tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65332251067315182892024-03-21T14:14:25.265-07:00Pretty, PleaseCalm on the outside, fiery on the inside. As my mother always told me, "Dynamite comes in small packages."Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-39371304168723648762012-07-21T17:29:00.002-07:002012-07-21T17:29:48.620-07:00Writer's Conference Day 3 Highlights<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: left;">-I went to two book pitch sessions and I had 10 out of 12 agents/editors request to see more of my work. (Side note for anyone that's curious: no, that does not mean I have an agent, an editor, or a book deal--it just means I have access to these people agreeing to look at my work).</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: left;">-9 of those were agents; 1 was an editor</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: left;">-Several asked for 50 pages and 1 even asked for my entire manuscript.</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: left;">-Now it's on to HEAVY EDITING to get ready to submit to them! </span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: left;">-And thank you to everyone that's sent me good vibes and love during this journey! :)</span>Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-11681460793347156692012-07-20T19:30:00.001-07:002012-07-20T19:30:10.155-07:00Writer's Conference Day Two:<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Highlights</span><br />
-Hearing an editor say the F word<br />
-Making new friends that are in the same boat as me--terrified to pitch, working real jobs, and living normal lives<br />
-Being encouraged to dive deeper into my characters<br />
-Feeling like what I do matters and is not a waste of time<br />
-And, yes, the kids and hubby were still happy!<br />Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-54524612186191858252012-07-19T21:40:00.000-07:002012-07-19T21:40:02.331-07:00Day One of the Writer's Conference<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: left;">Day One of the Writer's Conference:</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: left;">Highlights--</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: left;">-Playing "Guess what genre that person writes"</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: left;">-People watching--lots of INTERESTING characters (and I don't mean book characters)</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: left;">-Listening to everyone's pitch for their book that I met and feeling brave enough to tell them mine</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: left;" /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: left;">-Getting excited when people encouraged me to actually pitch to agents--I guess I'm gonna do it!<br />-Feeling positive about the whole "being a writer" thing--yea it's tough getting published, but it's fun to write and that's what matters<br />-Knowing my kids are happy and having a good time (Amelia and the boys were happy to talk to me on the phone)<br />-Feeling lucky to have an uber supportive husband</span>Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-63405656984517257032012-07-19T09:11:00.001-07:002012-07-19T09:11:34.531-07:00First Writer's Conference Check-InAll signed into the Writer's Conference! Should be interesting--already met a lady that is trying to be a screenwriter and I've seen lots of interesting people. Should make for good people watching and good conversation. Now relaxing for the moment with some coffee!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107559720775477614445/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCNCm7Mib0ZK53wE#5766913950905872370'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwVaTWDvdJvrG7dfACyXFe2Opf721j7gLQJjHNcOX5oAy5Q-4gsjJsTk7DZurEEW6AXaMdlSGdp23-T7rENUsKhCPSONnC4NHJ8517qR1SJEj1CeHvU00msq42qory8TmLdDpeemtD3Du/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-86625444134384252812012-07-17T20:22:00.000-07:002012-07-17T20:22:14.370-07:00Getting ReadyIt's been a month since I've blogged, but a lot has been going down in this house. I've left my writing alone for this entire month and spent time with my family. We've played a lot (I've gone insane a little) and just had a jolly good time. I've barely had time to even think about the writer's conference. Tomorrow, my husband and I take off to journey to Seattle so we can enjoy each other as a couple with no kids and so I can experience the conference. I'm so lucky to have such a supportive spouse (that's ok with me splurging on something like this) and family that will watch my sweet little kiddos. I'm having a rough time thinking I'm going to be away from them for 6 whole days--the most I've been away from them is 2 days. It's a little conflicting--wanting to be with my kids vs. wanting me time and husband time. I'm sure it will all work out in the long run and I'm sure I'll really appreciate that I took the time to go. Hopefully I'll have some time to blog about the experience as I'm going through it all...Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-8673564807295517052012-06-16T14:51:00.001-07:002012-06-16T14:51:45.446-07:00Literary Contest ResultsI finally got my results back regarding the PNWA literary contest. I did not place in the top 8 so I was not picked as a finalist in the YA category. However, the feedback I did receive from my two reviewers was not horrible. In fact, it was encouraging in several aspects and it helped me think about what I need to work on. I feel good still and know I can make this book even better during my editing. As one friend quoted to me from Hemingway, "The first draft of anything is shit." That's why it's a first draft. Overall, a good score for a first draft, though.Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-7753502752812448262012-06-09T22:19:00.003-07:002012-06-09T22:19:33.573-07:00TumblrSince I'm bound to taking a break from the book--apparently it will make be edit "more better"--I was convinced by a friend to sign-up for a tumblr account. Tumblr is this crack-cocaine like micro-blog site where one can pictorially/verbally/etc-ally vomit online. And, oh yes, I've been spewing like crazy because I am a social media whore. Thanks to my buddy who fed my addiction--I will beat you later. In the meantime the rest of you can look for the link on the right side of this blog for my tumblr account site.Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-52199825129093554242012-06-08T21:29:00.004-07:002012-06-08T21:55:56.869-07:00The NovelI think I just finished the first draft of my novel. It's a bit of a mess, but that's what editing is for. :)<br />
<br />
Next steps:<br />
-Wait a few weeks--read as quickly as possible and look for continuity erros.<br />
-Read again and edit for cuts and additions.<br />
-Move on to 2nd draft.Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-90986238993782309812012-06-05T23:19:00.001-07:002012-06-05T23:19:38.349-07:00Because I'm AWESOME at not making deadlines.Ok, so I'm closer to the end of the book. But not done. I have one chapter left. I just finished up chapter 20. I think the next chapter should wrap it up. Oh, god, can it be so???Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-11604121686613939742012-06-02T17:32:00.000-07:002012-06-10T22:51:45.038-07:00A few distractions, namely cupcakes<div style="text-align: center;">
I made cupcakes for my friend's baby shower. G-rated and R-rated cupcakes.</div>
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/107559720775477614445/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCNCm7Mib0ZK53wE#5749602141650920754"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvejpt3bTaWSuBd8yvVSjEsj5OxeO2woOHonEAonsZwRepuMMnOvlzE3qwdmZF2kXCHW6WTEiRsYVxkh8L_fEAo83t9mRlNFrWQyI5HpYhtEe5a3Ign62sCBZV37qrSC-GOs4sgBjIIqEM/s288/iphone_photo.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center><br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/107559720775477614445/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCNCm7Mib0ZK53wE#5749602172368056498"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKplqsS6rHdV2R9GpdPrqGnkBtEUQX-Zs_PPeRJ9sTK-sFLbSWCZU699BzhIM9Dl6tLNiFrDYEEKkwyJKog4gWoxKs-NWV_utzU2Vo-Qq5-__FG8vwQLtuajwdH0x1b6Ifnl4KibGpoJ4X/s288/iphone_photo.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center><div style="text-align: center;">
And I made a motorcycle diaper cake!</div>
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/107559720775477614445/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCNCm7Mib0ZK53wE#5749602187253336274"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiS2eZc3ccsGYW6on-rZfJkzuqBYa8Y5NXt-J9X8HW54UNr-tQF6xU3NfDFEmEY6QtNhjiIsnDDPMyTV4A1NGLjwiCMFQdyB-rKrMMJczd0uxn2BWF_gXagf44x88_Lz0H4oV-7sZfpTZA/s288/iphone_photo.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhoneAmberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-16471446238318123342012-05-31T22:42:00.000-07:002012-05-31T22:42:41.089-07:00Best Little People Toy Ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtBd7EBJ_6rNSLPhdjoeAfvEMbBkVXL3QeCp_Y2Kt9KI5pJRSZgY3rheOfEQJYqdNDeUrVdsH6ccWTUhs2FxbWqmOKiObBTByhInht7EaSJk52r8NzTJa1Bwy6RUA3LVXWfWEARiScbc/s1600/575270_10150855651031547_1827254556_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtBd7EBJ_6rNSLPhdjoeAfvEMbBkVXL3QeCp_Y2Kt9KI5pJRSZgY3rheOfEQJYqdNDeUrVdsH6ccWTUhs2FxbWqmOKiObBTByhInht7EaSJk52r8NzTJa1Bwy6RUA3LVXWfWEARiScbc/s320/575270_10150855651031547_1827254556_n.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
