Saturday, December 31, 2005

One size does NOT fit all

Okay. Let's just get this out there.
One size does NOT fit all. I'm not talking simply about clothes. I'm talking about life choices, occupations, clothes, everything!
What works for me may not necessarily work for you. And vice-versa.

But isn't this shoved down our collective throats? "I can do it! Why can't you?"
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
What a load of bullsh*t.

We are individuals. We have our own thoughts and opinions. We have our own wants and desires. And that is something to be proud of...not hide. And to conform? Not hardly.

One size is a term that needs to be stricken from our vocabulary. NOTHING is one size fits all.

We flex. We learn. We grow. And we change. We always change.

And now...at the beginning of another year, I offer you this:
"One size" is a myth. Don't buy into it. Don't beat yourself up over it.

Begin your New Year with thoughts of your own and goals of your making. And when others roll their eyes and make disbelieving noises, ignore them.
Because it's all about YOUR fit and YOUR life. They can deal with their own size.
Crystal*

Friday, December 30, 2005

Pasta and mayo are from the debil

Don't you have a couple of foods that you just have to WORK at denying yourself?
I love pasta. LOVE IT. Grew up on it. And being semi-poor (okay, poor), we ate a LOT of pasta. With meat. By itself. Ya know.
And my father loved mayo. I, unfortunately, have inherited that trait. Is it greasy? Why, yes it is. But it is my condiment of choice.

I did tae-bo today! *grinning* Billy Blanks and I may come to terms yet. Stranger things have happened.

On the writing front, I'm almost to 40,000 words on my first book of my four book set! YAY! I am thrilled with that. I'm alternating between this book and my HQN submission. Lalalalalala
Right now I'm enjoying my WCP Torrid Author's Week stuff and laughing with my fellow authors about their lives. I'm always tickled when I can get any insight to another author. It's quite fascinating.

We're going over to a friend's house and having a late Christmas (will this holiday EVER end?) with them and celebrating New Year's Eve. We'll all junk out and have a good time. There is talk of poker and liquor. Hehehe

Enjoy your Friday!
Grins*

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Where are you?

Okay. I've admitted I have OCD especially with numbers. *sigh* It is what it is. And I've recently taken to checking out sitemeter again. (I had to take a little break from checking out the stats. Little thing called work. *laughing*)

And now they have the neatest little link on there. It's a location button. So I'm asking, dear readers, where are you from? I don't need the city. Just the state would be fine. But I'm rather curious as to what part of the world you're checking in from.

Me? Oklahoma.
Cowgirl up.
Grins*

Update and a rant

Right now, I'm working on my first book in my four book set. Then I'll probably work on my HQN submission. Yesterday I wrote about 2500 words. Not as prolific as 4500, but I'll take it. *grins*

And I have a small food gripe. Why is it that food that is bad for you is cheap? I really want to know. Wouldn't you think that with all that preservative crap in there...that it would be expensive?
I can buy my kids 3 or 4 packages of cookies for the same amount as I could buy them 2 to 3 pounds of apples. This is driving me nuts! I'm once again looking at cutting out so many carbs in all our diets (re: cookies, crackers, etc.). And that's great. And really, the chickens are well with it. They don't do wheat bread, but that's about it.
They like fruits and veggies. Now, if I didn't have to mortgage the house to get them!
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Sadistic food people.

Grins*

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

"The Arrangement" Excerpt

This is the other short story that will be in the LOVE Anthology available January 1, 2006 from www.whiskeycreekpress.com


