He that lives upon hope will die fasting. ~ Benjamin Franklin
That is the trigger for this weeks challenge at The NoteBored. Do you write? Are you interested to see what kind of story you can come up with in three days that is under one thousand words? Register at http://rittinger.admiralxp.com/index.php and look for the “Challenge!” forum to play along.
Sometimes it's nice to see life from someone else's point of view. I am a mother, writer and amateur photographer. This is what the view looks like from where I am standing.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Thursday, June 23, 2005
On reading and writing
Today the votes close on the challenge at the NoteBored. I am excited because I seem to be doing well and getting votes. *yay!* I will open a reveal thread on the bbs and let everyone admit to which story was theirs.
Today I am working on a short story that was written maybe 6 months ago. (I’d have to check the creation date on it to be sure) It deals with abuse and it’s unsettling. Every time I go to polish it to get it off my desk and out the door, my eyes slide right off of it and I find something else to do that “needs” to be done. Avoidance! Plus, there is that nasty little niggling of where to send it. I don’t know of any editors who are interested in this type of story. I have put out a call of help to the community of writers I hang out with, it could be that I will find someone who can help aim my submission.
Today is the 4th day of VBS, the skits seem to be working well and though I have the largest group of kids in my “class” they are not unmanageable and seem to respond to my leadership just fine. It’s going well.
I am also reading two books these days: Shattered Dreams by Larry Crabb and Tricksters Queen by Tamora Pierce; an instructional Christian book and a young adult fantasy. I also have this nice stack of Sci Fi mags (Asimov and Analog) that I was given by a friend to read. I have at least two of them in progress. I love to read longer stories, but I find that I write more short fiction than anything else. So, it’s very good to read the stories that “made the cut” for the magazines I want to submit to. I still have a ways to go before my fiction is ready for those publications, but I will keep aiming myself there.
Well, I am off to work on “Burn” and no more procrastinating. I think it is time to finish the polish on that story and get it out the door. Thanks for tagging along with me today.
Today I am working on a short story that was written maybe 6 months ago. (I’d have to check the creation date on it to be sure) It deals with abuse and it’s unsettling. Every time I go to polish it to get it off my desk and out the door, my eyes slide right off of it and I find something else to do that “needs” to be done. Avoidance! Plus, there is that nasty little niggling of where to send it. I don’t know of any editors who are interested in this type of story. I have put out a call of help to the community of writers I hang out with, it could be that I will find someone who can help aim my submission.
Today is the 4th day of VBS, the skits seem to be working well and though I have the largest group of kids in my “class” they are not unmanageable and seem to respond to my leadership just fine. It’s going well.
I am also reading two books these days: Shattered Dreams by Larry Crabb and Tricksters Queen by Tamora Pierce; an instructional Christian book and a young adult fantasy. I also have this nice stack of Sci Fi mags (Asimov and Analog) that I was given by a friend to read. I have at least two of them in progress. I love to read longer stories, but I find that I write more short fiction than anything else. So, it’s very good to read the stories that “made the cut” for the magazines I want to submit to. I still have a ways to go before my fiction is ready for those publications, but I will keep aiming myself there.
Well, I am off to work on “Burn” and no more procrastinating. I think it is time to finish the polish on that story and get it out the door. Thanks for tagging along with me today.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Comments needed!
It’s been way too long since I updated my journal. I am sorry for that. I know that there are a few of you who do check in everyday.
I have spent the last few weeks working on the VBS skits for my church. E-mail me if you want to read a copy of them, or you can join the NoteBored (http://rittinger.admiralxp.com/index.php) and read them on the play forum.
Speaking of the NoteBored, it’s growing! We’ve had lots of new people join recently and the writing contests are picking up speed too. We just finished a challenge with the word “Star” as the trigger and tomorrow the voting ends to choose which story was best. Very cool.
I have hit a point now where I need to decide where to focus my writing time. Should I buckle down and finish one of the longer stories I have going, but not finished? Or should I start revising the plethora of short stories that sit on my hard drive? If, after reading the list of things I have going from the previous entry, you have one that strikes your interest, please leave me a comment. Chances are good that if you are interested in it from the description, an editor might be interested in it in its final form. If you do leave me a suggestion; and you want to see the revised version of what you’ve chosen, send me an e-mail asking for a copy and I will gladly let you read it too. (I just can’t publish it here if I want to sell it in the future.)
Feedback is a good thing!
I have spent the last few weeks working on the VBS skits for my church. E-mail me if you want to read a copy of them, or you can join the NoteBored (http://rittinger.admiralxp.com/index.php) and read them on the play forum.
Speaking of the NoteBored, it’s growing! We’ve had lots of new people join recently and the writing contests are picking up speed too. We just finished a challenge with the word “Star” as the trigger and tomorrow the voting ends to choose which story was best. Very cool.
I have hit a point now where I need to decide where to focus my writing time. Should I buckle down and finish one of the longer stories I have going, but not finished? Or should I start revising the plethora of short stories that sit on my hard drive? If, after reading the list of things I have going from the previous entry, you have one that strikes your interest, please leave me a comment. Chances are good that if you are interested in it from the description, an editor might be interested in it in its final form. If you do leave me a suggestion; and you want to see the revised version of what you’ve chosen, send me an e-mail asking for a copy and I will gladly let you read it too. (I just can’t publish it here if I want to sell it in the future.)
Feedback is a good thing!
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Works in progress
Today I am going to start writing the VBS skits … I have been putting it off way too long and now it’s down to the wire.
In fact, I am going to use them in my “classroom” forum on The NoteBored, as an assignment. Wish me luck?
Today is also billing day. I need more than luck; I need a swift kick in the pants to keep motivated!
I just wanted to log into here and let people know I am still alive, still kicking and still writing. (I was able to get another thousand words applied to my historical fiction and another 800 words tacked on to a short story- turned novel. So my muse hasn’t been quiet, I just need to be focusing on the VBS Skits next!
I spent a few hours and updated my works in progress a little while back, and I am thinking of posting that here on my blog as well. Mostly so that those who do follow my rants here can get a glimps of what I have been doing and what I have in progress, since I don’t post my stories here. (if I ever hope to sell them, publishing them here first would be a mistake as that would my “first publishing rights”)
Now that I’ve said it, I think I will.
Let me know if you would like to read any of these stories, I will e-mail you directly if you do. I can always use feedback!
Works in progress
Stories I am actively submitting / or awaiting responses:Broken Eggs – Flash - a story about how a young mother reacts to the death of her sister. This story was inspired by a true event, and not heavy on conflict, which may be the reason it’s not getting pubbed anywhere yet. I confess that I haven’t kept good track of where it has been sent – I need a better system to do this! If anyone wants to read this and help me look for a home for it, let me know and I will post it here in this forum.
