Oy VE, has it been a thrilling last couple of days?
Nope, not here, lol!
Apologies for not getting back to my blogging earlier. It's been crazy with last minute move screw ups, one of which was the fact that my computer crashed and I have it up so I can back up all the info I can get. Then, I'll have to restore it. WHINE!
But, after that, I should be right as rain. For the time being, I have to tilt it every now and then so I can keep it running smooth. (NO idea why that is, but it works, who am I to complain?)
Back soon!
Dee
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Friday, January 27, 2006
Morning!
I'm one of those horrific people that drive the rest of the population crazy: I'm a morning person.
I wake up and it's instant. I get going--worse, no coffee, since I'm allergic to caffiene--and do what needs to be done. I wind down somewhere around 1pm, most likely because I forgot to eat, then I'm at it again until 8. I sit down, relax once the kid is in bed and eat with hubby. I occasionally get to read. Or we watch tv or a movie. Or we work. We're up anywhere from 9 to Midnight. Then we're back up at 6:30, 7am.
My sister, Pet, who is visiting because I'm at the point where I can only get up a few times a day without need for some pain killers (which I don't have), however, is a night person. She likes to stay up until 3 or 4 am...and sleep until 12 or 1pm.
So, since I can't move a lot, I do get the utter enjoyment of waking her up with cheerfulness at 7 in the morning. Picture Wednesday at Summer Camp, lol, and you've got Pet at my house.
Ahhhh, bliss!
I wake up and it's instant. I get going--worse, no coffee, since I'm allergic to caffiene--and do what needs to be done. I wind down somewhere around 1pm, most likely because I forgot to eat, then I'm at it again until 8. I sit down, relax once the kid is in bed and eat with hubby. I occasionally get to read. Or we watch tv or a movie. Or we work. We're up anywhere from 9 to Midnight. Then we're back up at 6:30, 7am.
My sister, Pet, who is visiting because I'm at the point where I can only get up a few times a day without need for some pain killers (which I don't have), however, is a night person. She likes to stay up until 3 or 4 am...and sleep until 12 or 1pm.
So, since I can't move a lot, I do get the utter enjoyment of waking her up with cheerfulness at 7 in the morning. Picture Wednesday at Summer Camp, lol, and you've got Pet at my house.
Ahhhh, bliss!
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Second Contract!
Okay, woohoo! I've mailed out the contract on my second book, Midnight Sonata, to Samhain! That's it, folks, the first of the Remington's is finally going to have his day! I'm so excited about this because this is a real heart story, about redemption and love and family and healing. :) It also involves a hot guy, his shower and a view. :)
Big smooches,
Dee
Big smooches,
Dee
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Overdo? Me?? Nahhhhh....ow
Okay, I hit the wall. It was bad of me. I can't help it. Some things needed to be done and in order to know they're done right--and in a timely fashion--I did them myself. Assembling our desks, making the beds--though I was good and had sister help me move the mattresses on one. Boxes had to be shifted. And I had to fall into a lump. By 7pm, I could barely move my legs and the cramping was so bad even laying down didn't help. (Sadly, have not unpacked the heating pad yet.)
So, I'm on Hubby's orders to take it easy today. Is he a wonderful man or WHAT? :)
I'm hoping to have some pics of the new apartment soon. Just want to get mildly set up before I do that.
In the meantime, I'm going to work and watch Full Metal Alchemist again. LOVE that series!
Smooches All,
Dee
(the lump)
So, I'm on Hubby's orders to take it easy today. Is he a wonderful man or WHAT? :)
I'm hoping to have some pics of the new apartment soon. Just want to get mildly set up before I do that.
In the meantime, I'm going to work and watch Full Metal Alchemist again. LOVE that series!
Smooches All,
Dee
(the lump)
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
RTB Day!!
Howdy everyone!
I'm ALIVE! And moved in! And up to my eyeballs in boxes, but I did manage to get some snaps and use them in my RTB column! Click the box and see what happened to my desk! I should be back to blogging tomorrow!
Smooches!
Dee
I'm ALIVE! And moved in! And up to my eyeballs in boxes, but I did manage to get some snaps and use them in my RTB column! Click the box and see what happened to my desk! I should be back to blogging tomorrow!
Smooches!
Dee
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Karma's A Bitch, folks...
Sorry, lol, but it is. I was just discussing with hubby that when we do things wrong, karma is a bit more instantaneous for us. Cut off a car in the parking lot...can't do what you went to the mall for. Or someone ruins your movie. Or you fall down and break something.
So, I got happy and bragged about stealing signal.
And not ten minutes later...my neighbor locked up their signal.
Apparently, life IS fair folks. People just think that being fair is equivalent to getting their way, lol.
So, now I'm at the coffee shop and prolly won't be able to take the time to blog.
Smooches!
Dee
So, I got happy and bragged about stealing signal.
And not ten minutes later...my neighbor locked up their signal.
Apparently, life IS fair folks. People just think that being fair is equivalent to getting their way, lol.
So, now I'm at the coffee shop and prolly won't be able to take the time to blog.
