the last two weeks...

[paragraphs]

Guess I've been busy, as I haven't posted once since October 1st. Shame on me! So, what's been going on? Not much other than trying to recover from the horrible experience of my boss, my beloved boss of the last decade, getting fired(!!!) and how that has changed everything I feel about this job. A huge, huge disappointment. Huge. HUGE.

Am listening to podfic alot lately...right now am listening to an amazingly marvelous one called Student Prince (a Merlin AU). It is so well-written and imaginative, I am just simply thoroughly enjoying the fire out of it. Been reading a bit of Merlin fanfic too and beta'ing it... OMG which reminds me, like Toy Story? Merlin? then dash straight away to misswinterhill's lj and read her take on a Merlinized Toy Story world. Absolutely LOVE this story to bitty bits! It is adorable, touching, made me cry darn it...and showcases why I love Jenny's writing so much. I should move this paragraph to the top. There. Much better.

Other things...getting ready for Nano, beta'ing fics for Nick, Jenny and Blue, reading more (current read is The Iron Duke and yes it is romance, gasp, but it is also damn clever steampunk which is why I am reading it). I cleaned out my books and have a stack of 19 books over there I must read before I can buy anything else, which means I have to avoid going to the bookstore on Friday nights after writer's group because my dear friends are always trying to make me buy yet another book. They all read at ten times the speed of light. I swear I have never seen such voracious readers! I'm on page 233 of 378 and that has taken me a week. Oh well, at least I am savoring it and enjoying it longer this way, right?

Nano is going to be a blast. I'll be participating lots more this year because I actually know people now and won't find it as easy to talk myself out of going to things. I've got two projects for Nano: finish the ms I'm working on now (have about 30k to go) and start the next one which will be my "Project for 2011" project (fantasy, full-on, man). I will also be starting another loose-id book...I have the idea loosely-formed in my head. It will be fun, I think. With aliens! LOL. I think. Yeah.

Other things...if anyone has a secret for convincing a body to BUDGE past a certain weight, lay it on me. I am so firmly thoroughly ridiculously stuck at this weight and want just 10 lbs. more to GO AWAY NAO but it WON'T. We have a gorgeous track at work and now that it is cooler I'm going to start hitting that after work. That may be all I need as I don't know how I can possibly eat any healthier. But talk about infuriating--grr. LOL.

Hmmm... guess that is it for now. Reading, writing, nanoing, podficcing, beta'ing, working, dieting, any other -ings? Worrying! Daughter graduates in May and is intent on heading out of here and hopefully working for Teachers for America for two years, somewhere in Anywhere USA. She really wants to go to San Francisco, or the East Coast, 'anywhere but Topeka!' lol. I vote for Nashville as I am smitten by that city, but we'll see. Sigh...not sure I am ready for this, but this is what life is all about, right? Doesn't mean I have to like it...

Comments

[topgeargirl2.livejournal.com]

I have to start writing again but it's been a stressful time so I just do other things. I have a RPF to finish but I can't get myself to do it.

I'm watching S2 of Merlin again at the moment and yeah I would like to write stories based upon this series instead of Torchwood. The fandom has really up me off writing anymore TW stories.

[paragraphs.livejournal.com]

Merlin is a nice place to snuggle up to some good comfy fic. I've always loved the Merlin legend so have kept up with the show...Jenny's got me reading it now, too. :) You should try your hand at writing Merlin!

[misswinterhill.livejournal.com]

::hugs you:: Thank you for reccing my fic! And thank you for moving it to the top!

I have a way to lose weight, but it's probably not ideal... but I have lost a few more kilos! I'm going to shoot for 10kg between my sis's wedding and Christmas. Given I'm on 8 now, I think that's do-able. Mostly all thanks to Liver Madness, but stillllll.

[paragraphs.livejournal.com]

Oh you are welcome! I love that fic like a burning thang.

And uh, I think I'll pass on your way to lose weight. I am just glad you got SOMETHING positive out of this experience, and are feeling much better. A kilo is... brb Okay just over 2 lbs. Fantastic! I just want 10. TEN! TEN LOUSY POUNDS!!!!

My problem is I love food, dammit! I need something that kills my appetite, that's what I need. LOL.

[theemdash]

I was just looking at The Iron Duke last week! Are you enjoying it? The romance aspect made me a bit nervous (though the only reason I didn't buy it was the store didn't have it in stock), but I'm very curious about it.

[paragraphs.livejournal.com]

I am enjoying it. I am not a romance reader at all but I like this one...I absolutely love love love what the author did with this world, the whole situation, history, etc. I have only had to close my eyes once while reading. The romance conventions are done well and are not annoying, and actually? I find it kind of hot! I am rather stunned by that. I hope there are more stories in this universe (but I just as soon them not be a romance... lol).

I'd give it a go.

[klgrem.livejournal.com]

Ooh. Aliens. That peaks my interest. :)
Good luck with your other writing projects, too!
I've heard that plateaus are hard to move off of, but just keep doing what you're doing and it will come to you.

Good luck to Tiff after she graduates!

[paragraphs.livejournal.com]

STUBBORN BODY IS STUBBORN. My fault for letting myself gain 8ish pounds because now it won't go away. LOL. This is a Very Solid Plateau and it ticks me off!

Writing is going well! I have conquered the ballet boy problem and am moving forward, rocking through the big bad middle. I need this done, dammit! LOL.

[valancy-joy.livejournal.com]

LAWL I was trying to read this and beancounter!coworker kept peering over my shoulder as she was waving a mistake in my fayce.

trying to figure out if there should be a theme for my Nano...or just see how many words of various things I can write.

but as usual, I'll be all I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO WRITE ABOUT and I will fail. (for a given value of failure)

ARGH

[paragraphs.livejournal.com]

I am actually more prepared for this nano than any other even though because I am working on something already and finishing it up, I am not 'really' doing it per se. I cheat! But I just want to give it a go. I've been trapped in this blues-at-night thing for so long that I am hoping that will help shake me out of it all.

We should talk about what you should write! Would be fun!

[valancy-joy.livejournal.com]

yeah. I gotta kickstart my ass in gear and do something other than lay on the couch.

Maybe I can come up with a list of story prompts and see where that takes me. dunno.

[blue-fjords.livejournal.com]

I wish I had a secret to lose those final ten pounds! I would totes share it w/ you! I'm generous like that. :)

Good luck w/ NANO! I will do it vicariously through you. I have too many other fics to finish to worry about starting something new. I shall be your cheerleader. GOOOOOOOOO, C!!!!

[paragraphs.livejournal.com]

I think red velvet cupcakes might do it. lol Okay probably not. I am trying the 'cut back what you stuff into your face' thing, and walking, which I did not do again today but probably should stop being so lazy.