Bad Things Come in Threes – Flash – This came out of a Scrawl challenge and has gone through many upon many rewrites. It has gathered lots of rejection notices. It may need yet another rewrite but I second guess my own judgment on this one. In any case, either it needs to get back out there… or I just cut bait and pull a different fish from my barrel. You are welcome to peek at it if you like.
A Choice of Two Evils – Flash – A horrorish story about reincarnation, an evil mage and one old woman who has to make a terrible decision.
Sarah’s Winter – Short Story / Flash – This is a Christian flash dealing with grief and anger toward God. I’ve gotten some mixed reviews on it and it’s gone through lots of rewrites. This has been subbed to a paying mag, still waiting for a reply.
Stories that need to be actively in the submission circuit and would you please kick me in the pants?
Run – Flash - A woman finds the courage and runs away from her old life. We don’t know why she ran, but she does and seems okay with it. Of all the crits I have gotten on this one, none of them mind not knowing why she’s left. It’s got a satisfying ending.
Stories that need a final polish or a fresh set of eyes:
Words – Flash - 500 Word Essay on, you guessed it, writing.
Heaven In His Eyes – Play – This is a full length Easter play. It was the first play I’d ever written and I think that although it needs some polish (I am a stronger writer now than when this was written) It needs to get the final polish and I will likely send it to the same playhouse that I send “All Boxed up.” As with that play, this one needs to be formatted correctly.
All Boxed Up – Play- This is a Christmas monologue of a woman who is grieving the first year without her husband as she digs out the Christmas ornaments. I think this play is ready for a final polish and I need to investigate the formatting requirements for sending to a Christian playhouse.
Stories I am working on the second draft and incorporating all the great feedback, I have already gotten:
Burn – Flash – This is is a very disturbing story. It’s one that I am having a hard time sitting still and working on because of it’s subject matter. Since it is on my desk now, let me know if you would like to read it. I think I will be ready for new eyes (or simply to repost it by the end of the week.
Stories that are sitting in my rewrite folder:
Joy Ride – Flash – Yet another Liberty Hall flash contest. It got some votes for it’s characterization! This flash was inspired by a picture trigger of a little girl on a bike (with training wheels), perched at the very top of a roller coaster.
Road Kill – Flash - from Liberty Hall flash contest and I’ve gotten some good advice for the rewrite. A runaway teen starts to rethink her decisions, and still shies away from them in the end.
Freefall – Sci Fi Short Story – Liberty Hall flash challenge. I forget the trigger at the moment, but I loved this new world I’d created. Once I pull it out again, it might get moved to the novel section. The question is: would that doom it to certain death or will it stand a better chance of getting done if I keep it as a short story? Things to make you go “hmmmmm.”
A Father’s Dream – Flash – I read a blog from a man who was grieving the loss of his baby who was aborted. The blog evoked such a strong emotional response from me, I tried to write my own flash story that reflected the emotions he’d mapped out so well for me. The crits I’ve gotten on this say everything from “Too heavy handed” (political / religious) to, “Too feminine for a male viewpoint”. So I sort of shelved it for now, but in it’s re-write will likely be targeted for a Christian publication.
The Sleep Monster – Short Story – This is a Liberty Hall, flash picture challenge. This one needs a major rewrite and some length added to it.
Ophelia and Henry – Flash – This came from a challenge over at Zoetrope (Elizabeth Crabtree’s office). I like the characters, and I have been given good advice on it, I just need to pick it up again and do the rewrite.
Untitled from NoteBored “Blank” Challenge – A wife hears “I am leaving for another woman” and this is her response to him. This one has some promise, but not sure what to do with it. Maybe another set of eyes…
Other Side of the Door – Flash – Liberty Hall Picture challenge. It’s an okay flash, I am not wild about it. But maybe I just need some advice on if it’s worth revamping or what.
Utricide – Flash – Liberty Hall’s first flash. I like the story, hate the name – needs a powerful rewrite.
Kelsey – Flash – failed flash, needs a storyline and some conflict. Right now I just like the girl who was born from it. I may keep this character but put her in a new situation later on.
Momma Hoyer’s Tale – Short Story -A family friend hears the story of when Momma Hoyer was a little girl.
The Nature of Love – Poem – This needs a new title and a rewrite! It came out of my own loneliness during tax season for my husband, who is a CPA.
Wrong Side of the Tracks – Short Story - My first crack at a mystery (two scenes).
You Don’t Miss Much – Flash – This is the story of a younger brother who feels the distance between he and his elder brother growing ever since he got a girlfriend.
Kiss the Prince – Poem – This is from the scrawl flash challenge “frog.” This one has gone through several tiny rewrites. I am giving it a little bit of time to sit while I look for a market.
Sundial Kitty – Poem – This is from the LH flash challenge “Transom.” This needs a rewrite and some cuts. I tried to make this poem do too many things.
Night Moves – Flash – A single mother struggles to raise her teenage son, alone.
End of the Rainbow – Stort Story? Flash? To be honest, I wrote it so long ago, it might be scrap. I think I would need to submit a cleaned up copy for a round of crits to see what the feedback is on it.
A Mixed Bag – Play – One Act play about a diverse group of people stuck in the back hallways of a mall for a tornado. These characters all talk about what’s important to them and what they will do if they get out of it alive.
What Was He Thinking? – Play – A humorous Christmas skit that pokes a tiny bit of fun while it illustrates the reasons why a bunch of shepherds on a hill were the first ones to hear about Jesus being born.
Miracle Makeovers – Play – A game show style skit that talks about how being a Christian doesn’t mean that you are suddenly perfect.
The Blind Man’s Tale - Play – Easter monologue of a man who was born blind, given sight by Jesus and is now narrating His final moments in front of Pontius Pilot.
Pocket lint – Play – A short skit that illustrates normal financial pressures and dynamics within a family. I need to put an ending on this. It was commissioned from a lady at church who didn’t want a happy ending, but wanted to leave you with a sense of hanging. I complied and gave her something she was happy with, but never came back to give it closure.
Stories that are much longer and are on various stages of never-done-ness:
Spider in the Web – Sci Fi Novel – I have posted a few pages of this for crits and gotten some very positive feedback. This is an “After the genetic and chemical, third world war” sort of story. It’s character driven and likely the most thought out and complex story I’ve ever tried to write. I don’t think I am a strong enough writer to do it justice yet.
