Writing My Life Away

Musically Gifted? Nah, Just Practicing!

2012-01-24T14:28:00.000-05:00

Being a work-at-home writer, aspiring novelist, full-time wife-and-mother doesn't leave a lot of time to sit around eating bon-bons which watching soap operas (are there even any soap operas left?!?). But a lot of my non-writer, work-out-of-home friends seem to think that's all I do. Actually my days are fairly regimented - nonfiction writing from X-Y, fiction research and writing from Q-R, social media stuff, researching new markets, reading journals and reading for fun. Add in all the toddler hoopla and making meals and I'm a busy girl.

That doesn't stop me from picking up new hobbies constantly, though. I scrapbook, I quilt, I still practice music (I was a lead Clarinetist in high school thankyouverymuch). But I recently picked up the guitar, too, and I'm teaching myself to play. Once I become decent I'll decide if I want professional lessons, but for now I look for guitar chord chart and information online and practice, practice, practice.

I've found that hobbies - getting out of my chair and away from my desk - keeps my writing more focused and linear. So I'll keep picking up new hobbies...why don't you try one?

Seriously? Just Order More!

2012-01-24T14:19:00.000-05:00

So last summer the hubster and I installed a pool because...well, we love swimming and it's cheap entertainment for the summer. We figured out that it costs us (basically) $.02/minute for the summer. Not bad.

Except for one thing. Our local pool supply ran out of the type of filters we need (seriously? It was only July!)...so we checked Target (also out), WalMart (out) and Meijer ( also out). And we need filters. Badly did we need them. I know I'm a little anal, but I like to change the filters weekly because we have a lot of cotton and locust trees in our neighborhood and they all shed. Badly. So I try to stay ahead. After my weekend driving all over creation looking for filters and not having any luck, I've turned to the Internet - and purchased a case of 10! - and found these pool accessories
guys. 10 filters...Good enough for the rest of this summer and the start of next year. Plus some fun stuff like a robo-cleaner thing that helps keep everything spic-and-span. I love shopping online!

Reports Reports Reports!

2012-01-22T14:19:00.000-05:00

So during the course of my writing day I do a lot of business writing. Small business tips, services, new trends for marketing. That sort of thing. One thing I've learned since the Interwebz exploded a couple years ago is that business is nothing without reporting capabilities. By that I mean it's not enough to throw a display ad out there and hope someone notices. Or a blog post or a few social media updates, tweets and shares. You have to know what you're sending out, how people are engaging with it and what they're doing after its gotten their attention. Which is where this report engine comes in. In a single dashboard it tracks how your campaigns and efforts are going, which gives SMBs the tools they need to tweak and optimize their online efforts to make more money. And don't we all want to make more money?

No Picture

2011-10-23T22:14:00.000-04:00

A couple of years ago we switched out all of our old TV sets for hi-def flat screens. Which means we've had older tube sets sitting in our garage for ever. Well, just a couple of weeks ago, a fried told us they were setting up a new mission and needed all kinds of older electronics - including TVs - furniture...you name it. We mentioned our old sets and said we were happy to donate but didn't know if they would work. Well, they do, thanks to some analog box converter sets. Good as new - but even better, out of my house and on to a place where they'll be used and enjoyed.

Electronics Fix

2011-10-20T23:27:00.000-04:00

They've been hot for several years now, but with the release of the new iOS 5 iPhones and ipods are expected to be another hot gift item for Christmas 2011. Or so says an expert I interviewed this week for a techie article. What else is hot? They're expecting the Kindle Fire to...well, catch fire (lol). If you're looking for great prices on the hottest items, check out the link above.

Pictures Arrived

2011-10-20T23:25:00.000-04:00

So one of my favorite assignments before I left television reporting was traveling with an air ambulance service during an in-depth feature on the services, etc. The air nurse and doctor, the pilot were all so kind and giving - and funny! In the down time they told the best stories! But I'd forgotten all about our time together - 24 very stressful hours! - until pictures came this week.

I'd forgotten that along with the school pictures and whatnot I'd included a few old pictures from that year - and two group pictures were right there, waiting when I opened the envelope. Good memories.

Pictures Ordered!

2011-10-12T14:22:00.002-04:00

So, kiddo's school pictures came in today - the photographer working with the school does a really cool thing and puts every pic on a flash drive so you have them forever. We then order whatever we want print-wise and go from there. So this afternoon I've been ordering fall pics and making up our yearly holiday cards. I started using SeeHere (the Fuji film site) a couple of years ago. I'm a total Kodak girl, but the Fuji site has way more options when it comes to making cards, getting prints, etc. Plus, they always have coupons available. I used this SeeHere promo code and saved about $10 - plus got free shipping. Nice!

Mud Soap - Who Knew?

2011-10-11T23:18:00.001-04:00

I never knew adopting a child would bring so much...difference into my life. Not just the up-all-night stuff. But the stuff I was totally unprepared for - she has allergies which lead to breathing issues, light eczema...those don't sound like big things but they're on-going.

We've been fighting the eczema since birth, with doctors telling us to up the lotion, try this dry-rub, wrap warm cloths around her body to absorb additional moisture. The list of crazy things goes on. The latest? Not from our doctor but from a family friend. She suggested we try mud soap - literally made from mud, by the way - which I poo-poo'd. But then an especially bad area came up behind kiddo's knee. And I figured it couldn't hurt.

The spot behind her knee - which had grown to about 2 inches in diameter by the time the soap arrived - was gone within a few days. And no new spots have come up. So, I'm thinking we'll keep up with the mud for a while. Can't hurt, right?

These Could Be Fun!

2011-10-11T23:11:00.001-04:00

So I've had a bit of a blog hiatus recently - nothing wrong, just busy busy. In that busy-ness I, of course, still took some time to shop. And, without further ado...

For the females on your shopping lists that are incredibly hard to buy for. Like my sister. She buys everything she needs or wants without thinking about the gift-buying we'll all have to do to find something she would like and use. So, I'm forever on the lookout for good shopping buys online (I can never find anything for her in a normal mall). Jewelry is always a good choice but sometimes that is even hard. I found cool steel bracelets, though, that I think will be great for this Christmas...I'll check with her hubster first, though, to make sure he doesn't have something like that in mind - since she's the more 'edgy' of the two of us. Yay!

They Came! They Came!

2011-08-27T06:31:00.001-04:00

So, earlier this week I told you guys about the great deal I got on new suede moc-ballet shoes. Well, they arrived today! Yippee!! And even though it's still August and they're lined in warm, fuzzy fur, I just had to try them on. They haven't been off yet. Sooooo comfy! My feet will definitely thank me once the weather turns up here and I'm dragging the kiddo to school at the crack of dawn.

I got them in black, they also come in a pretty brown...and EMLTreasures, where I purchased mine, have them on sale right now for $13.99 - can't beat the price! So if you're looking for a great everyday mocassin/ballet shoe for the fall months, definitely check these out!

Boost My Blog - Friday BlogHop

2011-08-26T15:57:00.000-04:00

Hello everybody and welcome back to the Design It Chic Friday bloghop, your place to learn easy tricks to design and promote your own blog! And since today is Friday again, that means it's time to catch up with Boost My Blog Friday here at Writing My Life Away.

For those of you new here, it's very simple.. the only rule is: no rules!! That's right!! This blog-hop is supposed to be a boost in our blogs' asses... friends-wise:)!!

So just make sure you link with us, follow us as the host (and leave us a comment so we know you follow us and return the love back:) And then feel free to follow whoever you want to, leave nice comments, ~~send them love notes and chocolate boxes~~ *WOW scratch that last part:P* and don't forget to do the happy dance!

Potty Training and Goal Setting

2011-08-25T15:13:00.000-04:00

We're potting training at the Knight Casa. A little early according to some, but bebe is ready at 2 1/2 so we figured why not?

First step? We bought a potty seat and put her in pull-ups rather than actual diapers. No change. She went, she told us after - or not at all. We'd change, reminding her that her 'job' was to keep her pull-ups - and the shapes that fade away when wet or dirty - dry. We started over like this for days on end with no actual 'training' going on. We would go on the potty about 20 minutes after eating/drinking/snacking.

Didn't matter.

We took action. No more pull-ups. Big girl pants. AND rewards for going on the potty.

I washed a lot of clothes. She went on the potty AND in her pants. Didn't matter. Then I got a great idea: I reward myself for meeting my writing goals with chocolate, a big calendar where I mark up days, a nice meal out. She was already getting the sweets reward, but what about some other type of system?

I made a poopy chart. Divided into days and weeks. Every time she kept her pants dry and went in the potty, she would get a sticker. She loved it. So much more than just getting a few M&Ms. That was 4 weeks ago - we're now only in pull-ups at night and since the last few nights have been dry...tonight we're going for big girl panties then, too. We're working on it.

Just like I'm still working on meeting my writing goals, she is working on meeting her 'big girl' goals. How about you? How are your writing (or life) goals coming in 2011?

