Day 261, All good things gotta come to an end

It was fast and furious... and fabulous. I will share some of the insights I gained in my next few blogs... but for now,,, it's girl time with  Judi... so I'll be posting and parting :)

Hey,,, It's Friday night.... ..... ....   :)

Day 260, Let's Go Girls!

Yep, It's that time of year again.... Women's Conference. And just in case you aren't familiar with the rules---what happens at Women's Conference, stays at Women's Conference. You know how wild 10,000 women can be? Especially in Provo :) Woohoo!

Oh, and by the way, IT IS SNOWING!!! How,,, How,,,, HOW does it snow when the sun is shining? That has always been a mystery to me.

Oh, and another thing.... Can I just say that I have climbed more stairs today than I ever care to climb for the rest of my life? I thought I was going to have a heart attack! It's not so bad when the weather's nice, but when you're cold, the wind is blowing, and you're walking up hill....both ways.... it is just insane. Well, I survived, so I guess I'll go back and do it again tomorrow.

Tonight... it's Judi and me in the dorm. And if you know anything about our history, then you know what that means. It involves chocolate, sugar, coke, and laughter. It's always a party when Judi's around.

Great talks today. Truly. I'll share some of the pearls on here later, when I have time to process it all.

Tomorrow is Friday. Enjoy :)

Day 259, Deja Vu

Hmmm. This is familiar. I'm sitting in the San Diego airport,,,waiting on my delayed flight. Sound familiar? Of course, it's weather related, so there is no accommodations provided by the airlines. We sit. We wait. Period. I'm learning the hard way to always keep my power outlet for my computer in my purse. Twice now I've put it in my luggage, and was unable to use my computer for long because the battery runs down. Grrr. I wouldn't mind being delayed so much if I knew I could at least be productive with my time. Without my computer, it's just a few more hours of my life that I will never get back.

But I'm not angry...haven't bitten anyone's head off... yet.... I am "rolling" with it. We'll see how long I can keep that little charade up :) As you know, patience is not one of my finer virtues.

Should we take bets? Think I'll make it Salt Lake City anytime in the next few hours?

Oh man, I wish I had my power outlet handy. This would be the perfect time to work on my book.

"We recommend that you keep your luggage with you at all times....."

"This is a friendly reminder that all areas in the airport are designated as smoke free areas. We appreciate your cooperation."

"Folks, we should have an update here for you shortly. Please be patient."

RAKs? Hah! You've got to be kidding! The fact that I am forcing a smile...should count for something. We'll see how much I'm smiling in a couple hours from now.

Day 258, Well, there you go

Today I was the assistant principal. That's always good for a laugh...and always provides me with new material for my future book, The Principal's Wife. Got to spend time with the kid that I'm pretty sure is planning my murder. At least, that's the way he stares at me sometimes. Let's hope I'm just being a bit over dramatic.

Speaking of drama...there is plenty of that in the air today. If there isn't, trust me when I tell you, there are people around who will be sure and create it. It's seems to be a gift that some people are born with.

By the way, speaking of drama..... I understand the commercial where the guy throws his computer out the window....My printer almost took a swan dive out of our 2nd story window tonight. Why... why.... why can't printers just do what they're supposed to do? Each time we think we have upgraded to something "better," we end up in a battle zone. Tonight, it's printer 1, Mindy 0. and I'm too tired for a re-match.

RAK? I made my husband a rootbeer float. I'm not sure he wanted one, but I made it for him anyway... After all, he took care of my plane ticket confirmation for me. It's the least I could do.

Tomorrow it's back to Utah ... This will be some much needed relaxation and rejuvenation---the Spiritual kind. I'm looking forward to Women's Conference. Naturally, I can't leave with a clear conscience because my daughter has obligations that will now rest on my husband, and my parents have needs that I'm sure they were hoping I could fill, and now they will have to rely on someone else. And, I will not be able to attend the Leadership training that I was supposed to be at Thursday. So, I get to go with that guilt that says I've let people down--again. Think there will ever be a time that I will choose to do something selfish---without a guilty conscience? My husband says I don't know how to relax. Maybe that's because whenever I do, somebody gets their nose bent out of joint, and I end up feeling like I have to justify why I was relaxing when there was obviously work to be done, deadlines to meet, people who need me, and other, more "noble" things I should be doing with my time.