“Help me,” the voice whispered.
Brendan Wardlow paused in his writing to look up. The park was nearly empty. The children had long since gone home. Dusk was approaching. He shook his head and wrote it off to his fertile imagination. His pen scratched the across the paper at a rapid rate.
“Help me.”
His head snapped up. The voice. Soft. Whisper thin. He stood up and walked a few steps.
“Help me.”
Stronger this time and with a definite direction. Brendan tucked his notebook under his arm and strode towards the bushes at the south end of the park. He walked around the backside of the shrub and stopped cold.
She was a vision. Ethereal. She lay, lifeless, on the hard dirt. Her cerulean, gossamer gown was torn and filthy. Her complexion was waxen. Her eyes were closed, and her breathing shallow.
Brendan bent down to her and lightly stroked her cheek. Her eyes flickered open and regarded him solemnly. His head snapped back. My God! Who was she? How did she get here? He was afraid to move her. She might be seriously hurt.
“Can you hear me?” he asked quietly.
Her eyes, the same color as her gown, watched his face. She nodded slightly.
“Did you ask for my help?” Again, a slight nod.
Brendan stood up and whipped out his cell phone. He was going to call an ambulance first. Then he would contact her next of kin. Her silvery voice stopped him.
“I do not need a hospital, Brendan Wardlow.”
The phone dropped from his fingers.
He bent down low and studied her. “How do you know who I am?”
“I am sent for you.”
***************************
copyright 2005 Crystal Inman

"Meant To Be" Excerpt

This is an excerpt of one of my short stories in the LOVE Anthology from Whiskey Creek Press due out January 2006. The title is "Meant to Be."

“Go away.” The voice drifted over to Max in the dark. He stopped in the doorway and softly sighed.
“I can’t Lynn. You need someone here.”
“I don’t need anyone anymore.”
“If you don’t take your medicine…” he began.
“Spare me.” The words came out dripping with anger and sarcasm. “Peddle your caring crap to someone else. Just because you feel guilt doesn’t mean I have to care.”
Max heard her move in the darkness. She skirted the window to avoid the moonlight.
“It’s done.” He reminded her as he walked farther into the room. “Please, Lynn. Let it go.”
“Don’t worry, Max. I’m not going to harm myself. You don’t need to baby-sit. I can take care of myself.”
“Can you?” he asked softly. “Jerry wasn’t the one for you. I only want to help.”
“Help?” she echoed in disbelief. “How can you help? Can you give me my face back? My life back? What can you give me, Max?”
“I can help.” He moved closer to her and smelled the soft scent of her skin. His stomach clenched. How could he make her understand? “Lynn, please. Come here.” He stretched his hand out and touched her arm gently.
He heard the cry before she buried her face into his white, cotton shirt. Her body shook with the force of her sobs. His arms came around her and cradled her soft body next to his. Max wanted to gather her to him. So close she wouldn’t ever hurt again, but he couldn’t. His brother had seen to that. The selfish bastard.
Max’s jaws clenched as he thought of his brother with Tammy on the honeymoon that should have been Lynn’s.
***************************
copyright 2005 Crystal Inman

Literary insomnia

You know those floodgates? They tend to remain open for a bit. Giving my mind free reign is really a chancy project. When I'm running dialogue at 1:00 am in the morning, it tends to interrupt my sleep cycle. *laughing*

So I'm a bit tired today. No big surprise there. It's a little after noon, and I'm only now about to open a file or two and do some damage. The good news being: dishes are done, laundry is washing, and the chickens are behaving. Another good news item is that the chickens start back to school a week from today. *falling to knees and thanking the heavens*

I was going to post an excerpt from "Naughty and Nice" in the Winter Wishes Anthology from WCP Torrid www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com on here but decided against it. There are a few references that I wouldn't be too fond of young people reading. And I think I may have a few kids from the chicken's school reading some of these posts. It's on my C'ann Inman website.
I will consider posting my two excerpts from the LOVE Anthology that will be availabe in a couple of days from www.whiskeycreekpress.com
Both anthologies will be available January 1, 2006.
Have a good one!
Grins*

Monday, December 26, 2005

When the words flow smoothly

When the words flow smoothly, I simply want to revel in it.
I wrote over 3000 words on my first book of the four book set. Then I wrote about a thousand words on my HQN submission.
I didn't think I was going to pull it off, but then the floodgates opened, and away we went.
Now if I can just keep it up for tomorrow...
Grins*

Winter Wishes


Baby, it's cold outside! So cozy up to the fire and turn up the heat with Winter Wishes. From Erotic fantasy to Contemporary bondage to Historical erotica, it's all here. Settle in for great reading and spend time with some of your favorite authors, along with a few great, new ones. Make all your winter wishes come true!

