Day 28: School Begins Today

School begins again today for another year. We have one off to prep and one starting in Grade two. Our Preppy (Hurricane) got off to a bad start even before school started... (Monsoon) pushed her out of the house door and she fell over. So, at drop off time, she screamed the freaking school down... Fingers crossed tomorrow is much better.

I had a house inspection today from the real estate. I'd forgotten all about it. Luckily, for me the house was spotless. My yard on the other hand needs some work. but I've already organised through the real estate to get someone in to slash it for me.

 

I'm still writing in longhand for the moment; and seriously I don't know why I haven't switched to the computer. I think I will stick with what's working for me; especially when the story is freely flowing.

Day 27: My Muse

 

Yes, I know this is a picture of Jonathan Rhys Meyers; but this is kind of how I see Vlad; my muse. He's come back from wherever the hell he was hiding. Vlad is pushing me to write the story that he wants done. Where the characters need to be written. I swear to God, that they must pay him off; just so he annoys the hell out of me to swap projects halfway through.

So, in saying that I'll be working on my Woden's Wolves MC for the next week or so while I complete the task given to me. I started writing it in longhand. When it comes time to type it up. I'll then add in all the fluff/descriptive bits.

Public holiday here today for Australia Day. So, I'm just pottering around the house getting a few odd chores done. The ones I put off until the need doing... like cleaning the stove, or the air fryer, or microwave. The ones that I do at least once a fortnight... though, I do wipe my stove over every time I use it. It doesn't get as messy then. I'm also thinking I need to do another declutter of my kitchen crap. Get rid of the things I don't use, as they are just taking up the space of the things I do use.

Day 26: Little Critters

 

I have two cats Robson who is 7 years old (he looks like this cat) and Oliver who is 13 years old (he's black and white and only has half a tail). Why is it they have to bring me home little presents. The bring me home, lizards, geckos garden cockroaches, field mice, and a freaking lot of frogs. I'm okay with that. the thing I have a problem with is I have to then catch the little blighters. for some reason (and I'm happy about it) they never kill the animals. They just come and drop them on the floor near me and then lay down and watch me try and catch them.  I've invested in a little net and a stout piece of cardboard so I can catch and release them back outside.

I know they are supposed to bring you gifts when they love you. I just wish they wouldn't bring them into the house. I always think to myself, the little buggers always look so proud of themselves when they bring me said gifts. If I don't acknowledge them fast enough, then they will meow loudly until I do.

My writing is getting back on track. I'm happy with the progress I've been making each day.

Day 25: Plastic Plants

 

My mum loves her plastic plants. The good thing is they never die, and I don't have to water them. The problem is I have to dust them and wipe them over all the time. This is my task for today. Clean all the plastic plants in the house. Sadly, my mum has a lot.

I have them and the blinds to try and get washed. I have about 8 venetian blinds that need doing.

So, today is a busy day, unless I get sidetracked and none of it gets done. I'm still on track with my writing. so that might be what distracts me from my chores

Day 24: Randomness #3

 

Today I have my granddaughters while their mum takes the eldest to swimming lessons and then comes back and swaps the eldest out for the middle one; and takes her for her second eye test = today they are working out what strength she needs. she has already picked out spiderman frames.

I feel like this picture today... I have so much to do, and all I want to do is sleep, but sadly the household chores won't get done by themselves. The biggest chore today is folding up all the washing. 

I got more exercises added to the ones I already have from the physio when I went on Wednesday. This time some of them are for my back. Jared showed me a different way of doing the shoulder/arm exercises that will put less stress on my back/spine.

I'm on the last season of Marple on Brit Box... It's been pretty good. I'm not sure which lady I preferred better as Miss Marple. I'll probably watch the series again to see all the bits that I've missed. Sometimes I can pick the killer and sometimes I can't.

Day 23: Soundtrack Day

 

These are the songs that are on repeat in my head at the moment.

I'll leave it up to you to figure out what they all mean.

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 13: Migraine Time

For the last 2 days I've suffered with a bad migraine.  It's an all over my head one, but also mainly in my right eye. I hate migraines... Pardon the pun... But they do my freaking head in. I have to put everything on hold because I can't concentrate long enough to get anything accomplished. All I really want to do is climb into bed and sleep the day away.  Yet, I still have to get up and: 

(1) Do my daily chores. 

(2) Take care of my mother

(3) Do my physio exercises.

In saying that, I had to put off finishing my book, The Halloways 1: Blood Ties. I'm so close to getting it finished too. Hopefully this migraine won't last too long, and I can get stuck back into it.

I've also been hearing thunder all afternoon. I wonder if we are in for another storm. On that note I will away and catch you all tomorrow.

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 9: Birthday Wishes

 

Happy 35th birthday to my daughter. 

Glad you survived this long.

Even happier your three girls - give you a taste of what you put me through,

Love you to death - even if you do drive me crazy sometimes.

2025 is going to be a great year.

Day 8: Bowie

 

Happy Birthday David Bowie ~ Miss you every day. 

May you forever live on through your music.

This is my favourite of all time.

Enjoy...

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 4: Today, No Social Media

 

Today I have decided that after writing this blog I'm not going to go on social media. (I'll probably cave later in the day). Only because if I do I'll get sucked into; and sidetracked by watching garden rescue/renovation videos. I don't know why, but I always do... Lately Lois Denise are my favourite ones to watch. I'm not even going to turn on my TV and get distracted by Vera (I'm up to season 9).