Smooches!
Dee
Okay, so I lied...
I really didn't think I'd be able to post. Turns out, if you can continue to work with the use of theivery, lol, you CAN steal other people's internet signal and not care. :) Okay, it's not totally theivery. One of my neighbors has unprotected signal. It's low, but totally workable. Can't get on MSN, but my Yahoo messenger is working quite well.
So, snags in the move.
1) My prepaid phone won't work and I'm not paying 50 bucks for three days of phone service.
2) As Moos tend to do, my Moo decided to come down with a vomitous flu three days before the move. SO, he's here next to me, giggling at Spongebob Squarepants. Thankfully, the fever seems to have gone away, but the miracle is that he let me medicate him. Correction: he opened his mouth, allowed me to squirt in 2 TBSPs into his mouth a half a tbsp at a time. This is the kid that usually fights, claws and spits drops at a time, even when he had pneumonia. He's also taken to eating hamburgers and hot dogs...with buns. Considering he considered bread sacrilege until two months ago, that's a miracle.
3) I discovered the game Cubis on yahoo. It's evil how fast a clock can move but my OCD is in love. :)
Wish us luck as hubby hopefully gets his annual review from work today. It's rare for his work to last over a year, so he's understandably nervous, but I feel he's going to do well. And we were talking the other night and realized that in the many moves of our life together, this is the first move we're making by choice. The job didn't fall through. The apartment isn't worse. And in my gut, I know this is just the beginning of a great year.
But in more important news, lol, I'm thinking up all kinds of new features for my webpage this year, which includes getting a domain and setting up a links page. Joining a webring. Plot, plot, plot! AND my muse is gnawing on my leg so I know I'll be able to write when we get settled!
Okay, back to work for me!
Dee
So, snags in the move.
1) My prepaid phone won't work and I'm not paying 50 bucks for three days of phone service.
2) As Moos tend to do, my Moo decided to come down with a vomitous flu three days before the move. SO, he's here next to me, giggling at Spongebob Squarepants. Thankfully, the fever seems to have gone away, but the miracle is that he let me medicate him. Correction: he opened his mouth, allowed me to squirt in 2 TBSPs into his mouth a half a tbsp at a time. This is the kid that usually fights, claws and spits drops at a time, even when he had pneumonia. He's also taken to eating hamburgers and hot dogs...with buns. Considering he considered bread sacrilege until two months ago, that's a miracle.
3) I discovered the game Cubis on yahoo. It's evil how fast a clock can move but my OCD is in love. :)
Wish us luck as hubby hopefully gets his annual review from work today. It's rare for his work to last over a year, so he's understandably nervous, but I feel he's going to do well. And we were talking the other night and realized that in the many moves of our life together, this is the first move we're making by choice. The job didn't fall through. The apartment isn't worse. And in my gut, I know this is just the beginning of a great year.
But in more important news, lol, I'm thinking up all kinds of new features for my webpage this year, which includes getting a domain and setting up a links page. Joining a webring. Plot, plot, plot! AND my muse is gnawing on my leg so I know I'll be able to write when we get settled!
Okay, back to work for me!
Dee
Monday, January 16, 2006
Last Day of Posting
Hi Gang!
Woohoo! Moving week! Sadly, this means my phone service is going out tomorrow. I'll be online for emails and the like, but I'll have to set the blogging aside. I promise to have tons to say next week. Wish me luck with the move--would like to be able to move without agony next Monday, lol.
Also, hey, I'm open to requests for Tuesday Teach Day. If you've got a topic that boggles you, I can see if it's anything I know anything about, lol.
Big smooches!
Dee
Woohoo! Moving week! Sadly, this means my phone service is going out tomorrow. I'll be online for emails and the like, but I'll have to set the blogging aside. I promise to have tons to say next week. Wish me luck with the move--would like to be able to move without agony next Monday, lol.
Also, hey, I'm open to requests for Tuesday Teach Day. If you've got a topic that boggles you, I can see if it's anything I know anything about, lol.
Big smooches!
Dee
Friday, January 13, 2006
Friday Funnies
First things first, I'm posting notes about some seriously good book prizes in my Special Event's feature, so look to the right for details and a link.
***
Now, as I've bragged continually, I am moving. Thus, I've already packed many of the non-essentials. Moo's stuffed animals, toys, books. Videos, linens and keepsakes. My books....
Now, I didn't think this would be a problem, until yesterday Moo opened my vault/cabinet and gasped, horrified. "Mommy! No Books! Where Books?? Mommy!!!"
I have yet to figure out if this worse for me or for him.
***
So, last night when I was working, it was pointed out on the message boards that I had referred to myself as a cow. As you no doubt know, I do this kind of a lot. I have something of a self-depricating humor. This isn't to say I believe everything I say about myself--though I am rather mooish--just that I'm really, really comfy with myself. Still, I was scolded. Not sure that I feel bad, but I sure don't know what to do with it when people try to shore up my pathetic self-esteem in response. I mean, call me fat or something and I know how to handle it (with my foot up their ass). Call me pretty and I'm pretty sure you're up to something and I grab a knife. Take a nice middle ground and say, "Oh, you look nice" and I'll probably love you forever (Look at hubby, he said something like that once and the man never saw freedom again.).
