I can't believe tomorrow is the beginning of February. Wasn't Christmas just a few days ago? How is it possible that a whole month of 2010 is over already??

We got snow last night - about six inches, which is a lot for here. I know those of you who live further north will laugh at us, but our little corner of the world just doesn't know what to do with snow like this. I am not a big fan of snow (it's cold and wet and makes everything else cold and wet - what's the appeal???) but I did make it outside to play a little bit with Boo. Including making what was supposed to be a snowman, but ended up kind of short, so we'll call it our snowhobbit.



Unfortunately, I pulled something in my lower back in the process, so I am laying down with a heating pad trying to get it to loosen up. Not comfortable at all. Oh well.

And while I'm at it, here's a book list update:

Book #4

Title: Ranger's Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan
Author: John Flanagan
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 272

( Details and such . . . )

Total Books:

4 / 50 books. 8% done!

Total Pages:

1145 / 15000 pages. 8% done!

Total Days:

31 / 365 days. 8% done!

So far I'm keeping up a fairly steady progress towards my goal of 50 books!

Work was insane today. And not the good kind. Luckily nothing that happened affected me directly. By the end of the day, everything was back to where it was supposed to be, but still - it was one of those days that left me feeling completely drained. Glad to be home.

Hubby cooked dinner, so it was ready and waiting for me when I got home. That was nice. Sometimes I think he acts a little chauvinistically, but then he does something like this to surprise me.

I'm really hoping the kids will behave tonight. They've had one tiff so far, but it sounds like they got it resolved. I feel like I have a lot of things I should be doing tonight, but you know what? Not happening. Tonight is a night to curl up with my crocheting and relax.

I'm so glad to be home. I've been dragging all day long. I could've easily fallen asleep at work, which wouldn't have been good. But it was a nice thought all the same . . .

I think I'll have a kid free Saturday, for at least part of the day anyway. Boo will be with her dad (as far as I know - he hasn't confirmed that, but it's usually what he wants). And the stepson will be with his mom until after a birthday party he has in the afternoon. I'm hoping to get some more writing done on the challenge story from the Tavern. Will post a link soon.

It's almost time to get Boo in bed. I will be following her example soon after. ;)

So I didn't move on to week three over at brigits_flame. 'Tis cool. There are a lot of really good writers there. I got lots of good feedback, which was nice.

This also gives me time to get a good start on the other writing challenge I've taken up. I'll post a link here once I get some finished.

Now to go watch RENT before going to bed.

I'm getting good reviews on my second story - Yay!! That's always exciting. The topic for week 3 is already up and I think I know something that would work well with it. It's not really a stand-alone piece, but I think it would be okay anyway. I wrote a short story a few years ago and have since really wanted to lengthen it into a longer story. Maybe novel length, maybe slightly shorter (does anyone publish novellas anymore?). Anyway, I've outlined a little bit of it and the very opening scene would work perfectly for the topic.

Now onto the book update:

( Two books . . . )

I decided to take today off work - mostly because between the banks being closed and no mail running, I wouldn't have that much to do. But also because I desperately needed a day to myself to try and relax and do some major housework. The housework is almost done - at least all I'm going to do. It wasn't really that bad, I just didn't have the time or energy to take care of it before.

I've gotten some good reviews on my second story for brigits_flame, mostly from people off LJ that I've given the link to. 21 people will be eliminated this time, which is a lot more that 7, which was how many were eliminated last week. I'm a little nervous! But it's cool. As long as I get to write and people actually read it and like it, I'm okay with that.

I'm working on another writing challenge (believe it or not) that will be a much longer, much more ongoing thing. I won't be posting it on LJ, but if anyone here wants to read it, I can put the link up to where I'm posting it. Yes, seeress_of_kell, I'm referring to the challenge up at the Tavern. Stupid Seventh Sanctum generators - they are so addicting! Fun though.

I'm also testing to become a beta reader for Perfect Imagination, which is basically a directory for betas of fan fiction, but they offer accreditation for other editing stuff as well. I really like working with other people with writing - sometimes the give and take, bouncing things back and forth, is really helpful. Plus, you learn a lot when you're editing. We'll see how that goes.

I should probably get back to work. The house calls to me.

