Day 22: Errand Day

 

Today's List:

1. Physio Appointment... Let's just hope I walk out of there without my arm/shoulder hurting too much more than it already is. Though, today I have to ask him for some exercises for my back, because just doing the shoulder/arm ones is making my back hurt worse.
2. Go and see my real estate... Actually, I'm going to have a chat with the head of the maintenance crew... Hopefully she can help me solve a problem.
3. Chemist... I have to renew all my mother's medications.
4. Woolies... I need to pick up a few groceries.

Once I've done all that I can come home and start writing if I'm not too tired. I'll have to write something because I don't want to fall behind on my schedule. there is a certain series I want to get stuck back into, but I have to finish the two I'm currently working on. 

I can do it... I have faith in my ability to hit my own deadline. I find I work better when I have a deadline. It just doesn't help that both current series don't have any synopsis for me to follow... I'm just winging it as I go. 

Okay, I'll catch you all on the flipside... Peace out.✌

Day 21: Bad Day & It's Only Just Begun.

 

Swear to God:

1. I'm the type of person who aims for the middle of the doorway... and the wall jumps out to hit me. 

2. I'm the type of person who counts all the stairs... and then falls because I miss a step completely. 

3. I'm the type of person who sees the car door open... and then smacks my head on the roof or sun visor getting in.

Yeah, that's how my day started out... let's hope it gets better from here.

The good news side of things:

1. I took my almost 93-year-old mother for her Podiatry appointment. So that is out of the way for another 10 weeks. All I can say is thank God my physio is tomorrow.

2. I'm on track for finishing book two on time... though I've decided on another series change name. Because the more I write, the more I realize it needs to be called Elsewhere Realms... so just so we're all up to date. E.P.I.C. changed to The Halloways... and has now become Elsewhere Realms.

Okay, I now have my coffee. It's time to be off of here and conquer at least one of the worlds inside my headspace... wish me luck.

Day 20: Random Thoughts #2 (On Writing)

I'm kind of feeling like I can finally accomplish my goals this year. maybe that's because I'm laid up and can't exactly go anywhere and I have time to write. My next part of the goal is betting my typing back up to speed, and to stop myself from getting distracted (it's been known to happen).

I've made a loose writing plan for the year, I've decided not to announce it and set it in stone, because you know I'll probably end up changing it all around at some point. But for right now these are the ones that feel right for me.

I'm only concentrating this year on writing, and next year on publishing. because when I send my stuff to a publisher, I want to already have the series finished; or mostly finished. I don't want there to be long waits between books. even though that may come with the editing.

Right now, I'm just looking at it like: I just need to get some of these stories out of my head to make room for the new stuff. Even my muse Vlad has gone on a permanent vacation until I do a major declutter. The bastard could have at least tidied up in there before he left. He knows I don't like a mess.

So, I've decided to go with the flow and write whatever takes my fancy. Whether it's, shifters, vampires, ranchers, bikers, ghost hunters, or other. I'm letting my inner author shine and waiting to see what emerges at the other end. Let's all hope it's something someone wants to read.

On that note I am out of here, because I have a pain pill to take and words to write.

Day 19: Cleaning Day

 

Today I am deep cleaning my room. Well, as much as mu shoulder allows me to. I swapped out my wardrobe for a set of chest of drawers. I realised I only had three things that needed hanging, the rest could be folded. So, I pulled out my inner Marie Kondo and folded the shit out of everything and it all fit into the drawers and looks much tidier.

The other win is now my three-year-old granddaughter (Monsoon) won't be climbing the open-faced wardrobe like her very own jungle gym anymore.

I still have a couple of things to find homes for tomorrow, but I need to actually get my writing in today if I want to stay on track of having three books finished by my birthday (Feb 2). As long as I don't let Miss Marple distract me on Brit Box I should be okay. Okay, I'll talk to you all tomorrow.

Day 18: So Damn Hot

 It's been that bloody hot here lately. I had to invest in one of these stands just so my laptop is sitting flat on the tabletop and overheating. So far it seems to be working. Everything else I wanted to buy yesterday was unavailable.

1) Air fryer: Out of stock.

2) HDMI Splitter: Now = On-line only.

3) Pens: No longer make them.

4) Laptop Stand: They didn't have the one I wanted so I had to buy one that was three times the price.

5) Large Handbag: Couldn't find one.

The good news is that I didn't need glasses, though they were confused as to why I was called in for testing. Seeing as I was only there a year ago. I couldn't enlighten them any, I was just happy I didn't have to spend a fortune on glasses.

