I thought I'd start a new Wednesday regular here at Writing My Life Away...because, while most days are spent writing, some days are moreso. Wednesdays are full writing days for me, so I thought I'd share a little about what I'm writing (and why) each day.
So, What Am I Writing Wednesday?
Today I'm working on 2 on-spec articles: one related to personal finance and written in a very casual style; one about different writing apps I use (and abuse every now and then) for a writer's magazine. Why am I writing these particular pieces? The writer's article because I really do find that my productivity has increased with the purchase of my tablet and smartphone. It's much easier to meet my personal goals and deadlines. So I want to share. The personal finance piece? It's just interesting how we (the general population) try each year to save more-spend less..and yet we're still floating in debt. So, I'm talking to a few experts about options.
What about you? What are you writing this Wednesday?
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Style Tips from the Mommy Freelancer
Since going freelance, I like the versatility I've found in every corner of my life. Bored writing business articles? My 2 year old is an ever-inspiring glass-overflowing story idea. Have a trip coming up? Why not sell a few travel related articles that I can work on for the trip?
But I've found that versatility is now everywhere - including my wardrobe. Buying new jeans? I don't go ultra-trendy because I want to be able to wear them forever. Looking for a new computer? I want social network shortcuts, great word processing programs and a good video editor rolled into one. And now that we're living in the Great White North, I also like boots that go from season to season. In my book comfort + style + versatility = definite good buy!
But I've found that versatility is now everywhere - including my wardrobe. Buying new jeans? I don't go ultra-trendy because I want to be able to wear them forever. Looking for a new computer? I want social network shortcuts, great word processing programs and a good video editor rolled into one. And now that we're living in the Great White North, I also like boots that go from season to season. In my book comfort + style + versatility = definite good buy!
Woke Up Tired...or Looking It!
The toddler woke me up this morning with a kiss (thanks, bebe) and a 'are you tired, Mommy?" question. Yep, that was just what I needed to make me feel ready to take on the day. Actually, I was still tired - I'm under deadline for a non-fiction book right now in addition to the usual articles and whatnot - because I've been burning the midnight oil. So I convinced the hubster to take her for a fifteen minute walk so I could do my circle-removing-routine. What does it entail:
how to remove dark circles
1. Wet a baby washcloth (because they are less bumpy) with cool water. Not cold. Cool.
2. Cut two cucumber slices, about 1" in thickness.
3. Lie down, placing one cucumber slice over each eye and then putting the damp cloth over that.
4. Relax for 10-15 minutes.
Voila! My method, sworn to my by great-great-grandmother...and all the women in my family since.
how to remove dark circles
1. Wet a baby washcloth (because they are less bumpy) with cool water. Not cold. Cool.
2. Cut two cucumber slices, about 1" in thickness.
3. Lie down, placing one cucumber slice over each eye and then putting the damp cloth over that.
4. Relax for 10-15 minutes.
Voila! My method, sworn to my by great-great-grandmother...and all the women in my family since.
Tuesday Quiz Time!
Your Soul Is Connected to the Fall |
 You are a somewhat sensitive soul with a tough exterior. You are street smart and wise about the world. You have the heart of a poet, but you're not too eager to let anyone else see it. You are very creative and deeply talented. You are still looking for the perfect outlet for your expression. You embrace change and think the cycles of life are beautiful. You don't shrink away from the darker elements of life. |
More Than Playing A Game
I was told, while dropping off the toddler at pre-school last week, that we needed to start thinking about sports for her. She is 2. And these parents weren't talking about swimming (which she excels at and participates in) or gymnastics (which is great for toddler coordination). They wanted us to get her involved in competitive sports.
I didn't know such a thing existed at the toddler level. Apparently, I'm wrong. But I don't really care. Yes, I want my kid to be physically fit and yes I want her to be part of a team.
Why sports? Because sports teach teamwork, motivation, goal-setting and reinforce the benefits of regular exercise. I have brothers who participated in wrestling, the hubster played baseball all through college and I played volleyball. We get that athletics teach a lot more than just games. But not at the age of 2. For now, we're going to keep her swimming and tumbling...and we'll let her choose her own competitive sports teams when she's a little older.
I didn't know such a thing existed at the toddler level. Apparently, I'm wrong. But I don't really care. Yes, I want my kid to be physically fit and yes I want her to be part of a team.
Why sports? Because sports teach teamwork, motivation, goal-setting and reinforce the benefits of regular exercise. I have brothers who participated in wrestling, the hubster played baseball all through college and I played volleyball. We get that athletics teach a lot more than just games. But not at the age of 2. For now, we're going to keep her swimming and tumbling...and we'll let her choose her own competitive sports teams when she's a little older.
Punctuation Police, On Alert!
(from the AP stylebook) Exclamation point (!): use the mark to express a high degree of surprise, incredulity or other strong emotion. AVOID OVERUSE.