My new podcast is all about goal-setting (or re-setting in some cases). Check it out on my front page. And let's start a little goal encouragement area in the comment section - share your goal and reward system...so we can all learn from each other!

Totally Tuesday Bloghop

2011-08-23T15:07:00.002-04:00

The rules are simple.

1. Add your blog title and URL.

2. Follow your hostesses Busy Mom's Tips and The Work at Home Helper and the feature blog My Life as Mom and Wife.

3. Follow any blogs you wish

4. Make sure you leave a comment so that you'll get a follow back.

5. Grab our Totally Tuesday Blog Hop button if you'd like so that followers will know where to leave a comment.

*Each week I will randomly select one of the blogs listed in the Linky to be the feature blog for the next week.*

Our feature blog of the week is Crystal from My Life as Mom and Wife.

Let's get to know a little more about Crystal...

My name is Crystal. I am a stay at home mom to a little girl. I am also a full time student. My blog is about the day to day life of of a stay at home mom and wife. I am loving my adventrue through motherhood and I wanted to share it with the world. From toddler funnies to mommy/wife rants to daily activites, there is some thing about My Life as Mom and Wife that you are sure to love!

Ballet-Mocs - Must Have For School!

2011-08-22T14:20:00.000-04:00

So I forgot to mention that part of my retail therapy Saturday was to buy new shoes for bebe for the coming school season. Pre-school or not, the kiddo needs cool shoes...and that, of course, made me think about dragging myself out of bed at 6am to get her ready, brave the colds of an Up North autumn/winter season. And I realized I needed something comfy and cozy for myself to make it through.

Enter these babies - the new thing for fall - a ballet-moc in waaarm suede. Aren't they just too cute? I'm getting them in black. Can't wait to feel the soft furry lining against my tootsies this fall, and the suede outer makes for a simple way to dress up jeans for pick ups/drop offs, trips to the store...you name it!

I found these at one of my new favorite online shops, EMLTreasures...be sure to check out their other items because every shoe you might need is in there!

Meet Me Monday

2011-08-21T22:50:00.006-04:00

Welcome to Meet Me Monday! Meet Me Monday is a weekly link-up hosted by Inspiring You 2 Save and Stacy Uncorked. It was created for socializing and to help bloggers get new followers, subscribers, and readers. Every Monday a new linky will be posted. Here’s how it works:

Follow the hostess and co-host (first and second spot on the linky)
Leave a comment if you’re a new follower with your web address and I will follow back.
Grab the “Meet Me Monday” button from here and place it on your site to help spread the word.
Link up, visit other blogs, and make new friends!

Let's Get Social Sunday!

2011-08-21T22:46:00.000-04:00

Let’s Get Social is a weekly link-up hosted by a fabulous group of four bloggers, which includes myself, Tree of Mother of Pearl It Is, Bridget of Guide To Smart Shopping, Jennifer of Sweep Tight, and Brandi of Life with Five Monkies. We created Let’s Get Social as a means to socialize with other bloggers as well as help you gain more followers!

You can follow via any social method you like. You can also follow more than one method and we encourage you to do so! Please be sure to leave a comment letting the person know how you followed so they can follow you back.

To Participate:

-Follow all hosts in the first four spots. Please leave a comment on our Let’s Get Social post letting us know how you follow and we will follow you back. Please be patient with us as it might take us a couple days to get through everybody.

-Add your link to the linky and visit as many sites as you want. Please be curious and follow back those that follow you. The more connections you make the more followers and back links you will have!

-Spread the Word! Help us get the word out about the hop by posting our button on your site, posting about the hop, adding the hop to directories, and posting on forums. The more people that know about the hop the more connections we can make.

-The hop opens at 9 PM ET on Saturday night and runs through Sunday. Direct links to your site only please; links to your blog hop or giveaways will be deleted.

Retail Therapy - Shoe Addiction

2011-08-21T09:45:00.000-04:00

So the past few weeks have been...harrowing to say the least. Not only have I been dealing with the usual freelance deadlines but I've also been on deadline for a sooper sekrit projekt and dealing with end-of-summer trips and getting the kiddo ready for school. By Friday I needed as escape. On Saturday I decided it was time for some retail therapy.

I spent more time than I should have wandering around Borders (anyone else sad that bookstores seem to be heading downhill fast?), browsed my way through Macy's and JCPenney and stopped dead at Kohl's because of the shoes to your left. Aren't they pretty?

I'm 5'7 so I don't really need the extra height platforms offer (and thank goodness the hubster is TALL) but I couldn't resist these Leopard print Mary Jane's. Aren't they just...pretty? And, tall spikey heel or not, they're actually really comfy, too. Wore 'em to church today and not even our 45 minute long song service - in which we stand and stand and stand - bugged me. Got a lot of nice comments about 'em too. Anywho, they're priced to sell at $58 and since they're Vera you know they'll hold up over time.

Today, much more relaxed and ready to take on new deadlines. Which is good since I have two magazine articles due this week, several business-related pieces and a feature going in to an editor at Woman's Day...plus, hubster's birthday, a dinner party with friends and only three days until school starts. All in all, I may need more retail therapy by the end of the week!

You Don't See This Everyday

2011-08-18T23:22:00.001-04:00

So with fall in the air Way Up North, the kiddo is back to regular breathing treatments for her allergies. Late last week, grandma took her to the county fair and she picked up a bug - not a good thing since she was already reacting to all of the pollen. By Sunday, we were headed to the ER for a shot of steroids and, on the way inside, there was a group of guys smoking macanudos cigars. I just looked at them for a minute and then, rude or not, I had to know why.

Sure, you see smokers with cigarettes huddled in areas but cigars? Turns out, one of the guys was a new dad and you know the tradition: guys smoke cigars after babies are born. He said he got a great deal online to buy wholesale cigars and they didn't want to waste the moment. But you can't smoke in a hospital. So, on a randomly cool August afternoon, there they were in the outer courtyard. At least it wasn't raining.

The Crash of '11...

2011-08-18T23:17:00.000-04:00

Sounds ominous, doesn't it? It actually was. You guys know I'm fanatical about virus and spyware protection because of a horrendous computer crash back in 2005, but guess what? I just had another one. Even though I followed all the rules.

I turned off the computer on June 12th, loaded up the SUV and we headed out to see family for summer vaycays. Got there, booted up the computer...and a big fat nothing. Seriously, just a black screen asking for a boot disk and for the life of me I couldn't make it better. This was especially bad because (as you guys know) I live on the computer. It isn't just fun for me, it's my livelihood. So, computer dead, we headed right out and bought a new one, a desktops and the I sent the crashed one (just in case miracles happened) to be check out by a computer doc.

Turns out, the virus was actually imbedded in some spyware that I had inadvertantly picked up and that my virus protection didn't/couldn't catch. I couldn't believe it. I'd been religiously scanning for viruses and my protection software didn't pick up another program.

Since then I've turned into a scan-a-holic. Seriously, I have a top of the line virus program and I also invest in backup/external hard-drives and back everything up weekly and monthly - off the hard drive. And so far, no problems.

Thursday Thirteen - Office Space!

2011-08-17T10:04:00.000-04:00

Thirteen Things about Creating Creative Office Space

They say your home is your castle, well as writer's our
offices are that castle..and they need to be
well-stocked...these are a few of my must-haves....

