I'm officially registered for RWA Nationals in Nashville! Yay! Counting down 'til July 28! Can't wait!

Just put my body through some serious trauma with my latest workout. Not something I will do everyday, but I definitely want to keep some sort of routine.

Is it wrong that I want to eat some ice cream now?

Breathe!

Do you ever get so overwhelmed with life that you literally can't breathe?

I've been feeling like that a lot lately.

Long story short: My life has been hell lately.

My house was burglarized (third time in three years) recently.
I moved to another city (only the next city over, but still)
My daily responsibilities are increasing
I have no time for writing (or anything but work, cleaning, work, cleaning and the occasional workout session)

On top of emotional, financial and whatever other problem that's been thrown on me lately, that's what I've been dealing with.

I haven't been able to breathe, not as well as I'd like to anyway. But I'm trying.

I'm trying to find little joys that help my breathing flow a little easier, or even make me gasp with joy.

Things that have helped me breathe a little easier during these stressful times:
-Listening to Covet by J.R. Ward on audiobook
-My new apartment- I love it. Looooove it
-These yummy wheat crackers I discovered at Dollar Tree- late night snack? yes!
-My garden tub in my apartment - plenty of room for long soaks...and company ;-P
-DVR and HBO on demand

I know things will get easier for me soon, but until then, I'll be OD'in on these little things.

What are some little, or not so little things, that help you take a breath when times are difficult?

 

Will Write for Food...

...ok, so you know that already.

Writing is something I enjoy. I've always enjoyed it, for as long as I can remember.

Don't get me wrong, it's not easy. But I love the challenge. 

I like writing different genres. I like to jump between different projects to keep myself from feeling drained of one subject.

But I'm not where I want to be yet and the truth is, I don't think I'll ever be there.

My hubby says I'm overly ambitious and he knows better than most that I'm never completely satisfied when I accomplish a goal, because there's always a bigger better goal coming up right behind it.

I write because I have to. Because I live inside my head entirely too much with all these wonderful stories, ideas and people and I have to share them.


I write because creativity is in my blood and I have to express it.

I write because I'm a total control freak and the idea of creating my own little worlds appeals to me.

Why do you write?


 

Happy Birthday to me!

It's my birthday today! Yay me!

It began with the power going out during my shower...and now I have to renew my license at the DMV...fun...

...but it will (hopefully) end with dinner and Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr- yum!)

Birthday love would be appreciated. :-)

No regrets in 2010!

Happy New Year, Everyone!!

Not many people know this, but my life at the end of 2009 was an emotional rollercoaster. But as I was reading a newsletter from ModernMom.com in the last days of the year, I stumbled upon a blog post that I feel, literally, changed my life.

Erica Diamond is an amazing woman! And her post entitled "Living Without Regrets" from her Women on the Fence blog inspired me to no end.

The title should be self-explanatory, but it's about so much more than just throwing caution to the wind. It's about living the kind of life YOU want and making YOURSELF happy.

Here's a snippet, but I encourage you to go read it for yourself. It sounds crazy, but I even printed out a copy to keep in my planner whenever I feel unsure or aprehensive about a decision I'm about to make or a decision I already made.

"So I say, it’s almost a new year. No regrets ladies. Here’s how:

1. Be committed to pro-active living. You got one chance, and one chance only to make this life the most kick-ass life ever. Commit to being a participant and not an observer. Be pro-active instead of reactive. Commit yourself to working every day towards the direction of your goals and dreams. Life’s a journey, not a destination.
2. Don’t tolerate. Ask yourself, are you in a relationship you’ve outgrown? Is your mother burdening you with insults you don’t deserve? Now is your time to speak your truth, and decide that you’re not tolerating any more crap.
3. Write it down. In the words of my Oprah, make a vision board. Write down your visions and dreams on a Bristol board and pin it up in a visible place. Or, make a list of 5 thing you hope to achieve this year. You won’t live with regrets if you keep your eye on the ball. And remember, baby steps.
4. Don’t make the same mistake twice. Your opportunities await you, only once you’ve learned your lesson. Don’t keep making the same mistakes over and over again. This can lead to regret. Make mistakes, but learn from them.
5. And finally, be introspective. Look deep inside yourself and accept that past mistakes are just that… in the past. Look to the future. Now is the time. Especially at the end of a year. New beginnings are incredible. Always a new chance to make it right, and live without regrets."

Well-said, Erica! Be sure to visit Erica Diamond's Womenonthefence.com and check out Erica's blog on ModernMom.com.

Here's to a regret-free New Year!

xo ~Tivi

  

Goodbye, 2009, and Top "Things" of the Year!

2009 was great in many ways- amazingly so!

It was also heartbreaking and, at times, unbearably tough, but I made it though.

Saying goodbye to 2009, for me, means saying goodbye to all my 2009 mistakes, failures, anxieties and, honestly, a piece of myself.

Looking back on 2009, what stands out for you?

Does the movie reel of your past year sparkle and shine like a crisp romantic comedy, or is it more dingy, gray and washed out like a war epic? (I have Gerard Butler on the brain...yum)

Mine shines... Why? Well, for a lot of reasons...but here are 10 reasons why 2009 for me was great (in no particular order, except the first two)

1. My faith - I like to think I'm not going at this thing called life blindly, you kno'?

2. My husband - because no matter what happens, he's amazing.

3. My laptop - Am I the only person who KNOWS without a doubt that if something happened to my laptop I would literally cry? Come on...anyone with me? It's my life. I love my black MacBook.

4. Google - More specifically Gmail, Google Docs, etc.- my new obsession for keeping my life on track.

5. Dance - At times it's so stressful managing a dance team full of late teen/20-something dancers, but I can't deny I love dance and I love my team! Kazi Love!

6. My writing community - My critique group, my RWA group, everyone I'm connected with online in the fiction writing community, you guys keep me sane or at least make me feel sane, you crazies. :-P

7. Great books - Thanks to a (wonderful)critique partner, I discovered J.R. Ward this year. Karen Moning remains my fav, with Gena Showalter as a close second, but I'm discovering some great writers daily. And I can't forget my own adventure in publishing this year...U Chic: The College Girls Guide to Everything! Thanks, Christie! Such a great experience and I'm working ferociously on the next one...

8. Great entertainment - Criminal Minds was my TV obsession this year. The Ugly Truth (with, ehem, Gerard Butler) was my favorite movie this year.

9. Twitter - good stuff. I always look forward to seeing what @johncmayer has to say.

10. My iPhone & Real Simple planner - the one-two knock-out combo to keeping me from going totally schizo!

I know I missed a few things, but....oh well.

What are your top reasons why 2009 was great for you?