Do you remember this post?? I had some goals to read before I turned 30. Here they are:
1. Lose 15-20 pounds. I'd like to start my 30's off on a good note. I dont think I could handle a double whammy.
2. Edit current MS and write another book
3. Find a part time job
4. Take the kids to Disney and pay CASH (why I listed #3!)
5. Crack down on our budget so we can save for retirement. If we actually have retirement money, I might look forward to it a little more!
6. Start an IRA for myself and contribute the maximum amount
7. do something totally wild and crazy (by my standards)
8. Create an author website.
9. Find friends who GET me. No fluff. I want the down and dirty, what you see is what you get kinda friends.
10. Make a long-term plan for my life that I can be excited about.
So, one year later, here is the update.
1. SOMEWHAT DONE: I lost the 15-20 Overall, I lost about 30 pounds. Unfortunately, I'm only 10 pounds less than when I wrote last years post. :o/ But, I guess 10 pounds is 10 pounds, right?
2. DONE: Edited current MS and wrote another book entitled Lucky for Her.
3. DONE: Found a part time job. I'm now a freelance editor and work from home. Money isn't half bad.
4. SOMEWHAT DONE: Took the kids to Disney. Unfortunately, we didn't pay cash. Grrr.
5. BUSTED: Did not crack down on budget.
6. BUSTED: Did not start an IRA, nor did I contribute the maximum amount.
7. BUSTED: Did not do something wild and crazy. Oh well. I might not have lived to see 30 if I had.
8. DONE: I now have an author website: www.stephanietaylorauthor.com
9. DONE: Found a friend who gets me. She's wonderful!
10. DONE: Made a long term plan for my life and career and I'm definitely excited. I'm hoping to have more details soon!
So I completed 7 out of my 10 goals. On top of that, one of my personal goals was to get one book published before I was 30. I'm happy to report that as of yesterday, I signed my THIRD contract for one of my books. Still won't be able to find me on the shelf in Barnes and Noble, but that's another goal for another year. ;o) Overall, I can say I'm happy entering my 30s. I'll need to think about my goals for the following year and do another post soon. In the meantime, pray I make it to Sunday, which is my actual birthday.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
It's been forever...
...I know. I've had so much going on, it's unreal. Since I last posted, Punky turned four, Chicken turned three and Cupcake turned two. Such a crazy amount of love I have for my children! Every day is such a blessing with them.
I'm also happy to announce I've finally been published. My first book, Doubting Thomas, is available under my pen name, Stephanie Taylor now from Eternal Press. You can order it here. It will be available in print on Amazon in a week or so. My second book, Tinsel Town, is due to be released from Lyrical Press on November 11th, 2010. It's a christmas story about an actor and actress who hate each other forced to spend the holidays together. It's one of my favorite books I've ever written!
I'll also be holding a book signing at the Madison Street Festival in Madison, Alabama on October 2nd. If you live nearby, please come by and see me!
I also work for Vintage Reflections Publishing now as an editor. It's a wonderful company and I've made so many friends through the authors I've edited. I feel like I work in an alternate reality most of the time under Stephanie Taylor. I have a fan page on facebook and a twitter account under STaylorAuthor.
Not many people can say they've accomplished all of their dreams before they turned thirty, but I have. It's an amazing accomplishment and while I feel the need to be proud of myself sometimes, it's been a humbling experience. The day my book released, August 7, 2010, Hubby and I came home from celebrating and I looked up to the night sky to say a prayer of thanks. Low and behold, a shooting star streaked across the sky. Nothing like that little reminder to whisper in my ear that I'm still not the one in control. Having three beautiful children and two books coming out wasn't just MY doing. God gave me my children, and he gave me my talents. To Him, I'll be eternally grateful!
I'm also happy to announce I've finally been published. My first book, Doubting Thomas, is available under my pen name, Stephanie Taylor now from Eternal Press. You can order it here. It will be available in print on Amazon in a week or so. My second book, Tinsel Town, is due to be released from Lyrical Press on November 11th, 2010. It's a christmas story about an actor and actress who hate each other forced to spend the holidays together. It's one of my favorite books I've ever written!
I'll also be holding a book signing at the Madison Street Festival in Madison, Alabama on October 2nd. If you live nearby, please come by and see me!
I also work for Vintage Reflections Publishing now as an editor. It's a wonderful company and I've made so many friends through the authors I've edited. I feel like I work in an alternate reality most of the time under Stephanie Taylor. I have a fan page on facebook and a twitter account under STaylorAuthor.
Not many people can say they've accomplished all of their dreams before they turned thirty, but I have. It's an amazing accomplishment and while I feel the need to be proud of myself sometimes, it's been a humbling experience. The day my book released, August 7, 2010, Hubby and I came home from celebrating and I looked up to the night sky to say a prayer of thanks. Low and behold, a shooting star streaked across the sky. Nothing like that little reminder to whisper in my ear that I'm still not the one in control. Having three beautiful children and two books coming out wasn't just MY doing. God gave me my children, and he gave me my talents. To Him, I'll be eternally grateful!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Want to win an HP TouchSmart?