1. Space - seriously, I need a little space so my office isn't all junked up. It isn't sparse, either... My desk and bookshelves are packed, but I also have a "relaxtion" area with a comfy chair and a favorite throw.
2. Music - music helps me block out my analytical brain...so I don't turn into my own worst editing enemy. I can write and move on...and only later when I'm actually editing do I edit.
3. The jar o' stuff - yeah, I have one. It's an old mason jar filled with really random things but it is a huge help with brainstorming. There is a reeeeeeeeealy tiny pencil, a coin from Isreal and another from Germany, a ring box shaped like a rose, some silly costume jewelry...and a lot of other random things. When I'm stuck, I paw through it until an idea hits me.
4. The "comfy" chair - in my case it's a leather captain's chair. Oversized and so old that the leather is really slippery in places. I salvaged it from my grandfather's house years ago...it's truly, hideously ugly but soooo comfortable.
5. A great location - away from doors, with a good/inspiring view and away from noise. Basically away from distractions. My office now doesn't have the best location, but it'll do until we move...I have a great view but it can get a little loud from time to time.
6. A reference section - I have two bookshelves in my office.. one for fun books and one for work books. I have reference books on places, careers, games...you name it. When I need information, it's just a few steps away and if I can't find it in my books, the Internet is just a click away.
7. Connectivity - Every home office needs connectivity...which means you need outlets - electrical, phone jacks, broadband/LAN hookups. I'm a wireless girl, which is a huge help. But, when I'm in serious edit/deadline mode, I de-connect so I'm not tempted to go online.
8. No clocks - maybe you're not like me, but if you are you'll understand. I can't have a clock in my room...I even disabled the clock in the bottom corner of my computer. Why? Because I'm a huge time-cruncher. If I'm stuck, I'll focus in on that clock and really lock up my brain. With no clocks, I don't have a clocking ticking away more and more minutes.
9. Stocked Up Supplies - whether that is extra paper, notebooks, sharpened pencils, pen or paper clips... make sure you have everything you need stocked up every time you go to work. Why? Because if you make a lot of trips through the house to find whatever is missing, you'll wind up doing laundry/dishes or some other household chore and not writing.
10. Let There Be Light - This should be a no-brainer, but make sure you have more than flourescent lighting available. Nothing is worse than spending 8 hours under flourescent lights. Nothing.
11. Temperature Control - (aka a snuggly or two)...in our old house all of our rooms had their own temperature control. Not so the new condo. And I hate it. My temperature is all over the place, I'll start out hot and wind up cold so I keep a sweater and a snuggly blanket in my office...
12. Comfort Food - I keep fireballs and red hots in my office and I go to work with a 32-ounce iced tea... that way I have a few snackies and plenty to drink - so I'm not making 100 trips to the kitchen.
13. An alarm - not to be confused with a clock. I programmed my computer calendar to beep at me throughout the day - every couple of hours or so. I get up and take a break - head to the kitchen for water or more tea, take a quick walk around the block or just run the stairs here at the house for a few minutes. Why? To minimize butt-spread, of course, but also to keep my brain moving. I find a few breaking throughout the day keep me fresh and help me stay focused on the work.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Easy Peasy Gifts

2011-07-31T17:11:00.002-04:00

Okay, girls, you know as well as I do that there are some people on your list who won't be happy with anything you get them, whether it's a 30th birthday or another special holiday. So I'm always on the look out for different ideas for holidays and other special occasions. My favorite of late are gift baskets - filled with lotions and bubble baths and things for my new-mom-friends or cookies for the hubster's buddies on their birthdays...you get the idea. And, guys - you can take the hint, too. There are baskets out there for everything from Valentine's Day and anniversaries to new job congratulations baskets and new baby gifts.

What could be better? No wrapping, no shipping and lovely gifts. Choose from food, coffee or wine baskets and more - and they aren't just for the holidays.

No More Drip-Drip, Just Ahhhhhhhh

2011-07-11T14:21:00.001-04:00

Ever since we moved in to the new house, the faucet in the master bath has dripped. Not just a teeny dribble but a near-constant stream that was aggravating as anything when we were trying to get to sleep. So not a good thing for a work-from-home mom of a toddler who just needs a little Calgon every now and again. I complained about it, we bought new faucets - twice - and I complained a little more. The hubster? Insisted I wasn't 'properly shutting off' the faucet. Ummm...right. So I had our handyman take a look the other day when yet another new faucet was still dripping. You know what he told me? It was a missing washer under the sink - that tiny little piece of metal missing wouldn't allow the water to shut off completely. I have no idea how much water we've wasted but now that the drip-drip is gone, I'm filling up the tub with some himalayan bath salts and heading to ahhhhhh-ville.

Need A Little Direction?

2011-07-11T14:15:00.001-04:00

I have a little story to tell...don't worry, I'll be quick. Once renos were over at the condo, the hubster and I started house-hunting. Single family, nice yard, 2500 square feet-ish. Not a lot available in our area - go figure! I got us lost about 20 times before the hubster took matters into his own hands.

And got me a mobile gps unit. You know what I discovered, though? Using it was so much simpler than googling, mapquesting or anything else. We had a list of seven homes and all we had to do was punch in the address and voila! Insta-directions.

The best part? We actually found our single family, nice yard, 2500 square feet-ish house within a week - and it's thanks to the no-argument-inducing gp.

Just A Little Price Comparison

2011-07-10T14:09:00.000-04:00

This is something every household should do at least once each year - compare the costs of insurance for your health (assuming you aren't on a work plan), home, high risk life insurance and car. Why? Because rates change within companies all the time and you could save a ton of money if you check and change. Some insurers will also offer incentives to get your to switch - which are also a bonus.

On most 'check-in' type sites, you'll get 20 responses and the quote process only takes a couple of minutes. Plus, having someone else do the "shopping" for you, you don't have to talk to anyone and don't have to feel that pressure to change right this second. Think of them as your go-between...so you can shop around without the hassle of a sales person trying to pressure you into anything.

Plaques vs. Trophies, Anyone?

2011-07-06T11:05:00.002-04:00

The hubster and I were roped into vacation bible school duty last week. No, we're not teaching any of the classes - although that kind of sounds fun! With our busy schedules, even though we both work from home, that just doesn't work. We were pulled in to create awards sheets and trophies for the older boys and awards sheets and plaques for both sections of girls. Why trophies for the boys and not the girls? I have no idea, although I'm guessing because the boys will be knee-deep in sports all week and the girls not so much. But, we got a great deal on both online, which will make the VBS principal veddy, veddy happy.

Did You Remember Dad Yet?

2011-06-13T14:47:00.000-04:00

I've been writing a lot of dad's and Father's Day over the past few weeks - not surprising since we're in the lead-up to the holiday. Did you know that dads are supposed to get a spending increase this year? Moms are still splurged on a little more (like $140 per mom, on average), but this years kids (and moms) are expected to spend almost $100 per dad, too. Not bad - and it means no more horrible ties, right? Electronics are one of the big spending areas - from video games and tablet computers to gaming consoles. If you're into that kind of thing, and you're still looking for the perfect Dad Gift, check out these franklin electronics - lots of variety and if you shop quickly, things will be delivered before the big day.

Thursday Thirteen - A Lot of Pondering

2011-06-02T08:45:00.000-04:00

The DH's grandfather passed away last week, so I've been thinking a lot about death and life and the struggles we go through every day. He lived an amazing life (92 years) and did wonderful, memorable things. I think sometimes we get caught up in the daily events of life and don't think about the big picture. Today's post is about the big picture.

Thirteen Things I Want To Do Before I Die

1. Be published with my dream publisher - but what writer doesn't want that?!?
2. Skydive. I want to jump out of a plane and just watch the earth getting gradually closer. I want to see things from a different angle!
3. I want to see Ireland. Seriously see it. Not a quick 2 week vacation but a few months so I can get to know the country, the people and the myths.
4. Compete with professionals (albeit the lowest rung of professionals) in tennis and bowling. I know, a weird combination but that's me.
5. Climb to the top of Pike's Peak and Mt. Everest and just look at the world.
6. Live in Alaska for one winter..I don't think I could hack more than one of those cold cold cold seasons...but I'd love to do it once.
7. Hike to the North and South poles.
8. Take a summer long Old West tour - from the Great Divide to the Hole in the Wall...and do it all on horseback.
9. Sail around the world.
10. Spend a year sailing the Caribbean...hitting everything except the hotspots.
11. See all of the Seven Wonders of the World.
12. Go on an archeological dig.
13. Learn to scuba dive.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Amelia
2. Michelle
3. Raven
4. Diana
5. Mark
6. Gatekeeper
(leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Buying and Selling Insurance

2011-06-01T21:08:00.001-04:00

One thing I've learned since becoming a freelancer is that if you want the best benefits you need to do some research. Part of that research is finding the best rates for insurance - both health and life. For term insurance, I like buy sell insurance because it's quick and easy. I accessed the site, entered some general health information - age, height, weight, etc. - and had quotes from more than 20 insurance companies within 10 seconds.

What I like best about this site is that they work with great insurers. You don't find no-name insurance companies that won't be around when you need them. Once you've entered the info, the quotes appear on the screen and you have the choice of asking for more information from the quote company. Plus, if you're not comfortable giving information to a computer, you can call to speak directly to a customer service rep.

Stocking Up, Stocking Up

2011-06-01T20:43:00.003-04:00

and man, have I been spending money! How much? You don't want to know. I will say, I was able to save a lot (like $200) on home improvement supplies alone because I found a couple of great lowe’s coupons.

Before we left last week I went through all of the supplies in my file cabinets - hey, I'm a writer, I find it easier to organize *everything* in filing cabinets! - and found that I was out of everything - nails, screws, those cool Command hangars, lightbulbs, new screws for a wobbly toilet seat...the list goes on. And don't get me started on flowers for Spring planting. So I made out my handy-dandy list and this morning, I put everything away and started the fun job of planting. And gave the hubster the job of replacing the toilet seat.

An Informational Site

2011-05-24T16:00:00.001-04:00

I'm forever looking for good deals on vitamins and such online...in my research today I came across a good information site and thought I would pass it along to you. It's filled with information about how to get rid of pimples. What I like about the website is that there are no hidden agendas. You just click on the product you're interested in and you're done. I don't endorse any of the products, by the way, I'm just pointing them out. Before using any type of medication, you should check with your doctor first.

