Reaching 100 Questions

5,000 Questions... My answers so far...

 

84. What do you think makes someone a hero? Selflessness.

85. What cartoon would you like to be a character in? Teen Titans. If I could be a specific character, I'd choose Starfire.

86. Name one thing that turns your stomach: the smell of gasoline

87. What was the last thing you paid for? dinner at Arby's a few days ago

88. Are you a coupon clipper? I clip the occasional coupon, but usually forget to use them (which is exactly why I don't save more).

89. Get anything good in the mail recently? Writing.com paraphernalia.

 
90. Which would you rather take as a gym class...dancing, sailing, karate, or bowling? dancing!

91. In Star Trek people 'beam' back and forth between different places. What this means is they stand in a little tube and their molecules are deconstructed and sent to another tube somewhere else where they are reassembled. Only problem is when the molecules are deconstructed the person is dead. When they are put back together it is only a clone that has all the dead person's memories. So...

Is the person who gets beamed the same person on both ends?

I don't know. Does the spirit get beamed, or only the body? And it's not really a clone when it's the exact same molecules, is it?

92. What insects are you afraid of? millipedes and centipedes. all those legs… eww, eww, eeewww. *shudders*

93. If you could print any phrase on a T-shirt, what would it say? "Resident of an emotional landscape."

Sidenote: Out of curiosity I searched for that phrase to see if anyone else had used it, and found someone's poem suspiciously similar to my own. I'll be doing my best to contact the site admin for copyright infringement.

94. What's the most eccentric thing you have ever worn? I wore a poodle skirt frequently after being a fifties girl for Halloween, for no occasion other than I liked wearing it.

95. If you could pick one food that you could eat all you wanted but it would have no effect on how much you weigh, what food would it be? I could live off of German Chocolate Cake

96. What are your parents interested in? family, reading

97. Have you ever caught an insect and kept it as a pet? No. Why would I?

Have you ever caught and tamed a wild animal? We've raised a stray kitty, does that count?

98. What is more helpful to you, wishes or plans? I make lots of plans, but usually end up feeling guilty about not following through. Wishes are more useful to my psyche.

99. When do you feel your life energy the strongest? going for a walk outside

100. You are spending the night alone in the woods and may bring only 3 items with you. What do you bring? At least I'm not stuck in an elevator for days this time. Anyway, to answer this question: I'd bring a flashlight, a book, and a blanket.

Quote by Van Gogh

This is one of my favorite quotes. Always inspires me.

 

If one keeps on loving faithfully what is really worth loving, and does not waste ones love on insignificant and unworthy and meaningless things, one will get more light by and by and grow stronger. Sometimes it is well to go into the world and converse with people, and at times one is obliged to do so, but he who would prefer to be quietly alone with his work, and who wants but very few friends, will go safest through the world and among people. And even in the most refined circles and with the best surroundings and circumstances, one must keep something of the original character of an anchorite, for otherwise one has no root in oneself; one must never let the fire go out in one’s soul, but keep it burning. And whoever chooses poverty for himself and loves it possesses a great treasure, and will always clearly hear the voice of his conscience; he who hears and obeys that voice, which is the best gift of God, finds at last a friend in it, and is never alone.

~Vincent Van Gogh, from Dear Theo

Another Tuesday Tally

Status of my novel

1. first draft
2. read and revise for plot
3. read and revise for continuity
4. read and edit for grammar
5. polish prose to prettiness
6. write query and synopsis
7. query agents

total words to date: 89,799

pages: 397

chapters revised: 21/21 (draft 3)

Previous goals:

• chapter critique  - done.  
• write first scene of T.C. - brainstormed, but didn't actually write it yet 
• read a good chunk of Liz's manuscript - read some. don't know if it would constitute a good chunk... will read more! :-)  
• plan details for B's birthday party - pretty set on what I want to do. nothing too complicated, as he'll only be 4.

Goals for next week:

• chapter critique
• write first scene of T.C. 
• send party invites (soon!)
• enter first chapter contest 
• move website "news and updates" to its own page 

 

I revised the opening of EotF... again... I took the better elements from the two previous versions, then made a couple other changes. Now I get to resist making more changes to the rest of the manuscript until I can get some overall feedback. You can now read the first two pages (in addition to some other excerpts) over at my website for EotF.

