Monday, January 30, 2017

Hubby Update and All Star Games

Hubby is still in the hospital. He decided he didn’t really want to push going home with the drainage tube sticking out of his neck. Boy, am I glad. I had all sorts of fears if he’d stuck to his guns about that. I couldn’t see me draining and measuring the discharge. Uck!

He is moving around fine, though. We’ve walked through the halls several times. He even walks after I leave so he’ll get tired enough to sleep. Maybe if he didn’t take so many naps during the day… J

Ahh, but I tease. If he sleeps, maybe he’ll heal faster. Probably not, but it makes me feel better. Heck, I wouldn’t have minded taking a nap, too!

I have been getting a lot of reading done since Friday. Writing? Not so much. I finally brought my computer with me on Sunday. Only turned it on twice though. Once to check e-mails and then to write this blog post. Just didn’t feel much like writing on the WIP.

I did get to watch the NHL All Star game yesterday. Thank goodness it was on NBC, or I might not have seen it (unlike the skills challenge, which was on NBC Sports, a channel the hospital room doesn’t have). Happy the Metropolitan Division won (Sid’s my favorite player, of course). This was the first time I actually watched all of it. I like the 3 on 3 and the playoff style. Made it interesting (unlike other all star games). I did NOT watch the NFL All Star game, though. I think it’s on a stupid time. Put it at the beginning of the season, or a couple of weeks after the Super Bowl, then maybe I’ll be interested.

Speaking of the Super Bowl. My son’s birthday is Feb 5th. I asked him when he wanted to celebrate. He said, “Oh, I thought we'd do it on Sunday, around 4:30 or 5:00.” You see, he doesn’t watch football (or any sports for that matter). Yep. I raised a strange kid.

A strange kid who’ll be 35!! Aaack!

So… Do you think professional sports should do away with all star games? Nowadays it seems the players don’t want to risk injury, or more likely the team owners fear their star player will get hurt. At least with the NHL All Star game, it appeared the players weren’t playing rough (you know, like how they USUALLY play). I don’t think one penalty was called. A nice, clean game. If it weren’t for the 3 on 3, it would have been boring. Oh wait! It used to be! Haha!

Happy Monday.

Stacy

Friday, January 27, 2017

Eff Cancer!

Today Hubby is going in for surgery. Again.

Last week, during his scheduled check up, he told the doctor about a new lump on his neck (it had just appeared the week before). Doctor took a biopsy of it, thinking it was just a clogged saliva gland (Hubby has been having problems with dry mouth). Results came back 90% suspicious (that the cancer has returned) and the doctor wants to remove the lymph nodes. NOW.

Yesterday Hubby had a PET scan. Won’t know the results of that until later today. I really do hope Hubby doesn’t have to go through chemo or radiation. Not after all the work he went through last year and still kind of struggles with today. And why it’s showing up now when his last PET scan (in July) was clear, who knows?
 
Eff Cancer!

So yeah, that’s how our week is going.
 
I’ll keep you posted…

Stacy

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Wednesday Reads and an Awesome Review

The synopsis for Ghostly Interlude is going…slowly. Man, I hate writing those things. At least I got the blurb written. Reading is also going slowly. Too much crap is going on. Grrr… Here’s what I read the past week:

Dates read: January 12-18
Title: “Notorious”
Year of publication: 2014
Author: Allison Brennan
Genre: Mystery
Series: Max Revere #1
# of Pages: 401
Paper or plastic: Paper
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: Maxine Revere has dedicated her life to investigating murders that the police have long since given up any hope of solving. A nationally renowned, tough-as-nails investigative reporter with her own TV show, Max tackles cold cases from across the country and every walk of life. But the one unsolved murder that still haunts her is a case from her own past.
When she was a high school senior, a close friend was strangled and another, Kevin, was accused of the crime. Max stood by Kevin—until she found out he lied about his alibi. Though his guilt was never proven, their relationship crumbled from the strain of too many secrets. But that was years ago…and now Max is home for Kevin’s funeral. Did he kill himself after years of drug abuse—or did someone else do the deed? As Max uncovers some dark secrets about Kevin’s past she finds herself caught in a complicated web of lies that hit far too close to home. And it’s becoming increasingly clear that someone will do whatever it takes to make sure the truth stays buried…
My thoughts: I love Allison Brennan’s romantic suspense novels and when this series started, I wasn’t sure I’d like it: no romance. Then I read a novella with this character, liked her instantly, and bought the first two of the series. Yet the books stayed untouched. Then I found out there will be a cross-over book with the Lucy Kincaid series (#4, due out this summer); a series I absolutely love. So I picked up the first Max Revere book—I gotta get caught up! As I suspected, it’s not a romance, but there is this guy… Hmmm… But what I really enjoyed about this book is how much it reminded me of Veronica Mars. Max is very similar to Veronica (the character, not the show) and I was instantly hooked.

In other news, I discovered this awesome review for Ghostly Liaison: https://jessicathebookaddict.wordpress.com/2017/01/23/review-ghostly-liaison-by-stacy-mckitrick/ Ain’t it great?

So… How’s your week going so far? I wish I could say mine was going great, but it’s not. Can’t share right now, though. But any good thoughts you can send my way would be highly appreciated.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Monday, January 23, 2017

Movies I Won’t Be Watching

While watching the game that won’t be mentioned (grumble, grumble…I hate the Patriots…grumble, grumble), there were a couple of movie previews that made me go…WHA?

The first one was of CHiPS.

I loved that series. I grew up with that series. I lived in the land of CHiPS. Now it’s a comedy. A comedy! Really? Gosh, can’t people think up new stuff anymore? Which leads me to the other movie preview I saw during that horrible, horrible game.

Kong: Skull Island.

Have there not been enough King Kong movies? Create a dang new monster, will you? Like the killer stink bug or something.

Because stink bugs…. UGH! I hate those things!

And yes, I did find one in my house last week. Why do you ask? J

So… What movie do you refuse to watch that’s coming out this year?

Happy Monday and Go Falcons! (**sniff, sniff**)

Stacy

Friday, January 20, 2017

An Anniversary, an Interview, and a Synopsis


Forty-one years ago today I joined the U.S. Army. Boy, was I young or what? FYI: I was young. 18 years old. Found this picture that was taken during basic training. That crooked hat cracks me up!

And to think a little over two and half years later I met Hubby. Wouldn't have happened if I hadn't joined. Well, re-enlisted. Met him during my second tour.

Yesterday Abbie Roads posted an interview she did with me (Author on the Couch). You can read it here http://abbieroads.com/2017/01/author-on-the-couch-stacy-mckitrick/. Go on over and comment and you’ll be in the running for an e-copy of Blind Temptation. I don’t know when the name will be drawn. Probably Monday. Yeah, Monday sounds good. J

Yesterday I also submitted Ghostly Interlude to my editor at Lyrical Press. Now I need to write a synopsis! Gosh, it’s been like forever since I last wrote one. I had PLANNED to write it during my little writing break, but you can see how that went. Haha!

So it looks like that’s what I’ll be doing today. Just another day to cut into my WIP. Of course, my WIP is also suffering because I’ve been hosting the Sizzle and Sass page all week. Facebook will kill time faster than anything. I swear!

I probably shouldn’t have made my goal to write 3000 words this week. I should have seen what was coming.

What else came? Books I promised to judge. And I can’t take credit for reading these books on Goodreads (or here) until after the contest winners have been announced. That’s not so bad, really, because I’ll eventually get credit. It’s just that I’ll be doing a little more reading than I thought. And reading has been a problem lately.