Just Ask The Question

2011-05-24T15:55:00.002-04:00

So I'm flipping through the local paper today and find a story about a woman who took over-the-counter diet pills and became very sick. Why? Because the diet pills interacted badly with her on-going medication. Will she sue the diet company? She might try but I doubt she'll win because just about all medications now say 'contact your doctor first' or some similar phrase so that they can't be sued for this reason. Should they be sued? I don't think so. No one should ever take medication without talking to a doctor about it. Whether you like 'em or not, doctors are trained to deal with this type of thing.

Just another reason not to buy over-the-counter pills - of any kind, not even headache medicines! - without contacting your doctor first! Sure, you should read reviews sites for things like hydroxycut, but never buy without your doctor's okay. There are so many things which could go wrong, even with the best precautions. Just wanted to post about this quickly so that, hopefully, what happened to this woman won't happen to even more people.

Writing Break!

2011-05-24T15:52:00.001-04:00

I talk on here all the time about the things I love about freelancing - setting my own schedule, writing about topics of interest to me, the list goes on. The one thing I hate about it is that I sit for long periods of time. Day after day. Sit at the computer, sit as I talk to a source, sit through an interview. Sit, sit, sit. So I've started taking 'active breaks' from writing every day. For every hour I sit, I try to take at least 20 minutes to be 'active' - some days that is just switching over and folding the laundry, some days I get a walk around the block. My favorite breaks are the breaks I take to play. We got a Wii a couple years ago and I love that I can be active while playing video games. So I stock up on cheap wii games titles so I always have a variety around. Right now I'm digging on Wii Sports Resort...and I always go back to the standard Wii Games, too. What are your favorite games?

Scanning the Savings

2011-05-17T14:32:00.001-04:00

Have you seen those new apps that scan barcodes? I've been doing a little research for one of my clients about how to create them (my client is an online retailer) because the information that can be put inside is limitless. The codes can hold coupon and discounts, give product information and even let shoppers compare prices. Very cool, and there are a number of apps for the different smartphones and even a few bluetooth barcode scanner options. I know traditional coupons are still the big thing, but I really thing starting to play around with these barcode scanners is a good idea...they're going to be big.

To Supplement or Not To Supplement

2011-05-17T14:27:00.001-04:00

I don't think I've updated you guys lately on the weight loss project. Here's your update - I'm not in maintaining phase. So far I haven't taken any of those advertised best muscle building supplement, but I know of several people who have - either to help speed their metabolisms or simply to supplement their diet because of the amount of foods they have cut out. I'm of the belief that you can eat anything on a diet, but in moderation. So, I take my multivitamins and that's it... but if the maintenance wagon keeps up I might be convinced to try a supplement of some sort. We'll see.

...From the Kitchen Table

2011-05-17T14:22:00.003-04:00

I get a lot done at my kitchen table, but every now and then (okay not very often but sometimes) I do miss going in to an actual office. Interacting with people. I never miss commuter gridlock, especially on those hot, hot summer days. But I do miss the people..which makes me think I need to update my home office. Like by building a true writer's haven - complete with feather boas, a castle turret or a pirate ship... Or maybe I just need to invest in more face-time connections --- like actually using my video camera in my computer. As more jobs go high-tech and more people start working from home, I think it's going to be important.

Speaking of tech jobs I saw a study this week that Millenials (people born after 1981) are more interested in freelancing/working from home that they are in traditional corporate jobs. Personally, I think this is a good thing. You?

Thursday Thirteen - All About Love!

2011-04-07T02:21:00.000-04:00

Thursday Thirteen .....
All About Love

So last week the T-13 crew suggested a wedding topic ... a fairly simple task. But then again, thirteen of our favorite wedding memories is kind of easy, right? We plan these days and hopefully they go off without a hitch. Sometimes with a glitch or three. It's after the wedding that things can get a little harder, so I thought I'd expand on last week's topic (and keep the romance going) by listing Thirteen Things Love Is....

1. ... a walk at twilight, just to enjoy the smell of freshly cut grass
2. ... playing footsie under the breakfast table...10 years after saying 'I Do'
3. ... sitting on the couch and sharing the popcorn bowl on movie night
4. ... him cooking dinner because I'm on deadline
5. ... making fun of the same stupid commercials on Super Bowl Sunday
6. ... watching the 500 weeks of football prior to SBS, and not complaining about it
7. ... grocery shopping at midnight because we forget there was no food in the house
8. ... setting aside a special date night every week
9. ... an unexpected card, just because
10. ... putting up with my craziness and not complaining (much) ... and vice versa
11. ... shared memories that still make us laugh and cry
12. ... being slow to speak but fast to listen (corny but true)
13. ... knowing that 'what if' is right in front of me

Dress for Success

2011-04-06T13:08:00.000-04:00

I think I've mentioned before that finding clothes that fit right through the chest without looking like a muumuu over the rest of my body is hard for me to do. In my life as a freelancer I don't have to worry about it much, but when I'm meeting with a new client or am out for an interview, I like to look good. I start at the bottom - and that means lingerie. I'm not much into the garterbelt thing, but I like my underthings to have a fit and for that fit to fit me. I just got in some new stuff from the link above and love it - Great Fit and Great Deal!

Movie Night Comfort

2011-04-06T02:10:00.000-04:00

During the big Writer's Strike in LA, the hubster and I basically wrote off traditional television (most of it was the same story being told and retold anyway). Now we watch channels like HGTV, Discovery and the like. And we watch a lot of movies. Our new television is one of the wall tv mounts, and we put a little lower than eye-level (when we're standing) which makes it perfect for couch-sitting! We just finished the new Kirk Cameron movie and are waiting for our next selection to arrive in the mail. I've also been looking into full show lists of our favorite shows from years past. The clips look really interesting so I think we're going to try a few out and see what we see!

Water, Water, Everywhere!

2011-04-05T23:12:00.004-04:00

At the end of last summer, our first summer with a fully working pool, the hubster and I decided to make a more liveable back-yard area. So we put in an outdoor kitchen (heavenly!!), redid the patio and installing an awning so we can enjoy the backyard even when it's really hot or raining. We also looked at fountains, but we decided against that idea. Although there were several I liked, our backyard just isn't a fountain kind of place. So...maybe our next house. I did put a small table-top fountain in our kitchen dining area, though, and I love that one!

I Love Books!

2011-04-05T14:15:00.000-04:00

bet you guys didn't know that, didja? hehe. Of course, big joke there. Y'all know I love reading books as much as I like reading them. A very close second? Listening to books. When audio books first came out, not so much a fan. A lot has changed - I'm so busy with my writing (nonfiction and fiction), quilting and reality tv addiction that audio books are now a favorite. I can listen to a book as I work on a purse or quilt...I can listen to a book as I create new recipes...I can listen to a book while the DH is watching a ball game.

Dressing the Hubster

2011-04-05T12:04:00.000-04:00

..is a fun thing for me to do. Not that he lets me do it often, but on our recent trip to Las Vegas he actually let me help him out at one of the stores at Cesar's. First, lemme say that he's hard to dress because he used to be an athlete so it's hard finding clothes that fit right through the chest without looking like a muumuu over the rest of his body. This store catered to him though, and from a new pair of jeans that are totally hip hop clothes to a fun tee that has gold and silver accents, he looked good. He'll probably never wear the stuff now that we're home, but in Vegas, he looked like a Vegas dude!

I Want One! I Want One!

2011-04-04T14:17:00.004-04:00

A friend of mine passed this along to me the other day -- test tube baby aliens! And I want one! They look so fun - and who doesn't want to add an alien in the family? Seriously. :) It's like Chia Pet, only who really wants a Chia-Alien (okay, a Chia-Anything) in their home? These test tube baby aliens are just too cute. You can grab Alien Adoption World Collectors Kits and bada-bing, bada-boom your very own alien. I sent the link to the DH earlier today...maybe he'll take the hint and I'll have a little something special soon! :)

Score Me Some Pics!

2011-04-03T01:54:00.000-04:00

So I got the best Christmas prezzie from my FIL this year - a new camera. It's one of the new canon digital cameras, not a professional-grade but the next best thing. The digi-display on my old camera stopped working last year, the pics were always blurry because of megapixel issues and it was incredibly hard to download and share. Blech!

The new camera is so simple - and I can share through Facebook and Twitter and whatnot directly from the camera. All I have to do is click which photos to share and as I'm downloading to my computer, it shares to my social networks at the same time.

The biggest benefit, though, is the grade of pictures I'm now taking - pictures that I can sell along with my writing to magazines and online sources. Triple Score!!

Shivers and Shakes, Oh, My!

2011-04-02T13:51:00.001-04:00

so you guys know that I normally focus my articles on advertising/marketing subjects. Recently a magazine editor approached me to look into the luxury drug rehabilitation market, not really to do an expose, but to focus on the different areas of treatment. This really hit home with me because I have a friend who recently completed an intervention with her teen son and they got him into anxiety drug treatment centers.