Well, enough whining for now. It's late,,, and I have an early,,, early, early morning. Happy Hump Day tomorrow.

Day 257, Is there such thing as a slow Monday?

Got rid of my gray tonight...I figure that takes a couple years off my age, don't you? Now if there were only some magical formula for taking a few pounds off too. Yeah, yeah, I know... There is a magic formula---it's called STOP EATING!! Oh yeah, that.

Doing grades tonight... and typing the TLC script to send out tomorrow. Ah, good times! You know, when it rains it pours.

Oh wow... it's getting late. Time for bed. I'll have to entertain you with my charm and .... um.... ???? tomorrow.

Day 256, And Finally....

A proud "mother/daugher" moment. Why the big, thick coats that make us look like we are packing for the winter? Because it was freezing cold and raining outside...but the bad weather couldn't rain on Raechel's parade :)

Day 256, One more thing...

Here is a look at the graduation ceremony at BYU. Believe it or not, I found Raechel in there....and was able to zoom in on her. Gotta love the cell phone! Over 6,100 graduates in all...amazing!

Day 256, Sleeping Sunday

Just checking to see if this works...

Daily dose - studying animals. Next stop: the Zoo!

Ah ha! I think??? I have solved the mystery of the missing picture postings. 

Here's our little baby, preparing for Kingergarten. It will arrive before we

know it. 

 There are funny things going on with my post.... Is it just me? Why do you 

think I just can't get the hang of this? Why is the background white? RAECHEL!!!!

Help me!!!

RAK? Gave someone a hug today---but haven't really done anything for someone else.

But hey, the night is still young. 

So.... sometimes your life can be going so well, and then you find out someone else,,

someone you love...is going through dark days. That's when we really need to reach out

to them and let them feel your love, and let them know you will be there for them. Rest

assured the tables will turn eventually, and it will be you who faces the darkness. 

That is just the cycle of life...and the Plan of Salvation.

Hey, did I ever mention how proud I am of my daughter? She is beautiful, strong, and

intelligent...and she has her whole life in front of her. Sieze the day, daughter! 

Did I mention that I need to lose 20 pounds before Hawaii?

,

Day 255, Home

I'm home. I'm tired. I'm happy.

I'll write more tomorrow.

Day 254, Take a walk on the wild side

She did it,,, she walked across the stage and received her degree :) Way to go Raechel. To top it off, she presented me her Stole of Gratitude. That was really touching, and it made me cry. Gee, shock. After the ceremony, I went to Raechel's work and met some of her co-workers and her boss. They seem to love having her work there. Hmmm, let's see, what else....yogurt, pizza, Cafe Rio, an Edgar Allen Poe movie (ah, with a young and handsome Val Kilmer,)and finally, The Proposal. What now? BED! I'm so tired even my hair hurts.

If I ever figure out how to get pictures on here again, I will post some of the graduation....Till then, check out my Facebook account.

RAK? Raechel rubbed my shoulders this afternoon...man, she has strong hands!! I think she actually got rid of some of my knots.

On a sad note, we lost our brother-in-law Jerry early this morning. He finally succombed to his battle with cancer. Rest now Jerry...and be waiting for us when we get there. May God bless and keep you 'til we meet again.

Day 253, WOW!

6,100 BYU graduates this year!! OH MY GOSH! The Marriott Center was packed! I've never seen anything like it. It was amazing to see my little Raechel's name listed among the graduates. I am very proud of her. The Commencement program was truly inspiring.... and it made me very happy to know that Raechel perservered through some extremely difficult times to get to this point. Tomorrow she walks. Very cool!

Tonight, my eyes are burning...It is time for bed!

Day 252, Um, Could somebody pass the salt please?