Sometimes I think my brain is out to get me. Or would that be my muse? Whatever it is, every time I start to read, my mind keeps going back to my WIP. How I can fix it. How I can make it better. What this character could do. So on and so on. I don’t know how many times I’ve had to re-read paragraphs. It’s very annoying.

So… Do you think I should just stop working on my WIP while I get my reading assignments finished? I don’t know if I can do that. And I don’t think stopping will get my mind to stop wandering over there. And truthfully, I’m glad my mind IS wandering over there. I was afraid it wouldn’t. I was afraid this story wasn’t working. I’m not feeling that fear so much anymore. But I sure am feeling the frustration when I can’t find the time to work on my WIP. Arrrgh!

Have a great Friday and hopefully I’ll see you over at Abbie’s!
 
Stacy

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Wednesday Reads and my Curse is BROKEN!

That’s right. My curse is broken! Monday the Penguins game was on NBCSN (much to my surprise—I don’t get the paper anymore, so I don’t notice when games are on TV). I asked my daughter if I was allowed to watch it with her. She said I was good. The Capitals were on a long winning streak, so she wouldn’t blame me if the Penguins didn’t break that.

But they did. They broke the Capitals win streak. And I WATCHED it. Yay! But man, what a messy game that was. And very nerve wracking. 

Here’s what I read the past week:

Dates read: January 4-11
Title: “Wicked Ride”
Year of publication: 2015
Author: Rebecca Zanetti
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: The Realm Enforcers #1
# of Pages: 278
Paper or plastic: Paper
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: Alexandra Monzelle is a hard-fighting, heat-packing Seattle vice cop, and she’s not much interested in being protected. Her short skirt and sex-kitten heels are tools to lure her suspects into talking about the deadly new drug hitting the streets. She can take care of herself and then some. Unfortunately, she can’t seem to get that through to Kellach Dunne.
Kellach is a fresh import from Dublin, and he’s landed at the heart of a vicious motorcycle club that deals in guns, narcotics, and mayheim. He’s all male, all rough power—and all interference in her damn investigation. Maybe he’s one of the good guys. Maybe not. Lex knows an affair with an immortal like him would risk everything. No matter how delicious he looks…
My thoughts: When I first saw this new series, I took one look at the bike on the cover and said “no.” I’m not into motorcycle club stories (even though I am reading one such series, but they’re vampires). Then I found out the characters were the witches from the Dark Protector series. Well, then. Sold! I still think Ms. Zanetti’s heroes can be a little too alpha, but I’m getting used to it. Lots of sexy romance makes all the difference. I look forward to reading the rest of this series and have them on my wish list.

So… Have you ever felt cursed? Did it finally resolve itself?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Monday, January 16, 2017

Shopping and Selling

I was shopping in Walmart the other day and got stopped by a young girl. I knew she was selling something, just not what at the time, but I obliged and answered her questions (because apparently I didn’t have anything else better to do!).

Young Girl: What provider do you have for your TV?

Me: Time Warner.

YG: How long have you been with them?

Me: Twenty years (actually, it’s been longer, but I went by how long we’ve lived in our current home).

YG: Wow. How many televisions do you have?

Me: Three.

YG: You have one DVR?

Me: No. Three.

YG: Three? How about your phone?

Me: Yes, and internet.

This is when I noticed the little sign on the table behind her: DirectTV.

YG: Would you be—

Me: No. I’m not switching providers. So forget it.

YG: May I ask why?

Me: I don’t want satellite TV.

YG: Because you think you’ll lose the signal during bad weather?

Me: Because I KNOW I’ll lose the signal during bad weather.

She tried to tell me their system is better now. I counter attacked that I didn’t believe her, since many restaurants have DirectTV and lose their signal during a storm. She said they probably have the old equipment.

Probably? Yeah, right. I walked away while she thanked me for my time. Sometimes I’m glad to be stubborn.

Did you watch any of the football games? Talk about stressful. So glad to see Seattle and Dallas gone! Yay for the Steelers!! But man, that was just tooooo close!

