The end of 2009

Good morning everyone!

I am especially pumped up today...giddy even.  Doing a little happy dance in my head.  I heard from two of my college friends last night (who happened to be married - how convenient is that for me?) at around 4:30pm...turns out they are going to be in town tonight on a whim from Atlanta, GA.  So..I am having a very last minute new year's party at my house tonight and the adrenaline of it all is just great.  Can't wait to catch up with lots of different people tonight and to properly ring in the new year with good friends.  Does life get any better that that?  (Remember...I'm an optimist so bear with me...everything is the BEST ever!)

Today will likely go by in a quick blur of exctiement and planning.  I have an unheard of (in my line of work) three day weekend ahead so it's looking to be a great start to the new year.  All of my previous hard work at my real job has paid off and so a long weekend lies ahead.  Hopefully I will find time for that new story I keep going on and on about because, well...I'm loving it and it's exciting.  I'm trying to tone it down I promise!  I'm also debating a quick trip to the slopes as I haven't been snowboarding all year and that seems just plain wrong.  So maybe a lot of last minute things happening this weekend.  We'll see.

As it's the end of 2009 I do feel the need to do some sort of a list but instead of a look back at 2009 I prefer to look ahead to 2010 and the goals I have for it.  2009 has been a great year but alas, we must bid it farewell!  So here's a quick list of my goals for the new year in no special order:

*Finish formatting "The Wolf Within" and send off for reviews before the Feb 25th release date (lots of panic involved with this one as I'm waiting on the publisher and putting it in other people's hands is so not comfortable)

*Complete at a minimum two more books.  This involves outlines, first drafts and editing.  Alot for me in a year, but with the new motivation I've been feeling, should be no problem.

*The dreaded weight loss goal.  I'm setting it for ten pounds because I know fifteen is just too unrealistic and I will only frustrate myself.

*Update my blog to include alot of new gadgets I have fallen in love with on other sites.

*Take more trips with my family and travel.  Something we all love but falls through the cracks every year.  One must be a mountain trip.

*Do more things for my hubby.  He's an amazing, patient man who deserves much better than myself.  I need to remember to tell him more often.

*Read more books.  With the family life, writing life and working life this goal always suffers.  I enjoy it so much I need to do more of it on a regular basis.

I'm sure there are plenty more but that will have to do for now...they are the items most on my mind at the moment.  As for 2009, it has truly been a great year and I echo sentiments I have read on other sites:  starting a blog and meeting other people, other writer's and artists, has been suprisingly a highlight of my year.  I had no idea how having a blogging family would really motivate and inspire me each and every day.  But you all do.  I feel humbled in your presence and can't wait to see what kind of things you each do in the new year.

Cheers to you all - hope you each have a safe and happy holiday!

I'll see you in 2010...Happy New Year! 

the joy of a new project

Good morning everyone!

I'm still feeling the joy and rush of a new project rolling around in my head and I have to say...I'd forgotten how fun this stage can really be.  It has to be my most favorite part.  The hardest thing for me to do right now is not to rush into writing all the glorious things rolling around up there.  My characters are ready to break out into their tale but I have to be careful to hold them back.  I know all too well what happens if I don't....a long ramble of a story with nowhere to go.  Sure...it's fun...but in the end a plot is a bit important and so it is to the outlining process I go.  Very happy to say that I started my character descriptions last night and so far so good...still loving the direction it's taking thus far.  There are many more zoning out car trips for me before this outline is done.

I was discussing my new project with the hubby last night when he brough up a valid point:  Shouldn't you be working on the sequel to your first book?  Hmm...yes probably.  But those characters have been quiet.  They don't want to talk to me just yet.  I'm sure half way through my new project they will magically come to life again and distract me...

I'm also hoping to change up my blog a bit...add some extra descriptions and maybe one of those nifty word count gadgets I've seen everyone using...I love those!  We'll see how much motivation I have tonight...