Now that I have that over and done with, I'm getting stuck back into my writing. I have a game plan set in place, and I'm going to make sure it works. I'm hoping to finish the next two books by Feb 2nd.

Day 17: Eye Test

 

I'm actually hoping that I don't need a new set of glasses. I like the ones I have now. At least they give you the option if there isn't a huge difference you can stay with what you have until the next testing cycle rolls around. I'll let you know the outcome tomorrow.

My shoulder is feeling a little better today, not as tender. Mind you, I'm being very careful of the damn doorways and walls in the house. I swear to God, sometimes, they just move and jump right out in front of me. I really can't be that much of a klutz... can I? Stop laughing. I know you are.

I'm probably not going to make my required wordage by the time I get home today. It might be another day where I end off handwriting and then typing it all up in the morning; and I'm okay with that. 

Okay, I better go, my daughter will be here to pick me up soon, and we'll be heading off. talk to you all tomorrow.

Day 16: Cracking On

 

Today I'm back on schedule. Well as back on as I can be. My shoulder is still killing me after my run in with the wall. But I did manage to get up and do what needed doing. Though in saying that, I'm only halfway through my physio exercises - I needed a break.

I managed to get 1.5K handwritten wordage done on The Halloways 2: Stepping through Cracks done yesterday, which I am stocked about. I guess I'm lucky, it's my left shoulder that's hurt and not my right.

I have to try and get as much done as possible today because tomorrow, I have to go and get my eyes tested. which is like a 40-minute drive there and back. So, we're getting the eldest 2 grandkids school shoes while we're there, as they also have to have their, before school starts, eye test done.

Though I am excited, because I'm getting my French door air fryer while I'm there. Kmart has them for $89. No more accidently slamming the one I have now's door into the bench. I'm giving this one to my daughter. So, it won't be going to waste. I have wanted a French door one for the last 3 years. It's going to be an early birthday present to myself. (My actual birthday isn't until Feb 2nd).

Day 15: Day Off

 

Today is grocery shopping day (which is a drama all on its own level), Hardly any stock on the shelves and has everything gone up in price again? After that, I had my three granddaughters, while their mum had to go run some errands. Only the three-year-old seemed to have her listening ears on and in working condition. I just took a deep breath and reminded myself> only 13 more days and the other two will be back at school 5 days a week.

My shoulder is killing me this morning. Last night, for the second time in as many weeks; I've managed to walk into the bathroom doorway and slam my shoulder hard. Oh, what fun... Not. Just in case you're wondering. Yes, I was being sarcastic.

Though I after I get off here, I might start handwriting up The Halloways 2: Stepping through Cracks.

Day 14: Finally Finished

I finally finished my first book for 2025. 2 days later than I planned, but I can blame my migraine for that. So now, The Halloways 1: Blood Ties is done. Now I'm back onto Beauford Boys 1: Silverton Plantation. Which is a companion series. At least now I have a slither of a plan on where I'm heading with that one.

I still have my bad migraine. So, it's been hard to concentrate on anything. I was just happy to get the small amount of writing I needed done and my physio exercises done. At least it didn't rain today, but it still might tonight.

Let's hope I wake up feeling better tomorrow. 14 days and the kids are all back in school... yes, I am still counting. They're driving me nuts.

 

Day 12: Raining Again

 

It's another one of those days when the weather is a total pain in the ass. As by today's title, you can guess that it is raining again. Before you know it, the grass will be up around our ears. The bad part is I love the rain. I just hate that the ground never has a chance to fully dry our and I can't get the mowing done. Looks like I will have to get the brush cutter out... okay, I'll have to buy a brush cutter first and then get stuck into the yard once it fully stops raining.

I have my eldest grandchild visiting today. They came over to pick up something and she refused to go home. Apparently, she needed a break from her sisters. Her mum will come and pick her up later.

I'm well on track for getting my first book finished for 2025 today. I have 4K more to write on The Halloways 1: Blood Ties, and then one final read through. Just to make sure it all makes sense to me. I have enjoyed writing this one.

I also have a mad headache today. My arm and shoulder are tender. My back is aching. My feet are burning. My hands are aching; and my ears are ringing. Oh, the joys of getting old.

Day 11: Hurting Today

After doing my physio exercises today. I'm not sure what hurts more. My arm and shoulder; or my back. But at least I got them knocked out for today. I will have to have a talk with my physio guy on my next visit. I'm also going to have to invest in a heat pack of some kind. the physio told me I would need it and now I understand why.

I'm on a deadline today, I have to get at least 6.2K if I'm to finish my story my tomorrow night... that will mean 6.2K tomorrow as well. So today I'm going to try and get as much done as I possibly can.