I’m hosting Sizzle and Sass on Facebook this week. If you’re there, please say hi! I could use the likes and comments. It gets kind of lonely at times.

So… How do you watch your TV? Do you think someone could sell you to change?

Happy Monday!

Stacy

Friday, January 13, 2017

It Can’t Be Me…Can It?

After the last couple of days, I’m starting to develop a complex. It’s gotten so bad even my daughter threatened me.

What’s happening? you ask.

Well… you see… I have yet to WATCH the Penguins win a game this season.

Not just in person, but on TV, too.

On Wednesday their game was on NBCSN (which is usually the only way I can see them play). I was all excited until they started losing. And losing badly. Ah, but Daughter was going to her friend’s house on Thursday (they have the NHL package) and Hubby was teaching. I was finally able to go with her. The Penguins haven’t lost two games in a row since last year. I was finally going to see them win!

Okay, so now they’ve lost two games in a row since 90 games ago. NINETY. GAMES.

I’d hate to think I was the cause of the Penguins losing, but Daughter told me that if we don’t break this cycle (and I have tickets to three upcoming games: 1 in Columbus, 2 in Pittsburgh), that I wouldn’t be allowed (ALLOWED!) to watch them play for the Stanley Cup.

Man, that would just suck. But I’d certainly HATE to be the reason they lost. Not that that’s possible. Right?

RIGHT???

So… Are you the superstitious type? I’d like to say I’m not, but I’m a sports fan. There’s always superstition about!

Happy Friday the Thirteenth! Is this a good luck day or what? Hahahahaha!

Stacy

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Wednesday Reads and I’m Writing!!

I’m feeling pretty good. Apparently I still know how to write. J And I might have a title to my latest WIP: Ghostly Protector. So far it fits, but that could all change. It’s been known to happen before (I’ve already gone through a couple of titles on this one alone!).

Here’s what I read the past week:

January 4:
Title: “The Surrender Gate”
Year of publication: 2015
Author: Christopher Rice
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Desire Exchange #1
# of Pages: 247
Paper or plastic: Paper
How obtained: Got it free at a conference (most likely RT)
Blurb from Book: Emily Blaine’s life is about to change. Arthur Benoit, the kindly multi-millionaire who has acted as her surrogate father for years, has just told her he’s leaving her his entire estate, and he only has a few months to live. Soon Emily will go from being a restaurant manager with a useless English degree to the one of the richest and most powerful women in New Orleans. There’s just one price. Arthur has written a letter to his estranged son Ryan he hopes will mend the rift between them, and he wants Emily to deliver the letter before it’s too late. But finding Ryan won’t be easy. He’s been missing for years. He was recently linked to a mysterious organization called The Desire Exchange. But is The Desire Exchange just an urban legend? Or are the rumors true? Is it truly a secret club where the wealthy can live out their most private sexual fantasies?
It’s a task Emily can’t undertake alone. But there’s only one man qualified to help her, her gorgeous and confident best friend, Jonathan Claiborne She’s suspected Jonathan of working as a high-priced escort for months now, and she’s willing to bet that while giving pleasure to some of the most powerful men in New Orleans Jonathan has uncovered some possible leads to The Desire Exchange—and to Ryan Benoit. But Emily’s attempt to uncover Jonathan’s secret life lands the two of them in hot water. Literally. In order to escape the clutches of one of Jonathan’s most powerful and dangerous clients, they’re forced to act on long buried desires—for each other.
When Emily’s mission turns into an undercover operation, Jonathan insists on going with her. He also insists they continue to explore their impossible, reckless passion for each other. Enter Marcus Dylan, the hard-charging ex-Navy SEAL Arthur has hired to keep Emily safe. But Marcus has been hired for another reason. He, too, has a burning passion for Emily, a passion that might keep Emily from being distracted and confused by a best friend who claims he might be able to go straight just for her. But Marcus is as rough and controlling as Jonathan is sensual and reckless. As Emily searches for a place where the rich turn their fantasies into reality she will be forced to decide which one of her own long-ignored fantasies should become her reality But as Emily, Jonathan, and Marcus draw closer to The Desire Exchange itself, they find their destination isn’t just shrouded in mystery, but in magic as well.
My thoughts: Man, that’s a long blurb, huh? This is a new-to-me author, but not his first novel. What I didn’t like about the book: Marcus’s point of view doesn’t show up until page 112. Before that it was mostly all Emily’s POV and the book was easy to put down (it was kind of slow, but interesting enough to keep reading). What I liked about the book: Marcus! Once I was able to see into his head, I wanted to keep reading. I would have loved for him to have shown up a little bit earlier, like maybe the first time he noticed Emily. Certainly would have perked up those first hundred pages! As for the paranormal/magic portion of the novel… Eh. It doesn’t evolve from the main characters and it’s not really explained, but then it is the beginning of the series, so maybe it will be later. Some storylines are left hanging at the end, but not the main one, which is good (because I hate cliffhangers). It’s not all that erotic (although some people have labeled it such), just sexy. Overall it was an enjoyable read, but I doubt I’ll continue with the series. Not paranormal enough for me. Besides, the next one isn’t out yet, if it’s even written. Maybe he’s a slow writer like me. J