Mail Order Bride – Historical Romance Novel – 8,662 words (as of 06-01-05)
This is so far, three stories that I am trying to tie into one. I have the story of a good medicine man – gone bad, who becomes the antagonist. There is the doctor, who has a small Pennsylvania practice, and takes in a wayward medicine man who becomes fixated on his daughter (who happens to wear a pendant that he once gave to his long dead wife). Then there is that daughter (all grown up) who travels west to become a mail order bride after her father has been murdered by said Indian. This Indian is now tracking her across Civil War torn country, to claim that pendant. A pendant he believes to hold power.
Will Sally be able to save herself from the mad medicine man before he weaves his plots? *eyebrows wriggle* I need to figure that!
Maggie (The Guardian Series) – Young Adult Novella 15,944 words (as of 06-01-05) and nine chapters done out of 14 chapters in the outline. Here is the teaser:
General story line…
The Guardian series revolves around the supposition that at the time in history when God shortened man’s life span to 120, he left a several men and women with their original DNA structure intact. As in the days before the flood, God grants long life to a Guardian along with the ability to see and speak into the spiritual realm as John and Daniel did. The Guardians each hold in their trust a talisman from ages past. They remain in the background tipping the balance here and standing in the crossroads there; helping humankind along the rocky road down history.
Maggie’s story line… present day
Maggie, asked by her Grandmother to come and visit for the summer, has a decision she has to make. After much considering, she accepts and is soon away from her family for the first time and feeling home-sick. Fate takes a left turn as she realizes that all is not as it seems at first. Why does grandma disappear for unexplained periods? What is she hiding in her attic? As her curiosity grows, she is caught up in mystery and intrigue. Join Maggie, as she uncovers Grandma’s secret and finds the courage to meet her own future.
Stories that are plotted and / or outlined:
A Laundry Maids Tale – Anecdotal Novel – Think Erma Bombeck, only with laundry… lots of laundry.
Pencilvania – Children’s Picture Book – What happens when color comes to a decidedly black and white pen and pencil world?
Stories that are too small for a flash and need to be expanded into a novel. (Also known as, “doomed never to see the light of day” at the rate I am going.)
New Haven – Flash challenge that was too big for it’s britches.
Icarus – Flash challenge that was too big for it’s britches
Without a Trace – Flash challenge that was too big for it’s britches
In fact, I am going to use them in my “classroom” forum on The NoteBored, as an assignment. Wish me luck?
Today is also billing day. I need more than luck; I need a swift kick in the pants to keep motivated!
I just wanted to log into here and let people know I am still alive, still kicking and still writing. (I was able to get another thousand words applied to my historical fiction and another 800 words tacked on to a short story- turned novel. So my muse hasn’t been quiet, I just need to be focusing on the VBS Skits next!
I spent a few hours and updated my works in progress a little while back, and I am thinking of posting that here on my blog as well. Mostly so that those who do follow my rants here can get a glimps of what I have been doing and what I have in progress, since I don’t post my stories here. (if I ever hope to sell them, publishing them here first would be a mistake as that would my “first publishing rights”)
Now that I’ve said it, I think I will.
Let me know if you would like to read any of these stories, I will e-mail you directly if you do. I can always use feedback!
Works in progress
Stories I am actively submitting / or awaiting responses:Broken Eggs – Flash - a story about how a young mother reacts to the death of her sister. This story was inspired by a true event, and not heavy on conflict, which may be the reason it’s not getting pubbed anywhere yet. I confess that I haven’t kept good track of where it has been sent – I need a better system to do this! If anyone wants to read this and help me look for a home for it, let me know and I will post it here in this forum.
Bad Things Come in Threes – Flash – This came out of a Scrawl challenge and has gone through many upon many rewrites. It has gathered lots of rejection notices. It may need yet another rewrite but I second guess my own judgment on this one. In any case, either it needs to get back out there… or I just cut bait and pull a different fish from my barrel. You are welcome to peek at it if you like.
A Choice of Two Evils – Flash – A horrorish story about reincarnation, an evil mage and one old woman who has to make a terrible decision.
Sarah’s Winter – Short Story / Flash – This is a Christian flash dealing with grief and anger toward God. I’ve gotten some mixed reviews on it and it’s gone through lots of rewrites. This has been subbed to a paying mag, still waiting for a reply.
Stories that need to be actively in the submission circuit and would you please kick me in the pants?
Run – Flash - A woman finds the courage and runs away from her old life. We don’t know why she ran, but she does and seems okay with it. Of all the crits I have gotten on this one, none of them mind not knowing why she’s left. It’s got a satisfying ending.
Stories that need a final polish or a fresh set of eyes:
Words – Flash - 500 Word Essay on, you guessed it, writing.
Heaven In His Eyes – Play – This is a full length Easter play. It was the first play I’d ever written and I think that although it needs some polish (I am a stronger writer now than when this was written) It needs to get the final polish and I will likely send it to the same playhouse that I send “All Boxed up.” As with that play, this one needs to be formatted correctly.
All Boxed Up – Play- This is a Christmas monologue of a woman who is grieving the first year without her husband as she digs out the Christmas ornaments. I think this play is ready for a final polish and I need to investigate the formatting requirements for sending to a Christian playhouse.
Stories I am working on the second draft and incorporating all the great feedback, I have already gotten:
Burn – Flash – This is is a very disturbing story. It’s one that I am having a hard time sitting still and working on because of it’s subject matter. Since it is on my desk now, let me know if you would like to read it. I think I will be ready for new eyes (or simply to repost it by the end of the week.
Stories that are sitting in my rewrite folder:
Joy Ride – Flash – Yet another Liberty Hall flash contest. It got some votes for it’s characterization! This flash was inspired by a picture trigger of a little girl on a bike (with training wheels), perched at the very top of a roller coaster.
Road Kill – Flash - from Liberty Hall flash contest and I’ve gotten some good advice for the rewrite. A runaway teen starts to rethink her decisions, and still shies away from them in the end.
Freefall – Sci Fi Short Story – Liberty Hall flash challenge. I forget the trigger at the moment, but I loved this new world I’d created. Once I pull it out again, it might get moved to the novel section. The question is: would that doom it to certain death or will it stand a better chance of getting done if I keep it as a short story? Things to make you go “hmmmmm.”
A Father’s Dream – Flash – I read a blog from a man who was grieving the loss of his baby who was aborted. The blog evoked such a strong emotional response from me, I tried to write my own flash story that reflected the emotions he’d mapped out so well for me. The crits I’ve gotten on this say everything from “Too heavy handed” (political / religious) to, “Too feminine for a male viewpoint”. So I sort of shelved it for now, but in it’s re-write will likely be targeted for a Christian publication.
The Sleep Monster – Short Story – This is a Liberty Hall, flash picture challenge. This one needs a major rewrite and some length added to it.
Ophelia and Henry – Flash – This came from a challenge over at Zoetrope (Elizabeth Crabtree’s office). I like the characters, and I have been given good advice on it, I just need to pick it up again and do the rewrite.