Assorted Answers

5,000 Questions... My answers so far...

 

64. Are you a patient person? I think there's a difference between patience and laziness… I'm more of the latter.

65. What holiday should exist but doesn't? Music holiday – radios are all music, no commercials, can listen to music at work… lots of singing and dancing. It would be great!

66. What holiday shouldn't exist but does? Black History Month. Why a whole month just for them? I think they've been overcompensated… Why no month for Caucasians, or Hispanics?

67. What's the best joke you ever heard? Sadly, I usually remember the lame ones, not the good ones.

68. Where is the most fun place you have EVER been? Six Flags near San Franscisco

69. Is your hair natural or dyed? natural

70. Do you have any deep dark secrets or are you pretty much up front? I have a few secrets, but I wouldn't describe them as deep and dark.

71. What is under your bed right now? Storage boxes and likely a few toys.

72. If you were in the Land of Oz would you want to live there or go home? home. Oz is too… bright.

73. If you drive do you frequently speed? Not Applicable (don't drive). If I did, I wouldn't speed.

74. What is the world's best song to dance to? Flashdance… "What a Feeling"

75. What song was on the last time you danced with someone? "Dani California"

 
76. Do you prefer Disney or Warner Brothers? *shrug* both have their good and bad. Though I am currently enjoying playing the video game Kingdom Hearts 2, which has many Disney characters. :-)

 
77. What is the first animal you would run to see if you went to the zoo? I luvs them all! My favorite as a child was the monkeys.

78. Would you consider yourself to be romantic? absolutely

79. If the earth stopped rotating would we all fly off? that depends – a sudden stop, or more gradual?

 
80. What is the one thing that you love to do so much that you would make sacrifices to be able to do it? sleep. I'd like to say writing, but I haven't yet been willing to sacrifice the aforementioned sleep. though I'm willing to sacrifice B at school time to sneak in a nap.

81. If you (and everyone) had to lose one right or freedom, but you could pick which one everyone had to lose, what would you pick? I could never choose something like that.

82. If you had to choose would you live on the equator or at the North Pole? equator! *drawn to warmth*

83. Would you rather give up listening to music or watching television? watching television.

God and Hell

5,000 Questions... My answers so far...

 

60. Do you believe in god and if so what is he/she/it like? Yes, I believe in a god that is ruled by Natural Law, as are all things. He honors commitments and is a just god. He has a plan for us, but we are free to choose for ourselves.

61. Do you believe in Hell? Yes. But it is not fire and brimstone, it is self created.

62. What one thing have you done that most people haven't? My husband. Honestly can't think of anything else to put here. I haven't done much out of the ordinary.

63. What is the kindest thing you have ever done? This is a really tough question. I once "adopted" a grandma – gave her gifts, helped her with housework, etc.

Weekend Fun

Girls Night was a blast. It was the first time we sisters had all really hung out without an agenda. It's tough when there are twelve years between oldest and youngest sister. Understandably, the older girls wouldn't hang out with the younger girls when we were all school aged. Interests varied too greatly. One sister didn't make it to the party. It was a last minute decision. I need to follow up on her, see if she got her issues resolved.

 

Last night I learned how to play Texas Hold 'Em. Thankfully, no real money was used. We ate pizza and veggies, and then watched the movie Martian Child. What an emotional movie. It really made me think about how I raise my own son. It captured child logic so perfectly. The movie is based on a book of the same name. I'll have to check it out.

 

I got home around 11pm. Played a game of Yahtzee, then went to bed shortly after. It was wonderful sleeping in this morning. Before picking up our son from his grandma's house, we went to see a movie: Jumper. Great movie. Lots of action, and an imperfect main character.

 

It has been an enjoyable weekend. :-)

Girls Night!

Tonight I'm getting together with my mom and sisters (I think all five of them will actually be there) to play games, eat pizza, maybe watch a movie.  Some of the girls will be spending the night, but I know hubby wants me home. B is staying the night at my in-laws. Should be lots of fun!