He has not reacted well to the treatment and from what she has told me, I believe it is because the center where he is is so incredibly different from home. No matter what they do, he can't get comfortable in the environment. Before y'all shush me, think about it - it is hard enough to be treated for a drug or alcohol addiction and no one should assume it is easy to do. But imagine how hard it would be if you were 1) taken from your home as a teen and 2) put into treatment and 3) the center was 180 degrees from the type of environment you were used to. The place he is isn't a bad, dirty or otherwise reportable place; but it is very much not the kind of place he would be comfortable.

If my friend could have afforded it, she would have sent her son to a more "luxury" treatment center but that wasn't in the cards. Hopefully, though, he will adjust to his new surroundings and everything will work out.

Oh, Christmas Tree - A Little Bit Late!

2011-04-01T14:19:00.000-04:00

...so my friends came up with a fun idea - to share our Christmas trees to get "in the mood" for the holidays...and I thought, why not jump in? So, I took a picture and never got it uploaded here. I'm doing that now. TaaDaa: here's my tree:

It's kind of a mish-mash of things: a few ornaments from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (my absolute favorite Christmas cartoon), a few ornaments from childhood (DH's and mine), quite a few bear/Coke things... not nearly as put together as Marty's tree....but it fits me.

Now that it's up, though, the dogs are sleeping underneath it instead of on my feet. Traitors! They must think there's something under there for them....

I Love This Option!

2011-03-31T23:47:00.000-04:00

So, the hubster and I just returned for a trip to the West Coast, where a good time was had by all. But this isn't about the vacation, it's about the lack of worry while we were away. Just over a year ago we had a security system installed in our home. This is the first real 'away' trip we've taken since, and it was such a breeze!

Our home automation systems is set up through both of our mobiles, so each morning we could check the motion sensors, adjust the thermostat depending on the weather and turn lights on and off. I loved it! In the grand scheme of things, we thought of the security system as a 'protect us at home' option. But having the ability to change lights, adjust temps and the rest from the road is one more step to safety.

Coughing and Sneezing and Coughing, Oh My!

2011-03-31T23:39:00.002-04:00

Let me first say that I've never really had allergies. I get the sniffles from time to time but full-blown allergy attacks? Yeah, not me. So, I've been in a connundrum since about July because (I swear!) I'm having allergy issues. Then, about two weeks ago, it started up with the kiddo - who definitely *didn't* have allergies up until this poing. I've gone to my doctor, who sent me to a specialist but so far they haven't found out exactly what is going on. Same with kiddo. Some days, the outdoors effects me, some days it is my pillow. It's so weird. So I've been doing some research into air purifiers and found a Hepa air purifier that looks like a good option for the kiddo and me.

A Tisket, A Tasket...

2011-03-31T23:24:00.002-04:00

Okay, girls, you know as well as I do that there are some people on your list who won't be happy with anything you get them. So I'm always on the look out for great gift ideas for special occasions. My go-to lately has been gift baskets. I like the idea if giving more than one item - because, let's face it, for many gift-giving occasions there is a need for more than one 'thing'. Take baby showers - new moms need all kinds of stuff. Bottles, diapers, pacifiers, washcloths, clothes, rattles...the list goes on. Most of the time I order specific baby gifts depending on the recipient...but sometimes I'll make my own with a variety of things...it's like a gift to myself because creating each basket is unique. Try it next time you have a hard-to-buy-for or special occasion gift, k?

Hunh. What Was I Thinking?

2011-03-30T11:36:00.001-04:00

Have you ever noticed that all faucets are not created the equally? I have. Especially since moving in to the new house. I'm not sure if the previous owners just got a really great deal on crummy, ugly kitchen faucets or what but I hated our kitchen fixtures. 1 - ugly. 2 - There is a constant drip, they're bulky and look like something from 1957 and they don't clean easily.

Anyway, I've been researching, good little DIY girl that I am, and found a really cool set-up. They aren't overly expensive, there is a huge variety of types of faucets and none of them (okay not many) are "ultra modern" - so I'll comply with the rules. Yay!

A Fun Moment!

2011-03-29T13:22:00.000-04:00

So a couple of years ago the hubster and I went to a close friend's wedding. This was just after we were married and I remember thinking that I loved her gown (almost as much as mine) and that I wish I'd gone with a different bridal entry piece (as she did). But what I most remember is the pungent cigars dutch masters aroma drifting into the tent during the reception. Several of her family members had kidnapped (ha!) the hubster and were talking over an open pit as they smoked cigars. I'd never smoked a cigar before so I puffed on the hubster's a little...and had as little success with that as I did when I tried cigarettes! They were high-end, not Cuban but definitely several steps above the stuff you find at the mall. Still it was a fun moment...and I was able to use it in an article on trends in the cigar world. Love it when real-life anecdotes find a way into my writing, don't you?

Comfy!

2011-03-28T11:45:00.001-04:00

This weekend, the hubster and I are headed to a new furniture gallery ... we love our leather furniture in the media room, but one of the sofas has developed a couple of weird lumps that are incredibly uncomfortable. So, a-shopping we will go for a new leather modern sofa - hopefully one that will last 5-10 years. Of course, savvy shopper that I am, I'm also looking around at stores that offer custom made products because, hey, if I'm shelling out the moolah, why not have a one-of-a-kind item? I know, dreaming big. We'll stick with the big store for now...but maybe someday I'll have a one-of-a-kind sofa.

Stuck In The Up...

2011-03-27T11:25:00.006-04:00

Just after we bought the new house our air conditioner blew up (literally), we found mold in a wall and the ceiling in our mud room cracked. Yeah, and we thought it *wasn't* a fixer-upper. One other issue - we came home from a night out to find our garage door would only go part of the way up and then would come right back down. We tried everything to do a quick-fix, but would up calling a repair service. Two weeks later - not kidding!! - someone showed up. The entire door had to be replaced, along with wiring, motors...the works. Today, I'm researching for a DIY-project article and found garage door parts...man, I should have googled this when we had our problem!

Thursday Thirteen

2011-03-24T08:46:00.001-04:00

Header by Samulli

I should probably be sleeping. Seriously. Sleeping. But we're headed out for a little vacation and I can't make my mind slow down enough to actually sleep. That and Criminal Minds was thought provoking tonight. I know, network television, who'd've thought?

So, here I am, thinking up topics for this week's Thursday Thirteen. Which leads me to an interesting topic...

Thursday Thirteen
Thirteen Topics I Discarded....

1. 13 Graduation Don't's - because there are waaay more than 13!
2. 13 Good Shows on Network Television - there aren't. I counted.
3. 13 Nicknames That Shouldn't Be Given
4. 13 Reasons I Didn't Write This Week (because I did write, I did!)
5. 13 Things You Don't Want To Hear At 1:00 AM
6. 13 Things You Should Never Forget to Pack
7. 13 Reasons Not To Worry About Selling The Book (here's just one)
8. 13 Reasons I Will Never _ ___ ___ (this is a family friendly blog ... I can't print that)
9. 13 Reasons My Car Won't Start (hopefully the mechanic tells me the real reason tomorrow)
10. 13 Books I Couldn't Put Down (think I'll do this one next week)
11. The 13 'Worst' First Jobs
12. 13 Funniest Things Seen People-Watching
13. 13 Reasons to give "Free Radio" a try - there's only one: It. Is. Hilarious.

Passing Along A Site

2011-03-22T20:53:00.001-04:00

I'm forever looking for good deals on vitamins and such online and thought I would pass along to you all a site for with some good discounts. I figure why pay more when you don't have to? Seems simple to me...and besides, I like to shop and I like to share. So...From products that help remove blackheads on nose to other helpful stuff. What I like about the website is that there are no hidden agendas. You just click on the product you're interested in and you're done. I don't endorse any of the products, by the way, I'm just pointing them out. Before using any type of medication, you should check with your doctor first.

It's Just An Age...

2011-03-22T20:49:00.003-04:00

So I've just finished a piece on aging gracefully and how fifty is the new thirty...and I started thinking: 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 hide those top anti aging products? Or lie about getting a little work done here or there? 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. Which is why I'm already researching different OTC products, home remedies and even bellaplex reviews sites. Why is it anyone's business what I do with or to my body? If it's okay with me (and the hubster), why should you care? I know, just a little bit of a rant but it really burns me up when people (usually men) come down on women for wanting to look their best.

Researchers Ahoy!

2011-03-17T13:11:00.000-04:00

I've had a little extra paperwork this week but thankfully it isn't mine! Confused yet? Well, this week the hubster and I have been visiting his aunt, who is not paperwork savvy and just became eligible for Medicare. She lives in the next town over, about a 10 minute drive, and really needed extra eyes...so we helped with her medicare supplement plans paperwork, determining which was the best plan for her and how getting prescriptions would work from now on. Man, it makes me not want to get old! We went through the same thing with his grandfather a year or so ago, only his grandfather was paperwork savvy ... so that took about an hour. This was a full day. Seriously. One. Whole. Day. Yech!

