P.A. Moore's Blog, page 9
December 6, 2012
Year in Review! 2012
I've been inspired all year by Kimberly Wilson at www.tranquilitydujour.com weekly and monthy recap. I've incorporated that inventory taking into my own life and included it in my blogs for the past few months. I continue to look for ways to clarify and acknowlege the fabulousness of my life.
So I ran across this online life coach who was offering an end of the year 28 day of truth-telling, reflection, fun, rejuvenation and connection before 2013. It sounds like a really great course but they want $49 for it. It's a four week curriculum that is as follows: Week 1 Review, Week 2 Reset, Week 3 Revive and Week 4 Restart. Check out http://resetreviverestart.com for more information.
Anyway, I decided to do as much of it as I could before I decide if I want to invest. Here is my review of what I've accomplished this year. I broke it down into a bunch of categories and kind of got obsessed with it. This is sort of personal but I need to write it down and put it out there so that I can learn from my mistakes and success from 2012 in order to move on and up in 2013.
Writing
Entered 5 RWA writing contestsRenewed RWA National membershipPlaced 2nd in Duel in the Delta RWA writing contest Romantic Suspense categoryJudged WisRWA Fab 5 Writing contest Historical Category- 7 entries read and ratedContinued as preliminary reader for Wild Rose Press - 6 mss reviewedFound critique group on RWA national forumsReviewed/ critiqued writing of partner in FloridaJoined Facebook writing groupsCompleted several Savvyauthors.com chats.Completed 28 days with GIAM 100X100Restarted GIAM in DecemberFinancesPaid off Nordstroms CardRenewed RWA National membership $125Registered for RWA Convention then cancelled with resulting $150 feeRecharged Nordstrom card up againSaved $1500 for Daughter's ApartmentSaved $1000 for car tune-up repairSold over $400 of stuff on ebayBooked and Paid for NCL cruise 2013 - $1755Purchased son bass and amplifier -$600Discovered TJ Maxx clothing storeCreativity
Attended August Scrapbook Expo at Santa Clara overnight at Hyatt RegencyCompleted 20+ pagesUpdated mspamoore.blogspot.com & penned 25 blogs posts this year.Discovered clipart candy website for cheap creative clip art to spice up website.Discovered Polyvore.com ; published 21 setsDiscovered Pinterest.com and created 15 boards
Home
New Patio furniturePlanted, Harvested Vegetable garden including strawberries, small pumpkins, bitter cucumbers, tomatoesRecycled waterbottles that hubby insists on buying at center for cash. Now put in blue can.Bathroom door fixed.Cleaned/ re-organized closet. Eliminated clutter.Cleaned garage twice. Eliminated clutter.Cleaned out kitchen cabinets. Eliminated unused items.
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Family/Kids8th grade graduation/ 9th Grade registrationSigned son up for football/ purchased equipment/ hair cutAttended 8 football games and 2 post season games.Made turn around trip to L.A. to sign apartment lease for daughterPurchased son bass guitar & ampSend daughter to Washington D.C. for week in February 2012Daughter signed up for cheerLove/Marriage
Romantic getaway to Queen Mary in Long Beach in AprilDate night in Los Angeles at La LousianaDate night with hubby at Azumo's in OaklandDate night with hubby at Roys in San Francisco2 Dates to Pear Street Bistro for happy hour1 Day Trip to San Francisco's Golden Gate Park & Stinson BeachHappy Hour & High School Football GameShopping on with hubby in Los Angeles day after ThanksgivingRegular trips to the gym to workout togetherChristmas Party #1- Arkansas ClubChristmas Party #2 - BAATravel
Four trips to Southern California /Los Angeles AreaOvernight trip to Santa Clara for Scrapbook ExpoBooked Caribbean Cruise for 2013Self Care
2 dentist appointments - 6 months apart1 OB/GYN Appointment1 Mammogram2 physical exam appointments2 visits to EAP3 months paid weight watchers membership2 weeks Overeaters Anonymous HOW membershipAttended 1 OA HOW retreatWalked track (4-6 miles in 2 hours) during August Football practicesRegular Manicure/PedicuresDiscovered Rose Lee Nails in RichmondPurchased a bunch of new bare escentuals makeupDiscovered New Estee Lauder mascaraCelebrated 48th BirthdayCareer
Applied for Program Specialist positionInterviewed/ made hiring listApplied for another position/ InterviewedCompleted at least 5 applications for various positions outside of present employerAttended PH Network groupClinical Providers symposiumAllocations Process CompletePCRS trainingSTD for Non-Clinicians TrainingGrew Consortium membershipNew supervisorTrained/ Oriented new Program SpecialistMentored student internGiving Back/VolunteerVolunteered at White Elephant Sale March 2012Donated soaps/ lotions to Richmond ShelterCleaned closet donated clothing to Thrift TownDonated books to paperbackswap.comVolunteered at 8th grade graduation parkingCollections/Fun
Completed Bratz Babyz doll collection- via ebay purchasesPurchased a number of David Douglas Genie Bottle decanters and matching trays, cups and candle holdersTrip to Alameda NAS Flea Market - Realized I'd seen it all Nothing new.Shopped for linens at White Elephant Sale for Oakland MuseumSharpen the Saw/ Spiritual Education
