Pork roast for dinner.
Later on, Mexican dip, cheese and crackers, maybe some brownies.
No company.
The Twilight Zone marathon.
My immediate family.
No booze.
Peace and quiet.
Life is good.
Stay safe--and happy!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Carrie Jones: NEED
A slightly belated CONGRATULATIONS to Carrie Jones for the release of NEED!!!
Amazon: "Now fans of Stephenie Meyer and Melissa Marr have a new author to devour . . . Zara collects phobias the way other high school girls collect lipsticks. Little wonder, since life’s been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother’s pretty much checked out. Now Zara’s living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays “safe.” Zara doesn’t think she’s in danger; she thinks her mother can’t deal. Wrong. Turns out that guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn’t a figment of her imagination. He’s a pixie—and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He’s the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he’s trailing Zara.
"With suspense, romance, and paranormal themes, this exciting breakout novel has all the elements to keep teens rapidly turning the pages."
Guess what *I* am buying today??????
Carrie Jones's WEBSITE
Amazon: "Now fans of Stephenie Meyer and Melissa Marr have a new author to devour . . . Zara collects phobias the way other high school girls collect lipsticks. Little wonder, since life’s been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother’s pretty much checked out. Now Zara’s living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays “safe.” Zara doesn’t think she’s in danger; she thinks her mother can’t deal. Wrong. Turns out that guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn’t a figment of her imagination. He’s a pixie—and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He’s the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he’s trailing Zara.
"With suspense, romance, and paranormal themes, this exciting breakout novel has all the elements to keep teens rapidly turning the pages."
Guess what *I* am buying today??????
Carrie Jones's WEBSITE
Happy Blog Birthday!
My LJ blog is 3 years old! Here is one of my first posts detailing my road to publication.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Preggo Parking Spaces
Yeah, the parking lot's PACKED from end to end except for that "expectant mothers" parking space, the one with sign with the cute pink stork, right?
I. Will. Park. There. Every. Single. Time! What're they gonna do, make me pee on a stick at the door?
I used to trudge across busy parking lots, too, when I nine months pregnant and dragging a screaming two-year-old. I paid my dues. They OWE me that space.
I also object to the idea that a pregnant woman needs so much special consideration. Not only did I waddle across parking lots, I worked full-time in a hospital, lifting and pulling, and pushing beds and carts, and running up and down halls, to say nothing of exposing myself to godknowswhat deadly diseases, for 39 weeks. Week 40 I went into labor. TWICE!
Technically I'm still an expectant mother: I expect my kids to treat me with respect to my face. I expect them to make me an occasional pot of coffee. I expect them NOT to leave rotting food in their rooms. I expect them NOT to call me from jail in the middle of the night, whning for a bail-out.
"It's my space and I'll park there if I want to, park there if I want to, park there if I want to..."
I. Will. Park. There. Every. Single. Time! What're they gonna do, make me pee on a stick at the door?
I used to trudge across busy parking lots, too, when I nine months pregnant and dragging a screaming two-year-old. I paid my dues. They OWE me that space.
I also object to the idea that a pregnant woman needs so much special consideration. Not only did I waddle across parking lots, I worked full-time in a hospital, lifting and pulling, and pushing beds and carts, and running up and down halls, to say nothing of exposing myself to godknowswhat deadly diseases, for 39 weeks. Week 40 I went into labor. TWICE!
Technically I'm still an expectant mother: I expect my kids to treat me with respect to my face. I expect them to make me an occasional pot of coffee. I expect them NOT to leave rotting food in their rooms. I expect them NOT to call me from jail in the middle of the night, whning for a bail-out.
"It's my space and I'll park there if I want to, park there if I want to, park there if I want to..."
Sunday, December 28, 2008
What's SCARY is...
...she PAID MONEY for this 'do:
"The new style is reported to have been the work of her hairdresser Alex Foden, who lives in the same east London apartment block as Winehouse."
