Moooom!

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This pic cracked me up! Whether one of my two-legged kids or a four-legged one, they each have their own way of calling for me. Depending on the sound of that call/cry/meow/bark, I know whether I can take my time or I need to get there fast!

Not much going on around here and that is a very good thing! Still crossing items off my To Do list, working on my new proposal and reading RITA entries. I have two of the eight books left.

What are you reading? Any new-to-you authors you recommend me checking out?

Monday Fun

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The above pic makes me think of Beauty. Kittens find fun in almost anything. I know I could take a lesson from her and all kittens by being more playful and curious about things! How about you?

It's amazing how not being on deadline feels. I have this week and possibly most of next week before I hear on revisions for my continuity book and then have to be writing a certain amount a day to get those in on time.

I'm not being a slackard (I still have two more books to write by the end of July), but I'm not pushing myself as hard as I usually do. Instead, I've been reading, writing and watching movies. I even managed to catch my fave show Once Upon a Time last night. I had been watching it online due to lack of time. That's no fun because it's our family show, the one we watch all together.

I'm looking forward to this week. No pressure writing. Finishing up my RITA entries. Checking more items off my To Do list. Getting my Happy New Year cards in the mail. How about you?

Grumpy

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I'm grumpy this morning. I spent a nice evening with the family, dinner and watching Star Trek, something I've wanted to see since it came out a couple years ago. Everyone, except me, was tired from a swim meet so went to bed around 9 o'clock. I thought this would be a perfect time to read another of my RITA entries so I stayed up and read one cover-to-cover. My fave way to read!

I was all set to sleep in this morning since we'd decided last night to go to Mass after the swim meet today. Then Hubby's alarm went off at 2:30 am. Of course, Rocket decided that would be the perfect time to be rubbed. Then hubby's alarm went off again around 6:30 am. Chaos decided I should be the one to feed her, never mind everyone else in the house was awake. Rose needed a hairband a little after 7:00 am and only I could find it. Needless to say, my sleeping in didn't happen and I'm very grumpy this morning from lack of sleep.

Maybe I'll get a nap later!

A reminder... my monthly website giveaway is coming to an end. Be sure to post a comment if you want to be entered to win a $10 amazon or bn.com gift card. There haven't been as many comments this month as in the past so you're odds are pretty good!

Catch up Day

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My husband travels a lot. By the time Friday rolls around, whether I'm on deadline or not, I'm pretty tired. Last night was worse than normal. We watched the kidlets swim at a meet, went out to dinner then I came home and read. There's more swimming today, but not for me! I get some much needed peace and quiet. Well, as much as my beloved fur-babies will allow. I plan to spend the day resting and relaxing, reading and writing, and taking care of some much needed items on my To Do list! I know I owe at least one or two contest prizes from here and elsewhere!

What are you up to?

Rulers of the World

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I laughed when I saw this LOLcat. Our cats' cuteness have turned them into rulers of the house. Pathetic, but true. When hubby phoned home last night, who could he hear in the background? Rocket who wanted a evening snack. If cats had opposable thumbs, they would rule the world.

So it's Friday, hubby returns home after spending another week away. I've started a new book, two really, if since I'm writing one and reading another. Not much else to say, so I'll leave you with one more cat pic. Isn't it cute? I had fun trying to pick out my cats from this list!


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Enjoy your Friday!

Running

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I've been running for two days. I wish I could say it was all catching up on stuff, but it's not. Today doesn't look much better. Sigh...

I overslept and am the carpool driver this morning so I've gotta run!

Have a great day!

Reading

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I love this LOLcat! My house if full of cat traps in a variety of sizes. It never fails that the smallest of the cats loves the biggest box while Yoda who is neck-and-neck with Rocket for biggest-boy status always chooses the smallest, giving a new definition to muffin top!

Slowly life is returning to normal after my working to reach my deadline. It's always crazy the week before. I haven't written at all the past two days after my writing marathon to get the manuscript in time. I wanted to take a short break and catch up on my sleep and some other things I've neglected.