You can visit http://mckgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/hp-touchsmart-giveaway.html and win your very own HP TouchSmart! Who wouldn't like this for a Christmas gift? Head on over for your chance to win!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
My famous Chocolate Chip Molasses Cookies
Ok, so after you read this, I'm going to have to kill you but a friend of mine posted a virtual cookie swap on her blog at http://www.jennifershirk.blogspot.com/. I thought I'd participate and share my famous Chocolate Chip Molasses Cookie recipe. This recipe trumps my mother in laws (or so my hubby says) in the yummy department. I can't believe I finally got one right! This is 8 years of experimentation finally gone right.
Chocolate Chip Molasses Cookies
2 cups white sugar
1 tbsp real molasses
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 stick butter, melted
1 bag milk chocolate chips
Combine all of these ingredients then add 1.5-2 cups of flour until the dough is no longer sticky. Spoon onto cookie sheet and bake for around 8 minutes, until the edges and peaks are golden brown. Remove and enjoy with a big, fat glass o'milk!
Have a Merry Christmas!
Chocolate Chip Molasses Cookies
2 cups white sugar
1 tbsp real molasses
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 stick butter, melted
1 bag milk chocolate chips
Combine all of these ingredients then add 1.5-2 cups of flour until the dough is no longer sticky. Spoon onto cookie sheet and bake for around 8 minutes, until the edges and peaks are golden brown. Remove and enjoy with a big, fat glass o'milk!
Have a Merry Christmas!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Happy birthday to me
Tomorrow, I will be 29. The last year of my twenties. The last year to do something stupid and get away with it, cause let's face it...once thirty hits, we're adults and have to face reality.
Only I? Have lived that way most of my life.
I haven't blogged much recently because not only have things been insanely crazy for our family, I just haven't felt like it. My mood for the last six months is most accurately described as BLAH. Thankfully, after some tests and doctors visits, we're on the road to making things better. I tell ya, I sure could use a break from BLAH.
I can't help but feel sad my twenties are almost over. Tomorrow I'll be 29. Some really great things happened. I moved. I got married. I quit working. I had three children. I will celebrate 9 years of marriage before I turn 30. I'm hoping I can add something else great to this list before this time next year.
Now I'm kinda left with the bereft feeling of....now what? I told my husband recently, "We're married, we're done having kids. Now we just get old and die." A friend of mine said, "But next you get to have grandchildren and then retire!" Retirement happened for me a week before Punky was born. Grandchildren are my children's "having a baby" milestone. Likely to happen, but not guaranteed. Surely out of three, I can snag at least one though.
I just get this panicky feeling in my chest where I feel like things are slipping away. I'm crazy, I know. I'm not even thirty. But I didn't finish college, so there's nothing to fall back on when my kids are old enough to spread their wings. My biggest fear is I'm going to be one of those parents who completely lose it when their kids leave home. My mother in law is a great example of what I DO want to be. I believe cultivating healthy friendships through early parenthood and making time for yourself helps avoid that. But none of us really know until we get there.
I keep thinking maybe this whole writing thing will pan out for me. But I'm no closer than I was a year ago, when I decided this was going to be the year. I did finish two novels this year though and I'm very proud of them. I'm finally getting the hang of the whole writing thing. I hope eventually something will happen in those regards for me.
So I'd like to look back on this next year and say I've accomplished a few things. Here are my goals for 29:
1. Lose 15-20 pounds. I'd like to start my 30's off on a good note. I dont think I could handle a double whammy.
2. Edit current MS and write another book
3. Find a part time job
4. Take the kids to Disney and pay CASH (why I listed #3!)
5. Crack down on our budget so we can save for retirement. If we actually have retirement money, I might look forward to it a little more!
6. Start an IRA for myself and contribute the maximum amount
7. do something totally wild and crazy (by my standards)
8. Create an author website.
9. Find friends who GET me. No fluff. I want the down and dirty, what you see is what you get kinda friends.
10. Make a long-term plan for my life that I can be excited about.
There. Now I'm going to need some encouragement to keep these goals. I'll take whatever you want to give.
Only I? Have lived that way most of my life.
I haven't blogged much recently because not only have things been insanely crazy for our family, I just haven't felt like it. My mood for the last six months is most accurately described as BLAH. Thankfully, after some tests and doctors visits, we're on the road to making things better. I tell ya, I sure could use a break from BLAH.
I can't help but feel sad my twenties are almost over. Tomorrow I'll be 29. Some really great things happened. I moved. I got married. I quit working. I had three children. I will celebrate 9 years of marriage before I turn 30. I'm hoping I can add something else great to this list before this time next year.
Now I'm kinda left with the bereft feeling of....now what? I told my husband recently, "We're married, we're done having kids. Now we just get old and die." A friend of mine said, "But next you get to have grandchildren and then retire!" Retirement happened for me a week before Punky was born. Grandchildren are my children's "having a baby" milestone. Likely to happen, but not guaranteed. Surely out of three, I can snag at least one though.
