Okay, so on to the exciting news!
My boyfriend did a truly amazing thing for Christmas this year. He conspired with members of our families and managed to win me one of the auctions that Worldbuilders does every year for, get this, a manuscript critique from a published author.
At first, I was in shock. Then I cried. The boy caught it on video and put it on Facebook.
So I've been hard at work trying to edit my monster of a first manuscript in order to take advantage of this amazing gift. I am insanely excited for this opportunity. It should be invaluable.
Not sure how he's ever going to top this present for me though....
Showing posts with label the boy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the boy. Show all posts
Monday, February 2, 2015
Friday, January 30, 2015
In Absentia
I've been absent from this blog for long months, but for good reason. Here are some of the trials and tribulations that have kept me away.
- I spent a week helping my grandparents move from their house to an apartment. Goodbye only home I've had an attachment to all my life!
- My boyfriend lost his job for stupid political reasons. Oh the joy of being a teacher one year away from tenure.
- Both of us being unemployed, finding a job became my number one priority. Eventually, I was offered two jobs on the same day. I picked a gig as a math tutor in the local school system (for a truly terrific program: http://www.sps.springfield.ma.us/forward5/) as my boyfriend landed a job that was half a state away. He had to get an apartment for during the week so, you know, fun sort of long distance relationship stuff.
- BF got laid off from his new job right before Thanksgiving, no reasons given as it was within his 90 day probationary period. I'm still furious about this.
- All kinds of stress and relationship strain from all of the above.
- Now trying to reinvent our lives together and also both looking for more work again. No easy feat.
So that's what I've been up to. I hope everyone else I know in the blogosphere is doing well because I feel like life has been in shambles and it's be nice to come somewhere with some stability.
Soon I'll update with some exciting news on the writing front. This is the one really good things going for me right now, so if this post was a bit depressing, stay tuned! Things will get better.
- I spent a week helping my grandparents move from their house to an apartment. Goodbye only home I've had an attachment to all my life!
- My boyfriend lost his job for stupid political reasons. Oh the joy of being a teacher one year away from tenure.
- Both of us being unemployed, finding a job became my number one priority. Eventually, I was offered two jobs on the same day. I picked a gig as a math tutor in the local school system (for a truly terrific program: http://www.sps.springfield.ma.us/forward5/) as my boyfriend landed a job that was half a state away. He had to get an apartment for during the week so, you know, fun sort of long distance relationship stuff.
- BF got laid off from his new job right before Thanksgiving, no reasons given as it was within his 90 day probationary period. I'm still furious about this.
- All kinds of stress and relationship strain from all of the above.
- Now trying to reinvent our lives together and also both looking for more work again. No easy feat.
So that's what I've been up to. I hope everyone else I know in the blogosphere is doing well because I feel like life has been in shambles and it's be nice to come somewhere with some stability.
Soon I'll update with some exciting news on the writing front. This is the one really good things going for me right now, so if this post was a bit depressing, stay tuned! Things will get better.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Summer Solstice
It's officially summer!
In New England this means soft serve ice cream places and farm stands pop up all over the place, and everyone tries to figure out which weekend is the best to brave the traffic out to the Cape. (Hint: no weekend. Every weekend is crowded. Go in May or September.)
For me, it means playing my "Summer" iTunes playlist ad nauseam, pulling weeds at 8pm, and eating dinner on the deck. Damn, I wish could afford to buy a grill! The cats are happy because I let them out on the porch all day. The boy is happy because he can play ultimate frisbee a couple of times a week. And I'm happy because the steady dose of sunlight means it's unlikely that my mood will take any sudden dives for no reason. Yay!
So how have I spent the first day of summer 2014?
I slept in until 1030. Got up and had waffles with strawberry jam. Sat out in the yard with Thea on her leash for awhile. Finished reading The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. (Yes, I realize I am the last person in the world to read this YA staple.) Then the boy and I went off to sample the Taste of Amherst festival. We had: lobster sliders, fish tacos, a smoked turkey panini, and the perfect lemonade. We also watched a brass band and an eating contest. We grabbed some mochas on the way out of town and went to see How to Train Your Dragon 2 in 3D. A brief stop at Trader Joe's later, we came home and had a nice jog together.
Now I'm relaxing on the couch and trying not to think of all the stressful things in my life because dammit it's summer and I want to just enjoy this wonderful day.
In New England this means soft serve ice cream places and farm stands pop up all over the place, and everyone tries to figure out which weekend is the best to brave the traffic out to the Cape. (Hint: no weekend. Every weekend is crowded. Go in May or September.)
