like to sing the following songs:
ET -Katy Perry
Edge of 17-Stevie Nicks
Wanted Dead or Alive-Bon Jovi
Wishing everyone a Happy and Blessed New Year!
I neglected to mention this incident from ten years ago. The kids and I flew to Ottowa, via Detroit, and when we arrived at the Detroit airport, we discovered our flight was delayed by several hours. I bought the kids some games, and tried to calculate when K and I would have to take our decongestants, since our ears always gave us trouble on the take off and landings. W was content to crawl around the waiting area, and took several 'walks' with his siblings as they explored our deserted area.
It's a good thing I paid attention to the loud speaker, for they announced our flight would be departing earlier from another gate. I gathered the kids and we hurried toward our designated area, to discover our flight was to depart in twenty minutes. K and I gulped our Sudaphed, then be boarded. Twenty minutes went by; they took us all off the plane, and thirty minutes later, reboarded us. We landed in Ottowa several hours later than expected, and baby W exploded his diaper. There were no bathrooms in the luggage area, and I discovered our luggage was missing.
While I filled out the forms and waited to clear Customs, all I could do was hope and pray my father was on the other side of the opaque glass, and there would be a bathroom.
When the kids and I were cleared, we were overjoyed to see my father! I hurried into the washroom and changed W's diaper. It had leaked through his clothing, and fortunately I'd packed an extra set. I threw his soiled onezie away, not wanting to haul it around, since I didn't know if we would have access to a washing machine. Dad loaded us into the van, and took us to the Holiday Inn.
Since we had no luggage, and all our Christmas gifts were packed in my suitcase, we went ahead and exchanged gifts. The kids and I were thrilled to receive new shirts, and even more thrilled when there were laundry facilities near our room.
Every day, I called the airline to check on our luggage, to no avail. We did go to the Mall one day and purchased some necessities, and my BIL even went to the drugstore for some personal hygiene items.
My sister had given me a gift certificate to a spa, and I spent a relaxing day getting my 1st massage, facial, manicure, and hair and makeup. Too bad I had no where to go for New Year's Eve!
My nephew D 'tormented' little W. D was walking. W would creep around the room, holding onto furniture or crawling, to reach a certain toy. Just when he was about to reach it, D would grab it and run to the other side of the room. W would get a frustrated expression on his face, then start the journey around the room again, even as the adults protested D;s actions.
The day we were to depart, the kids and I were dropped off at the airport. We checked in, waited two hours, only to be told our pilot had not shown up for work. Our flight was cancelled, and rescheduled for the next day. We were given hotel vouchers for another night.
I called the hotel and arranged for transportation back. While we were waiting, a clerk who had spoken to me two days before recognized me and asked if our luggage had ever been found. When I said no, he told me to sit tight a minute.
My sister arrived; I told her the situation. The clerk returned, dragging our luggage behind him! I was so happy, I kissed him:) We returned to the hotel and could finally pass out our gifts.
The following day, our flight was cancelled again. This time, we waited in line for two hours before arriving at the desk. The clerk first wanted to send us to La Guardia, then take a taxi to Kennedy, but looked at me with the three kids. "I'm guessing you won't want to do that." He rechecked, then put us on a Delta flight to Atlanta, with a 6 hour layover.
The kids and I arrived in Atlanta, and our flight kept changing concourses. I wasn't relying on the loud speaker; I fell into the habit of checking the departure board every hour. We finally arrived back in Indiana:)
Jan 1975:
I arrived back at school and discovered we had a new classmate. KB soon proved to be another 'smart' kid, and later that day, I discovered he rode my bus. He had two siblings, a brother who was two years behind us, and sister who was in kindergarten.
I mentioned I had a sister who would be going to kindergarten the following year, and suggested she come down to my house to meet her. I don't remember when it happened, but the two girls did meet, and became life-long friends. Since Kristin spent so much time at my house, everyone soon thought my mom had 3 girls:) To this day, I still consider her my 'other' sis:) Unfortunately, I regarded her older brother as a total jerk, and I think the feeling was mutual.
**********
Present Day:
I'm spending a few days with my mom, and am helping out around the house, baking cookies, doing laundry, and continuing the 'Great Declutter Project'. My sister is in the process of moving to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, for she's been offered a supervisory position. MDQ and ME are currently at my house, which is why I chose to 'run away' for a few days, lol!