Ten different authors. Ten distinct stories.

This is for the reader who likes the romance a little *ahem* spicier. Winter Wishes will be available January 1, 2006 from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid. I have a story titled, "Naughty and Nice," under my pen name, C'ann Inman.
We'll also be giving away little prizes during the week at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WCPtorridreaders/. You must join to participate, but it's free. There will be two authors every day (mine is Thursday), and a free-for-all Friday.
Hope you can stop by and join the fun!






Grins*

The day after the holiday before

*looking around*

I made it! WOO! *pumping fist in air*

The kids are all snuggled up in the living room playing one of their new PS2 games on their new big television. All the wrapping has been burnt. (Ya know...country living) And I have survived.

Now it's the downhill slide until the New Year. And then I'll be whipping out the words again and trying to make a dent in my literary list. The kids will be home until the 3rd, I think. And then things will REALLY return to normal. I do admit, though, that they've been pretty good. The only annoying thing has been the cooties we've been passing around. I think everyone has had them twice. Puny for a day...then better. It doesn't help we're all holed up in the house, sucked up in the tv. The germs, they are equal-opportunity.

I hope everyone's holiday was lovely and memorable. Enjoy the rest of your year, and don't be too hard on yourself!!!
Grins*

Friday, December 23, 2005

Sevens

Seven Things To Do Before I Die:
1. Visit Ireland
2. Enjoy my grandchildren/great-grandchildren, et al
3. Meet Nora Roberts
4. Be on Oprah Winfrey
5. Make a living writing
6. Be comfortable without a doubt with my body
7. Be in a position to help others

Seven Things I Cannot Do:
1. Eat beans
2. Pat my head and rub my tummy
3. Tolerate hatred
4. Quit
5. Deal with rude children (This is more a WON'T do)
6. Let an injustice slide
7. Change a tire

Seven Things That Attract Me To My Spouse (or Significant Other, Best Friend, etc.):
1. Intellect
2. Humor
3. Ambition
4. Caring
5. Loyalty
6. Laugh
7. Strength

Seven Things I Say (or Write) Most Often:
1. F%*@ a bunch of that
2. Bite me
3. LMAO
4. My kids’ names
5. You're killing me
6. This is NOT a democracy, you don't get a vote
7. Ya think?

Seven Books (or Series) I love:
1. "In Death" Series by J. D. Robb
2. Anything by Maggie Shayne
3. Insomnia by Stephen King
4. Anything by Erma Bombeck
5. Three Sisters Trilogy by Nora Roberts
6. "Twin" Series by Jude Devereaux
7. Oh...and MINE! LMAO

Seven Movies I Would Watch Over and Over Again:
1. The Fugitive
2. Breakfast Club
3. The Mirror has Two Faces
4. Harry Potter movies
5. An Affair to Remember (Kerr and Grant)
6. Mulan
7. Grease

Seven People I Want To Join In (Be Tagged):
I'm leaving this up to anyone who wants to join in who hasn't been tagged. I've been rather lax in doing this, so more than likely, y'all are already all over it.

Falalalala

Hello all!
I'm blogging now so I can take the next two days off, guilt-free. *grins*
And guess what? *giggle* We've all already opened a present today. BWAHAHAHA
And we're opening the others at 7:30 am tomorrow. The kids have all the clocks and watches synchronized. Spooky, that. It's the only time I'll ever see a coordinated effort. Hmmm...wonder why?

I rented a PS2 game, and the kids are involved in that right now. They're behaving. *shock*
And I couldn't be more pleased. We make it through tonight, and we've got it licked.