Untitled from NoteBored “Blank” Challenge – A wife hears “I am leaving for another woman” and this is her response to him. This one has some promise, but not sure what to do with it. Maybe another set of eyes…
Other Side of the Door – Flash – Liberty Hall Picture challenge. It’s an okay flash, I am not wild about it. But maybe I just need some advice on if it’s worth revamping or what.
Utricide – Flash – Liberty Hall’s first flash. I like the story, hate the name – needs a powerful rewrite.
Kelsey – Flash – failed flash, needs a storyline and some conflict. Right now I just like the girl who was born from it. I may keep this character but put her in a new situation later on.
Momma Hoyer’s Tale – Short Story -A family friend hears the story of when Momma Hoyer was a little girl.
The Nature of Love – Poem – This needs a new title and a rewrite! It came out of my own loneliness during tax season for my husband, who is a CPA.
Wrong Side of the Tracks – Short Story - My first crack at a mystery (two scenes).
You Don’t Miss Much – Flash – This is the story of a younger brother who feels the distance between he and his elder brother growing ever since he got a girlfriend.
Kiss the Prince – Poem – This is from the scrawl flash challenge “frog.” This one has gone through several tiny rewrites. I am giving it a little bit of time to sit while I look for a market.
Sundial Kitty – Poem – This is from the LH flash challenge “Transom.” This needs a rewrite and some cuts. I tried to make this poem do too many things.
Night Moves – Flash – A single mother struggles to raise her teenage son, alone.
End of the Rainbow – Stort Story? Flash? To be honest, I wrote it so long ago, it might be scrap. I think I would need to submit a cleaned up copy for a round of crits to see what the feedback is on it.
A Mixed Bag – Play – One Act play about a diverse group of people stuck in the back hallways of a mall for a tornado. These characters all talk about what’s important to them and what they will do if they get out of it alive.
What Was He Thinking? – Play – A humorous Christmas skit that pokes a tiny bit of fun while it illustrates the reasons why a bunch of shepherds on a hill were the first ones to hear about Jesus being born.
Miracle Makeovers – Play – A game show style skit that talks about how being a Christian doesn’t mean that you are suddenly perfect.
The Blind Man’s Tale - Play – Easter monologue of a man who was born blind, given sight by Jesus and is now narrating His final moments in front of Pontius Pilot.
Pocket lint – Play – A short skit that illustrates normal financial pressures and dynamics within a family. I need to put an ending on this. It was commissioned from a lady at church who didn’t want a happy ending, but wanted to leave you with a sense of hanging. I complied and gave her something she was happy with, but never came back to give it closure.
Stories that are much longer and are on various stages of never-done-ness:
Spider in the Web – Sci Fi Novel – I have posted a few pages of this for crits and gotten some very positive feedback. This is an “After the genetic and chemical, third world war” sort of story. It’s character driven and likely the most thought out and complex story I’ve ever tried to write. I don’t think I am a strong enough writer to do it justice yet.
Mail Order Bride – Historical Romance Novel – 8,662 words (as of 06-01-05)
This is so far, three stories that I am trying to tie into one. I have the story of a good medicine man – gone bad, who becomes the antagonist. There is the doctor, who has a small Pennsylvania practice, and takes in a wayward medicine man who becomes fixated on his daughter (who happens to wear a pendant that he once gave to his long dead wife). Then there is that daughter (all grown up) who travels west to become a mail order bride after her father has been murdered by said Indian. This Indian is now tracking her across Civil War torn country, to claim that pendant. A pendant he believes to hold power.
Will Sally be able to save herself from the mad medicine man before he weaves his plots? *eyebrows wriggle* I need to figure that!
Maggie (The Guardian Series) – Young Adult Novella 15,944 words (as of 06-01-05) and nine chapters done out of 14 chapters in the outline. Here is the teaser:
General story line…
The Guardian series revolves around the supposition that at the time in history when God shortened man’s life span to 120, he left a several men and women with their original DNA structure intact. As in the days before the flood, God grants long life to a Guardian along with the ability to see and speak into the spiritual realm as John and Daniel did. The Guardians each hold in their trust a talisman from ages past. They remain in the background tipping the balance here and standing in the crossroads there; helping humankind along the rocky road down history.
Maggie’s story line… present day
Maggie, asked by her Grandmother to come and visit for the summer, has a decision she has to make. After much considering, she accepts and is soon away from her family for the first time and feeling home-sick. Fate takes a left turn as she realizes that all is not as it seems at first. Why does grandma disappear for unexplained periods? What is she hiding in her attic? As her curiosity grows, she is caught up in mystery and intrigue. Join Maggie, as she uncovers Grandma’s secret and finds the courage to meet her own future.
Stories that are plotted and / or outlined:
A Laundry Maids Tale – Anecdotal Novel – Think Erma Bombeck, only with laundry… lots of laundry.
Pencilvania – Children’s Picture Book – What happens when color comes to a decidedly black and white pen and pencil world?
Stories that are too small for a flash and need to be expanded into a novel. (Also known as, “doomed never to see the light of day” at the rate I am going.)
New Haven – Flash challenge that was too big for it’s britches.
Icarus – Flash challenge that was too big for it’s britches
Without a Trace – Flash challenge that was too big for it’s britches
Monday, May 16, 2005
A little grace
You know how sometimes things can take a serious turn in a person’s life? Sometimes those things just aught not be posted on a public board – and so I don’t, but this “thing” has been going on in my family that’s caused me to turn inward for a while.
In the broadest possible terms, the result has been that my son has moved out to live with his dad. It’s been a turbulent and very emotional time, and so I have been quiet here on the net. I feel though, that rather than trying to go on as if nothing has happened, I should let you all know that I am not on top of things like I normally am.
I am still here, just distracted. So please give me a little grace in the next few weeks while things settle into a normal.
In the broadest possible terms, the result has been that my son has moved out to live with his dad. It’s been a turbulent and very emotional time, and so I have been quiet here on the net. I feel though, that rather than trying to go on as if nothing has happened, I should let you all know that I am not on top of things like I normally am.
I am still here, just distracted. So please give me a little grace in the next few weeks while things settle into a normal.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Doctor Update
I never told those who might be interested what happened with the doctor. I just got busy with other stuff and sidetracked.
I did go to the doctor and after hearing what I'd been going through, he took a listen to my ticker and told me that my heart was fine. Apparently, when you have a sensitive Autonomic Nervous System, your heart rate speeds up when you breathe in and slows down when you breathe out. Mine is very sensitive. When I asked what the ANS is, he told me that it's the part of your system that governs the workings of your internal organs, the reactions that your skin goes through when you are scared, touched, embarrassed etc. It also is what controls the beats and regulations of your heart. The ANS is what they measure when you take a lie detector test.