Thursday Thirteen - Blog Topics

2011-03-17T09:21:00.000-04:00

Header by Samulli

Oh, the Options!

2011-03-16T13:13:00.000-04:00

Near the end of 2010, when the hubster was contemplating doing something other than working from home - he's a freelance web designer and things had slowed with the blechy economy - we started looking at different franchises and franchising options. Our go-to was a Subway franchise because the restaurants are huge right now, but we were also looking for non-restaurant options. I found one for magazine writing/publishing - perfect for me as a freelancer! - and the hubster found a few options, too.

And then the economy picked up and we've kind of dropped the ball. But we're keeping all of our information and research handy and we look at it every few months. I think, strong economy or no, we will probably become franchisees within the next 2 years or so. With a growing kiddo, we will probably need the extra help!

Yum!!

2011-03-13T16:08:00.001-04:00

I love to eat. Going out with friends, having dinner in, planning a dinner party somewhere - it's all part of being social for me. And a lot of other people, I bet! So I'm always looking for great restaurants, new places and I want to know what to expect before I get there. I've been making plans based on social-food-network friendsEAT.com. Real people like you and me go to restaurants, review them and post their results and findings in blogs. You can even chat with other foodies. It's a great resource and with all of the menu information available there it's easy to pre-plan -very important if, like me, you're dieting this time of year. I love it!

Drive Safely, Winter Isn't over

2011-03-12T20:05:00.000-05:00

We just got a very sobering call about a good friend from our church - she was driving home from work last night and the ice on the roads caused her to wreck. Winter usually hits us the hardest after January because the lake has frozen over by then but this latest late-winter storm kind of threw everything off kilter.

The point to winter driving is to get home safe and sound. So please, guys, take a few extra minutes, slow down and watch the roads and other drivers very carefully, okay? And, if your in an accident, whether with another vehicle or not, don't just randomly sign papers. Call your insurance agent first, and while you're in sign-up phase ask about high risk auto insurance so you aren't caught off-guard if an accident happens and your rates go up.

Do You Rank Your Performance?

2011-03-12T15:33:00.000-05:00

I've been ranking my performance by month, quarter and year since I started freelancing in 2005. What I mean by ranking is that I note my goals for the month (quarter, year) -- do I want to query 5 new magazines, for example, and I keep a running total of goals met, contacts made and articles sold.

It's a rough spreadsheet which isn't perfect by any means, but I recently found this performance management software which I'm thinking of installing and tweaking a bit to fit my needs. Rather than ranking and performance reviewing other people, I'll be doing it to myself (or making the hubster since he's in the office now, too)...to see where I can improve. Because improvement means more contacts, more writing and more money. Who doesn't want that?

Just Trying to Simplify

2011-03-11T16:20:00.000-05:00

I am forever looking for a way to make life easier - meaning making those "daily chores" quicker. One thing I've found to be a huge help is in Internet. I don't have to search through a newspaper to find the stories I'm interested in - I have RSS feeds that deliver specific news to me via email, apps that shoot stuff direct to my Droid or iPad. I do the same thing with local television stations. I'm too busy to watch 30 minutes of news from all over, so by logging on to station websites I can find out what I need to know: weather information, closed roads, dangerous situations in 3 minutes or less. I love that about the Internet. Just another way to simplify work-at-home-mommies!

Just a Check-IN

2011-03-11T15:18:00.000-05:00

Checking in after another week doing the Weight Watchers flex plan.... I am at -7 pounds! I'm so excited. I really thought I'd go in today and just have a 2 pound or less loss because I haven't felt deprived...and it's really rewarding to see a nice weight loss like that. The DH beat me, though. He's down 10...but he has more than I do to lose...and men lose faster, anyhow.

What have I done this week? I've watched my calorie intake, I've stayed with my walking plan, I've cut down on the Coke - used to drink 2-3 cans every day...sometimes more. Now I'm at 1 or 2 every couple of days. What am I drinking instead? Water (of course), iced tea and milk.

One thing I'm not doing? adapexin-p or any other diet pills. Although they've worked for some, pills just give me the willies...so I'm going it alone. you?

Tip for Insurance Information

2011-03-10T13:26:00.000-05:00

One of my hates as a self-employed worker is health insurance/benefits. Sure, I get to work in my jammies, can take off time at a moment's notice and enjoy a long lunch from time to time. But finding the right health insurance has been a war from the beginning - a war I wage twice yearly in my quest to find the best rates.

One tip I've learned is to search your state for cheaper rates. Like this option for those of you on the East Coast: NC short term health insurance.

It's really quick and simple to use. You just have to enter in some basic information. I was looking for coverage for my husband and myself since we're both self-employed now. Once I entered in our information, I had 20 or so quotes in all different ranges - and all with good deductibles, co-pays and low monthly costs. Perfect! If you're looking for cheap insurance, this is the place to go!

Thursday Thirteen - BOOKS!

2011-03-10T12:12:00.000-05:00

I was going on about books I couldn't put down a couple of weeks back and decided there was a Thursday Thirteen in there! So, this week:

Thirteen Books I Couldn't Put Down:
1. To Kill A Mockingbird - read it Freshman year (High School) and loved it!
2. Snow Bride by Margery Hilton - one of the first Harlequin's I read ...
3. The Wind In The Willows
4. Flowers in the Attic by VC Andrews (too scary to stop in the middle!)
5. Without A Trace by Nora Roberts (started reading on the way to school and was finished by lunch! My teachers hated me that day!)
6. True Devotion by Dee Henderson
7. The Present by Johanna Lindsey
8. Home for the Holidays by Johanna Lindsey (picked them up on the Bargain shelf at Thanksgiving and both were read by the next Sunday)
9. Flirting with Danger by Suzanne Enoch (and the other 3 in the series, too!)
10. The MacGregor Series by Nora Roberts
11. Palomino by Danielle Steel (hid out in the school library to finish that one!)
12. The Night Drifter by Susan Carroll
13. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

Rand-Helium Book Partnership

2011-03-10T11:21:00.001-05:00

So, this very interesting to me as a freelancer writer, blogger and author. Basically non-fiction publisher Rand is partnering with Helium, an online content hub, to find new authors for titles. Cool, eh? Here's the press release:

RAND Publishing Taps Helium to Source Writers for New Skinny On™ Books

Selected Authors will Earn up to $5k per Title

Helium, the world’s largest writing community, today announced a partnership with RAND Publishing, publisher of The Skinny On™ series of illustrated non-fiction books. Under the partnership, RAND Publishing will leverage Helium’s social publishing platform to identify the most appropriate authors for up to twenty-five new titles, such as The Skinny On Finance for Young Adults and The Skinny on Social Networking. Selected writers will be chosen by Helium and paid between $3,500 and $5,000 per title.

First launched in 2008 by acclaimed author, attorney and motivational speaker Jim Randel, The Skinny On series is designed to provide time-starved and information-overloaded readers with "the skinny on life's most important lessons."

“The Skinny On series offers a new breed of book, striving to disseminate information to an audience increasingly used to consuming content on the internet and cell phones,” said Jim Randel, founder and Chairman of RAND Publishing. “Helium’s unique community of talented, motivated writers presents a gold mine for us to source the best authors for our future titles.”

Inspired by the Japanese literary form, Manga, a whimsical, illustrated modality for story-telling, and easily read in about an hour, each Skinny On subject is explored through the lives of ordinary people - normal in all respects but one: they happen to be stick people.

“The Skinny On™ books challenge the traditional publishing model for non-fiction works,” says Peter Newton, vice president of business development for Helium. “We look forward to helping such an innovative publishing company quickly and cost-effectively source new authors so they can continue to grow and scale their business.”

More About ME Than YOU Want to Know

2011-03-10T04:11:00.000-05:00

So, my friend Linda sent the following to me through email and I thought it was a lot of fun (I usually don't even forward these things but I did this one) so I decided to put it on my blog. I'm not actually going to tag anyone ... but if you feel like doing it, consider yourself tagged!

FOUR THINGS ABOUT ME........

A) FOUR PLACES I GO REPEATEDLY: WalMart, Kroger, Christopher&Banks, Borders

B) FOUR PEOPLE WHO E-MAIL ME: (on a regular basis): Jen, Gwen, Roseann, Barb

C) FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS: Mexican (I know that's not a specific food but anything Mexican works), french fries, peanut butter ice cream, strawberries

D) FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW: the beach (the WARM beach, I should say)....hmmm, just sat her five minutes and couldn't think of any others so I'll change this to 4 Places I'd Like to Visit -- an island in the Mediterranean, Alaska, anywhere in the South Pacific, the Mayan Ruins in South America

E) FOUR MOVIES I WOULD WATCH/HAVE WATCHED OVER AND OVER: Can't Buy Me Love, The Princess Bride, The Sound of Music and Tequila Sunrise

The Worst Holiday Ever

2011-03-09T14:51:00.000-05:00

Will never be forgotten - the DH and I were just married and neither of us were making much at our jobs...we were maxed out because of my school bills, credit cards and random living expenses, and we actually had to get a loan to pay for Christmas presents for the family. We actually managed to buy nice gifts for his family and mine (30 people and ourselves) for under $1000...and we put a little in the bank to pay down a credit card. Having to take out a loan just made me feel...totally unworthy - like I was never going to get anywhere or be anybody.

