August 31, 2007

I guess no news really is good news (except for emails)! My doc called today and said my ultrasound was normal and there are no cysts. Yippee! I will just finish my antibiotic and be done with it. That means I can get back to the gym and pumping iron.

I finally went through the manuscript and it really isn't as bad as the overall review was. I can do the changes they want in a fair amount of time and see if it flies. If they still don't like it, then it's off to another publisher who will.

I made excellent progress on my Interamark projects this week, which is a good thing. One of my clients also gave my boss some excellent feedback about me, which made my entire week! They love me - what can I say? LOL

Tonight it's cheeseburgers and roasted corn on the grill, with a nice bottle of wine to celebrate all the good news.

Tomorrow we are off with friends to go antique shopping (like I don't have enough already), lunch at a German restaurant, then outlet shopping, and then home to crash.

Bye for now...

August 30, 2007

Today I started out with Physical Therapy (PT). The therapist laid me down and started pressing down on my vertabrae to loosen them at the base of my back. Hurt like hell! No pain, no gain.

I'm working really hard to finish several projects for my job.

I got an email from the publisher of that blasted Pioneer Women book. I promised I would look at this weekend since it's a long one - off Monday for Labor Day. I will decide then what I want to do.

I still haven't heard from my other doctor about the ultrasound results. I guess it's not that bad since it's been two days! :)

August 29, 2007

I swear it just keeps getting worse. Monday night I got about 4 hours of sleep because of severe abdominal pain. I was already scheduled for physical therapy yesterday in the a.m. I called my doctor about the lower pain and he took me yesterday afternoon. After an exam, he wanted an ultrasound ASAP. I went for that after his appointment. He suspects cysts are the cause of my pain. I am now waiting to hear the results...waiting is the hardest part.

I was so exhausted after lack of sleep, pain, and being poked and prodded I fell asleep about 9 p.m.

I am much better today with the help of new drugs and some much needed sleep, but they can't help the wait from the doctor.

I am resolved to kick all this, and get back to being healthy! This blog is turning into a injury report. Not cool. This is also setting me back on my writing.

Enough of this...back to work. I still wear a smile - no matter what! :)

August 27, 2007

Yesterday I did like I said I would - rest. I decided to take on a "crafty" project, which I don't do too often. For some reason, Larry and I collect the corks from all the wine bottles we've opened. I have been meaning to make a framed piece of art of out it. So yesterday, I started it. Larry cut me a piece of board about 16" wides by 44" long. Now mind you, I don't have that many corks yet, but I like to plan ahead. I glued them on and added about 50. I have a lot more to go...

We had a early evening thunderstorm and then some nice rain. The power popped off and on several times. I made BBQ ribs and roasted corn and potatoes on the grill, yes, in the rain. What can I say, I love to grill.

Football season is just about back, and we watched the Pittsburgh Steelers (Larry's team) play the Philadelphia Eagles in a pre-season game. The Steelers kicked butt! Yeah, because I hate the Eagles, being a Washington Redskins fan, of course.

I have book orders to fill this week, and I need to get cracking on the research for the next book, but this darn job that pays my bills is keeping me busy! :)

Going to earn some wine money...

August 26, 2007

Today is Sunday and will truly be a day of rest for me. I am taking some pretty nice drugs from the doc for my back pain and inflammation.

Let's see, Friday night was the anniversary dinner at Bistro 607. It was a cute old house built around 1906 in donwtown Raleigh. The food was fine and so was the service. The seating was pretty close together in the bay window area, which is where we ate. A couple next to us were quite loud and obnoxious. They had the waitress hold their desserts while they went out for a 10 min cigarette break. Every time I laughed, the woman shot me a glare, like, God forbid I have a good time dining out! LOL

Yesterday we did the usual wine tasting, but this time we treated ourselves to some pretty nice wines as an anniversary gift. Since neither of us had any luck with the gifts we tried to get for each other, we decided why not wine.