In other random tidbits - one of my oldest girlfriends...okay, hang on, that didn't sound right at all.  The girlfriend I've had the longest (besides my sister)...from back in high school...yes, much better description!  Anyhoo - she gave me a very cool necklace for Christmas that I'm just loving.  It's "agate" from africa I think (tag is at home) and it hangs on a silver chain....I've literally worn it to work two days in a row.  As I mentioned before...total addictive personality...when I love something I really really love it.  I think I've realized this morning just why I love it so much.  Has anyone out there ever seen the movie "Teen Witch"???  Very cheesy 80's style movie with the cute little creepy woman from Poltergeist?  It was one of my absolute favorites and I watched it over and over and over as a teenager.  In the movie she had a similar necklace that I thought was awesome.  I swear that's why I'm loving it so much right now.  Something about it makes me very very happy.  What an oddball I am.      

Hope everyone has a terrific day!!!
Kristi

...and back to the grind we go...

Hope everyone enjoyed the holidays!  I don't know about you, but for me, today means getting back to business and work.  My real job anyway.  The holidays are always too short but then again there's always been something about getting back to a normal routine that I love.  And so back to the daily grind I go...

This holiday I managed to get three whole days off in a row (huge for busy season and there were many hours put in to attain said goal)!  I've noticed that time away from my desk and numbers always seems to allow me more brainstorming/creative time for my writing.  While I didn't actually sit at my home computer writing away or even doodling, somehow, magically I felt inspired and now I have the problem of figuring out which new story line I would like to start on first after the new year.  The characters are all fighting it out in my head as I type...they're actually quite loud really...the holidays must have stirred them up.

I find it odd that these things come to me at random moments and times.  In the shower.  Listening to a song on the radio.  Reading another book.  Daydreaming.  There's no way to tell how or when this will happen and it surpises me each and every time.  Part of the fun of writing I suppose and much better than staring at a blank page, which unfortunately, also happens frequently. 

Recently the song "Meet me on the Equinox" by Death Cab for Cutie from the New Moon soundtrack has been very inspirational to me.  My sister bought me this soundtrack for Christmas and so I have her to thank for this one.  I don't know what it is about the song - something about the mood that I feel really fit the book just seems right.  I played it on repeat this morning on my way to work as I brainstormed my new story in my head.  And no, it has nothing to do with vampires at all...but it does involve young teenage love and so my brain seems to work best when in that mood.  I listened to it six times.  Thank goodness I ride alone because I'm not sure others would have the patience for it.

So - how was everyone else's holiday?  I hope you each had time to spend with family and friends and found whatever it is that keeps you going.  For me - it was a time to remember all the wonderful things and people I have around me and to really think about what I want and need out of life.  Let the new year's resolutions begin! 

Kristi



 
   

a variety of jumbled thoughts once again

So this morning I encountered my second person worthy of my "random strangers that make me smile" award...there's a man at Starbucks that is there every time I go through the drive thru and this morning as I pulled up, he recognized me and said "Hello gorgeous!  How are you?"  I know what you're thinking...it wasn't creepy I promise.  It was more like a friendly hello to acknowledge that he recognized me from my addictive habit of coming every day.  I asked if he was off for Christmas day and we laughed that he did get the day off but he may find himself aimelessly wandering the parking lot wondering what to do.  I just love it when people I don't really know are friendly and happy...it literally MAKES MY DAY!  And so, today, I salute you my Jamaican (he had a red/yellow/green thing on his arm...I think that's Jamaica?  maybe?) Starbucks guy!!!!  Thank you for your kindness.

In other news I rediscovered a band today that I had forgotten how much I loved.  A song came on my IPOD at work and I couldn't help but think it was the perfect soundtrack to any YA novel.  I listened to the entire playlist (two albums worth) three times.  I have an addictive personality.  Just talking about it makes me want to listen to it once more.  The band is "One Year Later" and I have no idea if you can actually find their music online.  Hmm...let me look.  Nope.  Just some Australian band.  My sister went to college with these guys so it's pretty much college band sounding but awesome, awesome lyrics.  LOVE IT.  But feel slightly guilty that I can't share it with you all.

