Now I've gone and done it.
Let me explain. I belong to several reading groups: paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and sci-fi. Each have offered 2011 reading challenges. I've entered ALL of them. That's ten different reading challenges. "Why?" you ask.
I love to read. Go figure, right?
But there's more to it than that. Reading is a huge part of writing. Immersing myself in other worlds allows my imagination to stretch. Each author's voice has its own flavor, and how they put a story together helps me learn more about the craft of storytelling.
So, reading is learning. (We've all heard that from a teacher somewhere!)
Reading is also escapism. When things are tough at work, there's a little too much drama happening at home, (or I'm in an insomniac phase) I reach for a book. Finding solitude and peace between the covers of a book is my kind of therapy. Losing myself in a story makes everything else disappear.
Therein lies my particular weakness. If I don't police myself, I'll read to the exclusion of everything else. I'll go without sleep. I'll let work slide. My writing time gets interrupted. Everyday responsibilities get neglected while I devour the latest book in my hands.
You see where this is headed?
By entering all of these challenges I've set the stage for a spectacular reading frenzy. But this year, I'm going to manage my participation. I'm a big girl. Reading time comes AFTER work and writing time. I may not finish every challenge I've entered, but I'll make a good dent in my TBR pile...and hey, lucky me, getting through the TBR pile happens to be one of my New Year's resolutions.
Oh, and the upside of policing myself...I make the rules. Lunch hour is free time. Think I'll start my next book at noon!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
E-Readers
E-Readers. The new (okay, not so new) electronic book medium.
For years, I've adamantly voiced my "I want to hold a real book in my hands" opinion. I still don't have an actual e-reader, but I recently received a .pdf arc to read and review that caused me to reconsider my position.
Here goes. I admit there are benefits to having books in their electronic format. *Gasp* I said it out loud. And I mean it.
Let's start with the electronic reading advantage with regard to exercise:
Holding a book while walking on the treadmill could be life threatening.
Example: I tried to turn a page, dropped the book, tried to catch it, tripped over my own feet, and got launched off the back of the treadmill into the wall behind me. Only my pride got injured, but you see the potential for death here.
Reading a book while riding a bike could result in broken/bruised bones.
Example: Again, I tried to turn a page, dropped the book, tried to catch it, fell off my recumbent bike, and my shoe lace tangled in the pedal. Try explaining to your co-workers how you sprained your ankle on a stationary bike.
Electronic reading advantage while traveling:
Example: I was on vacation on the east coast and discovered a bookstore having a HUGE clearance sale. Being the book addict that I am, I bought over 40 books. Can you see where this is going? At the airport for my flight home I discovered I was WAY over the weight limit. I had three suitcases open on the floor, trying to shuffle their contents to keep from paying the extra fee. So didn't happen. Stacks of books are really freakin' heavy!
So, I'm thinking for Valentine's Day, I'll drop some "I'd love to have an e-reader" hints to my sweetheart. If he needs a selling point, I'll just mention, "I could read without the overhead light on at night." That should do it. He's learned to sleep with a mask on, but even he knows how silly it looks!
What advantages for using electronic readers have you discovered?
For years, I've adamantly voiced my "I want to hold a real book in my hands" opinion. I still don't have an actual e-reader, but I recently received a .pdf arc to read and review that caused me to reconsider my position.
Here goes. I admit there are benefits to having books in their electronic format. *Gasp* I said it out loud. And I mean it.
Let's start with the electronic reading advantage with regard to exercise:
Holding a book while walking on the treadmill could be life threatening.
Example: I tried to turn a page, dropped the book, tried to catch it, tripped over my own feet, and got launched off the back of the treadmill into the wall behind me. Only my pride got injured, but you see the potential for death here.
Reading a book while riding a bike could result in broken/bruised bones.
Example: Again, I tried to turn a page, dropped the book, tried to catch it, fell off my recumbent bike, and my shoe lace tangled in the pedal. Try explaining to your co-workers how you sprained your ankle on a stationary bike.