I have been reading RITA books instead. If you're not familiar with Romance Writers of America aka RWA, they put on a contest (the RITA which is considered the romance genre's "Oscar") each year to select the best romance novels published the past year. The books are judged by published members (i.e. author's peers.)

I have eight books to read with some new-to-me authors. I can't say what books, but I'm hoping there is a finalist or two in the bunch. We'll see. One down... seven to go!

What are you doing?

Betty

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This LOLcat made me smile. I know my furbabies think I'm theirs. When I'm not upstairs, Spirit will meow and slowly move down the stairs and become more annoying until I either pick her up or go back upstairs. She likes me in my writing spot. If I'm not there, she's not happy. It's pretty funny.

I've often heard that animals pick you. That was the case with the black cat we had growing up, DuPree, who walked into our house one day and stayed. It was also true with Smalls, though I'm sure her initial reasons for hanging around was not wanting to move away from her house. This weekend I heard about a story from a friend who volunteers at the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society. She's also the one who helped us adopt Yoda and Beauty. She volunteered at an adoption event at PetSmart on Saturday and with her permission, I'm sharing what she posted on Facebook:

We had a little nine year old girl walk into our event yesterday with her Dad. Her cat had just passed away. Her Dad told her she could choose any cat she wanted. Betty was patiently waiting in the first cage, at twelve years old and mustered ...her strength to hold her paw out to the girl. Next to Betty were two adorable, perfect kittens playing happily. The girl looked at her Dad and pointed to Betty...yes, that was the cat she wanted. Her Dad crouched down and said that Betty only has a few years to live. The little girl stated that is why she wanted to adopt her. She couldn't bear to think of her dying in the shelter. They then proceeded to go home to think about it....at 3pm that little girl came back with her Dad...with carrier in hand they walked into the store in tears. She looked at me and said they had come for Betty. Cheers went up and we were all elated...

Reading that warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes. What an amazing little girl! I hope her parents are proud of her.

Betty is a black and white tuxedo cat who's owner died. I have a feeling she knew that little girl would love and pamper her the way her beloved owner did. Here is a picture of Betty if you'd like to see her.

If you're not already voting for an animal shelter in The Animal Rescue Site giveaway, would you mind taking a minute and voting for WCGHS? I've been doing it everyday, and I saw on their Facebook page they have been falling behind in the voting. Here's how you vote:

1) Copy this name: West Columbia Gorge Humane Society.
2) Click here.
3) Paste the name where it says Shelter Name.
4) Under State, choose WA.
5) Press Search. West Columbia Gorge Humane Society will show up below.
6) Press Vote.
7) You'll be taken to a page to type in a random letters and enter to confirm you're human. Do that and you'll be done.

If you vote again, you may not have to through all that again. It's just showing up for me.

Thanks!

Monday yawns

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I'd gladly be a piece of modern art if it meant I could sleep like the cats above. I finished my manuscript and emailed it to my editor last night. Thanks to everyone for their well-wishes with my writing. Appreciate the support so much!

Now the wait begins to find out what changes I'll need to make during revisions.

I must admit I am so tired right now. But no rest for the weary. It's my day to volunteer at the kidlets' school they attend two days a week.

Then I want to catch up on the two episodes of Once Upon a Time that I've missed. I also received my RITA books to judge so want to get reading.

What do you plan on doing today?

Hai!

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I feel like that kitty poking its head out of the box. I'm popping out of my cave to say hi!

I really need to send my book off tonight since I have to volunteer tomorrow at school and will have no time to write. Best get it finished! That means two things are on my agenda today. Mass and writing. Might have to add a third—the store. I may need a donut or two. The chocolate kind with sprinkles!

Have a good Sunday! I'm going to make the most of mine.

Random Saturday

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Our cats have a bedtime ritual that includes chasing a laser light. They wait and wait for the time the little red dot comes out to be chased. It's pretty darn cute.

The rain is relentless here. I want it to stop! My sister's basement flooded. My dad's workshop in my parents' house flooded, too. Not fun.

Big dog show weekend in Portland. The Rose City Classic has come to town. My oldest daughter is competing. I'm excited to watch her today!

