Alright, so I’ve been getting complaints from my regular readers that I don’t post frequently enough, lol, so I’m going to try to find a better balance 🙂 Here’s something I came across that I thought was cute. I’ve bolded the items that apply to me, to see how grown up I really am 😉

25 Signs You’ve Grown Up…

1. Your houseplants are alive, and you can’t smoke any of them. LOL!
2. Having sex in a twin bed is out of the question. (Well, if that’s all that’s available…)
3. You keep more food than beer in the fridge. (Granted, this only became true in the past year 😉
4. 6:00 AM is when you get up, not when you go to bed.
5. You hear your favorite song in an elevator. (I was just telling Meg that grocery store music is the BOMB!)
6. You watch the Weather Channel.
7. Your friends marry and divorce instead of “hook up” and “break up.” (Sad but true…)
8. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14. (I manage to get more than 14 though, lol)
9. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as “dressed up.” (They don’t???)
10. You’re the one calling the police because those %&@# kids next door won’t turn down the stereo. (SO me.)
11. Older relatives feel comfortable telling sex jokes around you. (though my mom has been traumatizing us with Sex Jokes since we were pre-teens, lol)
12. You don’t know what time Taco Bell closes anymore.
13. Your car insurance goes down and your car payments go up.
14. You feed your dog/cat Science Diet instead of McDonald’s leftovers.
15. Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt. (Sleeping anywhere but a bed makes my back hurt!)
16. You take naps. (Never been much of a napper)
17. Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning of one.
18. Eating a basket of chicken wings at 3 AM would severely upset, rather than settle, your stomach.
19. You go to the drug store for ibuprofen and antacid, not condoms and pregnancy tests.
20. A $4.00 bottle of wine is no longer “pretty good stuff.” (Dude, the top of the line wine Carlo Rossi will NEVER go out of style!!!)
21. You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast time. (I’m working on it…)
22. “I just can’t drink the way I used to” replaces “I’m never going to drink that much again.”
23. 90% of the time you spend in front of a computer is for real work. (LOLOLOLOLOL)
24. You drink at home to save money before going to a bar.
25. When you find out your friend is pregnant you congratulate them instead of asking “Oh S*$# what the hell happened?”

Bonus:
26: You read this entire list looking desperately for one sign that doesn’t apply to you and can’t find one to save your sorry old butt. Then you forward it to a bunch of old pals & friends ’cause you know they’ll enjoy it & do the same.

Haha, so maybe I’m not TOTALLY Grown up yet… And while I miss the simpler days of childhood….

I’m loving my adulthood!!!

🙂

Alright, so I’ve been getting complaints from my regular readers that I don’t post frequently enough, lol, so I’m going to try to find a better balance 🙂 Here’s something I came across that I thought was cute. I’ve bolded the items that apply to me, to see how grown up I really am 😉

25 Signs You’ve Grown Up…

1. Your houseplants are alive, and you can’t smoke any of them. LOL!
2. Having sex in a twin bed is out of the question. (Well, if that’s all that’s available…)
3. You keep more food than beer in the fridge. (Granted, this only became true in the past year 😉
4. 6:00 AM is when you get up, not when you go to bed.
5. You hear your favorite song in an elevator. (I was just telling Meg that grocery store music is the BOMB!)
6. You watch the Weather Channel.
7. Your friends marry and divorce instead of “hook up” and “break up.” (Sad but true…)
8. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14. (I manage to get more than 14 though, lol)
9. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as “dressed up.” (They don’t???)
10. You’re the one calling the police because those %&@# kids next door won’t turn down the stereo. (SO me.)
11. Older relatives feel comfortable telling sex jokes around you. (though my mom has been traumatizing us with Sex Jokes since we were pre-teens, lol)
12. You don’t know what time Taco Bell closes anymore.
13. Your car insurance goes down and your car payments go up.
14. You feed your dog/cat Science Diet instead of McDonald’s leftovers.
15. Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt. (Sleeping anywhere but a bed makes my back hurt!)
16. You take naps. (Never been much of a napper)
17. Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning of one.
18. Eating a basket of chicken wings at 3 AM would severely upset, rather than settle, your stomach.
19. You go to the drug store for ibuprofen and antacid, not condoms and pregnancy tests.
20. A $4.00 bottle of wine is no longer “pretty good stuff.” (Dude, the top of the line wine Carlo Rossi will NEVER go out of style!!!)
21. You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast time. (I’m working on it…)
22. “I just can’t drink the way I used to” replaces “I’m never going to drink that much again.”
23. 90% of the time you spend in front of a computer is for real work. (LOLOLOLOLOL)
24. You drink at home to save money before going to a bar.
25. When you find out your friend is pregnant you congratulate them instead of asking “Oh S*$# what the hell happened?”

