Prompt of the Day-If you have ever been on a diet, write about your experiences with it. If not, make up a story in which you had to go on a diet for medical reasons. What would you have to cut out and how would you cope with those changes?
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
I've mentioned my various health issues and this has caused me to adjust the kinds of food I can and can't eat. I should have started it sooner but, after my blood clot last year, I had to go on a low sodium diet. Salt is a tremendous inflammatory. It causes you to retain water as well. You need some salt in your system but too much can be bad and cause high blood pressure. It hasn't been easy. I love peperoni pizza and Chinese take-out food. Both are very salty. When I have too much, my knees swell up and I can hardly walk.
I also have to watch the processed and frozen foods. This means I have to make an attempt at a lot of home cooking. It takes more time but it's worth it so I can move. Some of the things I make I like better and they're kind of fun to make. One of my favorites, and I make it A LOT, is pasta sauce. I get big cans of plain, no salt added tomato sauce. I dump it in a pot and can add whatever seasonings I want. I add garlic, Italian seasonings, black pepper for a kick, and a little sugar to cut the bitterness and acidity. I also found, but have yet to try, a low salt taco seasoning on Pinterest.
I cheat once in a while. Like I said, I like peperoni pizza and Chinese food. Oh, and chicken wings. So, I have to make sure I have the next day off or drink lots of water so I'm not in as much pain.
This is one diet I've managed to get my family to go along with, which helps me a lot. If I have other people with me, it keeps me accountable. I think that's why my soda pop ban has worked so well.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 23
Prompt of the Day-Sleep deprivation. It happened during school and it still happens in life. Talk about your attempts to survive on very little sleep and how effective they were/are.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
Every year my family hosts a New Years Eve party. I usually manage to have New Years Day off, even if it means working the night before. It's okay, though, because my store is only open until 9 so I'm usually home before the crazies hit the streets. But, when I first started there, I couldn't get the day off like I wanted. I was scheduled to start at 6 a.m. and get done at 1 p.m. Our guests usually stay well into the night so this was a problem.
I ended up going to bed around 3, but I probably couldn't fall asleep until about 3:30/4:00, which gave me maybe an hour and a half of sleep. At the time, my room was in the basement. At 5:00, my alarm went off and I struggled to get moving. I heard laughter upstairs. I dressed and went into the kitchen to see my sister, her boyfriend and 2 friends, and my mom sitting around the kitchen table playing cards and still drinking.
"That's not fair!" I teased. "You started the real party without me."
My mom offered as a joke to take me to work but, of course, I told her I'd be fine driving myself. I went to work, struggled really hard to get through. I kept messing up transactions and I think my cash drawer was short. I couldn't wait to get done.
Finally, 1:00 arrived and I drove home. Didn't even change out of my work clothes. I lay down on the couch and conked out until my mom woke me up for dinner.
It was one of the hardest days of my life. I don't like being that exhausted and I was scared when I was driving.
Announcement: Keep an eye out on my YouTube channel. Some big news is coming this week!
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
Every year my family hosts a New Years Eve party. I usually manage to have New Years Day off, even if it means working the night before. It's okay, though, because my store is only open until 9 so I'm usually home before the crazies hit the streets. But, when I first started there, I couldn't get the day off like I wanted. I was scheduled to start at 6 a.m. and get done at 1 p.m. Our guests usually stay well into the night so this was a problem.
I ended up going to bed around 3, but I probably couldn't fall asleep until about 3:30/4:00, which gave me maybe an hour and a half of sleep. At the time, my room was in the basement. At 5:00, my alarm went off and I struggled to get moving. I heard laughter upstairs. I dressed and went into the kitchen to see my sister, her boyfriend and 2 friends, and my mom sitting around the kitchen table playing cards and still drinking.
"That's not fair!" I teased. "You started the real party without me."
My mom offered as a joke to take me to work but, of course, I told her I'd be fine driving myself. I went to work, struggled really hard to get through. I kept messing up transactions and I think my cash drawer was short. I couldn't wait to get done.
Finally, 1:00 arrived and I drove home. Didn't even change out of my work clothes. I lay down on the couch and conked out until my mom woke me up for dinner.
It was one of the hardest days of my life. I don't like being that exhausted and I was scared when I was driving.
Announcement: Keep an eye out on my YouTube channel. Some big news is coming this week!
Sunday, June 21, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 21
Prompt of the Day-Write a scene that portrays your ideal writing conditions.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
First, sorry for the jump from 18 to 21. I had a busy weekend and could not write. But, I'm still going to try and finish the month out! So, let's get started.
My ideal writing conditions would have to be a nice big office with room for my book shelves so I have lots of inspiration on hand. I want my OWN office. Right now, Boy is really nice and sharing his but I feel like I'm invading his space so whenever we move somewhere else I can have my own space.
I'd need a big desk because I keep lots of handwritten notes as well as hard copies of drafts. I would want a big window that can get light in most of the day. I wouldn't have to turn on any lamps and it would be good filming lighting because I'd want to continue my vlogs. Sometimes I don't want to sit at a desk when I write so a big, comfy chair or a 2 person sofa is a must as well. And, I can't just sit all day. I have to get up and move. So, maybe a treadmill or an exercise bike for when I'm taking breaks or just want to work out for a while. I'd also have a Keurig coffee maker and a small fridge for coffee and goodies and a closet to keep all my craft stuff hidden away for minimal clutter and distraction.
The walls would be pretty filled with book cases so there would be little room for posters except around the desk. I'd have some fandom posters, pictures of my friends and family, and a bulletin board for inspiration. And, of course, I'd have my fandom nik naks that I've collected over the years at conventions and comic book stores. They'd be scattered about the room because being a fangirl has heavily influenced what and how I write. I need all my inspiration surrounding me. And, I like being a great big geek. ^^
Pretty basic. Nothing too extravagant. Just my own space to write and vlog and read. And, the ability to have coffee on hand whenever I want.
Thanks for reading! Tell me about your ideal space?
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
First, sorry for the jump from 18 to 21. I had a busy weekend and could not write. But, I'm still going to try and finish the month out! So, let's get started.
My ideal writing conditions would have to be a nice big office with room for my book shelves so I have lots of inspiration on hand. I want my OWN office. Right now, Boy is really nice and sharing his but I feel like I'm invading his space so whenever we move somewhere else I can have my own space.
I'd need a big desk because I keep lots of handwritten notes as well as hard copies of drafts. I would want a big window that can get light in most of the day. I wouldn't have to turn on any lamps and it would be good filming lighting because I'd want to continue my vlogs. Sometimes I don't want to sit at a desk when I write so a big, comfy chair or a 2 person sofa is a must as well. And, I can't just sit all day. I have to get up and move. So, maybe a treadmill or an exercise bike for when I'm taking breaks or just want to work out for a while. I'd also have a Keurig coffee maker and a small fridge for coffee and goodies and a closet to keep all my craft stuff hidden away for minimal clutter and distraction.
The walls would be pretty filled with book cases so there would be little room for posters except around the desk. I'd have some fandom posters, pictures of my friends and family, and a bulletin board for inspiration. And, of course, I'd have my fandom nik naks that I've collected over the years at conventions and comic book stores. They'd be scattered about the room because being a fangirl has heavily influenced what and how I write. I need all my inspiration surrounding me. And, I like being a great big geek. ^^
Pretty basic. Nothing too extravagant. Just my own space to write and vlog and read. And, the ability to have coffee on hand whenever I want.
Thanks for reading! Tell me about your ideal space?
Thursday, June 18, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 18
Prompt of the Day-Have you ever feared for your life during an injury or illness? Talk about those feelings... What happened and how did you make a complete recovery?
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
Caution: I'm going to try not to get too graphic, but if you have a fear of hospitals or blood, you should probably skip this post.