Today at some stage I have to clean out my fridge. It's long overdue. I haven't done it in a couple of weeks; and now it is annoying the hell out of me. Same with my freezer. When my guests were here things got put in the wrong places and I need to put everything back to rights before it drives me insane. Well, more than it is right now.

I'm tired today, and the day hasn't even started. Looking out the window right now it's all overcast, so I daresay we are in for some more rain, if not a storm. I love the rain in general, but I can't wait for the ground to dry out.

Day 10: Rainy Days

 

Today is all overcast again. We look like we're going to have another storm today. Which means I'll be doing yardwork again before you know it.  I hear thunder. It won't be long now.

Day 2 of physio exercises, and they aren't getting any easier. Which probably means they will eventually start working ━ God, I hope so.

I did a bit more decluttering today. sometimes I think; the more I clean the messier it gets. I have to believe there is going to be a damn light at the end of this tunnel. It will be much easier when I can trade the couple of bits of furniture with my daughter; that way I can finish setting things up the way I want them to be.

Still working on fixing The Halloways 1: Blood Ties. I have 15.3K to add while I'm fluffing and about four questions still to answer. I've got 3 days to finish if I want to meet mt deadline. I know it's doable as I just have to try and write 5.1K a day. Luckily, for me, it's the weekend.

On that note I better end off as I still have to meet my quota for today.

Day 7: Little Fingers

 

Today I have to finish tidying up after Hurricane and Monsoons visit yesterday. They thought it would be fun to play dress up in Mar-Mar (that's me) shoes. So, now I have to go around the house and find them all because my shoe rack is looking pretty bare. Not that I own many shoes.

I also need to find the cap off my USB flash drive and round up any toys I might have missed yesterday. and the clothes they insist on stripping off as soon as they walk through the door. Still, I have to admit they sure do make life interesting. They eat me out of house & home, but I would give them up for all the money in the world.

Though in saying that... 21 more days until school starts up again ━ not that I'm counting or anything. Who am I kidding. I'm definitely counting.

On another note: I'm off to physio tomorrow afternoon I'm finally getting my arm seen to as well as getting my back looked at again. I'll let you all know what happens.

Day 6: Out of Sorts

 

I'm out of sorts today, and truthfully, I'm not even sure why. I mean I slept well. I remembered to take my tablets. I've even done most of my chores. the good news is this week I've even lost 1kg (2.205lb). I just feel like I have an underlying migraine... I'm used to migraines-this one just seems to be annoying. It could be because I've really cut back on my soda intake (Pepsi Max).

Heck, I even wrote the last chapter on my first book for 2025. The book isn't finished by a long shot; now I have to go back through and fill in all the holes. But at least the book didn't end on a cliff hanger. Now I know how it ends it will make it much easier to write the rest. that's what I'll be doing over the rest of this week. I did realise while writing this book the series name will definitely have to change since I went in a completely different direction.

I have two of my grandbabies today while the third goes to dance practice. Good news is they're only here for a couple of hours; bad news is its Hurricane and Monsoon. I love them to death. Let's just hope they're in the mood to watch tv today.

the weather is playing silly buggers again. one minute its 22⁰ Celsius and the next day it drops right back down to 16⁰ Celsius. No wonder we keep getting sick. It's supposed to be Summer. I wish the weather would make up its mind. 

On that note I can almost hear my little she devils arriving. So, I will talk to you all again tomorrow.

Day 5: Smile at a Stranger

I've decided to break through my barriers and smile at a stranger each time I leave the house, (not in a creepy kind of way), but you never know what someone else is going through and a smile might be just what they need.

I've also thinking I'm going to have to do a rewatch of Wednesday and Stranger Things before the release the next seasons in each show. At the moment I'm watching Vera on Brit Box, I'm up to season ten, so I only have a couple more seasons to go. I've really been enjoying it. I like to watch a couple of episodes of something after I'm done writing for the day... it just helps me unwind.

You'll all be happy to know that I'm almost at the end of my washing. Who knew having a few extra people in the house for a couple of days would create so much. It wouldn't have taken me half as long if it hadn't rained like nearly every day since they left, and I've mostly had to hang everything inside. Luckily, yesterday the sun stayed out and I managed to use the outside line for that lot of washing.