For me, it means playing my "Summer" iTunes playlist ad nauseam, pulling weeds at 8pm, and eating dinner on the deck. Damn, I wish could afford to buy a grill! The cats are happy because I let them out on the porch all day. The boy is happy because he can play ultimate frisbee a couple of times a week. And I'm happy because the steady dose of sunlight means it's unlikely that my mood will take any sudden dives for no reason. Yay!
The Smoke Monster on the porch. |
Thea is actually starting to like her leash because it means SNACK ON THE GRASS TIME. |
We were out taking a drive last year and the boy spotted some of his students tossing a disc so of course we stopped and he joined them for a while. It was awesome. |
So how have I spent the first day of summer 2014?
I slept in until 1030. Got up and had waffles with strawberry jam. Sat out in the yard with Thea on her leash for awhile. Finished reading The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. (Yes, I realize I am the last person in the world to read this YA staple.) Then the boy and I went off to sample the Taste of Amherst festival. We had: lobster sliders, fish tacos, a smoked turkey panini, and the perfect lemonade. We also watched a brass band and an eating contest. We grabbed some mochas on the way out of town and went to see How to Train Your Dragon 2 in 3D. A brief stop at Trader Joe's later, we came home and had a nice jog together.
Now I'm relaxing on the couch and trying not to think of all the stressful things in my life because dammit it's summer and I want to just enjoy this wonderful day.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Musing Monday: A home without books is no home at all!
Last week I mused about how I am a "messy" reader - and got some interesting responses. It seems a lot of people fall into extremes with their reading style, either being messy like me or neat as a pin like my dear BFF.Musing Mondays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Just muse about one of the following each week:Describe one of your reading habits.
Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it!
Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it.
Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!
This week, I think I'll continue to muse about my reading habits. After all, the best part about a blog is talking about yourself!
Reading Habit #2
Before I talk about my reading habit, I think we need some background information. Because not only do I think a well-worn book is a well-loved book... I also think a house that looks more like a library is the only kind of house for me. Fortunately for me, my boyfriend agrees! Our house currently has six standalone bookcases, and at least five shelves on other pieces of furniture that I have turned into bookcases. There are regularly piles of books on both coffee tables, both of our nightstands, the filing cabinet in my office, the end table in the living room, and sometimes the kitchen table.
Of course, we spend a lot of time in the Barnes and Noble cafe reading books we don't own as well. |
Yep. And they are in every room of the house EXCEPT the bathrooms. Which is silly because we both definitely read in the bathroom! (Maybe that can be the subject of another Musing Monday.)
I took this picture when I had finished counting all the books we had in our first apartment together. |
Are you like me, always seeking the next reading nook? Or do you like to curl up in the same chair every time you open a book?
As for me... I'm so intrigued by listing all of my book-y assets that I'm thinking some pictures of my collection might be in order soon...
Labels:
books,
house,
musing monday,
reading,
reading habit,
the boy
Saturday, April 6, 2013
The Home Buying Adventure
So I mentioned in my last post that the boy and I had our offer accepted on our first house.On Friday, the inspectors came to give us the bad news.
Needs an entirely new roof.
Garage has carpenter ant and termite damage.
BUT
Look at those beautiful hardwood floors.
And the huge yard.
There are a lot of other great things too. The roof and the damage to the garage (which also - surprise - needs a new roof) are the worst. Electrical is fine, foundation is fine... etc etc. We're hoping to negotiate a bit more, and hopefully close around the end of June.
I mean... Look at this living room.
That archway passes through to the formal dining room. The french door goes into what will become my office (hallelujah!). And beyond that is the kitchen - big enough for both a built-in work station and space for an eat-in table and chairs. Huge master bedroom with an en suite bathroom, and guest bedroom upstairs.
Yeah, I'm totally in love with it. I'm optimistic everything is going to work out.
Needs an entirely new roof.
Garage has carpenter ant and termite damage.
BUT
Look at those beautiful hardwood floors.
And the huge yard.
There are a lot of other great things too. The roof and the damage to the garage (which also - surprise - needs a new roof) are the worst. Electrical is fine, foundation is fine... etc etc. We're hoping to negotiate a bit more, and hopefully close around the end of June.
I mean... Look at this living room.
That archway passes through to the formal dining room. The french door goes into what will become my office (hallelujah!). And beyond that is the kitchen - big enough for both a built-in work station and space for an eat-in table and chairs. Huge master bedroom with an en suite bathroom, and guest bedroom upstairs.
Yeah, I'm totally in love with it. I'm optimistic everything is going to work out.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Who doesn't want to go camping in April?
That's right - camping in April.
CAMP NANOWRIMO THAT IS!
A-hem. Pardon the overly enthusiastic announcement. My life has been full of enthusiastic announcements lately, but this is the only one that's entirely about me. Today I embark on my quest to finish what I began in November, namely my novel Grave of the Goddess. By April 30, I hope to have my first draft of this YA fantasy-adventure-romance-quest-thing all piled up on my desk and ready for the red pen of doom. After that, who knows?