I just get this panicky feeling in my chest where I feel like things are slipping away. I'm crazy, I know. I'm not even thirty. But I didn't finish college, so there's nothing to fall back on when my kids are old enough to spread their wings. My biggest fear is I'm going to be one of those parents who completely lose it when their kids leave home. My mother in law is a great example of what I DO want to be. I believe cultivating healthy friendships through early parenthood and making time for yourself helps avoid that. But none of us really know until we get there.
I keep thinking maybe this whole writing thing will pan out for me. But I'm no closer than I was a year ago, when I decided this was going to be the year. I did finish two novels this year though and I'm very proud of them. I'm finally getting the hang of the whole writing thing. I hope eventually something will happen in those regards for me.
So I'd like to look back on this next year and say I've accomplished a few things. Here are my goals for 29:
1. Lose 15-20 pounds. I'd like to start my 30's off on a good note. I dont think I could handle a double whammy.
2. Edit current MS and write another book
3. Find a part time job
4. Take the kids to Disney and pay CASH (why I listed #3!)
5. Crack down on our budget so we can save for retirement. If we actually have retirement money, I might look forward to it a little more!
6. Start an IRA for myself and contribute the maximum amount
7. do something totally wild and crazy (by my standards)
8. Create an author website.
9. Find friends who GET me. No fluff. I want the down and dirty, what you see is what you get kinda friends.
10. Make a long-term plan for my life that I can be excited about.
There. Now I'm going to need some encouragement to keep these goals. I'll take whatever you want to give.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Happy birthday, Cupcake. You're ONE!
Cupcake,
I've thought long and hard about this letter, mainly because it's the last "first" letter I'll probably ever right. I want it to be perfect and special in all the ways you are.
I can't begin to tell you what a blessing you've been in my life. From the second they put you on my tummy straight from the womb and I thought, "Oh my, what a tiny mouth she has!" to now, exactly one year later, I've been filled with love and happiness. I'm sure by the time you're reading this, you know you weren't exactly planned, but I couldn't imagine our family being complete without you.
You slept through the night on your three month birthday and have ever since. You've learned to smile and say dada, mama, baba, bite bite, hi, bye bye, whoa, baby, no no, uh oh, and probably a few more I haven't picked up on yet. You went to your first Bible class when you were six months old. You learned to sit up around then, too. By 9 months, you crawled and by 10 you were pulling up and cruising. You still haven't walked, but I know it's coming very soon!
Your smile has brought me endless joy. You've been such an easy baby and it's hard to capture with words the joy you seem to find in life. Your little adult chuckle always makes me laugh. And I love how you call for me over the monitor when you're awake. Your little crooked two-tooth smile never fails to brighten my day.
The best part of all has been going to your room and picking you up, all warm and soft from sleep and hearing you say "Ooooh" as you give me a kiss and then lay your head on my shoulder, patting me with your little chubby hand. One day, when your too big for me to pick up, I want those memories to be with me. These baby days are so short and there was once a day not long ago I wished them away. If only they would sleep through the night...If only they were potty trained...if only...
If only I could keep you little just a little longer.
God gave me my "angel baby" so that I would always look back on these days with joy. I know the day will come you will walk, talk in sentences, eat with a spoon, potty train, dress yourself, and develop your own opinion. I will savor those days, too, just as I have with your brother and sister. There's something bittersweet about saying goodbye to your last baby, but I'm also saying hello to my last toddler, which is still just as special.
Someday, I pray, I will watch you become a Christian. I will watch you make wise choices and make not only me, but yourself and God proud. I will watch you grow with the joy only a mother can have towards her child.
Cupcake, happy birthday. I love you so much.
Tomorrow, as we celebrate, I hope you know you will always be my...
I've thought long and hard about this letter, mainly because it's the last "first" letter I'll probably ever right. I want it to be perfect and special in all the ways you are.
I can't begin to tell you what a blessing you've been in my life. From the second they put you on my tummy straight from the womb and I thought, "Oh my, what a tiny mouth she has!" to now, exactly one year later, I've been filled with love and happiness. I'm sure by the time you're reading this, you know you weren't exactly planned, but I couldn't imagine our family being complete without you.
You slept through the night on your three month birthday and have ever since. You've learned to smile and say dada, mama, baba, bite bite, hi, bye bye, whoa, baby, no no, uh oh, and probably a few more I haven't picked up on yet. You went to your first Bible class when you were six months old. You learned to sit up around then, too. By 9 months, you crawled and by 10 you were pulling up and cruising. You still haven't walked, but I know it's coming very soon!
Your smile has brought me endless joy. You've been such an easy baby and it's hard to capture with words the joy you seem to find in life. Your little adult chuckle always makes me laugh. And I love how you call for me over the monitor when you're awake. Your little crooked two-tooth smile never fails to brighten my day.