And just because I haven't posted any of my dorky poetry lately and I feel the need to ramble, here's some old school stuff I never really titled or finished:

Always been a dreamer
wonder if I'll get my chance
or will I find myself lost 
in life's complicated dance

as my thoughts bend
to the oncoming rain
clouds gather overhead
and nothings the same

Everything changed
in the blink of an eye
with doubt in the air
and lightning from the sky

One talk with you
seems to bring me back
I feel myself grounded
and ready to act

One talk with you
keeps me sane
I sense what's real
and all I have to gain

And with that I'm afraid my little blogging break is over and it's time to get back to work.  Hope everyone's Tuesday is going well...I keep thinking today is Wednesday...the week has really seemed that long.  But it's a short one and the holidays lay ahead...so I'll leave you all with thoughts of candy canes, stockings, presents, Christmas trees and above all else....good fun, laughs and memories with friends and family.  We're almost there....


   

Merry Christmas!

Good morning Everyone and Happy Holiday week!  Hopefully that means it's a short one, right?

Last night my family ventured out to a light show about thirty minutes from where I live.  We had a really great turn out - three car loads of people - there were ten of us in total.  It was a great idea in theory - a hayride though Christmas lights with music, fake snow and Santa Claus.  As you may or may not know, my son turns two in January and so I've been semi-dreading this first Santa Claus visit, knowing that while he really wants to see him, he may well be terrified when push comes to shove.  He confirmed all of my fears last night and while I normally don't post family pictures, this one is really too good to resist.

All in all, we really had a good time.  It started out rough with Santa and standing in line for the hay ride but my little man REALLY loved the hayride.  It was a toss up between whether the tractor pulling the hay ride was cooler than the actual lights.  When I looked over and he was with his Grandpa "dancing" to "Rock around the Christmas tree" and smiling ear to ear I knew braving the cold was entirely worth it for that one precious moment.

I would like to title this one "pure terror" and hats off to my hubby who tried to smile during the chaos... 

And because that's a truly terrible picture and I don't want anyone to believe we actually torture our son for fun, I'll post one from a festival we went to around Halloween that sheds a better parenting light.  This is a personal favorite because I actually caught that childish glee in a photograph.

And so went our weekend.  It was fun but as always, much too short.  I'm currently reading "Burnt Toast" by Teri Hatcher, which is an odd book for me, but as I've said before, one that a good friend recomended to me a while back and I'm finally reading.  Thank goodness for good friends because I am loving this book.  It's more of a life's lessons type of thing rather than a story.  I'm really trying to read as much as possible becuase I'm excited about starting "Beatiful Creatures" soon but finding time to read during the holidays has been as much a challenge as finding the time to write has been. 

Here's a passage from the book that I really loved and I thought alot of writers could relate to:

"Your world is what you make of it.  It's a collection of steps, one in front of the next, that form a path from your childhood to your present.  Sometimes you're led against your will.  Sometimes you want to stop but have to keep going.  Along the way you may think you know who you are and what you want.  Some elements of that may stay the same forever, and others may change every year.  Regardless, you have to take ownership of your destiny and be honest about what you want, even if it's hard to admit.  Even if the people around you don't think you're making the right decision."

And with that - I'm off to work!  Happy Monday!

Glass half full!

Well - last night was disappointing to say the least...maybe disappointing doesn't quite cover it...heartbreaking may be more accurate.  The fun fluffy big flakes of snow I had seen earlier in the day were short lived and for the rest of the night it was just plain rain and ickiness out.  Not even freezing rain...plain, old, boring, regular rain.  Boo. 

Just an hour and a half, maybe two hours down the road, my brother-in-law was getting bombed with a record breaking amount of snow.  Seems cruel to be so close and to get nothing.  Perhaps my snow dance was more frightening than motivating...hmmm...must work on that for next time.

BUT - on the bright side of things, I decided to take the opportunity to do my last minute Christmas shopping.  This tiny turn of fate actually worked out in my favor.  Most people stayed home cuddled up, not wanting to dare going out which made the shopping very easy and pleasant.  I can now officially say I am done with my Christmas shopping...WOO HOO!  And finished without the crowds which really is the best "glass half full" scenario I can think of.

And obviously I am up early this morning, back at my everyday job, hoping to finish up on some of my busy season work in the hopes of not having to work tomorrow and enjoying the holidays.  Wish me luck...I may need it!

In other random tidbits - If you haven't yet read Kim's review of the book Beautiful Creatures - you really should!  She has convinced me to not only go out and buy this book for myself, but as a gift for my sister as well!    

So on the list of stuff for this afternoon - is going to the bookstore, finding a new copy of Love Actually to watch tonight and hopefully going with my family to see some Christmas lights and a fun hay ride.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and thanks for reading!!!