We ate dinner out again last night with some friends and mom, and it was real nice. I had Pacific Wahoo, goat cheese mashed potatoes, and sauteed spinach. For dessert, like I needed that, I had a hot cup of chocolate cake with marshmallow fluff. OMG - it was too die for.

I better walk a few extra miles this week to work all those dinners, wine, and desserts off! Actually, I am heading back to the gym since my doctor cleared me. Until Monday...

August 24, 2007

22 years ago today I was preparing to tie the knot. Hard to believe that it's been that long ago! We were married at high noon in the Catholic Church.

Yesterday I worked really hard on my marketing job - I have a PowerPoint presentation that has about 50 slides, and I need to review them all. I only had to make changes/create 13 news ones.

I watched a show on Fine Living called, Cocktails, which was pretty neat, but the cool thing was they mentioned Deadwood! Apparently the #10 Saloon, where we ate often, has a drink called a Flaming Six Shooter. It's six shot glasses on a tray, each filled with Vodka, Kahlua, and Amaretto. Sugar gets sprinkled on the tray around the perimiter of the glasses, Sambuca gets poured on the sugar, which is then ignited. Once the flame goes out, you take your finger and run in through the sugar. You lick the sugar off your finger and then take the shot. Tom, Oli - why didn't we try this??

Walked about three miles with my neighbor this morning - jogging is out until my back heals.

I'm meeting a friend, Sharon for lunch. It's our last lunch for about six months. She is headed to Chile for a total immersion Spanish lesson. I can't wait for her to send me recipes from her host family!

Tonight we are having dinner in a very trendy, upscale restaurant in downtown Raleigh called, Bistro 607. Tomorrow night, some friends are taking us out for dinner to another trendy place called 18 Seaboard. My mom, and their dad is also joining us.

Well, off to work.

August 23, 2007

I woke up to a thunderstorm and heavy rain this morning. Lord knows we need it - everything is so dry. I will have to skip my walk this morning because it's still raining.

My new chair came yesterday and it took me about two hours to put it together! It seems better than before. I also went to the doctor yesterday and I don't have any disc issues, but my sciatica nerve is severely inflamed. He recommends physical therapy and muscle relaxers. I never knew what the sciatica was until yesterday - it's your spinal cord until it splits off into your hips and then it become the sciatica. Learn something new every day!

Watched Lost Worlds last night - it was about Henry VIII and his buildings. Quite the tyrant, he was! Very impressive buildings though. Tonight it my fav show - Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares.

August 21, 2007

I'm determined to make today a better one than yesterday. I was so sad all yesterday.

I started out by wakling with some neighbors. It's steamy hot again - 103 yesterday and it's supposed to be about the same for the rest of the week. I've got my goals all lined up for the day, I have laundy going, took out sea scallops for dinner, and have my jobs all organized.

With any luck, I will get my new chair today.

I volunteered to be a judge in the Western Writers of America Spur Award contest this year. It's a large category, so I should be getting a ton of books to read. I must be crazy when I agree to these things! It should be fun though - it's a good category.

Well, back to work.

August 20, 2007

It's been a crazy weekend and a busy Monday already. Saturday we did our shopping and wine tasting. When we got home, my niece, Tiffany called and asked to come over. She and her friend came and we had movie night. We watched Uncle Buck, made homemade popcorn and fresh strawberry smoothies. They also took the golf cart around the neighborhood scouting for boys - they're 14.

The girls stayed overnight and on Sunday I made them French toast and then we went shopping. I washed my car and they dried it for me. I didn't want to do too much with my back just starting to feel a little better.

A stray cat showed up on my back deck on Friday night and I couldn't not feed it. The poor thing looked very old, sickly, and skinny. I fed and gave it water and it took up residence on the porch. Poor thing was so lonely and love starved...I took him (named him Bob because he had a bob tail) to the vet this morning. Bob's lungs were collapsed or blocked by something, weighed 3.22 pounds, had a lump on his thyroid, and was ridden with fleas. The vet said the kindest thing to do to this poor stray was to put him to sleep. I had to agree. I hardly knew this kitty and I still cried when he died. At least he isn't in pain any more. Larry will have to bury him in the pet cemetery tonight.

