Ah, Wednesday. Standing at the top of the hill looking down is an awesome sight. If I look behind me there is a pile of stuff back there. Best be careful and not tip over or I'll end up back at the bottom!
But forward, well, it's a steep road down. I don't have much head for heights anymore. (Me the tree climbler and roof runner. That's another day's story.) And there is just as much stuff on the downhill side as there was on the uphill side. Thing just go faster on the downhill side. I just have to check the wheels on my skates. Yep, they are running smooth as silk. It isn't my equipment but the debris in the road that is the killer!
We had a case manager leave and they distributed her case load between the five remaining case managers. That leave me with 365 case files. In additiion to the landlord accounts. I've getting buried quickly, particularly since the girl who left has files no one wanted because they are such a mess.
However, God gave me this job a long time ago and as long as I am here I guess He still wants me to do it. So, {rolling up sleeves and pushing back hair} here goes.
Several have said a prayer for me and I do appreciate it. My husband suggested I stay home today and it sounded nice. But no sick time! So, here I am at the top of the hill. My pain level has been horrible. My back is in pretty bad shape today. It has been building for several days and last night it was at the point I considered going to the doctor. Shoulders are bad, particularly the left. My knees, oddly enough, are much better. I guess the Y helped on Monday night. They just are very stiff. I lower legs feel as if I have shin splints but LOL, I haven't done anything to cause it! I need to go back tonight but my back really is not good at all and has spread from the lower back all the way to my shoulders. What is it like? Hmmmm, someone took a rolling pin and pounded me on the back with it, all but the place in my lower back that feels like a knife is sticking in it.
Ok enough of the complaints. I hate whining over aches and pains but some days this is the only place to pour it out. And some things are better for you if you pour it out rather than keep in it.
I got my leave approved for Christmas. I have 11, count them, ELEVEN days off. I just took three vacation between Christmas and New Years. When I get off on December 21, I don't have to be back here until January 2, 2008!
I wasn't going to take it because of all the work but I finally decided it was going to be here whether or not I am here. It isn't going anywhere. So, I'll be taking that vacation time.
So, with all that said, I'll start my journey down the hill. Someone move that log out of the way! Here I go! YeeeeeeeeeHaaaaaaaawwwwwww!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Beyond Endurance
Somehow a rainy Monday is a nice way to start a week. I always like waking up on Monday to rain. I know, that's crazy but it seems to me such an awful day must have a redeeming quality if it starts with rain. There is something cozy about rain and any day with rain feels less painful.
Although, today and all weekend the rain has probably been the reason for my elevated pain levels. I have a doctor's appt this morning at my rheumatologist, not that it will do any good. I wish I could wear a heated coat.
I took four hours vacation time for this morning so I could do this appointment but probably won't need it all. I will go in to work as soon as it is over and spend the rest of the day doing work I should have done on Saturday.
I sat on the edge of my bed this morning an realized what my problem, well at least one of my problems is. I've been praying for strength for years. And you know, I have people tell me, "You are so strong. I don't know how you handle all you are handling. I couldn't do it." I realized, sitting on the edge of my rumpled bed in my p.j.s that the way you gain strength is by adding weight. Each time you reach a comfort level, you add weight. Once you can lift that weight comfrotably, you add more. Duh! Basic weight training.
The strange thing about all this realization stuff is that I went to bed praying to understand what was wrong. I was asking for answers to questions to which God never seems to respond. But when I woke up, the answer was there. You see, every time something got heavy, I'd pray for strength. The load only got heavier. I never prayed for patience, but when you are carrying a heavy load, patience is required so it is a secondary effect of the training. It takes time to build strength. Patience isn't a problem when strength is the goal.
It was at that point in my revelation that I decided now's a good time to stop praying for strength. I'm tired. I don't want to lift any more weight. I want someone else to carry the load for a while. I don't want to bear anyone's burden. I don't want to solve anyone's problem. I don't want to carry anyone. I want a place to rest and sit down while someone else gets strong, I don't even want to be strong anymore. Every weight trainer has a limit. You can work toward that limit and even strive to go beyond it but there is a point in time when the body builder reaches a maximum limit. They can do irreparable damage trying to go beyond their enduance.
So now, my body is breaking down from the weight. I can't carry any thing else. The result of too much weight is stress. The stress is probably the biggest factor in the pain I have. When I am off work for any length of time, I feel better in 24 hours. When I take a vacation from my family I feel better in 24 hours.
So, I guess I got an answer. I don't know if it is what I wanted to hear but at least I understand the cause. I just don't know how to fix any of it. Story of my life. When that happens, I've always asked for strength.
Not today.
Although, today and all weekend the rain has probably been the reason for my elevated pain levels. I have a doctor's appt this morning at my rheumatologist, not that it will do any good. I wish I could wear a heated coat.
I took four hours vacation time for this morning so I could do this appointment but probably won't need it all. I will go in to work as soon as it is over and spend the rest of the day doing work I should have done on Saturday.
I sat on the edge of my bed this morning an realized what my problem, well at least one of my problems is. I've been praying for strength for years. And you know, I have people tell me, "You are so strong. I don't know how you handle all you are handling. I couldn't do it." I realized, sitting on the edge of my rumpled bed in my p.j.s that the way you gain strength is by adding weight. Each time you reach a comfort level, you add weight. Once you can lift that weight comfrotably, you add more. Duh! Basic weight training.
