Jennifer Apodaca's Blog, page 175

Weekend Roundup

Success!! We got the new computer/monitor/printer up and running! It’s such a relief, and I’m very happy. On top of that, we made a dent (only a dent!) in cleaning out some closets and re-organizing. The old computer is now up and running upstairs in a spare bedroom, all I need in there is a chair, side table and reading light and that room will be exactly what I want–a backup office and work space. I already have the chair picked out, just haven’t bought it yet.

Oh and while I was downloading some things we needed on the new computer–I picked up a malware. That gave me a bad moment, but I was able to find it and uninstall it, do some cleaning and it’s gone.  It’s ridiculous how pervasive that crap is. My anti-virus software is up and running now–it wasn’t at the time which was my mistake for sure.

All in all it was a productive weekend although I didn’t get much writing done. But with all the other stuff out of the way, I feel much better about this book.

Changing the subject, BLB (youngest son) dropped by Sunday morning unexpectedly.  That’s not all that unusual and of course, we’re thrilled to see him anytime.  What’s interesting is that he timed it to EXACTLY when I was cooking breakfast, so he scored homemade breakfast of bacon and pancakes. How do kids do develop that incredible timing?

After breakfast BLB was helping Wizard with something on the new printer and I pulled up pictures of chocolate candy cakes and asked BLB if he wanted this cake for his birthday that’s coming up in a few weeks:

So BLB and I are discussing this cake (he wants it!) and Wizard turns to the two of us. “Really Witch? Is this the time to talk about cake?”

BLB and I both answered, “There’s always time for cake.”

Wizard knew when he was beat and left us to make the important decisions involved his birthday cake (he’s insisting I also put M&Ms inside the cake while I’m picturing the Sugar Police and the Trans Fat Task Force teaming up to raid our home–BLB assures me that this won’t happen). Anyway once BLB and I agreed, he went back to helping Wizard.

And last thing for the day, I only caught a few minutes of The Kitten Bowl and The Puppy Bowl, but what I saw was so cute! I ignored the Super Bowl to do a little work but Wizard watched it.

How was your weekend?

Happy Friday!

It’s the weekend again and the end of January! Time is flying as usual.  I have a few things to tell you all.

1) The new computer came yesterday afternoon. I hope we have time to set it up this weekend but both Wizard and I are in a time crunch so we’ll see. But it’s here! Can you tell I’m excited?

2) I have a release month for the second book in the Once A Marine series! It’s July 2014 so it’s coming soon! I’m thrilled about that. The working title is The Cowboy Marine–that may change.  Now that I have a little distance, I like that book.

3) My narrator for THE PROPOSITION (and I’ll probably hire him for all three books) is Ryan Harding. He’s starting an FB page here. Ryan is a pen name–under his other name he’s has professional credentials as an actor and narrator. I’ve heard the first chapter and really happy with his work. He has an amazing voice!

So this weekend is Superbowl, right? Wizard’s been mumbling about it, that’s how I know I have to work, what are you plans this weekend?

Wednesday Worthy

I think my new computer will be here sometime today, or maybe tomorrow. The monitor already came and I’m getting excited!

Now before we go onto Hunk stuff,  I had this dream recently.   I was trying to build a house, and I’d decided it should be stone or brick.  So I went to one of those huge yards and everywhere I looked there was a different brick or stone.  I had hundreds of choices.

How hard could it be?

At first, I was super stoked. I was going to build an awesome house!  Right away, I found this gorgeous river rock–so pretty! And I thought, this is it! So I started to build my house…

But after the first layer or two, the stones wouldn’t stack right. One would tumble down, and I’d have to go fix it. Then another would fall and by the end of the day I was in tears.

The next morning I tore the whole thing down. River rock was a dumb idea so I started looking again and found bricks that were the perfect color! Excited I began again…

So you see where this is going right? Day after day I’m desperately trying brick after brick,  stone after stone to build this house.  And man, I am starting to hate this house, I mean loathe it. I want to give up, go get in my car and drive away to find an apartment for rent.  Only some unseen force holds me in that yard, compels me to keep trying.

Until one day, it all starts to come together.  And I fall madly, deeply in love.  Sadly,  I woke up before my house was built. In the dream I was still racing around the brick/stone yard, sweaty and desperately, trying to build my house.

Which we all know that building that house in my dream is a metaphor (or maybe an allergory ) for writing my book

The moral of this story is that I’d really suck at building houses so I’ll leave that to the professionals.  But I’m not giving up writing books because as much as I hate my process, I love it when the story starts to click and the characters come alive.