Fricking awesome toy, right? Bought it for my little girl. It also came with Batgirl. I wonder if Batgirl and Wonder Woman would really be friends? I have a feeling they'd both go out and beat the crap out of Cat Woman because she's crazy bitch that meows when she talks. <div>
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Anyway, I'm writing. No, really...I am. One more chapter to go. Me and this computer have an intense date tomorrow night. So close...<br /><br /></div>Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-46164963039774403112012-05-29T22:15:00.000-07:002012-05-29T22:15:10.547-07:00Tonight...700+ words (meh) and realized my mother is a "Chinese Mother" (read Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother and you'll get this).Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-90487975980330340822012-05-29T19:05:00.004-07:002012-05-29T19:05:47.277-07:00It's on like Donkey KongBecause I'm totally caught up at work (for the next 2 days only), I'm in full writing mode tonight. No holds bars. All out war. June 1st is my deadline and I'm cutting it close. 1.5 chapters to finish up. Let's do this thing.Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-38219585965479669462012-05-24T23:05:00.001-07:002012-05-24T23:05:01.935-07:00Wine-OThe best part about this picture? It looks like I'm drinking out of a fish bowl! Had to share the funniness.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJatLYnkZ0jMvRK3q0KzpV2H3U6t05EvI8X0wkfF4u75KpP5J5S9QEvEilzERiTwIwblXa-tF5KD3Ko0aAandy5zk97XYmSoB9a1shwuNpCubHjnK7_3MQnlIRkL0m3ZDnaXzFQLqmvVQ/s1600/Photo+on+2012-03-21+at+21.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJatLYnkZ0jMvRK3q0KzpV2H3U6t05EvI8X0wkfF4u75KpP5J5S9QEvEilzERiTwIwblXa-tF5KD3Ko0aAandy5zk97XYmSoB9a1shwuNpCubHjnK7_3MQnlIRkL0m3ZDnaXzFQLqmvVQ/s320/Photo+on+2012-03-21+at+21.12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-17831720861001155692012-05-22T17:39:00.003-07:002012-05-24T22:59:20.144-07:00Books to Read<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/107559720775477614445/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCNCm7Mib0ZK53wE#5745522043700138882"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGBQ2nAc_j7sZ10odEWaFAigpCurYXkLkUq-6WR-uHrsnfj6Uz_KFpJI9kAd_qTgx7oeo0myR8KOObhxtFS0CByZuMls9apWkDWOkzcvgXRlfqXE5ShMW-5t6VdHzHDujiEpl3Kh_Ld2i/s288/iphone_photo.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
Ok, so these are books I just checked out. It's a comical picture at best because of the mish-mash selection. <u>Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother</u> is a book I've been wanting to read. Chua writes about how Chinese parenting differs from U.S. parenting. I'm excited to read this one. The other three were random picks. <u>Fifty Shades of Grey</u> is a newer fiction novel that's supposed to be some dirty romance novel. I was a little embarrassed to grab it, but I've heard too much talk about it on websites and such. I figured I better check out what it's all about. Janet Evanovich's <u>How I Write</u> was another random selection because I've been writing so much. I've never read any of her fiction work (my mother LOVES her books and always talks about them), but since she's successful I thought it would be nice to compare her process to Stephen King's since I just read his book, <u>On Writing</u>. The final book in the stack is <u>Unclutter Your Life in One Week</u>. The librarian and I were laughing about this one. Seriously? One week? But, I'm just thinking any organization ideas are always helpful. So, there you have it. That's (hopefully) my next month reading list while I step away from the book before my big edit. I will report when done!Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-67269167565641429292012-05-22T17:39:00.001-07:002012-05-24T21:39:28.991-07:00ReviewsI've been wanting to write a post on the books I've read so far this year and my thoughts on them. I've read five, but I'm really hoping to get in about 20 before the end of the year. The summer should make that a little easier! So far, though, this is what I've conquered:<br />
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-<u>Pride and Prejudice</u>--by Jane Austen--Okay, I've read this book too many times. It's one of my favorites. I love, that for the era, Austen wrote a pretty strong female character. Elizabeth is fantastically snarky and I've always appreciated that. This is a book I really like to read every few years because it's just so great. Oh, Mr. Darcy!<br />
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-<u>The Hunger Games (Trilogy)</u>--by Suzanne Collins--I definitely recommend everyone read this trilogy. They're all quick reads and fairly entertaining. I had one student say she thought they were better than Harry Potter and that's why I ended up reading them myself. Although I disagree with her statement (Harry Potter is still better written), I did enjoy the books. I liked that the main character, Katniss, wasn't a complete wuss. She was a more realistic and strong female character (which is my major beef with the Twilight series--Why is Bella so weak all the time?) and that really spoke to me. She makes for a great example for young ladies in the world. The story is weak in some points, but over all it's good for YA writing.<br />
