J.J. Devine's Blog, page 17
February 12, 2018
Sometimes you just have to reinvent yourself...
Good morning, everyone!!!Some of us authors over at Romance Writers Weekly have decided a Valentine's giveaway would be fun :) So starting today we have an exciting facebook hop for you to join and win some fun prizes :) So click on the Romance Writers Weekly anywhere in this post to get started on your chances to win. Ten authors, eleven prizes, and oh so much fun!!!
I've made a few firm decisions over the last few weeks on my life in general. I've come to realize that I have to quit waiting. You know that waiting where you put things on hold 'just in case' you're needed by someone else. Well, I have to quit waiting on the 'just in cases' and just start making my own plans, life my own life, and just let things fall where they may.
I've spent my entire life living it for others or helping others or worrying over others. This is a habit of mine I've been working hard on fixing for several years now. Over the course of the last several weeks it is become apparent I need to really get serious about it. I need this for me and my well being. I need this for my sanity. I need this to help me reinvent me.
So, after much thought and tears, it is time to push the mark. It is time for this old girl to reinvent who she is and for the first time ever think solely of what I want.
I told myself at the beginning of the year I was going to bring more adventures into my life over the course of 2018. So, yep, that is part of what I am going to do.
We are in the planning process of this vacation. My sister came over yesterday for a little while and we looked over so many ideas and things to do in the area. It is a beautiful place and I can't wait to take tons of pictures and make fun memories.
It has been so long since I just did things for myself. Real things not just a few little things here and there. I mean truly find out what I enjoy. I love my writing and writing groups. However, I want to break free of just delving deep into that area of my life. I want to try new things, find out what I really enjoy, find out what I really don't enjoy, and quit feeling like I am always waiting on others to make a decision, to need me, to do something, to make plans, you know the hurry up and wait ordeal.
It is time for me to let everyone in my life stand on their own two feet and delve deep into my own inner self. Time for me to leave behind the woman I've always been to seek out the woman who has been waiting to come out.
As I sat there last night thinking about all of this, I realized, my inner self is always on standby. In my mind, I can't make plans because if I do, someone may need me to do this or that. So I sit, I wait, and sometimes someone needs something, most of the time they don't. So, here I sit, waiting and losing out on those things that I may enjoy or may not enjoy.
So starting today, I vow to try to do something different each week. Big or small, it doesn't matter I just need to make a plan and follow through. I need to be happy within me. I know this, I've preached this, it is time to take my own advice and just move forward.
Well it's time to get this day underway.
Everyone have a lovely day!!!
Blessings to all!!!
February 10, 2018
Vacation plans have been made...
Good morning, everyone!!!We do things spur of the moment around here, however, the planning now begins :) Reservations have been made at Hocking Hills for our yearly vacation this year. We're taking time off and doing an adult vacation for our long one this year.
This place looks amazing online. It also looks like a place where the peaceful energies should abound :) Nothing like spending a week in the camper in a beautiful place to rejuvenate your senses.
Hubby and I plan to go to a few different places this year during his home time. We also want to take the grandchildren to another Jellystone park for a few days this summer. As well as, hopefully, do our yearly campout with friends.
This time of year is made for planning out the details of the camping season :) It gives us something to look forward too. Something to plan for and get excited about :)
I believe the planning process is almost as much fun as going. It builds up the excitement.
I really need a vacation like this. It's been awhile since hubby and I got away alone for any length of time. When we have it's been a weekend here or a few days there. This year with our schedules the way they are we'll be able to do more weekday camping instead of weekend camping. Which is always nicer, because the campgrounds aren't as full. Which is something we enjoy also :) I would love to explore some of the different state parks over the course of the summer this year. Just because :)
Well it is almost that time again. Books today then home for some laundry fun. Yeah I know I live an exciting life LOL.
Everyone have a lovely day!!!
Blessings to all!!!
February 9, 2018
Minding my business is hard sometimes...
Good morning, everyone!!!One thing in this life that is hard for me to do is mind my business and don't worry over someone else. This aspect in life is something I've been working very hard at, especially lately.
Redirecting my thoughts gets easier most of the time, but sometimes, I just want to scream from the mountain tops, WTF!!!
