Yesterday was insane. I left the house before 8, went to Kohl’s because I had nothing suitable for the wedding we went to yesterday. Bought 1 white blouse, 2 black blouses, a purple blouse and a bra for $70….after the senior citizen discount. The clerk swore it was a mistake, because there was an early bird special or something, where you’d get 10% off. I didn’t complain too much because I did get $11 off.

Then met critique partner and went to critique. We’d decided to finish at noon so I could get ready for the wedding, and 2 others had obligations. Soo…I call dh to see if he wants me to bring home lunch. He doesn’t answer. When I toss the phone aside, it bounces under the seat. He called me 3 times before I could pull over to get it. When I did pull over to get it, my knee pressed into the full unopened can of Diet Coke in the cup holder and it punctured, spraying Diet Coke all over the car.

Sigh. And no writing at all.

The wedding was actually really nice, though it took over an hour to get there, half the time over country roads. But it was here:

The Marquardt Ranch

Of course I got another idea for a story.

Good food, free drinks…very happy.

And now….this week.

Okay, wow, I need a clone.

1) Easter at Mom’s today
2) finish polishing partial of Texas and submit
3) get ready for workshop
4) edits on Surface
5) outline new version of Ghost Hunters for a possible anthology
6) blog at The Romance Studio
7) think about throwing myself a bday party this weekend
8) clean house
9) exercise???

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

The dh is off today, too. Poor guy never gets off. Monday, though, I have the place to myself. BWAHAHAHA!!!

Finished my edits on the short story and sent them back. Today, after breakfast, a trip to the grocery store and maybe Home Depot, it's all Texas story all day. The partial is 66 pages and I'm on page 16 or something. Well, I have to read something for critique, but then....

We had a faculty meeting after school yesterday, and #5 on the agenda was grade level assignments. The principal told us someone in each grade level, 1st through 4th, had complained about others in the grade level and so she had us all put our names in a basket and she said she was just going to randomly assign us a grade level. The campus was in an uproar. Who had complained? Why? Was it something I did? I was a little concerned because I haven't been eating with my grade level because I've been working on my workshop during lunch. She asked what her options were, what was she supposed to do, and everyone was too flummoxed to answer. We went onto the next item of the agenda, which was that we were having a fire drill next week and the fire dept. was coming out to see how we ran our fire drills, so the VP had us line up to go outside where our classes lined up. On the way, the young 4th grade teacher kept saying, "I SWEAR it wasn't me. I SWEAR," about being the one who complained.

When we got outside, there were Easter eggs all over the field! It was an Easter egg hunt for the TEACHERS. Inside most were candy, but some had slips of paper giving us early outs or extra time at lunch or Jean Day. I got chocolate but none of the cool prizes :( One teacher got at least 8 and another got 6! I was looking in the WRONG place. Still, pretty funny...she'd been joking about the grade level assignments because people were starting rumors about the purpose of the meeting, so she wanted to do something crazy. That was indeed crazy :)

Yesterday I stopped following 75 blogs. Not a typo. I still have over 300 posts stacked up in my reader, but wow. That was nice. And I stopped following about 10 people on Twitter.

I also only had three Diet Cokes all day. I came home and made flavored water and drank four glasses, which is why I'm up so early on my day off. Talk about an alarm clock.

And yesterday I forgot to mention the up part of my roller coaster day....a best selling author at Samhain asked me to be part of a paranormal anthology with her! Best part is, I think I can rework my ghost hunter book to fit! I'm very honored. We've pitched the idea to our editor, who liked it but isn't sure how to go about an anthology. So, cool!

THEN, tomorrow I have critique and a wedding. Sunday is supposed to be stormy and we're having Easter at my mom's in the country. Eek! What are you doing this weekend?