That's about it. Saving words for the manuscript that's due on Monday.

Have a great Saturday!

Two videos

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In deadline mode, so this will be brief.

Last year, I posted the Volkswagen Superbowl commercial featuring the Darth Vader kid. We'll they've done another Star Wars inspired ad this year only with dogs. It's called The Bark Side. So much fun! I love the dogs that have costumes on!



I realized I hadn't talked about the book soundtrack of the continuity I'm finishing up. Like a couple of my other stories, I only found one song for His Larkville Cinderella. But it really fits. Enjoy!



Any big plans for the weekend? Bet you can guess what I'll be doing!

This...

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So true!

I can leave my computer open on the bed where all the cats are, walk away, they won't touch it. As soon as sit down and pull it toward me to work, it's the new favorite toy. If mommy is using it, everybody wants it.

We enjoyed our snow day yesterday. I polished the first five chapters of the manuscript and wrote another chapter. Pretty good for a day I expected to get nothing done! But the book still isn't ready to send. I keep waking up earlier and earlier, which means I'm in full panic mode so I need to get working ASAP. Looking forward to having my life back next week!

Have a great day!

Awwww!

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Too cute. It definitely makes me want a puppy. But I'm sure that feeling will pass quickly.

My crazy Wednesday just got a lot calmer due to a snow day! Yes, we finally have snow. The kidlets are going to be so excited when they wake up and see all the white stuff. Me? I'll be writing and taking advantage of the extra free time!

Have a great day! I plan to make the most of my time at home!

Cold

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Not only is it cold, but it's snowing. We keep getting flurries off and on. A few school districts are closed in the area. Two field trips we had planned for today were canceled because of the weather. I could understand the Bonneville Dam tour, but OMSI canceling surprised me since it's right in downtown Portland. Better safe than sorry I guess.

I'll be spending my day writing and schooling the kids. Before signing off, I'll leave you with this...



Looks like Big Cats like Christmas Trees as much as our little Beauty!

Have a nice Monday!

Snowfall!

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We had a feline watch committee yesterday. But they weren't looking at the neighborhood. They were more interested in what was falling from the sky.

This was Beauty's first time seeing the white stuff. She loved watching the falling store. Her cat tree gave her a perfect spot to peer out the window.

Unfortunately the snow didn't last long or stick. Still it was so much fun to watch the big, fat, fluffy flakes falling. We didn't get hardly any snow last year so have been hoping for at least one snow day this year.

We've got our fingers crossed more will snow is on the way. I'm sure the kidlets will be wearing their rally pajamas (pjs worn inside out!) tonight!

How is the weather were you are?

What could go wrong?

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This pic pretty much sums up what Beauty and Yoda have been doing the past 24 hours. Crazy cats! Also applies to one of the kidlets who shall remain nameless.

We got a light dusting of snow last night. Hoping more falls! In the meantime, I'll be writing today!

Hope you have a nice Sunday!

Yep!

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This pretty much sums up the first couple of weeks of January for me. But I'm not giving up on my resolutions and goals. Just need to get my continuity book finished and feel better, then I can get back to it.

It would also help to get my Christmas tree down and all the decorations put away. Still feels like December around here. Now that hubby is back after a week away it'll happen. I couldn't climb up and bring down the containers that hold all the stuff. So everything stayed up!

How are your resolutions for 2012 going?

Happy Birthday, Rose!

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My youngest turns nine today! I won't have to worry about making a birthday cake like the LOLcat above. Rose decided she wanted an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen instead. All I need to do is pick it up today. Easy peasy!

Her presents are in my closet waiting to be wrapped. I meant to do it yesterday when she was at school, but lost track of time. Then I lost my keys and was in a panic to find them since I was pick up person for the carpool!

The kids are home with me on Fridays so it'll be a relaxing kind of day. Some school in the morning, but that's it. No big party, just eating out at her favorite restaurant, a trip to Build-a-Bear to stuff a new friend and of course, ice cream cake. Sometime in the future we'll squeeze in a trip to Great Wolf Lodge.

