Thursday, June 26, 2008

June 26, 2008

No post yesterday. Honestly, I was too upset.

I found out my car is going to be totaled because it will cost too much to repair. I am so bummed - I have owned that car since the beginning. I know it's only a car and I am happy it sacrificed itself for me, but still...

What really steams me is that I will likely not get enough to even pay it off. So this chick slams into me, I have injuries, aggravation, stress, depression, and tons of things to organize, and now I have to deal with getting another car. It's not fair - they should have to set me back to where I was before all this happened.

I know things happen for a reason, but I will be danged if I understand this one.

Well, off my podium, for the moment.

I did manage to get some information for True West for my feature column on western food. I am very excited about that for 2009.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

June 24, 2008

Today my knee, neck, and shoulders are bothering me. I guess they were right when they said I would feel things much later. I am really ticked off that I can't do my regular things at the gym.

Tomorrow I am going to get an appt to see my family doctor and get some sound advice.

I've got some minor things I need to finish up for the saloon story.

Still no word on my car yet...

Monday, June 23, 2008

June 23, 2008


I did take it easy this weekend. I also found out that I will be getting a regular column in True West magazine starting in 2009. Yippee!! It will be about food, of course...

I am more sore today than I have been since the accident. I had a chiropractor visit and need two more this week. They towed my car today and I should hear something this week about "Miss Kitty's" fate. I've included a photo. The damage looks worse in person than in this photo.

Now I am really ticked - I can't get back to my regular gym workout for at least two weeks. Oh sure, cardio is fine, but no weights.

Oh yes, I made Bob Boze Bell's blog again - this time in name and with a sketch from a seminar at the WWA convention. You can look under June 19 in his blog and see the sketch.

Friday, June 20, 2008

June 20, 2008

Some updates...

Turns out they did not catch the losers who stole our stuff--my neighbor got it wrong. The detective said there are no arrests.

I made the gym Tuesday-Thursday. It felt good getting back to it. However, on my way home yesterday, I was rear-ended. Several cars came to a sudden stop, but the 19 year-old behind me didn't. Well, she did after she slammed into me. I estimated she was doing between 25-35 m.p.h.

First, I am only bruised and sore. There were two police officers in that line of sudden stoppers, so they were on the scene when it happened. My knee slammed into the dashboard, which is odd because I was wearing my seat belt. I guess my butt slid forward.

All the stuff in my car was tossed around. At first I was in shock, then I was just really scared. I saw her coming and knew I was in trouble.

The police officer sent for an ambulance because my back was really sore. The EMS guy suggested they put me on one of those straight boards and strap my head to it. I looked like a pro-football player.

Needless to say, I was embarrassed. Here I was in my workout clothes, all sweaty, hair soaked, and I am laying in the middle of the highway (on a stretcher) for all passers-by to gawk at. Ugh.

I was taken to the hospital, tested, x-rayed, and no broken bones. Yee-haw!

My poor car took the brunt of the hit. I fear they may total it because of all the damage. I will take a photo and post it.

Anyway, I will be taking it easy today and this weekend. More on the car and me later.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

June 17, 2008

I made it to he gym today for some group strength training. I missed the kickboxing one because my sleeping schedule is still off. It takes me about 3-4 days to get back to normal, uh, well, as normal as I can be.

I heard they caught the dirt bags who stole our stuff, but I am waiting to hear from the detective on the case for the details. I will post them when I hear.

Being at a writer's conference is so inspiring, and depressing all at the same time. I come back raring to go, stories a plenty, but then realize I have a full-time job. I need to eat and pay bills, so I guess the writing will continue to take a backseat. Renewed writing energy is hard to beat though!

Did I mention that I have been toying with a book idea and after this past week, I am going to tackle it with gusto...it's about wine in the old west.

I got to speak with my good friend Tom today, which is always nice! He and I are working on some plans for the future...

Monday, June 16, 2008

June 16, 2008

I bet y'all thought I fell off the face of the Earth. Well, I didn't, I just went to Arizona.

It was a trip of book signings, entertaining writing friends, setting history straight, attending a writers conference, and visiting new historical places. What a whirlwind tour, of sorts.

We went to Tombstone first, where we stayed on our 40 acres. It was awesome. Well, except for being stung by a killer bee (at least I think it was a killer bee). People tease me about being the "Martha Stewart" of camping. Who knows, I may just get a TV show out of it! Yes, I eat steak or pork tenderloin that I grilled over my stone mesquite pit. I also serve wine and make a dessert on the fire that resembles crepes. What can I say? I love to cook!

We then went to Scottsdale for the Western Writers of America (WWA) convention. It's an awesome group with lots of famous faces. I met old friends and acquired some news ones. I also got lots of books and sold a few, too.

A couple of publishers are interested in some new books ideas, including some fictional titles I've been toying with.

The WWA president, Johnny Boggs (just did a True West story with him) asked me to run for one of the WWA board positions. There are four candidates and two positions. Sounds like running a political party. I don't run until February 2009.

Saturday night was the big gala where the Spur Awards are given. I didn't win one, but my good friend, Bob Boze Bell of TW magazine, did. We were even invited to sit at his table with his family and staff. Bob is one of the first people to support my writing, and still does. He has been my mentor for years and I hope to keep it that was for a long time.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

June 4, 2008

It was crazy yesterday. Trying to deal with insurance claims, the cell phone company, and more because of the break-in. Turns out, I should thank the dirt bags! My insurance company is replacing the XM radio and GPS with better models than we already had. At no cost to us- very nice.

It looks like there were 10 of us in total who were ripped off. I still hope they catch them.

Took my kickboxing class yesterday and pretended I was kicking the crap out of the thief. It felt great! I had one hell of a workout.

Watched Hell's Kitchen last night and enjoyed it.

The painters finished the house today, so all can be put back together again. The house looks really nice. I am pleased with the colors and the job they did.

I missed the gym today, but got my hair done in prep for my Arizona trip next week. I will get back to it tomorrow.

Monday, June 2, 2008

June 2, 2008

Well, just when you think you are safe, you find out that you're not! Last night, someone broke into our car in our driveway and stole the GPS, cell phone, and XM radio. Criminals are so stupid - they can't use the XM radio because they stole the faceplate, which is useless because the radio is installed in the car. All they did was cause us to replace the whole damn system!

Had to get a new cell phone and will have to get a new GPS as well. I am so pissed it's not even funny. You know, you work hard for your stuff and then some dirt bag just takes it. There is also the "violatation" that you feel. It's weird.

I hope the cops catch the low-life excuses for human beings.

Sorry, but that felt good.