Patience = Success

Someday I hope to say that about my writing... Tonight, I refer to my son. B is usually a good eater. There is little he won't eat, or at least try. But one of those foods on the "won't eat" list was broccoli. I'd always give him a couple little ones just in case, but didn't expect him to touch them. Today he did! Not only did he eat the little I put on his plate, he asked for more! :-) On to working with carrots... At least he always liked green beans, so he does get his veggies.

Crazy 8s meme

Tagged by Beki. Answers in no particular order.

 

8 things I am passionate about:

1. my husband
2. my son
3. writing
4. books
5. music
6. gaming
7. Writing.com
8. Firefly/Serenity

 

8 things I want to do before I die:

1. publish a novel
2. publish a book of poetry
3. go on a cruise
4. visit the United Kingdom
5. visit all 50 states in the USA
6. walk on a beach
7. take ballroom dance lessons
8. get in shape

 

8 things I say often:

1. settle down
2. grr, stupid computer
3. ouch
4. I'm cold
5. here you go
6. I forgot to (fill in the blank)
7. don't bite me
8. mmm, donut (sadly, more at seeing them advertised than actually having the good fortune to eat one)

 

8 books I've read recently:

1. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
2. Rebel Fay by Barb & J.C. Hendee
3. Scar Night by Alan Campbell (currently reading)
4. 100 hair-raising little horror stories (hubby reading to me)
5. 101 Powerful Promises from Latter-day Prophets
6. the Bible
7. not physically bound, but my own novel Emergence of the Fey
8. The Specialists: Down to the Wire by Shannon Greenland

 

8 songs I could listen to over and over:

1. "I Want to Spend My Lifetime Loving You", Mask of Zorro theme song
2. "Both Sides Now", Hayley Westenra
3. "Apologize", One Republic
4. "I Think I'm Paranoid", Garbage
5. "Miss Independent", Kelly Clarkson
6. "Amazed", by LoneStar
7. "Everything I Do", by Bryan Adams
8. "Candle on the Water", from the movie Pete's Dragon
9. (bonus here) "Still Alive", ending theme to game Portal

 

8 things that attract me to my best friends: (at least it's not asking for 8 best friends...)

1. appreciate a good book
2. love fantasy
3. good listeners/easy to talk to
4. willing to watch romantic comedies with me
5. patient
6. see the good in me
7. laid back
8. talented

 

8 people I think should do Crazy 8s:

1. I'm going to second Beki's opinion and tag Liz
2. and, because he hasn't done it yet, seconding Nikki and tagging Dan
3. Erica
4. Sentimente
5. Pandrea
6. Trish
7. Tim
8. Anyone else who wants to join in!

 

We got our Xbox360 back today! Yay! Glad we picked up Culdcept Saga on Saturday. :-)

Tuesday Tally

Status of my novel

1. first draft
2. read and revise for plot
3. read and revise for continuity
4. read and edit for grammar
5. polish prose to prettiness
6. write query and synopsis
7. query agents

total words to date: 89,788

pages: 395

chapters revised: 21/21 (draft 3)

Previous goals:

• write new opening scene for EotF  - done. finally. (heh. noticed it was on my to do list twice last week...) 
• chapter critiques - did one. was a long chapter. like some of mine are... hmm. 
• update website - waiting for some feedback before making changes public  
• go to fantasy symposium. yay! - submitted and will be going out this week :-)

Goals for next week:

• chapter critique
• write first scene of T.C. 
• read a good chunk of Liz's manuscript
• plan details for B's birthday party  

 

Not much to say. Will write more tomorrow. :-)

What if they like my idea??

Some writers are way too paranoid.

LTUE experience

Last Friday, my husband and I went to the Life, the Universe, and Everything: symposium on science fiction and fantasy at BYU. We dropped our son off at my mom's house for the day. We went to four presentations/panels. I know my husband was bored a lot of the time, but it meant a lot to me that he volunteered to accompany me. All of the participating authors were excellent.

 

The ones I went to: Resonance in Fairy Tales; the Main Address by Orson Scott Card; The Realities of NY Publishing; and Putting Romance in Your Novel. Orson Scott Card is hilarious. I really enjoyed listening to him in person. Surprisingly, the romance panel was most interesting to my husband. We hadn't realized how much romance adds to a story, even as a very minor subplot. I realized most of my writing naturally has a strong current of romance.