Of course, that means two birthday celebrations for her. She's going to milk this for all it's worth. Last night she asked her big sister if she could sleep in her room. She wanted to wake up on her birthday in there. Mackenna actually said yes!

Hope you have a nice Friday! I'm looking forward to mine!

Beauty vs. action figures.

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My house is full of Star Wars figures and Legos. My son sets up battle scenes all over. The other cats have always left them alone, not Beauty. I found a Yoda Santa Lego guy in my shoe. One Lego piece can keep her entertained for hours as she bats it around on the hardwood floors. She seems to think anything left out, especially if it has a removable helmet, lightsaber or blaster is hers. A few clonetroopers never saw her coming. We'll be waiting for them to go on sale to replace.

Not much to report. I've been flying solo this week. That means I'm falling behind on my writing and am constantly tired trying to do all the driving, cooking, cleaning, etc. myself. I really don't know how single parents do it. Only one more day until hubby returns!

What are you doing?

How to Pet a Cat...

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Replace the big cat with my thirteen year old and the kitten with my almost nine year old and this is my life right now. Sigh...

Typical Wednesday. Crazy busy so I need to get at it. But I want to leave you with something I found yesterday. This is funny and worth a look. It's from The Oatmeal and shows you how to pet a cat.

Hope you have a great Wednesday!

Titanic 2012

I've been a Titanic buff long before James Cameron's Titanic debuted in 1997. I did my high school research paper on it and have a collection of books, including one that was published before the Titanic was even constructed called that bears a canny, almost eerie resemblance to what happened in the Atlantic Ocean on April 14, 1912. If you've read my blog for a while you might remember my posts from the Titanic dinner we attended a few years ago, complete with the Payless Shoe Store shoes I redid to look more Edwardian.

On the Titanic loop, I belong to someone posted two trailers for an upcoming Titanic ITV drama. The first clip can't be embedded, but you can watch it here on YouTube.



It looks really interesting. he stories revolve around real people who were on the Titanic. Unfortunately, as far as I can tell, it's only being shown in Great Britain. I hope one of the US cable channels picks it up like they've done with other British shows. Fingers crossed because I really want to see this! And it would be nice to finally move beyond Jack and Rose...


Have a great day! And if I ever win the lottery or hit it big with my writing, I'm so buying that Titanic Cat Tree. How awesome is that!!!! I love it!

Birthday Planning

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I want one! Star Wars and cats. It doesn't get any better than that.

We have a birthday coming up soon. The youngest kidlet. She has flipped back and forth so many times about what she wants to do. It's insane.

I thought we had it all figured out when she said she wanted to go to this place in Oregon. I spoke with the owner last week to figure out the details and what not. The biggest problem I had was finding a date that would work between all her friends and swimming and dog shows and... You get the idea. But thankfully I didn't spend too much time doing that. Yesterday, Rose changed her mind once again.

It looks like she won't be having a party. Instead, she wants to go here with my sister's family. Of course, finding a date will be the tricky part. But she's willing to wait.

On her actual birthday hubby will be out of town. Many tears have been shed over that. Hers, not mine. But I've already purchased her presents. I think she'll be happy. Her siblings and I will take her out to eat and to Build-a-Bear. Maybe invite a couple of the neighbor girls to go with us. Which means I'd better make some phone calls today. Yikes! Where does the time go?

What's your week looking like?

Breakfast time

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This LOLcat made me laugh. Just yesterday, I told a couple of the cats that they were only being nice to me because I feed them.

They have also been trying to trick me into feeding them more. This weekend, hubby and Rose had to be at Mount Hood Community College by 7:30 am for warm-ups before the swim meet. Needless to say they left early. When I woke up, all for cats assumed their positions...their positions to be fed. I assumed hubby hadn't fed them. So I did what any good butler cat owner would do—I fed them.

With their stomachs full, they surrounded me on the bed to nap the morning away while I wrote.

Sweet kitties.

Until I found out they had tricked me. Hubby fed them breakfast before he left. Argh. Double feeding. Of course, they also wanted lunch! Grrr!