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Yesterday I came home to an envelope in the mail with an unfamiliar return address. I opened it to find an invitation to a baby shower. A friend from high school's DAUGHTER is having a baby. A friend who is 3 months YOUNGER than me is going to be a grandmother. Now, this girl moved out on her own right after graduation, married shortly thereafter, had a baby before she was 20. I remember wondering what she had to look forward to. And now, she's going to be a grandmother at 42! Now, my mom was a grandmother at 44, but she'd had me when she was 18. I didn't have the ds till I was 25. I threatened the ds that I am nowhere near ready to be a grandmother. No. Where. Near.

To recover from this shock, I went out to putter in the backyard. Time for a redesign, I think. Time to take advantage of the fact that I have no grass in half my yard. Will play more with this idea.

Also started wondering if I should have a birthday party for myself next weekend. Thing is, it would require cleaning and shopping and I have 2 sets of contracted edits to do, as well as prepare for the workshop next weekend and three critiques and polishing up the Texas book to submit.

I switched from Blockbuster back to Netflix. Looks like I may have the same problem with new releases there, but hey, it's $3 cheaper.

Today: start edits on short story, do 2 critiques, and 10 pages of polishing in Texas story.

And the word of the day is: GUH!

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Man, this waking up at 5:45 has got to stop. At least I don't have to make lunch today. Cindi gave me lunch yesterday :) I do have to actually get dressed, like, you know, dressed. Maybe this 4 day weekend will help me catch up on sleep.

I finished the new ending of the historical book last night, about 15 minutes before the laptop battery died. YAY! Need to finish working on my synopsis workshop and dive into revisions. I need to revise the short story and the first three chapters by the time I go back to work Tuesday.

I'm still plugging along on the audio book that I got because it's set in Alaska. I'm finally on disc 6 of 8 and they just got to Alaska. I've decided audio books can be dangerous, especially when you're driving and want to beat your head on the steering wheel because the heroine is such an idiot. Also listened to the first love scene yesterday. Boy, out of the blue, much?

I'm reading Smooth Talking Stranger (I know, update your sidebar, Mary) and it's wonderful, but I keep asking "WHY?" I'm hoping it will come to make sense by the end like Sugar Daddy did, because her writing's just amazing.

I bought 8 more books this week and 2 magazines. Time....I need more time!!!!

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

I've been working like mad to catch up on my goals, and I'm 1000 words behind. Then I've been working on my synopsis workshop (including writing sample synopses-ugh) and trying to make it not nearly as dry as it's turning out to be. I haven't started on the edits I got on Friday.

The other night the ds's girlfriend came over and brought a board game.



It was a lot of fun. It has trivia questions, but it also has a category where you have to perform and another where you have to do stunts (I had to balance my shoe on my head) and another that changes the rules (I had to say "Abracadabra" every time someone picked a card, then I had to speak in an Australian accent.)

One category has each player take a turn listing an item in a category, like, "70s Songs." We went for a long time on "Star Wars characters" and "Comic Book Characters." One that we stopped short on was "Movies Without Kisses." We were absolutely stumped. The gf mentioned "Scooby Doo," but I couldn't think of even one. Now I'm thinking war movies would have been the way to go. "Private Ryan," right?

What movies could you have named? Why would people WANT to watch movies without a kiss?

Going to try to finish either my book or my workshop tonight.....wish me luck!

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

The boy's girlfriend was over until 11:30. We ate dinner, played a fun game called Quelf, and talked a bunch. Wonderful evening.

Got no work done.

Now, I need to trust the Tivo to take care of my shows and I need to get busy.

1) get treats for class for Easter. Cascarones, maybe? Also for Cindi’s kids.
2) Edits on short story
3) Finish Texas, revise first 3 chapters, submit
4) Edits for Samhain book should arrive
5) SPN blog
6) Samhain blog
7) Work on synopsis workshop
8) Get ready for critique Saturday
9) Go to a wedding/get wedding gift (thank God for gift cards at HEB)

Man, I need to fit some exercise and housework in there. Wonder when???? At least a 4 day weekend is coming up.