I wanted to wish all of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday, and a Joyous New Year.

May our blessings be abundant
May our lives be full of love
May we always be thankful

Hugs and grins*

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Light at the end of the tunnel

Tomorrow...I will actually FINISH my Christmas shopping. For reals. WOO!
I've made my list. Checked it a dozen times. Evened out the flipping presents for the chickens. And I think I'm going to get it all done tomorrow. *bowing head in thanks*
But this means I've got to go to the city. *gasp* *wheeze* I just hate that. I don't like driving in the city. Period.
I think I can take a major highway to another major highway and find a pretty big mall. I'm not using MapQuest, because HECK! How much fun would that be? *laughing*
So I'll be MIA tomorrow while doing my Christmas shopping. Send a good thought. Mebbe two.
Grins*

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

TAGGED!

Amy Knupp, http://amyknupp.com/blog/index.php, tagged me to list ten reading secrets. I’ll see if I can think of ten. By the way...check out this blog!

1. I love words. I devour them. They fascinate me. The look. The feel. It borders on word fetish. Hmmm. Maybe I should have listed this under my weird habits. *grins*
2. I read the Reader's Digest front to back. Every word.
3. If I'm in the bathroom, I will resort to reading the back of the aerosal can if there's no other literature.
4. I've read every one of the "Wizard of Oz" books in the series.
5. I don't ever read the ending first to any book.
6. I once read a collection of Edgar Allan Poe in sixth grade and couldn't sleep for two days.
7. The book is ALWAYS better than the movie. (I'm not retracting this one.)
8. There are times I mute the TV just so I have to read it.
9. I took a fourth grade SRA (reading assessment) in the first grade and missed one. I skipped second grade.
10. I still like reading my own stories. (But NOT after editing for a week or more straight. Then it becomes a wee bit tiresome. The interest renews itself after I have a small break.)

Thanks, Amy!
Grins*

Monday, December 19, 2005

One of my "I Promise" lists

I promise to not educate my children with colorful words when some idiot pulls out in front of me, doesn't use his blinker, and tailgates.
I promise to have more patience with myself, my family, and everyone in general.
I promise to embrace what I have and to let go of the feelings of inadequacy when I don't.
I promise to do my best with my career and not be afraid to let myself be in the spotlight.
I promise to clean the house more. (When you start with where I'm starting...this is a safe bet.)
I promise to keep in touch with friends more.
I promise to take care of myself so I can better take care of others.
I promise to put the food down when I'm full.
I promise to not threaten my cat's life when he/she acts like a normal cat and drives me crazy.
I promise to let go of the envy. (To every space there is someone who needs to be there at that exact time.)
I promise to meditate. (I'm not promising the lotus position, but I'm giving it a try.)
I promise to blame others less and take responsibility more.
I promise to not bottle the anger, but to express it healthily. (Hmmmm. I'm thinking of taking up boxing or some other martial art. LMAO)
I promise to remind myself that we are equals in some ways and not in others. (Not everyone understands at the same rate or was raised the same way. Allowances can be made.)
I promise to not be so quick to judge. (Especially about the goober who is going 40 mph in a 65 mph zone.)
Grins*

Christmas Break

I used to love Christmas Break. *sigh*
Out of school. Days filled with laughing and playing. No studying. No homework. At home all day.
And now I think it's rather long. *grins* For exactly every reason I listed above. Because the chickens are HOME.
But that's really not that bad.
I am, however, having a small problem coming to grips with the fact that Sunday is Christmas. It truly seems unbelievable at this point in time.
Sure, the stores are piping in Christmas Carols. The kids have the wonderful countdown going on. Hell, it's even snowing here. But it just seems...improbable.
New Years will be here in two weeks. Then Valentine's. Then Spring Break. Easter. Memorial Day. I mean SHEESH!!!
I can remember on one hand the times I really slowed down to enjoy my days this last year. So that's something else I plan on working on.
A little more organization. A little more relaxation. And a vacation this year. I think we skipped it last year. I'm already scoping out a couple of areas.
And have I mentioned that I haven't even finished Christmas shopping yet? Oh yeah, *grins*, there's that.