Sooooo, This was one of those days that normally would have sent me into a tailspin of frustration and stress...BUT, being that I am so insanely grateful for the many blessings in my life ...daughter graduating from BYU, Son on mission, Husband full of RAK's, great friends, great job, healthy and great kids, parents nearby, house with a killer view, and,,, oh yeah, ,,, book on the way to being published..... I just didn't have it within me to let the series of unfortunate events of the day get me down. FOR EXAMPLE.... Auntie Flow made her appearance with a violent vengeance---in the middle of my TLC meeting at the district office. So, I tied my jacket around my waist, excused myself, and drove home to change my clothes. Break time :) Then, tonight my plane was delayed.... so I did not arrive in Salt Lake until 12:30am (hence the late blog posting,) which, due to the fact that the car rental place was CLOSED,,, we could not get our car to drive to Provo...HENCE, plan B, hence the time in Provo is now 3:20 am... and I am finally posting my blog and going to bed. Yep, I'm tired. ... But like I said,,, life is too good to complain. Goodnight ;0 (That's me yawning :)

Day 251, One of those days!

Today was one of those days.... You know the kind I mean. Not complaining, just stating a fact. The good part was I facilitated an 8th grade team of teachers as they presented an inquiry-based lesson to their students. The debriefing process for a TLC teaching day is always fun. We are otherwise known as "Three men and a lady."

The day ended with a trip to the dentist... Gee, that's always fun. How can I complain though? I mean really, what's the alternative? Toothless in Temecula?

Tomorrow night I leave for Utah---for Raechel's graduation. Wish Ron could come with me, but feel a sense of peace and gratitude to know he is here taking care of things. That's what he does ;)

RAK? I brought Jeremy a Diet Coke... just because. That made him smile. Ron fixed my jammed printer.... that made me smile. You see how this works? Now, I'll have to think of something to make Ron smile.

Day 250, Wow, Onlly 115 to go!

Tonight we took Ellen to dinner for her birthday.... Yeah, it's a couple days late, but she enjoys dragging her birthday over the course of a week... Gee, I wonder where she gets that from??? Must be Ron ;) Hee hee.

Raechel, if you're listening..... I can no longer put pictures into my blog. I'm doing it the same way I always have, and they won't show up. What's up with that?

Well, I need to get to bed....and start getting to bed earlier, so I'll make this brief---I know, sucks, huh? j.k ;) So, I'm a dork---yeah. I won't tell you why, just trust me on this one.

RAK? Patricia wins today---she stayed up late last night baking THE MOST amazing cake on the planet, as congratulations for my good news. Then she announced it to the entire staff at our staff meeting this morning. While it was a little embarrassing, I could not contain my joy.
Then, tonight, Ron wins! He treated us to dinner at Olive Garden... YUM... and he let me have my favorite dessert. Now that's love ;)

Day 249, End of a great week, beginning of another

Not much to report today; I'm just happy for the blessings that I received this week, and that others have been blessed this week as well. This is one of those days when I feel full of joy, and when I look forward to the coming week with excitement.

It's a good day.

This week I will see my daughter walk as a BYU graduate. Like I said, it's a good day.

Day 248, Let the games begin

Today my contract arrived, along with a packet for new authors and a marketing packet. It makes everything seem so "real"... But in all sincerity, it has not really hit me yet. It's surreal....and it is freaking exciting. One of the items on the marketing packet asks me to list 3 books currently on the market that compete with mine.... I don't know how to answer that, because my book is such a mixed genre. It's not about vampires, it's not about magic or make-believe worlds, it's not just a teenage romance, and it's not really science fiction....So,,,, what do I say? I am sure that the next nine months are going to be very interesting for me. Wow. Whoa. OMG. Wow!

RAK? Ron and I took my dad's car to Costco to have his tires rotated and rebalanced... And of course, we did his shopping for him. It turned out to be a 3-4 hour trip. I'd say,,, even though it wasn't random, it was kind.

Today Ellen turned 15. My baby. How did that happen?

Day 247, Ahhhhhhh, Friday!

Have I ever mentioned that Friday is my favorite day of the week? Just checking. Dropped Ellen off at Youth Conference tonight, so it's just Ron and me alone for the weekend. ... Well, alone with two cats, two dogs, and whatever stray happens along.

My father asked me tonight if I had "come down" from the news about my book. Um, NOPE. I can't imagine coming down off this cloud any time soon.

I had a great talk last night with the president of West-Ed. She gave me quite a bit to chew on...Now my mind is twirling. It's all good, though. No complaints.

Mick is having a rough night.... Mr. Neurotic is more confused than ever. Ah,,, poor thing.