But we both kept working it and gradually paid down our debt and we're in much better shape now. Why did I starting thinking about that stuff? Because I got two new applications for cash advance loans in email today (how do these people find us and why don't they update their lists???). We're always getting credit card applications - who doesn't? - but we haven't been solicited for loans in a long time. If you're in need these can work, just remember, a loan isn't the answer to every problem - you have to change your spending habits to really turn your financial life around.

2011-03-07T16:19:00.000-05:00

I've been using a new dictionary site for a little while now and thought I'd pass along the link. The Allwords dictionary doesn't just give you results for the word you put in - and this is why I love it - it gives results for words that begin like the word you enter and allows you to search different meanings and translations of the word. Why do you need this?

Because sometimes you don't know the exact word you want. This happens to me all the time, the word I need to really convey what my characters are feeling, thinking or saying is right on the tip of my tongue...but I can't think of it. I know how it begins but I the whole word won't come. It's so frustrating. And crazy! With AllWords, I just type in the beginning that I know and the rest of the word appears. You can also find the etymology of words, search words with repeated letters - like jazz or doodle - and you can find different translations - French, Spanish and even Dutch. It's really simple to use...so if you get stuck like I do, check it out.

Building a Deck...and the Portfolio

2011-03-07T07:55:00.000-05:00

Just after New Year's we realized our old deck needed a complete replacement. When we bought the fixer-upper 18 months ago, a deck was back-burnered because it was still workable. But with a very curious toddler around now those wobbly steps need a revamp, and we also want to make it a more inclusive space - a place we can picnic but also play on nice days, color/paint and just relax. So we chose our plan and got to work last week. One thing we decided to do was use untreated wood, which means we need abrasives as well as varnish/paint, etc. I had no clue about any of this stuff, which got me thinking: how many other DIYers are out of their element with big jobs like this? So I queried a couple of ideas to a mid-size DIY magazine...and they bit! So, as I'm building a deck, I'm also making notes and writing up my experiences. I love it when this happens!

New Way to Count

2011-03-06T15:21:00.000-05:00

So you guys know the hubster and I have been weight watching since January (25 pounds lost by me!) and increasing our exercise program. I think we've both done really well but as the diet has gone on I have realized something. I really R E A L L Y hate to count calories. It's too dang hard to get the exact amount by reading the labels (although those labels do help). One easy way I've found to count calories with actual food scales - because it weighs the food, telling you how much a serving is and getting you caloric information.
Cool, huh? I love free stuff and this is free and totally easy to use. It's a great idea if (like me) you're counting your cookies before you eat 'em.

Networking the Home Office...

2011-03-04T03:22:00.000-05:00

Working at home became much more difficult in 2010. Because the hubster opened his own shop - designing websites and providing content to a number of publishers - but we made it work. Until about November of last year, which it became evident that our trusty hp printers was giving up the ghost.

Not a big deal? Au contraire, my friends, because I'm a Mac girl and he's soooo a PC boy. So networking one new printer was out of the question. Or so we thought. Turns out not such a big deal, we just had to read a lot of fine print about accessibility. But I'm still on-track to convert him to Mac. Soon.

Thursday Thirteen - On My Desk

2011-03-03T16:14:00.001-05:00

I was cleaning up in the office this morning and realized I have way more things on my desk than I need...but I couldn't bring myself to get rid of any of them! Why? Because in different ways, these things all help me stay or become focused when I write. So this week's Thursday Thirteen is:

Strange Things On My Desk...

1. My chicken jar of pens. From the chicken lips to the color (blues!), it's fun to look at.
2. Pictures. I don't keep a lot here but the pics I keep front and center are some of my favorite places!
3. Folders. Yep, chalk full of ideas, magazine snips, nature images...you name it!
4. The catch-all - a small, square bowl with carved stones, thimbles and assorted 'stuff'.
5. Money. Should have put it in the wallet days ago ... but money is always inspiring!
6. The handcarved wooden bowl from our trip to Haiti.
7. My calendar. Images from the National Gallery of Art. Man, I wish I could paint!
8. A set of cups filled with writerly paraphernalia - pencils, scissors, markers, a few strange cords...lots of stuff to capture my imagination.
9. Pictures that need to be scrapbooked ... Maybe I should do that tonight!
10. My current quilting project (a baby quilt for my sister).
11. Snowglobe from Bermuda...does anyone else find it strange that tropical destinations all make snowglobes?
12. A miniature Christmas tree with lighthouses as decorations.
13. An old church bulletin...I swear, I have no idea why I kept it!

All The Debate...

2011-03-02T16:04:00.000-05:00

Where we live, in the upper mid-west, there are town hall meetings and debates it seems every night lately. Why? It all circles around the union/collective barganing reversals that the state governments in Wisconsin and Ohio are considering to save money. I have to say that I don't really understand everything about unions; I know there was a place for unions in the past, but I've not held down any production jobs - government or private sector. But it seems to me that private sector/manufacturing jobs would be more in need of unionization and collective bargaining that government workers because of the types of jobs/work available.

So I'm watching the press surrounding and trying to do my own research into what is/isn't going on and what it all means. Meanwhile, if you, my readers, have an opinion, I'd love to hear it.

What Are You Writing Wednesday?

2011-02-23T06:15:00.000-05:00

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?

Style Tips from the Mommy Freelancer

2011-02-22T15:08:00.001-05:00

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!

Woke Up Tired...or Looking It!

2011-02-22T15:05:00.001-05:00

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.

Tuesday Quiz Time!

2011-02-22T15:00:00.001-05:00

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.

What Season is Your Soul Connected To?

Blogthings: 100's of Fun, Free Quizzes and 3 Stupid Ones

More Than Playing A Game

2011-02-22T14:51:00.001-05:00

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.

Punctuation Police, On Alert!

2011-02-22T03:08:00.000-05:00

(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.

Just A Little Routine

2011-02-21T20:55:00.000-05:00

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!

Only Skin Deep?

2011-02-20T19:57:00.001-05:00

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?

All Those Screenings

2011-02-18T20:30:00.001-05:00

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 Ready for Spring...

2011-02-18T20:27:00.003-05:00

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!

2011-02-18T20:22:00.003-05:00

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!

Don't Go It Alone

2011-01-18T17:41:00.002-05:00

URGH! I am sick of all these diet pill ads hitting my inbox everyday - and much more dangerous in my opinion. I swear, it's more annoying than the "increase your penis 8 inches" ads. I suppose they don't really care, which is the point. No one cares, they just spam and annoy. Like the diet pill ads, most of them tell you to do your research and talk to your doctor but how many people actually do that? I did, when I took a diet pill; it worked for me, but only because my doctor gave me a plan to stick with to go with them. If you're looking for weight loss pills that work, I suggest starting with your doctor; take your research but talk openly about it to get a full-body program going. So, that's my advice. If you're interested in a cure-all pill, talk to your doctor and figure out a complete plan!

Working Out and Working On

2011-01-18T17:35:00.002-05:00

I never thought I would jump on the yoga bandwagon, but after a year of dieting and still having a little pudge around the waist I decided to take the plunge. I have to say, no matter what those treadmill commercials or ab-machine commercials say, there is something to actually working out your core through stretching and moving - it's one of the best fat burning exerciseprograms I've tried. Yes, it's hard, but it's definitely worth it. Around Thanksgiving I tried out a friend's DVD, it was really, really advanced and I hated every second of it. By the time I got into postion, the instructor was already off to another position so I felt like I was way behind. Just after the holidays, though, I decided I really needed to start focusing on my core muscles in addition to cardio so I picked up another - beginner! - and it has made all the difference in the world.

The DVD actually arrived about 2 weeks ago and I've done it four times since it's arrival. What I really like is the pace - not too fast, not too slow - and the fact that even at beginner status I feel like I'm getting a good work out. A lot of beginner DVDs (whether they are yoga or another exercise) are so simple that they are simplistic and you don't get a good workout. This is challenging enough to really get the blood pumping but not so much that I feel as if I'm playing catch-up all the time.

What changes have I seen? It's really too early to tell. My pants feel a little looser but after only 2 weeks I'm not sure if it's the Yoga or just wishful thinking. I do feel more limber in my arms, legs and back and I'm sleeping more soundly. All in all, I'd say it was a good purchase!

Oh, My Fingernails!