 

The weather was perfect (well, ten degrees or so colder than perfect). Clear sky, and little to no wind. Much nicer than the super cold and storms earlier in the week.

 

My initial plan was to go the Writing Workshop for one hour, then end with Women of the Fantastic, but didn't have any of my own work to share, and knew my husband would be out of place. So we left early, went to the mall, and then ate at the Old Spaghetti Factory for dinner before picking up B.

 

I'm going to type up my notes this week. I'll share any new insights I find. I'm happy with the results of my first writer's conference.

update postponed

I've been gone half the day visiting my in-laws (hubby helped them set up their new HDTV, a Vizio like ours). On the plus side, we did get fed pizza and cookies. Have some other needs to do tonight, so you'll have to wait to read about my conference visit.  Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

quick note

Today I went to a sf&f writing symposium. I enjoyed it very much. Details tomorrow. :-)

"Loving You" - a romantic story for Valentine's Day

Sarina leaned over the rail of the cruise ship, entranced by the reflection of the moon on the water and the brisk breeze enfolding her. Soft music was playing from the speakers. I can’t believe I’m here. I’ve never won anything in my life, let alone a Caribbean Cruise for two. And to be here with the man I’ve been waiting all my life for. It must be a dream.

~ ~ ~

Ivan had the drink she requested and went on deck to find her. He rounded a corner to see her leaning into the wind, her head back and eyes closed. He stopped, not wanting to disturb her, taking a moment to absorb the view. She looked so beautiful in the moonlight. Her blonde hair was loose, falling down her back to flutter gently in the breeze. Her emerald evening gown was modest, but the wind pressed it against her, enhancing her curves. That image, and the long slit up the skirt showing a glimpse of her long, slim legs, did plenty to stir his blood. So many times during his work overseas, he wanted to drop everything and come meet her. Then he returned home only to lose his mother. With the family finally readjusted, he had been about to contact Sarina when her invitation came. She is absolutely amazing. Five years of correspondence, and I finally get to spend time with her. I’ve loved her as long as I’ve known her, but nothing could compare to having her in my arms at last. He set the drinks down on a nearby table and snuck up behind her. Sliding his arms around her waist, he nuzzled her neck and whispered in her ear. “Hello, beautiful.”

~ ~ ~

She smiled and turned around in his arms. She slid her hands up to his shoulders, so elegantly clad in white tuxedo, and inhaled the already familiar scent of his cologne. For only having spent two days with him in person, she felt like she had been with him forever. When she had asked Ivan to join her on the cruise, she was afraid that he would decline. To her delight, he accepted the invitation. Her fear was replaced by a new one – that the attraction they had felt in their online conversations, letters, and phone calls would disappear once they met. Or, even worse, that she would still feel the same way, but he wouldn’t. What will happen when the cruise is over? Will we never see each other again? I already know I want to spend the rest of my life with him, but how can I know what he’s thinking? She pulled back to search his hazel eyes.

~ ~ ~

She looked up at him and he saw her heart in her eyes. He pulled her tighter, not ever wanting to let go. How will she react when she finds out my plans? A new song started to play, and he was amazed at how it reflected the way he felt. He took it as a sign. He trailed his fingers along her jaw, then pulled her away from the rail. “Dance with me, and listen.”

~ ~ ~
Moon so bright, night so fine,
Keep your heart here with mine
Life's a dream we are dreaming

Race the moon, catch the wind,
Ride the night to the end,
Seize the day, stand up for the light

I want to spend my lifetime loving you
If that is all in life I ever do

Heroes rise, heroes fall,
Rise again, win it all,
In your heart, can't you feel the glory?

Through our joy, through our pain,
We can move worlds again
Take my hand, dance the dance with me

 
I want to spend my lifetime loving you
If that is all in life I ever do
I will want nothing else to see me through
If I can spend my lifetime loving you

Though we know we will never come again
Where there is love, life begins
Over and over again

Save the night, save the day,
Save the love, come what may,
Love is worth everything we pay

~ ~ ~

His mellow voice singing with the music completely melted her nerves away. How perfect the lyrics were. Did this mean he felt the same way? As the chorus trailed off, they stopped dancing. She was disappointed when he let her go and took a step back. He got down on one knee and pulled a small box out of his pocket. The implication took her breath away. Tears came to her eyes when he opened it to reveal the simple gold band with a heart shaped diamond.