Subscribed to Redbook, Good Housekeeping, Family Circle magazinesSubscribed to 4 Cooking/ recipe magazinesFollowed Tranquility Du Jour BlogJoined Traniliity du Jour Facebook pagePurchased one month May of Tranquility du Jour Tranquility $12Signed up for emails from Life CoachesListened to "Playing Big" conference callDownloaded workbook from FreedomJunkie.comConsidered/considering $21 sparkle e-courseConsidering $49 revisit, restart, reset end of the year course.Read __ novels.Favorite New Fashions Purchased in 2012
2 Pairs NYDJ skinny jeans1 Black Leather Jacket1 Pair suede boots ebay1 Floral romper - ebay1 Grey romper - ebay5 cardigans from TJ Maxx (pumpkin, grey, black long sleeve, black short sleeve, grey)Leopard Print flats - PaylessLeopard Print Scarf - Target2 Jessica Simpson Dresses - 1 blue & 1 Red (for Christmas party)Yellow Espadrille PlatformsBlack cold shoulder tee from Dress BarnBright Blue cold shoulder tee from NordstromQuacker Factory embellished embroidered tunicsChallenges
Staying on a low calorie dietExercising regularly after workWalking during lunch or mid afternoon Writing dailyLearning Experiences 2012Debit Card being stolen twice - Don't use it anywhere and everywhere. Keep it to get money out of bank atm. Spend a set amount of cash per budget and then stop spending when run of cash.Spending during PMS- I spend more during PMS.I write more when participating in GIAM 100X100I write more when I sit at the kitchen table.I write more when I am entering contests for review.I am shy.Walking during lunch or during the day helps maintain my weight.Eating a lot of fiber and salads helps too. Stay away from the salami sandwich at Nob Hill. Delicious but swells me up.It is easy to obsess over stuff.More to come as I review 2012 and plan for 2013.
November 7, 2012
Month in Review! October
Accomplishments/ Achievements1 Dentist appointment - semi annual cleaning!Doctor's appointment Check-Up4 Midget Football Games1 High School Football Game - Homecoming!Left cheerleader and cheerleading team alone!Drove and picked up cheerleader two home games.1 Date Night with Hubby1 Birthday Celebration Dinner with Family1 New hair style2 Blog postsBooked Valentine's Cruise for Me and Hubby!Bought airline tickets.
Found reasonable hotel for pre and post stay.
Planning wardrobe ideas on polyvore.com.
Sold over $400 worth of stuff on ebay!
Wish List for the rest of November!Attend clothing swap and support meeting this Saturday.Safe trip to visit in-laws and daughter.Post season play-off football games. Possible championship football game.Make final payment for cruise.Complete Christmas shopping list.Start Christmas shopping.Create art journal with ideal daily schedule visualized. Blog weekly.Draft Plot and synposis for next novel Hurricane Heat Write 500 words daily.Exercise Daily.Abstain from coffee.Abstain from sugar & flour.Date night with hubby!Celebrate mother's birthday!Get car washed and detailed.
Wish List for Next 8 Weeks!Stay on 3-0-1 plan.Attend 8 meetings to support efforts.Save at least $250 dollarsOpen Christmas savings club for 2013Enter at least 2 contests on Polyvore.comCelebrate a healthy happy Christmas and New Years with family!Exercise at least 4 days a week. 
October 20, 2012
Halfway through the month of October and things are picki...
Halfway through the month of October and things are picking up for me.
I booked a Caribbean cruise for hubby and I for the new year. Yeah!
I've been researching and day dreaming about this cruise for a long time. Finally found a price that I couldn't pass up. I put a deposit and have a month to pay it off. We are calling it our Valentine Cruise! We had been traveling in November to celebrate our anniversary but that wasn't possible this year.
I have to recommend the boards and forum at www.cruisecritic.com . There is a wealth of information there about cruise ships, the cruiselines and activities on board. Anything and everything you ever wanted to know about cruises can be found there.
Hubby paid for the airfare. Yeah! It's my birthday, anniversary, Christmas and Valentines gift. LOL.
Hubby insisted we travel a day early. He is concerned about missing the boat. He also didn't want to fly into Fort Lauderdale which was the cheaper airport. sigh! So I found a direct flight from SFO to Miami. My concern about flying is comfort. Hubby is well over 6 foot 6 inches and he needs legroom. We aren't in a position at this time in our life to afford first class tickets but I have learned to upgrade to the "premium" seats which have a little bit more leg room.
Check out the website www.seatguru.com for recommendations about what seats are good. You have to know what type of aircraft you are flying on but when the make a reservation online it will show what type of plane the flight is.
Next on my list was getting a hotel and transportation to and from the port.
The cruiseline had some pre and post cruise hotel packages. I had booked through an agency and they said I could add the hotel. Since hubby and I would be in Miami for 24 hours before and a night after I thought it would be nice to visit or stay in the South Beach area. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Beach
Bottom line. It's expensive. Cruise line wanted a total of $685 for one day pre and one day post cruise including transportation to and from port. It didn't include transportation from airport.
So I looked up same hotel online. Hotels in the South Beach area start at $325 a night and go up. Marriot was about $550 a night. Sigh!