Bonus:
26: You read this entire list looking desperately for one sign that doesn’t apply to you and can’t find one to save your sorry old butt. Then you forward it to a bunch of old pals & friends ’cause you know they’ll enjoy it & do the same.

Haha, so maybe I’m not TOTALLY Grown up yet… And while I miss the simpler days of childhood….

I’m loving my adulthood!!!

🙂

Are we having fun yet??? 🙂 So today is the Lunar Eclipse in Virgo/Pisces… A highly emotional week, full of unexpected events (like snow in Santa Cruz, lol). Double that if you’re a Virgo or Pisces (huh Sponge? 😉 Anyways, the Eclipse rule is not to ACT on an Eclipse day. It’s okay to REACT, but try not to initiate any important projects or conversations until we’re out of the path of the Eclipse. Try to lay low if possible.

If you haven’t already, read my rant on the Eclipses and Mercury Retro.

One more Eclipse (Solar) coming on March 29th in Aries. Hang in there Peoples, and don’t forget to Breathe…

WRTING UPDATE: I hit 15,000 words last night! Go Me!!!

Happy Happy Birthday to Heff and DC ~ two of my most Favoritist Pisces men… Since the Eclipse happens to fall on your Birthday, expect a landmark year ahead! Big things in 2006!

This is insanity folks. Last night Megan and I were huddled in front of the fire watching Walk The Line when we got treated to the most insane thunderstorm I’ve ever experienced. Thunder that shook the house, lightening that lit up the night, and buckets and buckets of hail. This is what we found when we thought to pull back the curtains and look outside…

Insanity.

Then I awoke this morning, looked out my bedroom window, and found everything covered with snow…


Now the weatherpeople have informed me that this is technically hail or sleet, not snow, but I don’t care. Looks like snow to me…



The whole neighborhood was out bright and early, playing, taking pictures, staring around in awe. And it is truly AWESOME. Click on the pictures to see the full-size versions. The tiny pics really don’t do it justice.

Meg and I are about to head out to look for more pretty stuff, so don’t be surprised if you find more pictures here tomorrow. 🙂 Freakin’ snow in Santa Cruz…

Wow, I’m in a really great place right now. My creative juices are flowing and I am writing, writing, writing. And it’s good! My characters (some of whom I am meeting for the first time), are really starting to develop in my head, and the dialogue is flowing. Everyone’s respective backstory is starting to reveal itself. I even have compassion for Angela, something I never thought I’d feel. I am having so much fun writing this book, it is practically writing itself.

It’s easier this time around, because I learned so much in writing the first book. Armed with my handy outline, I’m plowing forward at a pace that amazes me. It was totally wishful thinking when I set that goal to write WHEN LOVE in the next six months. But now I’m feeling like maybe that’s not so ridiculous…

Whoa, I am writing my second book. There were times when I didn’t think I’d finish the first one, and now I’m 10 chapters into the second one? I’m sorry, but that seriously blows my mind.

I’ve been a reader and lover of books all my life. I thank my grandmother for that. She was a teacher back in the Philippines, and since she pretty much raised us, she instilled in me a love of reading and learning at a very young age. I have no doubt that being an avid reader has greatly contributed to my skill as a writer, and overall intelligence.

Before I started to think of myself as a writer or author, I was a consumer of books. I have my favorite authors, and I’d like to think I know good writing when I see it. Since I started writing my own novels, it has been a challenge to find a balance between reading and writing; I mean, there are only so many free hour in a day. But I make it a point to buy books and read books to 1) support fellow authors 2) research the markets 3) study my contemporaries and 4) improve my own writing.

Having finished Edwardo’s NEVA HAFTA, I’ve picked up the next book in my “To Be Read” pile. This book, (which shall remain nameless since I don’t feel it’s classy to bash other authors in public) was published by a big name publisher, received several positive reviews, and made several Bestsellers Lists. It’s in my genre. And four chapters in, all I can think about is — MY BOOK IS SO MUCH BETTER!!!

Seriously, if this chick can get a book deal, I know I can. This is the second book I’ve read recently where I felt the writing was weak (if not altogether riddled with terrible grammar), and the plot lagged. On every page I want to reach for my red pen and alter sentence structure (really, do their editors even read these things???). It’s amazing to me the amount of Crap that gets published.

