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 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 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.

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.

Dang it!

 Seriously, I feel like I have been sick for the last month. I started out by nursing everyone else through the twenty-four-hour virus, before succumbing to it myself... I can tell you, I really hate vomiting. Then, no sooner did I get over the first illness. When low and behold, I get a freaking head cold━I just can't freaking win some days. Now my 92-year-old mum has come down with the same damn thing, and our house is sick again. Once we are both better I will have to do a top to bottom, household scrub-down.

Though I have been working━well kind of. I have been re-writing my synopsis and the opening for E.P.I.C. I'm thinking about going in a whole different direction with it. It'll be along the same lines, just different━more to it than I originally planned. I'll probably enjoy writing it more now.

Lately, I have this song on repeat in my head.

It's driving me nuts.

Almost...But Not Quite.

 

This is so true. I'm trying to do better, but it is a work in progress. Crowds still give me anxiety.

I have done a ton more on clearing out my Dropbox. I even managed to write 5K on a story I didn't even know I still had. So I guess it's back in rotation. Currently, it's called: Second Time Around, but I don't think it fits the story So I'll probably change it.

I'm still working at the hula hoop thingy... I seem to struggle with the rhythm for the first ten minutes or so, but after that I do fine. I think it is helping with the aching in my back. And I sweat like you wouldn't believe━not that you needed to hear that. Since starting I have removed two links. It's hard doing it on my own, but I'm getting there. I'm not dieting━just changing the way I eat. Anyone want to join me on this journey. Drop me a line and we can become weight-loss buddies together, better to do it with a friend or a total stranger than struggle through it on your own. We can do weigh-ins. Talk recipes. Even just talk about what's happening, ups and downs. What works━what doesn't. No money needs to be exchanged. I'm purely doing this through sheer determination, kitchen scales, and bathroom scales. With just the food I buy in my weekly groceries, and what exercises I do at home. I'm not paying for gym memberships, diet pills, or any other sort of diet-related thing. The only thing I'm doing is keeping track of my weekly weight, and monthly measurements. The best part is if you want to participate. You can live anywhere in the world, and join in from the comfort of your own home. all I ask is you be honest with your weights and measurements.

Okay, I think I've talked your ears off long enough. I will chat again on a whole other day.

Dang It!

 

I feel like I'm losing my mind. I may have been out of the game for a year, but when did everything change so drastically? I just tried to send yesterday's post to Twitter, which is somehow now X. I totally missed that change of name. Sad to say I'm too scared to even open my WordPress blog to see how much that has changed on me. I think this may take me a little bit to figure out how everything all works now.

Other than that, I'm still going through and decluttering my Dropbox. I'm getting ready to add all the new stuff I've been contemplating about, and working on. I want to make it easy to touch and be accessible. So when I want it, I'll know exactly where it is.

It's been fun rereading all the bits of stories that I have there, and deciding whether to keep them or to put them aside. Some I've decided to meld into other stories. Others will go on the back burner for a little bit. I'll never discard anything fully until I have absolutely no further use for it.

I'm actually trying to figure out a writing list. One that will actually work. I think once my Dropbox is clear then I'll have a better view and be able to see what's right in front of me━so to speak. Wish me luck.

Holy Shyte!!!

 

Let me start by saying I've lived through a year of hell. That would be the best way to begin, but then, it wouldn't be quite accurate. The truth is... I've had a year of being worn the hell out. My whole body was out of sync or something. I've been going to my GP, and he has been helping me get back on track. I'm working on making 2024 the year of me. The one where I get my health up to par, and I don't feel like my body wants to shut down every other week. I know I'm not the only one out there suffering. Hell, I know I'm not even the worst off. Plenty of other people are going through much more than I am.

Although I haven't been on here for the past year, it doesn't mean I haven't been doing some writing. Not a lot, but some. Mostly, I have been outlining new stories. This time around when I start writing. I want to have all my synopsis within reach. I might not always follow said synopsis to the (T), but they are a basic guideline of where I need the story to go, and definitely where I need it to end up, especially if it is part of a series.

The other thing I am in the process of doing is updating this blog and my WordPress one. so eventually you'll start to see changes... I'm also cleaning out my Dropbox. I feel like it is so cluttered. I just want the stuff on there that I'm actually working on. That way when I'm looking for something in a hurry, I don't have to search through everything.

I also have visitors at the moment, so it makes it hard to work when I feel like I need to talk to them. Actually, it's just my sister, and she really wouldn't care if I was in my room working on my computer. but, I look after my three granddaughters while their mum works 2, 3, and almost 6...  They are such a handful, only listen when they want to and I wouldn't trade them for all the quiet in the world. 

Other than that, I still have my bad back. I still have my atrocious migraines. I still have my thyroid condition. I still have horrendous ringing in my ears. I still have arthritis in my hands. I still suffer from cramps all over my body (mostly arms and legs). I still have really sore feet. I'm still overweight (but I've lost 5kg).... On a good note: I still love listening to David Bowie. I still love reading and writing. I really love my new multi-function cooker that I just bought from Aldi. 

And on that note: I will bid you all good night and I will talk to you all again next week, or even in a couple of days, and give you an update on all my decluttering is going on the computer.