SOURCE: RTE Enetertainment
Horoscope
"Fortunately, even if you underestimated the size of the job at hand, a burst of creative lightning can strike, opening the way for you to brilliantly accomplish what you initially set out to do.
"Can" strike, it says. Notice it doesn't say "WILL" strike.
Finished up Day 3 of my 4 day stretch. Aside from somebody flinging a handful of markers across the room while I was doing a group, and clumsily bashing my knee on a file cabinet (you know how, when Severe Pain Strikes Without Warning, your vision blurs, the skin on face kind of vibrates, and you're so paralyzed by physical agony you can't utter the eff word? That was me) it was an uneventful day.
Not that it's over yet...
"Can" strike, it says. Notice it doesn't say "WILL" strike.
Finished up Day 3 of my 4 day stretch. Aside from somebody flinging a handful of markers across the room while I was doing a group, and clumsily bashing my knee on a file cabinet (you know how, when Severe Pain Strikes Without Warning, your vision blurs, the skin on face kind of vibrates, and you're so paralyzed by physical agony you can't utter the eff word? That was me) it was an uneventful day.
Not that it's over yet...
Friday, December 26, 2008
Friday 5
1.
Yeah, the progress looks good, but two problems: the first draft will surpass 90k (probably > 100k again)and no way will this be finished by the end of the year.
I'm okay with that. I have "goals" not "deadlines," remember? If you don't reach a goal, no big deal--you extend it. You don't reach your deadline, you're...um, dead?
2. Christmas tidbits:
Beth and I called woke Nate up out of a sound sleep by calling him on his cell phone and singing "Holly Jolly Christmas" at the top of our lungs (we HATE that song). He actually listened without hanging up on us.
Grandma came over, ate dinner, opened all her gifts, and then asked, "So, did you get all your Christmas shopping done?"
Us: "Grandma. You just opened your gifts."
Grandma: "I did?"
Us: "Yes, TODAY is CHRISTMAS"--as we point to the BIG FAT TREE and mountains of wrapping paper.
Grandma: "It is? Well, you know my memory..."
I drank exactly three measely sips of plum wine--a gift from the Chinese restaurant we order from every Christmas Eve--and POW! A headache. I will never learn.
3. I got an iPod Nano and I'm not even sure what it is.
4. Karen, Beth, and I drove around Christmas Eve looking at the Christmas lights on the mansions on Edgewater Drive and Lake Road. I've since decided I want to be wealthy. Now, how to manage this?
5. I have to work 3-11 today...
...double back to work day shift tomorrow...
...then day shift Sunday...
...then 3-11 Monday.
So much for ANY writing this weekend. I wish I could grab an hour here, an hour there like other people. My brain doesn't work that way. If I can't have a minimum of 4 uninterrupted hours there's no point in trying because all I do is keep glancing at the clock, thinking: 30 more minutes...20 more minutes...10 more minutes... arrgh!
| |
87,348 / 90,000 (97.1%) |
Yeah, the progress looks good, but two problems: the first draft will surpass 90k (probably > 100k again)and no way will this be finished by the end of the year.
I'm okay with that. I have "goals" not "deadlines," remember? If you don't reach a goal, no big deal--you extend it. You don't reach your deadline, you're...um, dead?
2. Christmas tidbits:
Beth and I called woke Nate up out of a sound sleep by calling him on his cell phone and singing "Holly Jolly Christmas" at the top of our lungs (we HATE that song). He actually listened without hanging up on us.
Grandma came over, ate dinner, opened all her gifts, and then asked, "So, did you get all your Christmas shopping done?"
Us: "Grandma. You just opened your gifts."
Grandma: "I did?"
Us: "Yes, TODAY is CHRISTMAS"--as we point to the BIG FAT TREE and mountains of wrapping paper.
Grandma: "It is? Well, you know my memory..."
I drank exactly three measely sips of plum wine--a gift from the Chinese restaurant we order from every Christmas Eve--and POW! A headache. I will never learn.
3. I got an iPod Nano and I'm not even sure what it is.
4. Karen, Beth, and I drove around Christmas Eve looking at the Christmas lights on the mansions on Edgewater Drive and Lake Road. I've since decided I want to be wealthy. Now, how to manage this?