I almost had two books to add this week, but I thought I would wait and finish my current read today so I would be sure to have a book to report next week. I’m such a cheat, huh?

So… What makes you pick up a book from a new-to-you author? The title or the cover? I’d have to go with cover. Especially if it’s sexy. I can’t help it. My eyes are automatically drawn to it. But then the title has to be intriguing, too, if I’m going to read what the book is about. Time is precious. Seems the older I get, the faster time goes. Just doesn’t seem fair now, does it?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Monday, January 9, 2017

Oops, I Watched the Golden Globes

I had a busy day yesterday, in which I ended with watching the Golden Globes. Completely forgot about my blog! Bad me. Good thing I’m not blogging toward any goal, although technically I’m still blogging on Monday. Just later.

As for the Golden Globes… I thought I watched a lot of movies. Watched a lot of TV. Apparently not. I didn’t even know most of the shows that were up for awards. At least I recognized the actors. Mostly.

I remember when television series from cable networks (e.g. HBO & Showtime) would appear as award winners on the Emmys or Golden Globes and people would say they weren’t really television shows. At least they were ON the television. Netflix and Hulu and Amazon and whatever are not ON television. They’re on the internet. Maybe they should have a separate division for them: Internet Series. If the Golden Globes are going to differentiate between a “television” movie and a “theatre” movie, why not differentiate between an internet series and a television series? Better yet, separate all the paid channels/services together from the free-based (or commercial-based) ones. The commercial-based category has a big disadvantage to the internet and cable when it comes to content. Just saying…

Yesterday was a good day sports-wise. Steelers won (YAY!). Penguins won (YAY!). My daughter was at the Penguins game (yeah, a little jealous, but then they probably would have lost if I attended). It was originally scheduled for 1pm, but because the Steelers were playing, it was moved to 5pm. She got home super late (or rather, super early this morning), because she had a 4-5 hour drive home via Cleveland (dropped off her friend) and had to be at work this morning. Zzzzzz.

I set up my writing goals for the week (on my to-do list). But since I got such a late start this morning  (7:30! I never get up that late!), and came home from the fitness center later than usual (9:30!), I hope I’m able to complete some of the stuff I had planned on accomplishing today. And since writing a post wasn’t one of those items… Oh well, I did create the list for items to accomplish this WEEK. I just hoped to have certain stuff done today.

So… Did you watch the award show? Do you want to see “La La Land” now? I’m thinking I do. Daughter saw it over the weekend. I’ll have to ask her how it was.