Friday Weather Watch

Good morning everyone! 

Well the big news of the day around here is the current winter weather watch.  It's hard not to get too wrapped up in all of the excitement! 

Just last night the hubby called and needed me to pick up lettuce from the grocery store on my way home from work (for dinner last night).  Not EVEN thinking about the *S* word, I cluelessly went to the grocery store near our house and only needed to pull in to remember that snow was in the forecast. 

The place was packed and people were in a panic to get food!  I was very thankful not to be needing bread and milk because most likely it was already gone.  This strange phenomenon never ceases to entertain me.  It reminds me that deep down we're all still kids.  The likelihood of having a storm bad enough here in NC that you would actually starve because you couldn't get out to the grocery store is probably near impossible.  Sure, we have a few ice storms but they generally last a day or two.  It's hilarious.  But we all get so excited at the thought that we do these crazy things.  So, of course, wrapped up in the excitement of the moment with all those around me...I made sure to get a few things in case we happen to be snowed in for weeks.  The important extra items I bought were:  Red wine (of course), yummy specialty cheese, two boxes of crackers, sliced deli meat, spicy hummus, pita chips and grapes.  I have priorities.  If I'm going to be stuck at home for a day or two I need more fun food than bread and milk.  Seriously.       

So I am now prepared for our "winter weather" that may or may not be coming.  Trying not to get my hopes up but it always ends up happening anyway.  Some of the white fluffy stuff this close to the holidays would be pretty magical.  Isn't there some kind of snow dance I can do? 

Only a week until Christmas - EEK!  Almost done but still have a few things to get...never enough time!  I'm beyond ready for some nice down time spent relaxing with family and friends.  Speaking of - on a side note - my high school girlfriend is coming into town in a few days from Oklahoma...weeee!  The holidays really are still magical....

Happy Friday everyone!  Stay warm!

Hump day ramblings

A few very important things on my mind this morning....

First off - has anyone heard the Coke commercial on the radio with the Grandmother who grew up drinking it out of the bottle and now they bring it to their family holiday and can have enough for the whole family with a 2 liter?  I hope I'm not the only one...or actually I do hope I'm the only one because there's something about this commercial that drives me insane.  Hate may be an understatement.  It's gotten to the point I have to change stations if I hear this come on.  I'm not really sure why because I do really enjoy a soda every now and then and coke zero is a personal favorite.  Something about this irks me...not sure quite why....but it does.

On the other end of the spectrum - has anyone seen the preview for the movie with Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant?  There's one line in the preview that seriously makes me smile EVERY TIME and my husband and I actually stop what we're doing to watch it.  This one line alone has convinced me to go out and see the movie, which may or may not even be worth watching.  Warning:  I do love, love, love Hugh Grant so my view is most likely biased.  So here's the scene:  he and his wife are sitting down in a country restaurant to eat and there's one of those pantry looking things near the table with all kinds of goods on it..the line goes something like this - he looks at her and says something like "So glad I called ahead to reserve a table near the mayonnaise".  Okay so typing it obviously does not thave the same impact as watching it bit I kid you not I'm smiling just thinking of it.  I don't know what it is about that one line but it has me hooked.  It never gets old.  Maybe it's his english accent or his sarcastic humor...whatever it is...it is totally me and I love it.

In other news - I really am enjoying reading Burnt Toast...I think it's mostly because I can relate to her ramblings and I feel that she has some very valid points about the way some of us think.  So right on to my friend Linda that recommended this one to me - so far so good - but as I don't have much free time it's taking me quite a while to read this one little by little...but not because the book is slow going. I've been reading every night until the very last minute before Brent gets into bed to turn the lights off...well, because I don't want to have to get up and turn them off myself when I'm done...how lazy is that?  Perhaps I should have labeled this post "confessions"...

I know there was something else I wanted to talk about this morning...but like most things lately...it's gone.  Poof.  No idea what it was.  Maybe it will come to me later.

Happy Hump Day!

   

my people

I'm filing this under the label "random strangers that make me smile".