So even though I feel like I’ve wasted hours of my life reading this terrible piece of cleverly-marketed garbage, I am uplifted and encouraged knowing that I CAN make it in this business. I know the difference between good writing and bad writing, and while I don’t claim to be the next Alice Walker, I do feel confident that I’m leagues above some of the other authors out there making a living as writers. I’m gonna make this happen.

On that note, I’m proud to report that I cranked out two more chapters this weekend. I’m still trying to finish WHEN LOVE ISN’T ENOUGH before I leave for my trip this summer, and things are lookin’ good. 🙂 Get ‘Er Done!

Heads up people, we’ve got a bumpy month ahead. Not only will Mercury be Retrograde for most of the month, but we have TWO Eclipses in March as well. Expect the Unexpected! Slow your Roll! And most of all, Don’t Forget to Breathe.

Astrology is a very precise science. It studies cycles by observing the movements of planets and their relationships to each other. Evidence of astrological teachings have been found in civilizations that date back to 3000 B.C., and the modern version of astrological interpretation (the zodiac as we know it) emerged in 180 A.D. A system of thought would not have endured over centuries if it was completely baseless. As “out there” as it may seem to some, astrology is a valid tool to understanding our world.

I began studying astrology about five years ago, and I’ve seen it in practice. I’ve tested the theories. I apply it to my life. When done properly, it can quite illuminating. I find it funny how many of my friends actively seek me out for astrological consultations, lol, like I’m an expert or something. As I’m always saying, “I’m not an astrologer, I just have all the right sites bookmarked.” Well now I have this blog as a way to share what I know with you guys. And maybe we can all make it through the astrological storms a little easier.

First, I highly recommend everyone read their monthly horoscopes at AstologyZone.com. Susan Miller is the bomb and her stuff always resonates with me. Be sure to read for your Sun Sign and Rising Sign too. (If you don’t know your rising sign, leave a comment/email me and I’ll help you figure it out.)

Second, Mercury is Retrograde all month. Mercury retrograde tends to cause malfunctions and miscommunications of epic proportions. All things that fall under Mercury’s rule (communication, transportation, travel, technology/electronics) start to short-circuit and break down. Computers crash, cars break down, we lose things, we have terrible arguments with our loved ones — feel free to blame it all on Mercury Retrograde. Don’t make any major decisions or purchase while Mercury is Retro — when it goes direct, chances are you will second-guess your decision. They say the amount of time Mercury spends in retrograde motion corresponds to the amount of time human beings spend asleep. Mercury Retro FORCES us to slow down, even though we’re socialized to “go go go, faster faster.” The best use of a retrograde period is to sync up with the energies… Draw inward, engage in introspection. This is not the time to barrel forward with new initiations, but rather to Review, Reflect, Refine, Reorganize, Reevaluate, etc. In general, anything with a “re” at the beginning of it is a suitable Retrograde activity.

On top of this, we have two Eclipses this month — a lunar Eclipse in Virgo on March 14th and a Solar Eclipse on March 29 in Aries. Aries and Virgo will feel it most, but everyone is touched by an Eclipse, either directly or indirectly. Eclipses bring unexpected events and force confrontations – the goal being to “unstick” you if you are stuck or stagnating. The harder you’re clinging to an inappropriate pattern/person/activity, the more powerful the Eclipses punch to get you moving on to a better place. That is the one thing to keep in mind during an Eclipse, no matter how painful or unexpected your Eclipse news, its purpose is to move you on to a better place. The Universe may be smacking you upside the head kinda hard, but it is a blessing in disguise.

I can’t go into depth here (I could go on and on about all this!), but if you want more detailed info on how to deal with Mercury Retro and Eclipses, informative articles are linked in the text above. Do your best to roll with the punches, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride…

Well, I’ve discovered another side effect of full-time writing — hearing voices in my head. Constantly. At the most inconvenient times. Dialogue, chatter, soliloquies. I cannot turn it off. Seriously, I feel like a crazy person.

This happens sometimes when I get really involved in writing. I spend so much time in this alternative universe with my characters, trying to get inside their heads to create rich dialogue, then somewhere along the way I experience an inversion and all of a sudden they’re in my head. The scenes are carrying on without me. In fact, my characters (Tony in particular) will not shut up.

Not that I want them to shut up. What kind of an artist consciously and willfully silences her inner muse? Talk about self-sabotage. But it does get to a point where it’s a bit much. I can’t just drop everything in the middle of the work day to take dictation when Tony decides he wants to be profound. Or when Faby decides she wants to cuss someone out. As much as I would love to just scribble all day every day, real life demands my attention. I can’t afford to be living in my head all day.