My boss ordered me (well, Roni, his assistant actually did it) a new office chair when I told him my back was hurting - pretty darn cool.

Well, back to that job...

August 17, 2007

Well, this week hasn't been good for blogging. Between doctors appts and trying to rest, and work has been a real chore. I apparently have a shrinking disc in my lower back, which is the source of all my back issues. I have an appt with my regular doc next week to confirm all this.

I must have had a moment of weakness and agreed to be the VP-Marketing for Women Writing the West for 2008. Like I don't have enough projects?!

My new work project is going to keep me busy today and next week, which is good. I get to come up "what-if" scenarios and use the client's new technology to solve the issue.

Larry got back from his business trip Weds night. We, of course, lost the power one night while he was gone. It's been happening around 8:00 p.m. during this unbearable heat wave of 100s. It doesn't last long, but it sure screws with all the electronics in the house. I have re-set more appliances this past week!

We took the golf cart to a neighbor's so I could deliver an exercise ball that I bought for her. We're going to try them as chairs - supposed to be good for bad backs. We'll see...

Still lovin' Gordon Ramsay with his Kitchen Nightmares.

It's finally Friday. I am having lunch with a friend that I used to work with in North Raleigh. She's originally from Poland, and a real sweetheart.

Nothing on when the show will air yet, but I keep checking the schedule every Monday because they list which shows will air during the next two weeks.

I still haven't touched that disaster of a manuscript - just too much to think about.

My new computer seems fine and is much faster than the old one. I have to get a cable connector so I can use my old keyboard, which is nicer on the wrists.

Back to work...see ya on Monday.

August 14, 2007

Okay, I have a good reason for not posting until now. Remember I mentioned gardening? Well, I did it all right. I pulled and tugged and that was just what I did to my back. Seriously, the gardens look nice, but I am in pain. I went to a chiropractor yesterday and he stretched me like I was on some medieval rack. Then some electrical things on my lower back. Some herbal type ibuprofen, ice, and stretching. I can only sit for about 30 mins at a time, so I get up a lot. Not too productive!

I didn't do a whole lot yesterday because of the sheer agony.

I went walking this morning and met up with a couple neighbors. The weather was cool yesterday and today (only 90, but no humidity). The rest of the week is going back to the 100s.

I'm working on a new project for work, so I better get back to it.

The new computer transition isn't too bad, but I think that's because I also have the old one running right along side it.

August 12, 2007

I got my haircut on Friday and it's so much better! Dinner was nice and we played a game of aggravation afterwards.

I woke up from the worst dream I have had in a long time. I was crying in my dream and when I woke up I was crying for real. I was physically sick yesterday from that dream. How bizarre.

Yesterday we went wine tasting and did some grocery shopping. The sky was cloudy and it kept teasing us with rain, but we never got any. The temp did hold at about 85 for the day, which was a huge relief after the 100+ all week. Tomorrow is supposed to be 95 again though.

We watched Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen last - I won't watch it again. I love Gordon, but I can't take all the drama of a true reality show. Come on, it takes 20 mins to say who the winner was - good Lord?!

This morning I am feeling much better and am working on switching things to my new computer, which should ease a lot of the issues...I hope.

Heading out to do some much needed yard work while it's still warm.

August 10, 2007

I must be crazy - I went running/walking again this morning. It was 80 degrees and again, 100% humidity. Yesterday topped out at 103! One more degree and we would have broken our all-time heat record. The power company is broadcasting messages saying to hold off any activities that uses electric until after 9 p.m. until tomorrow. A "cold front" is supposed to come through tonight and drop the day time temps to the 90s. That also means t-storms today or tonight. The governor is asking everyone to bump their AC up two degrees to help with the energy strain.