So...I went to Kroger this morning to buy the candy I previously mentioned for work...during busy season we tend to eat through a ton of chocolate and keeping my candy dish stocked is practically a full time job!  There happens to be a Starbucks in this Kroger which is why I like to shop there in the mornings before work...I can get two things done at once.  So, I walk over and there's a small line. 

A lady in front of me has two middle school aged children and they're ordering when I walk up.  I smile as she orders a gift card and looks around...there's a guy waiting on his coffee and as I look up, he stares at me and checks me out.  Creepy.  Not one of my people.  Maybe it was my sassy shoes.  It wasn't a friendly stare but an uncomfortable one.  I smile and look away (can't help myself...darn holiday happiness).  The lady in front of me hands the cashier a cup and adds it to her order...and wait for it....makes my day.  She turns around to me and says, "I'm so sorry - I know you probably just want to order your coffee and go to work and I'm here ordering last minute Christmas gifts and taking my time."

I laughed out loud, smiled and told her I was in no rush.  You may not know this about me, but I am a constant over-sharer of information and my sister has tried time and time again to warn me about gushing to strangers and to no avail.  When someone I have never met does this very thing - well, it validates me.  I'm sorry Sandy...it's true.  There are others like me out there...my people.  And I love them.  Most of them anyway.  She went on to also tell me about various sales at Yankee Candle and that she had the day off work yesterday to shop for Christmas items and how nice it was that everything was on sale.  She also got a sweater at Gap for 50% off for someone on her Christmas list.  After our conversation I honestly felt the need to swap numbers and have her call me.  Very fun.  And so, today, I salute the Kroger random stranger woman as my very first blogging "random stranger that made me smile" ever!  She made my day start off perfectly....

And in other news - I added the holiday stamps to my "honey please do this and don't kill me for leaving you a list"....

Happy Tuesday....  

distracted spastic-ness

Something about the holidays and always having so many different things to do has, for as long as I can remember, caused me to have atleast a week or two where I find myself unusually distracted and my thought process even more spastic than usual...which trust me, is a pretty big feat.  Today is one of those days.  

So you'll have to forgive my posts which will most likely follow this trend as well...

My weekend was fun and although it went by way too fast, I enjoyed the time with family on Friday night and the time alone with my hubby and our friends on Saturday night.  Good people.  Do you ever look at your friends and wonder how in the world they ever began to like you in the first place?  I mean, your family has no choice, but you friends?  They can ditch you at any moment.  I have some of the most amazing and cool friends - my couple friend from Virginia - Shelly and Jay - stayed over on Saturday night and she baked me these...

  Amazing does not begin to tell the tale of how these cute treats taste.  I would have taken a picture of the entire cupcake bouquet but alas, there were few left to take a picture of.  They taste like a chocolate truffle with icing and are quite heavenly.  She's thinking about starting a baking business and I think if she doesn't, it will be a mistake...she certainly has a gift.

Besides being an excellent baker, the two of them are just some of the most genuine and sweet people I know.  Great hearts and very fun to be around.  I always miss them when they leave and our time is much too short.

Another of my friends recently graduated from Nursing School so we all went to a surprise party for him on Saturday night and it was a really fun time to catch up with those friends I'd lost touch with over the last two years...it happens, right?  So many cool people that I've known throughout the years and I feel truly blessed to have in my life....

In other news - I've been looking for things to read and have found an abundance!  I finally picked this book back up this week and although I'm only on chapter two or three and it's not my "typical" kind of book, it's been good... 

This is one a really good friend recommended to me and I started but eventually had to put down in order to finish my own manuscript.  It's not something I would have ever bought otherwise and the friend that recommended it to me laughed that she had been shocked she enjoyed it and well, that's what convinced me.  I'm not a desperate housewives fan (never watched...nothing against the show) but since typically this friend is spot on and knows what I like - I'm giving it a go. 

This one is on my list of books that I've bought and still haven't read.  After Liberty's post about it here I've put it back on my list of things to read.  That list is getting quite long.

I also have this to read thanks to Michele and after reading Kimberly's blog I really want to go buy this and add it to my list as well...

So many good books out there and so little time!  Always a good problem to have in my mind!

Hmmm...is it that time already?  Yes, my real job is calling..must do mundane tasks today such as buy holiday stamps, more candy for my work candy dish, work crazy busy season hours at my real job...and most importantly, stop by Starbucks for coffee....