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-<u>On Writing</u>-by Stephen King--This book is King's memoir on his journey to becoming a writer and his advice to writers. I really liked reading about his journey--I felt connected to the part that he wrote as a child and as an adult, he was always passionate about it. I even liked hearing that he was an educator before he hit it big and that he had been through many struggles (no silver spoons, people). His advice on writing is valuable (although his complete loathing of adverbs is a little over the top). He has great advice on setting a schedule and making time for the "muse" as well as editing the work. If you're a writer, it's worth reading. <br />
<br />
-<u>Steal Like an Artist</u>--by Austin Kleon--This book is advice directed to creative people. The main message is to make time for your creativity and to remember to explore. It had some cute tidbits and it would be a nice gift book for those creative souls in your life. However, it is by no means a deep and highly instructional or compelling book. Kleon has cute inspirational tidbits if you're feeling like a creative loser and need a pick me up, but I felt like his book was very "surface level" and lacked credibility (maybe this is because I'm older than him and have had different life experiences). So, if you get it's just a cute little quick read pick-me-up, then you'll love it. Otherwise, pass on byAmberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-15522741932615500042012-05-21T22:05:00.001-07:002012-05-21T22:06:17.531-07:00VertigoI stayed home today (well, I came home after being at work for an hour) because my husband called me feeling like crud. He said he was dizzy and I instantly thought he was going to die and I would have to sell everything and move into a condo and buy a minivan...luckily, he's still alive (What would I do without my sweetheart?) and we got him to the doctor. He has Vertigo. Nice, huh? So, I ended up playing with the kids and I just got done writing 750 words. Decent words--not crap. I'm getting closer and closer to my goal. I'm on chapter 20 now. One more after this one and then I step away and get ready to edit.Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-34248082736470546592012-05-20T19:21:00.001-07:002012-05-20T19:21:34.544-07:00TodayMe and the stupid dog. This is the second picture I took. The first was of Dexter staring at my cleveage. While funny, I didn't want to reveal my secrets yet. ;)<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107559720775477614445/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCNCm7Mib0ZK53wE#5744806057354735602'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BT_4Zh_X7ZGIOA9c1Oz3sIxgBrARSj25Fl9eOUqWeZkmi8HERQ9SiV67z92tXro5dpWmSffZYYniAG7dcbhWtVbRJkGrTi94_4wEQUj2jlVpe7jpWs97wQ0Zq0Up43_TiTffcJ1G3Vgt/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='269' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-36015941312281072652012-05-20T19:10:00.000-07:002012-05-20T19:10:32.133-07:00On SuckingI know what you're thinking--why is she writing Rated R crud? I don't want to hear about a suburban wife/educator/mother talking about "that." Ok, I'm not talking about that. But it's an awesome image in your head right now for sure. I had HORRENDOUS writer's block Thursday and Friday night. I'm super behind. I had to erase some stuff that was so horribly written that I'm 3,500 words behind my goal in fact. So I feel like I'm sucking at the writing game. I really hope this week goes better in that venue.<br />
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Also, I only have 4 weeks left of school. I may be switching schools and grade levels for next year, so I could have some busy summer months ahead of me. AND I'm bent on getting back into my hardcore workouts and eating right starting this week (ENOUGH starting over on this, Amber, OK?). I lost a ton of weight last summer and looked decent (not as good as I did before baby #3 unfortunately), and I'm determined to get back to that place. I strongly dislike feeling like a pudgy muffin butt...Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-15958040881117260672012-05-15T22:39:00.001-07:002012-05-15T22:39:04.442-07:00Check-In<br />
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Currently: Happy that I was able to get down a little over 1,200 words tonight. My goal is around 800 words per night until May 31st. Last night I only had 400 so I had to make up for it tonight. </div>