***
And, last but not least, a joke or two from the former boss. Lubs ya, Richard!
A CLASSIC
Two little boys in second grade were chosen to be the leads in their first school play. It was to be a Shakespearean play.
The first little boy was to say, " My fair maiden.... I have come to snatch a kiss and fill your soul with hope."
The second little boy was to reply by saying,
"Hark!, a pistol shot."
Well, on opening night in the school auditorium, the two little boys were a bit nervous, knowing that all the seats were going to be filled with grown-ups. The teacher told them to take their places on the stage and to remember to speak very loud as soon as the curtain goes up.
The curtain rose and looking out upon the audience the two boys were terrified. They stood there frozen. So the teacher whispered for them to begin.
The first boy yelled out these unforgettable words....."My fair maiden......... I have come to kiss your snatch! And fill your hole with soap."
The second boy screams out..... "Hark! a shistol pot, a postle shiss, a pot of shit, horse shit, this is bull shit........ I never wanted to be in this lousy play anyway!!"
The audience left howling.
***
Interesting facts...and a warning!
Interesting Year 1981
1. Prince Charles got married
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe
3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament.
4. Pope Died
Year 2005
1. Prince Charles got married
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe
3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament
4. Pope Died
Lesson Learned? - the next time Charles gets married, someone warn the Pope.
Now, as I've bragged continually, I am moving. Thus, I've already packed many of the non-essentials. Moo's stuffed animals, toys, books. Videos, linens and keepsakes. My books....
Now, I didn't think this would be a problem, until yesterday Moo opened my vault/cabinet and gasped, horrified. "Mommy! No Books! Where Books?? Mommy!!!"
I have yet to figure out if this worse for me or for him.
So, last night when I was working, it was pointed out on the message boards that I had referred to myself as a cow. As you no doubt know, I do this kind of a lot. I have something of a self-depricating humor. This isn't to say I believe everything I say about myself--though I am rather mooish--just that I'm really, really comfy with myself. Still, I was scolded. Not sure that I feel bad, but I sure don't know what to do with it when people try to shore up my pathetic self-esteem in response. I mean, call me fat or something and I know how to handle it (with my foot up their ass). Call me pretty and I'm pretty sure you're up to something and I grab a knife. Take a nice middle ground and say, "Oh, you look nice" and I'll probably love you forever (Look at hubby, he said something like that once and the man never saw freedom again.).
And, last but not least, a joke or two from the former boss. Lubs ya, Richard!
A CLASSIC
Two little boys in second grade were chosen to be the leads in their first school play. It was to be a Shakespearean play.
The first little boy was to say, " My fair maiden.... I have come to snatch a kiss and fill your soul with hope."
The second little boy was to reply by saying,
"Hark!, a pistol shot."
Well, on opening night in the school auditorium, the two little boys were a bit nervous, knowing that all the seats were going to be filled with grown-ups. The teacher told them to take their places on the stage and to remember to speak very loud as soon as the curtain goes up.
The curtain rose and looking out upon the audience the two boys were terrified. They stood there frozen. So the teacher whispered for them to begin.
The first boy yelled out these unforgettable words....."My fair maiden......... I have come to kiss your snatch! And fill your hole with soap."
The second boy screams out..... "Hark! a shistol pot, a postle shiss, a pot of shit, horse shit, this is bull shit........ I never wanted to be in this lousy play anyway!!"
The audience left howling.
Interesting facts...and a warning!
Interesting Year 1981
1. Prince Charles got married
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe
3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament.
4. Pope Died
Year 2005
1. Prince Charles got married
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe
3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament
4. Pope Died
Lesson Learned? - the next time Charles gets married, someone warn the Pope.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Anyone Else Have Blog Probs?
It was a weird day yesterday. The few blogs that loaded for me wouldn't allow me to comment! Me! I mean, my God, what if I'd had a witty moment? You all might have been ROBBED!
Aside from that, the only thing coming to mind this morning is how freakin' bad I need a bag of chips. Cheetos. Cheese Nips. SOMEthing. I'm almost tempted to drag my fat ass out to the store, but thankfully I'm broke so the ass has the tiniest opportunity to shrink.
I'm thinking writing is possibly the most interesting thing there is about me. My only other major accomplishment is that I can crack a joke in .2 seconds and I can wash (but not fold) laundry.
Update: I have decided to save the boy from death by gnawing and raided the kitchen for something salty. Bacon! In a fit of guilt I stripped the meat from the fat...and came up with a lot less bacon. But, I'm satisfied and the child will be thankful.
So, in an effort to stand myself, I'm probably going to break my writing moratorium and screw the packing. :)
Back later!
Dee
Aside from that, the only thing coming to mind this morning is how freakin' bad I need a bag of chips. Cheetos. Cheese Nips. SOMEthing. I'm almost tempted to drag my fat ass out to the store, but thankfully I'm broke so the ass has the tiniest opportunity to shrink.