I've talked many times about my battle with Rheumatoid arthritis and plan on starting a blog devoted to just that. But, last summer, I had the scare of a lifetime. It was mid July and I had been suffering from severe swelling in my right leg. Not just swelling. It was also bright red and warm to the touch. I just thought it was an unusual flare of my RA symptoms. It was kinda hot out, being summer and all, and I just kind of dealt with it. I would be seeing my rheumatologist soon, anyway. I'd just bring it up to her. But, while I was ignoring it, my family was growing more and more worried.
Finally, my mom woke me up early in the morning and said, "I've already called you off work. Either make an appointment or I'm driving you right to the ER." So, I spent the next hour on the phone trying to find a doctor who could admit me. My doctors were either off or full but I managed to find someone at a nearby office and made the earliest possible appointment that day. Mom drove me and he just had to look at my leg and say, "You have a blood clot." O.O A what? Seriously? He quickly sent me for an ultrasound and the radiologist sent him the results immediately. He called me while I was still in the office and told me to go to the Emergency Room. I'd have to be admitted for treatment. Now, I was really scared. Mom called my dad and I texted my sister and boyfriend to fill them in.
The vascular resident came in and told me how bad my situation actually was. The clot ran from below my knee all the way to my abdomen. I had no idea they could get that big! I just thought it was a little blockage like the size of your fingernail at worst. I told him I'd had symptoms for over a week and I was trying to stick it out to see my doctor. He said if I'd have done that, the slightest wrong move could have detached part of it and sent it to my heart or lungs or my brain and I could have died. O.O At age 30! I was absolutely terrified now. They admitted me to a room and put me on bed-rest, thinking I couldn't get into surgery for a couple days. But, then, the surgeon came in and said, "I want to do it today. Just sign for permission." Uh... what? I signed, figuring I could get it over with sooner and on to recovery.
The vascular surgeon was wonderful. He could, obviously, see how scared I was and explained what would be happening. That night they would scope my leg through the back of my knee and run a medication known as a clot buster through my system. This would break up the clot and dissolve some of it for easy removal the next day. It wouldn't be all gone but, with treatment, my body's natural defenses could take care of it in time.
The first surgery took about 4 hours. They also had to put an IV in my neck which, actually, scared me more than the clot. There are a lot of important veins and arteries in your neck and I just don't see why pointy things need to be inserted there. Plus, it was hella uncomfortable. I had hair stuck in the bandaging and I could hardly move my head. They wheeled me back to my ICU room and I was met by my aunts, uncle, 2 cousins, and my sister and her boyfriend. One of my cousins is terrified of hospitals and faints at the sight of blood so I was really happy she came and proud of her. They visited for a while and I had a small dinner because I was starving.
The second surgery next morning they removed some of the clotting. I was still scared so the surgery staff put on a Pandora station for me to focus on to calm me down. That one took about 5 hours. When they were done and cleaned me up a bit, my family was able to come in. My mom was talking to the surgeon so my dad came into the operating room to see me. And, who was right behind him? My boyfriend.
Oh, what a sight he was. And, I was even more grateful the doctors had changed my hospital gown because I had blood around my neck from that stupid IV line and the way I was laying on it. He held my hand all the way back to the room and I found out later that he was pacing the halls while I was in surgery. One of my aunts was there, too, and she went with my parents to get coffee so we could visit alone for a bit. He told me how much I had him worried and made me promise to take better care of myself from now on. "I love you and I want you around for a long time, babe," he said. "I've never been so scared for anyone in my life." I started to cry at this. Not that I felt I was being lectured, but the meaning behind it. I had figured it already but that really confirmed that I had found the man I want to spend my life with. He'd hold me accountable, and he does.
Already long story short, I was able to go home Monday evening. Had to use a walker because of my leg. I was purple from having powerful blood thinners pumped through me and being poked and prodded. Biggest relief was getting that line out of my neck. The doctor took it out and I had to have a sandbag on my neck to keep pressure on the wound. I fell asleep and had my first non-narcotic nap in days.
Treatment going forward required compression stockings when I work and being on blood thinners for the rest of my life. I also have to make a point to move more. Aside from the clot being a side effect from a medication, (I'm no longer taking) sitting at my computer for hours on end didn't help my circulation. So, when I have days off where I can write all day, I set a timer on my phone for every hour. I take 10 minutes and walk around the house, get a light snack, stretch, then I can come back and work some more. Or, I give myself a goal. Edit one chapter, stretch, walk around, then come back and it in the new draft. I also have to be on a low sodium diet and I'm nearly 90 days without soda pop which has helped me lose some weight.
I'm still going to have a risk of clotting for the remainder of my life. That's just how things will be for me now. But, as long as I'm careful and my family and friends keep me honest and accountable, it won't happen again and I'll be around for a long, long time.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
Caution: I'm going to try not to get too graphic, but if you have a fear of hospitals or blood, you should probably skip this post.
I've talked many times about my battle with Rheumatoid arthritis and plan on starting a blog devoted to just that. But, last summer, I had the scare of a lifetime. It was mid July and I had been suffering from severe swelling in my right leg. Not just swelling. It was also bright red and warm to the touch. I just thought it was an unusual flare of my RA symptoms. It was kinda hot out, being summer and all, and I just kind of dealt with it. I would be seeing my rheumatologist soon, anyway. I'd just bring it up to her. But, while I was ignoring it, my family was growing more and more worried.
Finally, my mom woke me up early in the morning and said, "I've already called you off work. Either make an appointment or I'm driving you right to the ER." So, I spent the next hour on the phone trying to find a doctor who could admit me. My doctors were either off or full but I managed to find someone at a nearby office and made the earliest possible appointment that day. Mom drove me and he just had to look at my leg and say, "You have a blood clot." O.O A what? Seriously? He quickly sent me for an ultrasound and the radiologist sent him the results immediately. He called me while I was still in the office and told me to go to the Emergency Room. I'd have to be admitted for treatment. Now, I was really scared. Mom called my dad and I texted my sister and boyfriend to fill them in.
The vascular resident came in and told me how bad my situation actually was. The clot ran from below my knee all the way to my abdomen. I had no idea they could get that big! I just thought it was a little blockage like the size of your fingernail at worst. I told him I'd had symptoms for over a week and I was trying to stick it out to see my doctor. He said if I'd have done that, the slightest wrong move could have detached part of it and sent it to my heart or lungs or my brain and I could have died. O.O At age 30! I was absolutely terrified now. They admitted me to a room and put me on bed-rest, thinking I couldn't get into surgery for a couple days. But, then, the surgeon came in and said, "I want to do it today. Just sign for permission." Uh... what? I signed, figuring I could get it over with sooner and on to recovery.
The vascular surgeon was wonderful. He could, obviously, see how scared I was and explained what would be happening. That night they would scope my leg through the back of my knee and run a medication known as a clot buster through my system. This would break up the clot and dissolve some of it for easy removal the next day. It wouldn't be all gone but, with treatment, my body's natural defenses could take care of it in time.
The first surgery took about 4 hours. They also had to put an IV in my neck which, actually, scared me more than the clot. There are a lot of important veins and arteries in your neck and I just don't see why pointy things need to be inserted there. Plus, it was hella uncomfortable. I had hair stuck in the bandaging and I could hardly move my head. They wheeled me back to my ICU room and I was met by my aunts, uncle, 2 cousins, and my sister and her boyfriend. One of my cousins is terrified of hospitals and faints at the sight of blood so I was really happy she came and proud of her. They visited for a while and I had a small dinner because I was starving.
The second surgery next morning they removed some of the clotting. I was still scared so the surgery staff put on a Pandora station for me to focus on to calm me down. That one took about 5 hours. When they were done and cleaned me up a bit, my family was able to come in. My mom was talking to the surgeon so my dad came into the operating room to see me. And, who was right behind him? My boyfriend.
