Wow, the last day of January. Already. The weekend was beautiful - weather in the 70's. I even opened the windows in the house to let it air out.
I also cooked a turkey. Let me explain. Back in November when all the turkeys were on sale for Thanksgiving, I couldn't pass up 23 cents per pound. I got a 14 pound turkey for a little over 3 dollars. I stuck it in the freezer since I wasn't hosting Thanksgiving dinner. Last week I took it out and let it thaw in the fridge. I cooked it in my big electric roaster.
I also made stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, broccoli, and rolls. It was like a mini-Thanksgving all over again. Including family drama.
Yes, there was a disagreement. My grown daughter and I disagreed and instead of wisely conceeding the point to her, I continued to argue. She ended up upset and with her feelings hurt and I ended up feeling like an ass. In my defense, I honestly didn't think this particular issue was such a big deal or a hot point with her and she took what I said differently than I meant it. Honestly, I could kick myself for even saying it in the first place and then continuing to try to press the issue was beyond foolish.
She took home leftovers but now isn't speaking to me. Despite numerous apologies, both in person, vial email and text. Odd that an author can forget that words have the power to hurt so badly.
Hopefully, time will heal everything over. In the meantime, I've got a lot of turkey leftovers. I'll be eating turkey rather than crow (sorry, I couldn't resist).
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wednesday January 26, 2011
Those who know me know how important music is in my life. I go to a lot of concerts and buy a ton of music. I'm on ITunes a lot and have over 2500 songs on my IPod. Luckily it holds 30,000.
I like all kinds of music too. All genres, from Classical to Rock to Metal to Country to Hip-Hop and even some light Rap. So today I bought a song from Pink called F**kin' Perfect.
I like this song a lot. It reminds me of what I was writing the other day, from another song - I'm so much more than meets the eye.
Pink's song reminds me of how we never think we're good enough, pretty enough, smart enough - whatever enough. How that can eat you up inside. I understand it was written to address the issue of teen suicide. Whatever reason she wrote it, it resonates with me. It reminds me of how you can look at someone and just meet them and sense the pain behind their carefree veneer. And once again, this brings me full circle to the book I'm writing right now.
Still writing to music. The other day it was Seether and Staind. Today it's Pink and Bruno Mars. Go figure.
I like all kinds of music too. All genres, from Classical to Rock to Metal to Country to Hip-Hop and even some light Rap. So today I bought a song from Pink called F**kin' Perfect.
I like this song a lot. It reminds me of what I was writing the other day, from another song - I'm so much more than meets the eye.
Pink's song reminds me of how we never think we're good enough, pretty enough, smart enough - whatever enough. How that can eat you up inside. I understand it was written to address the issue of teen suicide. Whatever reason she wrote it, it resonates with me. It reminds me of how you can look at someone and just meet them and sense the pain behind their carefree veneer. And once again, this brings me full circle to the book I'm writing right now.
Still writing to music. The other day it was Seether and Staind. Today it's Pink and Bruno Mars. Go figure.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
This morning I'm feeling a bit reflective. I've been hearing a lot of bad stories about a business I use and I confess, it's got me wanting to take myself and my business elsewhere. Basically, the owners are a-holes and the things they do to their employees makes me cringe. And their two managers - the General Manager and the Office Manager act as their minions and participate in some awful, awful stuff. For example, to take a long term, dedicated employee into the office under the pretense of wanting her input and not tell her the phone was on speaker and ask her opinion of the owners. All "confidential" of course. And then when she was honest, to fire her over what she said. Seriously. There's a lot of other stuff going on - more than what I know - and as soon as I can, I plan to take my business elsewhere. Of course, it's not the employees fault at all and it certainly explains the high turnover rate there. In the past couple of months, I know of four or five employees that have left. They just keep hiring new ones.