The best part of all has been going to your room and picking you up, all warm and soft from sleep and hearing you say "Ooooh" as you give me a kiss and then lay your head on my shoulder, patting me with your little chubby hand. One day, when your too big for me to pick up, I want those memories to be with me. These baby days are so short and there was once a day not long ago I wished them away. If only they would sleep through the night...If only they were potty trained...if only...
If only I could keep you little just a little longer.
God gave me my "angel baby" so that I would always look back on these days with joy. I know the day will come you will walk, talk in sentences, eat with a spoon, potty train, dress yourself, and develop your own opinion. I will savor those days, too, just as I have with your brother and sister. There's something bittersweet about saying goodbye to your last baby, but I'm also saying hello to my last toddler, which is still just as special.
Someday, I pray, I will watch you become a Christian. I will watch you make wise choices and make not only me, but yourself and God proud. I will watch you grow with the joy only a mother can have towards her child.
Cupcake, happy birthday. I love you so much.
Tomorrow, as we celebrate, I hope you know you will always be my...
Monday, July 13, 2009
I've been tagged by Jennifer!
I was tagged by Jennifer over at Me, My Muse and I. Since I haven't had much to blog about lately, I thought this would give me something to do!
Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person or persons who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random and/or revealing things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they’ve been tagged and leave a comment on their blog
6. Let the tagger know when your post entry is up on your site.
Six Random/Revealing Things About Myself:
1) I wear a size 5.5 shoe. I HATE my small feet!
2) I have an uncontrollable, inexplicable fear of puking. I'd rather be extremely nauseous for a week than puke once and feel better.
3) The greatest experience in life is having children. Marriage is a close second. Both teach you every possible combination of patience and love.
4) I hated lit classes in college despite the fact that I'm a writer!
5) I went to college for 2.5 years and dropped out. I wanted to be a wife and mother more than I wanted a fancy degree.
6) I love action movies more than girly movies. Hubby got lucky on that one!
Kinda boring, huh? Since I don't get many readers these days, consider yourself tagged if you read this and haven't already done it! Can't wait to see what you come up with!
Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person or persons who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random and/or revealing things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they’ve been tagged and leave a comment on their blog
6. Let the tagger know when your post entry is up on your site.
Six Random/Revealing Things About Myself:
1) I wear a size 5.5 shoe. I HATE my small feet!
2) I have an uncontrollable, inexplicable fear of puking. I'd rather be extremely nauseous for a week than puke once and feel better.
3) The greatest experience in life is having children. Marriage is a close second. Both teach you every possible combination of patience and love.
4) I hated lit classes in college despite the fact that I'm a writer!
5) I went to college for 2.5 years and dropped out. I wanted to be a wife and mother more than I wanted a fancy degree.
6) I love action movies more than girly movies. Hubby got lucky on that one!
Kinda boring, huh? Since I don't get many readers these days, consider yourself tagged if you read this and haven't already done it! Can't wait to see what you come up with!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Balloons!
So last weekend my two girls went to a birthday party and came home with a balloon. Punky and Chicken fought constantly over the thing and continued to make that squeaky, annoying sound. While I was gone running errands, Hubby decided he had enough.
"C'mon kids. Let's go in the kitchen and pop it. It'll make a loud noise!" He lines Punky, Chicken and Cupcake up like little soliders.
1, 2, 3!
He pops the balloon.
All the kids fell into stunned silence with slack jaws and rounded eyes.
After a few moments, Cupcake (the 11 month old) said, "Whoa!"
"C'mon kids. Let's go in the kitchen and pop it. It'll make a loud noise!" He lines Punky, Chicken and Cupcake up like little soliders.
1, 2, 3!
He pops the balloon.
All the kids fell into stunned silence with slack jaws and rounded eyes.
After a few moments, Cupcake (the 11 month old) said, "Whoa!"
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Food for thought...
"Mommy, are we going to heaven?" Punky, my three year old asks.
"Yes, as long as we do what God says, we will!" I reply, loving that she was thinking on such things.
"Can we drive our car?"
"Uhhhh...."
"Yes, as long as we do what God says, we will!" I reply, loving that she was thinking on such things.
"Can we drive our car?"
"Uhhhh...."
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Happy belated birthday, Old Man.
Dear Hubby,
I just realized I was so busy on your birthday I never wrote you the traditional letter. So here I am, 5 days later, doing it anyway.
Last year, I warned you of your oldness coming this year, at the big 3.0. But surprisingly, you're not in depends, you still have all your teeth and while you do snore, at least you can get yourself out of the bed without the aide of walker. I'm proud of you! ;oD
In all seriousness, I think our little weekend getaway to Mentone, Alabama was amazing. I wish we could have stayed there a week. Hiked more. Eaten more. Because for about 1.75 days, we had no responsibility and it kinda felt like we were dating again. I watched you laugh...I saw the real smile where I could see your dimple. I love that smile.