Oh, what a sight he was. And, I was even more grateful the doctors had changed my hospital gown because I had blood around my neck from that stupid IV line and the way I was laying on it. He held my hand all the way back to the room and I found out later that he was pacing the halls while I was in surgery. One of my aunts was there, too, and she went with my parents to get coffee so we could visit alone for a bit. He told me how much I had him worried and made me promise to take better care of myself from now on. "I love you and I want you around for a long time, babe," he said. "I've never been so scared for anyone in my life." I started to cry at this. Not that I felt I was being lectured, but the meaning behind it. I had figured it already but that really confirmed that I had found the man I want to spend my life with. He'd hold me accountable, and he does.
Already long story short, I was able to go home Monday evening. Had to use a walker because of my leg. I was purple from having powerful blood thinners pumped through me and being poked and prodded. Biggest relief was getting that line out of my neck. The doctor took it out and I had to have a sandbag on my neck to keep pressure on the wound. I fell asleep and had my first non-narcotic nap in days.
Treatment going forward required compression stockings when I work and being on blood thinners for the rest of my life. I also have to make a point to move more. Aside from the clot being a side effect from a medication, (I'm no longer taking) sitting at my computer for hours on end didn't help my circulation. So, when I have days off where I can write all day, I set a timer on my phone for every hour. I take 10 minutes and walk around the house, get a light snack, stretch, then I can come back and work some more. Or, I give myself a goal. Edit one chapter, stretch, walk around, then come back and it in the new draft. I also have to be on a low sodium diet and I'm nearly 90 days without soda pop which has helped me lose some weight.
I'm still going to have a risk of clotting for the remainder of my life. That's just how things will be for me now. But, as long as I'm careful and my family and friends keep me honest and accountable, it won't happen again and I'll be around for a long, long time.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 17
Prompt of the Day- Talk about a time in which someone praised your writing and how it made you feel. Describe the scene and the reactions of anybody else in the room upon hearing these words.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
When I was working on my first novella, Witches of Coolersville, I had done 2 drafts and edited them myself. I had also posted the story on fictionpress.com but I wasn't getting a whole lot of feedback on it. So, I decided to turn to some of my writer friends for help. I asked one of my friends to be my beta reader. She didn't know me too well and would, hopefully, give me a critical yet helpful opinion of my work so I could continue editing and, eventually finish. I broke up my draft into individual chapter files and sent them a few at a time, or as I finished them. She was the first person outside my close circle to really judge my work and, while we were friends, I was nervous.
I think I sent 5 chapters in the first batch. I waited a few days and finally got a reply email. I was so happy with her comments! The detailed stuff was noted in the documents themselves but she would give me an overall opinion in her email. She said she was really interested in the story. My detail and early character introduction had her interested right away and she was excited to read the next batch of chapters. I couldn't believe what I was reading! With each group of chapters I sent, more and more praise for the story over all. It was getting me more and more excited to keep working on my story. I even changed some before I sent them to have intentional cliffhangers to see how she'd react and she would beg me to hurry up with what happened next.
It was such a thrill! Every time I got an email from her, I was so happy. I had to read some of them to my family and friends. They were happy as well that I was receiving this feedback. I could only imagine once my book was published and other readers finding it with the same kind of enthusiasm. It's why I continue to work and write. I love to share my ideas with people and being published will help me reach so many more people. I can't wait to finish. I'm so close to my first publication and it's insane.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
When I was working on my first novella, Witches of Coolersville, I had done 2 drafts and edited them myself. I had also posted the story on fictionpress.com but I wasn't getting a whole lot of feedback on it. So, I decided to turn to some of my writer friends for help. I asked one of my friends to be my beta reader. She didn't know me too well and would, hopefully, give me a critical yet helpful opinion of my work so I could continue editing and, eventually finish. I broke up my draft into individual chapter files and sent them a few at a time, or as I finished them. She was the first person outside my close circle to really judge my work and, while we were friends, I was nervous.
I think I sent 5 chapters in the first batch. I waited a few days and finally got a reply email. I was so happy with her comments! The detailed stuff was noted in the documents themselves but she would give me an overall opinion in her email. She said she was really interested in the story. My detail and early character introduction had her interested right away and she was excited to read the next batch of chapters. I couldn't believe what I was reading! With each group of chapters I sent, more and more praise for the story over all. It was getting me more and more excited to keep working on my story. I even changed some before I sent them to have intentional cliffhangers to see how she'd react and she would beg me to hurry up with what happened next.
It was such a thrill! Every time I got an email from her, I was so happy. I had to read some of them to my family and friends. They were happy as well that I was receiving this feedback. I could only imagine once my book was published and other readers finding it with the same kind of enthusiasm. It's why I continue to work and write. I love to share my ideas with people and being published will help me reach so many more people. I can't wait to finish. I'm so close to my first publication and it's insane.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 16
Prompt of the Day-If you had grand control over time, space, and money, how would you change your life to suit your writing? Talk about a day in the life of this new writing-structured existence.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
Going from current situation to my ideal writing life, first I would give myself a big, fat raise so I can start saving money a bit more. I need the funds to travel and order copies for events. I'd find a way to speed up time while I was at work so my day would fly by and I could get home to write and then I would slow that time down to maximize productiveness. I'd need to factor in some time for procrastination because all writers do that.
I would make my house like the TARDIS. Bigger on the inside with a big library/office. The room would be split in 2. One side for me, the other for my boyfriend. We could both work from home and hold each other accountable so we don't procrastinate too much. Yay! No more day job! Full time writing! Yes, please!
I would also have all the writing/social media essentials. I would buy a brand new computer with video software for my YouTube channel and Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to create my own covers. I would have a new video camera for vlogging and the latest phone and fastest internet connection to keep up with all of my followers on social media.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
Going from current situation to my ideal writing life, first I would give myself a big, fat raise so I can start saving money a bit more. I need the funds to travel and order copies for events. I'd find a way to speed up time while I was at work so my day would fly by and I could get home to write and then I would slow that time down to maximize productiveness. I'd need to factor in some time for procrastination because all writers do that.
I would make my house like the TARDIS. Bigger on the inside with a big library/office. The room would be split in 2. One side for me, the other for my boyfriend. We could both work from home and hold each other accountable so we don't procrastinate too much. Yay! No more day job! Full time writing! Yes, please!
I would also have all the writing/social media essentials. I would buy a brand new computer with video software for my YouTube channel and Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to create my own covers. I would have a new video camera for vlogging and the latest phone and fastest internet connection to keep up with all of my followers on social media.
Monday, June 15, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 15
Prompt of the Day-You have been granted the ability to fly! I mean, like Superman! Where do you travel with this new found ability now that you don't need to save up frequent flyer miles?
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
I had to go with this prompt. I could have so much fun if I could fly like Superman! I could travel wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I would just be in heaven. I have friends and family who live out of state so, instead of planning for months and saving money, I could just call them and say, "Hey, can I stop by and hang out?" And then, WHOOSH! Off I go to Vegas, or Eugene, or Key West. I could go to Europe! Fancy a weekend in Venice with Boy? WHOOSH! Where's the nearest hotel? Got a book signing in California? WHOOSH! Dramatic landing in front of the book store and back home in time for dinner. Sick of Cleveland winters? WHOOSH! Off to Key West for beach time to relieve stress. I'd also never have to drive anywhere ever again so the money I save on gas would go towards hotels and shopping.
I think other people should have this ability as well. But, you'd have to have a license. And we'd probably have to submit a flight plan like the airlines do. But, it would be great. Like, next year we're going to New York City for my sister's bachelorette party. Having to not spend big money on a flight would be fantastic.
