I'm A Winner!

Well, I thought about just pasting the blog I did at Writer's Blogck, but I figured you might read both places and that would be boring...grin. so, here it is! I did it! And, I did it way before the deadline, which is the most exciting part for me.

I hit 50,565 mid afternoon, and still have a way to go to finish the story, which is my hubbies definition of finished. grin.

So, anyway, we're going out tonight to celebrate. If you want to read the first chapter of this record breaking book, LOL, you can read it at my website. Have a good one!

Christmas Giveaway!

Well, I decided to take a break, since I've reached the 45,600 mark! Yeah!! lol

One of my fellow bloggers is having a giveaway on her site, so I decided I wanted in. She's giving a way a portable DVD player. Go check it out here.

Anyway, the funeral yesterday was hard, because the children were emotional and that always makes me emotional... It also made me miss my mom. It's been a hard day for everyone. So...back to writing.

Snow!

We got snow last night! It was so much fun! I was really glad I didn't have to drive in it, it didn't start snowing until after I left work. But, apparently it snowed again during the night, because our driveway has a nice light layer on it. My kids can't wait until it's deep enough to sled...I guess we'll see if that happens. I'm not holding my breath this year.

I forgot to let you know how the Nano is going! I'm at 40,600 words, so I'm really close, just lots of words yet to go. so, off to typing before work. We have a funeral today, so my hubby is off work, and I just don't much done while he's home, I'd rather be with him, you know?

Have a good one!

Time of Day??

I thought it was time for something silly. This cracked me up, because I think it's the other way around. I'm the sunset -- SET not sunrise!! Oh well, such is life.

You Are Sunrise

You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life. You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary. You are a person of reflection and meditation. You start and end every day by looking inward. Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy. You're often cooking for friends or buying them gifts. All in all, you know how to love life for what it is - not for how it should be.

What Time Of Day Are You?

Thanksgiving Was Wonderful

Mine was wonderful, how was yours? I didn't get much writing done over the weekend though, so I'm going to be very busy this week. sigh.

We did the Friday shopping thing, but it really wasn't bad by the time we got out there, which was after 8 am...We stopped at three places, got what we wanted, and were done. That's my kind of shopping. My hubby is a sweetheart and waits in line for me while I shop. We met a lady that said her hubby agreed to be their driver as long as they kept him supplied with coffee. I thought that was cool...and a story in the making.

We dragged some of the Christmas stuff out and I got several rooms cleaned, but nothing really put up yet. My hubby hates this time of year. He feels there is too much commercialism, it reminds him that he doesn't make enough to support us (in his eyes) and he just hates it. So...I try to do as much as possible without him so he doesn't feel a drain. I'm not sure if it helps or not...

Anyway, oldest son forgot backpack at home so I get to go to work early and take it to him since his sister wouldn't get up and take it for me. At least there's only two days left with the dog issue...I still can't believe he agreed to that one.

Anyway, Less than a month till Christmas everyone -- do you know where your heart is?

Word count as of this morning, 37,200.

Dysfunctional? So ARe We - But I'm Still thankfull!

Interesting enough to me, but all the new holiday movies are about dysfunctional families. I find that somewhat sad. I mean, while it is true that most families in modern society are broken homes, meaning that one or both of the parents have been divorced once and or sometimes twice, there are still those that are solid.

My parents never divorced, my husbands parents never divorced, and we have informed our children that it's not in the forseable future that we would divorce. (we actually had them ask that question once when their friends parents were getting divorced.) We have tried to teach our children solid values, good work ethics and manners.

Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the norm anymore. Isn't that a sad thing? Wasn't a happy home with a mom that cares about her kids and the dad working to support them the thing we were all aiming for?

Well, I will continue to watch the good old favorites. I love The Christmas Story and It's a Wonderful Life. We love A Christmas Carol, especially the one with George C. Scott.

