Wednesday, November 23, 2011

23 Nov. 2011

Holidays coming... hell, holidays here.

Normally, I would have had most of the gifts made, but, sadly, not this year.  With a little one on the way, the energy level is through the floor.  Have one almost done though.  So, happy about that.

Work has been well enough, plenty of things to do and catch up on.  Other than that, not a whole lot going on.

Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

12 Nov. 2011

Contest Update:
     The votes have been closed and the results in.  Won by 4 votes, with 8 total.

Gotta say, I am in shock -- still.

Second year in a row, I never saw this coming.  I was shocked last year when I won.  This year . . . I am beside myself.  Maybe it'll sink in by the end of the week . . . 

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Crazy Ideas

Have spent much of the last fifteen minutes thinking about how we may have to get by without the laptop (it is on its last legs) and got to thinking about the desktop we rarely use.  New keyboard, speakers and maybe a flat panel it'll be like a whole new comp.  Well, and clean the HD good.  The thing has so many old files it's insane.

We have like 4-5 desktop profiles on it, one for all, one for Mike (dunno why, he was fine with using any), one for me, and one for my biz.  Okay, there are two for that.  And that's what turned my thoughts for crazy ideas I chased.

I wanted to have my own period clothing biz (still do).  And I was getting ready to start up a paranormal group back in Detroit.  I miss that field, I truly do, but by the gods it just seems so . . . slack-eyed and no-brained . . .

I wonder what I was thinking (I know what I was thinking) and wonder why Mike was so happy to see me go through with it.  Eh, maybe that's self-doubt talking now.  I miss the work -- was good at it.

Not that that was all I've been tossing around the ol' noggin.  I've, also, been thinking about Kenneth (and any siblings he'll have down the road).  He'll have crazy ideas, too!  And I want to see him chase them with a joyful heart.  Would love to help him reach any and every one!

Go ahead and dream, Kiddo.  You've got two parents behind you, 100%!

We can live without the laptop.  Going back to notebooks and pencils while in the living room is not something I don't already do.  And Kenneth seeing the computer as a tool, rather than a toy, would not be a bad thing.  Would do us all good to unplug a little more around here.

Getting back to basics clears the head, heart, and soul.

. . . and it's not like we're going to have a lot of extra time for the comp with being active parents.

Yup, I've had some crazy ideas (got the plastic bag parachutes to work when I was a kid, jumping off the roof -- not planning to tell Kenneth.  until he's 30).  Some good, some . . . why on earth . . .

Yes, we could live without the laptop should it crap out before we can replace it.  Hell, we've both grown up without computers, for the most part.  Mike's seen less of them than I have.  I did a little programing back in Jr. High, used Word Star before that for my stories.

Haha, off topic, but Word Star was great!  Until you tried to edit.  Little hint: save after EVERY change.  Damn thing was notorious for freezing up while doing so.

We can go back to pen and paper, even without electricity.  All we want is to raise our family, see them chase any dream they have and help them reach any that we can.

And all this, just because of an old, crazy idea . . .

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

09 Nov. 2011

lol, some nights, Google just sux.  Pulled up With Pen And Pad and found a page saying it'd been removed.  (blinks; tries to breathe)  Excuse me?!

so, didn't need that heart attack tonight.... but with a short walk through the dash, I found it working.  Am so glad!

Going to draft out a pat for a stocking for a Christmas gift tomorrow and start work.  With any luck, could have it finished by the time Mike goes back to work.  Really hoping to have it opened by the recipient on Black Friday.  Gives them time to enjoy it.

Work has been going well.  Will get another page in tonight then leave it alone.  I still need to revise 'Holbrook.'  Never did get that in when I had planned.  Lucky me, it was a self-imposed deadline (though those still need to be kept).  Will aim for submission on Monday -- maybe Saturday.

Monday, November 7, 2011

08 Nov. 2011

To save time, and maybe get a bit more professional foundation (no expert on blogging, not by a long shot), spent about an hour building a new blog tonight.  For the writing aspect of life, while this is my sacred corner of the world to post what I wish.

I never intended to pull down the previous posts.  I posted them, they are part of this blog.  Am happy with that.

With Pen & Pad is for the working side of life.  Maybe more tangents will follow, crafting probably.  But, doubt it'll happen in the next year or so.

Family first, work, then fun.  Honestly, family is the most fun -- as it is important -- in life.

07 Nov. 2011

Yeah, doesn't matter about publishing record or no, the site's contact info has been removed, or they screwed up the code and have not noticed yet.  Either way, I found a new project to take it's place.  Gotta be versatile in this business.  And nothing due for the rest of this month.  Which gives me time to work on things at home and get the Noir (flash) novel into gear.

Though, yes, the new project has my muse going.  I'll finish that first then get back to focusing elsewhere.  If anything, it'll allow for the outline to solidify.  Always a plus!

Oh, got another review in from 'Mitch,' the other novel I had to put to the side while pregnant (it is a stressful piece).  I'm never less than surprised when good news comes back -- I love it, love it, love it.  Hahahaha, was even told by the test reader they now hate me, due to the cliffhangers.  Honestly, hadn't even realized I put them in there.  Been trying to, to liven it up, but could not find the perfect spot.  Guess the piece did so all by itself.  One mark of a good piece.  It has a life of its own.

So, things are definitely looking up!  And I simply cannot lose time sulking over a lost avenue, especially for a short piece -- which I can write for anywhere.  Things will work out.

They always do.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

06 Nov. 2011

Joy of joys.  One of the projects just got scrapped.  The submissions became restricted today: to previously published writers.

I have been, but, dear gods, for short works, it's been so long I cannot recall where.  And I've a long list of poetry published.  Just worry it does not count seeing it's a different style.

Might be nothing; might be the best thing with an extra add-on having arrived yesterday.

Wish I'd kept better records back . . . Gods, 13 years ago . . . I don't even remember all the pen names I used back then (in one year alone, I used 7).

My new goal: Keep Track!
 And work ten times harder.