On the other side of the coin is my wonderful Vet's office. Two doctors - Dr. Metcalf and Dr. Peek. Basically the same office staff for years. Fantastic people. They know me by name (and my three dogs) and treat me as a valued customer. I've been going there for years. Today I was telling Dr Peek that I could get one of my dog's medicines cheaper on the internet and he asked me what I pay for it and I told him and he said he would match the price. He's a caring guy and a great vet, as is Dr. Metcalf. They are both a bit gruff, but have hearts of gold and I wouldn't trade them for the world.
Once again, this underscores the truth of how important customer service is in any business. Not my writing business, unless you consider writing the absolute best story I can to be good customer service. Which it is, in a way. But I'm talking about my other business, the day job, the insurance agency. I have customers there that we've insured for over ten years.
Ah well, better get back to work. I have a little while to write before I go into the day job.
On the other side of the coin is my wonderful Vet's office. Two doctors - Dr. Metcalf and Dr. Peek. Basically the same office staff for years. Fantastic people. They know me by name (and my three dogs) and treat me as a valued customer. I've been going there for years. Today I was telling Dr Peek that I could get one of my dog's medicines cheaper on the internet and he asked me what I pay for it and I told him and he said he would match the price. He's a caring guy and a great vet, as is Dr. Metcalf. They are both a bit gruff, but have hearts of gold and I wouldn't trade them for the world.
Once again, this underscores the truth of how important customer service is in any business. Not my writing business, unless you consider writing the absolute best story I can to be good customer service. Which it is, in a way. But I'm talking about my other business, the day job, the insurance agency. I have customers there that we've insured for over ten years.
Ah well, better get back to work. I have a little while to write before I go into the day job.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Monday again - 1-24-11
Wow, time got away from me since I've last posted. I had five contest entries to judge for my local chapter and I got AA's (Author Alterations) on my June book THE CEO's SECRET BABY. I'm still waiting to hear from Harlequin on my next Nocturne, a Pack book that I've been calling THE WOLF PRINCESS. I've been writing a little on it, working out, working the dang day job, and toying with this idea for an erotica.
And cooking, of course. This past Sunday (yesterday, duh!) I cooked a pork roast with red potatoes and carrots and onions and celery. Next Sunday I plan to cook an extra turkey I have in the freezer. It's been long enough since Thanksgiving and I'm looking forward to it.
A young friend of mine is starting her own massage business and I've been helping with that. I got a free massage on Saturday for one hour. Let me tell you, that was WONDERFUL!!! I sorely needed that.
And in a side note, Saturday was beautiful, weather-wise. We talked about going to the Stock Show, but ended up going out to eat at Ghengis Grill and seeing True Grit. That was an interesting movie. I can't exactly say I'd recommend it, but it did keep my attention.
Well, I'm at the day job and I'd better get back to it. Until next time...
And cooking, of course. This past Sunday (yesterday, duh!) I cooked a pork roast with red potatoes and carrots and onions and celery. Next Sunday I plan to cook an extra turkey I have in the freezer. It's been long enough since Thanksgiving and I'm looking forward to it.
A young friend of mine is starting her own massage business and I've been helping with that. I got a free massage on Saturday for one hour. Let me tell you, that was WONDERFUL!!! I sorely needed that.
And in a side note, Saturday was beautiful, weather-wise. We talked about going to the Stock Show, but ended up going out to eat at Ghengis Grill and seeing True Grit. That was an interesting movie. I can't exactly say I'd recommend it, but it did keep my attention.
Well, I'm at the day job and I'd better get back to it. Until next time...
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tuesday January 18, 2011
I'm listening to Seether and Staind this morning. So far, this is the music of the book I'm working on. Angry, mournful, gritty music. And one phrase from a song keeps leaping out at me.
I'm so much more than meets the eye.
Kinda makes me think how much we base on appearance. We meet someone and are attracted to them and yet we really don't know anything at all about the person inside. I find this especially beguiling right now because my hero in this book is blind. He can't just see someone and be immediately attracted. There has to be something else at play. Pheromones? Scent? A particular lilt in the other person's voice?