Happy Monday! And if it’s not happy, kick its butt! J

Stacy

Friday, January 6, 2017

My Newsletter and Adding Another Goal

Do you know I have a newsletter? I’d be surprised if you did, even though I have a sign up form over there on the side bar AND on my website AND on Facebook AND on Goodreads. Surprised, because I don’t mention it all that much. But hopefully that will all change soon.

Oh, I’d LOVE to say it’s because I have a new book coming out. And eventually I will (one way or another), but just not soon (at least soon in the publishing way of things). Instead I’ve decided that once I read one of those new-to-me books I got free from conventions, the ones I talked about on a previous post about reading once a month, I will give it away. That should equate to 12 books over the year, right? So 12 chances to win. But the only way you can have a chance to win one of those books is to be a subscriber to my newsletter, because that’s where I’ll tell you how to enter (provided you live in the USA—I have to do some investigating of shipping costs before I include international subscribers. Sucks, I know, but I don’t want to break my bank account!).

Will this get me more subscribers? Will this get them to open my newsletters? We shall see. I currently have 292 subscribers with an average 33% open rate. I’d like to get that number up. Heck, I’d like to get BOTH numbers up. But at any rate, it will help get my name out there more often so people won’t forget little ol’ me, and get me on the road to being consistent sending out my newsletter. Which means I should have added that to the goals I listed on Monday, so I will now:

6) SEND OUT A NEWSLETTER AT THE END OF EACH MONTH.

Guess that means the first one will go out January 31. If you would like to receive my newsletter, sign up HERE. And don’t be surprised if I post reminders from time to time. If I can’t use this blog to sell me, then what good is it, right?

Yesterday I took the Christmas decorations down and had one casualty. L My 1993 Hallmark ornament bit the dust. I only had 4 more ornaments to take down, too. Guess I was getting too careless seeing the end in sight. This isn’t the first time I damaged an ornament, but the first to be rendered unusable (I was able to fix the 2003 Steelers ornament I dropped a few years back). Oh well, not much I can do about it.

In the past this might have bothered me more. Now? **shrug** No one pays much attention to my tree anyway, so I doubt anyone (but me) will miss it.

So… Do you get author newsletters? If so, do you open them? I know that’s a crazy question, because you subscribe, so why wouldn’t you open it? But many people don’t. What causes you to open it? I subscribe to a few author newsletters (some are friends, some I’m a fan) and I do open them and read them. I don’t enter their contests, because I don’t want to compete with their readers. Besides, I don’t need their swag or any more free books. I’m sure I’ll get tons more at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention and Rust City Book Con this year. More giveaway stuff!

Happy Friday! Go Steelers!

Stacy

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Wednesday Reads With Some New Stats

Look at that! I did finish another book in 2016! I liked what JeffO did on his blog by including the publication year, so I thought I’d do that, too. I’m curious how many new books I will read in 2017. Or better yet, how long it took me to pick up a book I actually purchased! I also decided to include how I got the book (provided I remember—haha!).

Here’s what I read the past week:

December 31:
Title: “Blood Vow”
Year of publication: 2016
Author: J. R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Black Dagger Legacy #2
# of Pages: 459
Paper or plastic: Paper
How obtained: Borrowed from Daughter
Blurb from Book: The Black Dagger Brotherhood continues to train the best of the best to join them in the deadly battle against the Lessening Society. Among the new recruits, Axe proves to be a cunning and vicious fighter—and also a loner isolated because of personal tragedy. When an aristocratic female needs a bodyguard, Axe takes the job, though he’s unprepared for the animal attraction that flares between him and the one he is sworn to protect.
For Elise, who lost her first cousin to a grisly murder, Axe’s dangerously erotic appeal is enticing—and possibly a distraction from her grief. But as they delve deeper into her cousin’s death, and their physical connection grows into so much more, Axe fears that the secrets he keeps and his tortured conscience will tear them apart.
Rhage, the Brother with the biggest heart, knows all about self-punishing, and he wants to help Axe reach his full potential. But when an unexpected arrival threatens Rhage and Mary’s new family, he finds himself back in the trenches again, fighting against a destiny that will destroy all he holds most dear.
As Axe’s past becomes known, and the fate seems to be turning against Rhage, both males must reach deep—and pray that love, rather than anger, will be their lantern in the darkness.
My thoughts: I savored this book. I could have easily tossed my writing project aside and read this more quickly, but I wanted it to last. I just love this series--this world--so much, I didn’t want it to end. It’s funny how Ms. Ward says she’s writing a different series, but is she? Really? I mean, this is a continuation of The Beast, which is in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. At least Rhage’s part of the book is. Axe’s and Elise’s story is new, and contained within this book. Not that I’m complaining. No siree. No complaints from me. This book had me laughing and crying—quite the emotional roller coaster. What a great read!