I'm thinking writing is possibly the most interesting thing there is about me. My only other major accomplishment is that I can crack a joke in .2 seconds and I can wash (but not fold) laundry.
Update: I have decided to save the boy from death by gnawing and raided the kitchen for something salty. Bacon! In a fit of guilt I stripped the meat from the fat...and came up with a lot less bacon. But, I'm satisfied and the child will be thankful.
So, in an effort to stand myself, I'm probably going to break my writing moratorium and screw the packing. :)
Back later!
Dee
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Wednesday Wonderings
For the first time in months, I'm purposely not writing. This isn't to say that I haven't skipped days. (snort) Just that I intended not to write. I've got my subs off and I've got a week and a half to pack up my apartment. It seems oddly silent and I'm allotting myself today's writing hours to be blogging, hopping, reading and webpage trolling for errors. There's always plenty to do, but not always plenty to talk about.
Kid is off to school. Yesterday I realized that this motherhood thing is kind of nerve-wracking. I mean, I KNEW it was, but you don't get much opportunity to sit down and ask yourself why you go through this. Or, in my case, why I want to get started all over again. It's insane. I know instincts are hard to overcome, but really, why do I WANT this? I mean, my instincts claim that cream puffs are good for me, expound constantly that sex is more important than work or food and that I can too live on donuts alone. Instincts are not to be trusted.
Still, I miss those little eyes and those quiet moments when it's just you and the baby. There will probably be less of that since Moo is allergic to silence. I mean, I don't think I ask a whole lot of life. I've learned to just get used to physical pain. I'll be in it for the rest of my life, I'm resigned to twinges and tweaks. I can be made happy with the right look, truth be told, from either hubby or son. My ambitions are being met, step by step and there's a huge chunk of satisfaction in knowing that I'm doing it on my own. But I still long for one more little face to look at. And worry over. Two more little hands pulling and pointing and waving. And two more little eyes to stare up at me while she nurses, a world of questions there to discover.
Moo blew me a kiss from the bus window. He waved with both hands and a goofy smile. When he woke up this morning, he ran to my bed and cuddled into the blankets so he could close his eyes again, his skinny arms around my neck and squeezing tight until he could sigh with peace.
And I wonder how can I NOT want to start this all over again?
Here's wishing luck and patience to all the lucky moms out there.
Smooches,
Dee
Kid is off to school. Yesterday I realized that this motherhood thing is kind of nerve-wracking. I mean, I KNEW it was, but you don't get much opportunity to sit down and ask yourself why you go through this. Or, in my case, why I want to get started all over again. It's insane. I know instincts are hard to overcome, but really, why do I WANT this? I mean, my instincts claim that cream puffs are good for me, expound constantly that sex is more important than work or food and that I can too live on donuts alone. Instincts are not to be trusted.
Still, I miss those little eyes and those quiet moments when it's just you and the baby. There will probably be less of that since Moo is allergic to silence. I mean, I don't think I ask a whole lot of life. I've learned to just get used to physical pain. I'll be in it for the rest of my life, I'm resigned to twinges and tweaks. I can be made happy with the right look, truth be told, from either hubby or son. My ambitions are being met, step by step and there's a huge chunk of satisfaction in knowing that I'm doing it on my own. But I still long for one more little face to look at. And worry over. Two more little hands pulling and pointing and waving. And two more little eyes to stare up at me while she nurses, a world of questions there to discover.
Moo blew me a kiss from the bus window. He waved with both hands and a goofy smile. When he woke up this morning, he ran to my bed and cuddled into the blankets so he could close his eyes again, his skinny arms around my neck and squeezing tight until he could sigh with peace.
And I wonder how can I NOT want to start this all over again?
Here's wishing luck and patience to all the lucky moms out there.
Smooches,
Dee
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Le Apartment!
Okay, I admit, I'm WAY too excited about this. But...it's lovely. This isn't the unit, but it's in the same community:
Here are a few pics of the inside, to give you an idea of what it looks like:
The Kitchen:
You may or may not see what I mean about "ickle". But usually, I'm not the same height or taller than my fridge. I think my hips are wider than the dishwasher. Don't worry though, the oven can still fit a full size turkey (that would have been a deal breaker, believe it or not)!
View from the Living Room
Can you say BOOK SPACE??? Ok, prolly some sheets and blankets too, but...nahhhhhh, BOOK SPACE!!!
And I can say that because THIS is the closet! One in each room! Plus, that's only HALF the closet. I could prolly live in just the closet alone...but I'm not gonna! :)
Okay, now that that bit of bragging is completed, I am going to say I've now gotten out my last proposal of January. Woohoo! That one is headed to SamHain. :) In other writing news, I must admit to having removed Raven from consideration to Cerridwen. I believe it might find a home elsewhere, which is what I'm looking for, but the response from the very kind editor there also informed me that the current wait for Cerridwen "is now two to twelve months before response". I was hitting 8. Just thought I'd lay that biscuit out for anyone still waiting. I'm not sure if that amount of time applies to EC, but as they are linked, I'm thinking that one should consider it when waiting for a response from them as well. (Which works out for me as I totally don't have time right now to work on my EC submission. Maybe in March or April. We'll see. :))
Big smooches all around!