The strange thing about all this realization stuff is that I went to bed praying to understand what was wrong. I was asking for answers to questions to which God never seems to respond. But when I woke up, the answer was there. You see, every time something got heavy, I'd pray for strength. The load only got heavier. I never prayed for patience, but when you are carrying a heavy load, patience is required so it is a secondary effect of the training. It takes time to build strength. Patience isn't a problem when strength is the goal.
It was at that point in my revelation that I decided now's a good time to stop praying for strength. I'm tired. I don't want to lift any more weight. I want someone else to carry the load for a while. I don't want to bear anyone's burden. I don't want to solve anyone's problem. I don't want to carry anyone. I want a place to rest and sit down while someone else gets strong, I don't even want to be strong anymore. Every weight trainer has a limit. You can work toward that limit and even strive to go beyond it but there is a point in time when the body builder reaches a maximum limit. They can do irreparable damage trying to go beyond their enduance.
So now, my body is breaking down from the weight. I can't carry any thing else. The result of too much weight is stress. The stress is probably the biggest factor in the pain I have. When I am off work for any length of time, I feel better in 24 hours. When I take a vacation from my family I feel better in 24 hours.
So, I guess I got an answer. I don't know if it is what I wanted to hear but at least I understand the cause. I just don't know how to fix any of it. Story of my life. When that happens, I've always asked for strength.
Not today.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Achey, Breaky Body
I've been busy all week and today I was supposed to work. However, when I woke at 7 a.m. to get up, I couldn't. I hurt all over. I rolled over and thought I'd go in a bit later, when I could move. I got up around 9 a.m. but still felt terrible so I just lay down on the sofa and went back to sleep. I slept until noon! Lazy bag of achy bones.
Anyway, I got up and did a load of dishes and then went out shopping for a very short time, looking for the kids Christmas presents. I bought for Sarah but found nothing else for anyone. I just don't know what to get them. I came home, and then my sister came by around 7 p.m. and we went to Sears where I preceeded to buy the skirts I needed. Bought four and got them all at about half off. Still too expensive but at least I have some things to wear to work for a bit until I can get others. Nice to see I could wear a 16 in a skirt. My top is still pushing an 18+.
Well, it is after midnight and I am going to get to bed. I still ache in places but I believe cold wet weather is my enemy. I have a heating pad in the bed to warm where I put my feet and I think this has helped me in the mornings since my feet are not hurting as much. Go figure.
Night all!
Anyway, I got up and did a load of dishes and then went out shopping for a very short time, looking for the kids Christmas presents. I bought for Sarah but found nothing else for anyone. I just don't know what to get them. I came home, and then my sister came by around 7 p.m. and we went to Sears where I preceeded to buy the skirts I needed. Bought four and got them all at about half off. Still too expensive but at least I have some things to wear to work for a bit until I can get others. Nice to see I could wear a 16 in a skirt. My top is still pushing an 18+.
Well, it is after midnight and I am going to get to bed. I still ache in places but I believe cold wet weather is my enemy. I have a heating pad in the bed to warm where I put my feet and I think this has helped me in the mornings since my feet are not hurting as much. Go figure.
Night all!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Autum Leaves
It finally arrived. The cold, biting chill of Winter arrived on my doorstep, hautily huffing and puffing its way in, just like a rude vagabond looking for a handout. The pouring rain Sunday was a tearful Autumn bidding farewell and by Sunday night, Old Man Winter had arrived in full force and began to unpack his bags. Until then, he'd only stuck his nose in brifely to find Autumn stubbornly clinging. It was a sad parting and I will miss Autumn. But I'm certain she'll return. Spring will arrive and run the old man out of town on a rail.
National Novel Writing Month ended just before Autumn caught the last train. So, all in all, it was an exciting month for me. I miss NaNoWriMo, too.
So, here we are, in the midst of a chill following the thrill. I find myself excited about moving forward on some things. I want to work on Mist and move the story forward. I also want to pull out a story I started some time ago that has morphed a bit. It's called Dark Mountains and my unnamed 2006 NaNoWriMo is the sequel that. So, a lot of stuff to work on in that department.
I also need to make some clothes. I have reached a point that I'm beginning to wear out the skirts I bought. . . well, I'm embarrassed to say how long ago, but let's just say they are no longer fit to work in. In my job I have to look fairly professional and I wear black skirts a lot. So, must either buy them or make them. I want to sew for Sarah so I can sew for me while I am at it.
Christmas is weeks away and I have to put up the tree. I suspect I won't have any Christmas time off. I asked for three days but even if they are approved, I may not take it. I will be completely out of vacation time if I do and I'm not comfortable with that. We'll just have to see.
Thus begins December. I'll be busy and ready for the approaching new year. I suspect it to be a year of changes and surprises. Keep dropping by and see what happens.
National Novel Writing Month ended just before Autumn caught the last train. So, all in all, it was an exciting month for me. I miss NaNoWriMo, too.
So, here we are, in the midst of a chill following the thrill. I find myself excited about moving forward on some things. I want to work on Mist and move the story forward. I also want to pull out a story I started some time ago that has morphed a bit. It's called Dark Mountains and my unnamed 2006 NaNoWriMo is the sequel that. So, a lot of stuff to work on in that department.
