Priorities

Hello all!  Today is our meeting/event/(insert whatever you want).  Unfortunately, I will not be there.  See you next time!

One member of a group I'm a part of is really starting to irritate me.

Don't get me wrong; I completely understand things come up; illness happens.

But EVERY TIME???????

Esp when this person is the ORGANIZER???

*shakes head*

When I became a published author, I decided the only way I was ever going to be successful was to do what I can to get my books in people's hands.  Even getting pregnant didn't slow me down (much, ha ha!)

Case in Point:  Baby #3 was born the following March; I think I skipped most of the festivals I'd done the previous year, but for one, I set up his pack-n-play under my canopy and took him with me, and had my spouse help out.  Fortunately, he wasn't working that weekend and my two older kids helped out also.

Even though I had to cut back on some of the self-promotion after that, I still made an effort to do at least 2-3 shows a year. Joined my 1st writers group in 2005 or 6.  When we moved, yeah, the writing took a back seat, but as soon as I could the following summer, I found places to promote my work, esp since Book #2 was getting ready to release.  And by then, I had better internet, and learned the art of networking with other authors, which in turn led me to writing a new genre and attracting a publisher's eye.  

Networking led me to other opportunities:  Author Fairs, Conventions,and in one case, being a vendor at my beloved Indpls Christmas Gift and Hobby Show.  For YEARS while we were in Indpls, I'd wanted to attend it, but money was always tight, and my spouse had no desire to go (Home Show, yes, but Christmas?  Forget it..).

I guess what I'm trying to say is, I don't understand some people's priorities. When I left our local hospital vendor fair on Thurs, the organizer of that event, who is related to the person I'm talking about, informed me of 3 birthday parties today.  Okay, enjoy.  It never crossed my mind that my colleague would go to the parties instead of the event we have today, because THIS PERSON ORGANIZED THE EVENT!!!

When you are planning an event, don't you look at the date and say, 'oh, so-and-so's birthday is that day...let's pick another day.'  Or maybe the birthdays fall during the week and the parents decided today would be good.  I get it; my son and I are celebrating together on the 14th this month (his is the 8th, mine's the 19th).   I also seriously considered not performing in our Christmas Cantata when I discovered it would fall on K's birthday, but he's 33 and hey, he could come see his mama perform, and we'll celebrate afterward!  I signed up.

And we dealt with it by making other plans.

I missed a dear friend's funeral because I'd committed to a book signing.  I had managed to see him before he passed, and since he was pretty much my #1 supporter back then, I had no regrets.

I did have to cancel one event after my dad passed away, but that was because I was now my mother's caregiver, and there was no way I was hauling her 3 hours south.  Even as I was planning 2020, I consulted with Mom (before she made the decision to move into assisted living), and arranged for handicapped accessible hotel rooms, and made sure I would possibly have extra help with her.  

Covid ended up resulting in me cancelling a lot of those plans, plus Mom chose to move to an assisted-living facility, meaning I could return home and resume my Evening Job.)

But I digress.  When I was organizing my book tour, I only had to actively back out on one, and that was due to transportation issues.  I've never made it back to that venue, and the person who ended up royally pissed off at me eventually got over it.

But again, this happens consistently EVERY MONTH.

I guess our priorities are different.

December Goals

Why did October drag and November flew by?  It's already Dec 2nd and I'm nowhere near ready for Christmas!

 -Lose 5 lbs (start: 243)

-Do well at ICGAHS Sold 45!  Tied with 2021 as best show sales:)

-Buy BP machine

-Finish Heart Song Not quite, but getting closer!

-Add words to new fairy story Check....

-Finish watching 2.5 Men Check!  11/16!

-Buy tix to Beautiful Noise (May) Mom is refusing to go, so this might be tabled...used the earmarked funds to pay for Peoria and Saluki Con.

-Pay for Peoria and Saluki Con Check:)

Books Read:  1

            Print:  1

        E-book:  0

             DNF: 0

Karaoke Songs Added:  2

2024 Events:

December 4-5th:  GSH Vendor Fair Sold 7:)

December 7th:  KCPL Author Fair, 10-2pm Sold 5:)  (Still need paid for 2)

2025 Events:

Feb 15-16th:  Saluki Con, Carbondale, Il ($80 Pd 12/2)

March 22nd:  SI Con, Benton, Il

July 20-22nd:  Imaginarium, Louisville, Ky (Pd 9/12)

Sept 19-20th:  Cil-Con, Effingham, Il ($60 Pd 12/29)

Sept 27th:  Book Nook Book Fair, Peoria, Il ($75 Pd 12/27)

2026 Events:

April 11th:  Dreaming Dirty In Michigan (Pd $60; still owe $120)

December Goals:

-Lose 5 lbs

-Buy BP machine

-Finish Heart Song

-Do well at GSH Vendor Fair Sold 7:)  5 Wed, 2 Thurs

-Do well at KCPL Author Fair Sold 5:)

-Buy Beautiful Noise tix??