Electronic reading advantage while traveling:
Example: I was on vacation on the east coast and discovered a bookstore having a HUGE clearance sale. Being the book addict that I am, I bought over 40 books. Can you see where this is going? At the airport for my flight home I discovered I was WAY over the weight limit. I had three suitcases open on the floor, trying to shuffle their contents to keep from paying the extra fee. So didn't happen. Stacks of books are really freakin' heavy!
So, I'm thinking for Valentine's Day, I'll drop some "I'd love to have an e-reader" hints to my sweetheart. If he needs a selling point, I'll just mention, "I could read without the overhead light on at night." That should do it. He's learned to sleep with a mask on, but even he knows how silly it looks!
What advantages for using electronic readers have you discovered?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Love Do-Overs
Things are a bit dramatic around our house right now.
With four girls, you can imagine the issues that arise as my daughters navigate through matters of the heart. One of my girls is currently experiencing the aftermath of a demolished relationship. I ache for her, but this is her journey and I can only be there to listen and offer advice when she asks. I have reassured her the right man will eventually come into her life. For now, she needs to get on with her own and achieve the goals she's set for herself.
I've discovered I can communicate without lecturing to my children!
Another daughter has decided she's ready to tell her best friend of three years how she really feels about him. Talk about a case of the nerves. Again, I offered my less than perfect wisdom. Her admission would forever change the friendship. If she wanted a different kind of relationship with this young man, more than she wanted the current buddy state they existed in, then I admired her courage for taking this step.
I'm still waiting to hear how her declaration was received.
As my stomach knots with anxiety for her, I'm reminded of my own painful experiences and asked myself, "Would I go back in time for a love do-over if I could?" Honestly, no way. Drama is for the young. It takes way too much emotional energy to sustain that level of "intensity" developing hormones create.
On a serious note, each of the different connections I made earlier in my life led me to my husband. And though I learned things from those previous relationships, none of those lessons compare to what I've learned and experienced with my spouse. He's not perfect, but he is perfect for me...and I would never make any choice that would change that.
If given the chance, would you choose a love do-over?
With four girls, you can imagine the issues that arise as my daughters navigate through matters of the heart. One of my girls is currently experiencing the aftermath of a demolished relationship. I ache for her, but this is her journey and I can only be there to listen and offer advice when she asks. I have reassured her the right man will eventually come into her life. For now, she needs to get on with her own and achieve the goals she's set for herself.
I've discovered I can communicate without lecturing to my children!
Another daughter has decided she's ready to tell her best friend of three years how she really feels about him. Talk about a case of the nerves. Again, I offered my less than perfect wisdom. Her admission would forever change the friendship. If she wanted a different kind of relationship with this young man, more than she wanted the current buddy state they existed in, then I admired her courage for taking this step.
I'm still waiting to hear how her declaration was received.
As my stomach knots with anxiety for her, I'm reminded of my own painful experiences and asked myself, "Would I go back in time for a love do-over if I could?" Honestly, no way. Drama is for the young. It takes way too much emotional energy to sustain that level of "intensity" developing hormones create.
On a serious note, each of the different connections I made earlier in my life led me to my husband. And though I learned things from those previous relationships, none of those lessons compare to what I've learned and experienced with my spouse. He's not perfect, but he is perfect for me...and I would never make any choice that would change that.
If given the chance, would you choose a love do-over?
Monday, January 3, 2011
Exercise--For Love or Necessity
This morning I rededicated myself to a Pilates routine.
Yeah. Go me. Now keep in mind it's only a twenty-minute workout, and I wondered if that short amount of time would really give me any beneficial results. (Spoken like a true couch potato, right?) I only questioned the shorter routine because I was doing an hour-long workout four to five times a week through most of 2010. Around September I started having medical issues that resulted in the doctor telling me to refrain from exercise for a few months.
In December he gave me the go ahead. The holidays were hectic, the food was fantabulous, and I didn't jump on the exercise band wagon. Then I discovered my blouses were pulling at the buttons, my jeans were a little (a lot) snug, and I'd grown my own honest-to-goodness muffin top. While creating this splendiferous figure came as the result of induging in sugary, tasty food, the idea of purchasing a larger wardrobe killed my hunger for sweets...mostly.
