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I can’t even think of a name for this week. It’s getting busier, won’t die down for awhile.

1) Get through p. 200 in Hot Shot galleys. I’m so tired of reading this book.
2) Work on Vamp Hunters as I can – hopefully also get to p. 200.
3) Continue plotting Nano book. I have names now, at least. I need a new storyboard and a collage board.
4) Nudge editor with my short story – they said I’d hear something by the 20th
5) Go vote – early voting starts Monday. Of course I can’t find my voter’s registration card, but I might be able to vote with my license.
6) Make up Men in Black dance. I’d saved the last episode of Valentine because there were some neat dance moves at the end, but it got bumped from the Tivo. Blast the 40 hour limit!
7) Get ready for Halloween party. I want a suit so I can go as Sarah Palin.
8) Dinner with Mary Beth?
9) Grocery store and Michael’s
10) Keep up house

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I got this link this week and thought it was hilarious. I printed it out and took it to school and had to POINT OUT the main characters. Ahem. I posted it in the teacher's lounge and someone wrote, "Looks like Sarah Palin." :::headpalm::: And I was telling Trish one of the teachers repeatedly refers to McCain as McBain. She's not joking, either.

I woke up at 3 after having a nightmare that someone was pounding on the door, trying to get into the house. Scared the bejeebers out of me. In the dream, I was in my garage but it was my mom's house, and the closest phone was in the line of sight of the front door, and the ds and dh were asleep at the other end of the house. Anyway, I woke with my heart pounding.

Interestingly, my thoughts turned immediately to a book I started YEARS ago, that finalled in the Gotcha contest, even, but I never could figure out what happened next. Now I know what happens next! Very exciting, except I'm going through the galleys of Hot Shot (will this book EVER stop haunting me???) and revising Vampire Hunters (I've decided not to push myself to try to finish before Nano because that will merely hurt the story, and my brain.) So I will make good notes on this idea and put it in the queue!

We started practicing for the Halloween program at 2:20 yesterday, by the time all the teachers showed up. Gah. I still don't have a dance for Men in Black, and none of the kids wanted to be Munsters, so we dropped the dance. We only have 7 days to get ready.

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Loved SPN last night, but Dean would totally know who Mina and Harker were - he's a movie guy, isn't he? I've always loved the old monster movies, and this came at a good time. Called the "monster" and the bad guy, but that didn't ruin the fun.

I started listening to a new audio book yesterday and was ready to give it up, then the author introduced the heroine - ugly and "simple" and now I'm hooked. I need to know how this romance is going to work out. Has that ever happened to you?

I'm WAYYYYY behind on my goals, both the Hot Shot galleys and my Vamp Hunter pages. Need to get busy this weekend. But today I need to make up 3 dances for the school program.

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Going back to work yesterday was not as hard as I thought. Most people were just concerned about why I'd been out - they didn't know. A friend from another school had left me flowers, but thought MY mom had died. I emailed her school to tell her differently - I don't want her freaking out if she runs into my mom!

The kids missed me, but this week is district testing so we just hugged and went to work. It was SUCH a long day. They tested until 2:30! It's hard to keep them quiet so long!

Came home and Trish and I went to SARA, where she was our speaker. It was a really good, social meeting, and Trish's presentation on making settings come alive was great. I sold 4 more books.

We stopped at Freddy's Custard on the way home, then watched the debate, which we'd Tivoed. She's leaving this morning, so said she'd get up to say good-bye and so she could make the most of daylight. The sun doesn't rise till around 7:30, though....

It's been so much fun having her. I'm going to miss her! I wished she lived closer.

New Supernatural tonight!

WAS AMAZING!

We got to the store half an hour ahead of time, found Ellen Wulf, the CSM, who was wonderfully supportive. We got set up, then wandered around for about 15 minutes, then at like 5 minutes after 7.....wow.

Five teachers walked in - Cindi and Lucinda, Cindi's good friend Corrinna, my cooperating teacher Mrs. Tidwell and another teacher from my first school, Mrs. Gerarde, who used to do duty with me and listen to all the story ideas I had.