USC Trojans gave me a worry there during the Rose Bowl. So glad they came out with the win without going into overtime. Whew! And to think their quarterback is only a freshman.

So… Where does the bulk of your reading material come from (store, library, giveaway, friend, or relative)? Most of mine are from a store, but there are a couple of series I borrow from my daughter (or she borrows from me, no use in both of us buying the book). I used to read a lot from the library, but they don’t always have what I want when I want it (in paper, that is). Hubby uses the library all the time (has accounts with several). But then, he likes audio and e-books the best.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Monday, January 2, 2017

Setting Goals for the New Year

A new year usually means new goals. I don’t do the resolution thing, but I do try to set a goal or two. Maybe this year I can actually make a better effort at achieving my goals (because I did a lousy job in 2016--setting them and obtaining them).

Which means I need to make sure it’s a goal I can achieve. Can I read 90 books in a year? Sure, if I’m not writing. Since I want to write more, I need to adjust my reading goal accordingly. Now, I don’t really have to set a reading goal, but it’s fun and I like fun. Who doesn’t?

Here are my long-term goals for 2017:

  1. Write a weekly "to-do" list. This will help with those short-term goals that pop up every now and then. I find if I don't write it down in this little journal I keep by my computer, it doesn't always get done. My mind tends to get distracted a lot and I end up forgetting to do things I need to do. Plus, it feels really good to cross stuff off the list!
  2. Read at least 65 books. I can’t stop reading. #1: I love it. #2: It helps fuel my imagination. I learn a lot just from reading.
  3. Write the first draft of Book #8. Book #7 took way too long and I need to get back into writing faster (like I used to). So my goal is to finish the first draft six months after I start it. I’ve done it before, so it’s not an impossible goal.
  4. Reduce the time I spend on e-mails and social media. At least between the hours of 9am-4pm. I have to resist the need to open every e-mail until later, like after Hubby gets home. I've been getting better, only opening those e-mails that look important and saving the rest for later (when I'm done with my writing for the day). Now, this won't apply to those weeks where I'm hosting the Sizzle and Sass page, but that usually only happens one week every three months. Usually.
  5. Exercise harder, five days a week. I’ve been doing okay, even though I slacked off the past two weeks. But if my last cruise taught me anything, it’s that I need more cardio in my workout. True, some of my problems can be due to my leaky heart valve, but not all of it. Gotta keep at it so when that day comes and I need surgery, I’ll be in good shape.
Did you watch the OSU game? Oh. My. God. Was that just awful or what? And then what the heck happened to the Steelers? Sure they sat out three players. But they only sat out THREE players. That game should have never even gone into overtime. Thank goodness the Penguins won on Saturday. But now I have to wait a week before the next game. Bye weeks in hockey seem ridiculous! Oh, and in case you were wondering, I'm rooting for USC in the Rose Bowl.

So… Are you setting goals this year? Do you make them challenging or reachable? If I make them too hard to obtain, I find I just give up. I do NOT want to give up.

Happy Monday!

Stacy