I've also committed myself to a new project, slated to arrive next October. This now makes 3 projects for me; pray I can get everything accomplished!
I THINK karaoke is up here tomorrow. I'd like to sing the following songs:
ET -Katy Perry
Edge of 17-Stevie Nicks
Wanted Dead or Alive-Bon Jovi
Wishing everyone a Happy and Blessed New Year!
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Happy New Year!
Last Year's Goals:
-Repair laptop Check:)
-Attend ONE (1) conference, be it RT NOLA, Lori's, or the one in Nashville, TN. :(
-Lose 10 lbs or more Check:) I've lost a total of 30 lbs since Sept 9, 2013:)
-Reach the 'HO' titles in karaoke Check:) I'm up to 'How Do I Live' by Leanne Rimes:)
-Publish at least two books this year, which means cleaning up NaNo 2013's wip and submitting it; finishing #8 or going onto #9. Write one or two more (either pen name) 50/50 on this one. Published one, wrote two:)
-Read 200 books Read half that many, due to having to 'share' my Kindle with spouse and youngling.
This Year I Resolve To:
-Finish writing/write NiKo's Choice and untitled Salie's story and publish both
-For NaNo, either write Renei's story or get back to work on AU #8 or 9
-Lose 10 more pounds
-Get out of this house
-Attend ONE conference (see last year's goal)
-Promote more
-Step up the blogging
-Reach the mid-to-end of the 'I' songs
Books Read Last Year: 102
Print: 35
E-Book: 68
DNF: 15
Karaoke Songs Added: 23 added to the 'Good' list:)
January Reading List:
Protector-Joanne Wadsworth DNF. Too confusing.
Seduced-Cari Marsi LOVED this! RR if you don't mind indiscriminate sex among rock stars. Can hardly wait to read the rest of this series!
High Stakes Seduction-Ami LeCoeur Not bad
Stephan (sample)-Hazel Gower Bleh. Glad I didn't buy it.
Al Clark (sample)-Jonathan G. Meyer Sample was interesting, but not so much I wanted to keep reading.
Kilts and Kraken-Cindy Spencer Pape LOVED this! DRR
Bed and Breakfast Man-Amanda Ward Enjoyed it:)
Slave- Sherri Hayes LOVED it! Couldn't put it down!
Winning His Wife- Sandra Sookoo Very enjoyable!
Need-Sherri Hayes Had to read it, then immediately buy the other two! LOVE this series!!!
Truth-SH Loved it!!
Trust-SH Excellent ending to this saga!
Baby Stetson-Nikki Lynn Barrett Loved this! DRR Want to read #2 now:)
The Billionaire Princess-Christina Tetreault DRR! Loved this! Need to get the 2nd one...
April Fool- Blanche Marriott
Wicked-Madison Scott
Triple D Ranch-Beverly Ovalle
Broken Pieces-Rachel Thompson
I Like 'Em Pretty Nawlins-Michael Mandrake
I Love It-Michael Mandrake
The Bull Rider and Bare Boycotter
Karaoke Songs:
And Still-Reba
Cry-Mandy Moore Bleh.
Breathe-Breaking Benjamin
Broken-Amy Lee/Seether
Broken-Lifehouse
Call To The Heart-Giuffria
According To You-Orianthe
Don't You Wanna Stay-Kelly Clarkson/Jason Aldean
The Climb-Miley Cyrus
Consider Me Gone-Reba
Hot Stuff-Donna Summer Slightly flat; doubtful I'll ever sing this again.
How Do I Live-Leann Rimes Did well:)
How You Remind Me-Nickleback- Bleh first time; think my brain short-circuited? Will try again.
Hungry Eyes-Eric Carmen DNH
(Trying to clear up some titles which were on list before finding current KJ)
Hurt So Bad-Linda Ronstat Bleh. Belongs in the 'what-the-hell-was-I-thinking-when-I-chose-this' file....
-Repair laptop Check:)
-Attend ONE (1) conference, be it RT NOLA, Lori's, or the one in Nashville, TN. :(
-Lose 10 lbs or more Check:) I've lost a total of 30 lbs since Sept 9, 2013:)
-Reach the 'HO' titles in karaoke Check:) I'm up to 'How Do I Live' by Leanne Rimes:)
-Publish at least two books this year, which means cleaning up NaNo 2013's wip and submitting it; finishing #8 or going onto #9. Write one or two more (either pen name) 50/50 on this one. Published one, wrote two:)
-Read 200 books Read half that many, due to having to 'share' my Kindle with spouse and youngling.