But, until that somehow happens or we get jet packs, I'm content to dream.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
I had to go with this prompt. I could have so much fun if I could fly like Superman! I could travel wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I would just be in heaven. I have friends and family who live out of state so, instead of planning for months and saving money, I could just call them and say, "Hey, can I stop by and hang out?" And then, WHOOSH! Off I go to Vegas, or Eugene, or Key West. I could go to Europe! Fancy a weekend in Venice with Boy? WHOOSH! Where's the nearest hotel? Got a book signing in California? WHOOSH! Dramatic landing in front of the book store and back home in time for dinner. Sick of Cleveland winters? WHOOSH! Off to Key West for beach time to relieve stress. I'd also never have to drive anywhere ever again so the money I save on gas would go towards hotels and shopping.
I think other people should have this ability as well. But, you'd have to have a license. And we'd probably have to submit a flight plan like the airlines do. But, it would be great. Like, next year we're going to New York City for my sister's bachelorette party. Having to not spend big money on a flight would be fantastic.
But, until that somehow happens or we get jet packs, I'm content to dream.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 14
Prompt of the Day-If you could pick 5 languages to learn, what would they be and why? How would you go about learning them and what would you do as soon as you knew them?
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
5 Languages I Want to Learn:
1) Polish- My mom's family is mostly Polish and I want to visit there one day. I only know how to call someone a dumb a$$ and I heard that from my boyfriend's mom one day.
2) Japanese- I met one of my closest friends when she tried to start an anime club in college. She tried to teach me but I only know a few words.
3) Spanish- I took 3 years of it in high school. Don't remember it at all.
4) German- Also a language of my ancestors.
5) Gaelic- I think I have some Irish ancestry as well and it's such an ancient language. I think it would be fun to learn.
How:
I could probably find most of these in Rosetta Stone. I know those programs are insanely expensive but the investment might be worth it. Not sure if it includes Gaelic, though. Probably not. I'd have to find someone to teach me.
Oh! I'll throw in a 6th. American Sign Language. I actually have a few deaf customers at work and it would be nice to be able to communicate a little with them instead of smile, nod, point.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
5 Languages I Want to Learn:
1) Polish- My mom's family is mostly Polish and I want to visit there one day. I only know how to call someone a dumb a$$ and I heard that from my boyfriend's mom one day.
2) Japanese- I met one of my closest friends when she tried to start an anime club in college. She tried to teach me but I only know a few words.
3) Spanish- I took 3 years of it in high school. Don't remember it at all.
4) German- Also a language of my ancestors.
5) Gaelic- I think I have some Irish ancestry as well and it's such an ancient language. I think it would be fun to learn.
How:
I could probably find most of these in Rosetta Stone. I know those programs are insanely expensive but the investment might be worth it. Not sure if it includes Gaelic, though. Probably not. I'd have to find someone to teach me.
Oh! I'll throw in a 6th. American Sign Language. I actually have a few deaf customers at work and it would be nice to be able to communicate a little with them instead of smile, nod, point.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 13
Prompt of the Day-What is your dream job? Talk about how to get it and what you do when you have it. Go into enough detail and maybe it will come true. :)
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
Oh, this is easy. And, for anyone who's been following my blog for more than a month, obvious. My dream job is being a published author! Being able to write full time, travel the country (maybe the world) doing book signings, promotions, and conventions, and not standing for 6-8 hours a day, busting my rear for little to no appreciation and recognition and not enough pay like at my day job! (I'm not frustrated about being overworked and underpaid and coming home in pain every day. Why would I be? XP)
Ever since I was little, I've loved writing and telling stories. Whether it was writing in my journal or my sister and I taking our Barbie dolls on wild adventures, I've had a passion for stories. I've been working so hard on my books. I'm trying to get back into regularly blogging, which is why I've been doing these challenges for myself. Writing is what I want to do. And the ability to travel and promote my writing would be such a huge bonus because I love to travel. I'm actually trying to get a table at Cleveland Comic Con next year. I've been playing phone tag with a sales rep for a week now. I hope I can do it, though! How amazing would that be? Not only having a table at ComicCon but in my hometown! Woo! Local girl!
So, it's a short, sweet, and obvious answer but, there you have it. :)
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
Oh, this is easy. And, for anyone who's been following my blog for more than a month, obvious. My dream job is being a published author! Being able to write full time, travel the country (maybe the world) doing book signings, promotions, and conventions, and not standing for 6-8 hours a day, busting my rear for little to no appreciation and recognition and not enough pay like at my day job! (I'm not frustrated about being overworked and underpaid and coming home in pain every day. Why would I be? XP)
Ever since I was little, I've loved writing and telling stories. Whether it was writing in my journal or my sister and I taking our Barbie dolls on wild adventures, I've had a passion for stories. I've been working so hard on my books. I'm trying to get back into regularly blogging, which is why I've been doing these challenges for myself. Writing is what I want to do. And the ability to travel and promote my writing would be such a huge bonus because I love to travel. I'm actually trying to get a table at Cleveland Comic Con next year. I've been playing phone tag with a sales rep for a week now. I hope I can do it, though! How amazing would that be? Not only having a table at ComicCon but in my hometown! Woo! Local girl!
So, it's a short, sweet, and obvious answer but, there you have it. :)
Friday, June 12, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 12
Prompt of the Day-You have been roped into cooking for 100 people! Describe your day from the trip to the supermarket all the way through the interminable clean up.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
I want to do this someday because I love to entertain but 100 people sounds so intimidating! But, I'll give it a go. I'll come up with a pretty easy menu. Rigatoni with tomato sauce, veggie tray, sandwich tray, chicken tenders, scalloped potatoes, big salad. Easy and cheap. If it's during the winter, soup. So, first we need a list. I won't mention quantities. Just items.
*Rigatoni noodles
*Cans of No Salt Added plain tomato sauce (I like to add my own seasonings because I have diabetics in my family and we're all trying to watch our salt intake)
*Frozen chicken tenders
*Panko breading (again, watching the salt and panko has a really nice, light flavor)
*Oil for frying
*Potatoes
*Cheese
*Salad mix
*Veggies
*Dip
*Bread
*Lunch meat
*Fruit (whatever is in season)
*Bottled water
*Tea mix
*Soda pop
*Juices
*Paper plates
*Plastic ware
*Plastic cups
*Assorted spirits
*Garbage bags
*Ingredients for my mom's yummy salad dressing
*ingredients for Grandma's bbq sauce
*Assorted dressings
2 Days Before:
Shopping- get everything except fruits and veggies so nothing goes bad
Start on Grandma's barbecue sauce. It's an all day project. I've yet to try it for real but my dad promised he would teach me.
While that is cooking, I'll start cleaning the house. I assume I'll have a huge house by then. Say this is a family reunion of some kind. My family ends up bringing more things. My list just contains major essentials I would provide as hostess.
1 Day Before:
Finish shopping.
Keeping with the family reunion theme, start setting up the back yard. Tables, chairs, tent, maybe I'll have a pool so I have to clean that so we can swim.
I'd also make Mom's salad dressing and drinks. I've been getting into fusion waters and those are best when left sitting overnight. I could try the same with tea as well. Cuts the amount of sugar and will give the tea a fun, interesting flavor.
Day of:
Get up ungodly early.
Start cooking. Make the chicken and potatoes and everything else. If this is a family reunion, then I have to have room for more food that will likely arrive because I have a large Eastern European ancestry and I swear they invented emotional eating so there must always be a cray-ton of food at family get-togethers. Whether it's a wedding or funeral or anything in between.
Around 2:00, people start to arrive. I have a huge table set up for desserts and more sides arrive and appetizers. So, until the main meal is ready, people nibble and chat. Maybe some people jump in the pool or start a baseball game.
4:00- Dinner is served. People get in line. We always serve buffet style. Some family members help direct traffic and change out empty trays. I start on dishes. (There will be a dishwasher in this situation) I recruit some muscle for the trash beginning to pile up.