Ah, I love beginning a new book and rediscovering love all over again.
I'm so much more than meets the eye.
Kinda makes me think how much we base on appearance. We meet someone and are attracted to them and yet we really don't know anything at all about the person inside. I find this especially beguiling right now because my hero in this book is blind. He can't just see someone and be immediately attracted. There has to be something else at play. Pheromones? Scent? A particular lilt in the other person's voice?
Ah, I love beginning a new book and rediscovering love all over again.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Sunday January 16, 2010
I made the most awesome gumbo tonight, if I do say myself
It was a sausage, chicken, and shrimp gumbo. I cut up onion, green bell pepper, and celery.
Honestly, it was delicious.
Very good dinner. We'll be eating it for the next several nights. Yummmm.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Hey, I'm blogging today over at The Pink Heart Society. Check it out at http://pinkheartsociety.blogspot.com/2011/01/writers-wednesday-karen-whiddon.html
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Tuesday January 11, 2011
So, in my epic quest for fitness and health (HA!), I spent most of last Saturday in search of the ugliest fitness shoes on the planet in my size. Only two stores in my are sell these things, but due to my personal trainer's threat to have me work out in my socks or (shudder) barefoot, I had to have them.
I found them and $100 later, I took them home. Last night, I wore them to the gym for the first time. I wore long pants, too embarressed to wear my normal shorts or capris (plus it was 30 degrees outside!)
They are - bar none - the most comfortable thing I ever put on my feet. I ran on the treadmill in them and it was incredible. Amazing! Gush, gush, gush. I adore them. They're still ugly though.
Tonight, I have my workout with my trainer. I'm wearing them again, so we'll see how that goes. We're trying to correct a problem that began when I didn't go to physical therapy and rehab my left foot when I broke it. I turn my foot and ankle in (unconsciously sparing the fifth metatarsal) and my poor right leg does all the work, thus its constant aching. My trainer wants to help me strengthen the left foot, ankle, and leg.
Yay! If it means no more leg/hip/lower back pain, the $100 will be the best money I've ever spent on shoes. And, despite their hideousness, the shoes may grow on me.
Oh - in case you're interested - they're Vibram Five Fingers KSO Trek Sports. Around here available at Luke's Locker and REI Sports.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Monday 1-10-11
Continuing my previous post - I saw this video on VH1 (and found it on YouTube) that perfectly illustrates what I was looking for in my previous post.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghZt2cILcCU
Maybe this will be my theme song/video for the work in progress.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghZt2cILcCU
Maybe this will be my theme song/video for the work in progress.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Thursday January 6, 2011
Today, in the rush of beginning the new book, I want to mention a topic that I'm researching/thinking about because of this book. You know how when you first meet someone and, even if he's not at all your type, you feel a rush of attraction? A sort of chemical reaction that strengthens the more you are around this person? Even if it defies logic, the pull of attraction strengthens?
My heroine in my next book doesn't believe in love. Sure, she understands sexual attraction. She's a scientist after all. But when she meets the hero, even though he is the opposite of what she considers an ideal man, the rush of attraction is nearly overwhelming. Why?
Has this ever happened to you? A sort of delicious flirtation, with possibilities of becoming much, much more? A sense when you meet someone, of having waited for them your entire life?
I looked online and read about pheromones and chemical reactions, but I'm not entirely certain I believe in all this. Of course, that could be because I'm a romance writer and reader, and a romantic at heart. I tend to believe in true love, mates, soul-halves, and all that other romantic stuff. In my last book I pondered how one woman could love two men in different ways, though due to length limitations I couldn't really explore that as deeply as I wanted to. Still, it made for an interesting story (this book CEO's SECRET BABY will be out in June 2011).
In this newest book, I am starting with a flash of instant attraction, on her part. On his, it's there too, but because he's blind (at least at this point, HQ hasn't given me the green light yet), his attraction is more sensory. Her voice, and her scent are all he has to work with at first. Eventually, he will get to touch her (shiver) and trace the outline of her facial bone structure. Of course later, he'll touch her in other, more intimate places, but we'll leave that for later.