This Year I Resolve To:
-Finish writing/write NiKo's Choice and untitled Salie's story and publish both
-For NaNo, either write Renei's story or get back to work on AU #8 or 9
-Lose 10 more pounds
-Get out of this house
-Attend ONE conference (see last year's goal)
-Promote more
-Step up the blogging
-Reach the mid-to-end of the 'I' songs
Books Read Last Year: 102
Print: 35
E-Book: 68
DNF: 15
Karaoke Songs Added: 23 added to the 'Good' list:)
January Reading List:
Protector-Joanne Wadsworth DNF. Too confusing.
Seduced-Cari Marsi LOVED this! RR if you don't mind indiscriminate sex among rock stars. Can hardly wait to read the rest of this series!
High Stakes Seduction-Ami LeCoeur Not bad
Stephan (sample)-Hazel Gower Bleh. Glad I didn't buy it.
Al Clark (sample)-Jonathan G. Meyer Sample was interesting, but not so much I wanted to keep reading.
Kilts and Kraken-Cindy Spencer Pape LOVED this! DRR
Bed and Breakfast Man-Amanda Ward Enjoyed it:)
Slave- Sherri Hayes LOVED it! Couldn't put it down!
Winning His Wife- Sandra Sookoo Very enjoyable!
Need-Sherri Hayes Had to read it, then immediately buy the other two! LOVE this series!!!
Truth-SH Loved it!!
Trust-SH Excellent ending to this saga!
Baby Stetson-Nikki Lynn Barrett Loved this! DRR Want to read #2 now:)
The Billionaire Princess-Christina Tetreault DRR! Loved this! Need to get the 2nd one...
April Fool- Blanche Marriott
Wicked-Madison Scott
Triple D Ranch-Beverly Ovalle
Broken Pieces-Rachel Thompson
I Like 'Em Pretty Nawlins-Michael Mandrake
I Love It-Michael Mandrake
The Bull Rider and Bare Boycotter
Karaoke Songs:
And Still-Reba
Cry-Mandy Moore Bleh.
Breathe-Breaking Benjamin
Broken-Amy Lee/Seether
Broken-Lifehouse
Call To The Heart-Giuffria
According To You-Orianthe
Don't You Wanna Stay-Kelly Clarkson/Jason Aldean
The Climb-Miley Cyrus
Consider Me Gone-Reba
Hot Stuff-Donna Summer Slightly flat; doubtful I'll ever sing this again.
How Do I Live-Leann Rimes Did well:)
How You Remind Me-Nickleback- Bleh first time; think my brain short-circuited? Will try again.
Hungry Eyes-Eric Carmen DNH
(Trying to clear up some titles which were on list before finding current KJ)
Hurt So Bad-Linda Ronstat Bleh. Belongs in the 'what-the-hell-was-I-thinking-when-I-chose-this' file....
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
2014: A Look Back
What a year it has been! Hard to believe we're about to ring in a new one!
Jan: Started the 2014 off to a bang, when Endless Love was nominated and won 1st Runner Up in the LRC Annual Reader's Poll:) It was a huge honor to be nominated (my 1st!), and I was even more touched by the people who voted for me. Thank you all, so much!
This was also a transition month for us, as the spouse and I became full time caregivers to our 18 month old granddaughter, since our daughter began working the overnight shift at McDonalds.
Feb: After spending a few weeks cleaning up 'Star Crossed Lovers' and sending it off to a few beta readers, I sent it off for submission. Then sent off my laptop for repairs before the warranty ran out. Bronchitis claimed me again, plus I watched to Sochi Olympics and watched as Seattle Seahawks destroyed the Denver Bronchos in the Super Bowl. Peyton Manning showed up, but the rest of his team didn't....
I also broke down and got my 1st pedicure, painting my toenails a lovely shade of red:)
March: My youngling was complaining of being bullied, and when I asked the teacher about it, she hadn't noticed anything. I was getting increasingly irritated by the daily fight every morning to get W out of bed and to school, and seriously began looking into home schooling him. I met with two teachers from K12 and received encouraging results. I decided to apply and leave it in God's Hands.
I also spent a wonderful weekend in Madison, In, and doubled my sales from last year:) In 2015, the event is going to be held INDOORS, so definitely looking forward to a return trip! Spend the first half of Spring Break with my parents, then the honorary grandkids spent a week with us.
