Oregon

After I finished my final revision, I decided to take a trip home for a little rest and rejuvenation. Before I left, I started querying agents; I thought the break might help me avoid obsessive email checking as well. (Grins) A week home in beautiful central Oregon with my mom, sisters, and friends seemed like the perfect respite. (I think Drew liked it too!)

I did relax a little, but the trip turned out a bit different than predicted. I received some quick and positive responses from agents (EEK!), so I had to attend to that. (Great problem to have, but I spent more time working than expected.)

On top of that, half my family got sick, all with different, non-infectious problems--from cysts bursting to an IBS flare-up to a kidney infection requiring hospitalization to a double-ear-infection in my niece--thwarting our winetasting plans and making my niece a bit tired and fussy for her first birthday party. (Although, that didn't stop her from enjoying her first taste of cake!)

Needless to say, things did not go according to plan. Thankfully, it wasn't all illness and work. I did get in a nice hike along the river, saw Paula Cole perform at a free concert in the annual summer Munch N' Music festival (LOVE her and she didn't fail to meet expectations!), and taught Drew to swim in my mom's pond. My youngest sister and I failed to float the river since every store in town ran out of floaties, but we had a blast trying. It felt wonderful to get outdoors and soak up some Vitamin D.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and...

...finally a new post!

I meant to write a Christmas post, and then again a New Year's post, but the best laid plans and all that. We had a nice relaxing Christmas here, which was a pleasant change from our usual shuttling between families at the holidays, but I missed my family immensely. Thank goodness for technology though! I chatted with my mom, sisters, and new little niece over Skype, which was lovely. My niece, who is five months old, got quite upset after awhile when she discovered she couldn't reach me. So adorable.

The cutest niece ever in her bear jammies.

I'm excited for the new year and a new decade, but I'm not one for New Year's resolutions. They always feel too forced. I'm much more likely to keep a birthday resolution or meet a writing goal that has some time and planning to support it. However, despite my lack of official resolutions, I am working toward a goal: I want to finish my final revisions and manuscript tweaks--the technical definition--and get my novel query into the hands of agents soon. I haven't set an exact goal date yet, as I'm reviewing my list of revisions to do, but I'm shooting for the next month or two. (Eek!)

Here's to a bright and shiny 2010, and best wishes to all the other writers and dreamers out there!

Auntie on Hiatus

I should have announced an official hiatus since I've neglected this blog so much. I've been away. For the past three weeks I've been home in Oregon or traveling up to Washington with my sisters.

But.

I'm an auntie!
Little--or rather big (she was 9lb 1oz!)--Jacey Liliana was born on the 26th, and I've had the best time hanging out with her. Sadly, I'm going home tomorrow, and my sister and brother in law moved today, so I won't see her again until October. Sometimes being an auntie is hard work!

The S List

I love memes and this one is from JJ at Tea Stains . If you want to do it, leave me a comment saying so, and I'll give you a letter. JJ has given me the letter S and the meme is my list of ten things I love beginning with S.

Sense and Sensibility - one of my top three Jane Austen novels. The other two are Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion.

Sisters - I have three awesome younger sisters, but I have to shout out to the youngest whose name starts with an S, Stephanie.

Shepherds - As in toy Australian Shepherds, as in Drewser.

Santa and stockings and snow - I love all things Christmas.

Stephenie Meyer - I love her fun romantic vampires. And her website, which has some great playlists.

Semi-sweet chocolate - no Angie favorites list is complete without a mention of chocolate, and as far as I'm concerned, the darker the better.

Starbucks - I heart coffee, but skinny lattes are my weakness.

Strawberries - Is any explanation needed for this most wonderful fruit?

San Francisco - I love living in the bay area and visiting this beautiful city regularly, but my favorite section is North Beach, otherwise known as Little Italy.

SW1 - I couldn't figure out how to squeeze London in to this tops list, but never fear, I found a way via this prestigious postcode.

Shakespeare - Anyone writing in the English language owes a lot to the great grandad of English lit. To be [a writer] or not to be? That is the question.

Silver - I've never been a gold girl, but I love all things silver, including my jewelry, my car, and my first teddybear, who bears the name.

Strongbow - I discovered dry English cider while living in London, and I've never turned back.

Singing, swimming, surprises, and sassy red nail polish - These round out the list of my favorite things starting with S.

Okay, so I have a bit over ten, but it was too fun...

Signing off for 2008. Have a safe and Happy New Year all!

My Holiday Formula Broken Down

Racing the rain to replace windows and a sliding glass door
+

two cars breaking down in two days
+
another car break in
=
Pre-Holiday Madness and no blogging

~~~

Five bottles of wine
+
Five best friends
+
Husband's wonderful cooking
=
A perfect holiday party

~~~

Twelve books
+
Husband
+
Boxcutters, Exacto knifes, glue and a paintbrush
=
My most difficult Christmas craft to date
(Secret book boxes)

~~~

Nine hours of driving (one way)
+
One foot of snow
+
Bald California Tires
+
One Crazy Dog
+
Three Families
=
A Wild White Christmas with Chains

~~~

Have a...