I just wish it happened faster!

Now for a picture–this is one of those images that makes me want to write a book. This guy has a story:

Do you think he’s worthy of his own story?

Weekend Roundup

I’m trying to keep my head down and write.  In the meantime, Wizard and I are discussing the whole concept of downsizing.  The idea of selling our house gives me anxiety attacks, we’ve accumulated YEARS of stuff here. Stuff that will have to be dug out of dark holes in closets, sorted and disposed of.

That sounds suspiciously like HARD PHYSICAL WORK. And possibly, some tough decisions thrown in.

On the other hand, for two years I’ve wanted to clean out a lot of stuff. I’ve made some progress lately, but it’s not enough. Moving would force me to do it.

We’re not really serious, just talking.  We like our house and aren’t in any hurry to make changes. But I really should clean out those closet. It’s time…except deadlines are an awesome excuse to avoid that hard physical work and tough decisions I don’t want to make

Now in a totally random comment–I love YouTube for research! This weekend I was watching some amazing videos on sculpting.  Since I can’t do anything remotely artistic (unless we consider writing artistic), it’s amazing to watch people who can!

How was your weekend?

Happy Friday!

My internet has been hit and miss which is why I didn’t answer on Wednesday–Sorry!  But I did read the comments, it was just answering them that was giving my problems.

Last night, we FINALLY ordered our computer and monitor. Fortunately Verizon (my service provider) cooperated and we found what we needed. That’s a relief! Now I really hope this Internet issue resolves itself soon. Wizard is having trouble at work too so I know it’s not just me.

So when I saw my doctor on Wednesday I discovered that while my ankle showed no RA (very good news that means we don’t have to worry about joint destruction) it showed a host of other possible issues.  (You wouldn’t believe me if I told you, it’s crazy)  Which means I didn’t get to say “I told you” so to my doctor.  Instead, we had this long, boring discussion about what to do next. But the upside is that I can ignore it for a while if I’m so inclined.

Wizard however his not on board with that plan, but I’m ignoring him too

Moving on, can you believe it’s Friday? What happened to Monday? This week is a blur! This weekend I’m working, and Wizard and I  might go do something fun, and I should write up the workshop blurb for my RWA Chapter that I said I’d get done like two weeks ago.

What are your weekend plans?

 

Wednesday Worthy

Whoops, the blog didn’t post as scheduled for some reason. Here it is now.

My go-to place for buying images has raised it’s prices–which is totally their right to do. Just as it’s my right to not buy as many images Therefore we’ll have reruns a lot here if keep doing hunks.

But before our hunk pic, I got a call from my doctor’s office that the MRI on my ankle came back fine.  I see my doctor today so I may point out to him that I WAS RIGHT. Just saying The ankle gives me some trouble, but it’s just not worth all this hassle.

In writing news, I’m making some progress. Hunt and Alyssa are starting to take shape.  Honestly, every book is hard, and every book should be hard

On the computer search, it’s mostly giving us a headache.  We keep running into things like we find what we want, go to order it and it’s out of stock. And then yesterday our Internet Service kept dropping. It’s getting to be laughable.  But it’ll work out, we’ll get it ordered this week.

Okay here is our Rerun Hunk.

What do you think?

Weekend Roundup

Great weekend, but not as productive as I’d have liked.  Saturday we ended up researching computers, and we’ve ruled out all the things we don’t want (Windows 8, an all-in-one) and narrowed down what we do want (fast processor!).  I’m being picky because I multitask a lot now,  and I need a computer that can keep up with me. Right now, I have to switch between my desktop and laptop to do everything I need to do–it’s crazy, believe me.

Sunday, sadly, Biker Witch wasn’t feeling up to lunch. I was bummed, but completely understood.  But it was a double bummer because BLB (youngest son) happened to come by and was going to go to lunch with us. But I didn’t mention that to Biker Witch–she was miserable enough without me telling her she missed out on seeing her nephew.

Umm…hmm…if she reads this blog, she’ll find out. Yeah, not one of my best plans, LOL!

In book news, I’ve hired a narrator for The Proposition. My ultimate plan is to have him do all three books and release them quickly so listeners aren’t left hanging too long, but I’m taking my time on this first on. I’m thrilled with the narrator. The decision to go with a male voice was interesting and there were some fantastic auditions to choose from.  Everyone has their own preference, but in the end, I went with the narrator that handled the material the best.  As soon as I get a little further along, I’ll tell you all who he is. He has a fantastic voice and has a way of drawing the reader into the story instead of feeling like the story is just being read to you.