I also need to make some clothes. I have reached a point that I'm beginning to wear out the skirts I bought. . . well, I'm embarrassed to say how long ago, but let's just say they are no longer fit to work in. In my job I have to look fairly professional and I wear black skirts a lot. So, must either buy them or make them. I want to sew for Sarah so I can sew for me while I am at it.
Christmas is weeks away and I have to put up the tree. I suspect I won't have any Christmas time off. I asked for three days but even if they are approved, I may not take it. I will be completely out of vacation time if I do and I'm not comfortable with that. We'll just have to see.
Thus begins December. I'll be busy and ready for the approaching new year. I suspect it to be a year of changes and surprises. Keep dropping by and see what happens.
Monday, December 3, 2007
T'is The Season
It is so neat the way everyone is trying on new holiday backgrounds in their blogs. Some of us are copying each other's backgrounds. For women, it is a bit annoying for another woman to show up somewhere wearing the same dress as another. I hope copying blog backgrounds doesn't cause the same annoyance. The first time it happened to me, my nose was a but out of joint but then I realized that all these nice extras multiply provides is why I love it. And the people creating the backgrounds are willingly sharing them. How generous to give your work away! So I went an copied someone else's background.
This morning, I visited my friend, Skeeter's blog and found she was dealing with the old Christmas tree/pagan idol thing. It is an interesting argument and one that has been around for decades. I think she and her husband have worked it out.
We had a tree at Christmas all my life but I was never under any impression other than my family celebrates Christmas because it is the day we honor the birth of Jesus Christ, our savior. We can't know exactly what day he was born on so, someone used a day, widely celebrated at the time, to mark the most momentous event in history. I think that overshadowed whatever the pagan ritual was back then.
But there will always be people who feel strongly about Christmas trees. Not too long ago I found that Christmas trees are actually mentioned in the Bible. Oh, they aren't called that but when you read it you won't have any problem understanding what it is talking about. Frankly, I always check the Word for any confusion I have on any matter. I've read all the other scriptures people tout as proof that God hates Christmas trees and that to have one you are worshiping an idol. I don't particularly feel that way.
But for those of you confused by the issues, for those who think they know the all the answers, for those who haven't decided but kind of lean toward getting rid of tree, for those who haven't decided but kind of lean toward keeping or getting a tree here is what Jeremiah says. I used the New King James Version but you can take a quick trip over to Biblegateway.com and use any translation you like.
Jeremiah 10:1-5
1 Hear the word which the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel.
2 Thus says the LORD:
“ Do not learn the way of the Gentiles;
Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven,
For the Gentiles are dismayed at them.
3 For the customs of the peoples are futile;
For one cuts a tree from the forest,
The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax.
4 They decorate it with silver and gold;
They fasten it with nails and hammers
So that it will not topple.
5 They are upright, like a palm tree,
And they cannot speak;
They must be carried,
Because they cannot go by themselves.
Do not be afraid of them,
For they cannot do evil,
Nor can they do any good.”
Jeremiah had seen the trees, too. To him it was just a silly tree, he said futile which mean pointless, with no power to do anything. Of course, maybe they didn't plug their's in...
So for those of you against trees, that's all right. Just stop quoting what you think is a prohibition. You can put up all your nativity scenes and let the world know what Jesus Christ means to you.
Of course, if you insist that your intrepretation of "Christmas tree sin" is right, you might want to consider another scripture, just to be totally right. Those little nativity scenes you put up instead of a tree... they are graven images. The Bible is pretty clear on those.
Personally, it is those stupid blowups of Frost the Snowman with the lightbulb inside that I find a sin.
This morning, I visited my friend, Skeeter's blog and found she was dealing with the old Christmas tree/pagan idol thing. It is an interesting argument and one that has been around for decades. I think she and her husband have worked it out.
We had a tree at Christmas all my life but I was never under any impression other than my family celebrates Christmas because it is the day we honor the birth of Jesus Christ, our savior. We can't know exactly what day he was born on so, someone used a day, widely celebrated at the time, to mark the most momentous event in history. I think that overshadowed whatever the pagan ritual was back then.
But there will always be people who feel strongly about Christmas trees. Not too long ago I found that Christmas trees are actually mentioned in the Bible. Oh, they aren't called that but when you read it you won't have any problem understanding what it is talking about. Frankly, I always check the Word for any confusion I have on any matter. I've read all the other scriptures people tout as proof that God hates Christmas trees and that to have one you are worshiping an idol. I don't particularly feel that way.
But for those of you confused by the issues, for those who think they know the all the answers, for those who haven't decided but kind of lean toward getting rid of tree, for those who haven't decided but kind of lean toward keeping or getting a tree here is what Jeremiah says. I used the New King James Version but you can take a quick trip over to Biblegateway.com and use any translation you like.
Jeremiah 10:1-5
1 Hear the word which the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel.
2 Thus says the LORD:
“ Do not learn the way of the Gentiles;
Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven,
For the Gentiles are dismayed at them.
3 For the customs of the peoples are futile;
For one cuts a tree from the forest,
The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax.
4 They decorate it with silver and gold;
They fasten it with nails and hammers
So that it will not topple.
5 They are upright, like a palm tree,
And they cannot speak;
They must be carried,
Because they cannot go by themselves.
Do not be afraid of them,
For they cannot do evil,
Nor can they do any good.”
Jeremiah had seen the trees, too. To him it was just a silly tree, he said futile which mean pointless, with no power to do anything. Of course, maybe they didn't plug their's in...