Since having our kids, we have a hard time connecting due to our chaotic lives but this weekend, we connected. And I'm still trying to digest the fact we didn't fight once!!! ;oD
I love you, Bryan. Every day, while it probably doesn't seem like it, I thank God for you and how my life has turned out. I thank God for the wonderful father you are to our children, the provider you are to us, and husband you are to me. Life has a knack for getting in the way and I don't tell you those things enough.
I love you, all of you. Thank you for picking me.
Stephanie
Monday, May 18, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
One day, I'll have some time to breath
So...about a week and a half ago I was in the garage getting ready for a yard sale while the kids were playing in the driveway. I was focused on my task and not paying much attention to them other than to make sure they hadn't wondered off.
Then, I heard Punky's telltale scream of horror and pain. I look and her hand is dripping blood. I run over to her, prepared to bandage up whatever it is and tell her to shake it off and stop overreacting (I'm convinced she has a fear of blood...something that baffles me since no one but my father in law in our family possesses this fear. I have to calm her down a lot about it.
However, what I saw was nothing that would be bandaged up and shaken off. She definitely needed stitches. Off we went to the pediatric ER and she had two stitches (which she felt going in...stupid doc didn't even bother to give her a shot and opted instead for numbing "gel" that apparently numbs about as well as a piece of ice.
So we've been dealing with the bandage changing and such since then. Yesterday, she got her stitches out and is band-aid free now although she's still favoring it quite a bit. What an ordeal.
This morning I rolled out of bed at 4:15 to have Cupcake at the hospital for surgery on a clogged tear duct. Not a big deal and she's ok now (peacefully sleeping as a matter of fact) but it's hard to see your baby being carried away by a complete stranger with a hair net and atrociously colored scrubs. Everyone was so very nice and I held it together (miraculously). When I went to see her in recovery, she had just woken up.
I guess I expected to see her sitting up and playing. Instead she was laying on her back, looking around with her big blue eyes and had her thumb in her mouth. She was obviously feeling insecure about her surroundings. When she saw me, her eyes lit up, she smiled a big smile and reached for me. It was the sweetest moment to know that she recognized me and loved me that much.
Of course, she worked her charm on all the doctors and nurses and everyone was having a duck over her. One man even shook his head and said, "I can't believe you're old enough to have a baby, much less three!" I laughed and told him thank you for saying that, it always makes this almost 29 year old feel super special! With everything going on in this house right now, I certainly don't feel young!
Now? I'm exhausted. I went to the gym for the first time last night in two weeks. My feet hurt. My back hurts. I'm fat. I think I have another ear infection. I need a babysitter.
I just need a nap and a vacation. Oh, and maybe some liposuction.
Then, I heard Punky's telltale scream of horror and pain. I look and her hand is dripping blood. I run over to her, prepared to bandage up whatever it is and tell her to shake it off and stop overreacting (I'm convinced she has a fear of blood...something that baffles me since no one but my father in law in our family possesses this fear. I have to calm her down a lot about it.
However, what I saw was nothing that would be bandaged up and shaken off. She definitely needed stitches. Off we went to the pediatric ER and she had two stitches (which she felt going in...stupid doc didn't even bother to give her a shot and opted instead for numbing "gel" that apparently numbs about as well as a piece of ice.
So we've been dealing with the bandage changing and such since then. Yesterday, she got her stitches out and is band-aid free now although she's still favoring it quite a bit. What an ordeal.
This morning I rolled out of bed at 4:15 to have Cupcake at the hospital for surgery on a clogged tear duct. Not a big deal and she's ok now (peacefully sleeping as a matter of fact) but it's hard to see your baby being carried away by a complete stranger with a hair net and atrociously colored scrubs. Everyone was so very nice and I held it together (miraculously). When I went to see her in recovery, she had just woken up.
I guess I expected to see her sitting up and playing. Instead she was laying on her back, looking around with her big blue eyes and had her thumb in her mouth. She was obviously feeling insecure about her surroundings. When she saw me, her eyes lit up, she smiled a big smile and reached for me. It was the sweetest moment to know that she recognized me and loved me that much.
Of course, she worked her charm on all the doctors and nurses and everyone was having a duck over her. One man even shook his head and said, "I can't believe you're old enough to have a baby, much less three!" I laughed and told him thank you for saying that, it always makes this almost 29 year old feel super special! With everything going on in this house right now, I certainly don't feel young!
Now? I'm exhausted. I went to the gym for the first time last night in two weeks. My feet hurt. My back hurts. I'm fat. I think I have another ear infection. I need a babysitter.
I just need a nap and a vacation. Oh, and maybe some liposuction.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Out of sorts
Every day this week has been a struggle.
My kids are on a mission to make me certifiably insane. You think I'm kidding? Yes? Think again. Chicken started running a fever on Monday. Sinus crud. Still not convinced there's not some food rotting in his sinus cavity that we'll have to have surgery for.
Punky has been extra whiny and I have no idea what her deal is.
Cupcake is teething AND is going to have to have surgery to open up a clogged tear duct in the near future. But I'm not too worried about it, supposedly it's only a 5-10 minute surgery.