Then Martha Hix walked in, Martha Hix who is multipublished, who heard about my booksigning and HAD to come. Martha Hix who was in SARA when I started, who is just terrific and giving and awesome. She had Evelyn Rogers on the phone, and she apologized for not coming, but she thought it was Friday.

THEN the PHARMACIST I used to work with at Eckerds over TWENTY years ago came.

Then it was just a blur, JoAnn came and Joni and Patricia from SARA, Merrily who'd been SARA prez years back, Michele came and Linda, my cp, and Elise, who helped me brainstorm this book, and Kammy. I sold one book to someone I didn't know, but everyone else was a friend.

Here are pictures - share the excitement!

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I don't know if I mentioned I got the print galleys for Hot Shot Sunday, due Halloween. I'm trying really hard not to let my head explode!!!

Tonight's my first booksigning and I'm nervous. I dreamed that I went without my accoutrements, my tablecloth, my M&M firetruck, my magnets and my pens!!! I know at least 5 people are coming....I hope more. Trish, of course, is not nervous.

I don't know what to wear. I have a few options - a red knit top and black slacks, a black knit top and a black and white skirt, a knit shirt with Cupids on it.....decisions, decisions.

Yesterday, we took Trish to Gruene, ate, shopped a bit. We were on our way back when I got a call from one of my teacher friends asking where I was. I said "New Braunfels, where are you?" And she said, "Your street." They brought us dinner! So we booked home, then Cindi and her family came by, then we went to Borders (the boy had a coupon about to expire) and then ate. Good day, but tiring, and I had trouble getting the computer from the guys, so I'm behind on my writing goals. I don't see much writing today or tomorrow, either.

Tomorrow, pictures of the booksigning!

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My galleys for the print version of Hot Shot came yesterday, so I'll be working on galleys the rest of the month. At least it won't interfere with Nano.

I went to critique on Saturday to get my mind off everything and we plotted our books for NaNoWriMo. I sent 12 lines of what I had, no names, even, and walked away with pages of notes. One of my cps was just stunned that I could start with so little. But by the time we were done, I was itching to get out my Post-It notes and story board. I don't storyboard the whole thing, but I go as far as I go, just so I can "touch" and "see" the story. Once I do that, I may never look at it again, but I need to do that. It makes the story more three dimensional to me. I can't just write a synopsis and have everything just be on the computer, just flat. That's why I do a collage and a soundtrack and all that, so the story surrounds me.

I know I jotted his name down somewhere but I don't remember. Also, I need a visual for my heroine, a smart, gorgeous politician. Maybe Addison from Grey's....

How do you start a book?

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I came home from critique to 2 rejections from Medallion. Ouch. Need a new plan for STTA. I so love that book.

BUSY week but mostly in a good way.

1) Trish and my BOOKSIGNING on Tuesday evening.
2) SARA, where Trish is speaking
3) have fun with Trish
4) read through galleys of my Wayback book
5) get to cleaners, grocery store, library
6) continue with the business of dealing with Renea's estate
7) enjoy my family
8) district assessments for my kids
9) get music together for Halloween program, start practicing
10) keep up house

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Okay, maybe not CHEERINESS but not more maudlin talk.

I FINALLY read my July and August RWRs. Virginia Kantra had an excellent article in one of those about the steps of relationships in romance novels. I love Virginia anyhow, but this article really spoke to me.

There was another article about how to describe your voice. The article by Julie Rowe suggested you label your own voice. I don't know how to do this. She had these examples:

"Full of attitude, personality and imagery"

"A Marilyn Monroe kind of whisper. Throaty, sexy, luscious."

"Deeply emotional with a touch of humor."

Can you label your writing voice?

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As terrible as this week has been, we have been blessed by the people around us. I know it's expected that hospitals give good care, but we received exemplary care at Northeast Baptist Hospital.

My dh dealt with the ER personnel, but he said they were all excellent and compassionate.