April: Our router died, and suddenly my laptop would NOT recognize it! The only way I could access the internet was to use the desk top. My publisher rejected SCL....said plot was 'flat' and 1st sex scene 'unimaginable'. Plus, this is when my publisher was being ripped to shreds by a disgruntled person on another forum, so I think I got caught in the 'see-we-don't-accept-just-any-wip'. I sent it off to Publisher #1. My Uncle Mac passed away, so spent the day before Easter in Mooresville, and catching up with cousins I'd not seen in over 15 years.
May: Had 2nd pedicure, this time spring green:) K and I went to the Indy 500, and was informed A and J were coming to spend 'a few weeks' with us. I knew that really meant the entire summer, and when friend M asked if I could watch her child, I hesitated, but agreed when she said it would only be a few hours each day. Still, I braced myself for a stressful summer.
Then K12 approved us for the following year, and I had mixed feelings over that. How was I going to write, school W, and take care of little A? D assured me he'd help out.
June: I grew increasingly irritated with the neighborhood kids, and jokingly complained I was now running Aunt Molly's Home for Wayward Kids or Whose Parents Worked or Didn't Work, But Didn't Provide Entertainment. Friend M and I went to see the Women of Duck Dynasty, and I spent a wonderful weekend at my JHS 30th Reunion. We'd also driven up for the day for Miss A's 2nd birthday lunch at O' Charley's. I also began to watch Star Trek: DS9 on NetFlix.
July: After not hearing anything from Publisher #1 about the status of my submission, and having a conversation with #3 about improving my manuscript, I decided to pull it from #1 and resubmit it to #3. It was accepted first by #3, then four hours later an acceptance arrived from #1! I emailed #1 and respectfully declined the offer.
After realizing having the honorary granddaughter around was a plus (she entertained the now 2 year old granddaughter), she and her brother moved back home and into their new apartment. MDQ had discovered a love of baking, and also kept us in cheesecake and pies. Unfortunately, our food bill had nearly doubled. My publisher also agreed to put AU #7, Love Weighs In, in print, so I might be eligible for an Author's Fair in Dec. My copies arrived, and I sent one off for submission.
Aug: My sister arrived for a week (her kids had been here for two, but due to the extra people in my house, we weren't able to come see them) and we met at my aunt's house first for a pool party, then celebrated Mom's birthday a week later at Red Lobster. Youngling's school supplies arrived, and we spent a week in orientation, then going through the lessons. Our morning struggles were over!
Edits arrived, along with a change of title. Star-Crossed Lovers became Heart's Last Chance:) I also attended the Watermelon Festival and discovered a 'plus' for being a regular at karaoke: Ernie not only gave me paper clips when I ran out, but supplied me with free sweet tea all day long, and cooked me lunch:) At the end of the month, I attended the Wine and Art Fair in Washington, and sold out of the print copies:)
I attended the MHS 30th Reunion, with mixed results. Some people were happy to see me, while others remained cool.
Sept: I spent a week with my mom, who'd been in the hospital with back pain, and decluttered the storage room and the top of her desk. Heart's Last Chance released, and I spent two weeks on a blog tour. We went roller skating with the K12 group in Evansville, and had a blast, though I was very disheartened to learn I'd lost my ability to skate. I also had my eyes checked and discovered the pressure was up in my left eye. I loved my new glasses:)
Oct: I was invited to be a part of the Indy Christmas Toy and Hobby show in November, so I decided not to do any more craft shows, in order to build up my inventory. I spent another five days with Mom, and this time W, A, and S came with me, which stressed me out more. We went to the pumpkin patch with the K12 group and everyone had a great time, including A! She went through the maze, played some of the games, and had a wonderful time. For Halloween, W was a Ninja, and A Sophia the 1st. Cold weather set in, so there was really no trick or treating. Recheck of my eyes revealed pressure was still up.
Nov: Spent yet another wonderful week with my mom, and reorganized her filing cabinet. Finished writing the 4th book in The Chosen, then got back to work on #2. I finished NaNoWriMo just barely over the word count minimum! Recheck of left eye revealed a slight increase, so was referred for a full glacouma work up.
Dec: G workup traumatized me, and I'm still too emotional to talk about it. Celebrated K's 23rd birthday with steaks, and I chose to have mine celebrated at Gilbert's. After T-day, I'd taken MDQ for a shopping spree at Maurice's, and the weekend of Dec 14th, the daughter and I went. Both girls got clothing, and I found new shirts, jeggings, and a pair of riding boots. Celebrated Christmas at home, then came back to my mom's to help out after her back surgery.