If anyone has any personal stories with this type of instant attraction becoming more (like Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman), please email me at KWhiddon1@aol.com Or, you can post in the comments section.
Back to the story.
My heroine in my next book doesn't believe in love. Sure, she understands sexual attraction. She's a scientist after all. But when she meets the hero, even though he is the opposite of what she considers an ideal man, the rush of attraction is nearly overwhelming. Why?
Has this ever happened to you? A sort of delicious flirtation, with possibilities of becoming much, much more? A sense when you meet someone, of having waited for them your entire life?
I looked online and read about pheromones and chemical reactions, but I'm not entirely certain I believe in all this. Of course, that could be because I'm a romance writer and reader, and a romantic at heart. I tend to believe in true love, mates, soul-halves, and all that other romantic stuff. In my last book I pondered how one woman could love two men in different ways, though due to length limitations I couldn't really explore that as deeply as I wanted to. Still, it made for an interesting story (this book CEO's SECRET BABY will be out in June 2011).
In this newest book, I am starting with a flash of instant attraction, on her part. On his, it's there too, but because he's blind (at least at this point, HQ hasn't given me the green light yet), his attraction is more sensory. Her voice, and her scent are all he has to work with at first. Eventually, he will get to touch her (shiver) and trace the outline of her facial bone structure. Of course later, he'll touch her in other, more intimate places, but we'll leave that for later.
If anyone has any personal stories with this type of instant attraction becoming more (like Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman), please email me at KWhiddon1@aol.com Or, you can post in the comments section.
Back to the story.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Blogging elsewhere - Wednesday January 5th, 2011
In addition to writing this blog and starting a new book, I've had a couple other blogging committments. Today, I'm blogging over at E-Harlequin - here - http://paranormalromanceblog.com/2011/01/04/author-karen-whiddon-on-new-beginnings/
Check it out.
Check it out.
Monday, January 3, 2011
January 3, 2011 ~ Monday
I love to cook. And, while I don't make New Year resolutions anymore, I have resolved to try to cook more and eat less processed food. Healthier, you know? And really, as long as I control my portions, weight loss will continue.
This weekend - on New Year's Day I made prime rib, Hoppin' John (blackeyed peas with onions and celery and red pepper, and garlic), rice, and spinach. I did not make dessert - memories of the bread pudding from Christmas will have to tide me over.
Yesterday, I made chili. I used a pound of ground turkey and a pound of ground beef. Red beans, pinto beans, onion, and green pepper. Ro-tel tomatoes and of course, tomato sauce. Chili powder and cumin. It was delish! And, even after sending a good-sized Tupperware bowl home with my daughter, we will be eating it for a couple of days.
Best of all - I lost 3 pounds since last Monday. Monday is weigh day, the day I write down my weight. Portion control and the fact that I kept super busy taking down the Christmas decorations might have had something to do with it. Oh, and I worked out 4 days last week - still not the 5 I'm aiming for, but still pretty good.
So I'm starting off a new year right. Yay!
This weekend - on New Year's Day I made prime rib, Hoppin' John (blackeyed peas with onions and celery and red pepper, and garlic), rice, and spinach. I did not make dessert - memories of the bread pudding from Christmas will have to tide me over.
Yesterday, I made chili. I used a pound of ground turkey and a pound of ground beef. Red beans, pinto beans, onion, and green pepper. Ro-tel tomatoes and of course, tomato sauce. Chili powder and cumin. It was delish! And, even after sending a good-sized Tupperware bowl home with my daughter, we will be eating it for a couple of days.
Best of all - I lost 3 pounds since last Monday. Monday is weigh day, the day I write down my weight. Portion control and the fact that I kept super busy taking down the Christmas decorations might have had something to do with it. Oh, and I worked out 4 days last week - still not the 5 I'm aiming for, but still pretty good.
So I'm starting off a new year right. Yay!
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