Friday, November 28, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving





Hope you had a lovely day. You know I did. :)


Wednesday, November 26, 2014

I'm leaving on a jet plane...


Though I'll be back in two day's time...

(Image courtesy Wikipedia, although I have no idea is this is the type of plane we'll end up on.
Airline, yes, aircraft make & model...?)


Heading to Chicago to see Seaman Recruit Sonshine for Thanksgiving.

DD will be house-and dog-sitting for us, and then DH and I will celebrate Thanksgiving with the girls on Sunday.

Safe travels and Happy Thanksgiving to one and all.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Movie Monday - The Gabby Douglas Story


Well, the Gabby Douglas story is similarly uplifting as most sorts stories are. Despite humble beginnings, Gabby Douglas became the first American gymnast to win gold in both the individual all-around and team competitions at the same Olympics as well as being the only American all-around champion to win multiple gold medals.


Anyway, it was well-worth the time on a rainy Saturday afternoon, very emotional and uplifting so I give it a nine rating. I personally don't remember these particular Olympics--of course without regular TV, it's hard to keep up and watch one time events.

Do you remember these Olympics? Do you remember Gabby's triumph?



Wednesday, November 19, 2014

God Bless Our Men & Women in Uniform


You might get chills there at the end...


Enjoy your Wednesday, we're on the downhill slide now. :)


Monday, November 17, 2014

So You Think You Want To Be a Hotelier

Over the past week, mostly this weekend, I spent way too many hours watching a Travel Channel show call Hotel Impossible with DH. It's not a show I'd have chosen myself, but it was interesting and eye-opening. And, dare I admit, a bit addicting.

I don't know about you, but I've had the random thought of running a restaurant or a bed & breakfast or a small hotel out along the highway...but after the weekend's HI marathon, I'm thinking again.


It's not as easy as it seems on the surface. The show's host helped all kinds of establishments, from historic landmarks, to family run operations, to resort hotels all around the world. (Mostly the Americas)

I'm not saying don't follow a dream, but if you don't have the experience yourself, make sure you have people working for you who know what the heck they're doing.

I think I'll stick with Hotel Giant...







Friday, November 14, 2014

If ever there was a day to say THANK GOODNESS IT'S FRIDAY, it's today...


Yesterday was a terrible, horrible, no good very bad day quadrupled. More so for DH than me. But I'm relieved on his behalf.


Wednesday, November 12, 2014

The Carolyn Readers Choice Award Contest, 2015


My writing group sponsors two writing contests a year. The Carolyn being one of them. And we need reader-only judges.


If you'd be interested in free romance novels of varying length in exchange for answering a few question about each book, then please sign up to judge. You can choose the number of books, the categories you prefer, as well as heat level. And if you have family or friends who may be interested, please pass along the info.

For more information and to sign up, visit the Carolyn Readers Choice Award Judge Info page.


Monday, November 10, 2014

Looking toward 2015...


My list of goals for 2014 are just there on the left. I updated you on them two month ago. Nothing's changed except that I have gotten closer to my goal of 120lbs. I cleared the 130lb. hurdle and have settled comfortably in the one hundred twenty range. I'm very happy with that. Next year will be more about toning what's left.

Anyway, it's time to look ahead to 2015, to determine what I want to accomplish and make plans and set goals.

(Image courtesy of Dreamstime.com.)


I've gone round and round with myself regarding writing for publication. I've had conversations with DH and several friends on the matter and have to come to a few conclusions, none of which I'll bore you with at this point. I have friends who are supporting themselves with their writing. I have friends who aren't. Yesterday, I met a teenager who'd made a bit of cash throwing a few things up on B&N. If he can, why can't I? Follow through. Yeah, a huge problem of mine. So maybe smaller, concrete goals that I can reach and check off the list along the way. Some serious thought on this is in my near future.

My proofreading business...I don't get a lot of return customers. I've gotten positive feedback from almost everyone. No negative feedback to me directly. I'm not super-expensive and I don't feel I'm super cheap either. I'm not sure where the disconnect is. I'd really love to have a small cache of clients who avail themselves of my services consistently. I have a simple listing on one author site, but I suppose I ought to consider advertising regularly. Something else to think about.

My house and back yard will be ongoing, but I'll think about specifics. Re-decorating DD's room will definitely be on the list.

Of course reading will be make the list again, as will getting healthier.

All right. So. There are the generalizations for next year. I'll be thinking about them for the next little while and will determine specifics.

I challenge you my friends and readers to look ahead and do the same. We can meet back here at the new year and compare notes.


Friday, November 7, 2014

What have I been up to...?


Working mostly.

My responsibilities at work have increased exponentially, so I actually do work most of my day. Yes, I used to have a lot of free time. Not so much any more.

And since I actually work all day, I'm pretty pooped by the end of it, so I read to relax and wind down. What am I reading? Mostly Sherlock fic. Tons and tons of it.

I fit in a bit of housework here and there as well as keeping tabs on a few fandoms, mainly Sherlock and Harry Potter. Yes, Harry Potter. Not as crazy busy as back in the hey day of books and movies, but still active.

Speaking of fan fiction, I'm co-presenting a talk on how writing fan fiction can improve your writing in general to a group of 11- to 19-year-olds at one of our local libraries. I'm actually doing it to help a high school aged Girl Scout achieve her Gold Award. You know how I love fic, so a chance to talk about it seemed like a no brainer!

And also...


Have a great weekend.


Wednesday, November 5, 2014

It's raning, it's pouring...


Okay, well not pouring, but it's been raining at a range of paces for about the last twenty-four hours, and that's a very good thing. My trees need it, my house needs it, and my flowers need it.



Because of the low clouds and rain, I lit candles yesterday to help dispel the gloom.



Are you a fan of the rain?

Monday, November 3, 2014

Mondays...



That about covers it...