(Well, actually, a lot of query letters to agents and publishing houses. That's what comes after.)
So join me in camp if you have a writing project you need an extra kick to get started on. Or just come and hang around the campfire with us. The marshmallows are toasted to perfection!
....as for other enthusiastic announcements, here is a brief rundown.
1) My younger brother got married! And he's having a baby! It's a girl! I'M GONNA BE AN AUNT! WITH A NIECE! Words can't express how much I already love this kid.
2) My older cousin is having twins! TWINS! And they're going to be the best nerds of all time. Woo, nerds!
3) The boy and I just got our offer accepted on a house. I'M GONNA BE A HOMEOWNER!
Holy crap. Is that enough? I don't know. Oh, and my ickle bro is graduating Army Basic like.. tomorrow. Woo hoo! Now if I could just become a full-time worker at my new job and simultaneously find a great deal on a new laptop life would be just about perfect.....
CAMP NANOWRIMO THAT IS!
A-hem. Pardon the overly enthusiastic announcement. My life has been full of enthusiastic announcements lately, but this is the only one that's entirely about me. Today I embark on my quest to finish what I began in November, namely my novel Grave of the Goddess. By April 30, I hope to have my first draft of this YA fantasy-adventure-romance-quest-thing all piled up on my desk and ready for the red pen of doom. After that, who knows?
(Well, actually, a lot of query letters to agents and publishing houses. That's what comes after.)
So join me in camp if you have a writing project you need an extra kick to get started on. Or just come and hang around the campfire with us. The marshmallows are toasted to perfection!
![]() |
Actually it's a lot like this.... |
![]() |
And also this.... |
....as for other enthusiastic announcements, here is a brief rundown.
1) My younger brother got married! And he's having a baby! It's a girl! I'M GONNA BE AN AUNT! WITH A NIECE! Words can't express how much I already love this kid.
2) My older cousin is having twins! TWINS! And they're going to be the best nerds of all time. Woo, nerds!
3) The boy and I just got our offer accepted on a house. I'M GONNA BE A HOMEOWNER!
Holy crap. Is that enough? I don't know. Oh, and my ickle bro is graduating Army Basic like.. tomorrow. Woo hoo! Now if I could just become a full-time worker at my new job and simultaneously find a great deal on a new laptop life would be just about perfect.....
Labels:
camp nanowrimo,
grave of the goddess,
life,
nanowrimo,
the boy,
writing
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Freedom: Day One
Did I mention that I was quitting my job? Well, yesterday was my last day. After two years of surprisingly physically demanding work with little to no confidence about the amount of hours I'd earn each week, it's finally time for a change.
So today is officially my first day of freedom! Yesterday after work nearly everyone I knew from our project came to celebrate with me at the bar. It was a brilliant evening, and I pretty much wanted to cry the entire way home afterwards. I love my (former) coworkers beyond measure. They are beautiful, wonderful people who made every day I spent with them better. No exaggeration. I couldn't have lasted at that job nearly as long without them. Thankfully, I only live an hour away so it's not impossible for me to see them again.
Plus they got me this awesome present:
So what have I done with Day One?
Woke up late feeling surprisingly okay considering what I drank at the bar. Lounged around then went and got a huge breakfast with The Boy. Did some shopping because - haven't you heard? - the Frankenstorm is coming. (Yeah right.) We came home and watched some of a Harry Potter movie. Then I made dinner (hahahaha! yeah, I made ramen) and now he's playing D&D and I'm blogging.
Don't I have the best life EVER?
Well, it's about to get a lot better. There will be ongoing reports - unless Frankie, er, Sandy knocks the power out. Ciao, bellas!
So today is officially my first day of freedom! Yesterday after work nearly everyone I knew from our project came to celebrate with me at the bar. It was a brilliant evening, and I pretty much wanted to cry the entire way home afterwards. I love my (former) coworkers beyond measure. They are beautiful, wonderful people who made every day I spent with them better. No exaggeration. I couldn't have lasted at that job nearly as long without them. Thankfully, I only live an hour away so it's not impossible for me to see them again.
Plus they got me this awesome present:
Foxes! They know me so well. |
Woke up late feeling surprisingly okay considering what I drank at the bar. Lounged around then went and got a huge breakfast with The Boy. Did some shopping because - haven't you heard? - the Frankenstorm is coming. (Yeah right.) We came home and watched some of a Harry Potter movie. Then I made dinner (hahahaha! yeah, I made ramen) and now he's playing D&D and I'm blogging.
Don't I have the best life EVER?
Well, it's about to get a lot better. There will be ongoing reports - unless Frankie, er, Sandy knocks the power out. Ciao, bellas!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)