“Merry Christmas,” says Drew, “and to all a good chew!”

One Month

...until Christmas! I'm holding off on decorations until December 1st at the very least, but I'm proud to say that I'm nearly done with my Christmas shopping. I find it so much easier--on my stressload and my wallet--to spread out the shopping and finish early.

This weekend felt like an early Christmas present what with the release of Twilight the movie and the return of Jack Bauer with the 24 'movie'. I also met a friend from my summer online writing class in San Francisco Friday night, which was lovely. We went to hear our instructor read and talk about her book, The Witches Trinity. I was greeted with a fireworks display when I arrived at the Ferry Building, and although I'm still not sure why, it was quite festive.

The Twilight movie was not quite as good as I hoped, but still entertaining, and given their budget constraints it was impressive they were able to capture so much. 24: Redemption also didn't quite live up to the 24 standard, but it was satisfying and I'm eager to begin watching season 7 in January.

As for the shopping I haven't done...I'm off to do some last minute Thanksgiving grocery shopping and desperately hoping I don't get mobbed. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday everyone!

Grace

I may have mentioned before that I'm a bit clumsy. (Thus the nickname Grace in high school.) I'm actually quite good at it though. I trip so often that I rarely ever fall. The last time I actually fell, I was back home, hiking here: Sadly, the picture makes my fall look much more dignified than it was. I didn't fall on one of the steep grades--though I tripped there as well--no, I fell on a flat gravel trail, right around here: After taking some pictures, I ran to catch up with my friends, and as usual I wasn't looking where I was going. I ripped my favorite jeans, but by sleight of hand, I did save our brand new camera, at the expense of my forearm.

So back to the present. Friday evening I'm in San Francisco celebrating with a friend. We're walking and chatting, and naturally I'm not watching where I'm going, which is dangerous enough given the state of the pavement there, but worse considering the 4" wedges I was wearing. I began crossing the street and in mid-sentence, before I can even finish saying Victori--BAM! I'm on the ground, in the middle of the street, in front of a car. *sigh* At least I saved my brand new jeans this time.

Happy Fourth!

An old friend is in town so we're heading up to San Fran to celebrate her birthday with dinner and the traditional 4th of July fireworks over the bay. Should be brilliant. Enjoy the holiday.

Island Tempo

The tempo of the islands stuck with me yesterday as I moved slowly about the business of getting back to real life. I began making a to-do list first thing in the morning (some things never change), which normally sets my shoulders into their tense, lifted posture, but by the afternoon, as I continued to leisurely tick things off my list, I couldn't be bothered to stress about how many things I hadn't done yet. If you know me personally, or you've been following the blog long, you'll know I do nothing if not stress well. Clearly I got too much sun in Punta Cana. Vivas la vida bien.

Ah, Punta Cana. It was lovely. White sand, aquamarine water, swaying palm trees laden with coconuts. Crystal clear pools with swim up bars and singing, dancing Dominicanas. Peacocks, flamingos, and sipping coffee on our porch overlooking palms and pathways dotted with orchids. The food was delicious, and even more importantly in great abundance, though of course there was the small issue of keeping it down, or rather, up, after catching the usual 'third-world' food illness mid-week, which we were made unhappily familiar with on our honeymoon in Mexico. No matter how careful we are, it seems to be unavoidable. There was also a small misunderstanding over sunscreen. Apparently it expires after seven years. Who knew? As my husband would point out on the second day with his shiny beet-red sunburn, obviously not me. With my Italian heritage, I managed to come out unscathed with only a slightly pink tinge, but poor husband, with his clear green eyes and Danish skin, had to hide under the palm umbrellas for two days, though he didn't mind too much since the view was fantastic and the beer was free.

The goal of this trip was sheer relaxation. Usually when we go on vacation, I drag husband around to see as many sights as is humanly possible. We arrive home battered and more tired than when we left. Since husband started his new job, he has worked long hours and deserved a break away from it all. This trip was spent lounging by the beach and the pool, reading and relaxing, and eating lots of tasty food and drinking lots of yummy drinks, just like he wanted.