So I popped the cd into the dvd player this morning at 5:30 a.m. and stretched and sweated and worked my core. I can attest to the beneficial results a 20-minute workout will give, yes even after one day. "How?"you ask. Because I am so out of shape I had a difficult time performing basic pilates moves. Since I'm a pretty competitive person, my own lack of will power and self control (not to mention the extra roll of "me" I'm packing around) will serve as excellent motivation.
My husband loves me the way I am ...larger cup size included! ;-) ... but I need to get back on a regular exercise routine for better health. My job is easier to perform when I'm in better physical shape. Chasing my 2 1/2 year-old grandson around is a lot more fun when I'm in better physical shape. Spending time with my husband is even more enjoyable when I'm in better physical shape.
My grandmother used to say, "Take care of yourself when you're young. Everything you do to your body now, you pay for when you get old."
I'd like to think I'm putting some "healthy" golden years in the bank ahead of time. I intend to live for a very long time. I hope it's up to me how healthy I am for the journey!
Yeah. Go me. Now keep in mind it's only a twenty-minute workout, and I wondered if that short amount of time would really give me any beneficial results. (Spoken like a true couch potato, right?) I only questioned the shorter routine because I was doing an hour-long workout four to five times a week through most of 2010. Around September I started having medical issues that resulted in the doctor telling me to refrain from exercise for a few months.
In December he gave me the go ahead. The holidays were hectic, the food was fantabulous, and I didn't jump on the exercise band wagon. Then I discovered my blouses were pulling at the buttons, my jeans were a little (a lot) snug, and I'd grown my own honest-to-goodness muffin top. While creating this splendiferous figure came as the result of induging in sugary, tasty food, the idea of purchasing a larger wardrobe killed my hunger for sweets...mostly.
So I popped the cd into the dvd player this morning at 5:30 a.m. and stretched and sweated and worked my core. I can attest to the beneficial results a 20-minute workout will give, yes even after one day. "How?"you ask. Because I am so out of shape I had a difficult time performing basic pilates moves. Since I'm a pretty competitive person, my own lack of will power and self control (not to mention the extra roll of "me" I'm packing around) will serve as excellent motivation.
My husband loves me the way I am ...larger cup size included! ;-) ... but I need to get back on a regular exercise routine for better health. My job is easier to perform when I'm in better physical shape. Chasing my 2 1/2 year-old grandson around is a lot more fun when I'm in better physical shape. Spending time with my husband is even more enjoyable when I'm in better physical shape.
My grandmother used to say, "Take care of yourself when you're young. Everything you do to your body now, you pay for when you get old."
I'd like to think I'm putting some "healthy" golden years in the bank ahead of time. I intend to live for a very long time. I hope it's up to me how healthy I am for the journey!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
365 Writing Resolutions in 2011
I read a blog by another author I admire immensely, and discovered she has a fantastic idea for creating her own success in 2011. An idea that so inspired me, I've decided to use the same technique.
I've purchased a wall calendar with large numbered spaces. This calendar will help me visually keep track of my goals. "How?" you ask. I'll tell you. I plan to blog and write every day of 2011...a huge commitment, but one I've structured with a reasonable goal.
Blog: Not every day will be a long post. Some blogs may only be one sentence...a common phrase I'll use. "No idea today." This will count as a post. Typing "no idea today" will hopefully push my muse toward recognizing usable blog material for future postings.
Writing: I WILL write 250 words in my current WIP or a rewrite project. Regular editing will not count for this goal. This will enable me to complete projects on deadline and push for completed new material.
Now's where the wall calendar comes into play.
Every day I meet my goal means a ginormous red X on that day's calendar block. Each red X links to the next, forming chains. Since chains are only as strong as their weakest link, an empty box means a weak link. I will not have any weak links, and seeing an empty space will emphasize my determination to fill that box and succeed.
Today's first box: X
Anyone care to join me in this challenge?
I've purchased a wall calendar with large numbered spaces. This calendar will help me visually keep track of my goals. "How?" you ask. I'll tell you. I plan to blog and write every day of 2011...a huge commitment, but one I've structured with a reasonable goal.
Blog: Not every day will be a long post. Some blogs may only be one sentence...a common phrase I'll use. "No idea today." This will count as a post. Typing "no idea today" will hopefully push my muse toward recognizing usable blog material for future postings.