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Listening: To nothing.</div>
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Loving: That it was a warm day and we got to play outside tonight and that summer break is less than 25 days away now. Also, I gave my husband the gift I got him today--the expression on his face was priceless!</div>
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Thinking: About my little sons--they've been very naughty the past two nights. What's the deal and how do I reign them in without being a great big meany?</div>
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Wanting: It to be the weekend and for all my lesson planning to be done.</div>
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Needing: To exercise--I'm slacking!</div>
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<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">OLW</span> (one little word): Give.</div>Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-45636004983065549522012-05-13T20:06:00.000-07:002012-05-13T20:06:03.939-07:00Completing this stinking book...I have 17 more days to complete my book. That's 4.5 chapters in 17 days. That's 1 chapter every 3.8 days. That's 795 words a day for the next 17 days. I love this book. I love what it's done to me mentally. But I also love that it's almost over. Well, at least the first draft part. Then I'm stepping away from it for 1 month (until July 1st). Then it's on to HARD CORE editing mode. Hopefully by mid-July I'll be fully into my 2nd draft when I head to the writer's conference. Oh. Boy.Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-4775833896389196562012-05-11T21:16:00.000-07:002012-05-11T21:16:01.684-07:00TGIFIt's been...a week. I'm not enjoying state testing, but at least no one puked this week (children) or f'd up (the grown-ups). I got over my "other-teachers-suck" thoughts and felt better about everyone again. I even got good news about my plans for next year--I have a small shot at an elementary art position (not overly crossing my fingers) or at least a spot at an elementary that is 10 minutes from my house (rather than 40 minutes from my house). The stars must have aligned--ok, ok, my administrator went to bat for me like no tomorrow. Thank goodness he likes me.<br />
<br />
My teaching partner was falling apart because of some personal issues and because I'm leaving her. It felt like a bad break-up for a couple of days. The, "It's not you, it's me" conversation. I love her, but my family comes first. I'm sure she'll find peace with it all...I have already.<br />
<br />
I continued with writing--I had the CRAZIEST epiphany on Wednesday. Everything connected and my story developed in an awesome way. It's like I was being told the story. So. Fricking. Cool. I was squealing in the kitchen and poor hubby had to hear me talk 100 miles an hour to explain the new plot line. I made it up to him by buying him a secret gift. Mwhuaahaaaa.<br />
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Now, it's Friday, I'm lounging in my bed and getting ready to write some more. Tomorrow I'm lucky to have coffee with an old friend in town from Seattle and then the hubs is doing some secret stuff for me on Sunday (all I know is I have to be ready at 1:00 PM). I told him all I want is to sleep in until 9:00 AM. I'll humor him, though.<br />
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<br />Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-20644353279883322782012-05-01T19:20:00.003-07:002012-05-01T19:20:33.830-07:00Check-In<br />
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Currently: Getting over my irritations of the day. I'm really trying to be calm and collected. But after today's not so good moments, it's tough. I had a teacher barge into my class and be rude (for no other reason than that she doesn't get social cues), an administrator overreact and be grumpy with me, and another teacher be bitchy because I put kids first instead of her. Then I had a kid puke during state testing. Lovely.</div>
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Listening: The boys play games; my keyboard go "click-click-click."</div>
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Loving: That it's getting closer to the end of the school year. I love my class and all they do, but I'm feeling spent this week.</div>
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Thinking: About how I wish the "big people" would really put the "little people" first. The problem with public education is sometimes politics takes precedence. </div>
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Wanting: To enjoy the rest of the week with no stress.</div>
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Needing: A massage.</div>