I'm a very opinionated woman. In fact, I have tons of opinions if truth be told. I used to share that opinion without being asked. It was a favorite pastime of mine. However, over the last few years I've tried to curb that desire. Frankly, because others live their lives to learn their life's lessons just as I expect to live my life to learn my own lessons.
Life's lessons are how we grow within ourselves. To hinder this aspect for someone else blocks their inner growth and therefore hinders their dependency upon others. Without learning to understand the consequences of our actions we cannot understand how certain behaviors are a problem.
I think the one reason this aspect of life is the hardest for me to learn and to incorporate into my life, is when someone falls on their face, they expect me to pick up the pieces. Which is also another aspect of life I have yet to learn, let them pick up the pieces themselves.
I am determined this time, to take a aloof position. As hard as that may be for this old girl, it is something I need to do. I need to step back, let the pieces fall where they may, and hope for the best. I need to quit shoulder the blame that is not mine, but let the insulting words of blame wash over my back. Because in this life I know I've shoulder blame that was far from my own and given others a scapegoat for their own behaviors.
My tongue may bleed from biting it, but bite it I must. Because at this point in my life, I am too damn old to help other people live their life. In fact, all I want to do is focus on my own life and do the things I want to do in life.
I saw just how much some people live in a dream world yesterday. I was lied to my face over stupid shit. I saw people placing blame not taking responsibility. I saw people not accepting truths that have been right in front of their faces for years.
On the flip side, however, I was almost brought to tears by another facing truths of their life. Hard life truths. Things that minding your own business wouldn't solve because frankly, putting your nose into it wouldn't help either. So, you listen, you comfort, and you understand. Then you hug them, you pray for them, and when they walk away you wish this aspect of life had not touched a person so sweet, so caring, and so selfless.
It is their acceptance of what is happening to them, that make you think about life in general. It shows you how short life really is. It reminds you that even if you have things left to do in this life, life can be cruel and unyielding.
We are a lot alike her and I. We would do anything for those we love. However, we also share that same mistake of doing too much. We tell ourselves it is out of love, which it is, but in the same sense, we've enabled, we've given an outlet to those we love, keeping them from standing on their own two feet.
The goal was to teach others to have a kind heart, but the reality was sometimes in this life hearts need to harden just a bit.
Well I guess I will jump off my soapbox and get this day started.
Everyone have a lovely day!!!
Blessings to all!!!
February 8, 2018
Is it morning already???
Good morning, everyone!!!In about an hour a hot shower will be pouring over this old body and I will begin my work day. Until then I caffeinate.
It's a chilly morning here in small town USA. So coffee is definitely the drink of choice at this hour. I've reached the age, however, that one moment I can be cold and the next sweating bullets, so it is kind of like that old phrase used to describe Indiana. "Don't like the cold, give it a minute."
Cooler reset went off without a hitch. There was a small bit of trouble with the grocery order, but it finally did it's thing. Now I have a ton of product to go through in order to send back to the right vendors. If only they would have been going through their stock like we asked them two over the last two weeks, well, let's just say they wouldn't have so much going back next week. And nope, they're not allowed to keep it in my back room and send a little bit back at a time. They were already given that opportunity.
Sunday one of the other ladies and I will be organizing the overstock in the cooler. Then at some point I need to pull all the paper product off the shelves in my back room and paint the shelves. There's no rest for the wicked. I'm actually hoping to get that done over the weekend as well. But we'll see.
I didn't really do much last evening. I was worn out by the time I left work, went to the bank, and the grocery. I got up way too early,1:30 a.m., so today I'm hopeful I can find a bit of energy somewhere after work. I know once I get moving around energy will come. It's just right now I just don't want to move, LOL.
Man, getting older sometimes isn't so much fun. I used to get right out of bed and get dressed, head out to work, and have energy in abounds my entire day to late into the night. Now, well, it takes a couple of hours before I can even function for my day. That even includes my days off the day job. Two cups of coffee is required now to get this body functioning. Sad but true.
Well I guess I should get things done before I need to hit the shower.
Everyone have a lovely day!!!
Blessings to all!!!
February 6, 2018
It's rough going this morning...
Good morning, everyone!!!I hate those nights when you are super tired, you go to bed, and suddenly you're more awake than you've felt all day. Yeah, I had one of those nights last night. Errrrrrrrrrrrr
I'm not sure exactly when I finally fell asleep, but I do know that alarm went off way too soon afterward LOL.