-Have fun at TSO Concert Check!  OMG...SO GOOD!  GREAT time with Erica and Sara!

-Have enjoyable Christmas Check:)  Had X-mas on 24th with kids, then quiet day on 25th.

-Make another payment to Dreaming in Michigan

-Start chipping away at med bills

-Fix MBA Almost done!  Just have to replace trim, paint vanity, and figure out where to put everything back, lol!

-Cut carpet out of S's room

-Upload digital copies to Patreon ...

-Convert 2 VHS to DVD ($44) 

-Read more in evenings

December Reading Schedule:

Memories of Moscow-Harold Lipman 12/2:  Am on Ch 40

Becoming-Michelle Obama RR!  I remembered much about 2009-16 and have to admire her tenacity and ambition. Still doesn't change the way I feel about his presidency, though I have to admit I was wrong about a few things.

A Royal Duty-Paul Burrell DRR!  Esp fans of Diana....there was SO much misinformation out there....but here is an insider's view into her life.

Wildwood Creek-Lisa Wingate RR....the only thing stopping me from the 'D' is I was disappointed in the ending.  I wanted to see how the two stories were going to eventually come together, and Allie be related to Bonnie, but no.

Unfortunately Yours-Tessa Bailey DRR!  After reading it, wondered when certain words had entered the mainstream books; I love her sex scenes; they're so FRESH! And this one had dirty bedroom talk, which I can't remember reading in another book.  Very well done!

Redemption of the Duke-Gayle Callen DRR!  Wonderful story and not at all 'typical'. There's a bit of a mystery that kept me guessing:)

Voyager-Diana Gabaldon Spend two days speed-reading this book, once I realized it had been on my bedside table for an ENTIRE YEAR.  I remember seeing the ending on TV, but OMG....the twists and turns that ultimately ended them from Scotland to France to Jamaica to finally Georgia!  Again, these books are almost too long.  But I read them b/c I can no longer watch, and some of the dialogue is HYSTERICAL!  I especially LOVE when Jamie discovers Fergus and Marsalie are hand-fasted!!

Stitched With Love-Cathy Marie Hake, et al DNF I like Christian Romance, but this was just not holding my attention.  Maybe again at a later date.

A Wild Yearning-Penelope Williamson DNF Again, this just was not holding my attention.  It began wandering after Ch 6.

Life In Lumber: Y6, W40

 Day 157: Snow, 20s

Began snowing as I arrived; took over for Kem and was steady for an hour. Did the prelim duties, and the place really slowed down. Swept, fronted soda, and pulled trash at 7:30.  Loader Con watched the register while I took a pit stop and emptied the coffee carafe. Final customer was around 8:15. At 9, ASM Ian brought in the concrete while Loader Con took the hopper. Kait cleaned me out (HC Kay had called in), then returned items to Tools, Millwork, Plumbing, Flooring, Appliances, and Seasonal. Clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  Green floral tee, black vest, dark jeggings, blue f/l gloves.

Day 158: Cold, 20s

Boring shift.  Found out ASM Alex is in hospital with heart issues. We were short-staffed, so once again, I did not get my lunch. Loader Con watched the register while I took a pit stop.  Was proud of Loader Jax; he answered a Code 50, in which the customer needed 10 bags of 50 lb concrete, and he didn't whine about it!

Outfit:  Maroon 'It's the most wonderful time....allegedly" tee, white turtle, new dark jeggings

Off the next 5 days, due to the GSH Vendor fair Wed-Thurs; baking Fri; Author Fair Sat; Cantata performance Sun.

Life In Lumber: Y6; W39

 Day 154: Cool, mid 50s

Arrived and took over for Ivee. Did the prelim duties, then had a 30 min 'rush'. Fronted soda, did my AP4Me and LU. Began sweeping at 6; mucked the mats. HC Kay sent me to break at 7:15 and when I returned, pulled trash and sanitized the coffee bar and registers. Locked the doors at 8:55; Loader Charles brought in the concrete and took my trash to the hopper. Returned items to Plumbing, Tools, and Closets. Clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  Lavander sweater, black vest, faded jeggings, thin gold hoops

My eval says:  "Meets expectations; demonstrates solid performance while receiving some support and direction from others; Contributes toward a culture of winning through the core behavior and values; Consistently demonstrates core behaviors by fostering a sense of urgency toward CS; Remaining focused on results even in the face of obstacles; takes initiative to fix problems; sharing POV openly (*eye roll*  REALLY?); Making an effort to develop and apply new knowledge and skills."