Week Three> Week Off

 

Okay, I'm not going to look at it as I've wasted the week by not writing. I've had doctor appointments out of the wazoo this week. From normal our normal GP appointments, to dietician appointments with my granddaughter Grace, and Podiatry appointments with my almost 91-year-old mother. Okay, By tons I may mean four, but they were all at off times, so by the time I either left or returned home I didn't feel like getting on the computer to write... Instead, I watched Netflix: Ghost Wars, Instant Dream Home, Wednesday, & Get Organized with The Home Edit... But if the granddaughters were here, it was usually Boss Baby, The Wiggles, & We Can Be Heroes.

Above is how I keep track of my writing world. It basically tells me what I need to be working on each day. I've planned out the first six months of the year. The list, even though it is numbered; doesn't mean I'm specifically writing them in that order... this planning thing seems to be working so I've decided to do it in my real life as well. Considering I keep track of 7 people's appointments... It really gets tiring.

Here is a little snippet of what just January looks like for me and my lot... And yes, I colour code everything. Much easier for me when I'm trying to find things in a hurry. Trust me, I quite often have to go back through months looking for particular dates of events.

Updates: My foot > is still sore. The doctor doesn't think it isn't too serious. Though, I will have to buy some new shoes with better arch support. I'll have to look until I find a pair I like. As I don't like wearing shoes that velcro up. 

My headaches > well, they are still hanging around, but lately, they have been kind of mild. Though I did have one doozy this past week. The kind where it felt like my vision was swirling, and going in and out of focus.

My Back > Has been good, only a little tender down around the base of my spine. In truth, I've been having more pain with my arms than anything they are aching... not sure what from.

I think I've rambled on enough for one post I'll leave you with a song that has been rattling around inside my head for the last couple of days. Mind yu the first time I heard this guy sing... This is not what I pictured him to look like... But he did bring to life my Doyle Kerwin from my The Lines of Marsden Series.

On that note, I will away for now.

Later Gaters & Catch you all next week.

Week Two: I Have Ouchies...

 

This week I've somehow managed to hurt my damn foot. No clue how I did it, but it hurts like a bitch. I told you I would give you an update on my specialist appointment... Let's just say they must have had a temp working the day they rescheduled me. I was sent to the wrong hospital, (okay, I could manage that). They changed my appointment date when I was almost at the said hospital (now that I had a problem with - I told them they couldn't do that without informing me first. Especially when I didn't live in the same city as the hospital). Then I find out they booked me in on a day when she was only doing diabetic consultations and I was going for my thyroid. (That one I was a little confused about). Turns out the Dr. was in surgery anyway, but at least I wasn't on my lonesome. Three other patients went through the same drama I did... my new scheduled appointment is February 17th at 9:45 am. Which just happens to be my mother's 91st birthday. Let's hope next time it runs smoothly.

Okay onto my weekly writing schedule:-

1. Cotter Girls 1: TASH 45.2K > added another 3K (DONE)
2. Cotter Girls 2: RAINE 2K > started on this one
3. Misty River 1: Calm to my Storm 51.2K > added 5.2K (DONE)
4. Woden's Wolves MC 1: Rescue Me 9K > started on this one
5. The Connelly Chronicles 3: Because of You 65K > added 2K
6. Quaide's Crossing 1: Saving Grace 17K > added 3K

24.2K all up for the week. It's been a hard week for me, but I don't want to fall behind if I can help it. I'll catch you all next week and fill you in on what's been going on.

Later Gaters.

Week One> Update...

 

Well, I started off the week by writing 1K a day on each of the  4 stories I'm currently working on... Yeah, that lasted until Tuesday night. I was managing it okay, but it was a little tough jumping from one storyline to another without stuffing up. So on Wednesday, I decided to work on one story each day, and just alternate them. This is working out much better for me. I have one more read-through of Cotter Girls 1:TASH to see if I have to add to the story anywhere, but I think that one is actually done. It came in just under the wordage I had planned for it. After that, it's just writing up the synopsis and blurbs and submitting it somewhere.

You'll be happy to know I have also stuck to u budget... probably because the grocery shops have stuff all in them...  but that's okay. I'm about to start up my veggie patch again, but this time, I'm doing it all in pots... the hillside was hazardous to my health. I can't count the number of times I fell down that thing. Luckily, there was a fence to stop me at the bottom. 

The weather is stinking hot here. I hate saying it, but God, I wish it was winter already. Though, I'd probably only complain about it being too cold if it were. At least it's good clothes-drying weather. No. I don't have a drier. I depend on the sun to do it for me. Just like the only dishwasher I have is called my hands.

Before I talk to you again, I'll have gone to my thyroid specialist appointment. I'll have to let you all know next week how it panned out. Here's hoping they give me the correct medication and my health can get back on track. 

Later people, take care and see you all next week.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

 ...WELCOME 2023...

I'd like to start off by saying Happy New Year to everyone. May the year ahead be kinder than the year we just lived through.

This year I'm going to try and think more positive thoughts... and set myself realistic goals... I don't want to be causing myself stress needlessly. So for the last month while I've been out sick I have been working on this year's budget (loose) to keep me headed in the right direction. I've already been sharing some of the other things (monthly planner - to keep track of 6 people 7 pets and two houses)... Yes, I'm my daughter's backup appointment keeper.

My Goals:

1) Finish writing 6 books.

2) Read 10 books off my TBR list.

3) Stick to my budget.

4) Try and be more organized.

5) check in on my blogs more frequently.

Working on now:

1) The Connelly Chronicles 3: Because of You (starting at 55K/100K)

2) Misty River 1: Calm to My Storm (Starting at 35K/50K)

3) Quaide's Crossing 1: Saving Grace (Starting at 5K/50K)

4) Cotter Girls 1: TASH (40K/45K)