It might be possible to stay one night in South Beach, either before or after but not both. I'll have to look into that. Anyway, I did find a small hotel, the Hyatt Place near the airport in Doral area which will pick us up at airport, and transport us to the cruise port and includes buffet breakfast for $179 night. The hotel will also pick us up after the cruise for $12 pp. I have points for the Hyatt so I can get one of the two nights we need FREE!. So this is the deal we are going with. I guess after we get there, we can figure out how to visit South Beach if we even feel like it. After the cruise we will probably be so tired or broke that we won't want to do anything but get on the flight home.
The only thing left to do is pack. I start packing the moment a trip is booked and have begun sorting through my closet already and considering options. I've finally figured out that the best thing to do is pack everything that I want to. When I went to Hawaii two years ago, I had a huge suitcase set out that I began packing months in advance. As the trip approached, hubby decided he didn't want to wait for luggage so we had to use carryon size duffle. So, I cut down on what I wanted to take and ended up not having half of what I wanted or needed to wear.
Next trip was the cruise and again I didn't take everything I wanted. I had most of what I wanted but there was a little set that I didn't take that I wished I had. So now even though I am 4 months out, I am carefully considering what I would like to take. Initially, I wasn't going to buy anything but that idea has gone out the window.
I've found this great website called www.polyvore.com where you can put together collages of items. Making collages is one of my all time favorite activities. It's really easy and fun. The collages can resemble magazine layouts and I am using them as dream boards and packing lists.
See some of my layouts below or on polyvore.
Now that I have gotten the cruise details under way and Thanksgiving is handled. We are going to visit my mother in law and daughter.
I'm making my Christmas shopping lists and plans for Christmas. Yeah!
I booked a Caribbean cruise for hubby and I for the new year. Yeah!
I've been researching and day dreaming about this cruise for a long time. Finally found a price that I couldn't pass up. I put a deposit and have a month to pay it off. We are calling it our Valentine Cruise! We had been traveling in November to celebrate our anniversary but that wasn't possible this year.
I have to recommend the boards and forum at www.cruisecritic.com . There is a wealth of information there about cruise ships, the cruiselines and activities on board. Anything and everything you ever wanted to know about cruises can be found there.
Hubby paid for the airfare. Yeah! It's my birthday, anniversary, Christmas and Valentines gift. LOL.
Hubby insisted we travel a day early. He is concerned about missing the boat. He also didn't want to fly into Fort Lauderdale which was the cheaper airport. sigh! So I found a direct flight from SFO to Miami. My concern about flying is comfort. Hubby is well over 6 foot 6 inches and he needs legroom. We aren't in a position at this time in our life to afford first class tickets but I have learned to upgrade to the "premium" seats which have a little bit more leg room.
Check out the website www.seatguru.com for recommendations about what seats are good. You have to know what type of aircraft you are flying on but when the make a reservation online it will show what type of plane the flight is.
Next on my list was getting a hotel and transportation to and from the port.
The cruiseline had some pre and post cruise hotel packages. I had booked through an agency and they said I could add the hotel. Since hubby and I would be in Miami for 24 hours before and a night after I thought it would be nice to visit or stay in the South Beach area. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Beach
Bottom line. It's expensive. Cruise line wanted a total of $685 for one day pre and one day post cruise including transportation to and from port. It didn't include transportation from airport.
So I looked up same hotel online. Hotels in the South Beach area start at $325 a night and go up. Marriot was about $550 a night. Sigh!
It might be possible to stay one night in South Beach, either before or after but not both. I'll have to look into that. Anyway, I did find a small hotel, the Hyatt Place near the airport in Doral area which will pick us up at airport, and transport us to the cruise port and includes buffet breakfast for $179 night. The hotel will also pick us up after the cruise for $12 pp. I have points for the Hyatt so I can get one of the two nights we need FREE!. So this is the deal we are going with. I guess after we get there, we can figure out how to visit South Beach if we even feel like it. After the cruise we will probably be so tired or broke that we won't want to do anything but get on the flight home.
The only thing left to do is pack. I start packing the moment a trip is booked and have begun sorting through my closet already and considering options. I've finally figured out that the best thing to do is pack everything that I want to. When I went to Hawaii two years ago, I had a huge suitcase set out that I began packing months in advance. As the trip approached, hubby decided he didn't want to wait for luggage so we had to use carryon size duffle. So, I cut down on what I wanted to take and ended up not having half of what I wanted or needed to wear.
Next trip was the cruise and again I didn't take everything I wanted. I had most of what I wanted but there was a little set that I didn't take that I wished I had. So now even though I am 4 months out, I am carefully considering what I would like to take. Initially, I wasn't going to buy anything but that idea has gone out the window.
I've found this great website called www.polyvore.com where you can put together collages of items. Making collages is one of my all time favorite activities. It's really easy and fun. The collages can resemble magazine layouts and I am using them as dream boards and packing lists.
See some of my layouts below or on polyvore.
Now that I have gotten the cruise details under way and Thanksgiving is handled. We are going to visit my mother in law and daughter.
I'm making my Christmas shopping lists and plans for Christmas. Yeah!
October 10, 2012
My favorite month ~ October!
My favorite month of the year is well under way. The kids are back in school and we've all settled into our routines for the 2012-2013 year. Fall is the time when I like to spend a little time, energy and money on myself before the holiday season.
As my birthday approaches I've decided to pamper myself. Actually, I just needed a makeover.