This is my entry for brigits_flame January week 2.

( In the Cards )

I made it to week 2 at brigits_flame!!! That's so cool! Now I just have to finish the week 2 challenge. That will be harder. I've started it, even think I have a fairly good idea for it. Hopefully now that my headache is (mostly) gone, I can work on it more.

I seem to be getting them more and more. That's getting old. And weird. Usually I get them when I'm stressed, but I don't think I'm stressed right now. Things are going pretty good. Work is good. My resolutions have fallen off the bandwagon, but only slightly and only because for the past few days I couldn't move my head.

Well, technically I could move it, but not without severe stabbing pain.

The voting closes on the brigits_flame contest for last week. I'm really excited. I've gotten a lot of really positive feedback, so much so that I think I'm going to incorporate that short story into the novel I was writing for NaNo. I think there are ways that I could do it. Both are about women leaving their jerk-of-a-husband. It has possibilities.

First things first, I need to finish my entry for this weeks contest. Even if I don't move forward in the actual contest, I'm still going to submit it as a just-for-fun entry. I'm worried that it won't be as good as this last one. The theme is "Destiny." This story will be more on the humorous side.

It's time to go and wake Boo up. Have a good day LJ Land!

Last week was the first week of my new resolutions and - it went pretty good. I didn't do all of them the way I wanted to. But it was an improvement from what I was doing in the past. That's all I can ask for. And besides, next week is a new week.

Between the cold and the dryness, my asthma has been kicking up over the past couple days. Not fun, that. I'm feeling a bit better today, so hopefully I can be productive. I need to do some major laundry. Plus, I need to head to Target - I saw some really cute dresses for Boo that are on clearance for $10. Sold! She needs some new dresses!

Other than that, I'm going to spend the day watching the contest over at brigits_flame. The deadline for entries is today at noon and so far, there are 56 entries. One person has already read my story and liked it. I guess I'll just keep my fingers crossed that enough people like it to vote me into next weeks contest. Even if I don't make it, I'll probably write something for their "just for fun" category. It's good practice.

Anyway, I need to get out of here and get my day started.

This is my entry for the January Week 1 contest.

( Christmas Eve )

All feedback is greatly appreciated!

So far this week, I've been to the gym twice. Monday I did my cardio workout and today I did the weights. It's a tight squeeze doing this on my lunch hour, but if I'm a few minutes late here and there, I don't think anyone will mind. Too much anyway. I do plenty of good work for them.

My cold is still trying to hang on, but the worst is over. Boo is still sick too, but I think she's finally on the mend.

And now, the start to my 2010 book list!

( Clicky the linky . . . )

I guess it was because today was Monday and the beginning of the week, but today felt like the true beginning of the new year. 2010. Boy was it weird seeing that date on things. It was really messing me up in Excel - I was still working on December stuff, but when I'd type in a date (like "12/30") it would default to 12/30/10. I had to redo some lines once I caught it.

So since we're four days into the new year, I suppose it's time to make my annual resolutions post. It's a fairly extensive list, but don't think I'm under any delusions. If I can keep 30% of these, I'll be happy.

( Under a cut since it's a bit long . . . )

So a lot of work to do, but I'm feeling strangely optimistic about it. Don't know why. Hopefully I can keep it up.

For 2009, I didn't make it to 50, but I also didn't count the books that I re-read. I'm going to start doing that for 2010. Here's a recap of what 2009 brought me.

1. Leven Thumps and the Eyes of Want by Obert Skye
2. The Red Queen by Margaret Drabble
3. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
4. Be Happy, Or I'll Scream by Sheri Lynch
5. Natural Witchery: Intuitive, Personal and Practical Magic by Ellen Dugan
6. Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe
7. The Lais of Marie de France by Marie de France
8. Brighton Rock by Graham Greene
9. Paper Towns by John Green
10. The Alchemist by Ben Jonson
11. The Knight of the Burning Pestle by Francis Beaumont
12. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
13. The Revenger's Tragedy by Thomas Middleton
14. The Light in the Piazza and Other Italian Tales by Elizabeth Spencer
15. As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
16. Looking for Alaska by John Green
17. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
18. The Dispossessed by Ursula K. LeGuin
19. Slow Man by J.M. Coetzee
20. Hood by Stephen Lawhead
21. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
22. The Plot Against America by Philip Roth
23. Scarlet by Stephen Lawhead
24. Atonement by Ian McEwen
25. The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
26. The Inheritor by Marion Zimmer Bradley
27. Taliesin by Stephen Lawhead
28. An Acceptable Time by Madeleine L'Engle
29. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
30. The Truth About Witchcraft Today by Scott Cunningham
31. Merlin by Stephen Lawhead
32. Arthur by Stephen Lawhead
33. Pendragon by Stephen Lawhead
34. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Total books:

34 / 50 books. 68% done!