So here I sit, caffeinating, trying to figure out if I really am awake, or if this is some strange dream that I'm having of being awake. From the chill in the air I'm either up and trying to get around or the blankets have fallen off and my bed isn't as warm and cozy as it was a little while ago :)
Today is sales change and cooler reset. And order day. And get things done day. So, I really need this coffee to start doing it's job in the next hour.
Yesterday was a pretty productive day. Truck was late, so it threw me off a bit, but it got done :) I just felt like I was running behind for a good while yesterday until I realized, nope it's all done. I came home and relaxed for a little bit, then got my tail in gear and got some of the housework out of the way :) Then of course my mind decided it would be a good day to reorganize some things in the entry way. Then it went from there to, oh by the way you should clean out the fridge (I had bottles of things in there that outdated in 2016, I really need to be more diligent on that aspect, LOL). Needless to say, the fridge is done, the entry way is in much better shape, and the dishes are done :)
After that I did a little writing before time to hit the sack. So all in all yesterday was a pretty productive day. Now if I can just have another productive day today I'll be good to go :)
With cooler reset today I have no idea what time I'll get off work. However, there is plenty to keep me busy around the store for sure :) Between sales change and doing order I'm sure I can find things to do without a problem LOL.
Well I guess I really should think about starting this day.
Everyone have a lovely day!!!
Blessings to all!!!
February 5, 2018
I awoke to more snow...
Good morning, everyone!!!I went to bed early early last evening because of needing to be up so early this morning. So I guess I missed it snowing out there. I awoke to more snow with more predicted over the next few days.
Someone walked into the store yesterday talking about how cold it was. I just smiled and said, "Well, it is still winter in Indiana." What is something you can always count on in Indiana? Snow in the winter and definitely cold weather.
It's all this warming up and cooling down that really isn't all that fun though. Makes you wonder if Mother Nature is off her hormone pills for certain.
This morning I have a truck to put away and lottery tickets to change out. Then tomorrow is ordering, cooler reset, price changes, and sales change. Oh the fun, LOL.
I did manage to get in some writing last evening. It was on a family cookbook, compiled of old family recipes, but writing is writing :) When I get off work at the day job today I am hoping to get in some editing for awhile before doing a bit more writing this evening.
I did manage a bit of housework before work and a little more after work yesterday. Now just the two dreaded jobs, dishes and laundry, after work today. Neither are real horrible, I just hate both LOL. At some point this week also I need to take my tire and get it fixed. With the snow predicted it would be best if I had all four good tires on the truck. So I'm adding that to my things to do list for the week :)
I really truly don't mind the snow. In fact, when we moved back up here from Florida, snow was one thing I was excited to see. I love the change of seasons that we get here. Where you can see so many colors and so much beauty in the world. Snow may be white, but it adds a beauty to winter that can only be seen when the world around you is covered with this fluffy stuff :) If it's going to be cold, it might as well be pretty, huh?!?
Well I guess I should really start getting things around. I may need to clean the truck off before I head out :)
Everyone have a lovely day!!!
Blessings to all!!!
And so it begins...
Good morning, everyone!!!So begins my nine day stretch. This week will be a busy one at the day job. Sales change, lottery changes, and cooler reset. Along with all the regular things we do during the week. Scan audits, order both receiving and placing, counting of lottery and cigarettes, adjustments, ect. It's time to get back into the swing of things after so many days off this past week.
I finished up my turn as host of the Romance Writers Weekly facebook page last evening. We had several winners for my audio books :) I enjoyed hosting the page :)
Tomorrow and Wednesday I will be doing books at the day job. So it will be a few early days in the midst of my regular schedule. Then books over the weekend as well.
I plan to do some major editing this month also. My plan is to have Destiny's Price out to the public by the beginning of next month, so I really need to get these edits done :) So that will be top priority in my writing world this month. Along with blurb writing, yay rah, lol. That is definitely not one of my strong suits, but it will get there :)
Then it will be onto edits for Passionate Pursuit and Darkness Brings Desire. As well as finishing up Unfinished Business :) So, it is going to be a busy writing year for this old girl on top of everything else. I just have to get to it.