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<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">OLW</span> (one little word): Hugs.</div>Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-86830096578053901282012-04-24T21:21:00.001-07:002012-04-24T22:32:53.606-07:00A Day in the Life...Here's how my day went. Some of this is typical; some is not:<br />
<br />
Wake up with the baby at 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30. I think she's teething. MONSTER TEETHING.<br />
6:00 AM alarm goes off. Slap the snooze two times. Finally up at 6:11. Send mom a happy birthday text.<br />
Shower, make-up, hair, get dressed, and don't eat breakfast. I make sure to peek at the three kids and the hubby, all still snoozing (I'm slightly jealous). Out the door by 6:55.<br />
Realize I better get gas as the car is chiming at me. I stop and get gas at 7:05, grab a coffee, and hit the road.<br />
I arrive at school at 7:40 AM. Say "Hello" to the office ladies, check-in, and head upstairs. I search for my keys in my enormous purse as I talk to our Principal Intern in the hallway--we discuss my possible interest in an art position next year.<br />
Finally the keys are located, I'm unlocking doors, switching on the computer and taking a look around to make sure my floor is clean (a whole other ball of wax).<br />
I create new math worksheets as my mind has changed on what we need to cover in our math mini-lesson today after what I saw yesterday. I sign 36 Science Fair certificates, put entry tasks on student desks, and make sure I have all my other materials.<br />
8:10 staff meeting: We discuss evacuation procedures in case "that thing" ever happens. Yuck. We discuss the MSP--I start my testing this Thursday.<br />
8:30 I head back to my room and start grading papers from the day before. I'm so happy they are really getting our measurement unit.<br />
8:55 I'm back out the door and greeting my students. I remind them to line-up correctly and to kindly enter the building. Where is half my class this morning? We get inside, students get moving to their entry tasks (except for the few that I have to remind), we go through morning announcements, and then go over the entry task. The rest of my students have trickled in. Students turn them in and we do "thumbs"--this is our mental check of if we had a good night or not to help me know if I need to address any issues that keep them from learning. <br />
9:20 We begin our math lesson--we discuss metric linear measurement. They get it right away so we can take off and get going on the independent work. I sit with my struggling students and help them make sense of it all.<br />
10:00 We go over the work we did, turn it in, and get ready for writing.<br />
10:15 We touch base on how things went with writing yesterday and students commit to finishing their stories. I circulate and help all 24 students that are present, pep talk at least three that are REALLY struggling (sitting with them, encouraging them, rooting for them), and remind one little fella (no less than 20 times) that, yes, he must stay in his seat and not talk, and not talk, and not talk,...<br />
11:25 I tell my students how amazing they are to get their writing done and do it beautifully, and walk them out to recess.<br />
11:30 Breathe. I scarf down my lunch, call my husband to say hi, and check emails. <br />
11:45 I go to make copies for tomorrow's work, talk to my teaching partner, and barely have time to make a restroom stop.<br />
12:00 I pick up my class from the lunch room and get them upstairs. They do spelling while I try to find that video on erosion/weathering--where did it go on my computer?<br />
12:15 I take students down to the computer lab--we go over the MSP tutorial for the 4th time, double check that we understand how to complete the work on the computer, and practice typing and math skills. I make a new seating chart for our MSP testing.<br />
1:10 We're back upstairs. One student reads a picture book to our class to try and earn her "Brown Belt" for reading (Reading Karate). She does such a great job--about makes me cry. We discuss racism and segregation (as this is what the story book discusses a bit). We decide it just wasn't fair and we'd all fight against it it we lived during that time period. Mr. Principal pops in to say hi.<br />
1:25 We review a few reading concepts in order to make sure we're ready for the MSP on Thursday--we talk about predicting and inferring, fact and opinion, and author's purpose. Man, these kids know what they're talking about!<br />
1:45 Students read independently. I check in with some on what they need to work on, we pass out Reading Karate belts and beads, and I meet with some to talk about summary writing.<br />
2:15 We clean up, discuss what we need to remember for tomorrow, and head to PE.<br />