All of this clicked for me. I have always been hyperactive reactive and would startle easily (many jokes in my life on watching me jump) and when upset, my whole chest and neck would radiate red (I realize everyone’s does this to one degree or another, but mine was on the extreme end). I haven't been in physical danger since the abuse stopped. I haven't had the "crisis management" style of living that lead to the skin turning colors lately.... but now it's manifested in this stage of my happily-married and steady life into heart palpitations.
What did the doctor do? He told me to deal with my stress. I am so glad he didn't try to put me on meds, or send me to get a bazillion more tests done! But I am learning a valuable lesson about dealing head on with what's bothering me and in finding effective ways of coping with what stress does to my body.
I have billing to get out today, so I can’t spend as much time lingering on an update as I would like. I will be back though. Thank you to all of you who read my blog and said a prayer or helpful thoughts in my direction.
I will leave you with one cool thing I saw this morning. A robin has found a patch of dead grass near our house (the spot where the concrete steps sat, until the cement patio outside our back door got laid). Well it’s been coming back and forth grabbing hunks of the grass to build it’s nest. It was very cool to point it out to the girls and share a very girly “Aww” moment.
I hope your day is going well, reader. Thank you for taking time to spend some of it with me today.
I did go to the doctor and after hearing what I'd been going through, he took a listen to my ticker and told me that my heart was fine. Apparently, when you have a sensitive Autonomic Nervous System, your heart rate speeds up when you breathe in and slows down when you breathe out. Mine is very sensitive. When I asked what the ANS is, he told me that it's the part of your system that governs the workings of your internal organs, the reactions that your skin goes through when you are scared, touched, embarrassed etc. It also is what controls the beats and regulations of your heart. The ANS is what they measure when you take a lie detector test.
All of this clicked for me. I have always been hyperactive reactive and would startle easily (many jokes in my life on watching me jump) and when upset, my whole chest and neck would radiate red (I realize everyone’s does this to one degree or another, but mine was on the extreme end). I haven't been in physical danger since the abuse stopped. I haven't had the "crisis management" style of living that lead to the skin turning colors lately.... but now it's manifested in this stage of my happily-married and steady life into heart palpitations.
What did the doctor do? He told me to deal with my stress. I am so glad he didn't try to put me on meds, or send me to get a bazillion more tests done! But I am learning a valuable lesson about dealing head on with what's bothering me and in finding effective ways of coping with what stress does to my body.
I have billing to get out today, so I can’t spend as much time lingering on an update as I would like. I will be back though. Thank you to all of you who read my blog and said a prayer or helpful thoughts in my direction.
I will leave you with one cool thing I saw this morning. A robin has found a patch of dead grass near our house (the spot where the concrete steps sat, until the cement patio outside our back door got laid). Well it’s been coming back and forth grabbing hunks of the grass to build it’s nest. It was very cool to point it out to the girls and share a very girly “Aww” moment.
I hope your day is going well, reader. Thank you for taking time to spend some of it with me today.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
the NoteBored
Hey all, sorry I haven’t put anything up in a while. Been busy writing and playing in my personal playground, The NoteBored. You are welcome to stop by and see what I have been up to by clicking here: http://rittinger.admiralxp.com/index.php and seeing the new collaborative project of the “Market” forum. If any of you who troll through from Blog Explosion, Blogazoo or Blog Clicker are writers, trying to get published, and you are looking for a place to pool your resources, then you have found the jackpot!
I run a peer-review, writers workshop. You’re invited to the party!
Some things to know about The NoteBored:
1. It’s a moderated, family friendly forum with all the adult content behind a hidden forum, accessible only through a private message to me (Deanna) in order to open it up.
2. It’s password protected to insure that your first publications rights are still intact should you want to publish anything you submit for review. That means that you need to register if you want to see any of the forums that are behind the Front Porch.
3. If you participate in the Writer’s Workshop, you must also do your share of reviews. We will sport you the first one free, after that, return reviews for the ones you get. This keeps the boards active and fair.
4. If you don’t like to write and would rather just have a place to shoot the breeze, we have forums for that too. We have current events, debates, tech and gaming talk … or simple rambling. All are welcome.
Come and join us! I look forward to meeting you!
I run a peer-review, writers workshop. You’re invited to the party!
Some things to know about The NoteBored:
1. It’s a moderated, family friendly forum with all the adult content behind a hidden forum, accessible only through a private message to me (Deanna) in order to open it up.
2. It’s password protected to insure that your first publications rights are still intact should you want to publish anything you submit for review. That means that you need to register if you want to see any of the forums that are behind the Front Porch.
3. If you participate in the Writer’s Workshop, you must also do your share of reviews. We will sport you the first one free, after that, return reviews for the ones you get. This keeps the boards active and fair.
4. If you don’t like to write and would rather just have a place to shoot the breeze, we have forums for that too. We have current events, debates, tech and gaming talk … or simple rambling. All are welcome.
Come and join us! I look forward to meeting you!
Friday, April 08, 2005
I know someone famous!
If you go here:
SciFi.com
You will see the latest news on a man I went to Highschool with. David Goyer. He was a few years older than I and won't likely remember me, but darn, how cool is that?
We were in the same drama group and he was with the cool crowd... he certainly made good, didn't he?
SciFi.com
You will see the latest news on a man I went to Highschool with. David Goyer. He was a few years older than I and won't likely remember me, but darn, how cool is that?
We were in the same drama group and he was with the cool crowd... he certainly made good, didn't he?
The appointment is set
The appointment is set
Okay, I did it. I called my doctor and made the appointment. It’s for the 14th. I still think that my troubles are from the caffeine I have been drinking.
You see, caffeine is a diuretic. Diuretics drain your body of potassium. Loss of potassium is what causes the heart galloping. The potassium is the element in your system that conducts the electrical impulses, the electrolytes. Your heart is governed by the electrical impulses that cause it to contract.
(This is of course based on what I have read, and not from what a doctor has told me.)
But a very dear friend of mine demanded that I “verify” that that was the case.
My husband ratted me out to his co-worker and my good friend, and she also asked if I’d set the appointment. So… there you have it. I am glad I said something, because my first inclination was to not say anything at all. Partly out of fear of what they’d say, partly out of dread of the doctor visits and tests that they’d run. I feel my heart squeezing even now at the thought of the cost.
If I had figured out what my problem was, and weaned myself off the caffeine before I had mentioned it to Bill (or here in my blog) then I would have avoided this whole thing.
Ah well. One day at a time and all that. I won’t go shopping for tomorrows worries. The ones that live in “today” are plenty to keep me stressed.