"(I) Have done very well independently working the lumber dept in the evenings. She is very friendly and does well at completing her nightly duties and critical thinking (*eye roll*). She meets expectations, but could improve on LTR (likely to recommend-wait, WHAT?) and credit scores going into the new year."  (yeah, cause nearly everyone in my dept already HAS a Pro account or the MLR CC!  Some of my regulars either don't want at CC or don't qualify for one.)

Off tomorrow for choir practice, then off Wed for T-day prep, and off T-day:)

Day 155:  Black Fri, Cold, 30s

Arrived at 3 to find a full house:)  Brought 2 doz cookies in of choc chip and oatmeal-raisin, and 6 choc chips were confiscated before I even got to the training room!  Discovered Mgmt had ordered pizza, so had one slice of cheese and 1 sausage before clocking in. Halle and I were busy until 5, then H went to break. Wasn't slammed; just steady. I went to break at 5:40 and ate 4 slices of sausage. Spilled the sweet tea, so had to clean it up before clocking back in. Halle did the soda count while I handled the customers, then she left at 8. Swept, pulled trash, had Marilyn clean out the coffee pots. M stayed down from 8:30 on; she handled the customers while I finished sweeping and sanitizing the coffee bar. Loader Joe brought in the concrete; Loader Con took the trash. Clocked out at 9:20.

Outfit:  Santa shirt with the bell sleeves; black l/s tee, dark jeggings, Santa hat bells, antler headband

Day 156:  Rare Sun Cold, 30s

Arrived and hopped on #2 to help with the line, then began bringing in the carts off the sidewalk. Marilyn took a break; was fairly steady. Kait returned, and she and I brought in the carts. At 4:30, I took a pit stop and ended up helping someone in Plumbing. Kait took her break at 5, and when she returned, I took my 15. Mgmt had brought in Jimmy John's, so ate the equivelent of one sandwich. Returned and did soda count. Kait left at 6; I did the prelim duties and discovered someone had made coffee. HC Austin cleaned it out for me after bringing me the cart of soda. Pulled trash at 6:30; put away the soda; had a 'rush' at 7:30. Final customer left at 8. Locked the doors; pushed the carts to their respective aisles; Loader Con brought in the cull cart and the concrete, and took the hopper. HC Austin cleaned me out; returned items to Plumbing, Tools, and Aisle 10. Put up my vest and clocked out at 8:20.

Outfit:  Hot Cocoa sweatshirt, white turtleneck, dark jeggings, snowflakes.

Life In Lumber: Y6, W38

 Day 151: High 60s

Arrived and took over for Kem. Began the prelim duties, but was busy. Around 5:30, ASM Shannon swapped me with Kim, and told me to go zone the sidestacks in Aisle 1 and around the back. At first I thought I'd done something wrong, or it was because I didn't have a voice, but it turned out Corporate was there and wanted everything zoned.  Turned out I was the only cashier who knew how to do it. Zoned until nearly 8, then started to do my AP4Me in the training room, then was called back to Lumber. Finished my AP4Me and my LU, then pulled trash, sanitized the coffee bar, and fronted the soda again. Had to ring up two large orders (both had 3 carts!) at closing. Locked the doors; ASM Ian brought in the concrete; I took the trash to the hopper and after HC Kay cleaned me out, returned items to Plumbing, Electrical, Tools, and Lights. Put up my vest and clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  Black V-neck tunic, new dark jeggings, blue sapphire hoops

Day 152: Cooler, low 60s

Arrived and took over for Kem, and the first two customers, it was 'pick on Molly' time, ha ha, due to my voice still being squeaky. The rush ended and was able to do the prelim duties and my LU. Was steady through 6pm, when I swept the area and mucked the mats. Marilyn sent me to lunch at 7:30. When I returned, pulled trash, sanitized the registers, and zoned the screw displays. After locking the doors, took the trash to the hopper, the coffee down to clean out the pot and returned items to Fashion Bath and Tools. Put up my vest. and clocked out at 9:30/

Outfit:  Gray V-neck tee, faded jeggings, blue sapphire hoops

Off tomorrow to go to Lafayette, and Thurs for choir practice.