I guess while I know that not everyone can have a happy family, that those of us who do could possibly share that with others, and so that more people can know what to reach for. I think the holiday season is a time that we should all do more service, work in a soup kitchen perhaps, or volunteer somewhere else.

Service brings us closer to joy, and it also lets our children see that they do have it better than most, even if they don't have all the little toys their friends do.

We try to pick one or two families in our area that might be struggling to do something for during the Christmas season. Since Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and we are getting short on time, I've been asking the kids to think of who we can serve this year, and what we can do for them.

Today I ponder all the blessings I've had in my life.

That I could land on my feet with my wonderful parents to guide me the latter part of my teen years totally amazes me. Then, that I could find and marry such a wonderful man who loves me and treats me like a queen. I'm thankful that I was blessed with 7 children, despite the fact that I want to sell them to the black market most days...grin. I'm extremely thankful for the country in which I live, that gives me the freedom to worship how I may, and say what I want and do what I want. Where I have opportunities every day to grow and improve, and have a blog like this.

I'm also very thankful for friends who support me and give me kind words. Thanks to all of you, and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by family and friends. Try not to eat too much...lol

It Just Keeps Getting Better...

At least yesterday was fun -- crazy, but fun. We went bowling with my daughter and her fiance. She wanted to go bowling, so they came over and ended up buying us pizza for dinner, and then taking us bowling. It ended up being fun, but it started out stressed because we were trying to get some stuff done...like my word count! grin.

I'm up to 35,691 words! So, things are going better.

My hubby was trying to fix a leak in our chimney that has been damaging the ceiling in our garage, and then it didn't snow. So...I guess we have a small reprieve, although we really need the moisture!

I'm way excited for this weekend, we are going to do the Lights in Temple Square this year. We haven't done that since our daughters were about 4 or 5, so it's been a while. It's probably going to be cold!

Well, anyway, hopefully I'll get some writing done tomorrow to keep up with things over Thanksgiving. Catch up with you later!

Thanksgiving Week Already?

But where did November go? I tell you, October was just here, we were getting ready for Halloween, and now it's Thanksgiving week and I only have 10 days to finish 20,000 words!! ARGH! How do I manage to fall behind like this??? sigh.

I know why: I have a hard time writing on Friday's and Saturdays. It's family time! Although, my hubby was sweet and reminded me that I needed to be writing, that's why I even got in what I did. I'm now up to 30,600 words, which Thursday was only 29,000, so there has been progress. Just not enough. sigh.

So, Anyway, yesterday was a wonderful day...in the beginning (I feel like I'm writing scripture here...groan). We went and saw my nephew, only recently home from Texas. He looked really good, and his talk went well. So did the rest of the meeting. Then we had a wonderful lunch of tacos...grin. Everyone was surprised he'd still want them, thinking he might possibly be bored with Mexican food! It was good though. Then we went to our meetings, which were wonderful.

But then we had my daughter and her fiance come over for dinner. sigh. Our oldest son decided to make some teenage decisions that have gotten him in trouble, and then was gone to drill all weekend, so hubby was all stressed all day... All in all, we were ready to go to bed WAY ahead of time.

Anyone know of a good black market for teenagers? sigh. Anyway...better get back to writing. Later!

It's Friday!

And the skys are clear...Is that a song? I'm not sure, but it worked. grin. I love watching the geese fly in, all in formation and land in the fields behind our home -- much later than usual, so I guess the rumor is true that it's going to be a light winter, sigh.

I love watching the sum come up from my window, it helps remind me how grateful I am for everything -- especially living where I do. It's hard to drive past all the new developments, knowing that they are ruining the landscape that once was. What amazes me is that they have people that move into these places...I keep wondering where these people are all coming from!!:) I know, California! lol

Anyway, about got caught up with words yesterday, and finally came up with a title! It's going to be The Hibiscus Ladies. I know, it doesn't roll off your tongue, but it works with the book. grin

So, word count is 29380, and we are moving upward and onward! Isn't life great?