Dee
Here are a few pics of the inside, to give you an idea of what it looks like:
The Kitchen:
You may or may not see what I mean about "ickle". But usually, I'm not the same height or taller than my fridge. I think my hips are wider than the dishwasher. Don't worry though, the oven can still fit a full size turkey (that would have been a deal breaker, believe it or not)!
View from the Living Room
Can you say BOOK SPACE??? Ok, prolly some sheets and blankets too, but...nahhhhhh, BOOK SPACE!!!
And I can say that because THIS is the closet! One in each room! Plus, that's only HALF the closet. I could prolly live in just the closet alone...but I'm not gonna! :)
Okay, now that that bit of bragging is completed, I am going to say I've now gotten out my last proposal of January. Woohoo! That one is headed to SamHain. :) In other writing news, I must admit to having removed Raven from consideration to Cerridwen. I believe it might find a home elsewhere, which is what I'm looking for, but the response from the very kind editor there also informed me that the current wait for Cerridwen "is now two to twelve months before response". I was hitting 8. Just thought I'd lay that biscuit out for anyone still waiting. I'm not sure if that amount of time applies to EC, but as they are linked, I'm thinking that one should consider it when waiting for a response from them as well. (Which works out for me as I totally don't have time right now to work on my EC submission. Maybe in March or April. We'll see. :))
Big smooches all around!
Dee
Belfry Day!!
Believe it or not, I did some meaningful blogging over there today. Definitely worth a looksy!
I should be back this afternoon with another post. Lots to catch up on!
Smooches,
Dee
I should be back this afternoon with another post. Lots to catch up on!
Smooches,
Dee
Thursday, January 05, 2006
I got the apartment!
I'm so excited! I sign the papers today and by the beginning of next month, I'll be in a townhouse! And it's such a CUTE one! I think the word Julie Cohen uses is "ickle", because everything is ever so slightly smaller in some places. The appliances, mostly, but that's okay. There's just three of us. :) The closets are huge, though, and both rooms have their own bathrooms! PLUS the half-bath downstairs! I just can't wait! Promise, when I have time, I'll post some pics.
Also, have my subs and the overview ready for submission. Just have the 1pg synops to do. Should be able to ship out to Blaze tomorrow. :) That'll free me up to pack!
Oh, and in case somewhere you missed it, I'm insane. I enjoy packing. Placing everything just so, labeling til my heart is singing, listing, organizing...it's an OCD paradise! Finally, the house will be utterly, completely SPOTLESS!
Yes, I'm sick, lol.
But I'm taking my sickness to a new place! haha! No more middle of the night car alarms! No screaming people at all hours. No one throwing up outside my window or having lovers spats at 3am! No more kids putting three inch nails behind my car wheels or Doorbell ditching! I'm freeeeeeee!
Well, at least I will be when I'm done packing, lol!
Smooches,
Dee
Also, have my subs and the overview ready for submission. Just have the 1pg synops to do. Should be able to ship out to Blaze tomorrow. :) That'll free me up to pack!
Oh, and in case somewhere you missed it, I'm insane. I enjoy packing. Placing everything just so, labeling til my heart is singing, listing, organizing...it's an OCD paradise! Finally, the house will be utterly, completely SPOTLESS!
Yes, I'm sick, lol.
But I'm taking my sickness to a new place! haha! No more middle of the night car alarms! No screaming people at all hours. No one throwing up outside my window or having lovers spats at 3am! No more kids putting three inch nails behind my car wheels or Doorbell ditching! I'm freeeeeeee!
Well, at least I will be when I'm done packing, lol!
Smooches,
Dee
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Bleck!
So, here I am, laying in bed, trying not to throw up.
I'm not going to claim anything significant here. Just that I can't seem to stand up without attempting to pitch my insides into the nearest recepticle. It's abating somewhat, as I eat some tea crackers because the kid ate the regular ones, but suffice it to say, I'm not sure how much is going to be achieved today.
I DID manage to prep my partials for Blaze. Now to write the synops and project overview. Maybe I can get it mailed out by Friday.
Also, MSN has made a habit of kicking me off. I'm now tired of it and won't be signing back in. At least, not today. Today I'm a Yahooer.
Also, just wanted to send anyone interested over to SAMHAIN so they can take a look at the launch books for this new and exciting publisher! Big congrats to everyone involved and all the launch authors!
Big smooches!
Dee
I'm not going to claim anything significant here. Just that I can't seem to stand up without attempting to pitch my insides into the nearest recepticle. It's abating somewhat, as I eat some tea crackers because the kid ate the regular ones, but suffice it to say, I'm not sure how much is going to be achieved today.
I DID manage to prep my partials for Blaze. Now to write the synops and project overview. Maybe I can get it mailed out by Friday.
Also, MSN has made a habit of kicking me off. I'm now tired of it and won't be signing back in. At least, not today. Today I'm a Yahooer.