On to other things, I have two flash challenges I am going to try to submit for today (flash being that you are given a topic or a prompt and then you spend an hour or so writing a short story – Fun!).
They will have to wait for naptime though. Spring break means my own kids are here and the daycare kids. Too many interruptions to be productive, plus, a gal has to have her priorities in the right spot… play after the responsibilities are done.
Okay, I did it. I called my doctor and made the appointment. It’s for the 14th. I still think that my troubles are from the caffeine I have been drinking.
You see, caffeine is a diuretic. Diuretics drain your body of potassium. Loss of potassium is what causes the heart galloping. The potassium is the element in your system that conducts the electrical impulses, the electrolytes. Your heart is governed by the electrical impulses that cause it to contract.
(This is of course based on what I have read, and not from what a doctor has told me.)
But a very dear friend of mine demanded that I “verify” that that was the case.
My husband ratted me out to his co-worker and my good friend, and she also asked if I’d set the appointment. So… there you have it. I am glad I said something, because my first inclination was to not say anything at all. Partly out of fear of what they’d say, partly out of dread of the doctor visits and tests that they’d run. I feel my heart squeezing even now at the thought of the cost.
If I had figured out what my problem was, and weaned myself off the caffeine before I had mentioned it to Bill (or here in my blog) then I would have avoided this whole thing.
Ah well. One day at a time and all that. I won’t go shopping for tomorrows worries. The ones that live in “today” are plenty to keep me stressed.
On to other things, I have two flash challenges I am going to try to submit for today (flash being that you are given a topic or a prompt and then you spend an hour or so writing a short story – Fun!).
They will have to wait for naptime though. Spring break means my own kids are here and the daycare kids. Too many interruptions to be productive, plus, a gal has to have her priorities in the right spot… play after the responsibilities are done.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Spring Break
This is spring break for my kids and I just haven’t been in front of the computer as much this week. So if you have been wondering where I am, well there you go.
Yesterday we went to the zoo, three other mothers and me. This group had large families like I do. Now, I like the zoo. I like that you can spend a day in the sunshine, get pictures of the kids, frozen moments in time. But almost always, someone gets lost. Never for long, usually it’s because one child or another either ran on to the next exhibit in their enthusiasm or assumed with the group when we did move on. Always we have a near scare. I started to hyperventilate when I added it up and realized that there were 18 children. In fact, if you had told me that I could go to the zoo with 18 children and not loose anyone AND have a great time I would’a said you were nuts. But we did have a wonderful time… and I did get some fun pictures.
On another note, I have been having some health issues that have started to concern me. In the past, I have had heart palpitations or irregularities. It’s like my heart would stumble around for a few beats, find it’s rhythm again and then would be fine. It never hurt, it always passed and then I wouldn’t have an episode again for a long while.
This month, it’s been happening every day. Usually there wasn’t any pain, just that curious sensation of stumbling or speeding up, short of breath, like I’d been running when I was just sitting there. Occasionally in this last month, I would get a tightness or pressure in my chest, usually during stressful situations. At this, I told my husband about them. He was worried and told me to see a doctor. I haven’t yet. I am chicken and afraid of what they will say. It’s easier to say “I have daycare kids coming.” Of course, I just blocked out a day to take my own kids to the zoo, shouldn’t this heart thingy be more important?
Ya think?
Now ask me if I have done it yet.
*sigh*
I did look up my symptoms in this big medical book and I think I may be reacting to too much caffeine. So, I am going to lay off the coffee and diet coke, eat more bananas for my electrolytes, and see if that makes a difference.
Yesterday we went to the zoo, three other mothers and me. This group had large families like I do. Now, I like the zoo. I like that you can spend a day in the sunshine, get pictures of the kids, frozen moments in time. But almost always, someone gets lost. Never for long, usually it’s because one child or another either ran on to the next exhibit in their enthusiasm or assumed with the group when we did move on. Always we have a near scare. I started to hyperventilate when I added it up and realized that there were 18 children. In fact, if you had told me that I could go to the zoo with 18 children and not loose anyone AND have a great time I would’a said you were nuts. But we did have a wonderful time… and I did get some fun pictures.
On another note, I have been having some health issues that have started to concern me. In the past, I have had heart palpitations or irregularities. It’s like my heart would stumble around for a few beats, find it’s rhythm again and then would be fine. It never hurt, it always passed and then I wouldn’t have an episode again for a long while.
This month, it’s been happening every day. Usually there wasn’t any pain, just that curious sensation of stumbling or speeding up, short of breath, like I’d been running when I was just sitting there. Occasionally in this last month, I would get a tightness or pressure in my chest, usually during stressful situations. At this, I told my husband about them. He was worried and told me to see a doctor. I haven’t yet. I am chicken and afraid of what they will say. It’s easier to say “I have daycare kids coming.” Of course, I just blocked out a day to take my own kids to the zoo, shouldn’t this heart thingy be more important?
Ya think?
Now ask me if I have done it yet.
*sigh*
I did look up my symptoms in this big medical book and I think I may be reacting to too much caffeine. So, I am going to lay off the coffee and diet coke, eat more bananas for my electrolytes, and see if that makes a difference.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Point Of View Pick of the Month *March*
I admit, I blog surf. Some people channel surf when they are bored, I blog surf. I have come across one that I adore!
This gets the Point of View Pick of the month:
http://thompsonclan6.typepad.com/thompsonclan6/
It’s called “This Full House” and the lady who writes it has a wonderful sense of humor. Please, click the link above and find out for yourself why she is my pick of the month.
*My sides hurt from laughing so much!*
This gets the Point of View Pick of the month:
http://thompsonclan6.typepad.com/thompsonclan6/
It’s called “This Full House” and the lady who writes it has a wonderful sense of humor. Please, click the link above and find out for yourself why she is my pick of the month.
*My sides hurt from laughing so much!*
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Horizons
Ah well, Smokelong Quarterly sent me a rejection notice.
Smokelong Quarterly is a higher tier of mag (for my ability) to send it out to. I send stuff to the higher rungs first, collect the rejection notices and then go to the next level. The thing I need to remember though, is that my name and my stories are going under their nose fairly often. I will keep trying and in that process, hopefully, develop a kind of relationship based on the quality of stuff I am sending them. One day, they will see my name and say to themselves “Oh look who sent us something again! I wonder where she will take me today.”
This isn't a slam on the other pubs out there. It's more about circulation, and which mags the agents pick through in looking at new talent.
In a fit of optimism yesterday, I sent a production company my story that's in the November 7th issue of Ultraverse.us. They are a brand new company producing their first DVD, sort of a portfolio, really. They were looking for a short sci fi script that they could use to highlight their talent, and attract bigger investors.