So for those of you against trees, that's all right. Just stop quoting what you think is a prohibition. You can put up all your nativity scenes and let the world know what Jesus Christ means to you.
Of course, if you insist that your intrepretation of "Christmas tree sin" is right, you might want to consider another scripture, just to be totally right. Those little nativity scenes you put up instead of a tree... they are graven images. The Bible is pretty clear on those.
Personally, it is those stupid blowups of Frost the Snowman with the lightbulb inside that I find a sin.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Uneventful Weekend
The weekend is over and was rather uneventful. I am so glad I was able to go to church tonight. I didn't get to go this morning as I intended. I kept Sarah last night and she kept me up most of the night. Every hour she woke up crying and I had to get up and settle her down. I put her to bed with me and she rolled all over the bed when she slept! She's busy even in her sleep! So, by 9 a.m. I was exhausted and could barely sit up. I got up and thought about church but I fed Sarah and put her down on the floor to play and I went to sleep on the couch with her in front of me. She eventually came and climbed on top of me and went to sleep, too.
But I did go tonight. I was so good to be back. I was surprised when my assistant pastor read an email he got last week. When he started it I thought, I've read that then I realized, it was my blog post about Black Friday and called A House of Worship! I chuckled but kept quiet. At the end he told everyone who wrote it. It was very nice to hear someone appreciate something you wrote.
After church, my son was telling me that he and the sound guy were listening and David told the sound guy, "Someone has too much time on their hands." At the end, when they told who wrote it, David said, "Oh." I cracked up when I heard it. It was so like David to speak first and ask questions later.
I rained all day today,hard and I just knew that it was going to turn cold. It has! It was 55 this today and rather warm when we got to church at 6 p.m.. Right now, it is 36! I will hate having to go in to work in this cold!
Well, I'm signing off for now. Hope you all stay very warm and cozy and have a great week.
But I did go tonight. I was so good to be back. I was surprised when my assistant pastor read an email he got last week. When he started it I thought, I've read that then I realized, it was my blog post about Black Friday and called A House of Worship! I chuckled but kept quiet. At the end he told everyone who wrote it. It was very nice to hear someone appreciate something you wrote.
After church, my son was telling me that he and the sound guy were listening and David told the sound guy, "Someone has too much time on their hands." At the end, when they told who wrote it, David said, "Oh." I cracked up when I heard it. It was so like David to speak first and ask questions later.
I rained all day today,hard and I just knew that it was going to turn cold. It has! It was 55 this today and rather warm when we got to church at 6 p.m.. Right now, it is 36! I will hate having to go in to work in this cold!
Well, I'm signing off for now. Hope you all stay very warm and cozy and have a great week.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Glory Be!
I got my car back on Thursday with the transmission fixed. I can now go back to church! I have not been in a month and I miss it.
So, with that said, I'm off to bed.
So, with that said, I'm off to bed.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Welcome to the Winner's Circle
Well, friends, it is done! I have finally finished the National Novel Writing challenge! One day early. I have the certificate to prove it and they even gave me winner logos! Aren't they so pretty? I think I love yellow.Whew, am I glad that is done. And you know, at the end, the story is a potentially good one. I may do something with it at some point but just to get this far is fantastic. Last year, I didn't make it and I was so disappointed. So this year, I had to try again. I am so glad I did.
Skeeter, keep going! You got one more day. And there is NEXT YEAR!
I encourage all of you who love to write, who want to write, or who want to challenge yourself, in 2008 join me at NaNoWriMo!
Lord have mercy, that was fun!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Let's Take a Christmas Trip
All right, I've been seeing those Christmas blogs pop up everywhere! So, in the spirit of that, here are a couple of websites that you Christmas fanatics will enjoy. If you have children, or if you are a kid at hear, you'll enjoy this. I encourage you to visit the Disco Santa.
http://www.northpole.com/
http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/index.htm
And for you Christmas cooks, what could be better that borrowing Ms. Claus' Cookbook! Be prepared, it will take you until next Christmas to cook all this stuff!
http://www.northpole.com/
Have a great time!
http://www.northpole.com/
http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/index.htm
And for you Christmas cooks, what could be better that borrowing Ms. Claus' Cookbook! Be prepared, it will take you until next Christmas to cook all this stuff!
http://www.northpole.com/
Have a great time!
Nose Pain
Yes, I'm back at the grind stone. Without the bells on either. I came in to a stack of papers nearly three inches thick and several problems that couldn't be resolved without my assistance.I have managed to solve those and sort through the pile, file some, and am now processing the remainder.
LUNCH TIME!
Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and holiday. A week off is not good for someone who has no choice but to work. I am no looking forward to another vacation. December will be a long month.
I worked a bit more on NaNo last night before I went to bed and so I am a teensy bit ahead of the count for today but that is what I want for the next four days. I am so nervous I have butterflies thinking about getting it done. Ideally, it would be done by Thursday. We'll see.
LUNCH TIME!
Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and holiday. A week off is not good for someone who has no choice but to work. I am no looking forward to another vacation. December will be a long month.
I worked a bit more on NaNo last night before I went to bed and so I am a teensy bit ahead of the count for today but that is what I want for the next four days. I am so nervous I have butterflies thinking about getting it done. Ideally, it would be done by Thursday. We'll see.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Health Warning
Someone sent me an email today with a health warning. When I get such warnings I always check the story out before I even think about forwarding it. This story states that eating soy products causes a number of health issues, the most serious being thyroid cancer.