I think I will open up that blasted F&*&@&# manuscript this weekend. I guess I just want to see how bad it is.

I just confirmed that the A.C. is working at my hairdresser's salon so I get it cut today!!!

I also got a new project today, so I better get moving so I can do some of it. Mom is coming for dinner tonight - I'm making one of her favs - homemade spaghetti and meatballs (from ground Bison).

This may be my last post for a few days if I can't get my new PC to work. :)

Sherry

August 9, 2007

I went to the gym yesterday and lifted weights for about 40 mins, then swam 10 laps. The water was so hot it was like taking a bath with about 20 other people. Nasty! It's been so hot here and no rain...the power flashed off and on three times the night before last.

My hairdresser just canceled my appt because they lost the A.C. in the salon. It's rescheudled for tomorrow, but if it's not fixed (hard to find a free repairman these days) she'll have to reschedule again.

My new PC came yesterday, which is pretty good since I only ordered it Sunday. I am waiting for this weekend to convert because I am afraid I will have issues. I'm learning from past experiences.

Tonight my new favorite show is on...Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares.

I went walking with my neighbor this morning at 8 a.m. - it was already 80 and 100% humidity. I had a major meltdown when I got back. A nice cold shower did the trick.

I better get back to my job and finish the project that is due today. I love my job, but sometimes it can be frustrating. I guess anything new can be. It seems like I write something that is awesome and then it gets torn to pieces. Ah, the joys of being a writer. That's not always the case, but when it happens it drives me nuts. All in all, I wouldn't trade the job for anything, well, except my own tv show! Where else can you sit in the comfort of your home, take breaks when you need them, go to the gym, work from any location, no horrid commute, and be in control of the thermostat! Yeah, it's pretty sweet!

August 8, 2007

Every day seems to get better and more back to normal. I am still sleeping too late - 9 a.m. today. The cats were better and slept until 5 a.m.

I have two projects for work right now - one is finished for now, and the other is due tomorrow. I should have it wrapped up by today.

My brother-in-law sent me photos of the beach week, but not group photo. I did like this one with my niece, Lauren. We were "toasting" the brownies we made that night. Wow - I didn't realize how bad I need a haircut (doing that tomorrow) and other maintenance (gym)!

I forgot to mention that I saved a butterfly from certain death the other night. I was grilling on the deck and saw a Monarch lying on the deck barely able to flutter it's little wings. I watched it for about 10 minutes, feeling helpless. Then it dawned on me, with the temps at 100 and no rain in sight, it might need a drink. Sure enough, I dropped some water near it, and it immediately crawled to the water and started drinking. I turned away to tell Larry about it, and it was gone!

Hard to believe that something like that can make you feel good all over.

I am going to attempt the gym today for weight lifting and a swim. I am in the process of trying to get my DMV records straightened out because the Jag dealer screwed them up last month.

That's enough for now...

August 7, 2007

Damn! Missed another day. Oh well, yesterday was just a blur anyway. I felt like a zombie - just going through the motions. I guess I am more whipped than I thought. Today I feel a little better, but I need more sleep. The cats seem to be fighting more since we got home and they bounce all over the bed during the night. Need more sleep...

I came home to the manuscript that I sent to the Univ of North TX Press and boy oh boy, did the reviewers have a blast. I think they had a competition to see who could use the most ink! I have never had this much criticism on a book. I haven't even read it. On the bright side, I also got my advance for Taste of Tombstone!!

It's going to be near 100 every day this week, so I am going to attempt the gym either today or tomorrow. It really depends upon how I feel.

I joined this new thing called, FaceBook. It's pretty cool and sort of like MySpace, but it's just for your friends. My English buddy, Tom turned me on to it.

Off to work...

August 5, 2007

Whew! The beach week is over. I never realize how exhausting it is until it's over. Feeding 14 people every night for dinner is work. I love to cook, but by the end of the week I am ready for a break.