Brandi, the little nurse who worked with my MIL Saturday night and called us Sunday morning, didn't want to leave her shift until she was sure my MIL was okay.

Judi, who was thoughtful and efficient and there in a blink when we called her.

Tony, who was so gentle with her.

The boy who took her down for her first CT, and let her feel useful by letting her carry her chart.

Cerina, who took her down for her CT Sunday morning, so sweet and patient.

Alfred (or Albert) who was the tech who helped with her upper GI Sunday, so patient and gentle.

Amanda, the speech pathologist, who was so upset that Renea went down so quickly.

The respiratory therapist who came in yesterday, and before she left told us, "God bless you."

The housekeeping ladies yesterday, the one who did the cleaning and the supervisor, who both told us the same thing, "God bless you."

The chaplains, who understood we needed to laugh a little and cry a little.

The lady in the administrative office who hugged me and brought me tissue when I went looking for the chaplains.

Dr. Mallott, who looked as upset as my husband when he told us she would go yesterday. I honestly thought he was going to cry.

The lady in the attendance office at my son's school, who squeezed my arm and wished us good luck.

You guys, who have emailed and called and sent me your phone numbers if I want to talk.

Chris Fletcher, who emailed me from Russia when she found out.

In my MIL's letter to my dh, she said people were rude and hateful. I hope this week changed her heart.

We lost her today at 1:45. I'm glad I'd stayed home, but I had to go get the boy, who'd gone to school, after the doctor told us she would pass today. Fred's sister made it too, coming into the room, just minutes before Renea took her last breath.

She didn't want a service or an obituary, but I wrote this about her a few years ago. Superheroine

We got some of her papers and she'd left a loving letter to my dh. She also had an interest in collecting coins and stamps that I didn't know about.

The next few days are going to be hard, but she's at peace. She doesn't have to fight anymore.

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ONly was at the hospital for half an hour yesterday. By the time we got there, she was tired, so she asked if we would mind leaving so she could sleep. Her bronchoscopy is this AM, so will know for sure today, and then decide the next step. She was very alert despite being tired, so I was happy when I left the hospital.

We were home by 7 and watched some Daily Show and even a bit of Supernatural before the debate. The boy got wrapped up in "In the Beginning" and almost forgot to switch the channel!

And I got some pages done.

I got some new denim skirts delivered from Chadwicks Monday and I wore one yesterday. It was nice having a pocket for my cell phone. I may wear another today, just to have pockets! None of my pants or skirts have pockets. I slept until the alarm, unusual, but I feel pretty good.

Oops, hear the dh's alarm, better go grab the bathroom while I can!

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She was doing better yesterday. They got her a nicotine patch, for one. But she was really quiet. The scary thing to me is that she's not hungry - this after eating everything they put in front of her over the weekend. She didn't even want the Tylenol crushed in ice cream, and she LOVES ice cream.

The dh was there from 7:30 till 6:30, when we went to Mom's to eat, then went back till about 8:30. We all watched Heroes together, which was awesome, and felt normal.

How fair is it that the ds has decided NOW that he is ready to drive? My muscles are already tense enough to snap and I have to ride shotgun!!!

I took my crochet to the hospital last night but couldn't remember how to start a granny square - how sad am I? But I can't stand to have my hands still.

My inbox is overflowing, and the little time we're home (walked in at 8 last night) I don't get the computer because it's the dh's way to relax and he sure needs it. He's off again today, but has to go in tomorrow, so I may take his duty. I can't do what he does, though. Anyway, thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers and I'll try to get to each of you. My cousin called last night the minute we walked in and all I wanted was a shower.

I did get the guest room cleaned up and closed the door so certain four-legged creatures couldn't get in. I walked down the hall later and the door was open and there was Napoleon on the bed. Yeesh. I guess I didn't close it well enough! Now if I could just get the boy to clean up after himself.

I need to go to the library and by the MIL's house to get her mail after school. And the cleaners. And I need to do laundry. At least Mom is making dinner.

Maybe I'll write a bit, it's good therapy.