Now, I am not into health foods and don't believe I use many things with soy in it. So, I wouldn't normally worry but my granddaughter is unable to drink regular milk because of lactose intolerance. Some people have suggested we get soy milk but we just bought DairyEase, regular milk with no lactose for people with this disorder. So, in part, because of the potential for her to be put on soy milk by well-meaning physicians, I thought it wise to research the story.
So, I have done the research on the web to find any mention of this and was shocked that I did. Soy is such a largely used product in the food industry it is impossible that there would be any harm in it, particularly when it is touted as a heart health food.
I am not going to relate every symptom here but I am providing the links to the sites where the information is. There appears to be a smoke from this fire. So, if you or someone you know uses soy products, READ THESE CAREFULLY and do your own research. These sites all have additional links. You can do a search on Ask.com or Google for "soy and cancer". In this instance, the more information you have the longer you might live.
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/soyinfo/a/soy.htm
http://forum.mesomorphosis.com/mens-health-forum/soy-info-links-134240576-print.html
http://www.soyonlineservice.co.nz/02testimonies.htm
I'll be checking my pantry.
Now, I am not into health foods and don't believe I use many things with soy in it. So, I wouldn't normally worry but my granddaughter is unable to drink regular milk because of lactose intolerance. Some people have suggested we get soy milk but we just bought DairyEase, regular milk with no lactose for people with this disorder. So, in part, because of the potential for her to be put on soy milk by well-meaning physicians, I thought it wise to research the story.
So, I have done the research on the web to find any mention of this and was shocked that I did. Soy is such a largely used product in the food industry it is impossible that there would be any harm in it, particularly when it is touted as a heart health food.
I am not going to relate every symptom here but I am providing the links to the sites where the information is. There appears to be a smoke from this fire. So, if you or someone you know uses soy products, READ THESE CAREFULLY and do your own research. These sites all have additional links. You can do a search on Ask.com or Google for "soy and cancer". In this instance, the more information you have the longer you might live.
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/soyinfo/a/soy.htm
http://forum.mesomorphosis.com/mens-health-forum/soy-info-links-134240576-print.html
http://www.soyonlineservice.co.nz/02testimonies.htm
I'll be checking my pantry.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Late Nite with NaNoWriMo
Once again, the word count is progressing. Someone mentioned wanting to read this when the competition ends. It probably won't be posted on a public blog. However, I may put it on another invitation only at Blogger. I have one already that some of you were invited to read. I want to get back to that next week, after the 30th.
As for what will happen to Shakedown, I don't know. I liked the story in planning. I like parts of it now. But it is so far off my original plan that I am not sure I can finish it. We'll just have to see.
This has made we want to pick up last years NaNo project and work on it but first, I have to do the project I started before that one!
Is this not confusing?
O.k. here is how it goes. I started a novel. I think it is a good one. I was working on it when NaNo2006 began. The book I started for that NaNo turned out to be a sequel to the first work! NO! Not on purpose. It just happened. Now, as it turns out, a character in this year's NaNo is linked to the main character in two previous works!
I'm tired. Even explaining it is exhausting.
So, that is were I am with this mess. Notice the word count has gone up again. Tonight I must have 40,008 by midnight. I'll get it.
Hasta manana!
As for what will happen to Shakedown, I don't know. I liked the story in planning. I like parts of it now. But it is so far off my original plan that I am not sure I can finish it. We'll just have to see.
This has made we want to pick up last years NaNo project and work on it but first, I have to do the project I started before that one!
Is this not confusing?
O.k. here is how it goes. I started a novel. I think it is a good one. I was working on it when NaNo2006 began. The book I started for that NaNo turned out to be a sequel to the first work! NO! Not on purpose. It just happened. Now, as it turns out, a character in this year's NaNo is linked to the main character in two previous works!
I'm tired. Even explaining it is exhausting.
So, that is were I am with this mess. Notice the word count has gone up again. Tonight I must have 40,008 by midnight. I'll get it.
Hasta manana!
Slow Day
My week off is coming to a close and I am not looking forward to it. My pain levels have plummeted in the last week to the point that I am virtually pain free. So, what does that sound like? Doesn't matter. Back to work Monday. I was taking that day off too but there is really no reason to do that now.
I've been working hard on the NaNoWriMo competition and I am pleased with the progress. I am pusshing to get the required 1667 a day in. It is difficult because I got off track so far that the story is pretty much stalled. Yesterday, I went over that outline I had and went back to fill in the gaps. That got me yesterday's word count. Today is another day. I remember that last year by this time I was ready for it to be over. I am ready today. When things start dragging I do to.
I've done nothing really constructive this week. Just goofed around and wrote. Not much cleaning, a little laundry, some cooking but the house needs a thorough cleaning. I just don't want to spend what little time I have left doing it.
So, I am here, thinking about what I am going to do to progress the plot of the story.
I.... have... no ... idea.
What I am going to do right now is try and get a skirt made for work. I have an old jumper that my sister handed to me to give to someone. We don't wear the same sized clothes but the fabric is in excellent condition and I can get a skirt out of it. So, that is where I'm going.
I've been working hard on the NaNoWriMo competition and I am pleased with the progress. I am pusshing to get the required 1667 a day in. It is difficult because I got off track so far that the story is pretty much stalled. Yesterday, I went over that outline I had and went back to fill in the gaps. That got me yesterday's word count. Today is another day. I remember that last year by this time I was ready for it to be over. I am ready today. When things start dragging I do to.