Best. LOLCat. Ever.


see more Lolcats and funny pictures

I'm torn over the book I'm listening to. On one hand I hate the heroine beyond measure. On the other hand, I want to know what happens in the mystery. I'm 4 discs in out of 8. I guess I can listen another week to find out. I will show restraint and not through my iPod out the window.

I should finish Dark of Night today (because it's due) and will pick up Smooth Talking Stranger, which is waiting for me. Yay!

I want to hit Bath and Body and an independent bookstore, where the author of one of my class's favorite series of books is signing. I named my cat after Skippyjon Jones.



And I have this little doll.



TV this week:

LOST: A bit of a let-down after last week.

ER, very emotional. So good to see all the old characters. I loved that show, but couldn't watch after Mark died. And Abby got on my nerves.

Supernatural. Absolutely awesome. Best episode of an already amazing season. Funny, angsty, great new character in Chuck. Terrific writing.

Dollhouse: Pretty good, lots of shirtless Paul. What the heck was Mellie wearing? I had a dress like that in the 80s. Could it have had LESS color? I don't know where the show will go from here. Victor was funny.

I get no writing done on Friday night because Jane from Dear Author does Ravenous Romance Theater, where she reads a book from the publisher and tweets the unintentionally funny bits. Too entertaining.

Got my edits on the short story. Will be working on that today as well as my Texas book. I'm behind since Wednesday.

see more dog and puppy pictures

I can't believe it's April. 2 months until school's out! (I don't want to rush it this year because I hear next year's class will be a challenge!)

I was thinking I've been working on this novel for 5 months, but that's with 5 weeks off for revisions. Still, I'm on the home stretch. I should meet my submit-by-Easter goal.

Today's group picture day. Blargh. I never come out well in those, and if my kids are like I was, well, I still have my elementary school group pictures!

Good news-the car is fixed and only needs a couple of minor things before I can drive it again. I want to drive it during the summer, since she is a bit of a gas guzzler. Still, good to be mobile. I need to get to the bank today and deposit my tutoring check. (After paying for the car, every little bit helps!)

see more Lolcats and funny pictures




Even if you follow Grey's peripherally, you have to agree that this proposal was dead-on. 4 seasons of the courtship dance, much of it in an elevator, an intern and an attending, both needing to grow before they could find happiness. This one scene shows that growth, shows the history of the romance and why they're in the place they need to be for their HEA. I know, it's Grey's Anatomy and there's no guarantee of a happy ending, BUT for right now, I'm absolutely satisfied and kiss Shonda's feet for finding this perfect proposal.

I wish my pay-offs could be as satisfying. I guess the more the characters have to go through, the sweeter the pay-off. Thoughts? Can you think of another pay-off as satisfying?

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

I'm jittery and I know why but if I say here, I'm just going to jinx it as usual.

I got 10 pages written yesterday on my mental health day. Today I need to start working on the synopsis workshop. The kids are testing today (yes, again. Last one before the real test at the end of April) so I should at least be able to get an outline done.

The mechanic put all the needed parts in the Land Cruiser only to find out it needed another part, as well. Not only is it costing a whole paycheck, but we've been a week without it. Mom's given me a ride 3 times, not sure what I'll do tomorrow since she has to stay until 5. May just take my laptop, get someone to drop me off at her school and write while I wait.

I dropped off Quantum of Solace EARLY yesterday, before Blockbuster opened, thinking they'd ship my next DVD. Um, no. They're done after next week. Pah.

see more dog and puppy pictures


So Jeffrey Dean Morgan just found out he has a 4 year old son. And they say secret babies never happen in real life.



I've never written a secret baby story because I don't care to write about kids. I do like to write reunion stories (I've done 2 that I can think of) and best friends to lovers stories (written one, want to write another). What are some of your favorite hooks in romance?

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

I need some titles of some reunion romances. My Samhain blurb sheet wants comparative titles. I already used Elisabeth's Stolen Fury and HElen Brenna's Treasure for the archaeology aspects, so now I thought reunion.