Hope everyone out there is having a great week...

Kristi :-)

Blog Addiction!

Ok so you all know that I have been absolutely loving the blogging world lately!  It's just been so fun (and addicting) to find all these new interesting people out there with cool sites/blogs.  I've also read alot of helpful articles concerning writing as well.

This morning I was fighting my addiction and determined to do some real work from home...even put in three or four hours this morning before an email popped into my inbox and intrigued me.  I actually won a little something from one of the blogs I enjoy reading!  You can check it out here.  Very cool and Michele is a NC girl like myself!  And, like that, I was easily swept back into my cozy blogging home. 

I take this as a sign that I needed to be here (see how I rationalize my addictions..LOL) so I may as well look around a little before going back to my never-ending list of things to get done today.  On the list for the day:  wrapping Christmas gifts, working on Christmas cards, balancing the checkbook (UGH!), getting the house is some kind of order and possibly doing a little shopping if I have extra time.  Some friends of mine from Virginia are coming into town this afternoon for a visit so I'm getting excited about seeing them again...not to mention having a babysitter tonight so the hubby and I can actually go out for once.  Woo hoo!

Speaking of - better get going...lots to do!  Hope everyone's weekend is off to a great start and thanks again to Michele for my first ever blogging gift!

Kristi

   

I interrupt this blogging with a special mid-day post

Sooo...this morning I got an email from a good college buddy of mine, Matty, concerning a charity he's been doing a lot of work for.  I may have casually mentioned on other posts how my sister was really sick for awhile and our family was involved with the Make-a-wish organization, on the receiving end.  She had been diagnosed with two different forms of terminally ill cancer at the young age of 17...so the subject of cancer research has always been very, very close to my heart.  As I also mentioned, she is in full remission and you would never know!  So happy thoughts!  We are forever grateful for that!  But, I digress...as always.

His email really touched me this morning so I asked his permission to post it here for you all to see.  I have personally signed up as a volunteer.  If anyone else is interested, please just email him and mention my name...he's a very loveable, thoughtful kind of guy who has one of the biggest hearts I know.  He thrives when making new friends and contacts and would be happy to hear from anyone...even if it's just to say "I can't do anything but good luck". 

So here it is and thanks for reading...
Kristi :-)


Hey everyone!


First and foremost, so sorry for the mass email! I hope this finds each and every one of you doing well in life, love and happiness!!

If you haven’t heard about this from me, one of my colleagues or from my numerous Facebook postings, I just wanted to share it with you. I am newly (past three months) involved with a wonderful charitable organization called AMPED 4-A-CURE (www.amped4acure.org) in which we Raise Money for Cancer Research Through Music. If you have heard about all of this already, please excuse this message.

Things are going extremely well and truly taking off but the more people that know about it the better and what better way to spread the word than through the people you already know! This is something I’m truly passionate about and although it’s taking shape in many ways right now, it’s truly becoming something big and we’re all excited about it. You can check our many pages and links below in my signature line if you’d like (also search on Facebook for AMPED 4-A-CURE and join our FAN and GROUP pages) as well as check out the website, which in the next month or so, will have a major overhaul and be updated in numerous and improved ways, so keep checking back!!

We are looking for Music Submissions (SEE TAB ON WEBSITE) from ALL genres of artists/music, Corporate Sponsorships (sponsor@amped4acure.org) , Donations (you can donate SECURELY through PayPal on the site if you’d like), and you can sign up to be on the upcoming newsletter on this site (under REGISTER) as well so we’ll keep you informed of what’s going on with A4AC!!

We were recently featured in THE SOURCE (www.thesource.com) magazine with a full-page advertisement very close to the front. As well, I’ve attached a Media Kit telling more about us for this current year of 2009. We’ll have a new one coming out soon for the 2010 year for A4AC!

Also, although it’s not on the site yet, we’re looking for volunteers all over the country, so if you have any interest in volunteering for/with us in the future, feel free to send your NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, EMAIL ADDRESS, T-SHIRT SIZE, CLOSEST MAJOR CITY and THE BEST TIME AND WAY TO CONTACT YOU(phone or email) to : Volunteer@amped4acure.org

I personally take care of this email address and receive all of the emails so your information isn’t going to anyone but ME, so don’t worry. I’m the Volunteer Coordinator as well as the Promotional Tour Director (when we get around to our tour .)