Change is good,right?

Day 246, Thoughtful Thursday

Lots to think about right now.... It's all good stuff, so I can't complain. Sadness for Ron's side of the family...his nephew passed away a couple days ago. It was very unexpected. Please keep his family in your prayers. ... Particularly his brother and his sister.

Too tired to write more....Tomorrow is Friday....Does anything else really NEED to be said?

Day 245, Hey... Only 120 days left!

I am two-thirds of the way through my blog goal...and I'm still kicking and screaming. Nice. It feels good to know I have stamina in at least one area of my life. Hee hee.

This little bit goes out to Zane....Okay, I deeply apologize for throwing you down on the ground, heaving a deadly pencil sharpener at your back, and taunting you with freshly popped, buttery popcorn..... BUT THEN, what up???? I never promised you a rose garden!!! Ah, you make me laugh...and we don't get to do that too much in our life. Period 4 would not be the same without you.... Quieter, but not as much fun :)

I responded to the publisher today.... UM,,, Yeah!!! YES.

Tonight we went visiting--that's always fun. Then we celebrated Judy's birthday with yummy sundays at Richie's Diner. I love you ladies!!

All's quiet from the Rejection Queen. Can't wait to see her book on the shelves!

Day 244, Does it get any better?

The most amazing words I have ever heard???
Here's my top five:
(1) I now pronounce you husband and wife...
(2) It's a girl!
(3) It's a boy!
(4) It's a boy!
(5) It's a girl!

And... following the top five, we have the bonus winner:
"We are pleased to contact you with our decision to publish your novel...."

Oh yeah!!! Today I heard from the publisher---it was the best news imaginable. I am so excited! It sounds like a long process ahead of me, but all I can say to that is,,, "GAME ON!"

I'm sure there is more to say today, but it's all a blur in the wake of the news from the publisher. Nothing tops that!

Day 243, Back in the saddle again...

Planet "M" is alive and well... and I promised my fourth period class that I would dedicate tonight's blog to them. They tell me I am nice... but then, they are suck-ups, right? They are also notorious (WOW word :) for getting me to talk----and get off track in my lesson. Eh hmm. Steve gets honerable mention tonight....because he was the victim of today's RAM --all in good fun :)

The first day back after vacation is always exhausting... I'm not sure if it's the lack of sleep, the constant "on your game" energy drain, or the sudden need to grab a handful of finger foods every chance you get. Good heavens,,, I never had the munchies so bad (okay,,, there was this one time back in 1975...but... we won't go there.) It always takes a few days to get back into the swing of things.

Tina...one of my students, went to Italy over break, and she brought me the coolest bracelet (and some Italian M&Ms--I neglected to mention that fact to my husband when I told him about the bracelet. Oops :)

Book? No word from the publisher. I mailed the revisions two weeks ago today... Is it too soon to expect a reply? Naturally, I'm waiting for the response that says, "Wow!!! We loved it! Your contract is in the mail!" Oh, here's a good one..."Wow!!! Your book is soooo good, we are going to broker it out the Random House!" Yeah, way to dream big Morgan!!

Guess tomorrow I should think about putting quotes back into my blog. How soon I get sidetracked.

Did I mention, only ten more weeks until summer vacation?

Day 242, My lips are sealed...

Nope, I won't say it... No way...Not gonna do it....Nuh uh! You won't hear one peep from me....not one single hint....No siree!

MY VACATION IS OVER-----WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

Ah well, I never was very good at keeping secrets or hiding my emotions. :)

Tomorrow it's back to Planet M.... Wonder what new adventures await me there. I may complain on the outside, but truth be told, the instant I step onto the campus, the adrenaline rush will begin....and the moment I greet my students at the classroom door---it's "game on!" I have the best job on the planet.

Day 241, Tired in Temecula

Got to see Baby Jane today, what a doll! She has the cutest expressions!! Oh my gosh :) Then got to go to the temple and then out to dinner with Ron and friends. Ron bought me a very cute top---it will be fun to wear on our vacation to Hawaii.

That's it in a nutshell... Looking forward tomorrow---lots of changes in the air :)

Day 240, All good things gotta come to an end...