Also, just wanted to send anyone interested over to SAMHAIN so they can take a look at the launch books for this new and exciting publisher! Big congrats to everyone involved and all the launch authors!
Big smooches!
Dee
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Discipline? We no need no stinkin' Discipline!
It's generally the first thing anyone says after the first of the year: "I need more discipline!" And you see it a lot in writer's circles. Almost as much as in dieter's circles. Discipline for writing time, for blogging, for social functions, for housekeeping. And I have to be honest, I've made mention of it more times than I'd like to count.
But if we really need discipline, it's most likely in our ability to say no.
Me, I'm a big one for over-committing. Speaking in minimums, I'm committed to five hours of work, six days a week (30 hrs/wk). Three hours of writing, five days a week (15 hrs/wk). 2 hours of cooking, every day (14 hrs/wk). 1 hour minimum of cleaning house each day (7 hrs/wk). 1 hour for grooming each day (7 hrs/wk). If I'm feeling okay, I have to have at least 6 hours of sleep per night, or bad things happen (42 hrs/wk). As a mother, I need to dedicate at least 2 hours to the care of my son--bathing, brushing, playing, teaching, watching--per day (14 hrs/wk), leaving me 39 hours to spread in an entire week. That needs to include billpaying, paperwork, household shopping/repair, grocery shopping, research and so on. But if you look at those, individually, I've already got 20 hours of my day booked. If any one of those things shifts...I'm out of time in a heartbeat.
And yet, I commit myself to more things. Sure I can do this. Sure, I can do that.
What I really need to decide is...what I can't do.
I can't quit my career--though it may well change directions in the coming years. I can't quit my son or my husband. Sadly, I cannot stop paying bills. (Though not from lack of effort.) Should I streamline? Yes. Can I? Not really. So what does that mean?
It means, dear reader, that I'm going to train myself to say no a little more often. I'm going to really work on not feeling guilty if someone else doesn't do their job. My resolution this year is not to have more discipline. It's to have more respect for the value of my time. And, particularly, for the value of other's time as well.
What are your goals for the new year? Can you fit them in?
But if we really need discipline, it's most likely in our ability to say no.
Me, I'm a big one for over-committing. Speaking in minimums, I'm committed to five hours of work, six days a week (30 hrs/wk). Three hours of writing, five days a week (15 hrs/wk). 2 hours of cooking, every day (14 hrs/wk). 1 hour minimum of cleaning house each day (7 hrs/wk). 1 hour for grooming each day (7 hrs/wk). If I'm feeling okay, I have to have at least 6 hours of sleep per night, or bad things happen (42 hrs/wk). As a mother, I need to dedicate at least 2 hours to the care of my son--bathing, brushing, playing, teaching, watching--per day (14 hrs/wk), leaving me 39 hours to spread in an entire week. That needs to include billpaying, paperwork, household shopping/repair, grocery shopping, research and so on. But if you look at those, individually, I've already got 20 hours of my day booked. If any one of those things shifts...I'm out of time in a heartbeat.
And yet, I commit myself to more things. Sure I can do this. Sure, I can do that.
What I really need to decide is...what I can't do.
I can't quit my career--though it may well change directions in the coming years. I can't quit my son or my husband. Sadly, I cannot stop paying bills. (Though not from lack of effort.) Should I streamline? Yes. Can I? Not really. So what does that mean?
It means, dear reader, that I'm going to train myself to say no a little more often. I'm going to really work on not feeling guilty if someone else doesn't do their job. My resolution this year is not to have more discipline. It's to have more respect for the value of my time. And, particularly, for the value of other's time as well.
What are your goals for the new year? Can you fit them in?
Monday, January 02, 2006
Mystical Monday
Every now and then, I like to take a look at my horoscopes and see if any of them make any sense. Particularly...when shown together. There's no better time than at the start of the year. :)
I start at Susan Miller's site, AstrologyZone:
Now that the holidays are behind you, it appears that you'll soon be hitting the road, either for work or a vacation, and the distance appears to be quite far.
This could be taken two ways, since I never get to take a vacation. One--I'm hoping to move. My apartment is taking a moderate dive toward the Projects and I'd rather not be here when it completely makes the splash. Or Two, my career, as I'm just starting it and there's a hell of a lot to do.
Mars has been zooming through Taurus since last July, so it's apparent that you've been moving at the speed of light.
That would explain the exhaustion.
I am particularly enthusiastic this month to see that the Sun and Saturn will work together in what is called in astrology a mutual reception. That happens when two bodies work in a particularly close, buddy-buddy way. This month the Sun will be in the sign that Saturn rules (Capricorn) and Saturn will be in the sign that the Sun naturally rules (Leo). That will make Saturn act just like the Sun and the Sun act like Saturn. That kind of blending and reciprocal help between the two is called a mutual reception, considered a rare and special help.
Not to be cheeky, but...if the Sun acts just like Saturn and Saturn acts just like the Sun...doesn't that mean nothing changes?
These two heavenly bodies - the Sun and Saturn - will create a link between your ninth house of travel, legal matters, publishing, and higher education, and your fourth house of home, family, and general real estate.