I started with a trip last Sunday to the nail salon. I treated myself to a manicure pedicure. It became even more special because I tried something new. Purple nail polish. It's the gel type so it's super shiny and it's supposed to last until it grows out. So far I am super excited and happy with it. Usually I go with a soft pink or neutral color so this is a big change. Woo Hoo!
Monday, I took myself on a shopping spree for some, "Trying Not to Look So Old" new clothes.
I purchased up a few pieces that are definitely different from my usual long skirts and oversize blouses. I got two pairs of skinny jeans. Squeeal! One pair is a purple with a waxy coating to look like leather. Yes, purple is my new favorite color this season. And the other pair is a dark red with a subtle python print.
I also purchased a black leather jacket. I've been wanting one for soooooo long. It looks super cute with the jeans as well as with the skirts that I already had. I could almost see myself on the fashion makeover show "What Not to Wear" when the hosts Clinton Kelly and Stacy London encourage guest to try something new on.
I put some hair color into my hair last night to cover the little bit of gray on my temples and have an appointment on Friday with my stylist for new look. Still on my wish list are some false eyelashes but after that bad experience two Christmas' ago I'm afraid of the false eyelashes. I just need to find the right person to apply, for the right price, in the right length.
Now that I've got my its my birthday and I'm getting old but don't want to look it makeover almost complete, I have to arrange some sort of party for myself and my family. Anyway....
I'm also working on an internal makeover.
I've been listening to a number of webinars and investigating career coaching, personal improvement and growth workshops and online sessions.
I recently listened to Tara Sophie Mohr "Playing Big" webinar. It sounded interesting. It's a 6 month course where participants interact online to develop courage to do what they have been yearning to do. The price was $964 or so for the course. I really was considering it but I couldn't identify with the women calling in. Plus I could spend the on a vacation or cruise which am dreaming about. www.taramohr.com/playingbig/
I listened to another webinar today put on by three women promoting their online course. It was entitled. Find Your Calling: Awaken Your Life Purpose, Clarify Your Vision & Do Your Soul's Work with Martha Beck, Lissa Rankin & Amy Ahlers www.findyourcallingnow.com.
That workshop didn't really speak to me. It is a four week course with a number of modules, conference calls and worksheets. I've got three or four things going on right now that I feel are my life purpose... I just need to get going on them. Taking a course would just be one more thing on the list.
I've been reading a blog by Kimberley Wilson at www.tranquilitydujour.com every day and I love her philosophy and musing. Something on her website lead me to a book entitled The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle La Porte. I decided to invest in this book. I'll write a review later.
Still looking for other sources to sharpen the saw and feed my soul.
I'm dreaming about another cruise with my hubby. Really, I can't stop thinking about it. I've mentioned it a few times and he is definitely on board. It's up to me to make it happen.
We had such a good time last November when we renewed our vows.
This year as much as we wanted to go to Hawaii with all the kids for the holiday I couldn't figure out how to make it happen. Our big girl can't travel with us cause she's only got a short break from school and she is working a retail job and an internship and has to be back at work the day after Thanksgiving for the start of the shopping season. Sigh!
So we will just go visit her at college and make a mini vacation trip. It wouldn't be a family trip without her.
My goal is to take a cruise with just hubby and I next February if not sooner, when the younger kids are out of school. No, they wouldn't be traveling with us this time but they could stay with their grandparents or aunts/uncles and cousins for the week. I've been trying to save the money for the cruise and have faith that it will come. There were only three cabins left in the category I want the last time I checked.
I won't be able to take any time off from work after February as my work gets very busy from the Spring through the Summer so I want to do something special trip with hubby.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed, I'll be able to take a cruise and family vacation soon.
I'm very fortunate that everything else is going well for me this month and I am able to do my makeover stuff.
As my birthday approaches I've decided to pamper myself. Actually, I just needed a makeover.
I started with a trip last Sunday to the nail salon. I treated myself to a manicure pedicure. It became even more special because I tried something new. Purple nail polish. It's the gel type so it's super shiny and it's supposed to last until it grows out. So far I am super excited and happy with it. Usually I go with a soft pink or neutral color so this is a big change. Woo Hoo!
Monday, I took myself on a shopping spree for some, "Trying Not to Look So Old" new clothes.
I purchased up a few pieces that are definitely different from my usual long skirts and oversize blouses. I got two pairs of skinny jeans. Squeeal! One pair is a purple with a waxy coating to look like leather. Yes, purple is my new favorite color this season. And the other pair is a dark red with a subtle python print.
I also purchased a black leather jacket. I've been wanting one for soooooo long. It looks super cute with the jeans as well as with the skirts that I already had. I could almost see myself on the fashion makeover show "What Not to Wear" when the hosts Clinton Kelly and Stacy London encourage guest to try something new on.
I put some hair color into my hair last night to cover the little bit of gray on my temples and have an appointment on Friday with my stylist for new look. Still on my wish list are some false eyelashes but after that bad experience two Christmas' ago I'm afraid of the false eyelashes. I just need to find the right person to apply, for the right price, in the right length.
Now that I've got my its my birthday and I'm getting old but don't want to look it makeover almost complete, I have to arrange some sort of party for myself and my family. Anyway....
I'm also working on an internal makeover.
I've been listening to a number of webinars and investigating career coaching, personal improvement and growth workshops and online sessions.