I managed to polish off a few books in my TBR pile. I finally finished Practical Magic, which I began months ago--though technically speaking I did not actually finish it because when I read the last word, I realized I was still mid-sentence and there were no more pages! This week I'm visiting the bookstore and demanding a new copy since mine was so incomplete. I also finished Petite Anglaise, of blogging fame, and adored it. It made me hungry for sidewalk crepes and bakery croissants and thirsty for bowls of cafe au lait, though I'm not sure that was intended. I also read a book by another blogger I admire, Lucy Diamond's Any Way You Want Me, which was a fun, sassy read unlike anything I've read for quite some time, and which made me feel slightly naughty while reading on the plane home and a little red hoping no one was reading over my shoulder. ("Is it hot in here, or is it just me?") For my birthday, I ordered a book by another lovely blogger, Caroline Smailes' In Search of Adam. Even though I already found my Adam, I was excited to arrive home to find my book had finally winged its way here, just in time for me to need a new book to read, so I began last night and can't wait to dig in deeper.

The tempo of the islands still beats in my mind, thump thumping, beckoning for me to dance, calling for me to sing out loud, teaching me to slow down and enjoy each moment. As I shift gears and slip back into my routine, I will use my recharged batteries to meet real life con mucho gusto.

April Fools

...is probably one of my favorite holidays behind Christmas. One of my best friends from childhood is an April Fools baby (and one day older than me), so I always make a point to tease her with an April Fools joke, but this year she's not excited about her birthday, so I abstained from making any jokes. I managed to not play any jokes on my mom today as well, though I'm not sure why all the joke abstinence this year. I suppose my schedule has taken over and left no time for funny busyness. I did have a lovely haircut today and spent the afternoon working at the coffeeshop. I also managed to write on Friday and Monday while on the plane so I didn't get behind on my writing, though with my current word count, it does look like I will be going over that 90,000 mark since I'm still finishing this chapter and have two more to go. My excitement level rises every day as I feel myself drawing closer to the end.

Giggles and Girly Time

A week ago Husband surprised me with a Thursday night date to go see In Bruges, which ended up being the funniest movie I've seen in ages. It's been awhile since I've laughed that hard. The humor was admittedly shocking in parts, but I loved the mix of dry humor with in-your-face absurdity. Artistically the film was beautiful as well, with stunning screen shots of the namesake city. I just thought I would mention it here because I highly recommend the film.

Tomorrow morning I leave on an early flight to Portland,where I will be spending the weekend with friends to celebrate my best friend's bachelorette party. Sure there will be drinks and all that jazz, but in our true style the highlights will include the many coffeeshop visits (especially if the rainy forecast holds), hours spent perusing Powell's, arguably the best bookstore in the US, and manicures followed by an afternoon of high tea. Bliss.

Ciao until next week!

Happy President's Day

I finished my words early today so I could spend the remainder of the day relaxing with husband and enjoying the holiday. Cheers!

New Year

Yesterday was glorious. I parked it on the couch and started watching season one of Charmed, which husband gave me for Christmas (along with season two of Charmed AND Dr. Who!). I originally planned on taking down the Christmas decorations, but I've been planning, cooking, baking, and cleaning for over a month, so I let husband talk me into a day of doing nothing. With the new year, it's nice to have nothing other than my book to stress about, at least for a few weeks until family birthdays begin.

We started Christmas with mimosas and Drew tearing into his stocking looking for treaties. On Wednesday I hosted our annual Christmas party for friends from college. I tried my hand at mince pies for the first time, and they came out perfectly paired with yummy mulled wine. However, I tried a new recipe for English Christmas Punch on New Year's Eve and it didn't turn out quite so well. I should have known considering it had a whole bottle of rum in it! Thankfully, the lemon lavender cake I attempted turned out yummy and it went well with my other cocktail: blackcurrant and champagne.

Here are a few of my favorite things:
My mom helped fuel my book habit, while husband gave me this beautiful painting (unfortunately my vertical picture-posting skills have not improved with the new year).

I also promised to post a picture of my crafty Christmas presents, which I can finally do now that they've all been opened. I also ended up making three more lacy scarves (including one for me, but I forgot to take a picture).I'm excited for 2008. The last two years have been a struggle, but I think this will be a good one. First and foremost, I expect to finish the first draft of my novel this spring and begin the editing.

I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays. Happy 2008!

To send or not to send

Christmas cards.

Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, and I like letting friends and family know that I'm thinking about them at the holidays. Yet, I feel guilted into sending cards to the 'obligation list' of people too. You know the ones: the people you don't talk to any other time of year, but have some tenuous connection with. I decided to opt out this year and avoid all that, but husband changed his mind last minute and decided we should send them, which as usual meant that I should write and send them. Men! Ugh. Luckily I knocked it out in one blow while watching House. Not bad. (I admit, I did make him lick the envelopes. I despise licking envelopes. Ick.) I also finished chapter 6 yesterday. Hurrah! (Finally! Sheesh that chapter ended up long...)

Things have been a little crazy around here, so I'll probably be lying low until after the holidays, though I reserve the right to check in if I have an itching desire to share some random thoughts with you.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and all that!

