Getting a Life

My calendar for the next few months is actually pretty full compared to usual. My poetry group started up again, and I joined a local writers group. My husband is taking me on weekly dates. I’m getting more involved with the school and PTA. Also spending more time with family.

I’ve also had some last minute events, such as me and B going to the circus with his grandma and cousins last week.

Upcoming events to look forward to:

• First meeting with writers group on Feb 2
• local Literacy Fair on Feb 5, along with writing contest
• LTUE: science fiction and fantasy symposium on Feb 19
• Boyz II Men concert on March 4
• Vegas with my sisters in March

I also entered Fey Moon into ABNA. Wish me luck! I’ll try to neglect my blog less in the future.

New Look

Shabby Blogs retired some of their old backgrounds, so I updated my look. New background, a post divider/signature. Hope you like. I know I do.

Aspects of Wellness

This year I didn’t want to set concrete goals and deadlines. There is a big branch in life up ahead, and so much will depend on which path I take. With that in mind, I wanted to focus instead on aspects of wellness. Ways I can improve my life without relying on what else is going on around me.

The site I took this idea from has seven aspects of wellness: Emotional, Intellectual, Physical, Environmental, Social, Occupational, and Spiritual. I have eight. Creativity is such a major part of my identity that I want to focus on it separate from Occupational or Intellectual.

When I first discovered these last year, I took time and visualized, then wrote down, an overall statement for ideal wellness for each aspect. With this new year, I wanted to set my goals/resolutions around those. I’ve gone into more detail in my journaling, but here are my basic goals for each:

Emotional

• Positive journaling
• Monthly date nights
• Daily music time – piano, Rock Band, dance

Intellectual

• Read one non-fiction book each month.

Physical

• Drink more water and less soda.

Environmental

• Go for a walk once a week, to get sunlight and fresh air.

Social

• Join a local writing group.
• Las Vegas trip with sisters

Occupational

• Look into continuing education, such as Library Science or Editing.

Spiritual

• Take time each week to relax, be quiet and alone. Retune with spirit, soul, nature.
• Know myself so I may know my future.

Creative

• Write one hour every day – doesn’t have to be in one session
• Finish at least one novel before starting anything new.
• Main focus: finish The Minotaur Staff (NaNoWriMo 2010)

You Show Me Yours, I’ll Show You Mine! Blogfest

I haven’t touched this since NaNoWriMo, but figured I’d join in on the blogfest last minute. New year, new motivation. This is from The Minotaur Staff, a (mostly) modern supernatural adventure.

Find other blogfest entries here.

 

Akua gave out a battle cry of her own, feinted, and as he put down his horns to block her blow, she kicked out, slamming her foot toward the injured leg. Light flashed in her face, but she heard bone crunch. What stupid trick was this? She felt her opponent fall and put a foot on his torso, aimed her sword at his neck. No magic would keep her from her win.

The form beneath her became clear as the light faded. Her foot rested on a naked chest, but her opponent had changed. Shrunk. This man had no bull head, but a man's face and long hair the color of wheat. The arena was gone, replaced with a square room. Strange objects, fireless lights.

Akua pressed her sword into the man's neck. "What magic is this? Are you an illusionist? Am I drugged?"

The man groaned.

She pressed the tip harder, until blood came. "Who are you?"

He took a breath and coughed, pointing at her foot. Must be hard to answer with her obstructing his air. Very well. She stepped back, but kept her sword ready. "Speak!"

He sat up and cried out. "Shit. What did you do, break my leg? And how did you get in here? Didn't I lock the door? This is my room. You're the one who should be answering questions." He winced as he pulled himself up to sit on the bed. An object fell out of his hand as he supported himself.

"The Oracle's Eye! Forgive me, I did not realize."

He frowned and rubbed his head. Then said something in gibberish. Must have hit his head when he fell. She picked the Eye off the floor. "Where is your staff, Oracle?"

He shook his head. "That I understand. What did you say before that?"

"I am sorry for injuring you, Lord. I asked your forgiveness. Then you spoke gibberish. I am glad it was only temporary." She frowned. "Or was it one of your spells?"