Not only that, but my energy level is next to nothing. I can barely hold my head up during the day. And if one person mentions the "P" word I'll hunt you down like a dog. I'm not pregnant!!! I think I might be getting a little anemic or something. Lot's of headaches, lots of irritability, lots of yuckiness. I've drastically cut back on our red meat and my lack of iron intake is probably the culprit.
At any rate, I just don't want to do anything but sit or sleep.
I also got a few rejections on my newest MS. No big deal, to be honest. The only thing is one of the agents gave me some much appreciated advice to lengthening my story. It's only at 45K (5K less than I thought it was, too!)so I'm literally going to have to double it. Not an easy feat! I've been pretty bummed about that, too.
Sooo, sorry I haven't been around for awhile. Can't say I will be posting with any regularity, either until things start going a little better. hopefully this post finds you feeling well and excited about the weekend!
My kids are on a mission to make me certifiably insane. You think I'm kidding? Yes? Think again. Chicken started running a fever on Monday. Sinus crud. Still not convinced there's not some food rotting in his sinus cavity that we'll have to have surgery for.
Punky has been extra whiny and I have no idea what her deal is.
Cupcake is teething AND is going to have to have surgery to open up a clogged tear duct in the near future. But I'm not too worried about it, supposedly it's only a 5-10 minute surgery.
Not only that, but my energy level is next to nothing. I can barely hold my head up during the day. And if one person mentions the "P" word I'll hunt you down like a dog. I'm not pregnant!!! I think I might be getting a little anemic or something. Lot's of headaches, lots of irritability, lots of yuckiness. I've drastically cut back on our red meat and my lack of iron intake is probably the culprit.
At any rate, I just don't want to do anything but sit or sleep.
I also got a few rejections on my newest MS. No big deal, to be honest. The only thing is one of the agents gave me some much appreciated advice to lengthening my story. It's only at 45K (5K less than I thought it was, too!)so I'm literally going to have to double it. Not an easy feat! I've been pretty bummed about that, too.
Sooo, sorry I haven't been around for awhile. Can't say I will be posting with any regularity, either until things start going a little better. hopefully this post finds you feeling well and excited about the weekend!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Dear Christa,
I haven't seen you in EIGHT years. Eight. My wedding day was the last time. We've talked MAYBE 3 or 4 times in those eight years. Before that, we were friends for 15 years, from the first day of kindergarten to that fateful day in college when I had to force you from my dorm room because I didn't agree with your choices.
You've become a recluse.
You've become someone I don't know.
You've become someone I don't WANT to know.
Imagine my surprise when you actually called me and wanted to see me while I was at my parents house in GA, where we grew up. I eagerly agreed, anxious to see what you made of your life. I jumped in the car with you and you took me to your apartment while my children slept at my parents house.
Imagine my surprise when I walked in and your garage apartment was little more than a rat hole, reeking of cat urine and hadn't been cleaned since the day you moved in. I tried not to let my disgust show. My disgust was directed more at how much you changed, not necessarily the uncleanliness itself. When I knew you before, you complained because I left dirty dishes in the sink in our dorm. You hated filth.
Imagine my surprise when your boyfriend showed up with a case of sprite in - what I assume - was a peace offering for me, the "holy roller." After a few minutes, the beer came out and my panic set in. You had to drive me home to my children.
Then it happened. I saw your boyfriend hand you something that you kept close to your side. A few moments later you said, "Yes, I still smoke marijuana and I'm going to do it front of you." You took a hit and then your boyfriend did the same. I later described this device you used and my step-dad told me it sounded more like a crack or meth pipe. Considering you had aged 20 years in 8, it doesn't surprise me. And also considering your cousin is on the drug task force and you freely admitted to me he was onto to you, I don't believe it was just marijuana. Just because I've never once in my life been around that kind of thing (save the few times you've brought it around me), I'm not stupid.
I'm so angry at you. We hadn't seen each other in 8 years and your desire to get high overrode your need to see me, someone who used to be your best friend. You're so addicted you didn't think of my sleeping children and the fact you had to get behind the wheel with their mother with you. Hind sight is 20/20 and I should have simply walked out, called my family to come get me and never look back. Instead, I stupidly sat in your car as you drove, drunk and high, with my fists clenched and a continual prayer for my safety and my children's flowing through my mind.
You hugged me when we pulled into the driveway, sobbing about the past and our friendship. Do you even realize how unhappy you are? Do you even care? Did you not want more for yourself than a rat hole garage apartment and a life full of fuzzy memories? Does the temporary escape of being high mean more to you than a life filled with permanent joy and happiness? Have you not learned from your dying father, who spent his whole life doing exactly what you're doing now, that a life full of these things doesn't amount to anything in the end?
I wonder what you saw when you looked at me. Did you see the judgmental holy roller you used to deem me? Did the fact that I told you to take me home the second I realized what you had leave an impression? When I told you I had children to think about now, did you think twice about your choices? Did it even dawn on you that if I had been caught with the two of you doing whatever it was you were doing, my own life could have been ruined, and by association, my family's?