Otherwise, this book I’m working on now is going to consume my life.

How was your weekend?

Happy Friday!

I hope it’s a happy Friday for everyone! Here in So Cal, we’ve been unseasonably hot and dry with winds, which means fires.  The dry weather is making everyone miserable with sinus and allergy problems too. We desperately need some rain!

Here’s a quick pic of Bailey. BLB (youngest son) went to see him and sent me this pic. He said Bailey’s doing fine, he just can’t jump. I’m not sure why Bailey was in his kennel–maybe he was sleeping when BLB visited him at Middle Son’s.

This weekend I have to write but I’m going to meet  Biker Witch (my sister) for lunch on Sunday. What are you all doing?

Hunkless Wednesday

I don’t have a guy today, sorry!

Bailey Dog is better! We’re all very happy, especially Middle Son. I don’t like to see either one of my boys hurting (Bailey in physical pain or MS in emotional pain worrying).  I know this sounds like we over-reacted but trust me on this, Middle Son doesn’t over-react.  If he worries, there’s something to be concerned about.

Now for a quick story I forgot about.  Middle Son texted me  about Bailey last Saturday as I was leaving from getting my hair done. I answered then started driving. At the red light, I saw his text pop up on my phone resting in the cup holder: ”It’s pretty bad, Mom. Bailey stands there and cries. I’m worried.”

I ignored it. I don’t text and drive–it’s illegal in California but more importantly, it’s dangerous. Even more dangerous when I’m distracted enough worrying about Bailey and my son. So in my head I kept saying, Wait until you get home.

I lasted about a mile  before I caved, but determined not to be stupid, I pulled into a shopping center.  Once I got into a parking space, I picked up the phone and text Middle Son. I told him I’ll be home in 10 minutes and call me then if he needs me and I’ll come out. In seconds I get a text back, “Ok.”

Feeling much better, I looked around to pull out of the space and spotted the  motorcycle cop with a radar gun a couple spaces away watching the traffic. I hadn’t even noticed him! He’d seen me, but didn’t care since I’d pulled into a parking space to text.  Once I pulled back into traffic, the cop roared out, and caught the guy in front of me for speeding. The moral of this story is it pays to use common sense even when I think my kid needs me I still can’t believe I pulled into the space so close to him and didn’t see him. Sheesh.

I’m not producing a ton of pages, but the story is getting there in my head. I’m happy about that much at least. This is my process, I don’t have to love it, I just have to respect it so we can work together to make the book happen  

As usual lately, I’m juggling a gazillion things, including taking auditions on ACX to get The Proposition into an Audio Book (I turned down a contract and decided to do it myself). This has been a really interesting experience hearing the scene read out loud by various narrators.  We’ll see how it goes! I’m also developing a workshop on Romance Tropes for my Romance Writers of America Chapter that I’ll be giving in June.

Sorry again for not having a picture! Hope you’re all having a great week!

Weekend Roundup

This weekend, Wizard and I worried about Bailey.   His back legs or hips are hurting, possibly he hurt himself. He’s been improving over the weekend, but Middle Son will probably take him into the vet today.  The worst text from Middle Son: “He (Bailey) is just so sad.”   I wanted so much to hug them both.  Middle son and his girlfriend were handling it—they know Wizard and I will come if they need us.

Hopefully all will be well.

Moving on: Wizard and I were on the freeway when I saw his head snap around to stare at a really cool Mustang Shelby.

Wizard has had a serious case of Mustang Lust for a long, LONG time now.

I said,  ”Wizard, eyes on the road.”

He laughed. “Did you see it?”

“Yep. But you were hilarious. You were even more into that car than the blonde in the store.”

His face screamed “BUSTED.” But he tried to recover. “What are you talking about?”

“Dude, when that tall blonde in shorts came in, you waked right into me!”  Wizard is rarely ever that obvious, which is why it’s funny.

His mouth tightened, but I think his neck turned red.

“And,” I couldn’t resist. “I’m putting that on my blog tomorrow.:

“You wouldn’t.”

Oh I totally would! Bwhahaha!!

Otherwise I did some work, and we’re starting a search for a new computer which is stressful. But not as stressful as worrying about Bailey and Middle Son.

How was your weekend?