I just rolled out of bed. Even thought I’m off today, I have a ton of errands to run to get ready for my trip. Plus I have to pack. I started getting things together this weekend and figuring out which carry-on I’m going to take. Man bought me a really cool cover for the HP Mini so it would get scratched up in the carry-on.

I have to get by the bank, the post office, the mall, the nail salon. There are a few more little things I need to buy before I can leave. Like, um, something to sleep in. Because everything I have just won’t do. I really want a short set so hopefully I can find that.

I went to Candace Havens book signing on Saturday and she signed a book for me to give away here in the blog. So when I get back to town, I’ll have a giveaway. And lots of stuff to talk about I’m sure.

For now, I’m off to get ready and get the kiddo up. It’s going to be another scorcher: 102 for the high with a 110 heat index. YUCK.

Today, I’m blogging at Samhain. My post will be up at 9 am, if you’d like to stop by. Click here.

And the winner of yesterday’s $10 gift card is Denise! Congrats, Denise!

I have 8 more hours to work and then I’m on vacation for SIX WHOLE WORKING DAYS. I’m really looking forward to the RWA conference next week. I realized the other day this is the first “real” vacation I’ve taken in eleven years. That’s sad.

Hard to believe my trip is so close. I’ve only been planning it for the last six months. Man has requested I type up my itenerary so he knows where I am and what I’m doing. On the off chance anything happens to me. I told him I was going to ride the Metro from the airport to the station near the hotel and I got the lecture on Train Safety 101. I also did some R&D yesterday to find out about the hotels, the Metro, and the airport. The train will only cost $2.55 as opposed to a cab. Yeah, I like that total a lot.

A group is going on the haunted DC walking tour on Friday and I’m trying to figure out everything I’m doing so I can attend. I think there’s a Samhain event that night but I can’t remember. This weekend will be about getting all that together. I have an entire folder with paperwork I need to take with me. I’m going to need a checklist, I think.

Yesterday, I got a lot of edits done on the Phoenix book. I’m about halfway through chapter six but it’s slow going. I’m trying to dig deep and get it right. My CP has been immensely helpful with her comments. Plus I’m reading her work and loving her story.

I couldn’t deal with cooking last night either, so the kiddo and I went to Rosa’s and I stuffed myself on their three chicken tacos. It was so good. Tonight I can’t deal with cooking again so I’m making pizza. LOL

And tomorrow morning is my local chapter meeting. Which reminds me… I need to print more guest packets.

Time to shower and then it’s off to work for my last work day. Woohoo! Happy Friday!

Hey, ya’ll. Guess what? I have a new interview up! It’s over at Mistress Bella Interviews and you can check it out here. Hope you’ll stop by and say hi.

I totally didn’t blog yesterday but I’m making up for it today!

With the economy the way it is, it’s a safe bet most of us won’t be making any big-ticket purchases, like a new computer or laptop. But there are those of us who still like our gadgets at a fair price that we find irresistible. Our fingers itch to get hold of those really cool things we’ve been drooling over.

From eBook readers to easy ways to backup and store your precious works-in-progress, here’s a list of all the cool stuff out there for under $500.00.

Amazon’s Kindle – $299.00 plus shipping
So you’re looking for an ebook reader? Check out the new Kindle 2. And they just lowered the price, which is totally awesome. You can read magazines, newspapers, and of course books. The average cost of a trade paperback is $13.00. The average cost of an ebook is $4.00. I’d say that’s quite a savings if you read more than a book a week. The sleek and slim Kindle is $359.00 plus shipping and if you want to get the extended warranty that’s another $65.00.

Specifications:

• weighs in at 10.2 ounces
• 2 GB internal storage
• 2.0 USB compatible
• battery lasts up to 4 days with wireless turned on (longer with it off)

Supports: Kindle, TXT, Audible, MP3, PDF, MOBI, PRC, HTML, DOC, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP

System Requirements: None

In the Box:
Quick Start Guide
power adapter
USB 2.0 cable
rechargeable battery

Sony Reader – $299.00 plus shipping
Sony’s answer to the Kindle, the Sony Reader offers similarities. One drawback—you have to download the books to your computer and then upload them, whereas with the Kindle, you can download directly to the device. Another slim and sleek design, this has a 6-inch high resolution display for easier reading. I found this online at BestBuy.Com and SonyStyle.Com, so you’ll still have to order it and have it shipped, like the Kindle.