5. I have to work 3-11 today...
...double back to work day shift tomorrow...
...then day shift Sunday...
...then 3-11 Monday.
So much for ANY writing this weekend. I wish I could grab an hour here, an hour there like other people. My brain doesn't work that way. If I can't have a minimum of 4 uninterrupted hours there's no point in trying because all I do is keep glancing at the clock, thinking: 30 more minutes...20 more minutes...10 more minutes... arrgh!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Patrick Jones: STOLEN CAR
If you steal a car, you have two clear choices: stop and jump out, or zoom off at top speed and hope for the best.
Such is the story of fifteen-year-old Danielle in Patrick Jones’s STOLEN CAR. With an absent dad, well-meaning but clueless mom, and her mom’s abusive, live-in flavor-of-the-season, Danielle longs for the day she can leave this trashy trailer park behind, yet wonders at the same time if this will ever be possible. Her buddy Evan’s obvious adoration annoys her, and she’s baffled by her BFF Ashley’s cool disdain for her own caring parents and luxurious lifestyle.
Enter the older, enigmatic, totally hot Reid, Danielle’s former-but-not-forgotten crush. With his own absent parents, sleazy friends, unnerving mood swings, wild parties, and mysterious sources of income, Reid stares into Danielle’s eyes in a way no one’s ever looked at her before. He says the things she’s waited her whole life to hear, and treats her like the most beautiful, desirable girl on planet Earth. Life with Reid, though maddeningly unpredictable, fills her with confidence and a dangerous sense of freedom. For the first time ever, Danielle knows she’s “special” and she’s determined to keep that feeling alive—but at what cost?
Should she jump out? Or should she step on the gas?
Either way, Danielle’s life will change. An absolutely riveting fifth novel by Patrick Jones, author of Nailed, Cheated, Things Change , a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, and Chasing Tail Lights, (my absolute favorite!)
Visit PATRICK JONES'S WEBSITE
Such is the story of fifteen-year-old Danielle in Patrick Jones’s STOLEN CAR. With an absent dad, well-meaning but clueless mom, and her mom’s abusive, live-in flavor-of-the-season, Danielle longs for the day she can leave this trashy trailer park behind, yet wonders at the same time if this will ever be possible. Her buddy Evan’s obvious adoration annoys her, and she’s baffled by her BFF Ashley’s cool disdain for her own caring parents and luxurious lifestyle.
Enter the older, enigmatic, totally hot Reid, Danielle’s former-but-not-forgotten crush. With his own absent parents, sleazy friends, unnerving mood swings, wild parties, and mysterious sources of income, Reid stares into Danielle’s eyes in a way no one’s ever looked at her before. He says the things she’s waited her whole life to hear, and treats her like the most beautiful, desirable girl on planet Earth. Life with Reid, though maddeningly unpredictable, fills her with confidence and a dangerous sense of freedom. For the first time ever, Danielle knows she’s “special” and she’s determined to keep that feeling alive—but at what cost?
Should she jump out? Or should she step on the gas?
Either way, Danielle’s life will change. An absolutely riveting fifth novel by Patrick Jones, author of Nailed, Cheated, Things Change , a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, and Chasing Tail Lights, (my absolute favorite!)
Visit PATRICK JONES'S WEBSITE
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Withdrawal!
I haven't worked on my novel since, well, since the last time I worked on my novel. Yanno, sat down at the keyboard and typed words in sequence...dialogue and stuff, etc.
Hmm, when was that anyway? I can't remember.
OMG! I SERIOUSLY CAN'T REMEMBER!
ARRGGHH!
*sob*
Are the holidays over yet?
Hmm, when was that anyway? I can't remember.
OMG! I SERIOUSLY CAN'T REMEMBER!
ARRGGHH!
*sob*
Are the holidays over yet?
Monday, December 22, 2008
Bookstore Embezzler
"A former bookkeeper with Quail Ridge Books & Music in Raleigh was arrested over the weekend and charged with embezzling $348,975 from the popular independent bookstore" according to this story in the The News & Observer.