Apparently this is “normal” among writers. Hearing voices, that is. Wow, no wonder they lock themselves away in remote cabins, blissfully reclusive. One can only handle so much talking. Though I suppose I should get used to it and be thankful for the inspiration, huh? Otherwise I’d be complaining about my crippling bout of writer’s block, lol.

But I did get two chapters written this weekend, thanks to Tony and his chattering. I am writing this book ya’ll, chapter by chapter. Every 10,000 words is a milestone, and soon it will be done. For the first time since I started this whole life tangent, I actually feel like a writer…

Plans for the 2006 tour are shaping up nicely 🙂 I’m taking a month off this summer to do something I have always wanted to do – drive across the country. The purpose is 3-fold: 1) attend writing conferences in Dallas and Atlanta 2) promote my book by visiting bookstores, friends, and networking, networking, networking 3) experience the Soul2Soul encore in cities far and near.

For those that don’t know, I am a HUGE Tim McGraw fan. Since the Beginning. I frequently joke that I’ve loved Tim longer than Faith has, lol, and it’s the truth. I have seen him in concert 27 times since 1998, all over the state and into Nevada and Oregon, from the third row, from the front row, indoors, outdoors, in venues large and small. I have been blessed enough to have met him, not once, but twice. Call it an obsession, that’s cool with me. All I know is that this “hobby” has brought me some of the best times of my life, and brought me to some of my best friends in the world.

The first time Tim and Faith toured together was during the Soul2Soul tour in 2000. That was also the year I found the Board at mcgraws.com, my home on the net… I saw the show eight times that year, and my “Soul2Soul” summer was definitely a tour to remember. People always ask me – “Don’t you get bored seeing the same show over and over??” Hell no! Each show is a different experience, whether its because of the city, your seats, or the company. Also, as I repeatedly profess during any touring season – “There’s No Such Thing as Too Much Tim!”

When word broke that Tim and Faith were indeed hitting the road together again this summer, I secretly hoped my tour would overlap with theirs… Having damn near seen and done it all, I’m ready for a new concert experience. This year my goal is to see the show in different states. And as the tour dates are released, it’s looking like that will be fairly easy to do.

So far I’ve got Dallas, Nashville and Seattle locked down. The BEST part about seeing the show in other cities is that it gives me a chance to meet up with McFriends that I’ve come to know and love over the past 6 years… People I would never get to meet otherwise. As Jane was saying, the Dallas McMeet is going to be one huge Lovefest, lol.

I know, I know, some of you are shaking your head… The Money. And given my financial situation, perhaps a full-blown tour is a tad irresponsible. But you know what — I don’t care. I’ve even gone so far as to compile the Top 5 Reasons To Go For Broke Without Guilt:

5) Being on the road makes me feel alive (click here for Groupie Resume, lol), but I realize priorities shift. I won’t be able to tour like this when I have kids, so I’m determined to take full advantage of my freedom while I still have it.

4) I get to see/meet/reunite with my McFriends, girls I’ve met on the road or on the Board, my fellow groupies (some even worse than I am if you can believe that!). It’s like an annual family reunion. Good times are had by all.

3) Tim and Faith touring together is a rare and special thing. They show us what magic and chemistry is all about it, and proximity to their love makes people more hopeful and inspired. They’re good for my inner cynic.

2) You only live once. Tim had a #1 hit with the song Live Like You Were Dying which basically encourages us to live each day like it may be your last. Life is short. I want to make the most of mine.

1) It makes me happy. There are few things in this world that, without fail, make me truly giddy and happy. For some odd reason, Tim McGraw is one of those things. He just does something to me. Some things never change.

Like It’s My Last Yee Haw, ya’ll…

For those of you playing along, sorry bout the Cliffhanger… Peter thinks I’ve been watching too much LOST, LOL. 😉 Anyways, it was quite a day of moving furniture. To make a long story short, I need an additional 4 square feet to make my “vision” a reality. Halfway through the move, I realized I should probably just put everything back the way it was, but then that would have meant wasting my entire morning over nothing, and nothing burns me up more than time wastage! So I settled on this:

Though crowded, it feels more like a “downstairs office” now. There are still several feng shui problems (stuff on the floor, another feng shui no-no), so this solution is temporary. I’m still meditating on parting with one of the couches… We’ll see.

In other news, I’m fully immersed in WHEN LOVE and having alot of fun writing again (as opposed to editing). It is a totally different hat – I get to let my imagination run wild! So far I have about 10,000 words, and I’m shooting for 80,000. I guess that means I’m an 1/8 of the way there. Woot Woot!