I recently listened to Tara Sophie Mohr "Playing Big" webinar. It sounded interesting. It's a 6 month course where participants interact online to develop courage to do what they have been yearning to do. The price was $964 or so for the course. I really was considering it but I couldn't identify with the women calling in. Plus I could spend the on a vacation or cruise which am dreaming about. www.taramohr.com/playingbig/
I listened to another webinar today put on by three women promoting their online course. It was entitled. Find Your Calling: Awaken Your Life Purpose, Clarify Your Vision & Do Your Soul's Work with Martha Beck, Lissa Rankin & Amy Ahlers www.findyourcallingnow.com.
That workshop didn't really speak to me. It is a four week course with a number of modules, conference calls and worksheets. I've got three or four things going on right now that I feel are my life purpose... I just need to get going on them. Taking a course would just be one more thing on the list.
I've been reading a blog by Kimberley Wilson at www.tranquilitydujour.com every day and I love her philosophy and musing. Something on her website lead me to a book entitled The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle La Porte. I decided to invest in this book. I'll write a review later.
Still looking for other sources to sharpen the saw and feed my soul.
I'm dreaming about another cruise with my hubby. Really, I can't stop thinking about it. I've mentioned it a few times and he is definitely on board. It's up to me to make it happen.
We had such a good time last November when we renewed our vows.
This year as much as we wanted to go to Hawaii with all the kids for the holiday I couldn't figure out how to make it happen. Our big girl can't travel with us cause she's only got a short break from school and she is working a retail job and an internship and has to be back at work the day after Thanksgiving for the start of the shopping season. Sigh! So we will just go visit her at college and make a mini vacation trip. It wouldn't be a family trip without her.
My goal is to take a cruise with just hubby and I next February if not sooner, when the younger kids are out of school. No, they wouldn't be traveling with us this time but they could stay with their grandparents or aunts/uncles and cousins for the week. I've been trying to save the money for the cruise and have faith that it will come. There were only three cabins left in the category I want the last time I checked.
I won't be able to take any time off from work after February as my work gets very busy from the Spring through the Summer so I want to do something special trip with hubby. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, I'll be able to take a cruise and family vacation soon.
I'm very fortunate that everything else is going well for me this month and I am able to do my makeover stuff.
September 29, 2012
Month in Review ~ September 2012!
September's been another busy month.
My husband traveled for work for almost two weeks and returned home safely. Blessings!I kept everything running smoothly at home, I think. I've two teenagers at home who are too young to drive but are very active in after school activities and sport. I found myself running back and forth to the high school.I started cleaning out my closet.Sold some items on ebay. Earned $200. The fees on ebay are getting ridiculous. Ebay now charges a final value fee on the shipping fees. Sigh!Visited my mom and dad.Stayed on low carb, high veggie diet for two weeks. Fell off but getting back to it.Took my car to get inspected and tuned up. Saved the money to pay for it. So I don't have to charge it. Smile!Reread my favorite erotic romance The Twelve Dancing Princesses published by Harlequin Spice.Discoverd pinterest and began adding pictures to my pinterest pages. http://pinterest.com/mspamoore/Began planning my next vacation with hubby and teens. February? Next Fall?Continued reading CruiseCritic.com forums for information on various cruises.Kept up with Twitter. participated in twitter chat with Leslie Blodgett and nordstrom beauty.Began preparing entry for next RWA writing contest.Placed 2nd in the Duel in the Delta RWA Contest in the Romantic Suspense category.Following inspirations from Ivanya Vizant online, on twitter and her new show.
At work, I've been striving and thriving.
Completed the beginnings of a massive project that my director has wanting to get accomplish. Trained new manager and assumed some of his responsibilities. I had applied for the position but didn't get it although now I'm explaining stuff to him. Le Sigh! Boss is noticing. I think.Still to be accomplished
Get back to writing.Do some scrapbooking.Resume Exercising and Diet.
Coming Soon! October & November & December
My birthday.Scrapbook Expo in Sacramento, CAR.Kelly concertOur wedding anniversary. One year vow renewal anniversary!HalloweenThanksgiving trip to Southern CaliforniaChristmasNew Years
My husband traveled for work for almost two weeks and returned home safely. Blessings!I kept everything running smoothly at home, I think. I've two teenagers at home who are too young to drive but are very active in after school activities and sport. I found myself running back and forth to the high school.I started cleaning out my closet.Sold some items on ebay. Earned $200. The fees on ebay are getting ridiculous. Ebay now charges a final value fee on the shipping fees. Sigh!Visited my mom and dad.Stayed on low carb, high veggie diet for two weeks. Fell off but getting back to it.Took my car to get inspected and tuned up. Saved the money to pay for it. So I don't have to charge it. Smile!Reread my favorite erotic romance The Twelve Dancing Princesses published by Harlequin Spice.Discoverd pinterest and began adding pictures to my pinterest pages. http://pinterest.com/mspamoore/Began planning my next vacation with hubby and teens. February? Next Fall?Continued reading CruiseCritic.com forums for information on various cruises.Kept up with Twitter. participated in twitter chat with Leslie Blodgett and nordstrom beauty.Began preparing entry for next RWA writing contest.Placed 2nd in the Duel in the Delta RWA Contest in the Romantic Suspense category.Following inspirations from Ivanya Vizant online, on twitter and her new show.