Fiinally, I'll say around 7:00, I can eat whatever is left and have a glass of wine and visit with people. It's a tradition to set up a table, either in the garage or backyard, for beer pong. People nibble on the vast amounts of desserts and we talk and drink and laugh and visit well into the night.
When the guests leave at last, I take care of some of the clean-up. If I haven't been able to get people to take leftovers, I pack food away in the refrigerator and take out the trash. Breakdown of chairs and tables and tents can be after I pass out for a few hours.
Day After:
Time to get the house back in order. Break down the tents and tables and chairs. Return them if they're rented or borrowed. And then, after everything is cleaned up and returned, take a relaxing dip in the pool to reward myself for a job well done. :)
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
I want to do this someday because I love to entertain but 100 people sounds so intimidating! But, I'll give it a go. I'll come up with a pretty easy menu. Rigatoni with tomato sauce, veggie tray, sandwich tray, chicken tenders, scalloped potatoes, big salad. Easy and cheap. If it's during the winter, soup. So, first we need a list. I won't mention quantities. Just items.
*Rigatoni noodles
*Cans of No Salt Added plain tomato sauce (I like to add my own seasonings because I have diabetics in my family and we're all trying to watch our salt intake)
*Frozen chicken tenders
*Panko breading (again, watching the salt and panko has a really nice, light flavor)
*Oil for frying
*Potatoes
*Cheese
*Salad mix
*Veggies
*Dip
*Bread
*Lunch meat
*Fruit (whatever is in season)
*Bottled water
*Tea mix
*Soda pop
*Juices
*Paper plates
*Plastic ware
*Plastic cups
*Assorted spirits
*Garbage bags
*Ingredients for my mom's yummy salad dressing
*ingredients for Grandma's bbq sauce
*Assorted dressings
2 Days Before:
Shopping- get everything except fruits and veggies so nothing goes bad
Start on Grandma's barbecue sauce. It's an all day project. I've yet to try it for real but my dad promised he would teach me.
While that is cooking, I'll start cleaning the house. I assume I'll have a huge house by then. Say this is a family reunion of some kind. My family ends up bringing more things. My list just contains major essentials I would provide as hostess.
1 Day Before:
Finish shopping.
Keeping with the family reunion theme, start setting up the back yard. Tables, chairs, tent, maybe I'll have a pool so I have to clean that so we can swim.
I'd also make Mom's salad dressing and drinks. I've been getting into fusion waters and those are best when left sitting overnight. I could try the same with tea as well. Cuts the amount of sugar and will give the tea a fun, interesting flavor.
Day of:
Get up ungodly early.
Start cooking. Make the chicken and potatoes and everything else. If this is a family reunion, then I have to have room for more food that will likely arrive because I have a large Eastern European ancestry and I swear they invented emotional eating so there must always be a cray-ton of food at family get-togethers. Whether it's a wedding or funeral or anything in between.
Around 2:00, people start to arrive. I have a huge table set up for desserts and more sides arrive and appetizers. So, until the main meal is ready, people nibble and chat. Maybe some people jump in the pool or start a baseball game.
4:00- Dinner is served. People get in line. We always serve buffet style. Some family members help direct traffic and change out empty trays. I start on dishes. (There will be a dishwasher in this situation) I recruit some muscle for the trash beginning to pile up.
Fiinally, I'll say around 7:00, I can eat whatever is left and have a glass of wine and visit with people. It's a tradition to set up a table, either in the garage or backyard, for beer pong. People nibble on the vast amounts of desserts and we talk and drink and laugh and visit well into the night.
When the guests leave at last, I take care of some of the clean-up. If I haven't been able to get people to take leftovers, I pack food away in the refrigerator and take out the trash. Breakdown of chairs and tables and tents can be after I pass out for a few hours.
Day After:
Time to get the house back in order. Break down the tents and tables and chairs. Return them if they're rented or borrowed. And then, after everything is cleaned up and returned, take a relaxing dip in the pool to reward myself for a job well done. :)
Thursday, June 11, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 11
Prompt of the Day-What was your scariest nightmare ever? Talk about who is in it with you and why it was so frightening.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
When I was in 8th grade, we took a class trip to Washington DC. We toured the Holocaust museum. It was one of the saddest, most moving experiences of my life. If you ever go, bring Kleenex because you will need it.
That night, I dreamed that I was in the museum again, except it was probably closed for the night because I was the only person there. I'm walking through the halls and they have TVs all over playing old news footage and propaganda videos. Suddenly, the TVs turn to color and Nazi soldiers start crawling out of the screens. Kinda like that movie the Ring with the creepy little girl in the well. (I've never seen the Ring. I just saw the Scary Movie 3 parody version but I got the idea) Someone starts screaming in my dream version of what I think German would be and they start chasing me through the halls of the museum.
Now, it's been a long time since I've been to this museum but, from what I remember, there are a lot of twists and turns. You take an elevator to the top floor and work your way down. There are side halls with displays and video monitors. It's a fascinating place... until you're dreaming about being chased by Nazis. So, I keep running and get a little ahead. (That's how I know it's a dream. Because, even in 8th grade, I was not a good runner and in real life they would have caught me within about 5 minutes.) And, I duck into a corner to catch my breath. I feel a hand on my shoulder and a hand clamps my mouth when I start to scream. I turn to see Anne Frank and other people in this darkened side hall. So, not only do the soldiers come to life, everyone does. She tells me to be quiet and we hear the soldiers run past. Then, she and the other people lead me out of the museum and onto the streets of Washington DC. I run out the door and turn to see if they're following me and she gives me a sad look and says, "Our place is here now. If we leave, we can't share our story so this never happens again." I thank her and run off. I woke up crying in my hotel room. Woke my friends up.
I suppose some wouldn't think it's that frightening. It did have a happy ending. But, it's definitely a dream I'll never forget. And it would not deter me from going back.
What about you? Any dreams, scary or otherwise, stand out? I rarely remember mine so it's significant if something stays with me like this.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
When I was in 8th grade, we took a class trip to Washington DC. We toured the Holocaust museum. It was one of the saddest, most moving experiences of my life. If you ever go, bring Kleenex because you will need it.
That night, I dreamed that I was in the museum again, except it was probably closed for the night because I was the only person there. I'm walking through the halls and they have TVs all over playing old news footage and propaganda videos. Suddenly, the TVs turn to color and Nazi soldiers start crawling out of the screens. Kinda like that movie the Ring with the creepy little girl in the well. (I've never seen the Ring. I just saw the Scary Movie 3 parody version but I got the idea) Someone starts screaming in my dream version of what I think German would be and they start chasing me through the halls of the museum.
Now, it's been a long time since I've been to this museum but, from what I remember, there are a lot of twists and turns. You take an elevator to the top floor and work your way down. There are side halls with displays and video monitors. It's a fascinating place... until you're dreaming about being chased by Nazis. So, I keep running and get a little ahead. (That's how I know it's a dream. Because, even in 8th grade, I was not a good runner and in real life they would have caught me within about 5 minutes.) And, I duck into a corner to catch my breath. I feel a hand on my shoulder and a hand clamps my mouth when I start to scream. I turn to see Anne Frank and other people in this darkened side hall. So, not only do the soldiers come to life, everyone does. She tells me to be quiet and we hear the soldiers run past. Then, she and the other people lead me out of the museum and onto the streets of Washington DC. I run out the door and turn to see if they're following me and she gives me a sad look and says, "Our place is here now. If we leave, we can't share our story so this never happens again." I thank her and run off. I woke up crying in my hotel room. Woke my friends up.
I suppose some wouldn't think it's that frightening. It did have a happy ending. But, it's definitely a dream I'll never forget. And it would not deter me from going back.
What about you? Any dreams, scary or otherwise, stand out? I rarely remember mine so it's significant if something stays with me like this.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 10
Prompt of the Day-Talk about a book that your had the hardest time getting through in school. Why do you think you had such a hard time and how did you do on any subsequent tests? How did you learn enough to get by with it?