Come back tomorrow as I recap last year's goals and post my new ones! Also, take a look back as to the reading and karaoke lists:)
Have a Safe and Happy New Year!!!
Jan: Started the 2014 off to a bang, when Endless Love was nominated and won 1st Runner Up in the LRC Annual Reader's Poll:) It was a huge honor to be nominated (my 1st!), and I was even more touched by the people who voted for me. Thank you all, so much!
This was also a transition month for us, as the spouse and I became full time caregivers to our 18 month old granddaughter, since our daughter began working the overnight shift at McDonalds.
Feb: After spending a few weeks cleaning up 'Star Crossed Lovers' and sending it off to a few beta readers, I sent it off for submission. Then sent off my laptop for repairs before the warranty ran out. Bronchitis claimed me again, plus I watched to Sochi Olympics and watched as Seattle Seahawks destroyed the Denver Bronchos in the Super Bowl. Peyton Manning showed up, but the rest of his team didn't....
I also broke down and got my 1st pedicure, painting my toenails a lovely shade of red:)
March: My youngling was complaining of being bullied, and when I asked the teacher about it, she hadn't noticed anything. I was getting increasingly irritated by the daily fight every morning to get W out of bed and to school, and seriously began looking into home schooling him. I met with two teachers from K12 and received encouraging results. I decided to apply and leave it in God's Hands.
I also spent a wonderful weekend in Madison, In, and doubled my sales from last year:) In 2015, the event is going to be held INDOORS, so definitely looking forward to a return trip! Spend the first half of Spring Break with my parents, then the honorary grandkids spent a week with us.
April: Our router died, and suddenly my laptop would NOT recognize it! The only way I could access the internet was to use the desk top. My publisher rejected SCL....said plot was 'flat' and 1st sex scene 'unimaginable'. Plus, this is when my publisher was being ripped to shreds by a disgruntled person on another forum, so I think I got caught in the 'see-we-don't-accept-just-any-wip'. I sent it off to Publisher #1. My Uncle Mac passed away, so spent the day before Easter in Mooresville, and catching up with cousins I'd not seen in over 15 years.
May: Had 2nd pedicure, this time spring green:) K and I went to the Indy 500, and was informed A and J were coming to spend 'a few weeks' with us. I knew that really meant the entire summer, and when friend M asked if I could watch her child, I hesitated, but agreed when she said it would only be a few hours each day. Still, I braced myself for a stressful summer.
Then K12 approved us for the following year, and I had mixed feelings over that. How was I going to write, school W, and take care of little A? D assured me he'd help out.
June: I grew increasingly irritated with the neighborhood kids, and jokingly complained I was now running Aunt Molly's Home for Wayward Kids or Whose Parents Worked or Didn't Work, But Didn't Provide Entertainment. Friend M and I went to see the Women of Duck Dynasty, and I spent a wonderful weekend at my JHS 30th Reunion. We'd also driven up for the day for Miss A's 2nd birthday lunch at O' Charley's. I also began to watch Star Trek: DS9 on NetFlix.
July: After not hearing anything from Publisher #1 about the status of my submission, and having a conversation with #3 about improving my manuscript, I decided to pull it from #1 and resubmit it to #3. It was accepted first by #3, then four hours later an acceptance arrived from #1! I emailed #1 and respectfully declined the offer.
After realizing having the honorary granddaughter around was a plus (she entertained the now 2 year old granddaughter), she and her brother moved back home and into their new apartment. MDQ had discovered a love of baking, and also kept us in cheesecake and pies. Unfortunately, our food bill had nearly doubled. My publisher also agreed to put AU #7, Love Weighs In, in print, so I might be eligible for an Author's Fair in Dec. My copies arrived, and I sent one off for submission.
Aug: My sister arrived for a week (her kids had been here for two, but due to the extra people in my house, we weren't able to come see them) and we met at my aunt's house first for a pool party, then celebrated Mom's birthday a week later at Red Lobster. Youngling's school supplies arrived, and we spent a week in orientation, then going through the lessons. Our morning struggles were over!