~ ~ ~

Praying she wanted what he did, he took the ring out of the box and held it before her. “This one day with you has been the best day of my life. I’ve loved you for a long time, and I know you feel the same way. I want to spend my lifetime loving you. Will you marry me?” When she said yes, for the first time in his life tears fell down his cheeks. He slid the ring onto her finger, stood up and pulled her close. “I love you, and I will always cherish you.” Then her lips found his, and he gave up words in favor of her kiss.

 

-----

Story by me. Song quoted: Title, "I Want to Spend My Lifetime Loving You". Music by James Horner. Lyrics by Will Jennings. Performed by Tina Arena & Marc Anthony.

Paradise (more answers)

5,000 Questions... My answers so far...

 

52. What was the last thing you made with your own hands? a sandwich

53. What was your favorite toy as a child? Little People

54. How many TV’s are in your house? two

55. What is your favorite thing to do outside? sit and read. Frisbee is good, too, but I suck…

56. How do you feel when you see a rainbow? In awe. Even though I know the scientific reason behind them, they still seem so magical.

57. Have you ever dreamt a dream that came true? Not that I can recall. Though I've experienced a strong sense of déjà vu at times, like I've had that exact conversation, or experience before.

58. Have you ever been to a psychic/tarot reader? Nope.

 
59. What is your idea of paradise? One of my poems describes it quite well. This is where I go when I close my eyes and escape.

 

My Quiet Place

A meadow on the hill,
Filled with hues of green;
A gentle slope
Perfect to roll down.
A scent of green, of
Bees humming through the glade;
The sky a blue
So true it sings.
In this meadow lies a cottage--
Simple, yet elegant it stands;
Myriad windows light every room,
Dust fairies dancing in the sun.
A warm breeze fills the air
Bringing scents of fresh cut grass,
Of lilacs, blossoms, roses
Climbing up the walls.
Nothing can harm me here.

T.T. and IEP

Status of my novel

1. first draft
2. read and revise for plot
3. read and revise for continuity
4. read and edit for grammar
5. polish prose to prettiness
6. write query and synopsis
7. query agents

total words to date: 89,788

pages: 395

chapters revised: 21/21 (draft 3)

Previous goals:

• finish draft 3 of EotF - finally done  
• one chapter critique - *embarrassed* will do extra this week to make up 
• write new opening scene for EotF - pushed back a week  
• Fantasy newsletter - submitted and will be going out this week :-)
• website mailing - sent

Goals for next week:

• write new opening scene for EotF
• two chapter critiques 
• new opening scene for EotF 
• update website 
• go to fantasy symposium. yay!

 

Last week we had an IEP (goal meeting) with B's teacher and therapists. He's doing very well. Last time they evaluated his goals (in November), his communication was 30% words and 70% gestures. Now he has completely reversed: 70% words, 30% gestures. Still no sentences, but his vocabulary is increasing every day, and he does attempt to imitate sentences when I read to him or someone is talking to him. School has been a great benefit to him. Because he's doing so well, we went to Toys 'R Us and bought him a bag of additional track for his Geo Trax train. He held onto that thing the whole time we walked around the store. :-)

New words for Pres. Bush

5,000 Questions... My answers so far...

Revising one of my answers, in light of a stupid move by Bush:

When President Bush unveiled his proposed budget for 2009, one of the first things that jumped out at book lovers was the elimination of funding for the Inexpensive Book Distribution program at Reading Is Fundamental (RIF). According to Carol Rasco, the nonprofit's CEO and president, "Unless Congress reinstates $25.5 million in funding for this program, RIF would not be able to distribute 16 million books annually to the nation's youngest and most at-risk children." The cut would seem particularly misguided given all the hoopla raised throughout 2007 about the importance of getting (and keeping) America's children passionate about reading.

37. What country do you live in and who is the leader of that country? USA, President George W. Bush

If you could say any sentence to the current leader of your country what would it be? "I respect you and your position, don't envy your decisions, and know you are doing the best you can with the present situations." "It would be a very bad move to cut this program; kids need to be encouraged to read!" I'm sure there are other, better, places to cut the budget. Even reducing funding for RIF would be better than eliminating it completely.