Hey -- Wasn't That My List?

Every time I turn around lately, I see evidence that the one can change the majority. Now, if that were true with good vs. bad, I would rejoice. Unfortunately, it's generally against the good that the one raises it's voice.

Take this latest story for example. I couldn't believe it when I saw it. I mean, hello? If a woman is offended by a Santa -- she needs to have some evaluating done. Santa's been 'Ho, Ho, HO' ing for the past how many years? Not that something is right simply because how long it has been going on, but it just kills me.

Another example is Veterans Day. I read an article that stated a law had been passed preventing a 'prayer' to be said while folding the flag at a Veteran's funeral. One person was offended. ONE! And they were not a veteran, so what were they worried about? It wasn't going to happen at their funeral!

Stuff like this really bothers me. It makes me wish there was something I could do. The only problem is, there isn't anything I can do. I'm too much of a no-body. If I had clout -- if I were famous -- I could make the world stand up and take notice. Although, sometimes that just brings ridicule and nothing gets done.

They talk about grass roots and working with the average person...well, I'm an average person, but my word doesn't count for anything. My vote doesn't even really count, though I'm certainly going to exercise my right to do it. I don't like the electoral college thing, I think the whole system should be revamped, but that's for another blog.

Anyway, if anyone has a suggestion -- other than running for office, which I wouldn't win anyway, let me know. There has got to be a way the moral right can finally have some say.

On word count...grin...I'm up to 27006 words so far. I've got to get to 40,000 before Thanksgiving, or I'll be really behind. Can you believe it's Thanksgiving next week? Crazy.

Anyone Want Some Cats???

You can have them for free. They are cuddly and friendly and will play with anything! They even sleep cute. ;)



To be honest, they also poop and pee on everything handy. The floor, carpets on the floor, love sacks, coats...need I go on? ARGH!! Just this morning I have caught three of them! I have since banned all of them from the house. We have litter boxes up stairs and down stairs! They have loads of places we WANT them to use, but do they use them? Only one of them does. sigh.

While we were gone to fish lake they decided the new little rug I had purchased to hide a hole in the installed carpet was their new litter box. My daughter couldn't believe it. It ended up in the wash and outside to dry. It got pooped on again this morning. I don't get it with them!! I've about had it with ALL cats.

Anyone have any secrets?

And, on another note -- I can't think of a title for my story I'm doing for Nano. I realize it's not a big deal, you don't have to have a title to get the 50,000 words, it's just nice to have one. I usually have one before I start writing, or at least by the time I get half way through. sigh. No dice. Everything I've come up with sounds cheesey. Adventure in Paradise. Murder in Hawaii. ugh.

I guess it will eventually come to me.

Well, got to get my sons moving -- there's no sounds coming from the shower, so I had better wake him up again. Have a good one!

Whew...it's Tuesday!

Well...I pulled a long stint at the computer -- AFTER spending most of the afternoon in the car shop with our two cars. Anyway, I was able to get everything put in that I'd written in my notebook, and then I was able to get an awesome scene down! I was so excited. It seemed like things were finally flowing, something that hasn't happened for a while.

Anyway, I'm almost halfway there! I'm at 23,307 words! (okay, I'm now doing my happy dance. lol)

I had a laugh with my daughter yesterday. We've seen the movie Ratatouille like I mentioned before, and last night I was helping her get dinner ready. I was testing the sauce and making sure things were mixed in, and basically, we were acting like a chef and a sous chef. It was strange. She thought it was cool -- she said that's basically the same thing they do... wow. I'm a chef! grin.

Hope everyone has a great day!

ARGH!