The rest of the evening is spoken for. There will be a Christmas program. Singing and instrument playing. Kids and laughter. And I will love every minute of it.
Then I'll be making deals with God between now and Christmas Eve so I don't lose what's left of my sanity.

Have a good night.
Grins*

Sunday, December 18, 2005

Sharing the weirdness

"List five of your weirdest habits. You pick. I didn't list my weirdest, weirdest cos those'd freak ME out. heh"

I've been tagged by Nancy Bond. Oh woman, you are SO in trouble!!! Check out her blog to see her weirdness (I don't want to be the ONLY one!) http://nbond.blogspot.com/
And in no particular order:

1. I cannot let my microwave timer end on an even number. It bothers me. *grins*
2. I like to put my make-up (powder and lipstick) on while using the mirror on my visor in my auto.
3. When I ate hamburgers with buns, I would pick off the bun down to the part touching the meat. Somehow it tasted better. *laughing*
4. I have to eat my food separately. No mixing and mashing.
5. I cannot STAND trying to listen to the radio and hearing advertisements. I am one channel-surfing fool.
I have lots more...but this is ALL you people need to know for now.
*LAUGHING*
Grins*

Emotional Investment

It's a nice buzz word. You know, the kind you hear in business meetings and such. It's usually used in a pitch.
But it's appropriate.

I DVR'd Nip/Tuck and finally watched it last night. Oh. My. God.
I lust after "Christian" (Julian McMahon). I have ever since he played "Cole" on Charmed. So no big surprise. But I am sucked up in this show. Immersed. And even when the characters are a$$holes...which is often, I still truly love the show.
I don't particularly care for how weepy Julia is. How moody Matt is. But the whole show is riveting. RIVETING, I tell ya.
If you're a viewer, you know that the big storyline this season is "The Carver." He's the maniac that goes around slashing people up and raping them. But his storyline is always interspersed with stories like Matt realizing his gf is a racist with DEEP issues. Christian dealing with his attack. A morbidly obese woman who was too embarrassed to get off the couch and who dies on it. A boy with Down's syndrome who just wants to look like his family.
This show is at times touching and infuriating. But never boring. NEVER.

Emotional investment.
There are shows I could give a rat's ass about. Those are everywhere. But the rare gem will hold my attention every time.
And that's what I want.
To capture the reader. To suck them in. To make them love the characters and care what happens to them. To touch them.

Emotional investment.
If my books never land on the bestseller's list. If my books are never on Oprah's Book Club. I want readers to say, "I enjoyed every word."
That's all I can ask.
Grins*

Saturday, December 17, 2005

Have you been here?

The only support you get is from your bra. And even that is not what it used to be.
You realize that some people suck. There's been no scientific evidence, but you KNOW it's a fact.
It's about everyone...but you.
Self-sacrifice is highly overrated.
Just when you want to get up and go...that motivation has left the building.

But it's getting better. Yes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I may not have to be so indignant after all. *laughing*
Some days are good. Some days are not so good. But the realization of options is enough to keep me going.
Options. The word rolls off my tongue with great promise. I thought I only had one option. To work my ass into the ground with this writing for my career and sanity. But my sanity also needs to get out of this house. The writing always calls to me, but I need to put it aside a few hours a day to embrace the other areas of my life.
Damn it! I need to start tanning again! *laughing* I LOVE tanning. It's just one thing that I pretty much forgot while I was sucked up in writing. Yeah, it's awful for the skin. But I love to bake myself. *grins*
So, here's a little thought for the New Year.
Yes, children and spouses are important. They enrich our lives and fill our hearts. But we are also important. Us. The Mamas. The Wives. We need time, too.
Ponder that one.
Grins*