2011-01-18T05:37:00.000-05:00

I've been working on a health column since the beginning of the year and so far it's going well. It's one of my newest assignments/clients. Basically I write about health and wellness, but my pet project has been vitamins. I was doing some research for a pregnant friend and found lots of information about which are the best prenatal vitamins. You know what I found? Most pre-natal vitamins are equal. But I found out something else: pre-natals help grow stronger fingernails, something I've always wanted. I tried them for three weeks rather than my usual one a day vitamin. Result: 1/2 inch longer and much, much stronger. So I wrote up my research, included a few quotes from a researcher and turned in the article. Who knew helping a friend would lead to an article *and* lead to better fingernails for moi?

Bonus - Retail Therapy for Free!

2010-12-27T20:55:00.001-05:00

So the shopping is done and the presents are unwrapped - well, most, we still have one family 'event' to go here! - and I have to say that I got several 'bonuses'. Why and how? Because among the actual gifts I snagged several gift cards, which means I can keep shopping for things from my christmas gift ideas list that weren't picked up by my family. Love it! I 'went' shopping today - picked up a great tea pot with steeper and a gift pack of several teas I wanted to try. Best part? I just entered the gift card and whammo! the items are on the way and I didn't have to pay for 'em. Love it - that's a definite bonus to me!

So Many Calls, So Little Time

2010-12-27T08:59:00.000-05:00

My biggest joy in being a freelancer is working from home. My biggest complaint? Also working from home. Although I'm basically a one-woman-business, there are times I need more than 1 phone, phone line, Internet connection. You get the picture. I actually hired a college student, planning to be a journalist, last summer to help with some filing, phone answers and light 'reporting' - meaning they do a little research before I interview the subject. She's a huge help, but with 2 of us in the office several days each week, I need more phone time. Which means I'm looking into a couple of different small business phone system options. Right now I'm basing my opinions on cost rather than flexibility or growth potential because I am still a 1-person-business. It doesn't make sense to pay a thousand bucks for fifteen phones. I just need 1 or possibly 2 additional lines. Still researching, but I'll let you know how it turns out.

Hard To Buy For Man

2010-12-23T12:47:00.001-05:00

My husband is the king of hard-to-buy-for people in my life. If he wants something - like an iPad or the new motion system for his PlayStation he gets it. Even if it's already half-way through November. Yeah, he did it to me this year, too. I was all set to give him an electronics Christmas and he went out and bought for himself.

So, I had to re-think. I went through his closets, looked through his games and I was stumped. My friend, Lisa, pointed me to an online hub that has some unique gifts and I am so glad she did. I found transit token cuff links, which are just funky enough for him to like!, at a great price. Being self-employed, we don't have to dress up often, but he still likes his guy-cessories, and these are perfect for him. They arrived yesterday and I have to say, they're even cooler in person. I found a few other gift ideas there, too, so he's now set for the holidays. Best part? He has no clue about anything...I love that!

End Of Year Check

2010-12-23T12:35:00.002-05:00

Being self-employed isn't all sweetness and roses. Sure there are benefits - I don't have to live by the alarm clock, I can wear my jammies all day if I want and nobody cares if I sit down to work right while I'm still sweaty from a workout. But there are drawbacks, too. I don't get to talk to real people or hang out over the watercooler gossiping about a favorite show. And I don't have a great, cheap benefits package.

So I decided to check out different companies to see what kind of packages were out there. In my search I found this site which offers free insurance quotes. It's really quick and simple to use. You just have to enter in some basic information - gender, age, height and weight. The quote also asks for some basic history - like are you a smoker, have you been diagnosed with heart disease or diabetes - that is simple to fill in. I was looking for coverage for my husband and myself since his policy through work is not great. Once I entered in our information, I had 20 or so cheap life insurance
quotes in all different ranges - and all with good deductibles, co-pays and low monthly costs. Perfect! If you're looking for cheap insurance, this is the place to go!

Help for Mom and Pop

2010-12-22T12:48:00.000-05:00

My mom is a realtor, has her own brokerage. You might think she just sits behind a desk all day waiting for the phone to ring. Actually, she's quite busy. She attends home & garden expos, gives talks to local clubs and schools and does her thing in parades. This year has been especially busy for her and I've gone along to a few shows to help her out. You know what she's doing - that is getting a lot of attention? She's been using those point of purchase displays you see in small mom and pop stores to make displays of her homes. She has a few model houses she takes along to show things like roof damage or kitchen repairs. Things that new home owners need to look for when they're browsing for a new home. She even has a little bin that the kids can reach in to to grab little prizes - crayons with her logo, things like that. She gave me some ideas I'm going to start implementing at trade shows this year.

Frozen Doors

2010-12-22T12:31:00.000-05:00

So up here in the Great North, it's been frigid, snowing and icy for the best part of December. I went out to start the SUV Monday and it was so cold the door handle snapped right off! I was stunned. Called our dealer who sent a guy out to pick me up. We've never had door problems in any of our cars. They looked at it and had to replace the entire door. Why? Because there were bearings inside that had gone bad, in addition to the issue with the actual handle. I'm getting it back this afternoon and I can't wait. I'm missed my little SUV!!

Just Along For The Ride

2010-12-21T12:37:00.000-05:00

Pictures are coming, but I had to share. On our early holiday vacation, the hubster and I managed an afternoon of baby-free fun. We headed out through the Mexican outback on ATVs to see the sights and hang around. It was so pretty! We were pointed to a trail that goes into the jungle a little way and then on to some old Aztec ruins. I got so many good pictures that day! Of course, we wouldn't be the poster children for traveler's aid that we are if there wasn't an incident - the hubster's ATV blew a tire. Our rental agreement covered it, thankfully, but we did have to walk the unit back about 2 miles to the dealer. He laughed and was very gracious about it..we still have no idea what the hubster hit that caused the tire to blow, but blow it did. I wonder if that rental place has a deal with ATV Tires dealers that keeps him in wheels cheaply?

He's Going To Be Surprised!

2010-12-21T00:41:00.000-05:00

My brother has been training for a long-distance bike race. He's actually a very good rider, but his car isn't outfitted the way it should be. Which is where we siblings come in. This year we're all getting him a little something to help with his bike travels. My older brother is getting him some camping equipment, that sort of thing. My husband and I are getting him a new thule bike racks for his car. The rack is so simple to use, not that my brother needs simple, but the quicker he can get on the trail the better, you know? He has no idea what any of us are doing and he's going to be so surprised!

Um, she's a kid!

2010-12-20T12:11:00.000-05:00

So we're back from vacation and already had a hospital visit with the kiddo. She's still having breathing problems from time to time. Last visit, the nurse - who probably needs to return to nursing school - couldn't figure out how to use the finger monitor on the kiddo. Um, she's a child. A small child. Try getting a *child's* finger monitor and it might work! URGH!! Frustrated doesn't cover it. At one point I told her to head over to the patient monitor store...she didn't think I was funny.

A Funny...

2010-11-05T12:51:00.002-04:00

I forgot to mention in my last post about the hospital a little something funny that happened.

As we were headed in to the ER on Sunday, there was a group of guys outside smoking macanudos cigars. I just looked at them for a minute and then, rude or not, I had to know why. Sure, you see smokers with cigarettes huddled in areas but cigars? Turns out, one of the guys was a new dad and you know the tradition: guys smoke cigars after babies are born. He said he got a great deal online to buy wholesale cigars and they didn't want to waste the moment. But you can't smoke in a hospital. I felt bad for the guys because it was cold and rainy, but they were having fun.

Article: Accepted!

2010-11-05T12:32:00.001-04:00

I love Friday...and for a different reason than that it's TGIF! Today I got not 1 but 3 phone calls from editors -- new to me editors! -- accepting my article ideas. YAAAY!!! The piece I'm most proud of is an anti-aging/aging gracefully article filled with advice on everything from going gray the right way to which wrinkle filler works to what to do about the age-old plastic surgery or not question. All 3 magazines are regionals, so I'm still oh-fer at the national magazine query game, but I really think I'm getting closer...and what more could I ask for?

Sigh of Relief..

2010-11-05T12:08:00.002-04:00

We've just spent a week-ish in and out of the hospital/urgent care/doctor's office. Why? The bebe has developed some breathing problems and we're trying to figure them out. Today, after a little over a month of in-and-outs, getting better and getting worse we got a diagnosis: allergies pushing some light asthma reactions. Very good news because it's treatable.

We were really lucky...while we were doing the in-and-outs we saw countless kids dealing with severe asthma issues, adults dealing with cancer diagnoses and general illness. One thing that helped me? Putting my writer skills to work researching the different possibilities and treatments. There is nothing like learning about an illness on your own, even the bad ones like Mesothelioma.

Whatever you need to know, there is information online, but at least by doing research you can think of new questions to ask your doctor on the next visit, because when you're in that tiny room the last thing on your mind is question. At that point it's all about digesting the information being presented to you.