You didn't think of anyone but yourself.
One day, I'm not going to be angry at you for wasting your life away. One day, I'll sit down and cry for that smart girl I grew up with who always made me laugh. I'll sob for the third grader who stood next to me and sang Madonna's Like a Prayer with me to our entire class. I'll wish that your dreams of going to SCAD and becoming a writer and artist would have happened. And I'll wish that you had never agreed to go to college with me because that's where you met all of those people who made you who you are today.
But not now. Right now I'm too angry.
And when you asked me if I was still going to call you? Remember how I didn't answer? The answer is no. I prefer to remember you as you were 10 years ago.
Someone I wasn't ashamed of.
You've become a recluse.
You've become someone I don't know.
You've become someone I don't WANT to know.
Imagine my surprise when you actually called me and wanted to see me while I was at my parents house in GA, where we grew up. I eagerly agreed, anxious to see what you made of your life. I jumped in the car with you and you took me to your apartment while my children slept at my parents house.
Imagine my surprise when I walked in and your garage apartment was little more than a rat hole, reeking of cat urine and hadn't been cleaned since the day you moved in. I tried not to let my disgust show. My disgust was directed more at how much you changed, not necessarily the uncleanliness itself. When I knew you before, you complained because I left dirty dishes in the sink in our dorm. You hated filth.
Imagine my surprise when your boyfriend showed up with a case of sprite in - what I assume - was a peace offering for me, the "holy roller." After a few minutes, the beer came out and my panic set in. You had to drive me home to my children.
Then it happened. I saw your boyfriend hand you something that you kept close to your side. A few moments later you said, "Yes, I still smoke marijuana and I'm going to do it front of you." You took a hit and then your boyfriend did the same. I later described this device you used and my step-dad told me it sounded more like a crack or meth pipe. Considering you had aged 20 years in 8, it doesn't surprise me. And also considering your cousin is on the drug task force and you freely admitted to me he was onto to you, I don't believe it was just marijuana. Just because I've never once in my life been around that kind of thing (save the few times you've brought it around me), I'm not stupid.
I'm so angry at you. We hadn't seen each other in 8 years and your desire to get high overrode your need to see me, someone who used to be your best friend. You're so addicted you didn't think of my sleeping children and the fact you had to get behind the wheel with their mother with you. Hind sight is 20/20 and I should have simply walked out, called my family to come get me and never look back. Instead, I stupidly sat in your car as you drove, drunk and high, with my fists clenched and a continual prayer for my safety and my children's flowing through my mind.
You hugged me when we pulled into the driveway, sobbing about the past and our friendship. Do you even realize how unhappy you are? Do you even care? Did you not want more for yourself than a rat hole garage apartment and a life full of fuzzy memories? Does the temporary escape of being high mean more to you than a life filled with permanent joy and happiness? Have you not learned from your dying father, who spent his whole life doing exactly what you're doing now, that a life full of these things doesn't amount to anything in the end?
I wonder what you saw when you looked at me. Did you see the judgmental holy roller you used to deem me? Did the fact that I told you to take me home the second I realized what you had leave an impression? When I told you I had children to think about now, did you think twice about your choices? Did it even dawn on you that if I had been caught with the two of you doing whatever it was you were doing, my own life could have been ruined, and by association, my family's?
You didn't think of anyone but yourself.
One day, I'm not going to be angry at you for wasting your life away. One day, I'll sit down and cry for that smart girl I grew up with who always made me laugh. I'll sob for the third grader who stood next to me and sang Madonna's Like a Prayer with me to our entire class. I'll wish that your dreams of going to SCAD and becoming a writer and artist would have happened. And I'll wish that you had never agreed to go to college with me because that's where you met all of those people who made you who you are today.
But not now. Right now I'm too angry.
And when you asked me if I was still going to call you? Remember how I didn't answer? The answer is no. I prefer to remember you as you were 10 years ago.
Someone I wasn't ashamed of.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Kids now days
Do YOU remember getting nothing but plastic eggs filled with candy for easter? I tell ya, that was a rare treat if I got those. I haven't even SEEN the hardboiled ones really since my kids have been big enough to hunt eggs. Maybe this is because I have young children who will inevitably squoosh a real egg between their chubby fingers, but bottom line? Kids now days are spoiled rotten.
And maybe even the parents because I didn't want the mess of hard boiled eggs with a 3 and 2 year old AND I wanted the candy probably as much as they did. See the picture below? Yup, Chicken found the REAL meaning of easter...
And maybe even the parents because I didn't want the mess of hard boiled eggs with a 3 and 2 year old AND I wanted the candy probably as much as they did. See the picture below? Yup, Chicken found the REAL meaning of easter...
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The End
So on Monday, I typed two precious, wonderful words. THE END.
I felt elated. I felt awesome. I felt complete.