Friday, December 16, 2005

Yesterday was a good day

Today's still in progress...but yesterday? WOO!
I woke up at 5:30 am and decided to stay up. This is so out of character. (I don't do mornings. Hardly ever.)
And then I proceeded to write. And write. And write.
I wrote 3000 words on book one of the four book set. Then I wrote 2000 words on a story I just started. Fuelled by my trusty Diet Pepsi...I rather kicked ass.
I caught up on some of my bloghopping. *waving* I sent off my Artist Info for my first WCP Torrid book. And I have come up with some goal ideas for 2006.
I think this was the frenzy before the storm. I know the kids have 2 more days of school. Today and Monday. Then I get the little treasures *snort* until January 3rd.
If I can make it from the 20th until the 24th...I have it licked. Because we open presents then, and I know the chickens will thereby forget I exist. I'm well with it. *grins*
And then it's a New Year!
I don't know if I'm necessarily getting wiser, but I believe that I am becoming more adept at embracing my strengths and weaknesses. So I've decided to gather my short-term goals (for the year), and go for it!
Quite honestly...I've neglected myself socially this year. And I've decided to change that drastically.
Since I quit my tech job, I've stayed at home. And stayed at home. And I was beginning to think the computer cord didn't stretch very far.
But I need BALANCE!!!
And I'm looking for some this next year.
Wish me luck!
Grins*

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Down home humor

I realize there are so many cross sections of people. From one end to the other. But I have a couple anecdotes from my best friend when she and four others went to South Carolina for some training.
We live in Oklahoma. And yes, I literally live in a hayfield. Those that went with my bf are also "down home." Eddie, God bless him, is a cute little redneck.

One evening when they were down there, the "big wigs" decided to take them to a restaurant for dinner. Let me set the scene:
No prices on the menu
The menu was in English, but none of the Okie's could read it
The management of the plant they were visiting were eating octopus and the like
Get the picture?

First scene: Waitress (yeah, I know. It's probably a fancier term, but this will work) goes to put a dinner napkin in my bf's lap. She grabs her arm and asks her what exactly she is doing. The BW's are laughing their asses off. The waitress replies, "I'm setting your napkin in your lap." My friend's reply? "We're not even on a first-name basis." *laughing*

When they brought in the wine, the waitress asked Eddie if he wanted any. His reply? "Is it homemade?" (sidenote: I've had homemade wine AND moonshine. I've also had moonshine milkshakes. But there ya go.) She tried to keep a straight face and assured him it wasn't. Eddie just shook his head. "Homemade has a kick to it."

The waitress brought beers for those who asked. She popped the top on all the bottles and brought glasses. Eddie immediately picked a bottle up and took a drink. The waitress says, "Sir, what are you doing?"
Eddie: "Drinking my beer."
Waitress: "I can pour it in a glass for you. That is usually the preference. But it's up to you."
Eddie: *taking another drink* "I'm just saving you a dish to wash."

I still laugh thinking about these scenes. This is a little insight to my simple world. Basic. Simple. Drinking out of the bottle. My friends were out of their element, but I look at it like this: If those BW's were to come here, they would be out of their element. And we might laugh at them, but we'd probably wait until they left. That's where we have the class they were lacking.
Grins*