I've done nothing really constructive this week. Just goofed around and wrote. Not much cleaning, a little laundry, some cooking but the house needs a thorough cleaning. I just don't want to spend what little time I have left doing it.
So, I am here, thinking about what I am going to do to progress the plot of the story.
I.... have... no ... idea.
What I am going to do right now is try and get a skirt made for work. I have an old jumper that my sister handed to me to give to someone. We don't wear the same sized clothes but the fabric is in excellent condition and I can get a skirt out of it. So, that is where I'm going.
Friday, November 23, 2007
A House of Worship
So, it is the day after the bit "T" day and all of you are out participating in the consumer holiday "Black Friday". Personally, and my family will attest to this, I despise shopping, particularly today.
Today, you will worship at the altars of Walmart or Target or Kohl's or some other pagan shrine. You will gladly pay your tithes to the gods of marketing. You will go without sleep to do this, rising before the sun, even if you went to bed at midnight! You will go into the highways and byways to bring as many people as possible with you to the houses of marketing to worship with you.
You will push and shove to make your way to the mark down altars where you will pray for the blessing of cheap merchandise so that you can give someone a cheap blessing. When you find you have received a bargain, you will dance before the altar and rejoice with a loud voice and you will pay with gladness and joy for the blessing.
You will dine on leftovers at home or you will drive beneath golden arches or kneel before the King of burger and partake of a holy communion of levened bread and colas. You will do this with hundreds of other worshipers of your faith.
You will be horrified that anyone would NOT participate in the worship on this, the most holiest of all shopping days. Should anyone criticize your worship, they will be regarded as ignorant, self-righteous, infidels, or just plain crazy because they do not worship your god. You will laugh at them because they have missed the blessings of the god of marketing and have not drunk from the fountain of the king of burgers nor rested beneath golden arches.
You will return to your dwellings, sated with worship and bad food. You will laugh and dance over the riches you have found in your temples and brought home with you.
Sunday will dawn and you will roll over, to tired to brush your teeth so your breath won't reveal your mouth to be an open grave. You will be sore and achy and your feet will hurt from your Friday worship. You have given your all on the altar of commerce.
There is nothing left for the One who created you.
Today, you will worship at the altars of Walmart or Target or Kohl's or some other pagan shrine. You will gladly pay your tithes to the gods of marketing. You will go without sleep to do this, rising before the sun, even if you went to bed at midnight! You will go into the highways and byways to bring as many people as possible with you to the houses of marketing to worship with you.
You will push and shove to make your way to the mark down altars where you will pray for the blessing of cheap merchandise so that you can give someone a cheap blessing. When you find you have received a bargain, you will dance before the altar and rejoice with a loud voice and you will pay with gladness and joy for the blessing.
You will dine on leftovers at home or you will drive beneath golden arches or kneel before the King of burger and partake of a holy communion of levened bread and colas. You will do this with hundreds of other worshipers of your faith.
You will be horrified that anyone would NOT participate in the worship on this, the most holiest of all shopping days. Should anyone criticize your worship, they will be regarded as ignorant, self-righteous, infidels, or just plain crazy because they do not worship your god. You will laugh at them because they have missed the blessings of the god of marketing and have not drunk from the fountain of the king of burgers nor rested beneath golden arches.
You will return to your dwellings, sated with worship and bad food. You will laugh and dance over the riches you have found in your temples and brought home with you.
Sunday will dawn and you will roll over, to tired to brush your teeth so your breath won't reveal your mouth to be an open grave. You will be sore and achy and your feet will hurt from your Friday worship. You have given your all on the altar of commerce.
There is nothing left for the One who created you.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thanks Giving
I wanted to write something positive about this holiday but I realized during my processes, that in this age of political correctness no matter what I say, it will be construed as capitalistic, imperialistic, chauvanistic, racist, self-righteous, ignorant, uninformed, uneducated, terroristic, hedonistic, sacreligious and unAmerican. I can't win so I might as well say what I please.
If you are a citizen of the United States of America, you owe a great debt to American soldiers for the last 200+ years for your right to be here and reap the benefits of that residence. You owe God thanks for the direction of events that lead to the creation of this nation and for at least 200 years, a nation that was PROUD to call itself CHRISTIAN.
If you are a legal resident, you owe the American people a debt of thanks for allowing you the gift of legal residence. And you owe God thanks for the direction of events that led to the creation of this nation and for at least 200 years, a nation that was PROUD to call itself CHRISTIAN and espoused Christian charity that allowed us to grant you that gift.
If you are an illegal resident, you owe the American people even greater thanks because you have no right to be here and you reap benefits you have no right to, paid for by people who are not allowed those same benefits but who have fought and sacrificed for those benefits in the hope that their children would have an inheritance but which is no being used up to support you criminals. The only thing you have to look forward to is a bankrupt nation brought to bankruptcy by the expense of supporting a population of criminals. God doesn't approve of criminal actions so I don't think thanking Him will help you much. He is into droughts, however, and when the money dries up, you might try something else.
I am thankful for my family, my nation, and my salvation. Life without any one of those things would be meaningless. Thank God someone set sail for the shores of a primitive land because they sought a fresh start in a land of promise. Some came with hope, some with greed, some with need. Some lived justly and some unjustly. But thank God they came and built a hope for many nations.