Total pages:

11062 / 15000 pages. 74% done!

So I did better on my pages goal, but that was mostly because some of those books were really long! The thing that makes me a bit sad is that I didn't really improve from last year. I'll have to do something about that.

Hope everyone had a good night last night. Me? I was home sick with a sick kid. Boo has a nasty little cold. It's starting to get better now, but yesterday she was a mess. Poor thing. There's nothing more pitiful than a sick kid. My cold comes and it goes. I'm tired of it. I would really like for it to just go away now. Please.

On to happier subjects. HAPPY 2010!!! The date just looks weird to me. I haven't had to actually write it yet, but I know that's going to feel weird. I'll be posting more typical New Yearsy stuff - resolutions, book lists and all that - a little bit later. Mostly I just wanted to wish all my dear LJ friends a wonderful New Year. Love you guys!

Taken from seeress_of_kell:

Leave me a comment saying "Resistance is futile."

• I'll respond by asking you five questions so I can satisfy my curiosity
• Update your journal with the answers to the questions
• Include this explanation in the post and offer to ask other people questions


1. Do you have an absolute favorite book, and if so what is it and why?
My absolute favorite book is The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. For anyone who's read it, I don't need to explain myself. For anyone who hasn't read it . . . Go. Read. It. Now. Seriously. It tells the story of King Arthur (which is one of my favorite things, in case anyone couldn't tell), but does it in a different way - through the women in his life. It is told primarily from the point of view of his sister, Morgaine, but also through his mother, his aunts, and his wife. Another part of it that I love is how true it stays to Celtic myth and mysticism. It's a beautifully well-crafted story as well, which is another reason to love it.

2. What's your favorite piece to play on the flute?
I have several. Andante in C Major by Mozart was my first competition piece, so it will always have a special place in my heart. Other favorites are Concertino by Chaminade and Piece by Ibert.

3. What food could you eat every day and never tire of it? (Chocolate doesn't count! :P)
Pizza. Every day. I've had it several times in one week and was very happy about it.

4. Have you ever seriously wanted to run away from home?
Yes. Once when I was really little, although I can't remember why. Then there were several times during my first marriage where I wanted to just pack up and hit the road. No plan, just me and the open highway. Luckily I don't have those feelings anymore.

5. Do you have a favorite sabbat?
I have two favorite sabbats. One is Yule, just because this time of year is a good one for me. Lots of good family memories, plus my birthday is around this time as well. I also really like Imbolc, mostly because of it's connection to Brighid who is my patron goddess.

So there are your answers, seeress_of_kell! My cold got really worse, but it's starting to get better. We probably won't do much for New Year's Eve, mostly because it's rainy and drizzly and Boo has also caught my cold. Sounds like a good night to curl up on the couch and watch movies.

I officially have a cold. Not fun. On top of that, work was insane due to our long holiday weekend. This spoiled my plan to try and get to the gym on my lunch break - I can barely breathe normally right now, so there's no way I'd be able to on a treadmill. Maybe I'll feel better and get over there tomorrow. One can only hope.

Maybe I can get some writing done tonight. I signed up for the January contest over at brigits_flame. I had signed up once before, but wasn't able to make the deadline. Hopefully I'll be able to do it this time.

Well folks, I'm 31 years old today. It doesn't seem possible. Part of me feels much younger than that (aren't I still a lithe 18 year old?) and part of me feels much older (my body is creaking like I'm 80). Still, I am starting to come around to the idea of getting older. I feel like I was gyped of my 20's. I spent most of the time in a constant state of frustration and anxiety due to my unhappy marriage and confusion as to my identity. I think now that I'm in my 30's, I have finally gotten myself grounded enough to where I know what I want and I even have an idea of how to get there.