Confessional

Forgive me bloghoppers, it's been four days since my last post. *grins*

Well, I'm feeling better about life in general. You know, when things become SO hectic, I really do need to just inhale and exhale. *making a note*
The chicken elves and I put up the tree. That really fired up the ol' Christmas spirit with them. I'm now hearing the countdown to Christmas a dozen times a day instead of a mere six.
And I don't know if anyone else has this problem, but I find it a little stressful when I can't buy my children the EXPENSIVE toys they want. Mama guilt. Man, if they could bottle this crap, someone would make a fortune. Because guilt is one hell of a motivator.
Anyway...Oldest chicken wants some huge monster truck, remote control, yada yada yada. Middle chicken wants the flippin' Bratz tour bus. Nevermind she already has the cadillac or whatever the blazes they were driving last year. *rolling eyes* My van isn't even paid off yet. *laughing*
In the writing world, I decided to light a fire under my own ass. I've got first degree burns, but at least I'm actually doing something now. I just finished editing my Summer Sizzler submission and sent it off. I need to do my artist info for my full, What He Wants. Somehow that has slipped my mind.
I've thought about what I want to do with my career this next year. And here's what I've come up with so far. This isn't locked in until the end of the year, but since I'm feeling so ambitious this morning...I thought I would post it.
1. Finish writing short story submissions for all WCP and WCP Torrid anthologies.
2. Finish my first book in four book set and complete second one. Maybe even get started on third. Have to check out time constraints.
3. Finish my erotic romance and submit to Ellora's Cave.
4. Finish my Sil. Desire targeted novel and submit it to them.
5. Write the sequel to my first novel.
PROMOTE! PROMOTE! PROMOTE!
I really need to get on the ball with this one. Hmmmm, I suppose this means I need to be more organized! *hitting self in forehead* It's all so clear now. *laughing*

On the eating front...I'm still doing pretty good. Had breakfast for dinner last night. Ate some turkey bacon. Man, that stuff is good. And not greasy at all. Even the kids like it. I'm thinking about joining a gym at the beginning of the year. It's hard to get into town from the hayfield. (Damn the gas prices!) But I'd rather pay the pump than put on the pounds. Just a little something I'm mulling over.
Have a GREAT WEEK!!!
Grins*

Sunday, December 11, 2005

In a funk

Almost like a country song:
Creativity--zilch. My Muse is screaming: Forget a bunch of you! I'm on strike!
Personal motivation--I'm getting a busy signal.
Seasonal cheer--Is it January yet?
Rest--BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Children--Manic and mischievous. I'm contacting Santa about some coal importment.
Stress--all time high. What IS it about this time of year? grrrrrrrrrrrrrr

I have things to do! Place to go! Rooms to clean!
I'm beginning to think that bears really have it going on. Hole up and sleep. Or make like the squirrels and start storing nuts. Find a big tree. Ya know. *laughing*

And I have to go through the presents I've bought and figure out what is what. With all the chickens...it's always a good time. (heavy sarcasm) I have to pick up little stuff and boxes tomorrow. Wrapping paper. Bows. Haven't put the tree up yet! OMG. Just shoot me.
I swear, right now, this will not be the case next year. *raising hand*
Then again...it would help if the chickens had a steady list and not the revolving door list. ACK!

*breathing deeply*
*and again*
Even in the midst of this chaos...I'm thankful.
Grins*

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Escalation

From motivation to escalation.
It seems nowadays that things just seem to be getting more and more bold. I'm sure someone raised in the fifties thinks the eighties were sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. But I'm really astounded that at thirty-three, bold has been taken to new heights.
Music is just one very good example. I don't know what everyone listens to. I can listen to anything from Classical to Oldies to Country to Rap to ANYTHING. But there is a song that my oldest chicken (age 12) seems to really like. I think it's called "My Humps", and it's by the Black-eyed Peas. And yes. There are several breast and ass references in it. I really don't care for it much. Nice beat. The words...not so much. Destiny's Child has a new song out that talks about "giving it up," or something of the like. It's really suggestive.
Now, things DO change. Hell, I listened to "I Want Your Sex" by George Michaels and "Touch Me" by Samantha Fox. I jammed to "Dr. Feelgood" by Motley Crue. Yes, it was the eighties. And yes--sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll were rampant.
But now I have chickens of my own. And there is only so much I can take. There are a lot of tv programs that we have locked, and they can't access. When the oldest chicken (I'm just picking on her today) went to a friend's house and watched Rated "R" movies (Nightmare on Elm Street) I hit the freaking roof. And when she went to another friend's house afterwards, she declined to watch the Rated "R" movies with her friends. By the way, the mother at the house was highly impressed. And yes, I was very proud.
My job is to protect. Try to protect the sanctity of some portions of the chicken's lives. I don't want to shelter them (smother them) so badly they can't function in everyday society.
But damn it! I am the Mama filter. It's my job to screen the crap that gets thrown into their lives everyday.