They tried the same stunt this morning. But I was smarter. Well, until they wouldn't leave me alone so I did gave them a tiny little snack. Now they are sacked out on the bed with me again. And will sleep until their tummies tell them it's time for the butler mommy to get them food again.

Wonder what they'll try tomorrow morning when hubby and I wake up at the same time.

Squeee!

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The kitten above reminds me so much of Spirit when she was little! I must scan in some old photos of her and Rocket!

Not much to report. Still not feeling great. Oldest daughter caught what I have so is skipping the swim meet. Son's wrist is hurting so he's skipping the swim meet. Hubby has youngest daughter at the swim meet.

I plan to stay in bed and write! What are you doing?

Two LOLcats

I've always said I can usually find a LOLcat that fits what's going on in my life. Today is no different. Let's start with this one...


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This was me yesterday. I wasn't on the floor flat on my stomach, but I was in bed on my back. Not exactly lazy, but sick. I woke up not feeling well. I made it to the orthodontist's office at 7:30 am or Mackenna's retainer appointment, then drove the kidlets to school. When I got home, hubby took one look at me, told me to get in my jammies and go back to bed. That's what I did and stayed there all day long.

Then there is this LOLcat...


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While I was at the kids' school, I received a text hubby. Yoda managed to get into the Magic Box (aka the pantry.) He found an unopened bag of dry cat food. I've moved all the cats to a canned and raw food diet. (I think they miss the all day eating whenever they want of dry food, but this is healthier for them.) The little devil ripped open the bag (one I was planning to donate to the humane society) and had himself an extra serving (maybe four) of breakfast. Hubby has no idea how long Yoda was in there eating, but he seemed to be enjoying himself! Bad kitty! But we still love Yoda no matter what he does. And I've gotta admit, our Ninja Cat is pretty resourceful.

Hope you have a nice Thursday!

Favorite Things

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I was back to my crazy Wednesday schedule yesterday, but it turned into a favorite things kind of day. I ended up sleeping (fave thing) through my alarm yet managed to get my daughter to her orthodontist appointment so she could have her braces removed.

Three years of metal and a year of hardware to move my jaw/bite has given her lovely straight teeth. She was all smiles (fave thing) yesterday.

I received an email (fave thing) from my editor who gave me an extension (fave thing) on my continuity book.

To celebrate the braces coming off, I brought home Wendy's for lunch (French fries are a fave thing.) While the youngest stayed home with hubby, I took the other two kids to their band class. I got an hour of unexpected writing time (fave thing.) Then it was off to set up for the session I lead at church.

It was so good to see all the kids (fave thing) again. It's only been a couple of weeks since our last Atrium session, but I noticed some had grown over the holidays. The air of excitement was so much fun (fave thing). Though the noise level was a bit high!

We had a great discussion (fave thing) about the Three Magi as well as an Epiphany feast (fave thing)! A few days early from the actual day, but it was a fun celebration with lots of yummy treats (fave thing)! I worked with the Sacramental Kids last night, and though we did the same things, we had a completely different discussion.

I was tired by the time I arrived home, but it was worth it.

What are some of your favorite things?

Life-sized Barbie Kitty

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This LOLcat made me smile! I think it's applicable to both two and four-legged creatures. I must say even my cats are polite at the vet which is the only public they come in contact with!

I wanted to share the latest pic of my newest troublemaker. Beauty is four and a half months old and into everything. She can now reach the top of a five drawer vertical dresser in a single bound. Well, this is what she got into yesterday.

Beauty...the newest toy from Barbie!

Big day here. My thirteen year old daughter gets her braces off. The appointment is at eight and I slept through the alarm so need to get ready.

Have a great Wednesday!

Random Tuesday

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So sweet! Beauty is growing, but she'll still be running around and playing then just drop down and sleep. Kittens are so adorable!

I need to get my day started so this is going to be quick and random.

My friend and Rose's godmother visited yesterday. We had a nice lunch, prepared by my wonderful hubby, and caught up. We hadn't seen each other since Rose's First Communion in May.