I'm reading a new author (actually, she's only new to me and has been around for years and years and years!). Confession - until the last 3 chapters I didn't really notice it, then the !'s started drawing me out of the book, so I've done an informal study! I chose 3 chapters randomly - one with lots of action, one with a little, one with none. In each of the study chapters there are at least 8 exclamation points - if I average the total together it goes to about 15 because in the action chapters there are many, many more. I've read and re-read the !-heavy scenes and (gasp!) I don't think I'm overreacting. Truly, one or two !'s could be used, especially when the characters are looking for or find an enemy or escape route. Mostly, though, they could all be deleted and it wouldn't take away from the scene or the book.
I think the key is stated in my stylebook definition: AVOID OVERUSE. This author didn't...and yet another "new to me" author is headed for the Shelf of Avoidance.
I'm reading a new author (actually, she's only new to me and has been around for years and years and years!). Confession - until the last 3 chapters I didn't really notice it, then the !'s started drawing me out of the book, so I've done an informal study! I chose 3 chapters randomly - one with lots of action, one with a little, one with none. In each of the study chapters there are at least 8 exclamation points - if I average the total together it goes to about 15 because in the action chapters there are many, many more. I've read and re-read the !-heavy scenes and (gasp!) I don't think I'm overreacting. Truly, one or two !'s could be used, especially when the characters are looking for or find an enemy or escape route. Mostly, though, they could all be deleted and it wouldn't take away from the scene or the book.
I think the key is stated in my stylebook definition: AVOID OVERUSE. This author didn't...and yet another "new to me" author is headed for the Shelf of Avoidance.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Just A Little Routine
I was watching the news tonight (a novel concept...since leaving TV news, I rarely watch...but I digress) and the health segment was all about a new diet pill out there. Supposedly the pill helps you lose weight but it has a few side effects - like reducing acne and wrinkles. Um. Okay. I'm not saying that it doesn't but that's a lot for one little pill to do. I say more research is needed.
Color me happy when I switched channels to a cable news show that was doing a run-down on actual diets that work - not cure-all pills but actual diet and exercise routines. For my money, and all diets cost money, having a fitness and eating plan is the way to go...and, of course, talk to your doc beforehand. He might have even better ideas!
Color me happy when I switched channels to a cable news show that was doing a run-down on actual diets that work - not cure-all pills but actual diet and exercise routines. For my money, and all diets cost money, having a fitness and eating plan is the way to go...and, of course, talk to your doc beforehand. He might have even better ideas!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Only Skin Deep?
So I've been researching an article on aging gracefully, specifically how beauty isn't assigned to an age as much anymore. Personally, now that I'm pushing 35, I'm happy about that change. Because I think I'm better now than in my 20s. But the research has raised a lot of questions for me. Why can't 30 be the new 30 and 50 be the new 50? Why do we, as women, need to justify our age, behavior or style of dress? Why can't we just be comfortable as we are? Why do we feel the need to lie about getting a little work done here or there - whether it's surgery or anti aging products that work?
Seriously! I'm not at the age where the wrinkles are weighing down my face ... but when that happens (and I know it will) I don't think I should be made to feel badly about getting something done. Why is it anyone's business what I do with or to my body?
Seriously! I'm not at the age where the wrinkles are weighing down my face ... but when that happens (and I know it will) I don't think I should be made to feel badly about getting something done. Why is it anyone's business what I do with or to my body?
Friday, February 18, 2011
All Those Screenings
I've been checking out colon cleanse reviews for several months now because my family has a history of colon cancer. When I hit 40 in another decade, I'm going to start getting yearly check-ups and all. So far my doctor insists that I just need to watch my diet and blah, blah, blah.
So, while I wait around for 40 to come, I've been researching different regimens, not just for the colon. I've been reading more about melatonin lately and its benefits. I think, at my next doctor's appointment, I'm going to bring it up. There are "natural" regimens and there are also clinical visits that will keep the body healthy and well-functioning. In addition to yearly check-ups certainly won't hurt.
So, while I wait around for 40 to come, I've been researching different regimens, not just for the colon. I've been reading more about melatonin lately and its benefits. I think, at my next doctor's appointment, I'm going to bring it up. There are "natural" regimens and there are also clinical visits that will keep the body healthy and well-functioning. In addition to yearly check-ups certainly won't hurt.
So Ready for Spring...
I definitely don't need my usual exercise equipment for the next 3ish days. Why not? Because we were in the middle of yet another blast of snow over the weekend and the hubster and I have been shoveling ourselves out. I have never wanted a snowblower so bad as this morning when I woke up and could barely move my shoulders and elbows. Yeah, shoveling 15 inches of snow out of our drive and out of the in-laws drive is not a simple task. Not to mention a couple of elderly neighbors who have no business shoveling. On the plus side, though, I know I worked off a lot of calories and I really worked out my muscles that sometimes don't get as much attention. Speaking of working out those muscles, there is a new exercise regime on the horizon, click here for the deets - but as always ask your doctor before you begin anything.
A Smoothie!
Nope, not the ice-cream/yogurt kind. The facial kind. I never liked my skin as a kid. Too many freckles. Too much oil (yeah, i'm an oily complexion). A few zits from time to time. I have to say, though, that my skin has aged well. I get compliments on my skin a lot. Most people don't believe I'm over 30 because I've taken care of my skin with great natural skin care. I love being outside in the sun, always have, but I've always used a high SPF tanning lotion. And now I'm so glad I did!
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