A lot of time has been wasted. I don't like that, but I have to move on and make my 30's a hundred times better than my 20's were. It shouldn't be too hard. I'm working on some really good goals for 2010 that will help me get there and for the first time, I actually feel like I can achieve some of them. Before with New Year's Resolutions, I knew that I was kidding myself. I wouldn't be able to achieve them because I had no one standing behind me, supporting me and helping me along. (except for all of my Internet friends - you guys are the best and probably know me better than most of the people in my real life) Right now, I have a wonderful husband who would do anything to help me do anything. I have a mother who is finally coming to grips with the fact that I am who I am. She's always loved and supported me, but she felt uncomfortable with my religious/spiritual choices. It felt very good when she wished me a happy Yule this year - on Facebook, for everyone to see. I have a (small) circle of friends, both in my old church and outside it, who know that I'm different and don't care. They like me anyway.

In a few days I'll be posting my annual goals for the next year. They are real goals that I feel really good about. So here's to the next year of my life being awesome and full of success and satisfaction!

Or at least a medium-sized day. Today is the day that the choir that I direct performed in church for the first time. I was worried because Friday night, we got about 6 inches of snow. That may not sound like a lot, but for my part of the world, that much snow can pretty much shut us down. The kids were excited of course. It wasn't good playing snow - we also had about an inch of ice on top of it so it didn't want to make good snow balls. But that didn't matter. The kids had a ball.

My concern was that church was going to be cancelled. I knew that if they did cancel it, we'd just have the Christmas program next week, which would only be two days afterwards (on my birthday, actually). But still, I wanted to get this thing done! Last rehearsal was really good - we had a lot of people show up. Today, we had several people who ended up sick, plus a few people who couldn't make it because of the roads. Thankfully, the roads around my house weren't too bad. The choir sounded really good and I had several people come up to me and tell me how much they enjoyed it. That made me feel good.

I'm planning a ritual for myself tomorrow for Yule, nothing fancy, just a short, kind of centering ritual to get myself ready for the new year. I want this year to be good. There are so many things I want to do that I've been putting off for one reason or another. Mostly because I've been lazy and completely unmotivated to do much of anything. Part of this is because my depression is flaring up again, but a lot of it is just that I haven't wanted to do anything. I was happy sitting like a bump on a log letting my life pass by. No more. I want to get back involved with some things I've let slide (LJ being one of them - I miss my LJ buddies!). So hopefully I will get back on track this year, starting with Yule.

Edit: Adding two more books to my list for 2009 - Arthur and Pendragon by Stephen Lawhead. I probably won't make it to 50 books this year, but that's mostly because I was not counting books that I re-read. I'm not sure if I should change that for next year. For example, I'm currently re-reading Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. It's been a long time since I've read it - I can't remember when exactly I did - and I think I only read it once. So should re-reading it count? It would certainly make my numbers larger and as long as I don't read the same book over and over again, it should be okay. Right? Thoughts?

As of right now: 33/50 (67%) books read, 10846/15000 (72%) pages.

My part of the world does not get a lot of snow. If we get a few inches here and there througout winter, we consider it normal. This weekend, we are supposed to get 6 - 10 inches. And yes, folks are starting to freak out.

First off, why do people rush out to the stores to buy bread and milk when they are worried about being stuck in their houses, possibly with no electricity? I buy junk food. If we're going to be stuck at home, we're at least going to have fun. And what's a snow storm without s'mores? I am glad that my boss decided to shut the office down at 2 o'clock. We started off with a lot of sleet and rain, but now the snow is falling pretty heavily. Not fun to drive in, although the roads aren't bad yet. They probably will be tomorrow though - this is supposed to continue and get heavier as the night goes on.

So most of the people here who were hoping to get last minute Christmas shopping done on the Saturday before Christmas? You just might be out of luck. I actually think I'm okay - might need to pick up a few more stocking stuffers, but these kids are getting a bit spoiled this year. It's the first year in a long time that I've had money to spend. Not a ton, but a healthy amount. I hope they have a nice holiday. As long as they do, I'll be happy.