At work, I've been striving and thriving. Completed the beginnings of a massive project that my director has wanting to get accomplish. Trained new manager and assumed some of his responsibilities. I had applied for the position but didn't get it although now I'm explaining stuff to him. Le Sigh! Boss is noticing. I think.Still to be accomplished
Get back to writing.Do some scrapbooking.Resume Exercising and Diet.
Coming Soon! October & November & December
My birthday.Scrapbook Expo in Sacramento, CAR.Kelly concertOur wedding anniversary. One year vow renewal anniversary!HalloweenThanksgiving trip to Southern CaliforniaChristmasNew Years
August 18, 2012
Two Book Reviews: #1 Butterfly Swords #2 The Dragon & the Pearl by Jeannie Lin
I just finished reading two wonderful Harlequin Historicals. The first was Butterfly Swords written by Jeannie Lin. This book won the 2009 Golden Heart Award from the Romance Writers of America (RWA). The second is The Dragon and the Pearl also by Jeannie Lin.
Butterfly Swords was a good story set in 8th century China. The story is about Princess Ai Li who is running away from the man her father has arranged for her to marry. Ryam, a blue eyed warrior from a foreign land, saves her during her escape attempt. He reluctantly agrees to assist her in getting home to her family.
I felt the story dragged a bit. The journey to her home took forever. He's worried about a battle where he lost all his men. He's worried about getting back to his home. He's worried about a coming war. I wasn't particularly attracted to him.
The other characters they met along the road to Ai Li's home seemed more interesting to me than the main characters Ai Li and Ryam. Once she gets back to the Emperor's palace, Ai Li has to convince her family that she did the right thing leaving Li Tao, her bridegroom. Of course it all works out and there is an epic sword battle between the hero and the bridegroom. It's a Harlequin story so the story has a happy ending. I was hoping that there would be more about Ai Li's Grandmother who is the one who taught her the butterfly swords. In conclusion, Butterfly Swords was a good story but not great. Jeannie Lin gives us a feel for the time period, the costumes and the political tension. I did enjoy it enough though to want to read the next book in the series.
The Dragon and the Pearl was my favorite of the two stories. It is the story of Li Tao the warlord and intended bridegroom from the Butterfly Swords. The Dragon and the Pearl, was off the hook with tension. I could feel the attraction between Li Tao and Ling Suyin from the moment I started reading. Oh my gawd. I read this book twice. It was hot and romantic. I loved the attraction that was flowing between Li Tao and Ling Suyin from the beginning.
Ling Suyin was a character who was introduced in Butterfly Swords and I wanted to read more about her. I was so excited to see she was re-introduced in this story. She has such a surprising history and experience that you can't help but fall in love with her .
Li Tao is hardcore. He's been there and done it all. Very attractive hero.
The other characters add to the story and don't distract. The settings are easy to visualize and pleasant. I could almost feel the silk and see the beautiful countryside. The flashbacks add a great depth to understanding the characters. They flashbacks are short and too the point. Many stories flip back and forth with flashbacks and you get lost. Not with this story. There is just enough back story thrown in to give you an understanding of where the characters are coming from. Love it.
The story is sensual but not quite erotic.
I plan on purchasing the other stories this author has written. Jeannie Lin is an excellent story teller.
5 Kisses XXXXX
Butterfly Swords was a good story set in 8th century China. The story is about Princess Ai Li who is running away from the man her father has arranged for her to marry. Ryam, a blue eyed warrior from a foreign land, saves her during her escape attempt. He reluctantly agrees to assist her in getting home to her family.I felt the story dragged a bit. The journey to her home took forever. He's worried about a battle where he lost all his men. He's worried about getting back to his home. He's worried about a coming war. I wasn't particularly attracted to him.
The other characters they met along the road to Ai Li's home seemed more interesting to me than the main characters Ai Li and Ryam. Once she gets back to the Emperor's palace, Ai Li has to convince her family that she did the right thing leaving Li Tao, her bridegroom. Of course it all works out and there is an epic sword battle between the hero and the bridegroom. It's a Harlequin story so the story has a happy ending. I was hoping that there would be more about Ai Li's Grandmother who is the one who taught her the butterfly swords. In conclusion, Butterfly Swords was a good story but not great. Jeannie Lin gives us a feel for the time period, the costumes and the political tension. I did enjoy it enough though to want to read the next book in the series.
The Dragon and the Pearl was my favorite of the two stories. It is the story of Li Tao the warlord and intended bridegroom from the Butterfly Swords. The Dragon and the Pearl, was off the hook with tension. I could feel the attraction between Li Tao and Ling Suyin from the moment I started reading. Oh my gawd. I read this book twice. It was hot and romantic. I loved the attraction that was flowing between Li Tao and Ling Suyin from the beginning. Ling Suyin was a character who was introduced in Butterfly Swords and I wanted to read more about her. I was so excited to see she was re-introduced in this story. She has such a surprising history and experience that you can't help but fall in love with her .
Li Tao is hardcore. He's been there and done it all. Very attractive hero.
The other characters add to the story and don't distract. The settings are easy to visualize and pleasant. I could almost feel the silk and see the beautiful countryside. The flashbacks add a great depth to understanding the characters. They flashbacks are short and too the point. Many stories flip back and forth with flashbacks and you get lost. Not with this story. There is just enough back story thrown in to give you an understanding of where the characters are coming from. Love it.