We’re now working with Grammy nominated artist Calvin Richardson, singer/songwriter Krys Ivory, actress/singer Drew Sidora, Boston’s Tommy Dicarlo, Los Angeles favorite Kyler England, Flamenco Guitarist William “Paco” Strickland and lead singer of Athenaeum, Mark Kano, just for starters with many more to come!!!

We’ve also partnered up with clothing designer Dirtee Hollywood (www.dirteehollywood.com) as our official “I’m Amped” clothing line. We’ll have various forms of merchandise to sell (necklaces, t-shirts, etc) in the future as well.

We’re also doing interviews with artists on BlogTalkRadio.com and setting up various campaigns at this very moment so keep your eyes peeled, ears open and sign up on the website, MySpace, Facebook and Twitter (all listed below) for future updates!

So (whew!), these are just a few of the things going on with AMPED 4-A-CURE with MANY more on the backburner. I just wanted to share it with each of you and please keep us in your thoughts as we prepare for a very busy and challenging 2010!!! I feel blessed and so lucky to have found something I truly care about!

So, feel free to sign up, donate, or just spread the word for us (if you don’t mind). If you have any, interest, questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at Matthew@amped4acure.org or visit the website www.amped4acure.org As well, any of the members, their respective titles and their email address’ can be found on the website as well!

******On a more personal note, I’m still in Wilmington, NC, weighing many option right now. I’m again Single but totally okay with it and trying to make a living (I’m job hunting so if anyone knows of ANYTHING right now, please let me know!!) This economy is killing many of us I know but I need a “day job” until this charity really takes off!!! I believe in this and I hope you all believe in me!! Thanks for taking the time to read my small novel ;) and please, let me know how EACH of you are doing in your lives at this email, my personal email of (I removed this) or on Facebook any time!!!

I wish you all the best and thanks again!

Warmest of Regards always…
Matt Wilkinson
Promotional Tour Director
704-701-8763
Matthew@Amped4ACure.Org
http://www.amped4acure.org/
www.myspace.com/Amped4ACure
www.twitter.com/Amped4ACure
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/300180

Caramel Brulee Goodness

I had quite a busy day yesterday (hence no post) but what I really want to talk about was how my day started.  I have no idea why (blame it on women hormones) but yesterday morning was starting off to be craptastic...no reason for it but upon waking I found myself in a foul mood.  I was on my way to work wondering why I was so moody having not even talked to a single soul or without having done anything besides get ready for work (which some days is reason enough for the mood) when I came upon a glorious idea.  Starbucks.  My co-workers and I joke that it is "happiness in a cup" and so, without thinking twice I popped on over and went thru the drive-thru.  Ordinarily I would order a normal nonfat latte'...very plain and boring but yesterday that would not do.  I decided to try their new "Caramel Brulee Latte" in the hopes that it would lift my mood.  The transformation was instant.  One sip of the warm caramel goodness made me feel warm and fuzzy all over, leaving my previous funky mood behind.  I am happy to say when I arrived at work it was with Christmas cheer and a smile that lasted all day....through the grueling 11 hour day that I put in.  I even came home and made a home made lasagna for tonight's family birthday party and had time to do some online Christmas shopping!  Seriously...it was one of those "go me" kind of days.

And so it got me thinking...what is it about Starbucks that instantly gives the "warm fuzzies".  Maybe it's not the same for everyone but I think they've done an excellent job at making their stores inviting and warm...I tend to go to the drive thru for my beverage but I still find myself in my car imagining that I'm wealthy, sitting inside the Starbucks in a corner (by the fireplace of course) with my laptop and coffee, writing the next big break through novel.  Just something about it.  And of course they are ridiculously priced but when I think about, I guess they can be.  They've found a way not just to market beverages but an idea along with it and a feeling. 

So..I was thinking it would be fun to list some other things that give me the "warm fuzzies" and make me smile....it seems to suit this time of year.

*Reading a book snuggled in a blanket with hot chocolate (lots of marshmallows) by a fire with snow or rain coming down outside (never get all of these things at once but sounds magical, doesn't it?)