But not my fifth house of cooking? Damn...
Looking closer at your chart, it seems that something you put on a back burner during the last quarter of 2005 will heat up again. With Venus out of phase, you will be encouraged to rethink, redesign, and readdress an endeavor or relationship that seems to have come off track or that is being investigated.
That's probably the two books I was editing, Vetta and Sky. I have to go over them again to make sure I'm headed in the right direction. Plus, I'm deeply considering yanking Raven from Cerridwen, as they've now taken more than a month to get back to my question of whether or not they have a clue what's going on with it. And, of course, I'm prepping the Lonnigans to take a stab at Blaze before this month ends.
Publishing projects are covered by your ninth house too, because this ninth house deals with the gathering and disbursement of information. So, with Venus retrograde, you may go back to finish an old writing project that was sidelined, or if it is done, you'll now work through the editing process.
Yup. See?
As you get closer to month's end, you will begin to see that your career brings enormously good news, thanks to the new moon that will occur at month's end, January 29. This is a trend that will be more about February than January, for a new moon sets up two weeks of opportunity. If you plant seeds either in the last two days of January or in early February, you will have the ability to change the course of your career for the better, and for an entire year moving forward.
Well, I could live with that, lol.
Alternatively, Saturn's presence in the chart may indicate a very responsible position that will mean long and possibly arduous hours on the job. You've never been one to be afraid of hard work, so you seem ready to say, "Bring it on!"
Why is it that every month I visit this woman, she's telling me more work is headed my way? And that I'll like it?
You'll have to see what comes up and decide when you know all the facts.
Oooh, look! Permission to think for myself! WOW!
One thing seems certain - the job would be prestigious and come with true responsibility, but you will feel some measure of push-pull between home and work. I still feel it's worth considering seriously, no matter what the obstacles. No other point in the year will bring anything this special.
And she gives good news....and takes it away. So, the best point of my year ends this month? That's nice. 11 months of misery here we come?
Astrology.com is a bit more succinct, though I love Susan's detail. They also don't seem to agree with her too much.
The 1st-3rd will reportedly have me tired. Check.
7th-9th will make me out of sorts with the infallible tip, "Figure it out, you old bullfighter, and you'll feel better. "--I'm sure I wouldn't have figured it out without them.
"Look out on the 26th, when you have an insight that could shape your whole year."--Could it be to stop reading horoscopes?
Myhoroscope.com:
The people you deal with will detect your anxiousness. If things get to be too much for you, back away and do things by yourself. A partnership may take a turn. Don't make a promise, commitment or comment that could cause you grief.
So...in other words...you're cranky, take a pill and isolate yourself so you don't ruin anyone's buzz. Oh, and whatever you do, don't talk to people. Only God knows what you might say!
Astrology-online.com:
Take care of any pressing medical problems that you or one of your parents may be suffering from. You may be experiencing emotional turmoil in regard to your mate. This is a great day to spend with family. Do not be surprised if your partner doesn't understand your needs.
Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.
So, I'm supposed to handle my medical stuff, but spend time with my family. Hmm, oh, and while I'm spending time with my family, my husband won't understand what I want....which begs the question, WHY would I want to spend time with him? Lucky events are all happening on a Tuesday? Well, there goes today....
And finally, a new site for me, Joylight.com:
You will be dealing with issues on a few fronts and how you use them will be different for each case. This will insure that you are, not only learning patience and right use of resources, but, being flexible and seeing all the options.
So everyone agrees...I'm gonna be busy.
Right now you are feeling like you're caught between a rock and a hard place. Digging in and weathering the storm, like you always do, is not going to get it this time. It will be too physically trying on you. You must be out on the firing line to make sure others' choices don't box you in.
But I have my hole all dug!
And don't get paranoid about how you appear. All things are not what they seem.
You mean I'm going to wake up and realize my ass was all a dream??
The instinct is to overdo all creative action almost to the point of hurting yourself. We know that you're an all or nothing person. Don't go overboard. Career issues finally seem to be leveling off. Where you are is where you are...no deceptions.
Funny, Susan seemed to think Career was about to take off. Who to trust? I'm so confused!!! Oh no! Mr. Bill!!!!
Actually, lol, I plan to just listen to my editor, who mentioned I wouldn't get edits until February, good and wonderful woman that she is. Still, here's crossing my fingers some of this stuff happens.
Here's wishing you all a great new year!
Smooches!
Dee
I start at Susan Miller's site, AstrologyZone:
Now that the holidays are behind you, it appears that you'll soon be hitting the road, either for work or a vacation, and the distance appears to be quite far.
This could be taken two ways, since I never get to take a vacation. One--I'm hoping to move. My apartment is taking a moderate dive toward the Projects and I'd rather not be here when it completely makes the splash. Or Two, my career, as I'm just starting it and there's a hell of a lot to do.
Mars has been zooming through Taurus since last July, so it's apparent that you've been moving at the speed of light.
That would explain the exhaustion.