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Sunday was bad. Very bad. My MIL is extremely disoriented so the hospital called us at 7 AM and my dh stayed most of the day. We managed to slip out for breakfast when she went to sleep but the hospital called in the middle and the dh went back while the ds drove me to the grocery store, then to the local political party headquarters for a yard sign (they were out). I said I need a shirt that says, "I survived the boy's first trip on the highway." I got some of the house clean in between visits and sleeping.

The dh has had maybe 8 hours of sleep all weekend, and is taking today off.

I need to tell my co-workers what's going on and wish I could just do it in one announcement so I don't have to say it over and over.

I have to say the dh is a true hero. If you could see how patient he is with his mom....it's just amazing.

Doesn't feel right to post a pic of Jared today. :(

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They're thinking my MIL has lung cancer, pretty advanced. We'll know more Monday, and we're still processing. There's a lot to be taken care of in either case. So far her spirits are pretty good, but that will change. She's already said she won't do chemo, and it might be pointless. So we're looking at care for her, whether here or hospice or what....I don't even know what questions to ask.

So my goals this week are different. What I GOTTA do, what I SHOULD do and what I WANNA do.

GOTTA

1) hospital every night (and avoid eating out) Be strong for the dh and ds.
2) clean the house. It's BAD and Trish will be here in a week.
3) color my hair. My roots are awful.
4) Write the play for school
5) go to library
6) go to grocery store
7) go by MIL's house and gather mail, etc.
8) make sure the dh contacts the rest of the MIL's family.

SHOULD

1) go to senior night at the boy's school
2) get ready for critique
3) work on Vamp Hunters
4) get a thank you gift for the B&N CRM

WANNA

1) enter Vamp Hunters in the Emily
2) get my eyebrows done

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I almost brought home Mama Cat from school. I thought someone had taken her but I saw her yesterday, but couldn't find her after school. :(

Then the crazy day got crazier. Instead of MIL coming for dinner, we took her to the ER because she waited till she was REALLY sick to decide to see the dr. ER on a Friday night. It wasn't too bad - they took her back right away and decided to admit her for her swollen throat and high blood pressure - but THAT took another 7 hours! Thank God for critiques and iPods and gel pens and RWR....then I was so cold I went to sit in the car and slept an hour and a half before the dh brought me home then went back. Poor dh. At least the boy spent the night at a friend's and we didn't have to worry.

Okay, I watched SPN last evening - my reactions as they happened. SPOILERS!!!!!!

Uh-oh, where’s Sammy going?

Woot – Castiel!!!

LOL, Tab. I loved Tab.

John doesn’t look too much like Papa. Where are the dimples? Right color eyes, though.

Yeah, Dean, it’s the 70s.

Love the wings in the open.

Woot – Castiel!

“Are you allergic to straight answers?”

A VW van? John, really? The Impala was only 6 years old at that point. $2200. Wow. Look how dirty she is.

Dean Van Halen – LOL!

“Are there any cattle mutilations in town?” LOLOL!

John is younger than Dean here, isn’t he?

WHAT is Dean driving? And why would Mary want John to buy a VW van?

“I’m going to hell – again.”

WHOA – Mary kicks butt! WHAT? No, no, I don’t think I like that she’s a hunter. I don’t think I like that at all. Has Kripke known this from the beginning?

“You’ve heard of him?”
“Clearly not enough.”

Samuel and Deanna. I like that. Will Dean tell Sam he was named after a woman??? I doubt it. Will he tell Sam any of this?

The family that slays together…..

“John Winchester, mixing it up with spirits? Can you imagine?”

Whoa – “He’s everything a hunter isn’t.” Poor John. He wanted a HEA.

Hey, Mary looks like Buffy.

“The very worst thing – for my children to be raised into this like I was. I won’t let it happen.” SOB!

“Promise me you won’t get out of bed.” SOB!!!!!!

Woot – Castiel!

Wait – so if Daniel had the gun that long, why didn’t he use it?

Hey, look, Sam is pinned against the wall and Jared’s not even there.