One co-worker stated, "We're shocked. We felt a professional closeness with her. We thought a lot of her."
Well, yuh-HUH. Isn't that always the way? Everyone "thought a lot of" the person who ripped off close to $4,000,000 from a certain hospital, too.
It just amazes me how, when things happen--whether you're talking about a run-of-the-mill office crook or a secret sex offender (not that I'm comparing the two, of course)--nobody ever says "Oh, yeah, I knew that SOB was up to no good," or "What a creep! I'm not at all surprised."
Do you think it's true that people don't suspect--that these crimimals are really that good at what they do? Or are their coworkers/friends/family/whatever A. embarrassed that they missed the signs, or B. don't want to admit that they knew something was "off"?
One co-worker stated, "We're shocked. We felt a professional closeness with her. We thought a lot of her."
Well, yuh-HUH. Isn't that always the way? Everyone "thought a lot of" the person who ripped off close to $4,000,000 from a certain hospital, too.
It just amazes me how, when things happen--whether you're talking about a run-of-the-mill office crook or a secret sex offender (not that I'm comparing the two, of course)--nobody ever says "Oh, yeah, I knew that SOB was up to no good," or "What a creep! I'm not at all surprised."
Do you think it's true that people don't suspect--that these crimimals are really that good at what they do? Or are their coworkers/friends/family/whatever A. embarrassed that they missed the signs, or B. don't want to admit that they knew something was "off"?
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Oh, FU-U-U-U-UDGE!!!
Only 96%? How is that possible?
I've only seen this movie about 118,0422 times.
"A CHRISTMAS STORY" in 30 SECONDS
OK, 118,042-3 times.
The original "A Christmas Story" house right here in Cleveland, Ohio:
Someone in the checkout line today said (loudly) that oh, yes, she finished her Christmas shopping over the summer! And she's only there to pick up a couple "last-minute thingys!" And she just doesn't "get why folks wait till the last second!" Blather, blather.
Poor thing. I sure hope those tread marks fade before Wednesday.
BTW--
piclink
--been there...done this, too. :)
You scored a 96%!
Congratulations! I applaud you on the multiple watchings of the movie. You must watch the marathons each year :^)
A Christmas Story
Take More Quizzes
I've only seen this movie about 118,0422 times.
"A CHRISTMAS STORY" in 30 SECONDS
OK, 118,042-3 times.
The original "A Christmas Story" house right here in Cleveland, Ohio:
Someone in the checkout line today said (loudly) that oh, yes, she finished her Christmas shopping over the summer! And she's only there to pick up a couple "last-minute thingys!" And she just doesn't "get why folks wait till the last second!" Blather, blather.
Poor thing. I sure hope those tread marks fade before Wednesday.
BTW--
piclink--been there...done this, too. :)
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Author Lisa Schroeder: CONTEST!
Lisa Schroeder, author of I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME, is celebrating the release of her upcoming YA novel, FAR FROM YOU, and hosting a contest with LOTS of great prizes!
For three days leading up to the book’s release date of December 23rd, you can watch VLOGs and hear some excerpts read from the book. The VLOG schedule is as follows:
Sunday, December 21st – Liv's Book Reviews
Monday, December 22nd – What Vanessa Reads
Tuesday, December 23rd – Lisa Schroeder's LJ AND Lisa's MySpace
Help spread the word, and you might win a fabulous prize!
Copy and paste THIS entire blog entry into your blog between now and December 21st, then come back to Lisa’s blog at either Livejournal OR Myspace and leave a comment with the link to your blog and you will get TWO enteries to win a number of prizes.