Writing: I WILL write 250 words in my current WIP or a rewrite project. Regular editing will not count for this goal. This will enable me to complete projects on deadline and push for completed new material.
Now's where the wall calendar comes into play.
Every day I meet my goal means a ginormous red X on that day's calendar block. Each red X links to the next, forming chains. Since chains are only as strong as their weakest link, an empty box means a weak link. I will not have any weak links, and seeing an empty space will emphasize my determination to fill that box and succeed.
Today's first box: X
Anyone care to join me in this challenge?
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Kindness
With the holiday season nearing Christmas Day, my levels of stress and frustration are rising by the minute.
I have Christmas cards that still need to be mailed (yes, they're gonna be late). There are those last-minute gifts yet to purchase. Not to mention wrapping said gifts (haven't even started) before midnight on Christmas Eve. Oh, and the grocery shopping for Christmas Day brunch.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy every moment of my holiday tasks. Sometimes, though, the joy falls a little short as the task part feels more like work than play.
Last Saturday, a book signing at Hastings fell right smack in the middle of my time to complete the afore-mentioned "to-do" list. I looked forward to meeting new people, discussing my love of books with other readers, and of course selling every last copy of Moonlight Bleu...I just felt a little pressed for time.
But being in one place, for hours, forced me to sit quietly and relax. My thoughts cleared, and I got the chance to indulge one of my favorite pastimes: people watching.
As I observed others around me hunt for the perfect gift, I noticed the varying holiday emotional reactions. Some individuals seemed a little tired and stressed like myself. Others were bright-eyed and full of energy (I'm sure due to the double shot of caffeine their coffee cup held!), looking for items marked on the list they carried.
And then I saw a man and his teen-aged son, walking the aisles of the store together. Nothing about them shouted "look at me", but I noticed them anyway. The man followed along patiently as his son considered first one gift, and then another, and another. Never once did the father lose his smile, become frustrated, or choose his son's gift himself. He let his son work through his own decision-making process, standing by in case help was needed.
That's when I realized what had caught my attention.
Kindness.
In the middle of all the crazy Christmas expectations we place upon ourselves, it's easy to speak a little sharper than intended or lose patience and show a bite of temper. These things are a normal part of a busy life.
But this father's example of kindness reminded me of a couple of basic tenets: "Treat others as you want to be treated." "Be an example of what you teach."
I love Christmas. It's a joyous holiday that touches people all over the world. But that moment of clarity, that gift of kindness, is something I want to remember and experience all year round.
I have Christmas cards that still need to be mailed (yes, they're gonna be late). There are those last-minute gifts yet to purchase. Not to mention wrapping said gifts (haven't even started) before midnight on Christmas Eve. Oh, and the grocery shopping for Christmas Day brunch.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy every moment of my holiday tasks. Sometimes, though, the joy falls a little short as the task part feels more like work than play.
Last Saturday, a book signing at Hastings fell right smack in the middle of my time to complete the afore-mentioned "to-do" list. I looked forward to meeting new people, discussing my love of books with other readers, and of course selling every last copy of Moonlight Bleu...I just felt a little pressed for time.
But being in one place, for hours, forced me to sit quietly and relax. My thoughts cleared, and I got the chance to indulge one of my favorite pastimes: people watching.
As I observed others around me hunt for the perfect gift, I noticed the varying holiday emotional reactions. Some individuals seemed a little tired and stressed like myself. Others were bright-eyed and full of energy (I'm sure due to the double shot of caffeine their coffee cup held!), looking for items marked on the list they carried.
And then I saw a man and his teen-aged son, walking the aisles of the store together. Nothing about them shouted "look at me", but I noticed them anyway. The man followed along patiently as his son considered first one gift, and then another, and another. Never once did the father lose his smile, become frustrated, or choose his son's gift himself. He let his son work through his own decision-making process, standing by in case help was needed.
That's when I realized what had caught my attention.
Kindness.
In the middle of all the crazy Christmas expectations we place upon ourselves, it's easy to speak a little sharper than intended or lose patience and show a bite of temper. These things are a normal part of a busy life.