Edits arrived, along with a change of title. Star-Crossed Lovers became Heart's Last Chance:) I also attended the Watermelon Festival and discovered a 'plus' for being a regular at karaoke: Ernie not only gave me paper clips when I ran out, but supplied me with free sweet tea all day long, and cooked me lunch:) At the end of the month, I attended the Wine and Art Fair in Washington, and sold out of the print copies:)
I attended the MHS 30th Reunion, with mixed results. Some people were happy to see me, while others remained cool.
Sept: I spent a week with my mom, who'd been in the hospital with back pain, and decluttered the storage room and the top of her desk. Heart's Last Chance released, and I spent two weeks on a blog tour. We went roller skating with the K12 group in Evansville, and had a blast, though I was very disheartened to learn I'd lost my ability to skate. I also had my eyes checked and discovered the pressure was up in my left eye. I loved my new glasses:)
Oct: I was invited to be a part of the Indy Christmas Toy and Hobby show in November, so I decided not to do any more craft shows, in order to build up my inventory. I spent another five days with Mom, and this time W, A, and S came with me, which stressed me out more. We went to the pumpkin patch with the K12 group and everyone had a great time, including A! She went through the maze, played some of the games, and had a wonderful time. For Halloween, W was a Ninja, and A Sophia the 1st. Cold weather set in, so there was really no trick or treating. Recheck of my eyes revealed pressure was still up.
Nov: Spent yet another wonderful week with my mom, and reorganized her filing cabinet. Finished writing the 4th book in The Chosen, then got back to work on #2. I finished NaNoWriMo just barely over the word count minimum! Recheck of left eye revealed a slight increase, so was referred for a full glacouma work up.
Dec: G workup traumatized me, and I'm still too emotional to talk about it. Celebrated K's 23rd birthday with steaks, and I chose to have mine celebrated at Gilbert's. After T-day, I'd taken MDQ for a shopping spree at Maurice's, and the weekend of Dec 14th, the daughter and I went. Both girls got clothing, and I found new shirts, jeggings, and a pair of riding boots. Celebrated Christmas at home, then came back to my mom's to help out after her back surgery.
Come back tomorrow as I recap last year's goals and post my new ones! Also, take a look back as to the reading and karaoke lists:)
Have a Safe and Happy New Year!!!
Friday, December 26, 2014
Stuff Your Kindle Blog Hop
Merry Christmas and welcome to the 1st annual Stuff-Your-Kindle Blog Hop:)
What is it, you ask?
It's where you 'hop' from blog to blog, leaving comments, and at the end of the week, you might be the lucky recipient of a book or two:) Sound good?
Where do you start? You're here, aren't you? Oh, you mean where do you go from here? A good place to go is over to the SCP Blog, where you're sure to find the rest of the links.
If you're not familiar with my books, my Arbor University series is caught in its own little sub-genre. It takes place in the 1980 (historical); deals with college-age women as they deal with Life, Love, and each other (Women's Fiction/Mainstream); while it's too descriptive for Young Adult, there are themes which fit it, as well as New Adult, but not explicit enough for Erotic.
Confused yet?
Why not take a chance and see if you like it?
For a chance at my favorite, Forbidden Love, tell me your favorite Christmas Carol. I'll pick a winner on Monday.
Blurb:
Meet Keri Patterson, a sophomore at Arbor University, pursuing an Auto Technology career in the middle 1980s. The college is located in the fictional town of Arbordale, Indiana, and Keri’s dream is to one day be a part of an Indy car racing team. Along the way, she meets and falls for an older man, Kyle Sampson, who happens to be going through a divorce. With the innocence of her first love, Keri tries to balance her ambition to be the first female member of a racing pit crew and her awakening femininity. Will Keri and Kyle’s romance survive the hairpin twists and turns, or is disaster looming?
Kyle is not without problems of his own. He wasn’t expecting to meet the girl of his dreams so quickly, before the ink is even dry on the divorce petition. Trying to keep the two facets of his life separate, he discovers there is a fine line between love and hate, as well as deception and protection. But life doesn’t always get wrapped up in neat packages. Sometimes it blows up in your face.
Excerpt:
"Your body is a special gift that you can only give once," she said. "A lot of guys think it's fun to teach the joys of sex, others don't care. It sounds like Kyle's the caring type, isn't he?"
"Yes," Keri perched on the end of Gretchen’s bed.
"You're lucky. My first one was a rotten experience. But also," she cautioned. "There may be someone out there who's your soul mate, one who'll be happy you waited for him."
"Yeah, but Kyle feels right."