Then there is housework, yuk. I have a few things around here that need attention because frankly I've been a bit lazy over the course of the last week. We went to the RV show in Ft. Wayne and an antique mall the other day, so I did absolutely nothing around the house that day. Then Saturday as I was heading out I found out I had a flat tire. I had to wait for the guy to come change it, and after that I was just done in for the day. So most of the stuff I packed up to go to my sister's still needs unpacked. I still need to go out there and pick up eggs but I'll get to that at some point this week as well :) I've personally gone through about 2 dozen eggs so guess I'll need to pick up more for me as well :)
I was looking forward to planning our garden spot, but I guess that will have to wait for another day.
Well I really should think about starting this day.
Everyone have a lovely day!!!
Blessings to all!!!
January 31, 2018
Wow, that went fast...
Good morning, everyone!!! Can you believe today is the last day of January? Where did the first month of the year go??? As excited as I am for spring to get here, I really hate how fast winter seems to be flying by. Because that just means the other seasons will fly by as well.
If things are a bit strange today, just go with the flow. Between a full moon, a super moon, and a lunar eclipse, things are bound to get a little insane :) Just ride the ride. That's my best advice :)
This weekend begins the community garden planning committee :) We are going to sit down and begin the process of deciding how we want our garden to look, what we want to plant, and where we want things to be positioned in the garden. I'm very excited about this project. We have a lot of ideas and hopefully we can make everything work out like we envision them. I believe we can, we just got to put in the work.
It feels odd planning a springtime activity in the winter months but with gardening you have to get a jump on things. Get the seeds if your planting seeds and even sometimes start the seeds mid February. So even though it feels strange planning it right now, this is when it has to be done.
Tomorrow hubby, my sister, brother-in-law, Lil Zoe, and myself are heading out for an adventure tomorrow :) Flea marketing and an RV show. I'm pretty excited about spending the day out and about and doing something different :)
Well I guess I should really get my day started.
Everyone have a lovely day!!!
Blessings to all!!!
January 30, 2018
Romance Writers Weekly presents...
Good evening, everyone!!! Sorry I'm late to this party. It's been an interesting day for sure. This week here on Romance Writers Weekly presents Brenda Margriet has asked us to tell you what we're most looking forward to this year. What our big plans are for 2018. So without further ado I will get right on that :)
Every year hubby and I enjoy our camping time. We love exploring campgrounds all over Indiana. We love camping with our kids and grandkids. Our friends (which we try to take a trip to Jellystone each year with some friends which is usually a pretty crazy fun weekend). This year between camping trips we will also be helping out at my sister's house with a community garden we've been planning. In fact, Saturday will be the day we've set aside to discuss what will go into our garden. I would really love to explore some more of the state campgrounds a bit this year. We've looked into a few last summer, but never managed to get there. So maybe this year :)
Well that was short but sweet, huh?!?Let's hop on over to see what A.S. Fenichel is planning. Shall we????
January 29, 2018
One more day...
Good morning, everyone!!!Just one more day of the day job and I'm off for three!!! This week I'm hosting the Romance Writers Weekly page so I'm throwing a week long birthday party, seeing as tomorrow is my birthday also :) Then there is the pesky task of renewing my driver's license by midnight tomorrow night :) Yeah, so many things are just one more day away.
I'm fighting a sinus headache this morning, so bear with me while I write this blog. Who knows where it will end up. I took a sinus pill and some ibprophen so keep your fingers crossed by the time I leave out for my work day this stupid thing will be lifted.
I spent last evening getting posts set up on the RWW page to go live today. If you're a fan of the page make sure you answer the questions that pop up that have a birthday pic on it. You'll be entered to win some fun prizes :) If you're not a fan just click on the RWW throughout this blog to become one!!!
Today will be a busy day at work. We have our weekly scan audits to get taken care of as well as I want to highlight all the products on our order forms for our cooler reset. Then of course my normal every day things which keep me busy all by themselves :) Then it is home to clean house a bit and then hit some writing up before hubby comes in for the rest of the week.
I write better when he's not home LOL.
I want to put the final touches on Destiny's Price over the course of the next few weeks so I can hopefully release it in the next month. Wish me luck :)
Well I guess I better get off of here and prepare to hit the shower. Maybe that will help this headache subside.
Everyone have a lovely day!!!
Blessings to all!!!