I am particularly enthusiastic this month to see that the Sun and Saturn will work together in what is called in astrology a mutual reception. That happens when two bodies work in a particularly close, buddy-buddy way. This month the Sun will be in the sign that Saturn rules (Capricorn) and Saturn will be in the sign that the Sun naturally rules (Leo). That will make Saturn act just like the Sun and the Sun act like Saturn. That kind of blending and reciprocal help between the two is called a mutual reception, considered a rare and special help.
Not to be cheeky, but...if the Sun acts just like Saturn and Saturn acts just like the Sun...doesn't that mean nothing changes?
These two heavenly bodies - the Sun and Saturn - will create a link between your ninth house of travel, legal matters, publishing, and higher education, and your fourth house of home, family, and general real estate.
But not my fifth house of cooking? Damn...
Looking closer at your chart, it seems that something you put on a back burner during the last quarter of 2005 will heat up again. With Venus out of phase, you will be encouraged to rethink, redesign, and readdress an endeavor or relationship that seems to have come off track or that is being investigated.
That's probably the two books I was editing, Vetta and Sky. I have to go over them again to make sure I'm headed in the right direction. Plus, I'm deeply considering yanking Raven from Cerridwen, as they've now taken more than a month to get back to my question of whether or not they have a clue what's going on with it. And, of course, I'm prepping the Lonnigans to take a stab at Blaze before this month ends.
Publishing projects are covered by your ninth house too, because this ninth house deals with the gathering and disbursement of information. So, with Venus retrograde, you may go back to finish an old writing project that was sidelined, or if it is done, you'll now work through the editing process.
Yup. See?
As you get closer to month's end, you will begin to see that your career brings enormously good news, thanks to the new moon that will occur at month's end, January 29. This is a trend that will be more about February than January, for a new moon sets up two weeks of opportunity. If you plant seeds either in the last two days of January or in early February, you will have the ability to change the course of your career for the better, and for an entire year moving forward.
Well, I could live with that, lol.
Alternatively, Saturn's presence in the chart may indicate a very responsible position that will mean long and possibly arduous hours on the job. You've never been one to be afraid of hard work, so you seem ready to say, "Bring it on!"
Why is it that every month I visit this woman, she's telling me more work is headed my way? And that I'll like it?
You'll have to see what comes up and decide when you know all the facts.
Oooh, look! Permission to think for myself! WOW!
One thing seems certain - the job would be prestigious and come with true responsibility, but you will feel some measure of push-pull between home and work. I still feel it's worth considering seriously, no matter what the obstacles. No other point in the year will bring anything this special.
And she gives good news....and takes it away. So, the best point of my year ends this month? That's nice. 11 months of misery here we come?
Astrology.com is a bit more succinct, though I love Susan's detail. They also don't seem to agree with her too much.
The 1st-3rd will reportedly have me tired. Check.
7th-9th will make me out of sorts with the infallible tip, "Figure it out, you old bullfighter, and you'll feel better. "--I'm sure I wouldn't have figured it out without them.
"Look out on the 26th, when you have an insight that could shape your whole year."--Could it be to stop reading horoscopes?
Myhoroscope.com:
The people you deal with will detect your anxiousness. If things get to be too much for you, back away and do things by yourself. A partnership may take a turn. Don't make a promise, commitment or comment that could cause you grief.
So...in other words...you're cranky, take a pill and isolate yourself so you don't ruin anyone's buzz. Oh, and whatever you do, don't talk to people. Only God knows what you might say!
Astrology-online.com:
Take care of any pressing medical problems that you or one of your parents may be suffering from. You may be experiencing emotional turmoil in regard to your mate. This is a great day to spend with family. Do not be surprised if your partner doesn't understand your needs.
Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.
So, I'm supposed to handle my medical stuff, but spend time with my family. Hmm, oh, and while I'm spending time with my family, my husband won't understand what I want....which begs the question, WHY would I want to spend time with him? Lucky events are all happening on a Tuesday? Well, there goes today....
And finally, a new site for me, Joylight.com:
You will be dealing with issues on a few fronts and how you use them will be different for each case. This will insure that you are, not only learning patience and right use of resources, but, being flexible and seeing all the options.
So everyone agrees...I'm gonna be busy.
Right now you are feeling like you're caught between a rock and a hard place. Digging in and weathering the storm, like you always do, is not going to get it this time. It will be too physically trying on you. You must be out on the firing line to make sure others' choices don't box you in.
But I have my hole all dug!
And don't get paranoid about how you appear. All things are not what they seem.
You mean I'm going to wake up and realize my ass was all a dream??
The instinct is to overdo all creative action almost to the point of hurting yourself. We know that you're an all or nothing person. Don't go overboard. Career issues finally seem to be leveling off. Where you are is where you are...no deceptions.
Funny, Susan seemed to think Career was about to take off. Who to trust? I'm so confused!!! Oh no! Mr. Bill!!!!
Actually, lol, I plan to just listen to my editor, who mentioned I wouldn't get edits until February, good and wonderful woman that she is. Still, here's crossing my fingers some of this stuff happens.
Here's wishing you all a great new year!
Smooches!
Dee
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