Damn, too late!

Huh – Grandpa believes Dean pretty quick, huh? Ohh…..I bet – DAMN! I was right! So glad this is on Tivo – gotta stop typing to bloop!

Grandpa is a creepy YED! Almost as creepy as John was in Devil’s Trap.

What? Wait. What about the psychic kids???? Here to choose the perfect parents – strong, pure, master race?

“So far she’s my favorite.”

“Demon blood is better than Ovaltine.”

I like Mary’s mom. NO!!!!

John doesn’t seem very sure of himself, does he? Kinda wimpy for an ex-Marine. So he never knew about her?

WHAT? John!!!

I want to watch every episode now – were the grandparents ever mentioned?

Ohhhh, no. No, no, no – 10 years! Mary, you dummy. NOT a good deal. What is WITH these Winchesters and deals?????

Ick – she had to kiss her daddy to seal it? YUCK.

How is she going to explain THAT to John?

So Mary could have taught John everything she knew but she died.

What was the point of Dean going back, then? He changed nothing.

Woot – Castiel!

Huh – destiny and destination have the same root word. I never noticed that before.

Uh-oh, Sammy’s outed. That’s why I figured Castiel was here.

Bummer, since I’m using Jared and he was only in the episode for one scene.

Hey, zombies! Cool!

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I've been up since 4:30, finished watching one of my Spanish Javier movies while working on Vamp Hunters, which I didn't work on at all yesterday. Once the dh got home, he took the computer, so I read through the rest of what I'd printed out. Guess what....I need to rewrite the ending.

Before school, I need to go get balloons for a science experiment, get my MIL's gift card (today's her bday and I'd rather do it now than later), take my mom to school.

Once at school, I need to do duty, copy the reading tests (want to bet the copier will be down?), finish grading, set up experiments, monitor recess, after school duty (last time till Feb).

When I come home I need to clean, get out Halloween before my MIL comes for dinner. I'm HOPING I don't have to cook, too, but we'll see.

This weekend, clean house, write the play for school, critique, the barbecue, work on Vamp Hunter. I think my head may pop off.

Apparently I like Jared in wife-beaters.

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With all the stuff happening on Wall Street and stuff going on in my family and work I'm going to have to act like a grown-up instead of hiding in my house and playing in my stories and watching movies and TV.

Speaking of, looks like Supernatural will be on at its regular time, but no Grey's Anatomy and no Office.

I'm one paragraph behind my daily goal, and I woke up late. 2 more days until I can sleep all I want.

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My new favorite look for Jared is a denim shirt. Oh. My. God. That last scene alone made "Yellow Fever" a keeper. I couldn't find "the" denim shirt but I found "a" denim shirt. I will be trolling the web for screen shots....

I NEED MY COMPUTER FIXED!!!! I can't stand not having it. I get up early so I don't have to share, but I can't always finish my goals in that time, and, okay, yes, I'm spoiled and I want my computer fixed! I got maybe 2 lines written last night. Gah. I'm so far behind in Vamp Hunters. Since I'm revising, I can't use the Alpha Smart, which I may have to resort to in Nano.

I was so happy last night - I got to wear my cozy pjs because it got down to the mid 40s. The kittehs were cozy, too, though Mama is still belligerent.

I need to get my suit so I can be Sarah Palin for the big Halloween bash this weekend. Not going to use her budget, though. If I get too lazy, I'll be the fat lady from the opera. I already have that costume, but it's a pain to wear. Yes, key to my Halloween costumes is comfort.

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I woke up in the middle of a dream about Javier :(

So I don't know how long this book is going to be. I know it needs to be 85,000 words for most places, but in case it isn't....where can it go? The vamps are bad guys, my hero is a hunter, so that leaves Nocturne out. Kensington? Dorchester? Who takes short paranormals? Last night, when I was reading through it between PHONE CALLS - so no NCIS or Mentalist for me - I found a place where I can start expanding, but don't know if it will be enough.

This is my favorite Jared picture EVER.