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
One of the hardest books for me to read in school was Lord of the Flies. It's about a group of boys who crash on an island and form a tribe to survive. I hated this book. The writing, the pacing, everything about it. I refused to read it.
Some of the assignments was group work so I managed to squeak by with those by staying quiet and nodding. The rest I think I just half-assed and bombed. It was my senior year of high school and it was only a small percentage of our grade so as long as I worked on everything else I managed to pass so I could graduate. It wasn't easy and I was called out a few times by the teacher because she could tell who was reading and who wasn't. But, she was nice enough not to embarrass those who were not reading. She would pull us aside and talk to us.
And, I tried. I really did. But, for whatever reason, I could not finish this book.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
One of the hardest books for me to read in school was Lord of the Flies. It's about a group of boys who crash on an island and form a tribe to survive. I hated this book. The writing, the pacing, everything about it. I refused to read it.
Some of the assignments was group work so I managed to squeak by with those by staying quiet and nodding. The rest I think I just half-assed and bombed. It was my senior year of high school and it was only a small percentage of our grade so as long as I worked on everything else I managed to pass so I could graduate. It wasn't easy and I was called out a few times by the teacher because she could tell who was reading and who wasn't. But, she was nice enough not to embarrass those who were not reading. She would pull us aside and talk to us.
And, I tried. I really did. But, for whatever reason, I could not finish this book.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 9
Prompt of the Day-Write a story about a time that you were injured, whether it was a small injury or a more serious one. How did you deal with the problem and what kind of medical attention did you receive?
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
Since my birthday was a few weeks ago, this topic is perfect. Just before my 18th birthday, I was hit in the head by a line drive hit by my sister. It was a complete accident but it hurt and I did have to go to the hospital.
It was a nice spring day and she and I were playing outside for a few hours before I had to go to work. She wanted to practice a little because she was joining a summer softball league that year. All I could do was slow pitch but it was a nice day so I agreed to help. Our neighbor, and her friend since she was about 2, was baby sitting this brat of a boy and he stood across the street calling us names. We ignored him but I could tell my sister's blood was beginning to boil. I pitched, she hit, and clonk! Knocked me right in the forehead on the right-hand side of my head. I dropped to my knees, crying. She ran over to me, crying and apologizing, and she helped me into the house. I had a huge lump on my head so my parents got me an ice pack and drove me to the local Emergency Room.
I had to get x-rays to make sure I didn't have a concussion. We waited for what seemed like forever before being finally admitted. I was told to call off work that night and the next day to be safe and to keep ice on my head.
The swelling took almost a week to completely go away. But, this was a plus because when I went back to work 2 days later I forgot my medical note. The manager where I worked was a bee-yatch and yelled at me about it. I got mad, pointed to my, still swollen, head where you could see the seams from the ball, and said, "Is this enough of a note for now? I'll bring it next time I work." She just kind of gaped at me and I went back to work.
Years later, we laugh about this. But, I know it was an accident. I'm just a little more cautious when I play ball with her. :)
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
Since my birthday was a few weeks ago, this topic is perfect. Just before my 18th birthday, I was hit in the head by a line drive hit by my sister. It was a complete accident but it hurt and I did have to go to the hospital.
It was a nice spring day and she and I were playing outside for a few hours before I had to go to work. She wanted to practice a little because she was joining a summer softball league that year. All I could do was slow pitch but it was a nice day so I agreed to help. Our neighbor, and her friend since she was about 2, was baby sitting this brat of a boy and he stood across the street calling us names. We ignored him but I could tell my sister's blood was beginning to boil. I pitched, she hit, and clonk! Knocked me right in the forehead on the right-hand side of my head. I dropped to my knees, crying. She ran over to me, crying and apologizing, and she helped me into the house. I had a huge lump on my head so my parents got me an ice pack and drove me to the local Emergency Room.
I had to get x-rays to make sure I didn't have a concussion. We waited for what seemed like forever before being finally admitted. I was told to call off work that night and the next day to be safe and to keep ice on my head.
The swelling took almost a week to completely go away. But, this was a plus because when I went back to work 2 days later I forgot my medical note. The manager where I worked was a bee-yatch and yelled at me about it. I got mad, pointed to my, still swollen, head where you could see the seams from the ball, and said, "Is this enough of a note for now? I'll bring it next time I work." She just kind of gaped at me and I went back to work.
Years later, we laugh about this. But, I know it was an accident. I'm just a little more cautious when I play ball with her. :)
Monday, June 8, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 8
Prompt of the Day- Reality TV dominated in the 2000s with shows like Survivor and The Hills. Do you think you'd ever want to be on a reality show? If so, which show would you pick and why? If not, why do you think reality shows are so popular?
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts volume 2" by Bryan Cohen
I don't think I could survive a reality show. I'd probably run my mouth and get kicked off. I think they're stupid and they're not real at all.
But, I think a reason they're so popular is the same reason movies and other television is popular. It's a temporary escape from life. When you're having a bad day, you watch people struggle on an island or try to get through Hell's Kitchen and you think, "Okay, my life isn't so bad." Or, in the case of movies or a good book, you can temporarily place yourself in a fantasy world and leave the stress of your life behind for at least a few hours.
I don't understand the draw of some reality shows, really. And, unless it's a competition show, I usually don't watch it.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts volume 2" by Bryan Cohen
I don't think I could survive a reality show. I'd probably run my mouth and get kicked off. I think they're stupid and they're not real at all.
But, I think a reason they're so popular is the same reason movies and other television is popular. It's a temporary escape from life. When you're having a bad day, you watch people struggle on an island or try to get through Hell's Kitchen and you think, "Okay, my life isn't so bad." Or, in the case of movies or a good book, you can temporarily place yourself in a fantasy world and leave the stress of your life behind for at least a few hours.
I don't understand the draw of some reality shows, really. And, unless it's a competition show, I usually don't watch it.
Sunday, June 7, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 7
Prompt of the Day- You have been given a magical ability to heal various wounds and illnesses. How do you go about implementing your power throughout your family and community?
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
This is easy. I would cure all autoimmune diseases. No more rheumatoid arthritis. No more fibromyalgia. No more MS. And the list goes on. These "silent diseases" are painful both physically and emotionally, mostly because they are so misunderstood. A person, for example with RA, does not have many visible symptoms. At least, at first. But, the fatigue and pain are evident and it is very hard to deal with some days.
And, the thing with autoimmune diseases is they can strike at any age. Even children! I'm on a few Facebook groups and I've seen parents post about watching their child in pain and not being able to help. Or, having to give them treatments that cause horrible side effects just so they can go to school. It's one of the reasons I'm so terrified about having children of my own. What if I pass this on to them? I know it can't be helped but I would feel so horrible.
I would also cure cancer. I've had several relatives die of cancer. It is a devastating and wasting illness if not caught in time and treated. And, sometimes, it can't be treated. I never want to see people go through that.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
This is easy. I would cure all autoimmune diseases. No more rheumatoid arthritis. No more fibromyalgia. No more MS. And the list goes on. These "silent diseases" are painful both physically and emotionally, mostly because they are so misunderstood. A person, for example with RA, does not have many visible symptoms. At least, at first. But, the fatigue and pain are evident and it is very hard to deal with some days.
And, the thing with autoimmune diseases is they can strike at any age. Even children! I'm on a few Facebook groups and I've seen parents post about watching their child in pain and not being able to help. Or, having to give them treatments that cause horrible side effects just so they can go to school. It's one of the reasons I'm so terrified about having children of my own. What if I pass this on to them? I know it can't be helped but I would feel so horrible.
I would also cure cancer. I've had several relatives die of cancer. It is a devastating and wasting illness if not caught in time and treated. And, sometimes, it can't be treated. I never want to see people go through that.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 6
Prompt of the Day- Summer Bucket List- Top 5
Since it's June, that means summer! I came up with a list of things I want to do/places to visit/goals to accomplish by the end of summer.