"So do a lot of other things that are bad for you," Gretchen pointed out. "Go with your gut feelings. Don't compromise yourself in any way, and don't do anything until you feel ready."
"I hadn’t thought of that. So it’s sort of like the advice we heard in Health class, if you have to ask if you’re ready, you’re really not? Thanks!"
"Any time."
Remember, let me know your favorite Christmas Carol and leave me your contact info in the comments. I'll pick a winner on Monday!
Friday, December 19, 2014
Flashback Friday: Green Christmas:)
Dec 1994:
Grandma G wasn't expected to live much longer, so we packed up Christmas and took it to Florida. My parents put us up in the resort around the corner from Grandma's complex, and I'll admit, it was stressful for me. I had a spouse who griped about everything, even when I tried to show him some of my favorite places.
"Why do you like this place? You don't eat seafood!"
"God, would you LOOK at these prices!"
"Will your sister please shut UP for one second and quit harping at everyone?"
We took one day and drove to Bradenton to see my Great Uncle Mac and his wife, Carol. We enjoyed the drive and the visit, though I was still on edge about the SU's attitude, but he and Uncle M got along fine.
Another issue I had was getting my presents back into suitcases. Mom had to let me use one of Grandma's.
We'd celebrated my 29th birthday somewhere; I don't really remember.
Next Month: Emergency Trip Back To Florida
*********
Present Day:
Happy birthday to me:)
I have a treat for you: For the past two weeks, I've been posting small excerpts on Facebook, both on Molly and Kenzie's pages. Leave me a comment with the answer to this question:
Wild At Heart is set in two states. Which two?
BONUS: Name the university where Gretchen, Amy, Stephanie, Lynn, Susan, Caitlyn,and Keri graduate from.
BONUS #2: What's the name of Tricia's cafe?
Yes, I'm in the mood to award some gifts. For your choice of a free pdf, answer the question(s) and leave me your contact info, so I can award the winner in the morning.
Have a great day!
Karaoke Songs:
Where The Streets Have No Name (U2)
I Will Be (Leona Lewis)
Pride (U2) OR Sweet Child Of Mine (Guns-n-Roses)
All About the Bass (Meaghan Trainor) OR Separate Ways (Journey)
If I Close My Eyes Forever (Ozzy/Lita Ford)
Broken (Amy Lee/Seether)
You and I-Lady Gaga
Don't Deserve You (Plumb) OR Let It Go (Frozen)
I'm hoping Mark will let me sing more than once per hour!
Grandma G wasn't expected to live much longer, so we packed up Christmas and took it to Florida. My parents put us up in the resort around the corner from Grandma's complex, and I'll admit, it was stressful for me. I had a spouse who griped about everything, even when I tried to show him some of my favorite places.
"Why do you like this place? You don't eat seafood!"
"God, would you LOOK at these prices!"
"Will your sister please shut UP for one second and quit harping at everyone?"
We took one day and drove to Bradenton to see my Great Uncle Mac and his wife, Carol. We enjoyed the drive and the visit, though I was still on edge about the SU's attitude, but he and Uncle M got along fine.
Another issue I had was getting my presents back into suitcases. Mom had to let me use one of Grandma's.
We'd celebrated my 29th birthday somewhere; I don't really remember.
Next Month: Emergency Trip Back To Florida
*********
Present Day:
Happy birthday to me:)
I have a treat for you: For the past two weeks, I've been posting small excerpts on Facebook, both on Molly and Kenzie's pages. Leave me a comment with the answer to this question:
Wild At Heart is set in two states. Which two?
BONUS: Name the university where Gretchen, Amy, Stephanie, Lynn, Susan, Caitlyn,and Keri graduate from.
BONUS #2: What's the name of Tricia's cafe?
Yes, I'm in the mood to award some gifts. For your choice of a free pdf, answer the question(s) and leave me your contact info, so I can award the winner in the morning.
Have a great day!
Karaoke Songs:
Where The Streets Have No Name (U2)
I Will Be (Leona Lewis)
Pride (U2) OR Sweet Child Of Mine (Guns-n-Roses)
All About the Bass (Meaghan Trainor) OR Separate Ways (Journey)
If I Close My Eyes Forever (Ozzy/Lita Ford)
Broken (Amy Lee/Seether)
You and I-Lady Gaga
Don't Deserve You (Plumb) OR Let It Go (Frozen)
I'm hoping Mark will let me sing more than once per hour!
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