I need to have a haircut today. It's getting to the length where it's starting to annoy me. So, I guess I'll be pulling the clippers out this afternoon and crossing that job off my list. During my stocktake of the pantry yesterday. I realized I had four bottles of salad dressing. I guess I can cross that off the shopping list. I'm going to have to teach myself to go through the pantry in the couple of days leading up to grocery shopping to know what I need and what I don't. Right now, I'm trying a method of having everything on a list and I cross it off when it's used and add it on when I buy new to replace. I'm going to try the same method with my freezer foods as well. I'll let you all know how it goes

On that note I'll say goodbye as I have to go downtown and buy some water, (we can't drink our tank water) when I get home, I'm getting stuck back into my write for today.

Day 2. To Do Lists

 

This again is not my image. I've decided this year to share with you all, images that I find beautiful, or cute (this one is definitely cute). I think the people you take, or create the pictures are brilliant and deserve to have their works shared.

Today, after I've had visitors, I'm slowly getting my house back to its natural order.  Weirdly, I have a lot of washing. Yet, we are having rain showers/storms every day. So, I can only do bits at a time - because I'm one of those people who doesn't own a clothes dryer... Speaking of, I just heard thunder. So, I guess it will definitely only be the two loads that I can hang on the airers inside.

I went through a heap of my storage boxes searching for something, only to find it had been hanging on the back of my bedroom door the entire time. At least it's found now. One more thing to mark off the to do list.

I've decided that each week I'm giving myself certain number of jobs around the house that I need to get done. I have to get them all done by the end of the week. They don't have to be done in any particular order. Just as long as they get done. I'll give you an idea of what I mean.

This week jobs:

1. Stocktake the pantry (so Ican shop smarter-not harder).
2. Stocktake the freezer (so I can shop smarter-not harder).
3. Clean out the kitchen drawers and reorganize (easier access).
4. Rearrange pot larder (easier access).
5. Clean the Air fryer & Microwave.

Mind you, the freaking heat isn't making the work enjoyable. I've just decided that 2025 is the year I say stuff it all let's get the job/s done.

Healthwise: I have to ring up and book back into the physio, for not only my back, but now my shoulder as well. I don't have a frozen shoulder, but I have very limited use of my left shoulder at the moment. I need to go and get it all figured out.

On that note, I will let you all go and get back to it because I need to get up and get some more water. I'm trying to drink more water this year... So far it just makes me wanna pee more...LOL.

Day 1: New Year ~ New Start.

 

This image is not mine I just thought it was beautiful; and thought I'd share it.

I was under the assumption this year was going to be a lot easier than the last, but I've had some news that made me realize. I was way off. So, I'm going to just suck it up and get on with it, because that's what family does. Though, I'm not going to let that stop me from reaching the goals I have set for myself this year.

There are a group of us in my family have personal goals that they want to reach, so we are all going to keep an eye on each other. encourage each other to reach said goals, and make sure we don't get off track. One of mine is to start writing again and to reconnect with friendships that have fallen by the wayside and form new ones along the way.

2025 is the year I turn my life around. If any of you want to jump on the bandwagon. Leave a comment. We'll be cleaning (chores in general). We'll be eating healthier. We'll be writing for some/ crafting for others. Some of us will also be keeping track of exercise and weight loss. Sometimes it's just easier if you have someone to do these things with, even if it is a total stranger. Just as long as someone holds you accountable.

I had been really looking forward to 2024 ending and this one beginning. Hoping that I could finally get a pep in my step. A new lease on life as my body resets itself for the next year. It's like the weather lately... I feel like the rain is washing away the negativity of 2024 and make way for the good vibes of 2025.

On that note, I'll sign off for today and catch up with you all again tomorrow or the next day. Remember, drop me a comment if you want to join in the keeping track of your goals.

New Computer & WIPS

 

I feel like I have been out of it for so long... and I really have. I have had a horrendous year health wise so far. Every time I think I'm getting better something else knocks me off my fricken feet.

I finally got around to getting my new computer. now I just have to figure out how everything works. my last one was a Surface Pro tablet & keyboard combo; but after 10 years it was really starting to misfire on me. Hopefully, now I can get back into working again. though it is strange working on a real laptop again. it's taking a bit of getting used to.

Lately I have been working on books I probably shouldn't have been working on. I have been writing. I'm at various stages through each story from 3K to 65K depending on how energetic I was feeling