Specifications:

• weighs in at 9 ounces
• internal memory can hold up to 160 eBooks
• SD memory slot (card not included)
• USB 2.0 compatible

Supports: BBeB Book, PDF, TXT RTF and other Microsoft Word text formats, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, MP3 and AAC audio

System Requirements: Requires Intel® Celeron® 800MHz processor or better, Windows XP (Home, Professional, Media Center Edition/2004/2005) or Vista (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Ultimate), 128MB RAM, 20MB hard drive space, USB port and optical drive

In the Box:
rechargeable lithium-ion battery
AC adapter
soft cover
eBook Library 2.0 software

iPod Touch – $229.00 (8 GB) to $399.00 (32 GB)
So you want an eBook reader, do you? And maybe a music player and something to watch videos on, too. Throw a few games in there for good measure. Get an iPod Touch. It’s a PDA, an eBook reader, an MP3 player, portable video player, portable game machine, plus it gives you wireless Internet so you can surf the web, download books from Fictionwise, and even check your email. All at the touch of the screen. It’s everything you need to be portable and still stay connected. Sleek, contoured design and weighs in at 4.05 ounces.

Specifications:

• 3.5-inch (diagonal) Multi-Touch color LCD
• 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB flash drive
• Built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery
• Music playback time: Up to 36 hours when fully charged
• Video playback time: Up to 6 hours when fully charged

Mac Requirements:

• USB 2.0 port
• Mac OS X v10.4.10 or later
• iTunes 8 or later
• Internet connection (broadband recommended; fees may apply)
• iTunes Store account

PC Requirements:

• USB 2.0 port
• Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional (Service Pack 2 or later)
• iTunes 8 or later
• Internet connection (broadband recommended; fees may apply)
• iTunes Store account

In the Box:
Earphones
USB 2.0 cable
Dock adapter
Polishing cloth
Quick Start guide

AlphaSmart Neo – $219.00 plus shipping
Little Alphie, we love you so! This is perfect for the on-the-go writer. Need to shuttle the kids to soccer practice? Take along the Neo. Meeting the writer’s group at Starbucks? Neo is your best friend. It has up to 700 hours of life on only three AA batteries and weighs in at 1.76 pounds. Affordable, flexible and easy to use, pound those words out and then upload to your computer. For more information, check out the website at www.AlphaSmartDirect.Com.

Specifications:

• 5.75″ x 1.5″ LCD screen can be configured to display two through six lines of text per screen
• 2 MB of software (SmartApplet) storage, and 512 KB of data storage to hold approximately 200 pages of text
• System Requirements: Compatible with Mac and Windows and select USB printers

In the Box:
Pre-installed SmartApplets
USB cable
Three AA batteries
AlphaSmart Manager CD
NEO and SmartApplet Quick Guide
Documentation CD

HP Mini 1000 XP Edition – $349.99 at BestBuy.Com
Need more than just an eBook reader? Want to write, check your email, or surf the web? Get an HP Mini Netbook! If you’re one of those on-the-go writers who need access to email and the web while pounding out those words, then this is for you. Write anywhere – the doctor’s office, soccer practice, in traffic (just kidding about that last one). It features a full keyboard—no more of that thumb typing—and is small enough to fit in your purse. It measures 10 inches x 5 inches and weighs in at about 2.4 pounds. Way better the carting your bulky laptop around!

Specifications:

• Intel® Atom™ Processor
• 1.6GHz Processor Speed
• 1GB DDR2 RAM
• 16GB Hard Drive
• Built-in Webcam
• Built-in Ethernet LAN
• Wireless-B+G Networking
• Two USB 2.0 Ports
• Windows XP Home SP3

In the Box:
3-cell lithium-polymer battery
AC power cable
Owner’s manual

Acer Aspire One – $239.99 at BestBuy.Com
Just as the competition is stiff with eBook readers, so is the competition with netbooks. Here’s another model, a tad lower than the HP Mini but still with all the bells and whistles. Ramp up your multi-tasking skills by surfing the web, checking email, reading eBooks, and writing.