Today was the last day of Spring Break--technically speaking. I watched the gloomy cold front come in from the southwest, and I knew my vacation was over. Time to face the storm once again. I looked at my upcoming calendar and felt the weight of the world press on my shoulders...again. Can't complain though, after all, not everyone gets two weeks off like I did. Besides, most of my stress is self-imposed--but there's nothing I can do about that now. Meanwhile, I will have to man-up and face the next month with determination and a positive attitude.

No word from the publisher today. I didn't expect to hear anything in the first couple weeks, so no surprise there. I am hoping for the best, but in the back of my mind there looms the possibility that they will decide to pass on my book....and what then? I keep trying, that's what. That said, I am struggling to keep the faith and trust that everything will work out for the best...the way it is supposed to. I have to believe that the dream is achievable, even for me....So that's what I am choosing to do---believe. It's a good story...I do believe in that.

RAK? Ron took care of calling Kaiser for my parents today. If you've ever dealt with Kaiser, then you know that's a true RAK. As for me, sadly, I doubt I did anything kind for someone else. Instead, I spent my afternoon lounging in the sun reading a crime novel. That's what I do when there is something I NEED to do, but am avoiding it. What is it I NEED to do? Write my sequel. I know I need to write it, and I truly want to---I love writing---but I'm afraid to pour myself into another novel when I don't yet know the fate of my first book. A true act of faith would be to write the novel, demonstrating that I truly believe the first book WILL be published.
Oh, I did the dishes tonight---that is sort of an RAK, in a sick sort of "hey, that's a stretch" kind of way. I also sent Taylor to the store to buy bottled cokes for my mom...again, sort of an RAK, ina sick sort of "hey, that's a stretch" kind of way.
Sigh.
There's always tomorrow.

Day 239, Happy, Satisfied, and Content....For the moment :)

Yeah, yeah,,, I know...yesterday's blog was less than impressive....but what the heck, I'm on vacation, right? I'm too busy...uh, vacationing...to think about posting a blog. Just had a nice neck, shoulders, and back massage---only lasted 20 minutes, but man, those 20 minutes were amazing!! Wouldn't it be grand if that could be a daily ritual...um baby!!
Tonight it's bar-b-que at the grill. I think my thighs just stretched...yikes!

No word from the publisher. Still sitting on pins and needles. But look at me, I'm being patient :) (Not that I have a choice.)

RAK? Um, duh, I'm on vacation.....it's all about ME! Me, me, me, me, me, me....mememememememememe!

Day 238, Ohhhhhh, the good life!

Today I relaxed!!! Wow.... Now that's vacation! SWEET!

Day 237, The Rooster has come home to roost :)

Today I got my oil changed, put new tires on my car, picked Ron up from the airport, and whisked off to Rincon for some R&R and alone time with the Rooster. Yeah, you could say I'm practicing my RAKs :) This is my idea of a vacation ;0) I will neither bore nor gore you with the details. So, for tonight, that's all I've got.

Sweet dreams.

Nothing yet from the editor. Waiting........patience is a virtue.....good things come to those who wait.....and all that mumbo jumbo.

Crow rooster crow!!!

Day 236, And Waiting.....

Dang it! I found several mistakes in chapter one of my manuscript. How did I not see them BEFORE I sent it to the publisher? Good grief!!! Will I ever get it right? I hope the missing words and awkward sentences are not a deal breaker. Jeepers!!! Guess I'll have to swallow my pride and realize I am not going to look so polished to the editor. I spent the last couple hours fixing all the mistakes... but I don't guess I can send the fixed version to the editor... GRRRR.

Speaking of the editor...NO word yet. I know it's only been a week,,,,but ya gotta know I'm sitting on pins and needles while I wait for their response. "Wow! You've done it! This is it! This book is going to be a blockbuster! Congratulations.... Please sign on the dotted line,!" Yeah, that's me doing the "Secret" thing....I'm sending out my desired response to the Universe---May it come back in record time.

I want to write my sequel... Why can't I seem to just sit down and start it?

Tomorrow Ron comes home...Yep, the quiet, TV-less nights are over, but man,,, am I ready to have his arms around me. I guess absence truly does make the heart grow fonder. I doubt seriously that he missed me as much as I missed him...I'm sure the grandkids kept him too busy and worn-out for that.