It is said that when a nation abandons the very things that made it great, the fall of that nations can't be far behind. When you remove the foundation of any building, it can't stand.
If you are a citizen of the United States of America, you owe a great debt to American soldiers for the last 200+ years for your right to be here and reap the benefits of that residence. You owe God thanks for the direction of events that lead to the creation of this nation and for at least 200 years, a nation that was PROUD to call itself CHRISTIAN.
If you are a legal resident, you owe the American people a debt of thanks for allowing you the gift of legal residence. And you owe God thanks for the direction of events that led to the creation of this nation and for at least 200 years, a nation that was PROUD to call itself CHRISTIAN and espoused Christian charity that allowed us to grant you that gift.
If you are an illegal resident, you owe the American people even greater thanks because you have no right to be here and you reap benefits you have no right to, paid for by people who are not allowed those same benefits but who have fought and sacrificed for those benefits in the hope that their children would have an inheritance but which is no being used up to support you criminals. The only thing you have to look forward to is a bankrupt nation brought to bankruptcy by the expense of supporting a population of criminals. God doesn't approve of criminal actions so I don't think thanking Him will help you much. He is into droughts, however, and when the money dries up, you might try something else.
I am thankful for my family, my nation, and my salvation. Life without any one of those things would be meaningless. Thank God someone set sail for the shores of a primitive land because they sought a fresh start in a land of promise. Some came with hope, some with greed, some with need. Some lived justly and some unjustly. But thank God they came and built a hope for many nations.
It is said that when a nation abandons the very things that made it great, the fall of that nations can't be far behind. When you remove the foundation of any building, it can't stand.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (King James Version)
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Calling Prayer Warriors
I have repeatedly ask those of you who pray to pray for my friend Nancy. I am asking again this weekend. I was just visiting the blog that her sister and my friend, Alice has made for her. Alice has posted an update in the comment section and it must be horrible for her to even have to post it. It is not for the squemish.
After reading the post, I feel it is a very critical time for Nancy. It is very difficult in these situations to know how to pray and I don't think I am the only one to feel this way. I began by praying for complete healing but when things get as bad as they are right now, it is hard to know what to pray, for me anyway. I don't know God's mind or plans. I just know He is able to do all that we ask. But He works according to His will, not ours. And at times, we are not happy with that.
Emotionally, I am horrified at what Nancy is going through right now. I have been praying for her for weeks now and I know others have too. If what Alice says is true, she has very little time left and that time appears to be beyond anything I can imagine anyone having to endure.
So, I have begun praying for God to ease all her pain, calm any fear she may have during this time, and give her peace in her soul. I am praying for the comfort her family needs now and the peace they will need later. This has been so swift and so terrible that this family will be in shock for a while before they can even realize what has happened!
I don't know if the blog is open to everyone but here it is if you want read the post: http://novelwoman.multiply.com/ If it is not open, let me know and I will see if Alice can post it on her blog for everyone.
After reading the post, I feel it is a very critical time for Nancy. It is very difficult in these situations to know how to pray and I don't think I am the only one to feel this way. I began by praying for complete healing but when things get as bad as they are right now, it is hard to know what to pray, for me anyway. I don't know God's mind or plans. I just know He is able to do all that we ask. But He works according to His will, not ours. And at times, we are not happy with that.
Emotionally, I am horrified at what Nancy is going through right now. I have been praying for her for weeks now and I know others have too. If what Alice says is true, she has very little time left and that time appears to be beyond anything I can imagine anyone having to endure.
So, I have begun praying for God to ease all her pain, calm any fear she may have during this time, and give her peace in her soul. I am praying for the comfort her family needs now and the peace they will need later. This has been so swift and so terrible that this family will be in shock for a while before they can even realize what has happened!
I don't know if the blog is open to everyone but here it is if you want read the post: http://novelwoman.multiply.com/ If it is not open, let me know and I will see if Alice can post it on her blog for everyone.
YeeeeHawwwww!
Check out the word meter on the home page! I am CURRENT! For the first time in two weeks I am current. Tonight before midnight, I have to write 1667 words. That will bring me up to today's total. Thank God for those polar bears! (You'll have to go read the exerpt of this section at Nanowrimo. >> http://www.nanowrimo.org/user/152098 ) I posted this part because it was what saved my bacon this week.
{Sighs loudly}
Now, if I can maintain that level for the next 9 days I will finish this thing with my 50,000 words! Oh my goodness, I can't believe it. I am current! that is just so exciting. This time last year, I knew I was not going to make it. I was days behind and could not get caught up. I finished with about the same number of words I have right now! In fact, the 2006 final word count was 33834, just a little ahead of where I am right now.
I might just make it, guys and gals!
Whooo hoooo!
{Sighs loudly}
Now, if I can maintain that level for the next 9 days I will finish this thing with my 50,000 words! Oh my goodness, I can't believe it. I am current! that is just so exciting. This time last year, I knew I was not going to make it. I was days behind and could not get caught up. I finished with about the same number of words I have right now! In fact, the 2006 final word count was 33834, just a little ahead of where I am right now.
I might just make it, guys and gals!
Whooo hoooo!
Monday, November 19, 2007
When God Steps In
As many of you may know, I've been asking you to pray for my friend Alice's sister, Nancy. She was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer in stage IV about 6 weeks ago. She is considered terminal. I has been a heartbreaking situation. Nancy is in her late 40's with children.