"No, you're the one who spoke gibberish. Whatever. Give me that artifact. I need it."

"The Eye? Of course." His hand was as death against her dark skin. She had never seen an oracle, or any Atlantean, with such skin.

"What are you doing here?"

"I know not. I was fighting in the arena, triumphing over my opponent. Then the light came, and I was here. I assume you summoned me somehow, Oracle. What have I done to displease thee?"

"Oracle? That's the second time you've called me that. What arena? You look like you came out of a history book."

"You are no Oracle?" She lifted her sword. "Then you have no right to that. Are you even an Atlantean?"

His eyes widened. "Atlantean? Like Atlantis?"

"I meant not the Atlantis. The city of Atalanta. Are you from either?"

"I didn't even know they existed. Atalanta lived thousands of years ago."

"Do not lie about Queen Atalanta! Rise and I shall take you to her and the Oracle. You will be punished for your theft and blasphemy. Give me back the Eye."

"No! This is my key to freedom from my debts."

"You took me from my battle, my chance to win freedom for myself and my family! Give. It. Back." She raised her sword and pressed it to his throat.

"Whoa, that's sharp."

Raw Truth

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Birthday Time

My birthday is on Thanksgiving this year. To avoid crowding it in with the holiday, we celebrated early. My mother-in-law took B for Saturday and Sunday, and my husband took me bowling and out to dinner.

I hadn’t been bowling for over eight years. My first game sucked, scoring 76. But by the end of the game, I was getting into the groove again. I was actually winning for a good part of the second game. It came down to the last couple frames. My score was 112, his 120. I had a blast. My hand and arm were sore by the time we were done though. Must get in shape! And it better not be another eight years until I get to go bowling again.

We had the 2 for $20 deal at Chili’s. First time I tried their appetizers. The Texas Cheese Fries are amazing. For entrée, J got the Crispy Chicken Crispers while I had the Quesadilla Explosion Salad. Since we were celebrating my birthday, we also got free dessert. Their brownie sundae had to be the best brownie I’ve ever had at a restaurant. Incredibly moist and uber chocolaty. Yum.

I even got to open my birthday present early. Seasons 1 and 2 of Castle! Castle is easily my favorite TV show right now. So he did good.

Character Meme

I got this meme from Katrina L. Lantz. Choose ten of your OCs, then answer the questions. The characters I’m choosing are all from my NaNoWriMo WIP.

I made a list, then used a randomizer to determine the order. This was a good time to get last names for a few of these characters.

1. Wesley “Weed” Larkin:  treasure hunter
2. Belkar:  loan shark
3. Akua:  Atlantean gladiator
4. Ryan Vaughn:  head of Las Vegas Dragon society
5. Sergeant Warren:  ex-army, now manages a team of street fighters
6. Quinn Monahan:  Caitlin’s brother. part of a team hired to hunt a minotaur in modern Las Vegas
7. Ashlen Craft:  head of Ash Corporation (all about the money)
8. Caitlin Monahan:  Quinn’s sister. part of a team hired to hunt a minotaur in modern Las Vegas
9. Kemal Garcia:  Weed’s best friend from college, a fellow treasure hunter
10. Taylor Rice:  Weed’s gambling buddy

 

Now to the questions. Hopefully this will give me some insights into my characters.

1. 4 invites 3 and 8 to dinner at their house. What happens?

Ryan Vaughn invites Akua and Caitlin to dinner. He is likely wanting an update on their minotaur hunts. Only one can join the Dragon. Akua would feel uncomfortable without Weed by her side, and Caitlin would be stealing the dinner conversation and flirting with the host.

 

2. 9 tries to get 5 to go to a strip club. What happens?

If Kemal invited Sergeant Warren to a strip club, he would be all for it. Just say the word. Even if they had opposing goals, a truce would be in effect for such an event. Just two guys having a great time.

 

3. You need to stay at a friend’s house for a night. Who do you choose: 1 or 6?

I’d probably choose Quinn over Weed (sorry, MC). Weed has had too many interruptions. I don’t want gladiators appearing or loan sharks pounding down the door. Much quieter at Quinn’s place.