Another busy week. I think I may take off Monday to catch up.

1) SPN Sisters blog
2) Read Trish’s ms, which so far is WONDERFUL
3) Start working on synopsis workshop
4) Order copies of books to sell after workshop
5) Work on Texas book. My goal was to finish by the end of Spring Break. Now my goal is to finish by Easter.
6) Finish reading Dark of Night because it’s due at the library and I can’t renew it.
7) Make dr. appts. for the boy and me
8) District assessment
9) Tutoring
10) Exercise
11) House-clean, that is

Probably shouldn’t make this list when I’m so tired. It’s very discouraging.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Why I want to be a vampire

I finally saw Twilight. I still don’t get the buzz. I mean, I liked the last half hour, when the bad guys came, but otherwise….I don’t get the excitement. Rescue fantasy, maybe? Not that I don’t have those, but…

I did decide I wouldn’t mind being a vampire. Living forever and not sleeping---do you know how many books I could get written?

Of course, I might want to do something other than write, but right now, I want to fantasize about limitless time.

I would have my Supernatural Sister blog done, and my blurb sheet for Surface done and turned in.

I would have finished, revised and submitted my historical.

I would have written another short story for TWRP.

I would have written the bodyguard story I plotted for Nano.

I would have finished my revisions on my vampire hunter story and my ghost hunter story.

I would be working on my new straight contemp idea. Because, you know, I’m just a vampire, not a machine :P

I would have time to exercise and read and clean (though maybe if I was a vampire I would be able to save money on going out to eat all the time and could hire someone to clean, right?) And if I didn’t eat, would I have to exercise? More time saving!

I could still work in the yard if I was a Twilight vamp because the only effect of being in the sunlight is sparkling.

So see? Really no drawbacks. Sad, though, that I need to turn to vampirism to manage my time!

I haven’t talked TV in WAY too long but I've been watching. A lot.

I am LOVING CASTLE. I love the sharp dialogue and writing. I love Nathan and the actress. I love the daughter, and her relationship to her dad. I love Castle’s screensaver- “You Should Be Writing.” I love how smart the characters are. Highly recommend.



I loved last week’s GREY’S ANATOMY, especially Derek’s storyline. I loved when Bailey sent Callie and the major to convince Derek to come back and they all ended up commiserating.



I loved last week’s Friday Night Lights, when Coach found Julie in bed with Matt. I cried right along with Tami as she and Julie had their conversation. I loved how Riggins stood between Lila and her dad when she moved out in a fit. I HOPE Buddy doesn’t kill himself, because that’s what it looked like he was getting ready to do.



I loved last week’s Supernatural. So many secrets revealed, so much damage done. Castiel won me over for sure.



I’ve watched Battlestar Galactica twice now, and while I loved the battle scenes and the wrap-up, but I had a ton of questions left when it was done. Not particularly satisfying when you have to go to the internet looking for answers.



I’m not sure what to make of Lost, Kings, Dollhouse (what a turnaround this last episode, though) or Heroes. 24 is pretty high-adrenaline.

Then there was the Nora movie last week. I loved it until the last 5 minutes. The bad guy was a dummy.



What have you been watching?

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Good luck to everyone who entered! It's a good thing I couldn't--we're testing today (district test) and I can't have my phone or computer on! I'd be going nuts! I expect to check email after school to see lots of good news!

Last night I slept all night, finally. Am worn out from terrible sleeping. I dreamed my dad and step-mom came to visit. I've been dreaming that a lot.

We watched Body of Lies last night. Blockbuster sent that though Twilight was first and they shipped it on Twilight's release day. Grumble. It was not enjoyable. I want Twilight, or Quantum of Solace or Bolt, but still the Tivo is exploding, so....may as well send it back and see what they send me next.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

I've been really enjoying Twitter. There are some great people to follow, depending on what you are looking for.