If they like the short story, I would then become a student of the art of writing a screenplay and adapt it into that format for them. A learning experience for all.
I have yet to hear from them. They may say that it’s not a good fit for what they are trying to do. And if they do, that’s okay. Know why?
Because yesterday, I dared to dream my horizons bigger than the were the day before.
THAT makes me near giddy.
Okay, I know I am a strange sort of person. It’s a good thing people like me anyway.
Smokelong Quarterly is a higher tier of mag (for my ability) to send it out to. I send stuff to the higher rungs first, collect the rejection notices and then go to the next level. The thing I need to remember though, is that my name and my stories are going under their nose fairly often. I will keep trying and in that process, hopefully, develop a kind of relationship based on the quality of stuff I am sending them. One day, they will see my name and say to themselves “Oh look who sent us something again! I wonder where she will take me today.”
This isn't a slam on the other pubs out there. It's more about circulation, and which mags the agents pick through in looking at new talent.
In a fit of optimism yesterday, I sent a production company my story that's in the November 7th issue of Ultraverse.us. They are a brand new company producing their first DVD, sort of a portfolio, really. They were looking for a short sci fi script that they could use to highlight their talent, and attract bigger investors.
If they like the short story, I would then become a student of the art of writing a screenplay and adapt it into that format for them. A learning experience for all.
I have yet to hear from them. They may say that it’s not a good fit for what they are trying to do. And if they do, that’s okay. Know why?
Because yesterday, I dared to dream my horizons bigger than the were the day before.
THAT makes me near giddy.
Okay, I know I am a strange sort of person. It’s a good thing people like me anyway.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Real Job / Side Job
My “Real” job:
Today, I had one parent bring me hot flavored tea (yum) and another parent bring me cupcakes… (double yum!) Yeah, today is a good day… perks and everything.
I had three new clients sent to me by the gym across the street (moms who are looking for care for their little ones so that they can get some exercise in) and so, I sent them flowers for the referrals.
They called me today to say thank you for the flowers and to let me know that they need more fliers (wahoo!). Soon, I will have my new logo finished, and I will take the template over to the nearby printers and have a bunch made up… along with a nifty new stand to rest them in.
My side job (that makes no money yet):
I sent out two stories to 5 publishers yesterday. It’s called sim subbing, and all the ones I sent it to said they don’t mind simultaneous submissions in their writer’s guidelines. Cool.
I have three stories I need to review yet, two stories of my own I need to edit and progress I need to make on my novel (I will get it finished one day, I swear it). In between that is the normal daycare, housework, and then my own family I need to take care of (which includes yet another three loads of laundry *sigh*).
I need this fantasy life I have built with my writing. I need to immerse myself in a land of make believe where anything can happen. My life has so many “have to’s” just like everyone else in the world does, that the chance to make “something” be anything I want it to be, is a real ego lift.
I also need the time of editing, that sharpens my mind and stretches my abilities. I desperately need to feel like I am growing and not going stagnant. I need to see that growth in measurable increments. That’s why I send those stories out to get published. I need to know that I am getting better, that more and more of what I write is getting accepted.
I do this because I need to grow. It’s that or die.
Well, nap time will soon be over, I need to go switch the laundry over and see if I can get to any of those reviews before the kiddos wake up, or mine come home from school.
I hope your day is being productive, visitor. Thanks for stopping in and checking out how my day went.
Today, I had one parent bring me hot flavored tea (yum) and another parent bring me cupcakes… (double yum!) Yeah, today is a good day… perks and everything.
I had three new clients sent to me by the gym across the street (moms who are looking for care for their little ones so that they can get some exercise in) and so, I sent them flowers for the referrals.
They called me today to say thank you for the flowers and to let me know that they need more fliers (wahoo!). Soon, I will have my new logo finished, and I will take the template over to the nearby printers and have a bunch made up… along with a nifty new stand to rest them in.
My side job (that makes no money yet):
I sent out two stories to 5 publishers yesterday. It’s called sim subbing, and all the ones I sent it to said they don’t mind simultaneous submissions in their writer’s guidelines. Cool.
I have three stories I need to review yet, two stories of my own I need to edit and progress I need to make on my novel (I will get it finished one day, I swear it). In between that is the normal daycare, housework, and then my own family I need to take care of (which includes yet another three loads of laundry *sigh*).
I need this fantasy life I have built with my writing. I need to immerse myself in a land of make believe where anything can happen. My life has so many “have to’s” just like everyone else in the world does, that the chance to make “something” be anything I want it to be, is a real ego lift.
I also need the time of editing, that sharpens my mind and stretches my abilities. I desperately need to feel like I am growing and not going stagnant. I need to see that growth in measurable increments. That’s why I send those stories out to get published. I need to know that I am getting better, that more and more of what I write is getting accepted.
I do this because I need to grow. It’s that or die.
Well, nap time will soon be over, I need to go switch the laundry over and see if I can get to any of those reviews before the kiddos wake up, or mine come home from school.
I hope your day is being productive, visitor. Thanks for stopping in and checking out how my day went.
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
It's 6:15 pm and the sun is STILL shining!
It's painting a beautiful orange light on the buildings and the tips of the bare stalks of weeds in the field behind me.
I just wanted to share my happiness that spring is coming - no matter the freezing temps!
I have to admit that it was weird to shovel the driveway last week to the sound of birds chirping... but the mourning doves have returned and they sit on the swingset outside, grooming and fluffing each other to insulate for the cold.
Happy Almost-Spring!!
Saturday, March 12, 2005
I just downloaded the Picasa software to go along with the "hello" software, and I love it! I am still learning all the ins and outs of it, but it merges with Gmail and my outlook to send photo's online, it will allow IM sharing of photos with those who also have downloaded "hello" software and it will publish your photos straight to your blog with a single touch of the button. The picasa software will allow you to edit the pictures and creat collages like this one. This software seems to be fairly simple to operate, intuitive in nature and nice rounded XP style buttons. I will post more when i discover more, but so far, this has my vote as a "must have" if you like to share photos with friends and family via E-Mail, IM or with a blog.
Friday, March 11, 2005
A view from the laundry room
Items found in the laundry today:
1 Barbie shoe (Is there a Barbie Highway somewhere that has only one shoe on the side of the road? I found the other one then. Maybe Barbie’s mom wonders what happens to lone socks in HER drier. If so, I know where THOSE end up too! *smirk*
2. Two Dimes (Any cash I find I find, I keep. Call it a service fee.)
3. One shredded tissue (Yep It’s cold and flue season – tiny pieces of tissue everywhere *sigh*)
4. One tube of now-melted-and-on-the-clothing-forever, red lip-gloss -- oh joy.
While folding this morning, child number 4 meets me in the laundry room.