Day 153: Rare Sun

Arrived and took over for Marilyn, and was instantly busy. Kaity took a break, and when she returned, we were both busy. Kait left at 4; Ivree returned for an hour, then went up front.  I did get a chance to do the prelim duties and my LU. Things slowed down around 6:30, so I swept the area. Pulled trash at 7 and realized I'd not been given my break.  Oops....had Loader Charles watch the register while I took a quick pit stop. Sanitized the coffee bar and counters. Locked the doors at 8; Loader Charles took the trash and brought in the concrete. HC Morgan cleaned me out. Returned items to Tools and Hardware, and put up my vest. Clocked out at 8:30.

Outfit:  Blue Colts jersey, black l/s tee, faded jeggings, small gold textured hoops

Life In Lumber: Y6, W37

 Day 147:  Cooler, windy, 50s

Arrived and took over for Kem, then was busy for an hour. Helped Pro Kath with a large order, then observed ASM Chris B on #2.  At one point, Pro K was on another register and I hopped on #3 to help with the line until the customer at #1 was able to complete his purchase:) Was busy until 6, when Katie came down to send me to break. Returned and was moderately busy, then did the prelim duties and swept the area. Pulled trash at 8, and had another 'rush', then sanitized the coffee bar, mucked #1's mat, and locked the doors at 9. Loader Con brought in the concrete and took the trash. HC Austin cleaned me out; I put up my vest and clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  Red turtleneck, new faded jeggings (found hole beside pocket), silver diamond danglies

Day 148: Rain, 50s

Arrived at 2:30, due to Kem having an appointment at 3:15. Was fairly steady for a while, then things dropped off. Printed off my paycheck stub and did my LU. Marilyn sent me to break at 4, and when I returned, took back a few things to Plumbing. M left at 5, so did the prelim duties. Dawson sent me to lunch at 6 and when I returned, swept the entire area, mucked the mats, sanitized the coffee bar, registers, and the top of the coolers. Final customer left at 8:30. Loader Joe brought in the concrete at 9; I locked the doors; he took the trash. After HC Austin cleaned me out, returned an item to Aisle 10 and put up my vest. Clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  Brown gauze, black vest, new dark jeggings, sea horses

Day 149: Cool, 50s

Arrived and was instantly busy.  Had taken ASM Alex his cookies (see last month), then discovered SM Jeff had been fired for either the way the store was performing or too many HR reports?  I also heard that either ASM Alex or Scott Ch were being tapped to take over.  Did get the prelim duties accomplished, then had another rush. Kohl arrived to send me to lunch, and when I returned, had another rush. Pulled trash and began sweeping,but was constantly busy.  Did get my LU done. Loader Vince took the trash; Loader Joe brought in the concrete.  Clocked out at 9:30 after taking items back to Plumbing and Tools.

D wrecked out our bathroom floor!  Brent came over, got the plumbing items; I had Loader Joe log in so I could pay for it.  Bathroom will be completely finished next week:)

Voice began getting gravely.  Ugh.

Outfit:  White tunic, yellow plaid vest, new dark jeggings, blue sapphire hoops

Day 150:  Rare Sat Cool, 50s

Arrived and took over for Robin. Was busy at first, then was able to do my LU and the prelim duties, then was busy until 6:30, when Kait sent me to break. Returned and was busy until 8, when the crowd died down. Swept the area, sanitized the coffee bar and the counters, pulled trash. Think I had maybe 4 customers that last hour. Loader Charles took the trash and brought in the concrete; I locked the doors. HC Austin cleaned me out, then I put up my vest and clocked out at 9:30. Bought a faucet, pink tape measure, and 2 tees.

Outfit:  Purdue sweatshirt, new dark jeggings, small gold hoops

Off tomorrow!  Hoping my voice returns....

November Goals

 It's November already???  How did I do in Oct?

-Lose 5 pounds (243)

-Clean out storage

-Do well at First Friday Art Walk Sold 3:)

-Get clean bill of health Oct 8th Check:)  Note To Self:  Don't skip thyroid meds until after next blood draw early Dec

-Have an enjoyable MHS Reunion Check!

-Do well at Pumpkin Stroll/Pop Up Creative Market Sold 1 and ran out of candy and prizes within the 1st hour.

-Add words to Heart Song Check!  Have reached Ch. 8!

-Watch SE 10 of 2.5 Men Check!  Now on SE11 10/26:  Now on SE12!

-Watch SE 1 of Love Boat Still watching...

-Watch BB26 Check!  Chelsie won; Makensy 2nd!