Close misses

I'm keeping busy busy, and I feel like someone has stolen half of December! I cannot keep up with everything. Two days last week I missed my writing goals. I started to catch up this weekend, and I passed the 30k mark, but I have more makeup words to write today. So far so good.

Friday night we had date night. I know there are a few McEwan haters out there, but I love his writing and Atonement is my favorite. I've been waiting months to see it, and it was finally released in the US this weekend. Unfortunately I didn't find out until Friday afternoon that it was a limited release, so it wasn't playing anywhere in the south bay. We did have a lovely dinner downtown, where we were seated next to a couple on their first date. We could hardly talk because we were so absorbed in the oddities of this couple. They were probably in their mid-40s, both had children of their own, but they acted so immaturely it was as if they were teenagers on their first date. The man said he wanted to sit next to her after dinner, so he invited himself over to her house. Uh huh. "Sit next to her," my arse. She ordered sorbet for dessert and when she didn't want anymore, she dumped it in the to-go box with her dinner. Okay. And then I was horrified to hear him say, "I am so aroused right now. Nobody should ever be this aroused." *shudders* No. No they should not (or he should not). Mind you, the seating in this place was tight, and I'm sure we weren't the only ones to hear that declaration. I wanted to wash my ears out with soap. Eurgh.

Saturday night was Hubby's work Christmas party, which was interesting. Hubby remembered the time of the party wrong, so when we arrived fashionably late at 5:30 for a 5:00 start time, we were actually stupidly early for a 6:00 start time. Hello Starbucks. We were by far the youngest people there by 10-20 years. I knew he was young for his job, but I didn't realize how young until we were there. Then I had a strange experience when I was meeting his co-workers and their wives. I was worried about the dreaded question: "What do you do?/Where do you work?" I prepared myself to be brave and pronounce my writerly ambitions. (Sort of. At least, I was planning to tell the truth: "I'm a writer.") However, people didn't ask that question. Instead they asked me: "Do you have children?" While chatting with one friendly wife, I discovered that her oldest child is my age. Ha! The 50s/60s dance music after dinner was a tip too. Hubby was honored to be one of only a dozen who received gag gifts. They called his name right after the new CFO and right before a VP. Guess young hubby has made a good impression! He was so embarrassed, I loved every second of it.

Finally, we dropped Drew off at a friend's yesterday so we could spend the day in San Francisco at the Dickens Christmas Fair, but we had to run an errand downtown first. I bought Adam some jeans a few months ago at H&M, but they didn't fit and we haven't driven up since then. (Incidentally, H&M did open a mile from our house, but sadly they only sell women's clothes.) We left our friend's place an hour late, and with all the Christmas shoppers downtown--including a man who asked us to give him change so he could buy drugs--we didn't leave Union Square until 4:30, so we ran out of time for the fair. Hopefully next weekend. Although Atonement does open here next weekend, so we'll see if we have time left.

I can't wait for Christmas Day to arrive with morning mimosas and relaxation (and, um, you know, presents!). (Sorry for the novel-length post. It's been awhile.)

Lights, Tree, Action

I tried to wait, really I did, but I couldn't resist the urge. Must be all that planning and shopping over the last few weeks. I put up the Christmas tree and all the Christmas decorations. I wanted to wait until December 1st, but all this present-buying has made me festive. Now our place matches the mood.

I asked hubby to turn on a Christmasy movie while we decorated, but all he found was Armageddon, and I'm embarrassed to say that friggin movie makes me cry every single time. I don't know why, but somehow knowing what is going to happen makes me cry before it happens. I'm the nerd who balled in the theater while watching it, but ended up snickering during Titanic when a person hit the propeller. I think there's something wrong with me. But, hey, it's festive here.

Words written today: 1079

Numbers

After 533 miles, 9.5 hours, 3 pit stops, and 1/2 a knitted scarf, we are finally home!

*waves hello*

We spent today visiting family, old friends from childhood, and running errands. Tomorrow we do the fun drive back home with the rest of the holiday traffic - it normally takes 8.5 hours and we're guessing it will take between 10 and 11 hours tomorrow. FUN!

Will resume normal blog service later this week (after I catch up on sleep, of course).

Black Friday Madness

My mom and sister were out at 3am for the Black Friday deals, but they still didn't get the items they wanted at Best Buy because the line started forming at 6am Thursday morning, and there were hundreds of people in line in front of them! I opted to meet them for lunch instead. The bargain shoppers on the day after Thanksgiving scare me a little--okay, a lot--and I'd rather buy something at a good discount on a normal day, or online, than stand in line in 20°F weather for a huge discount . However, I had a gift card left over from my birthday, so at a reasonable hour after breakfast I did a little shopping and found two pretty shirts for 40% off. That's worth a full night's sleep and breakfast and coffee while warm at home.