I was bummed Stanford lost in the Fiesta Bowl last night, but it was a good game. I couldn't believe how many friends of mine were there. I only know this from Facebook, but the statuses and pics from Arizona kept appearing on my newsfeed last night! Too bad when I lived in Tempe that never happened.

Another ER visit last night. This time my son, who had been playing Futsal and fell on the same arm he broke in a soccer tournament in July. It hurt enough we wanted it looked at. Not broken, but they splinted it and want him to go see an orthopedist to make sure something hasn't happened to the growth plate. Always something.

Rocket's mouth is so much better. Amazing what two shots can do for a cat. Just wish I knew why it got infected in the first place so I can make sure it doesn't happen again!

I have my Happy New Year's cards in hand. As well as address labels. I also wrote a rough draft of our annual letter. Now I need to check all the addresses on my list with the cards that arrived to see if anyone moved. My goal is to get everything finished by the end of the week so we can stuff envelopes this weekend. Seems like a good watch football kind of task!

What's going on with you?

Fraidy Cat

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I can so relate to the LOLcat pic above. But I did manage to do a few of the other ones I made so all isn't lost!

Today is the final day of vacation for the family. Well, them, not me. I only took a couple of days off writing completely. I still didn't manage to get caught up either. Talk about a bummer! All those revisions put me behind, then the holidays. But I'm going to keep at it!

I read this article yesterday and wanted to share it given I have characters who are firefighters in my Hood Hamlet books, especially Firefighter Under the Mistletoe. It's an amazing story about a cat who was trapped in a fire. There's both a text article and news clip from the CBC.

There's still one more missing in the rubble. I hope and pray Fraidy is found soon! I've heard people are looking for her and someone is going to try to get flyers posted in case someone finds her. But given the name, I'm guessing she's not a people-cat. Poor baby must be so scared!

Hope the New Year is treating you well so far!

Happy New Year!

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2012 arrived the same way as 2011...with me comforting a dog who was terrified by all the fireworks being shot off! Poor Chaos. The cats weren't too happy, either.

A new year always brings about talk of resolutions and goals. Last year I wrote this:

Which is one of the reasons I didn't post New Year resolutions for 2011. After two difficult years, I want to focus on successes, not failures. 2011 is going to be the year I take care of me. I want to keep things as simple as possible. Not adding on worries or stresses over trying to stick to a resolution that's supposed to "help" me. I want to feel energized, not dragged down by "need tos" or "shoulds."

That didn't work too well for me. None of the things I'd hope to "work" on really happened. I sure didn't take care of me. Though I doubt the kidlets and animals would have too many complaints!

The truth is I'm goal-oriented. I like making lists and checking things off. I, gulp, need dates and deadlines to get things done. So in that vein, my resolutions goals for 2012 are:

1) Get more sleep during the week. (No going to bed past midnight!)

2) Eat healthier so the extra weight will come off. (I haven't stepped on the scale in two weeks so have no idea what this number is. And not sure I'd post it if I knew!)

3) Exercise. (I still can't do the stuff I love doing, but enough being down about that. I can do other stuff like walking. Three times a week. Chaos would love it!)

4) Read a book a week. (I failed miserably in my reading this past year due to lack of time. There were only a few months I read two or more books.)

5) Focus on the positive. (This is a big one with a teenager in the house who seems to have embraced negativity!)

6) Smile everyday. Laugh, too.

7) Tell someone I love them everyday.

8) Pray more.

9) Get organized. (This is going to be a long-term maybe by next New Year kind of thing. But it is a goal! A big one!)

Do you have any resolutions for the new year?

Before I forget...

My December contest winner is Jane, who commented on my post Happy Christmas. Please use the contact button on the menu bar above, Jane, to send me your email address and whether you want a $10 BN.com or Amazon gift certificate. Thanks to all who entered!

Remember, a comment on the blog gets you an entry. I don't always update my contest page, but I usually have a monthly giveaway here. And sometimes another contest somewhere on the Internet.

Speaking of which...

Don't forget to enter the Twelve Days of Christmas Winter Garden contest at Fresh Fiction for your chance to win a Kindle Touch and a bundle of books from lots of different authors who are members of The Story Garden. That includes me!