Admitting the Problem

The first step is admitting you have a problem. That's what they say. I don't think I actually have a problem. Well, it's only a problem if it completely takes over your life, right?

I think it's sort of the way a lot of people describe falling in love and the beginnings of that perfect relationship. When all you can do is think of about the other person. You daydream about them, you spend all your free time with them and if you can't be with them, you're talking to them, texting them, emailing them. Every time they're around you get all sorts of good nervous butterflies in your stomach and you can't think straight and every thought you have is about them and everything you do starts to revolve around them.

Writing. Yeah. That's how I feel about it.
(Standing up now.)
My name is Windy and I'm a write-aholic.

The Flu, The Economy and Other Fun Fortunes

So it's been a while, yes. I believe it has much to do with the fact that the flu has been running rampant through our entire family! Current victim, and last to be struck? Me. While everyone was sniffling and coughing and runny noses were everywhere, I was fine. And now, everyone's fine (almost) except me. (yeah, I know . . . whine, whine, whine.)

Moving on. I read an interesting blog from Chuck Sambuchino in regards to the state of getting published in our current economic times. I really liked how simple he made it: Getting published has always been hard. Getting published in a down economy is maybe only 20% harder even if it feels like the whole world is against you. What it really boils down to, and is the general consensus (that I've read anyway) of agents is to just keep writing and making everything the best it can be. Honestly, that's all anyone can do, right? To use an already over-used cliche, the cream will rise to the top.

Maybe that's just me trying to stay positive in a less than positive environment, but I'm at the point now where I'd just rather look at the bright side of things. There's no reason to hang on to negativity and let it ruin a perfectly good (if a bit dark and snowy) day. Besides, my fortune cookie from dinner the other night said: The current year will bring you much happiness. Why not look at the bright side of things, even if it's only to help that along?

Old Songs and Half Fans

On my drive into work yesterday morning a song came on and I was immediately inspired. It wasn't the first time I'd heard the song nor will it be the last, but have you ever had that moment of hearing something you've heard a million times and feeling like it is completely new? Mind you, it wasn't a song on the radio, it just came up on the CD that I was listening to and suddenly an entire storyline started playing out in my head. I get into the office and then . . . I am so swamped with work that I can't even keep my spreadsheets straight and I'm scribbling notes to myself on my fluorescent post-its (I LOVE Post-its) so I don't forget anything. After a long day at the office and then a few more hours at home bonding with the spreadsheets, I was finally able to get a few pages of the new story down.

I have faith in it being under 100K words already! Woohoo! To top this off, after a brief chat with a friend we've determined that I am now up to a full 4.5 fans consisting of six people. Yep, that's right. I have a few half fans, but I'll take those anyday! Thanks to everyone who believes in me. This is a long road and it's nice to know I'm not on it alone.

Mondays

It feels like one of those days (most Mondays do for me) where I just have so much going through my head that I can't really focus on anything. I feel like I should have just stayed in bed today, but that probably wouldn't have worked out so well, what with having to get to work and get the kids to preschool and having to, you know, be an adult and what not. I feel like I didn't have enough time over the weekend to catch up.

So yesterday was the SuperBowl and I have decided that it is my new favorite shopping day of the year. Well, at least if you time it to where you're out and about just as the pre-game show starts. No traffic. No crowds. It was awesome.

While we were out we received some sad news of a close friend's mom passing away. I'm not entirely sure, but I think it was kind of sudden and that makes it even more tough. I mean, it makes you look at all the relationships in your life and see if you can make the most of the time you have with your loved ones.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you KFP.

Opportunities

I'm working with a deadline now. Well, writing with a deadline anyway. Before, I gave myself a deadline to work with - more of a goal to when I wanted to finish certain things - but now, there's an opportunity that I really want to take advantage of, but with a set deadline. It stresses me out a little, but I'm ready to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way at this point. I realize that there are a lot of people out there who are doing the same thing and have been working on this same thing for YEARS and YEARS, but you never know until you try, right?

On a lighter note, so the Super Bowl is on Sunday and I have to say, it has been a lot of years since I've really been interested in anything involving the Super Bowl. I feel like everything has just gone steadily down hill over the past few years. Or maybe I'm just getting old. I don't know. Either way, my big plans for Super Bowl Sunday? I'm taking the opportunity (hoping that Super Bowl will mean less crowds) and going to IKEA. I need a new bulletin board.

Have a great weekend!

Smiles

This was from Scott's cell phone, so it's a little grainy.

Things like this make drizzly days a little better . . .