I spent most of the day Friday in the ocean and riding 5 foot waves. No wipe-outs and no sharks! My hips and knees are beaten up from the sand and boogie board, but it was tons of fun. The 50th birthday party for my brother-in-law went well and we had a shrimp boil for dinner. We took the family photo, which I will post here when I get a copy.

We got home at noon yesterday and napped for about 3 hours. I guess 5 hours of sleep a night, and a little too much wine will do you in over 6 days.

Today was better. I bought a new desktop PC and it should arrive in about 10 days, and you will probably see some griping here during the transition.

Tomorrow will be back to the routine and working out.

August 3, 2007

Today is the last day at the beach - we head home tomorrow morning. Yesterday was nice and no more shark sightings. I did chat with a neighbor who said some idiot was fishing from a kayak and caught the shark. He tried to gaff it and bring it to shore. That would explain the gash in the shark and why it was that close to the beach. Some people!

The bedtimes are about the same - 1-2 a.m. I gotta go home to get some sleep. Last night we walked on the beach, played a game called "Catch Phrase" and buried "treasure" for the 10 and 6 year-old nieces to find this morning.

I didn't jog/walk today because it's too steamy - I'll go in the ocean today and get a work out.

It's my brother-in-law's 50th birthday today, so we are "roasting" him at dinner - I wrote an "Ode to Bill" and we'll have cake. Everyone will be in bed early tonight since they all leave at 4:00 a.m. because of their 11 hour drives. Some live in Florida and some in NJ.

Work should be light again today, so I should get to spend the last day with my family on the beach. I love this job!!!

August 2, 2007

Well - it happened yesterday! The first time I was ever at the beach and a shark was actually spotted in the water where everyone was swimming. Thankfully, I missed it, but my family was all in it. I had come up to the room to shower and work. As I walked past the sliding door I noticed everyone was out of the water and pointing at the ocean. I ran out on the deck and my sister-in-law, Norene made a shark fin gesture and I knew what she meant. Accoridng to Larry it was about 4 feet long and had a large gash in its side, which might explain why it was so close to shore. However, just last week, there was a shark attack in the same area...

It doesn't seem to have affected anyone since there are already people swimming in the ocean. Although, I will be very shaky when I get in today. One guy apparently dtiched his spouse on their raft when they saw the shark. I wonder where he slept last night?!

Got a little more tan yesterday, and relaxed. Taste of Tombstone is finally done (was last week) and the publisher is happy with that one! I still am pondering the other book...so much work, and I have another project that is probably more profitable.

Oh well, work is light this morning, so I am heading to the beach for a while. Went jogging this morning again.

August 1, 2007

Oops - missed a day, but then again I am at the beach and trying to work. I keep staying up way too late - usually 2 a.m. and it's kicking my butt. Last night was earlier - 1 a.m. LOL

Spent some time on the beach yesterday, but a bad storm ripped by and everyone cleared out. We saw the most fantastic rainbow after the storm. Grilled brisket on the BBQ and roasted corn and potatoes for dinner.

Went jogging and walking with my sister-in-law yesterday morning. This morning I passed and walked with Larry. I found a fossilized clam shell and a fossil indentation of a scallop shell. He found a couple of shark's teeth.

I got the most disappointing news, publishing wise, yesterday. The Univ. of North Texas Press gave me feedback on my Pioneer Women book. It was so harsh and the reviewers had a very condenscending tone. They said they could not recommend publication of the book they way it stands. Now, I either have to make a gazillion changes or not have it published by them. I guess I could always pitch it to another publisher. Publishing though a university press it so much different that a regular publisher. There are pros and cons, and I just have to think about what I want to do.

Tonight it the premiere of Lost worlds-Season 2 at 9:00 p.m. I can't wait to watch the new series!

I am going back to work so I can wrap up and go to the beach for a while before I have to come in for my conference call.