I felt FREAKED OUT! What on earth do I do now? Edits? Sure! Rewrites? Sure! Submit to agents...WHAT?!
I think that step and that step alone is the main reason I have about 4 finished novels and haven't done anything with them. I too afraid to submit. I'm not afraid of rejection. I've been rejected by about 8 agents (the few I've actually submitted to). I don't expect to be like Nicholas Sparks and get a million dollar advance for my first book (but wouldn't that be niiiiice?!).
My main concern is wondering if I'd be ready for the demanding lifestyle I hear being an author is. I quit my job to stay with my kids. If I was to get published now or even in a few years, that would take valuable time away from them. I don't know...it's all so scary to think about.
Not that I'm presumptuous enough to think I'm good enough to get published right now, but it's something that's always on my mind when I type THE END.
Anywho, thank all of you who have supported me and have offered to read it for me. I hope to complete it by June 1 and have it out to those of you who are going to beta read it. I look forward to your feedback!
I felt elated. I felt awesome. I felt complete.
I felt FREAKED OUT! What on earth do I do now? Edits? Sure! Rewrites? Sure! Submit to agents...WHAT?!
I think that step and that step alone is the main reason I have about 4 finished novels and haven't done anything with them. I too afraid to submit. I'm not afraid of rejection. I've been rejected by about 8 agents (the few I've actually submitted to). I don't expect to be like Nicholas Sparks and get a million dollar advance for my first book (but wouldn't that be niiiiice?!).
My main concern is wondering if I'd be ready for the demanding lifestyle I hear being an author is. I quit my job to stay with my kids. If I was to get published now or even in a few years, that would take valuable time away from them. I don't know...it's all so scary to think about.
Not that I'm presumptuous enough to think I'm good enough to get published right now, but it's something that's always on my mind when I type THE END.
Anywho, thank all of you who have supported me and have offered to read it for me. I hope to complete it by June 1 and have it out to those of you who are going to beta read it. I look forward to your feedback!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Rock on!
Tonight at dinner, Punky, Chicken and I were all watching TV (I know, I'm a horrible mother, but at least we were all at the same table...the TV just happened to be in sight.). A picture of our president came on and I heard Punky saying, "Barrrack Obaaaama." I instantly get tickled...mainly because I've only taught the kid who he was ONCE (and only once...I'm hoping his name will be all she remembers!). I said, "What did you say, Punky?"
She gets all shy on me and refuses to say it again.
I urge her to tell me.
She looks at me with a grin and says:
Can you teach Chicken how to say Rocker Bama?
She gets all shy on me and refuses to say it again.
I urge her to tell me.
She looks at me with a grin and says:
Can you teach Chicken how to say Rocker Bama?
Friday, April 3, 2009
Goodbye Old Friend
I said goodbye to a friend last night. One I've known for over half my life. Go here to see it.
I won't admit that I cried like a baby during the one hour "15 year history" but didn't cry at the end of the actual show. I also won't admit that I really do feel like I have a hole in my heart this morning, especially since it's all over the news this morning.
For those of you who don't know me, I hate change. Especially when it's something I've been invested in for so long. But it's just a TV show, I know you're saying. Well, it's the ONLY TV show I had to see. I mean, I won't even work out on Thursdays. If we go somewhere, I MUST be home by 9. It was so sad to see it end.
A lot of people moved on to Grey's Anatomy. I tried watching it but it just wasn't the same, not to mention I felt like I was cheating on ER, ha! Michael Creighton was an amazing author and creator and I can only hope to create something so wonderful one day. I don't see myself envisioning a Jurassic Park, but he was great at emotion. He passed away this year from cancer.
So, I'm hoping this new show taking ER's place, Southland, captures my attention...otherwise, Thursdays at 9 pm will be a sad time!
I won't admit that I cried like a baby during the one hour "15 year history" but didn't cry at the end of the actual show. I also won't admit that I really do feel like I have a hole in my heart this morning, especially since it's all over the news this morning.
For those of you who don't know me, I hate change. Especially when it's something I've been invested in for so long. But it's just a TV show, I know you're saying. Well, it's the ONLY TV show I had to see. I mean, I won't even work out on Thursdays. If we go somewhere, I MUST be home by 9. It was so sad to see it end.
A lot of people moved on to Grey's Anatomy. I tried watching it but it just wasn't the same, not to mention I felt like I was cheating on ER, ha! Michael Creighton was an amazing author and creator and I can only hope to create something so wonderful one day. I don't see myself envisioning a Jurassic Park, but he was great at emotion. He passed away this year from cancer.
So, I'm hoping this new show taking ER's place, Southland, captures my attention...otherwise, Thursdays at 9 pm will be a sad time!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Congrats, Jennifer!
I just wanted to take a moment to let you all know that my e-friend and crit partner, Jennifer Shirk's romantic comedy, A Role of a Lifetime came out today in print! Buy it here TODAY!
Congratulations, Jennifer, I'm so proud of you!
Congratulations, Jennifer, I'm so proud of you!
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