If I was a Greek Muse...

Which of the Greek Muses are you? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Euterpe You are Euterpe, the muse of music. You are an inventor, and you constantly come up with new ideas. You are happy when everyone else is happy.

more Qs

5,000 Questions... My answers so far...

45. Word association
What is the first word that comes to mind when you see the word:
Air: flight
Meat: steak
Different: Sesame Street song, "one of these things is not like the other…". wait, that's not one word. umm… ok, first single word to come to mind: weird
Pink: tutu
Deserve: earned
White: angel
Elvis: rock
Magic: madness (I'm sure Justine Larbalestier would be glad to know my automatic association was because of her book. before even my own magic-y writing!)
Heart: love
Clash: cymbals
Pulp: fiction (though if asked the definition of pulp fiction I would have to look it up)

46. If you could meet any person in the world who is dead who would you want it to be? Nefertiti

47. What if you could meet anyone who is alive? Melanie Rawn. though I have no idea what I'd say! I'd be so nervous…

48. Is there a movie that you love so much you could watch it everyday? Hmm. There are movies that I love, but every day…. I know what it's like to watch/hear a movie every day (thank you B), and no matter how much you love something, that wears you down. I think emotional movies in particular would lose their impact. Is there one that could survive that? Possibly The Mask of Zorro. Great music and actors, lots of action.

49. You are going to be stuck alone in an elevator for a week. What do you bring to do? A week??? There better be zombies or an apocalypse outside, or I'm breaking out. If for unknown reasons I planned this and thus could bring whatever I wanted, I would bring a laptop, Civilization 4, a stack of books, lots of food, and Cocoa (to be used for comfort, cuddling, and pillow). I would foresee lots of napping between reading and Civ playing.

50. Have you ever saved someone's life or had your life saved? no. thankfully haven't had any near death experiences.

 

51. Make up a definition for the following silly words...
Fruitgoogle: Vending machine that produces the fruit you want at the type of the word
Ambytime: time measured by how much you didn't get done

Asscactus: inexplicable butt pain

awesome advertising

Got this in a forwarded email. You have to watch this (my son watched it twice).

 

Very Cool Store Promo...
HEMA is a Dutch department store. The first store opened on November 4, 1926, in Amsterdam. Now there are 150 stores all over the Netherlands. HEMA also has stores in Belgium, Luxemburg, and Germany. In June of this year, HEMA was sold to British
investment company Lion Capital.
Take a look at HEMA's product page. You can't order anything and it's in Dutch but just wait a couple of seconds and watch what happens. It's REALLY cool!
Go here...
http://producten.hema.nl/

More answers! Politics and Evil (though not connected. this time.)

5,000 Questions... My answers so far...

 

37. What country do you live in and who is the leader of that country? USA, President George W. Bush

If you could say any sentence to the current leader of your country what would it be? "I respect you and your position, don't envy your decisions, and know you are doing the best you can with the present situations."

 

38. What's your favorite TV channel to watch in the middle of the night? does Netflix count? We don't have satellite or cable…

39. What Disney villain are you the most like and why? Completely clueless on this one, I took a few of those fun quizzes: "Which Disney villain are you?" (cop-out? maybe. evil, ain't I?)

Your Score: Hades!

You scored 30 evilness!

Ok, so you're a fun person. You really enjoy life and enjoy your schemes, but you're just not that evil. You tend to rely on henchmen to do all the dirty work while you sit back with a glass of Tequila, enjoying the moment. Occasionally, you will lose your temper and do something truly evil, but will then crack a smart joke and have your subjects laughing again. No real evil there. When you're defeated, you don't even die. You're somewhat evil, but your fun loving, quick wit gets in the way.

Link: The What Disney Villain are you Test written by tangodelmar on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test View My Profile(tangodelmar)

Not bad results.

Ok, ok, honest answer (after research to refresh my memory). I'm more like Maleficent (from Sleeping Beauty). I'm only to be worried about when I'm insulted/thwarted, and don't get invited to the party. And hey! magic, power, evil henchman to do the dirty work, shape-shifting into dragons, purple clothing accents… how can I go wrong?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maleficent

 

40. Have you ever been a girl scout/boy scout? I've been a Girl Scout. My mom was troop leader. It was a lot of fun until we moved and didn't know anybody in the new district. (forgive me if I'm slaughtering all the technical terms. been many years)

41. If you were traveling to another continent would you rather fly or take a boat? By fly, I assume it's meant in a plane. I think that would be preferred. Though I would like to take a cruise. That would be the exception to the boat travel.