1) Finish publishing "Witches of Coolersville"- This is top priority. Need to do it. I've been planning this since January. Gotta get on it.
2) Visit the beach... a lot- I love the beach! Once Lake Erie is warm enough, I'll be there and swimming as often as I can.
3) Go places I've never been- Even though I've lived in Ohio my whole life, there are many places I've never seen. My boyfriend wants to show me where he went to school. There are area wineries I want to try. I need to get out in the world more!
4) Get healthy- About a week ago, I started walking with one of my friends. We started with a mile and a half round trip and are slowly working our way more and more each time. It's so much fun. We walk and talk and laugh and the more I do it the better I feel. I want to be able to get in shape to dance at my sister's wedding next year and not be in pain the next day. I can do this!
5) Keep writing- It's been a slow start to my sequel book. But, July Camp NaNoWriMo is coming up and I'll be ready... hopefully.
That's my top 5 summer goals! I'll probably talk about more as time goes on. But, that's what I came up with for now.
Since it's June, that means summer! I came up with a list of things I want to do/places to visit/goals to accomplish by the end of summer.
1) Finish publishing "Witches of Coolersville"- This is top priority. Need to do it. I've been planning this since January. Gotta get on it.
2) Visit the beach... a lot- I love the beach! Once Lake Erie is warm enough, I'll be there and swimming as often as I can.
3) Go places I've never been- Even though I've lived in Ohio my whole life, there are many places I've never seen. My boyfriend wants to show me where he went to school. There are area wineries I want to try. I need to get out in the world more!
4) Get healthy- About a week ago, I started walking with one of my friends. We started with a mile and a half round trip and are slowly working our way more and more each time. It's so much fun. We walk and talk and laugh and the more I do it the better I feel. I want to be able to get in shape to dance at my sister's wedding next year and not be in pain the next day. I can do this!
5) Keep writing- It's been a slow start to my sequel book. But, July Camp NaNoWriMo is coming up and I'll be ready... hopefully.
That's my top 5 summer goals! I'll probably talk about more as time goes on. But, that's what I came up with for now.
Friday, June 5, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 5
Prompt of the Day-How does writing fit into your life? Is it a hobby, a profession, a dream, or something else? Write about this priority and if you would like to shift it at some point.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
Writing is currently a hobby and a dream to be able to do it professionally. Every time I ever changed my mind about what career I wanted, I always circled back to writing. It's what I really love to do and I've always done since I was little. Between my novels, blogs, and private diaries, it seems I'm always writing something or thinking about writing. Sometimes I can't fall asleep until I write something. Even if it's just notes or rough ideas about something. My muse will not rest until I get it on paper or screen.
I am in the process of publishing my first novella. My friend and I are making final touches to the cover and then I can upload to CreateSpace and complete the process. Not going to lie. This terrifies me. I've been thinking about it for so long and now that it is finally happening I don't know what to do with myself. I know the work of promoting it begins. I've been doing that for a long time. I just hope people haven't stopped taking me seriously that this will actually happen. I've had so many delays.
I will continue to write. For the simple fact that I love it and want to share my stories and thoughts with the world. But, if I can make a living off it, bonus.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
Writing is currently a hobby and a dream to be able to do it professionally. Every time I ever changed my mind about what career I wanted, I always circled back to writing. It's what I really love to do and I've always done since I was little. Between my novels, blogs, and private diaries, it seems I'm always writing something or thinking about writing. Sometimes I can't fall asleep until I write something. Even if it's just notes or rough ideas about something. My muse will not rest until I get it on paper or screen.
I am in the process of publishing my first novella. My friend and I are making final touches to the cover and then I can upload to CreateSpace and complete the process. Not going to lie. This terrifies me. I've been thinking about it for so long and now that it is finally happening I don't know what to do with myself. I know the work of promoting it begins. I've been doing that for a long time. I just hope people haven't stopped taking me seriously that this will actually happen. I've had so many delays.
I will continue to write. For the simple fact that I love it and want to share my stories and thoughts with the world. But, if I can make a living off it, bonus.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 4
Prompt of the Day-If time is money, what do you deserve to be paid per hour and why?
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
How about if stress is money? That would be a much more accurate statement. Since my day job is grocery retail, I deal with people all day long. Most of them are pretty good. I have a few regulars. But, at least once a day, you get that one person that tends to spoil your whole day because they are rude, unsatisfied with something insignificant, or just plain stupid and lacking in common sense. I'm surprised I haven't needed therapy with some of the crap I deal with.
After deductions, I come home with about $8/hour. This barely covers bills and living for me sometimes and it's certainly not worth the headaches and aggravation I have to deal with on a near daily basis. And, I am not alone in this. I know many of my coworkers feel the same. I think we should make at least double what we make now. It would not only help with minimal expenses, but people would have money to spare to go shopping, save to buy a house or rent an apartment, buy a car, invest in maybe going back to school. Or, better yet, take a much deserved vacation to recover from daily insanity.
But, that's just my opinion. :)
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
How about if stress is money? That would be a much more accurate statement. Since my day job is grocery retail, I deal with people all day long. Most of them are pretty good. I have a few regulars. But, at least once a day, you get that one person that tends to spoil your whole day because they are rude, unsatisfied with something insignificant, or just plain stupid and lacking in common sense. I'm surprised I haven't needed therapy with some of the crap I deal with.
After deductions, I come home with about $8/hour. This barely covers bills and living for me sometimes and it's certainly not worth the headaches and aggravation I have to deal with on a near daily basis. And, I am not alone in this. I know many of my coworkers feel the same. I think we should make at least double what we make now. It would not only help with minimal expenses, but people would have money to spare to go shopping, save to buy a house or rent an apartment, buy a car, invest in maybe going back to school. Or, better yet, take a much deserved vacation to recover from daily insanity.
But, that's just my opinion. :)
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 3
Prompt of the Day- "When I was a child, I wanted to grow up to be..."
Source- Pinterest.com
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up to be so many things. I wanted to be an ice skater because my Grandmother was always watching it on television and it looked like fun.
I wanted to be a teacher. I had an English teacher in 7th grade who I just adored. She kept the class interesting and introduced me to "To Kill A Mockingbird" by reading it to us for fun when we got our work done.
I wanted to travel for a living. Not sure what I'd do, exactly. Or, maybe it was from that same teacher because she had posters of all the places she traveled on school breaks plastering her walls.
I think, at one point, I thought of being a doctor but I'm not good at science... or math.
But, every time I changed my mind, something always brought me back to writing. And, here I am, writing this blog and working on my second novel while my first is in the process of being published.
Source- Pinterest.com
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up to be so many things. I wanted to be an ice skater because my Grandmother was always watching it on television and it looked like fun.
I wanted to be a teacher. I had an English teacher in 7th grade who I just adored. She kept the class interesting and introduced me to "To Kill A Mockingbird" by reading it to us for fun when we got our work done.
I wanted to travel for a living. Not sure what I'd do, exactly. Or, maybe it was from that same teacher because she had posters of all the places she traveled on school breaks plastering her walls.
I think, at one point, I thought of being a doctor but I'm not good at science... or math.
But, every time I changed my mind, something always brought me back to writing. And, here I am, writing this blog and working on my second novel while my first is in the process of being published.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 2
Prompt of the Day-You have been given a huge raise. I'm talking double the money you're making right now. What do you do with your new found cash flow?
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
If I could make double what I'm at right now, life would be so much easier! Oh, the things I could do making $16 compared to $8/hr.
First, I'd start paying off my medical bills. My little stint in the hospital last summer cost quite a lot, even after insurance. Throw in any more tests and doctor visits since and upcoming, and I'm pretty deep in the red. I probably couldn't do it all at once. It would take time to pay it all off. But, at least I could do something more than I can now and feel more at ease about bills being sent to a collection agency.