 

4. 2 and 7 are making out. 10 walks in. What is their reaction?

Belkar is making out with Ashlen?? Taylor would take photos to use as leverage against Belkar. He’s been under Belkar’s fist before, and would relish a chance to turn the table.

 

5. 3 falls in love with 6. 8 is jealous. What happens?

Akua must have fallen in love with Quinn when we stayed at his house. Caitlin would be jealous that her brother is ignoring her. She’d steal Quinn’s katana and head out after the minotaur alone.

 

6. 4 jumps you in a dark alleyway. Who comes to your rescue: 10, 2, or 7?

If Ryan were to jump me in a dark alleyway, I wouldn’t want a rescue. Just saying. Most likely to rescue me? Hmm. Taylor might help a damsel in distress. Belkar wouldn’t care, might even watch. Ashlen would come to my rescue if I would join his side.

 

7. 1 decides to start a cooking show. Fifteen minuets later, what is happening?

Weed happens to be a great cook. His mother taught him to use fresh ingredients from their home grown gardens. Fifteen minutes in, he’d have one of the cameramen over tasting his meal in progress. He likes to involve those often overlooked.

 

8. 3 has to marry either 8, 4, or 9. Whom do they choose?

If Akua had to marry Caitlin, Ryan, or Kemal, she’d totally choose Ryan. She’s not lesbian, and would never go for Weed’s best friend. Ryan is honorable and also has connections to Atlantis.

 

9. 7 kidnaps 2 and demands something from 5 for 2’s release. What is it?

Ashlen is definitely the kidnapping type. He would demand Sergeant Warren bring him the Oracle’s Eye, due to his connections with Akua. But Belkar would make the worst possible hostage for this maneuver, as no one likes him.

 

10. Everyone gangs up on 3. Does 3 have a chance in hell?

As long as no one brings a gun, Akua would kick everyone’s butt. Siblings Quinn and Caitlin would give her the most trouble, but it would be a welcome challenge for my seasoned gladiator.

 

11. Everyone is invited to 2 and 10’s wedding except for 8. How do they react?

Caitlin would be glad not to see Belkar and Taylor get married. She is *so* not into seeing guys kiss.

 

12. Why is 6 afraid of 7?

Quinn is afraid of Ashlen because of Ash Corps. power. It won’t be long before they own all of Las Vegas, and Ashlen isn’t fond of anyone who worked for his nemesis.

 

13. 1 arrives late for 2 and 10’s wedding. What happens, and why were they late?

Weed is late to the wedding because he had to scrounge up money to pay Belkar… again. Taylor is offended that his friend is late, that Weed let fear override loyalty.

 

14. 5 and 9 get roaring drunk and end up at your house. What happens?

Sergeant Warren and Kemal must have had a little too much to drink at that strip club. By now their truce would be over and they’d be ready to fight. I’d lock my doors and leave them outside to fend for themselves. I wouldn’t want to get in the middle of their drunken brawl! Once Sarge finally lands a hit and knocks out Kemal, I’d call Weed to take them both home.

 

15. 9 murders 2’s best friend. What does 2 do to get back at them?

Ooh, wrong person to anger, Kemal. Belkar would send his hitman after Kemal.

 

16. 6 and 1 are in mortal peril and only one of them can survive. Does 6 save themselves or 1?

Quinn would totally leave Weed to die. Maybe Quinn isn’t fit for the Dragon society after all.

 

17. 8 and 3 go camping. For some reason they forgot to bring along any food. What do they do?

Caitlin would have expected Akua to take care of supplies. Akua grew up in the jungles of Africa, she doesn’t think they need any. Caitlin would call for Quinn to rescue her, while Akua scavenges and fishes for her meals and enjoys a night under the stars alone.

 

18. 5 is in a car crash and is critically injured. What does 9 do?

Kemal would remember the fun time they had a the strip club, and pull him out of the wreck and call 911. Then, remembering getting knocked out, would leave him on the side of the road and disappear.

 

19. The quiz is over. Tag someone.

Tagging whoever has characters and wants to procrastinate.

 

Well, that was interesting. I learned a lot about Kemal and Quinn especially. Now back to work.