Many have been praying and while Nancy is not well, recently there have been some miraculous events. I encourage anyone needing a boost to their faith, to visit Alice's blog and read about this situation. As I told Alice, I don't know the outcome, but I know God has a plan in this situation. I believe when God steps in, something is about to happen.
Continue to pray for Nancy and for her family.
Many have been praying and while Nancy is not well, recently there have been some miraculous events. I encourage anyone needing a boost to their faith, to visit Alice's blog and read about this situation. As I told Alice, I don't know the outcome, but I know God has a plan in this situation. I believe when God steps in, something is about to happen.
Continue to pray for Nancy and for her family.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Light Through the Curtain
It is Sunday afternoon and sunlight is filtering in through the sheer at my window as I write this. I am snug in my berry blush study, in my burgandy fuzzy slippers, a cup of hot cocoa nearby. It is quiet and peaceful here at the moment. I suppose it is cold outside but have not gone out to see. The imps have been driven back to their pit and little Sarah Cheyenne seems to be getting better. But I am annoyed. I have not been able to go to church for three weeks now and it has become stressful. My car is still in the shop so I have no way to go anywhere.
I am going to spend the rest of the afternoon working on Nano to try and get over 30,000 words. If you look above, you can see that is not an easy task. One day behind is not too bad but after that, it becomes a juggling act when you have a job and family.
At any rate, things are back to a more even keel, if not totally smooth sailing.
Alice has been asking when I would be getting back to writing Hidden in the Mist. Probably in a couple weeks I will be ready for different material. I miss it a bit myself. And this story has generated so much disgust that I am actually wanting to go back to last years Nano and a story that preceeds that. They are linked and I discovered this week that this Nano story is linked to those. The Main character in Shakedown (NaNo title) is the sister in two previous stories I have started. {dismay} I seem to have a serial in the works and I don't have a single one finished.
This is NOT the way to write a novel. But I swear, it was an accident.
Ok, I'm off for now. Hope you all have a lovely Sunday afternoon.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Boom, Boom, Boom
Is there anyone here old enough to remember the Sonny & Cher song "The Beat Goes On"?
This morning there is a "poundin' in my brain". Yes, I woke up with a headache! Right behind my left eye,above my left eyebrow, back to a point just beyond my left ear and then down, behind my ear and down my neck to a point just at the muscle on top of my shoulder at the base of my neck. You can find this muscle yourself by pressing your fingers at the curve of your neck and moving them just about an inch toward your back. . . there, big elipitical muscle. If I continue to press on this area or I put pressure on my head in the area described, well, I'll confess to just about anything. This is an early warning that a migraine will be here within the hour unless I take swift action. Chopping off my head comes to mind but I keep hearing this voice say that perhaps that is a bit extreme.
This time of year is living hell for me. Low pressure systems abound in the midwest in winter. I am going for the Icy Hot to put on my shoulder and neck. This is actually something I discovered by accident when I had an RA flare that set off a migraine. I apply it to my shoulder and up my neck to my hair line on that side. Then, I take an Imitrex.
Does anyone remember the Salem, Mass. witch trials? One of the tortures was to put the person on a board, lay a board on top, and pile stones on it until they confessed their evil ways. They usually died of suffocation. This morning, the migraines imps have my head in such a device.
Today I will be doing a lot of writing for NaNo... I hope. I am behind but since I am off this week I have the potential to catch up if I really work at it. Of course, these imps would seek to prevent me from attaining my goal of Word Domination. Viewing the monitor is quite painful but I shall defeat them . . . and their little dog, too.
I depart for distant shores of Imitrex and onward to NaNoWriMo. Farewell, fond friends. Adios, amigos. Bye to the rest of ya. As a couple of great people once said, "I shall return."
This morning there is a "poundin' in my brain". Yes, I woke up with a headache! Right behind my left eye,above my left eyebrow, back to a point just beyond my left ear and then down, behind my ear and down my neck to a point just at the muscle on top of my shoulder at the base of my neck. You can find this muscle yourself by pressing your fingers at the curve of your neck and moving them just about an inch toward your back. . . there, big elipitical muscle. If I continue to press on this area or I put pressure on my head in the area described, well, I'll confess to just about anything. This is an early warning that a migraine will be here within the hour unless I take swift action. Chopping off my head comes to mind but I keep hearing this voice say that perhaps that is a bit extreme.
This time of year is living hell for me. Low pressure systems abound in the midwest in winter. I am going for the Icy Hot to put on my shoulder and neck. This is actually something I discovered by accident when I had an RA flare that set off a migraine. I apply it to my shoulder and up my neck to my hair line on that side. Then, I take an Imitrex.
Does anyone remember the Salem, Mass. witch trials? One of the tortures was to put the person on a board, lay a board on top, and pile stones on it until they confessed their evil ways. They usually died of suffocation. This morning, the migraines imps have my head in such a device.
Today I will be doing a lot of writing for NaNo... I hope. I am behind but since I am off this week I have the potential to catch up if I really work at it. Of course, these imps would seek to prevent me from attaining my goal of Word Domination. Viewing the monitor is quite painful but I shall defeat them . . . and their little dog, too.
I depart for distant shores of Imitrex and onward to NaNoWriMo. Farewell, fond friends. Adios, amigos. Bye to the rest of ya. As a couple of great people once said, "I shall return."
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