The story is sensual but not quite erotic.
I plan on purchasing the other stories this author has written. Jeannie Lin is an excellent story teller.
5 Kisses XXXXX
August 12, 2012
Weekend in Review!
I attended the August Scrapbook Expo at Santa Clara Convention Center this weekend. I took three classes, attended the midnight crop and stayed overnight at the hotel. I took a small cooler with water, wine and snacks.
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View of the stage during the crop. The M.C. said he had a storage unit full of scrapbook paper. The t
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View of my workspace during the crop. It may look like I have a bunch of stuff but other people had wagons, yes wagons full of stuff. They also reserved full table for food and their equipment.
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Here is picture of me. You can see some of my scrapbook stuff in front of me.
I took three classes at the Scrapbook Expo. The first one entitled Gimme That Bling sponsored by Quick Quotes was a little weak. I expected a lot more sparkle, glitz and glamour. There was just a very little bit of sparkle embellishment in the kit that we did in the class. The papers were very nice but they expected us to purchase some chalk ink
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The second class also sponsored by was entitled Six Easy Pages. All the pages coordinated but they weren't something that I would have selected on my own. They wanted us to purchase the chalk ink so I coughed up a few more dollars for the two colors of ink that they wanted us to have. I lost interest in the project and just sat through the class to see if I won the door prize. I didn't.
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The final class entitled Framalicious was sponsored by Mon Ami Gabby. I love the idea of the romantic flowers and sparkle embellishment. There were only two people signed up for the class. The instructor was very nice and and the owner of Mon Ami Gabby. The kit had beautiful pieces. It included flowers, paper flowersIt was very relaxing to glue flowers onto the frame but I changed the design at bit.
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When I got home I watered my garden and picked these fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini.
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View of the stage during the crop. The M.C. said he had a storage unit full of scrapbook paper. The t
[image error]
View of my workspace during the crop. It may look like I have a bunch of stuff but other people had wagons, yes wagons full of stuff. They also reserved full table for food and their equipment.
[image error]
Here is picture of me. You can see some of my scrapbook stuff in front of me.
I took three classes at the Scrapbook Expo. The first one entitled Gimme That Bling sponsored by Quick Quotes was a little weak. I expected a lot more sparkle, glitz and glamour. There was just a very little bit of sparkle embellishment in the kit that we did in the class. The papers were very nice but they expected us to purchase some chalk ink
[image error]
[image error]
The second class also sponsored by was entitled Six Easy Pages. All the pages coordinated but they weren't something that I would have selected on my own. They wanted us to purchase the chalk ink so I coughed up a few more dollars for the two colors of ink that they wanted us to have. I lost interest in the project and just sat through the class to see if I won the door prize. I didn't.
[image error]
The final class entitled Framalicious was sponsored by Mon Ami Gabby. I love the idea of the romantic flowers and sparkle embellishment. There were only two people signed up for the class. The instructor was very nice and and the owner of Mon Ami Gabby. The kit had beautiful pieces. It included flowers, paper flowersIt was very relaxing to glue flowers onto the frame but I changed the design at bit.
[image error]
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When I got home I watered my garden and picked these fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini.
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August 7, 2012
Book Review - The Vampire Voss by Colleen Gleason
Vampire Voss - A book of the Regency Dracula It's a good story. Let me start by saying that I don't care for vampire stories. I don't like vampire television shows or movies like True Blood or Twilight but I received this book as a free giveaway at the Romantic Times BookConference last year and thought I would give it a read. It is published by Mira an imprint of Harlequin. The book is a trade romance which is 380 pages.
Vampire Voss is a historical paranormal romance set in the regency period. I've taken an interest in historical stories lately so I read the first few pages and was hooked.
The story focuses on a pair of sisters whose brother is a vampire hunter. The brother has disappeared and has asked a vampire friend to watch over his maiden sisters while he is away. Vampire Voss happens to be an associate of the girl's caretaker and takes an interest in one of the sisters, Angelica. Voss has a well deserved past with the ladies and a way of getting on the nerve of his fellow vampires. For some reason he manages to keep his fangs and his libido in check for most of his dealings with Angelica.
The girls don't know their brother is a vampire hunter, don't know their care taker is a vampire, nor do they know that the bad vampires are after them in an attempt to get back at their brother.
It is an interesting read with a small amount of gore and a few random drainings by the "bad" vamps. There is enough to satisfy a vampire enthusiast but not enough to turn off someone with a queasy stomach. I guess. I dislike the fact that Voss doesn't seem to have any friends throughout the story. He has acquaintances with brothel owners here and there and a circle of vampire friends all of whom he seems to have pissed off.
Angelica has the gift of sight which only allows her to see how people die. "Shrug"
The story has what I consider a good happy ending. It's a typical romance with the fall in love, conflict and then resolution formula but I love the resolution of this situation.
I didn't read the story straight through as I have with other stories. In other words, I could put it down. But I kept coming back to it and finished it in less than a week.
There are three books in this series. I am considering reading the others. The third of the three is Vampire Narcise which is about a female vamp.
August 4, 2012
Saturday Date with Hubby!
Had a great day with hubby today. It was intended to be a family outing day but the teens were taking their time getting ready and asked too many questions. One daughter had to work and the other said she didn't feel well. My son didn't get up and dressed and continued to sit in front of the television while we were encouraging him to get dress. So.....we decided to leave and go by ourselves.