2:30 Breathe. Grade more papers, make more copies, go meet the kids at 2:55 to walk them outside.<br />
3:00 Say goodbye to my class, hand out their papers, and talk to our special education teacher about accommodations for my special needs students for the MSP. You getting a theme here? MSP!<br />
3:20 More grading papers. That pile never ends! I also get the opportunity to look over the notes I had parents write to their kids to encourage them on the MSP. Several of the notes bring tears to my eyes.<br />
3:40 Time to head out as I need to run errands and get home. I stop at the craft store to get brown cardstock and photo corners. Then it's time for the long trek home.<br />
4:40 I arrive home. The baby is crying again and the boys are being nuts. Nana looks ready to go today (at least yesterday was better). I get the kids calm and boot them out in the backyard to play. Time to start making dinner! Something easy is in everyone's near future...<br />
5:00 I talk to my fabulous neighbor over the fence about her amazing daughters who have both had cancer (Gee my life is easy compared to that any day! She's an amazing mom). I let her vent and encourage her because I love her!<br />
5:30 (I think?) We sit down to eat. Everyone is happy. Then, bath for the baby and the boys take showers (a new thing at our house!). We get jammies on early and begin to build robots downstairs with blocks.<br />
7:00 Time to tuck in the baby--she's screaming and angry. At 19 months, I was hoping this would be easier. I finally just have to let her cry it out a bit. Don't tell Nana.<br />
7:15 Call my mom (FINALLY!) and say happy birthday. She retires this year and I'm so excited to see her more. The boys play some more and watch a cartoon. I do the dishes.<br />
8:15 My sister arrives to stay the night since her commute is long. She's not feeling well. I get the boys ready for bed and we read a story on the top bunk. Then I'm pleaded with to sing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." Of course, I do it--for those knuckleheads!<br />
8:45 I look over a frame I need to prep for pictures for one of the hubby's co-workers. It's time to pick colors for mats! But, oops, the hubby needs to add hardware to it before I can finish it up.<br />
9:00 Texting to my BFF and my hubby...I begin composing this post about my day.<br />
9:20 Take the dog out, turn the TV off, say goodnight to my sister, and head upstairs to my bedroom. I begin to write. It's been three weeks because I had the most horrible respiratory infection. I'm finally feeling better. The writing feels like a stranger, but I'm pleased to see that chapter 17 actually started out good. I get 1,050 words down in one hour. I feel exhausted and tomorrow is my long day. <br />
10:30 I reluctantly start shutting down the computer (after finishing this last thought), and will soon go wash my face, brush my teeth, send the hubby a text, and slip into bed. It's been a good--if not busy--day. It always feels like it doesn't slow down until this very last moment. I often have to remind myself to take some good deep breaths. Hopefully tomorrow I will get to write more (in the novel--not here!). Sweet dreams...<br />
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</ul>Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533225106731518289.post-81650301754646415342012-04-16T21:52:00.001-07:002012-04-16T21:52:10.110-07:00Check-In<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 22px; line-height: 30px;">
Currently: Lesson planning. I've had to put some writing on hold (reluctantly) because it's only 9 weeks until summer. I about had a heart attack today when it hit me that it's so close to the end of the year and we start our state testing next week. My heart is in my nose.</div>
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Listening: The cat breathing heavy, my heart thudding, my sister (who's staying with us occasionally) watch "The Voice."</div>
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Loving: That the weather is getting nicer and the days are getting longer. I'm also anticipating the end of the school year, although I do really enjoy my kids.</div>
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Thinking: About how I want to write so much, but don't have enough time right now. I barely have time to breath.</div>
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Wanting: To take a week to just write and create things. Soon enough, soon enough...</div>
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Needing: To relax a bit and take deep breaths.</div>
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<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">OLW</span> (one little word): Breathe.</div>Amberifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034919483612228063noreply@blogger.com0