Okay, okay, breathe...I'm behind. I mean, I'm really behind. I'm supposed to be at about 25,000 words by now, because I explained my budgeted words, right? Well, Friday I didn't enough words out, and Saturday I didn't get any typed in. I did get some written, but I don't know how many they were because I haven't transcribed them yet. So I sit at 17,266. AHHHH I hate it when I get this behind -- I feel the pressure building in my chest and anxiety kicks in. I get nervous and pace around the house, doing nothing productive, but not able to sit at the computer either.

The other problem is I have work. Okay...I can survive that. But then I have to take our car in this afternoon to be checked. great. I'll just have to write as much as I can today. Good thing my daughter is making dinner...

Unfortunately, my other daughter has been planning on moving this weekend, and she might call tonight for help...ARGH!!!!

I'm Foundering

I'm still writing...but it feels like I'm not. Does that make any sense? It's like the story is foundering and I've got to find some way to pull it back together. Of course, yesterday didn't really help, things were a little crazy. So, while I still got my word count in, it doesn't feel right. I'm hoping I have more of a chance today.

We purchased Ratatouille last night -- most of my kids haven't seen it and my 17 year old was just bursting out laughing. It did my heart good to have him enjoy such a simple clean movie. Life is good.

I left my brain where?

Okay, now for most of you, thinking I didn't have a brain wouldn't be any surprise. lol But, since I've been writing nano this year, I've had writing on the brain. I've been coming up with plot outlines, character ideas, and multiple clues for my story. It's been wild. A friend of mine dubbed another friend the 'sprint writer'. This is because he writes best in a frenzied pace, not day by day like we are told to.

I've always thought I did better as a day to day, but it's never been consistent. I'm more consistent during the nanao month. And since that is a heavy writing month -- perhaps there is a correlation. What ever it is...at least I'm doing it now. So...time for breakfast!

Here we go into week 2

I can't believe it's the 7th already. I know I said week 2 the last posting, but it just seems strange to say that when it's only the 7th -- I mean, aren't there just 7 days in a week? Anyway, this month is going by so fast, and I thought October had! sigh. Already I'm dreaming of pumpkin pies with whipped topping. I even have the pie crusts defrosting in the fridge -- thinking it's time to make a pie.

But who has time to make a pie when I'm writing!!! lol I'm up to 12856 as of yesterday, so I'm right on top of things. Now it's trying to keep the plot going in my head as I'm doing other things...

Do you think something going on in the Polynesian Cultural Center would be too much of a stretch?

I'm Still In...

Well...here we are in week 2...although, I'm not sure three days constitutes a week...lol.

Anyway, I'm on track as far as word count through Saturday. Now I need to get going for this week.

Unfortunately, the kids are out of school, so that means I'm home from work, which is supposed to give me more time to write, but instead I've been caught up in going to Curves, getting laundry going and putting the Nintendo away so that they work outside in finishing up the tree trimming and leaf raking which they are supposed to be doing on this gorgeous fall day...sigh.

And, I just found out my autistic son stepped on a rake and didn't tell anyone and I don't think he washed it out, and he just has a band aid on it. Can I strangle him now? It might be a mercy killing...

NANOWRIMO is Here!

For those of you who don't know me very well, I am a writer. I have been a writer forever, it seems, and have yet to publish. Partially my fault, of course, I'm not sending out the stuff I need to -- but that's for another day.

Today is November 2nd, so I have entered the Month of the Mad, as some people call it. Or, as it is know around the world, Nanowrimo or National Novel Writing Month. This will be my fourth year, and I'm excited. I love this time of year.

My hubby hates it. He would like to know why they do it in November instead of say, January or March, when there is nothing else going on and no holidays. It doesn't bother me -- it wouldn't matter what month it were in, I would still feel this underlying sense of stress as my brain constantly counts my words for the day and wonders if I'm on track.

There is no reward, other than a nice little dodad that you can post saying you've won, and being able to print out a certificate you could hang on your wall if you wanted. Mine are filed away somewhere.

So...I will try to keep you posted on my blog. If my blogs are somewhat short for the next month, this is why. You might want to look into it...