-Watch L&O: SVU Watched 1st 4 episodes

-Order 10 more Mandela Effect I THINK I did this???

-Work enough hours to continue paying off CC and med bills Working on it...

Books Read:  11

            Print:  6

        E-book:  5

             DNF: 2

Karaoke Songs Added:  5

2024 Events:

November 1:  First Friday Art Walk Cold; zero sales

November 6-9th:  Indpls Christmas Gift And Hobby Show Sold 43, bartered 2!  Total:  45!

                             Wed:  5

                            Thurs:  10

                             Fri:  10

                             Sat:  4

December 4-5th:  GSH Vendor Fair

December 6th:  Kris Kringle Market (weather permitting)

December 7th:  KCPL Author Fair, 10-2pm

2025 Events:

Feb 15-16th:  Saluki Con, Il

July 20-22nd:  Imaginarium, Louisville, Ky (Pd 9/12)

Sept 27th:  Book Nook Book Fair, Peoria, Il ($75)

2026 Events:

April 11th:  Dreaming Dirty In Michigan Pd $60; still owe $120

November Goals:

-Lose 5 lbs (start: 243)

-Do well at ICGAHS Sold 45!  Tied with 2021 as best show sales:)

-Buy BP machine

-Finish Heart Song

-Add words to new fairy story

-Finish watching 2.5 Men Check!  11/16!

-Buy tix to Beautiful Noise (May)

-Pay for Peoria and Saluki Con Check and Check!

-Make another payment to Dreaming in Michigan

-Start chipping away at med bills

-Enjoy Thanksgiving Check:)

-Fix MBA In Progress....

-Cut carpet out of S's room

-Upload digital copies to Patreon ...

-Convert 2 VHS to DVD ($44) 

-Read more in evenings

November Reading Schedule:

Memories of Moscow-Harold Lipman

A Fantastic Ride-Bob Rohrman DRR!  Esp for any Lafayette native, or who knew Bob

Becoming-Michelle Obama

A Royal Duty-Paul Burrell

Redemption of the Duke-Gayle Callen

Wildwood Creek-Lisa Wingate

Stitched With Love-Cathy Marie Hake, et al

A Wild Yearning-Penelope Williamson

The Husband List-Janet Evanovich

Delusion In Death-JD Robb

New York To Dallas-JD Robb

Special Circumstances-Sheldon Siegel

Split Second-Catherine Coulter

Romancing Miss Bronte-Juliet Gael

Live Wire-Lora Leigh

A Tree Grows In Brooklyn-Betty Smith

Shores-Tiare H Johnston

Older But Wilder-Elfie Leland Wilder

Killers of the Flower Moon-David Graham

Burr-Gore Vidal

Sex and Vanity-Kevin Kwan

The Neopolitan Sisters-Margo Candela

I Am Sheffrou-Cami Michaels

Letters To Matthew-Amy Leigh McCorkle

Get Jiro-Anthony Bourdain

All Hail The Queen of the Freaks-T Harriman

The Vermin Sleep-James M Watjen

Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes- Alexa Martin

Ms Demeanor-Elinor Lipton

Before We Were Wicked-Eric Jerome Dickey

Spare-Prince Harry

Down the Rabbit Hole of Narcissism-Natalie Mosely Klenotic

Loving Out Loud-Michael DeCamp

When My Heart Speaks-Steven Petty

Women of the Bible Speak-Shannon Bream

The Choice-Anne Greene (misplaced??)

Louise Penney book

A Quiet Strength-Janette Oke

Valley of the Shaman-Arlen Andrews

Joyful Poems For Children-James Whitcomb Riley

I Heard God Laugh-Matthew Kelly

Life Is Messy-Matthew Kelly

Franklin and Eleanor

-44

E-book:

Royal-Emily Silver

Closer Home-Kerry Anne King

Pine Grove Sampler-Jean Joachim

Meet Me In Fantasyland-Mary Martinez

Secret Identity-Ava Cuvey, et al

The Scottish Play-Phoebe Alexander

Fisher Of Men-Phoebe Alexander

Help Me Remember-Corinne Michaels (Want to get)

Karaoke Songs:

11/7:  Out of town

11/14

The Longest Time-Billy Joel Ugh...too low

Shout-Tears For Fears Slightly better, but again, too low

I'm Trying-Rachael Bawn DNH

Remember Me This Way-Jordan Hill Nailed it:)

Show Me The Way-Styx Did well:)

Lonely Night-Captain and Tenille Nailed it:)

B got new gig in E'ville, so will have to find a new place....:(