I'm determined to get some writing done today. as you know I talk mostly all my writing stuff on my other blog. The link is on my page here. just press it and it'll take you there.

Today I have no grandbabies, so I might also catch up on my housework in between turns on the computer - when I need to give my eyes a rest.

Also, today's major job is tackling the pantry. I want to find out exactly what's in there and how much I have of each item. This year I'm determined to shop smarter - not harder. Means I might actually have to think about making a meal plan for the fortnight, before I do the shopping and buy accordingly. I'm trying to teach my daughter how to manage a budget and not waste food etc... then I realized if I want to show her, I need to do those things myself. I do budget and I don't waste food. My problem is I buy ingredients for my pantry and then never use them. I either have to give them away or they expire.

Plus, with my sore arm/shoulder, I need to find a better place for my dinner set. I just swapped it out from the heavy one I had to a nice light Corelle one; but at the moment it sits too high in my pantry. my arm just doesn't want to lift that high. Though, I also can't have it too low, or my grandbabies will want to play tea parties with it.

On that note I better stop procrastinating and get some writing done.

Day 3: Grandbabies

 

Gotta love them - Can't live without them - Counting down the days until they go back to school, (in case you're wondering there is 25 days). My year won't get easier until the two older ones are back in school, and the younger one is being minded by her aunty Lace (second cousin). I don't call the two younger ones Hurricane and Monsoon for nothing.

We've been going through the process of decluttering my daughter's house. I admit something we shouldn't have started during school holidays, because little hands are not helpful. They try to be, but in the end, they make the job ten times harder. We might have to postpone the job until they are back at school. Especially, when it comes time to go through all the toys. Today the little angels are at my house while their carpets are getting shampooed at home.

I know by looking at their pictures... butter wouldn't melt in their mouths. when they get with their cousin it's like the four horsemen of the apocalypse have descended upon us... but tell the truth, I'm looking forward to seeing the dynamics between them as they grow... now they are all between 3 & 6, and the cousin is 7. I wonder if they will always remain as close as they are now. We have one (the cousin) who is on the low end of the spectrum; and another who is diagnosed ADHD... fun times because those two are frenemies, (or so they tell us). The ADHD one is starting Prep this year. and she is looking forward to it.

This Christmas we were smart. They didn't get a lot of toys. they got three big outside ones they could share and then a couple of little things; then we stocked them up for school. Though, leaving the shoe buying until last minute in case they have a growth spurt between now and the 28th. trust me, it happened when the eldest one first started prep, and her mum bought her shoes too early.

Sadly, I have come to realize my grandbabies know their way around a phone better than I do. When did that happen? One day they are coming to me needing help with something, and now I have to get them to help me. Smart little buggers.

On that note I will away, because we are about to hang out some washing and Hurricane and Monsoon like to hand me the pegs.

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.

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.

Long Day

 

Today I woke up with a massive headache. Nothing has dulled it at all. Not even my strong migraine pills. So because of the headache, I also woke up very tired. The good news is when I weighed in this morning. I hadn't lost any weight, but I also hadn't put any on. So I'm counting that as a win.

I spent this morning taking Mum up to Toowoomba to get her new glasses checked, she only got them two weeks ago, but they seemed off. It turns out they had the wrong prescription in them. So, now we have to wait for another week and a half for the new ones to come back. At least we didn't have to pay for the replacements.

I was going to come home and wash, but it is all overcast, and has been lightly showering. I think I'll do the smart thing and see how tomorrow fares. Nothing worse than not being able to get all the clothes dry.

Soon I'm going to venture into the world of potty training my third granddaughter. I need to buy a heap of little undies to have on hand for her. Thank God I have wooden floors. I'm hoping to have her completely out of nappies by the end of the year. Mainly because nappies are so damn expensive. I was actually supposed to be looking after two of them this afternoon, but lucky for me I get the day off as their dad is home. He'll have them today, and it'll be back to our normal routine tomorrow... I should mention their dad is a long haul trucker, and Mar-Mar (me) looks after the girls (Grace, Harper, & Rae-Rae) when their mum works or is at some other event with one of the kids.

Okay, Later Gates:- I'll talk to you all on a whole other day.

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.

Brain Fart Moments

This is me lately. I swear I can be in the middle of doing something, and then the next minute, I think, now what the f*ck was I in here for? Does anyone else have to walk in and out of a room a dozen or more times, just to remember why the hell you walked in there in the first place?

Hell, some days I get to the point where I misspell a word so badly, that even Google is at a loss. Usually, it is a word I have spelled so often before, and for no reason, I suddenly get it into my head. Sh*t that looks wrong.

Or spend an hour looking for something and you've got it in your hand the whole time━like talking on your phone while you look for your phone, or searching for your glasses while wearing your glasses━that one I do a lot. My granddaughters think it's hilarious, so we end up making a game out of it. LOL, they don't realize Mar-Mar is just getting old.

I know it sounds like I'm just ranting and complaining. I'm not really. More just having a laugh at myself, before I get set to do some more purging in my Dropbox. 

PS: If anyone knows where I misplaced my tape measure, feel free to tell me where it is... LOL, right now I'm blaming its disappearance on Mox the resident ghost.

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.