Update!
Sorry I haven't been updating here as frequently. I've become hooked on Twitter, where I can post snippets about what I'm doing no matter what I'm doing - or where I'm at. Super convenient...plus, fun!
Still, I don't want to neglect LJ, so...
For starters, my focus is pretty much on my upcoming trip to the L.A. Writer's Conference. I can't wait! I leave Thursday and the conference is all day Friday, Saturday and a half-day on Sunday. I'm enrolled in the "Novel Cram" track, where you work with a teacher and a small group of students to basically outline a novel over the weekend. You attend the Novel Cram classes rather than the regular workshops, and have plenty of time dedicated to writing.
I am also having the prologue of my novel reviewed by a published author; I sent it in ahead of time and he's supposed to read it, give me written feedback and sit down with me for 15 minutes during the conference. My plan is to take that feedback, work on expanding the story in that prologue into an outline with Novel Cram, spend October researching and planning, and then write the novel in November during NaNoWriMo.
In any event, I'm stoked about the conference. Can't wait!
This past week, I decided I needed calling cards for the conference, so I can hand them out to agents and editors I meet, or anyone else I want to network with. But of course, this occurred to me too late to order a lot of places. Enter my dear, dear J to the rescue. He designed these incredibly beautiful, elegant cards just for me, found me a printer he'd worked with before, uploaded the design to them and then just took my credit card and did the order for me. They'll be here Tuesday!
I went shopping today to pick up a few things at the mall, including a new cord for my iPhone and some makeup. While I was there, I decided I needed a nice new pair of black slacks, and went to Nordstrom's. I wasn't sure I could fit into anything there, since it's been so long since I shopped anywhere but the fat woman's store. Not only could I, but the pair I picked out (which I thought might be pushing it) was too big!! I tried on several different pair just to be sure it wasn't that one pair ran large or something, and sure enough, I was in a size smaller in all of them. I haven't worn this size pant in probably 6 or 7 years. Huzzah!
I also got a new yogurt maker, using a gift card to Williams-Sonoma someone gave me. I eat at least a huge container of plain, nonfat yogurt a week (since that's my usual breakfast) and more if I'm using it to cook with, which I've done a lot more lately. I hope this works, because it would be nice to make my own. I've got a batch going downstairs now.
On a family note, my family made it through Ike fine, with basically no damage. Everyone's got power back, except my brother, whose area was hardest hit. He worked at the police department through the storm, so he's starting to slowly get back to normal as the water recedes.
Oh, and my sister is expecting! Another nephew or niece for me! Hooray!
My DVR is still down and I can't figure out why. I have begun using iTunes and Amazon to watch my shows, including the new season of Supernatural. And dude, the season opener was KILLER! I swear, if those services had Food Network shows, I'd see no reason to go back to cable...
As for today, the weather is beautiful, so I think I'll take Miss Stella out to the seawall for a walk. Then, if the weather holds, I may attempt some nut brittle as a thank you to J for his help on the cards.
Still, I don't want to neglect LJ, so...
For starters, my focus is pretty much on my upcoming trip to the L.A. Writer's Conference. I can't wait! I leave Thursday and the conference is all day Friday, Saturday and a half-day on Sunday. I'm enrolled in the "Novel Cram" track, where you work with a teacher and a small group of students to basically outline a novel over the weekend. You attend the Novel Cram classes rather than the regular workshops, and have plenty of time dedicated to writing.
I am also having the prologue of my novel reviewed by a published author; I sent it in ahead of time and he's supposed to read it, give me written feedback and sit down with me for 15 minutes during the conference. My plan is to take that feedback, work on expanding the story in that prologue into an outline with Novel Cram, spend October researching and planning, and then write the novel in November during NaNoWriMo.
In any event, I'm stoked about the conference. Can't wait!
This past week, I decided I needed calling cards for the conference, so I can hand them out to agents and editors I meet, or anyone else I want to network with. But of course, this occurred to me too late to order a lot of places. Enter my dear, dear J to the rescue. He designed these incredibly beautiful, elegant cards just for me, found me a printer he'd worked with before, uploaded the design to them and then just took my credit card and did the order for me. They'll be here Tuesday!
I went shopping today to pick up a few things at the mall, including a new cord for my iPhone and some makeup. While I was there, I decided I needed a nice new pair of black slacks, and went to Nordstrom's. I wasn't sure I could fit into anything there, since it's been so long since I shopped anywhere but the fat woman's store. Not only could I, but the pair I picked out (which I thought might be pushing it) was too big!! I tried on several different pair just to be sure it wasn't that one pair ran large or something, and sure enough, I was in a size smaller in all of them. I haven't worn this size pant in probably 6 or 7 years. Huzzah!
I also got a new yogurt maker, using a gift card to Williams-Sonoma someone gave me. I eat at least a huge container of plain, nonfat yogurt a week (since that's my usual breakfast) and more if I'm using it to cook with, which I've done a lot more lately. I hope this works, because it would be nice to make my own. I've got a batch going downstairs now.
On a family note, my family made it through Ike fine, with basically no damage. Everyone's got power back, except my brother, whose area was hardest hit. He worked at the police department through the storm, so he's starting to slowly get back to normal as the water recedes.
Oh, and my sister is expecting! Another nephew or niece for me! Hooray!
My DVR is still down and I can't figure out why. I have begun using iTunes and Amazon to watch my shows, including the new season of Supernatural. And dude, the season opener was KILLER! I swear, if those services had Food Network shows, I'd see no reason to go back to cable...
As for today, the weather is beautiful, so I think I'll take Miss Stella out to the seawall for a walk. Then, if the weather holds, I may attempt some nut brittle as a thank you to J for his help on the cards.