But this father's example of kindness reminded me of a couple of basic tenets: "Treat others as you want to be treated." "Be an example of what you teach."
I love Christmas. It's a joyous holiday that touches people all over the world. But that moment of clarity, that gift of kindness, is something I want to remember and experience all year round.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Dithering
I'm not sure about anyone else, but I've been struggling to accomplish anything let alone everything on my "to do" list. The house is only partially decorated for Christmas, I haven't quite finished the Christmas shopping, I'm behind on my appeals at work, and don't even mention the edit revisions for my current Work In Progress sitting on my desk at home.
Of course my husband's noticed. He hugged me hard yesterday morning and whispered, "I'll do whatever I can to help...as soon as I figure out what the right thing to do is." That's my hubby: delivering sincerity with a good dose of humor. Exactly what I needed. A smile accompanying the realization only I could figure out what was causing my funk.
And I did late yesterday afternoon.
My grandson spent the day with us. Now, he's two and a half. He's never still. Unless, of course, he's sleeping or sitting in front of the t.v. by himself...and even that doesn't happen often. But when he brought me the movie Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer to watch, I didn't think much of it. After I put it on and sat down on the couch to watch it with him, imagine my surprise when he climbed in my lap and got comfortable.
I had tons of things on my list to get done, but none of that mattered. The sweet smell of my grandson's washed hair, the pleasant weight of his little body resting against mine, the quiet time he and I shared, those things are what mattered. We sat together, snuggled under a blanket, and watched the entire movie.
When the movie ended, I felt rejuvenated.
I'd been looking at the big picture and become overwhelmed by the number of "things" that completed the whole image. Having a list of "things" to do was definitely a helpful way to keep organized. Handling each task one item at a time made perfect sense.
It was the way I'd been viewing each of those tasks. Like work. If they weren't completed to perfection, I wasn't doing my job. If I wasn't doing job, how could I ...or anyone else... enjoy Christmas. How silly of me to forget the most important aspect of the holidays: giving and sharing out of love.
No one in my family will care if I don't have out every Christmas decoration we own. My youngest daughters are now teenagers and old enough to help wrap gifts without spilling who got what before the presents are even opened. Work can be managed, and my writing, well, today's blog helped. Putting my behind in the chair and typing the keys allows everything in my head to crystallize into coherent thoughts.
Christmas only comes once a year, but when life's in balance it should resemble everything we do all year round...just be brighter!
Of course my husband's noticed. He hugged me hard yesterday morning and whispered, "I'll do whatever I can to help...as soon as I figure out what the right thing to do is." That's my hubby: delivering sincerity with a good dose of humor. Exactly what I needed. A smile accompanying the realization only I could figure out what was causing my funk.
And I did late yesterday afternoon.
My grandson spent the day with us. Now, he's two and a half. He's never still. Unless, of course, he's sleeping or sitting in front of the t.v. by himself...and even that doesn't happen often. But when he brought me the movie Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer to watch, I didn't think much of it. After I put it on and sat down on the couch to watch it with him, imagine my surprise when he climbed in my lap and got comfortable.
I had tons of things on my list to get done, but none of that mattered. The sweet smell of my grandson's washed hair, the pleasant weight of his little body resting against mine, the quiet time he and I shared, those things are what mattered. We sat together, snuggled under a blanket, and watched the entire movie.
When the movie ended, I felt rejuvenated.
I'd been looking at the big picture and become overwhelmed by the number of "things" that completed the whole image. Having a list of "things" to do was definitely a helpful way to keep organized. Handling each task one item at a time made perfect sense.
It was the way I'd been viewing each of those tasks. Like work. If they weren't completed to perfection, I wasn't doing my job. If I wasn't doing job, how could I ...or anyone else... enjoy Christmas. How silly of me to forget the most important aspect of the holidays: giving and sharing out of love.
No one in my family will care if I don't have out every Christmas decoration we own. My youngest daughters are now teenagers and old enough to help wrap gifts without spilling who got what before the presents are even opened. Work can be managed, and my writing, well, today's blog helped. Putting my behind in the chair and typing the keys allows everything in my head to crystallize into coherent thoughts.
Christmas only comes once a year, but when life's in balance it should resemble everything we do all year round...just be brighter!
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