Her: Mom, have you seen my blue shirt?
Me: Nope, until you are doing your own laundry, you are stuck wearing what ever you have that’s clean in your drawers.
(Meanwhile, I quickly calculate in my head how many years that is until she is in Jr. High school when that momentous event happens. I deflate, five more years yet – rats!)
She leaves in a slight huff and returns in a few minutes wearing child #2’s Purple turtleneck, it’s sleeves dangling past her fingertips.
Me: That is your sister’s shirt.
Her: It needs to be baggy to go with the pants, mom! (she holds up the shirt to show how low the jeans are riding)
Me: But it doesn’t belong to you!
I decide on a different tack to battle her, she is working herself into a good fight about how I always take “their side” and never let her do what she wants… it’s all there waiting just behind her eyes for me to say the right phrase to trigger it out of her mouth.
Her: Did you ask her if you could borrow it?
Got her! There is no way she can wriggle out of that one, she is forever telling me how un fair it is that the younger one raids HER dresser.
Her: No.
I nod in satisfaction that I diffused that one quickly. I resume the folding and she notices the shirt that I now have in my hand.
Her: Can I wear that instead?
I look, and lo and behold, it is one that belongs to her anyway.
Me: Sure you can.
She snatches it out of my hand and makes for the downstairs bathroom to do her quick-change. I stop her half way there.
Me: Hey! What are you going to do with the shirt you have on your back?
Old argument about clothing being left where they stand…
She bats her eyes and smiles at me in her best “innocent” pretense.
Her: I am going to give it to you, of course.
Me: Good girl. You get to live.
1 Barbie shoe (Is there a Barbie Highway somewhere that has only one shoe on the side of the road? I found the other one then. Maybe Barbie’s mom wonders what happens to lone socks in HER drier. If so, I know where THOSE end up too! *smirk*
2. Two Dimes (Any cash I find I find, I keep. Call it a service fee.)
3. One shredded tissue (Yep It’s cold and flue season – tiny pieces of tissue everywhere *sigh*)
4. One tube of now-melted-and-on-the-clothing-forever, red lip-gloss -- oh joy.
While folding this morning, child number 4 meets me in the laundry room.
Her: Mom, have you seen my blue shirt?
Me: Nope, until you are doing your own laundry, you are stuck wearing what ever you have that’s clean in your drawers.
(Meanwhile, I quickly calculate in my head how many years that is until she is in Jr. High school when that momentous event happens. I deflate, five more years yet – rats!)
She leaves in a slight huff and returns in a few minutes wearing child #2’s Purple turtleneck, it’s sleeves dangling past her fingertips.
Me: That is your sister’s shirt.
Her: It needs to be baggy to go with the pants, mom! (she holds up the shirt to show how low the jeans are riding)
Me: But it doesn’t belong to you!
I decide on a different tack to battle her, she is working herself into a good fight about how I always take “their side” and never let her do what she wants… it’s all there waiting just behind her eyes for me to say the right phrase to trigger it out of her mouth.
Her: Did you ask her if you could borrow it?
Got her! There is no way she can wriggle out of that one, she is forever telling me how un fair it is that the younger one raids HER dresser.
Her: No.
I nod in satisfaction that I diffused that one quickly. I resume the folding and she notices the shirt that I now have in my hand.
Her: Can I wear that instead?
I look, and lo and behold, it is one that belongs to her anyway.
Me: Sure you can.
She snatches it out of my hand and makes for the downstairs bathroom to do her quick-change. I stop her half way there.
Me: Hey! What are you going to do with the shirt you have on your back?
Old argument about clothing being left where they stand…
She bats her eyes and smiles at me in her best “innocent” pretense.
Her: I am going to give it to you, of course.
Me: Good girl. You get to live.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Autopilot
I did it again!
*sigh*
The dishes are done, the laundry has been switched over (it’s never really done, just in various states of backlog…). Four of the five kids are brushed, prayed with and down for the night (the teenager won’t let me put him down anymore – go figure). I have found the floor (I knew it was under that pile of toys, backpacks, shoes, jackets and snow pants somewhere). I did the dishes *holds wrinkly fingers to the monitor to prove it* and restocked the coffee maker with it’s magic time-to-get-up ingredients and wouldn’t you know it… instead of putting it on “auto” to brew at 6:00 am for the morning – I turned it “ON” !
ON!
Again!
I hate being on autopilot.
Well, while the coffee maker has it’s days and nights mixed up, I am settling in to do the bills. I need to catch up the checkbook, enter in the credit card charges and all that jazz. I will see if I can race the washer in it’s cycle to the music of perking coffee and finish in time to get to some reviews that have stacked up. If I can get them done, then that leaves tomorrow to do some revisions on my own stories and maybe, just maybe I can shoo off another story or two to gather rejection notices like it were building it’s very own spring nest.
Somebody remind me to get the garbage out to the curb tomorrow morning? I seem to be in autopilot and with my luck I will forget.
*sigh*
The dishes are done, the laundry has been switched over (it’s never really done, just in various states of backlog…). Four of the five kids are brushed, prayed with and down for the night (the teenager won’t let me put him down anymore – go figure). I have found the floor (I knew it was under that pile of toys, backpacks, shoes, jackets and snow pants somewhere). I did the dishes *holds wrinkly fingers to the monitor to prove it* and restocked the coffee maker with it’s magic time-to-get-up ingredients and wouldn’t you know it… instead of putting it on “auto” to brew at 6:00 am for the morning – I turned it “ON” !
ON!
Again!
I hate being on autopilot.
Well, while the coffee maker has it’s days and nights mixed up, I am settling in to do the bills. I need to catch up the checkbook, enter in the credit card charges and all that jazz. I will see if I can race the washer in it’s cycle to the music of perking coffee and finish in time to get to some reviews that have stacked up. If I can get them done, then that leaves tomorrow to do some revisions on my own stories and maybe, just maybe I can shoo off another story or two to gather rejection notices like it were building it’s very own spring nest.
Somebody remind me to get the garbage out to the curb tomorrow morning? I seem to be in autopilot and with my luck I will forget.
I just downloaded the "Hello" software (this program helps to insert and automatically size your pictures). I ended up publishing this post accidentally the first time, and discovered that I can go back (using the same program) and edit it. So, that's what I have done.Also, I spent the morning (until driven from the keyboard with a headache) sorting all the links along the side. Hopefully they will make more sense now. I have registered with several blogging catalogs and search engines today... lets just hope they don't sell my e-mail addy... hummm?
Now that I have figured out how to format this template a little better, expect me to share some more photos. *eyebrows wriggle*
Well, must go for now. I have errands to run and kids to get places. Talk to you all again tomorrow!
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