Next, I'd help my boyfriend fix up the house. I could help with rent more once I move in completely. This will help with the house renovations. His back deck is falling apart and the kitchen needs an upgrade. (Like a bigger oven so I don't burn my hand again when baking) Or, better yet, we could look for a new house of our own. Then, I could have my own office with lots of shelf space!
I could save for more traveling! ComicCon in September, going back to Oregon, Boy and I going to Washington DC, maybe a weekend long bachelorette party for my sister next year.
I'd get a gym membership- somewhere with a pool and open 24 hours. There's one by where I used to go to school and it's nice but very expensive.
I could work on marketing and attend arts festivals to promote my books.
Best of all, I could go shopping! Clothes, music, books, new computer and filming equipment.
Sadly, at the rate I get raises at my current job, it would be another 32 years before I make that much.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
If I could make double what I'm at right now, life would be so much easier! Oh, the things I could do making $16 compared to $8/hr.
First, I'd start paying off my medical bills. My little stint in the hospital last summer cost quite a lot, even after insurance. Throw in any more tests and doctor visits since and upcoming, and I'm pretty deep in the red. I probably couldn't do it all at once. It would take time to pay it all off. But, at least I could do something more than I can now and feel more at ease about bills being sent to a collection agency.
Next, I'd help my boyfriend fix up the house. I could help with rent more once I move in completely. This will help with the house renovations. His back deck is falling apart and the kitchen needs an upgrade. (Like a bigger oven so I don't burn my hand again when baking) Or, better yet, we could look for a new house of our own. Then, I could have my own office with lots of shelf space!
I could save for more traveling! ComicCon in September, going back to Oregon, Boy and I going to Washington DC, maybe a weekend long bachelorette party for my sister next year.
I'd get a gym membership- somewhere with a pool and open 24 hours. There's one by where I used to go to school and it's nice but very expensive.
I could work on marketing and attend arts festivals to promote my books.
Best of all, I could go shopping! Clothes, music, books, new computer and filming equipment.
Sadly, at the rate I get raises at my current job, it would be another 32 years before I make that much.
Monday, June 1, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 1
Prompt of the Day-What is your favorite birthday and why? Who was there? Did you have a party? What presents did you get? Be very specific about what made it so special.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
Turning 25 is a milestone we all want to remember. You've hit a quarter of a century. You feel pretty secure in the direction of your life. Some of us have already started families by this time. Some have a great career. While others are getting over having their heart ripped out of their chest and stomped on.
That was me. Two days before my 25th birthday, I had broken up with a guy I had been with for nearly 3 years. Good times. I came home, cried in my dad's arms, and then my sister and our mutual best friend, Carrie, took me out. We went to Applebees and I had my first Long Island Iced Tea and we boy bashed for most of the night. As we talked, I realized the break-up was going to happen anyway and it was for the better. Had I known then what I know now, I would have realized that I would find someone so much better that I want to spend the rest of my life with, who actually respects me, and shares the same values. Sometimes you need those lows in life to help appreciate the highs even more.
On the day of my birthday, we went to a Chinese buffet with my family. My mom's 2 best friends joined us, too, which is always a great time. My friend, Kate, also joined us. And, so did Carrie. After dinner, we went back home for cake and presents. Carrie and Kate came along and we lit a bonfire. This is where the fun started. I had spent the previous day gathering scrapbook pages and pictures of that former relationship so I could burn them. I also had a sweatshirt of his from high school he had given me so that was burned as well.
After we burned that stuff, it was time for cake. I wish I still had pictures but they were lost because of a virus but the cake was an interesting sight. It was warm that day so the icing was melting and it looked like a waterfall. Because I had so many candles, my dad pretended he needed a blow torch to light them all. Ha ha. -__- I got some pretty amazing presents. New laptop, which is now my old laptop because I still have it but, hopefully, not for long. Beautiful digital camera that I still use because it takes wonderful pictures. I have to get the ultimate lithium batteries because it eats through regular ones like Santa eats cookies but it's worth it. I also got a photo editing program similar to photoshop but I no longer have it because I never reinstalled it after my laptop got a virus earlier this spring. That will change when I eventually get a new laptop. I want Adobe Illustrator so I can work on my own book covers. And, Photoshop as well.
A few days later, I had a party with all my close friends. An acquaintance of my dad had a shop where he sold DJ equipment. He also had party rooms that people could rent out and have karaoke parties. That's what I wanted for my birthday that year. May is an unpredictable weather time here in Ohio so anything outdoors is hit or miss. I wanted something different so I booked a room and invited a bunch of people and it was so much fun. What's nice about having parties like that with just friends is people are more inclined to grab the microphone. If it's just a group you know and you're just goofing off, then you're more comfortable.
So, despite the rough start to the week, it turned out pretty amazing. I cried, I laughed, I learned I can move on with life because I have the support of my friends and family and 6 years later as I continue in the newest decade of my life I still have friends and family backing me. I'm with the real love of my life. And, I'm pretty happy in the direction I'm headed.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
Turning 25 is a milestone we all want to remember. You've hit a quarter of a century. You feel pretty secure in the direction of your life. Some of us have already started families by this time. Some have a great career. While others are getting over having their heart ripped out of their chest and stomped on.
That was me. Two days before my 25th birthday, I had broken up with a guy I had been with for nearly 3 years. Good times. I came home, cried in my dad's arms, and then my sister and our mutual best friend, Carrie, took me out. We went to Applebees and I had my first Long Island Iced Tea and we boy bashed for most of the night. As we talked, I realized the break-up was going to happen anyway and it was for the better. Had I known then what I know now, I would have realized that I would find someone so much better that I want to spend the rest of my life with, who actually respects me, and shares the same values. Sometimes you need those lows in life to help appreciate the highs even more.
On the day of my birthday, we went to a Chinese buffet with my family. My mom's 2 best friends joined us, too, which is always a great time. My friend, Kate, also joined us. And, so did Carrie. After dinner, we went back home for cake and presents. Carrie and Kate came along and we lit a bonfire. This is where the fun started. I had spent the previous day gathering scrapbook pages and pictures of that former relationship so I could burn them. I also had a sweatshirt of his from high school he had given me so that was burned as well.
After we burned that stuff, it was time for cake. I wish I still had pictures but they were lost because of a virus but the cake was an interesting sight. It was warm that day so the icing was melting and it looked like a waterfall. Because I had so many candles, my dad pretended he needed a blow torch to light them all. Ha ha. -__- I got some pretty amazing presents. New laptop, which is now my old laptop because I still have it but, hopefully, not for long. Beautiful digital camera that I still use because it takes wonderful pictures. I have to get the ultimate lithium batteries because it eats through regular ones like Santa eats cookies but it's worth it. I also got a photo editing program similar to photoshop but I no longer have it because I never reinstalled it after my laptop got a virus earlier this spring. That will change when I eventually get a new laptop. I want Adobe Illustrator so I can work on my own book covers. And, Photoshop as well.
A few days later, I had a party with all my close friends. An acquaintance of my dad had a shop where he sold DJ equipment. He also had party rooms that people could rent out and have karaoke parties. That's what I wanted for my birthday that year. May is an unpredictable weather time here in Ohio so anything outdoors is hit or miss. I wanted something different so I booked a room and invited a bunch of people and it was so much fun. What's nice about having parties like that with just friends is people are more inclined to grab the microphone. If it's just a group you know and you're just goofing off, then you're more comfortable.
So, despite the rough start to the week, it turned out pretty amazing. I cried, I laughed, I learned I can move on with life because I have the support of my friends and family and 6 years later as I continue in the newest decade of my life I still have friends and family backing me. I'm with the real love of my life. And, I'm pretty happy in the direction I'm headed.
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