Specifications:

• Intel® Atom™ Processor
• 1.6GHz Processor Speed
• 1GB DDR2 RAM
• 8GB Hard Drive
• Built-in Webcam
• Built-in Ethernet
• Wireless-B+G Networking
• Three USB 2.0 Ports
• 3-cell lithium-ion Battery
• Windows XP Home

In the Box:
3-cell lithium-ion battery
AC power cable and power adapter
Software: Acer eRecovery Management, Acer Launch Manager, Adobe Reader
Owner’s manual

And need I say back-up, back-up, back-up? All the gadgets in the world won’t protect your stuff unless you back it up once a month, once a week, or – heck – even daily if you write every day.

Get yourself a good set of thumb drives (aka USB device, jump drive, etc). You can buy up to 8 GB for $30 and that’s a 3-pack. It’s well worth the investment to have all your precious babies backed up. You can get them at WalMart, Target, Best Buy, Comp USA, Tiger Direct, Fry’s Electronics. Virtually anywhere that sells computer gadgets.

Another option is to buy an external hard drive to back up your files. Get a 250 GB one for $150 at BestBuy.Com or in the store.

Every computer comes with a CD Burner these days. Get a spool of CDs and, when all else fails, burn your documents to a CD for safekeeping.

What are some of YOUR favorite gadgets? Answer below to enter a drawing for a $10 gift card to either Best Buy or Amazon.com!

Hey, I have another great review for NICE GIRLS DO from Mistress Bella Reviews! ”…I got carried away by their story and was thrilled with a very satisfying ending. This is a definite must read for anyone who loves an erotic story but with lots of sweet elements.” Read the entire review here.

I really need to get the trailer done for NICE GIRLS DO. I’m just a tad low on funds at the moment. Hopefully I can get it done next month. Hopefully.

I worked on the Phoenix pitch yesterday, trying to get it just right. I’m still not 100 percent happy with it but it’s a start. I also worked on edits for Phoenix yesterday, trying to make it as good as it can be. Also on the list of To-Dos this week is draft Issue 3 of the serial story and write up a blog entry for Samhain’s blog on Friday. Piece of cake, right?

Only one problem: I have no idea what my topic is for Friday yet. I need to figure it out and quick. Yesterday’s post at Star-Crossed Romance was easy and I had a blast writing it. I wish all the guest spots were like that. Easy.

My bookmarks and business cards should be ready tomorrow. SHOULD be. I hope they are. Since the printer is local, I’m going to pick them up instead of spend the $20 to have them shipped. That’s with a 3-day shipping turnaround. Yeah, so not happening. I love that I saved money.

Didn’t sleep well at all the other night. I kept waking up and hearing noises. The refrigerator has been abnormally loud lately. I hope that doesn’t mean it’s about to die on me. I can’t imagine that it would, seeing as how it’s only three years old but stranger things have happened.

And yes. Four more working days. I’m still counting down.

Hey, all! I’m over at Star-Crossed Romance today if you wish to check it out. I would love some company over there.

Plus! I have a new review for TALK DIRTY TO ME by Valerie Mann. She says, “I love this book. Period.” And she gives is a 4.5. You can read the rest here. Woohoo!

Yes, I am counting down the days until I’m on vacation. And it can’t come soon enough, let me tell you. FIVE more work days. And then I’m out of the office for the next SIX work days. A week and a day. Heaven.

Of course, I’ve already got a booked schedule for next week. Parties, meetings, workshops, appointments. I’m really looking forward to meeting up with my online friends. The only thing that is making me really nervous is the flight (have I mentioned I hate to fly?) and getting from the airport to the hotel. BUT, from what I’ve read online, I can take the Metro directly from the airport to the hotel. Which rocks. I need to get back online and get their service map.

Got my hair done on Friday and it’s, um, dark. Instead of the normal strawberry blond, I now have dark red hair with blond highlights. Quite a change. Plus, I was sick of seeing all the gray. My Stylist Extraordinaire said most of the gray was at my temples and in my bangs. I told her that was my mom’s fault.

I still need to get my eyebrows waxed and a pedicure. That’s on the scheduled for Monday.

Friday evening, Man and I went to Macaroni Grill for an early dinner. It wasn’t crowded. However, we seem to be a magnet for annoying people. It happens everywhere we go. We got there, sat down, ordered drinks and were having a lovely time when a family walks in with five children all under the age of eight. Usually, this wouldn’t be a big deal, however, the hostess put them at the table right behind us. This wouldn’t be a big deal either, except the tables are so close together you can hardly walk between the chairs when someone is seated in them. And the kids! OMG. The kids were awful. Throwing tantrums about who was going to sit next to Mommy. One kid did that ”fish out of water” thing where he whips his body back and forth while whining at the same time.