I had lunch with Joyce and Roxanne...It was a liesurely lunch that lasted almost three hours!! Can you believe that? What in the world could three women have to talk about for three hours? I'll never tell :)

Lots of errands to run tomorrow before I drive to the airport. Hope I manage to get them all done. Looking forward to a couple nights of alone time with Ron @ Rincon.

RAK? Does going to Costco for my parents count? Ah, guess what? Fran brought me a panda and a super sweet card!!! That was a true RAK! Thanks Fran :)

Day 235, Happy Easter

I went to bed at 5am this morning..... NOT because I was helping the Easter Bunny hide Easter eggs, but because I was reading the Rejection Queen's novel that will hit the shelves sometime in the next couple months. I could not stop reading.... and ended up reading the whole book in one night. That is a first for me! Although I was devestated by the ending, I loved the book and truly connected to and cared about her characters. Good job Jen!

Today I baked a cherry pie. Yep, you heard that right...and YUP, it was GOOD! We had a traditional ham dinner...small and intimate. I shared our dinner and the pie with my mom and dad... Can I call that my RAK for the day? Or would reading Jen's book in one sitting qualify as an RAK? Hmmmm.
It was a nice day... listened to conference, baked, and enjoyed my family---minus Ron, who I really miss. I REALLY miss him after reading that book last night. It made me want to hug him really bad. Sigh!

Busy day tomorrow. I'd complain, but I'm too tired :)

Day 234, Super Saturday

You'll never guess who came to dinner!!! Actually it was dessert--yogurt to be exact. The Rejection Queen is sitting right next to me as I write. I have just started reading another one of her books, and I was hooked on PAGE ONE! Very cool :) We are sitting here making each other feel good about ourselves--because let's face it, somebody has to do it. We are heavily engrossed in book talk---something that drives our respective friends and family NUTS! Her book will be on the shelves next month... HOW FREAKIN COOL IS THAT?

Did you dye your Easter eggs yet?

Did you leave some carrots for Peter Cottontail?

Today was the day of visits---before the Rejection Queen came over, my best friend from high school came by with her family. That was very cool. She hasn't changed....she never changes---maybe she's immortal, eh? Eh? Eh!

Okay, can I just say my daughter... little sweet Elly Belly Water Melly.... has a freakin dirty mind!!!! Where did she get that? Duh, obviously from her father :)

RAK? I bought the Rejection Queen a yogurt... Okay, let's be real, it was free...she was my #11 out of 10. What can I say? I would have bought it either way, so I'm taking this one!

Got better things to do right now... so SEE YA!

Day 233, Wow... 132 to go.

Girls night(s) out is officially over...and we will all do well to get some sleep,,,, and exercise for the next few days... not to mention stay away from all food! Wow! If you can absorb calories just from being in the room with food, then I'm dead.

Got home around noon...,and the sun was shining brightly. I decided to take a little snooze on the lounge chair...finally, some sun! It was very relaxing. Our backyard is so pretty! Good job honey :) Seriously, our rose bushes are the most beautiful they've ever been....and our fruit trees have tons of blossoms on them. I'm so excited :)

RAK? Today I tried... really. I picked up Judy Shigley and we drove all over town trying to visit sisters....nobody was home. We left a candybar at one house, talked the grandchildren at another house, and struck out at all the others. But at least we had a chance to visit each other for a while. She is such a sweetheart!!! Amazinig!! I am so blessed.

Got a date with my La-Z-Boy tonight. Already in my PJ's... so I'm signing out. looking forward to General Conference tomorrow. Yeah :)

Day 232, Girl time

I have discovered a new meaning to the phrase "late night comedy".... just throw four women into a small hotel room,,, add caffeine, chocolate, and carrots (put that one in for Judi,) and let the laughter begin. I'm surprised we didn't get a knock on our door! It's good to laugh. Wish Raechel were here with us....laughing too. We prayed for sunshine today.... so far, at least it's not raining. We don't care, we are going to the pool anyway!

Waffles are in my immediate future... so I'm going to close now...may or may not add more later....depends on what kind of mischief we get into today.

RAK? I've got all day to think of something.... But hey, it's April Fool's day....anything could happen!