• Dark Frost 1: Accidentally Yours (Ari & Roth) 
• Dark Frost 2: Running Home to You (Zara & Vance) 
• The Connelly Chronicles 3: Because of you.  (Dan & Nate)
• Woden's Wolves MC 1: Stronger Than She Looks (??? & Ezra) - I don't like her name.
• Woden's Wolves MC 4: When Everything Shatters (Krush & ???) - I can't think of his name
• Misty River 1: The Calm to my Storm (Travis & Carli)
• Quaide's Crossing 1: Saving Grace (Jesse & Grace)
• E.P.I.C. 1: Blood Ties (Alyce & Brandon)
• Brothers McCrieve MC 1: Accidental Back Warmer (Justice & Charli)
• Mountain Made 1: Meant to Be (Gavin & Cara)
• Mission Falls 1: YTBT (Theirry & Gwynne) 
• Radford Way 1: Where We Belong (Johnny & Marnie)
• Beauford Boys 1: Silverton Hall-might change (Clint & Tamara)
• Carroway Ridge 1: Windblown Kisses (Wyatt & Logan)
• Crossroads 1: YTBT (Ella Jade & Cole)
• Hayden Falls 1: Christmas Wishes come with Kisses (Nikki & Asher)
• Hayden Falls 2: Trammell House (Bo & Cody)
• Cotter Girls 1: TASH (Talia & Vaughn) - it needs added wordage.
• Ravengers MC 1: YTBT (Raden & ???) name change possible
• Demon Riders MC 1: YTBT (Maisie & Jonah)
• Iron Skulls MC 1: YTBT (Rory & Levi)

The ones that are the same colour, interact at some point even if it is just by mentioning other characters or events that happened in other stories. As you can see, I'm going in a different direction with my writing. I've decided to try my hand at writing what I like to read.

I'll try and not leave the next post so long in coming.

until next time... take care & stay safe.

Updates on life.

 

I've missed a lot of this year due to being sick. Every time I think I'm on the mend it comes back and slams me for six. I'm not sure what's worse. The aches and pains, the coughing, or the neverending ringing in my ears and mad headache. But that's enough about that. Nobody wants to hear me complain.

I need to get a new computer. Mine is quite a few years old and failing a lot lately. and seeing as it is Windows 10 and doesn't have the components to upgrade to Windows 11. Plus I got the message Microsoft is no longer doing something for Windows 10. I'm not computer-savvie. I just know it's now hard to open crap. Find crap. Save crap. I don't need a lot from a computer. As long as I can send and receive emails. Work on my writing. Use my Dropbox. Have Excel, and have Chrome search engine all will be hunky-dory in my world. I'm thinking about a Lenovo 14" laptop. 4/128GB (not that I know what that means). All I know is the screen is bigger than the 10.5" I'm using now... Any suggestions? I don't know the difference between Lenovo, HP, Asus and all the rest. To me, they are all computers. Just as long as it isn't Apple I will be fine. Nothing against Apple. I just personally find them confusing as hell. I find it hard to work my iPod on a good day.

Other than that lately I have been back to working on E.P.I.C. 1: Blood Ties. I'm at 20K in wordage. I had to trash the original story; because it just didn't make sense to me. But I like where I'm headed now. I think it will go a lot faster once I have the new computer seeing as some days I get on this one and chapters have just disappeared--never to be found again. I hate having to do shit so many times. Yes, I know I should save all my shit to Dropbox, but the computer was being an arse, and wouldn't let me on Dropbox. I've gone back to the trusty old memory stick thingies for now. because I can't find my external hard drive. Though I probably need a new one of those as well.

Well anyhow, I'm off to take some more medication and do some writing--Maybe I shouldn't write while medicated. I guess we'll find out by the time I done. I will talk to you all again some other day.

Still Feeling Like Crap.

 

Every time I think I am getting better, my cough comes back to bite me in the arse. I just can't seem to shake it. I'm tired of being sick. Yes, I know, I shouldn't complain when so many others have it way worse than I do. I'm just feeling like shit and in a complaining mood. 

The problem is when I get sick; the world still goes on around me. I still have to take Mum to her appointments and go to my own. I still have to look after my grandkids while my daughter works. Why is it, that they know when I'm feeling off and will play up like anything? My next three weeks seem to be filled with different appointments for both my mum and myself.

Hearing Specialists, Dentists, Podiatrists, Granddaughter's Birthday, Physio, Dietician, Dr. 2 Easter Bonnet Parades, and Easter, just to name a few of the things I have to plan around for the next few weeks.

On top of it all I've been dealing with a never-ending headache. And weirdly, my ears are ringing so loudly that I'm finding it hard to think straight, Today my house smells wonderful. I made a huge pot of chicken and vegetable soup. I have been thinking about eating it for days but have been too under the weather to cook it. After Mum's hearing appointment this morning. I decided to come home and make it. I'm so glad that I did. It was freaking delicious.

I've been re-reading Taking Chances 1: Lie to Me. I like where it's going, but I totally have to pull the damn thing apart and rework it. Apparently, I have like three different stories going on at the same time. It's just confusing, even to me. I'll figure it out eventually.