The chickens and I have an "open door" policy. They want to know something...they come and ask. But I try and keep outside exposure to a minimum. They are still children. Okay, almost teenagers. Everything seems to be going faster and faster. Kids learn things they shouldn't, younger and younger.
And yes, when "My Humps" comes on...I change the station. It's the least I can do.
Grins*

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

The white stuff

*sigh*
Yeah. The white stuff. It's about to become REAL white here tomorrow. 4-6 inches, I believe. High of 24 degrees. Low of 9. *double sigh*
I don't mind the freeze so much. I just don't like the monotony of it. It needs to freeze, kill the bugs, and then get on. Really. And then some teacher at the chicken's school really did it. She said something about "NO SCHOOL." *rubbing temple* Yeah. That was freakin' brilliant.

And I have a question for all of you who have kids. Back in the day, when we were young and such, didn't you pretty much self-motivate yourself? You had homework...you did it. When you had a test...you studied. Things such as that.
Apparently some of that has gone away. Or at least, it has here. I just made up a fifty question study guide for two of the chickens' social studies. It's rather irritating. I just want to yell, "My Lord! You have a freakin' book! You have study guides! Use them!!!" Sheesh

On the writing front...I'm working on editing a submission for the Summer Sizzlers on the WCP Torrid line. It's finished, I simply need to edit. I really wanted to complete book one of my four-book set, but I don't know if that will happen or not. I also have a contemporary that I really need to work on. Unfortunately, that requires time. *looking at the clock* *snickering*
Um, yeah. Right.

Good news on the health front. My blood pressure is down a bit! WooWoo! Go me. Yep. I'm eating better, too. No fast food at all this last week. (I would hit the drive-thru's at least once). I'm rather proud. So wish me luck.
Enjoy your sunshine if you've been blessed with it. Mebbe email me some.
Grins*

Saturday, December 03, 2005

Interview and contest

Hello everyone!
I have a new interview at Coffee Time Romance. I'm going to put the link up here and run a contest that coincides with it.
I'll have three questions that you must answer. Sign my guestbook, leave your answers, and I will have one of the chickens pick a winner. Contest ends Midnight, December 11th, CST. The prize is an autographed copy of Virtually Yours.
Here's the link: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Interviews/CrystalInman.html

And here's the questions:
1. Name at least two authors that have influenced my writing.
2. What two names do I write under?
3. If you could go "virtually" anywhere with these lovely glasses...where? and why?

Sign my guestbook at http://chryswriter.tripod.com and leave your answers. The winner will be notified December 12th. Best of luck!
Grins*

Back in the saddle

Hello all!
A HUGE thank you for everyone's well wishes. We still have a burn ban here statewide because of the fires that keep popping up. Our area only lost hay and grass. People lost their homes in the city.

I have been remiss of late as far as blogging. Isn't that awful? I used to look forward to getting on the computer and sharing my day, thoughts, self with everyone. So to recap: tired, working, seasonal insanity, cats are insane, working, barely sleeping, kids are counting down to Christmas, basketball games, and working. There you go. *grins* Now we're at the same place.

I told myself I would begin to eat better because let's face it...I wasn't. Not even close. Went back to the doctor Thursday and guess what? My blood pressure is down! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Yay me! So then. Instead of waiting for the New Year (my usual), I'm taking the bull by the horns. (And yes, in case you were wondering, I'm going to fit as many western sayings as I can into this post.) 'Cause that's just how I do it. *laughing*

We're cleaning today. I'll have to get out the bullwhip and get after the kids. Tomorrow is a day of rest, and we're all going to take it. But today...today we WORK!

Cowgirl up!
Grins*