Man and I exchanged one of those looks that says, “I can’t believe this is happening AGAIN.” Then two of the boys ran off to the bathroom, running right into my chair and nearly tripping a waitress in the process.

The boys came back, bumped into my chair and Man’s chair. He finally got up and moved to another place across the table that wasn’t in a high-traffic area. The kitchen must have been in a hurry to fill their order because they got their food pretty quickly and when they did, the kids were fine. But SHEESH.

I told Man I was sure glad I only had one. I know myself. One is all I can handle.

Saturday was low-key. Got the kiddo around 3 and then we had dinner and headed out to see fireworks. We parked with the rest of the crowd to see the fireworks from the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. There was some excitement – the group next to us attracted the interest of the local police. They cuffed two of the folks and then the Sgt came over and told them they could leave on their own, or they could go in the police car. They all left. That was the excitement for the evening. Well, until the fireworks.

Didn’t get home until nearly 11 after fighting the traffic out of there. That’s the thing about 4th of July. The TRAFFIC is the pits no matter where you end up watching the fireworks from because everyone and their mother and dog are leaving at the same exact time.

Sunday was quiet. Kiddo went back to his dad early morning and I did laundry and worked on financial statements for about four hours. Fun, fun, fun. But it’s done now and I can get really serious about reconciling.

I also roasted a pork loin for dinner. It was delish.

And that was my weekend. Way too short if you ask me. Hope the week goes as fast. It’s time to start making a travel check list.

Happy Monday!

Happy 4th of July!!

I’m off work today in observance of the 4th of July. YAY!

Yesterday was particularly interesting. I’m glad it’s over. I’m glad I have a three day weekend.

Today I’m off to the salon! I am finally getting rid of all this stinking gray hair.

Tomorrow I’m taking the kiddo to fireworks.

And Sunday… I am doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

Have a fantastic 4th of July, ya’ll!

Went to the mall yesterday and bought a 4 piece set of luggage for under $100. It was a total steal. Now that I have luggage – real luggage – I’m really starting to get excited. I also got new black flats because mine were about worn out and then I spent too much money at the Lancome counter on a splurge. Total splurge. New mascara and new lipstick. I couldn’t stop myself, though.

Thanks for all the travel tips! Lori, rolling clothes sounds like a great idea. I’d never thought of that!

Man says I need to put at least one change of clothes into the carry-on, just in case the suitcase doesn’t make it. He has a point. So I’m going to do that along with my favorite nightshirt. At least I’ll have something to wear and something to sleep in! haha

Not much else going on. I had some visitors last night for a little bit and then I blew the rest of the evening hanging out with Man. Needless to say, no writing or plotting done.

But I have luggage!

So last night I made the giant error of drinking two cups of coffee in the evening. Yeah. Um. What was I thinking?

I was literally bouncing off the walls because I was so wired. Needless to say, not a lot of sleep happening.

I also had some chapter business I needed to tend to. And I forgot I was supposed to be online for a meeting. Oops. But I made it, very late, and then I had another chat session with WebGoddess Extraordinaire and got everything all sorted out.

Today I’m off to the mall at lunch to purchase new black flats and new luggage for my trip in – gasp – 13 days. Holy cow is it that close?

And I also have to get ready for my pitch session. I have my pitch written up in Word; I just need to get it on a 3 x 5 card I can tote with me. And speaking of tote, I found some really cute totes at JCPenney on sale. I’m trying to decide if I want to get one giant tote for the trip in addition to the carry-on or if I want to take a carry-on and a small purse…

I’m travel challenged. The last time I flew was, oh, EIGHT years ago. I was about six weeks pregnant with my son and sick to my stomach the entire way there and back. I know – shocking I haven’t flown since well before 9/11.

I welcome all travel tips.

Since I had some time on my hands, I worked on the plot (yes, more) and I also wrote a little on the new story. I’m at around 7,000 words now but I haven’t updated the word meter yet. However, there was progress.

I can’t believe today is July 1!! The year is half over already… and now I have to start thinking about the kiddo’s birthday next month and school starting… Why is it when you’re small, time passes by so slowly? But when you’re grown up and have kids, suddenly the days/months/years FLY by?

Ah well. At least it’s Wednesday. And I have a holiday on Friday from work. YEAH!