 

42. Why is the sky blue during the day and black at night? Because God made it that way.

43. What does your name mean? …. …. bitter ….

44. Would you rather explore the deeps of the ocean or outer space? outer space. less sharks

Red Ring of Death pt. 2

When the UPS guy delivered our box to mail the XBox360 in, he knew exactly what it was for: "Got the three red lights?" Apparently he gets about two a day. That is sad.

 

Hopefully only a couple weeks to wait now. Their estimated time to work on it is three days. The time consuming part is all the shipping back and forth.

 

Culdcept Saga came out yesterday. A few weeks ago, that sentence would have ended in an exclamation mark and accompanied by a smiley face. Now, I wait.

Another T. T. and Mozy

Status of my novel

1. first draft
2. read and revise for plot
3. read and revise for continuity
4. read and edit for grammar
5. polish prose to prettiness
6. write query and synopsis
7. query agents

total words to date: 89,913

pages: 395

chapters revised: 17/21 (draft 3)

Previous goals:

• finish draft 3 of EotF - brain overloaded. needed break from story  
• find new progress meter or update code manually - site working now. but found a different one if I need it later 
• one chapter critique - done 
• make arrangements to go to LTUE conf. Feb. 15, if at all possible to do so  - Mom agreed to watch B, and my husband got work off to go with me. :-)

Goals for next week:

• finish draft 3 of EotF
• one chapter critique 
• write new opening scene for EotF
• Fantasy newsletter
• website mailing

 

Today I signed up for and downloaded Mozy , an online backup service. The free service stores up to 2GB of files. For $5 a month you can have unlimited storage. I don't need that much though. It's a lot quicker than burning all my info onto a disc, though I'll still do that probably once a year. Everything happens in the background. If you're interested, use my referral link, https://mozy.com/?ref=AF4GL1, and we BOTH get 256MB more free. :-)

Chicken Noodle Soup - good for the soul, confusing for the brain

Last Friday we bought a can labeled as Kroger Condensed Tomato soup. I wanted it for a new recipe. Tonight I opened the can to add to the hamburger... and inside was Chicken Noodle Soup! I did a double take on the label. Apparently someone had tampered, switching the labels at the store. Grr. Hubby is now buying a new can so I can finish dinner. I don't want to have to check labels every time I buy a can of anything to make sure it's not tampered. I sent in a customer comment to Kroger. I will put up a picture of the deceitful can after I upload it tomorrow.

 

Update: apparently there were more taped labels at the store, so my husband spent a little more money to get a guaranteed tomato soup of Campbell's brand instead of buying another Kroger. This was not one instance of some kid playing a prank, but something else resulting in very carefully reapplied labels. And, as promised, pictures.

 

Chicken soup in disguise:

 

A very carefully taped label:

(tape circled for your convenience)

Found Cameras and Orphan Pictures

There's this great new blog up, http://ifoundyourcamera.blogspot.com/. If someone finds a lost camera, they can send in a couple identifying photos and contact information. The idea is to connect the photos back to those who took them. I've lost a camera before. Now there's a chance for some people to get their photos back. Hopefully this catches on.

Pooh Bear's philosophy

Quote from Winnie the Pooh, created by A. A. Milne:

 

If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.

 

What a wonderful way to tell a loved one how much you care.

An unanticipated break from Rock Band...

Yesterday our Xbox360 came up with the Red Ring of Death indicating hardware failure. Thankfully, as it's a (sadly) common problem (more a 'when' instead of 'if' you'll get it) due to a manufacturing issue, we can get it fixed for free within three years of purchase date even though it's past the regular warranty. Between getting the box, mailing the console, getting it fixed, and getting it back, we'll have no Xbox360 for a month. :-( The irony is I was so excited about getting Culdcept Saga which comes out next week; it had been pushed back for a year. Now it's finally coming out and there's no point in getting it until I can play it.