Editors
Heather Osborn
Buried Editor
Moonrat
Angela James
Malle Vallik

Publishers
Samhain

Agents
Jenny Bent
Lucienne Diver
Holly Root
Nadia Cornier
Elaine Spencer
Jody Meadows
Fairbank Literary
Daphne Unfeasible
Rachelle Gardner
Colleen Lindsay, who I'm convinced could be my new best friend.
Lit Soup
Knight Agency
Jenny Rappaport
Nathan Bransford
Janet Reid
Deidre Knight

Writers
Bonnie Ferguson
Tawny Weber
Roxanne St. Claire
Julia K. Moore
Amber Benson-Tara from Buffy!
Elizabeth Mahon
Elisabeth Naugton
Jill Shalvis
Gina Black

And a lot more....I just got tired of making links :) Sorry! If you're on Twitter, you can poach from my "follow" list.


Reviewers
Forever Romance
You Gotta Read Romance
Smart Bitches
Book Binge
Barbara Vey
Jane from Dear Author

Funny
This one encapsulates classic novels in 140 characters.
Dr, Wicked
Christopher Walken-not sure if it really is him, but very funny

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

The boy is home safe and sound, and brought me a Comedian t-shirt from the Virgin Store in NYC!

This week is busy at school, not busy at home. Good combination, IMO. I didn’t get nearly as far as I wanted with the historical last week because of the revisions on DLB. They’re back with the editor. I hope she likes them!

I did get some cleaning done yesterday, though, in between my edits. I will swear by the use of a timer-15 minutes to clean, 45 minutes to write, and I got a lot done and felt good about it.

1) A big push on the historical
2) Taxes. Seriously, this time.
3) Guest blog Tuesday and Thursday
4) Promote TWRP books Friday
5) Math benchmark on Wednesday, so lots of math teaching between now and then.
6) Tutoring Tuesday and Thursday
7) Field trip Friday (loooooovvvve field trips. Cough, cough.)
8) Exercise more than once a week
9) Clean house more than once a week so I’ll stop having nightmares about having a dirty house.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Wow, I've been chatty. I started this blog in May 2005, so that's a lot of posts in less than four years.

I'm debating whether or not to call in today. I left sub plans, and I have a TON of work to do here, but I never know if I'll need that day later in the year. We still have about 50 days left, and I only have 3 I can take off without having to pay. I usually budget myself one day a month, but remember last May, I got pneumonia.

I wish I'd gotten more done on the historical over the break. I was at a rough spot in the ms, so didn't push myself, and now I won't work on it until these revisions are done. I'm not quite half-way through. (The editor wants the ending changed, but she also mentioned I had a bunch of typos. So far I've found less than ten, and some of those are commas I didn't put in, so I'm wondering if there are more later. This will be the cleanest ms in the history of, well, me.) And I'm still waiting on the revisions for my other two contracted books. Maybe I should hold off there and just take an early out today instead. Oops, need to decide quickly!

I finished Toni's HER SANCTUARY last night. Very beautifully written, complex plot, hot cowboy :) Whew! I wonder if she's going to write more books with the same characters because Ryan needs a HEA. She's already built this cool world, so....(hint hint!)

I'm guest blogging at Mid-Willamette Valley about books made into movies and I blogged about last night's Supernatural episode at Supernatural Sisters. Spoilers everywhere, so beware!

The boy comes home tomorrow night. I didn't even talk to him yesterday because he was in class all day, then they went to a Broadway show. All the way home yesterday I was thinking he'd be here when I got home, and I had to keep reminding myself otherwise. The dh and I have been treating ourselves to dinner every night....spoiled!

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Working on revisions on DLB again for TWRP. Will someday be able to work on historical....too bad I like sleep. 5th grade testing today, so no computer, again.....no idea what I'm teaching other than math and more math.....zzzzzzzzz.

The boy goes to NYC today until Saturday night :( Will miss him!

Look what the UPS guy brought me yesterday!



The winning envelope:



The certificate:



Two people told me they read my book over break, and loved different things about it. Cool, huh?

Most excellent day :)