First we headed to San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Gate_Park
We visited the California Academy of Sciences and watched the EarthQuake show. At this point my husband decided he was hungry and needed a drink and something to eat. The line at the snack bar was a half an hour long so we left the museum in search of food. Okay...so now I now where my kids get it from. He did purchase the pictures they took of us in the rainforest.
We walked across to the De Young Museum and looked in the gift shop. From there we found a snack bar and husband got a hot dog and Sprite. I got water. Now that he was fully refreshed we walked over to the Botanical Gardens. They were charging for non San Francisco residents so we walked on. We saw a sign for a Vintage Paper Show so we walked over to see what that was all about.
Evidently vintage paper collectors collect postcards, posters and other ephemera. http://vintagepaperfair.com/sanfran.htm
We left with husband rolling his eyes. Drove through Golden Gate Park and head home over the Golden Gate Bridges.
When we saw the sign for Stinson Beach I asked if he wanted to go. He said yes. So we began the trek over the hill to the Beach. It was a long and winding road. It was extremely foggy and I considered turning around a couple of times. I was really afraid that the fog would come in and I wouldn't be able to see on the way out.
We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived in the small town of Stinson Beach. Walked down to the beach which was very crowded despite the overcast sky. We walked into town and bought another soda and a bag of chips for hubby. I had my diet lunch still packed in the car. On the way back to the beach, we stopped at the Lunch Box deli http://lunchboxmarin.com/ and I ordered a small container of their home made cerviche. It had some jalepeno, carrots, tomatoes and shrimp in it. We went back to the car and shared the lunch I had packed. Celery, jicama, pork and salad.
Anyway, I have been doing a low carb diet and I started getting a headache on the drive home. I think there was too much sugar or high glycemic index in the cerviche.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stinson_Beach,_California
Anyway, it turned out to be a pleasantly wonderful day.
First we headed to San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Gate_Park
We visited the California Academy of Sciences and watched the EarthQuake show. At this point my husband decided he was hungry and needed a drink and something to eat. The line at the snack bar was a half an hour long so we left the museum in search of food. Okay...so now I now where my kids get it from. He did purchase the pictures they took of us in the rainforest.
We walked across to the De Young Museum and looked in the gift shop. From there we found a snack bar and husband got a hot dog and Sprite. I got water. Now that he was fully refreshed we walked over to the Botanical Gardens. They were charging for non San Francisco residents so we walked on. We saw a sign for a Vintage Paper Show so we walked over to see what that was all about.
Evidently vintage paper collectors collect postcards, posters and other ephemera. http://vintagepaperfair.com/sanfran.htm
We left with husband rolling his eyes. Drove through Golden Gate Park and head home over the Golden Gate Bridges.
When we saw the sign for Stinson Beach I asked if he wanted to go. He said yes. So we began the trek over the hill to the Beach. It was a long and winding road. It was extremely foggy and I considered turning around a couple of times. I was really afraid that the fog would come in and I wouldn't be able to see on the way out.
We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived in the small town of Stinson Beach. Walked down to the beach which was very crowded despite the overcast sky. We walked into town and bought another soda and a bag of chips for hubby. I had my diet lunch still packed in the car. On the way back to the beach, we stopped at the Lunch Box deli http://lunchboxmarin.com/ and I ordered a small container of their home made cerviche. It had some jalepeno, carrots, tomatoes and shrimp in it. We went back to the car and shared the lunch I had packed. Celery, jicama, pork and salad.
Anyway, I have been doing a low carb diet and I started getting a headache on the drive home. I think there was too much sugar or high glycemic index in the cerviche.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stinson_Beach,_California
Anyway, it turned out to be a pleasantly wonderful day.
August
August is a busy month for me. Between back to school registrations appointments, start of fall sports conditioning and daily practice dates for my teens, medical appointments and a daugther moving away to go to college, my calendar is full. My husband is traveling for business for much of the month so he isn't able to help me keep all the balls in the air.
Anyway, I try to remember that it is a time for new beginnings. New schools, new schools, new apartments, new teams, new routines. It can be exciting as well as scary and my job is to try to mitigate the anxiety that the kids are feeling.
On top of all that, work at the office hasn't decreased and I have to admit that I have a very full life.
I am looking forward to my mini retreat at the Scrapbook Expo on Saturday, August 11th.
Need to get my car tuned up this month.
Clean my closet.
I've managed to stay on my diet this week and continue to get some exercise. I've been walking daily after work and started taking supplements. I hope to see some results on the scale and in the mirror.
Things should calm down for me during the month of September. I can only hope.
Anyway, I try to remember that it is a time for new beginnings. New schools, new schools, new apartments, new teams, new routines. It can be exciting as well as scary and my job is to try to mitigate the anxiety that the kids are feeling.
On top of all that, work at the office hasn't decreased and I have to admit that I have a very full life.
I am looking forward to my mini retreat at the Scrapbook Expo on Saturday, August 11th.
Need to get my car tuned up this month.
Clean my closet.
I've managed to stay on my diet this week and continue to get some exercise. I've been walking daily after work and started taking supplements. I hope to see some results on the scale and in the mirror.
Things should calm down for me during the month of September. I can only hope.