Wondering what you might win? Here is the list (there will be multiple winners):
~ An Advanced Review Copy of THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH, by Carrie Ryan
~ An Advanced Review Copy of SOMETHING, MAYBE, by Elizabeth Scott
~ Young adult novel GIRL, HERO by Carrie Jones
~ Young adult novel, THE POSSIBILITIES OF SAINTHOOD by Donna Freitas
~ Young adult novel, UGLIES by Scott Westerfield
~ Pair of YA fairy tale retellings by Cameron Dokey (BELLE and BEFORE MIDNIGHT)
~ TWILIGHT movie soundtrack
~ $15.00 Barnes and Noble gift card along with some Harry & David’s chocolate moose munch
~ And of course, a signed copy of FAR FROM YOU
For more chances to win, watch one or all of the VLOGs and leave a comment on that vlogger’s page, and you get another entry. That means if you post the schedule on your blog AND comment on all three VLOGs, you can have FIVE entries for the contest!
A live drawing with winners announced will be done by Lisa Thursday morning, December 24th, in a special holiday VLOG.
For three days leading up to the book’s release date of December 23rd, you can watch VLOGs and hear some excerpts read from the book. The VLOG schedule is as follows:
Sunday, December 21st – Liv's Book Reviews
Monday, December 22nd – What Vanessa Reads
Tuesday, December 23rd – Lisa Schroeder's LJ AND Lisa's MySpace
Help spread the word, and you might win a fabulous prize!
Copy and paste THIS entire blog entry into your blog between now and December 21st, then come back to Lisa’s blog at either Livejournal OR Myspace and leave a comment with the link to your blog and you will get TWO enteries to win a number of prizes.
Wondering what you might win? Here is the list (there will be multiple winners):
~ An Advanced Review Copy of THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH, by Carrie Ryan
~ An Advanced Review Copy of SOMETHING, MAYBE, by Elizabeth Scott
~ Young adult novel GIRL, HERO by Carrie Jones
~ Young adult novel, THE POSSIBILITIES OF SAINTHOOD by Donna Freitas
~ Young adult novel, UGLIES by Scott Westerfield
~ Pair of YA fairy tale retellings by Cameron Dokey (BELLE and BEFORE MIDNIGHT)
~ TWILIGHT movie soundtrack
~ $15.00 Barnes and Noble gift card along with some Harry & David’s chocolate moose munch
~ And of course, a signed copy of FAR FROM YOU
For more chances to win, watch one or all of the VLOGs and leave a comment on that vlogger’s page, and you get another entry. That means if you post the schedule on your blog AND comment on all three VLOGs, you can have FIVE entries for the contest!
A live drawing with winners announced will be done by Lisa Thursday morning, December 24th, in a special holiday VLOG.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Song for RINN
Theme song for my ghost story...because once you come in...
...you're in for GOOD.
There's no way out of here
When you come in
You're in for good
There was no promise made
The part you played
The chance you took
There are no boundaries set
The time and yet
You waste it still
So it slips through your hands
Like grains of sand
You watch it go
There's no time to be lost
You'll pay the cost
So get it right
There's no way out of here
When you come in
You're in for good
There never was there an answer
There an answer
Not without listening
Without seeing
There are no answers here
When you look out
You don't see in
There was no promise made
The part you played
The chance you took
There's no way out of here
When you come in
You're in for good...
STLYRICS
Rinn loves it!
...you're in for GOOD.
There's no way out of here
When you come in
You're in for good
There was no promise made
The part you played
The chance you took
There are no boundaries set
The time and yet
You waste it still
So it slips through your hands
Like grains of sand
You watch it go
There's no time to be lost
You'll pay the cost
So get it right
There's no way out of here
When you come in
You're in for good
There never was there an answer
There an answer
Not without listening
Without seeing
There are no answers here
When you look out
You don't see in
There was no promise made
The part you played
The chance you took
There's no way out of here
When you come in
You're in for good...
STLYRICS
Rinn loves it!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Laura's Bookshelf--Win Books!
OK, my "feed" won't work so I think I will start double posting again, here and possibly on MySpace as well. Since I am here, let me tell you about LAURA'S REVIEWS BOOKSHELF--check it out, blog about it on your own blog, and you may win FREE BOOKS (including mine, haha). Go, Laura! xx
Friday, December 5, 2008
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