*My dogs lying on my legs as I sleep at night (they're not allowed on the bed really but they sneak in sometime during the night while I'm asleep and I love finding them with me in the morning)

*My weekend morning walks with my hubby, son and our boxer, Van Gogh.  It's become a family tradition over the last few months.  We go get coffee and snacks, put Evan in the stroller and go to the park for a three mile walk early in the morning.  It's one of my most cherished times.

*Cheesy, sappy movies of any type or genre (About a Boy is seriously one of my all time favorite, quirky movies but I love them all - Sweet Home Alabama, The Cutting Edge, Fried Green Tomatoes...honestly way tooo many out there...my DVD collection is just as bad as my book collection)

*Eating sweet potatoe fries at the bottom of the slopes after having snowboarded all day and been worn out

*Having a much needed beer and visit to the hot tub after said snowboarding

*Cuddling with my "little man"...when he wraps his tiny arm around my neck and closes his eyes.  It is the closest thing to perfection I can think of...well, that and his tiny, sweet kisses

I'm sure there are many more but time to jet off to my "real job"...don't think for a moment I'm not going for my yummy beverage yet again this morning...I'm salivating just thinking about it...and well, it's Friday so I practically "need it"!  LOL!

Hope everyone is doing well - if you have time drop me a few of your favorite "warm fuzzy" things!

Until next time!
Kristi

Hump day - "That's so tinsel"

I don't know what it is about today but I am quite cheery!  Perhaps the fact that I'm finally starting to feel better today and can breathe has something to do with it.  Maybe the fact that it's Wednesday and the workweek is almost over.  Who knows...I ask no questions, just trying to enjoy the light hearted mood as it moves me!

Speaking of the holidays and cheery moods - caught a cute little holiday movie last night "Prep & Landing" and LOVED it.  Two of my favorite lines said by the elves were "that's so tinsel" and "frostbite!"...the latter used as more of a curse but in the cutest of ways.  However be forewarned - I'm not much of a good holiday movie reveiewer because to be honest, I love cheesy, sappy, happy holiday movies of any sort.  My holiday movie collection grows every year.  Among my favorites are Love Actually, The Holiday, The Family Stone, The Grinch who Stole Christmas (both versions), Miracle on 34th Street (just about any version)Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer...really, the list could go on and on and on and on.....

In other random news:  I hate that everytime I post a comment to someone's blog that I forget to check the box to "send updates" to my email.  It's frustrating me to no end....when will I learn?

I'm hoping to have some extra time tonight to work on my blog a little.  I've been wanting to add a few cool new blogs I found to my list and just haven't had the time....so look for more new changes hopefully soon. 

And for all of my other writer friends out there - am I alone in finding it extremely difficult to write this time of year?  Inspiration and motivation seems to be everywhere during the holidays but finding the time to actually be able to take advantage of it and write something seems much harder to do than normal.  I have no spare time.  There's overtime to put in at my everyday job, Christmas decorations to put up, shopping to be done, which leads to wrapping presents, holiday movies to be seen and a family to spend time with.  No, for me, writing will most likely be postponed until after the holidays and blogging will have to fill the void in the meantime.  It's faster and still gives me that outlet that I need to relax my mind.

What is it about blogging and reading other blogs that is so relaxing????  Always gives me peace of mind!

Hope everyone's hump day is absolutely "tinsel"...
Kristi
 

Missing My Sister

Not to give everyone the wrong idea...she's still around...it's just that during the holidays I tend to miss that extra time with her that you tend to take for granted when growing up.  Now that we both work full time and lead busy lives it gets harder to harder to spend time together and very rare that it is just the two of us.

I think I've mentioned (briefly) that there was a period of time when she was sick and the fact that she would be around was scarily not a certainty.  We even received a family trip to Hawaii from our make-a-wish family to put things in perspective.  Not that I mean for this to be a gloomy post but actually the exact opposite.  To meet her now you would never know and that truly is a miracle.  She's actually in better physical shape than I am and you would never have a clue the struggles that happily now lie in our past. 

And so as I miss my sister and reflect on how very lucky I am that she's around and the special bond that the two of us have, no matter how far apart, I thought about dredging up another poem from that time.  (And we're only an hour and a half apart which I realize isn't so far but there are days it seems like an ocean).

"Momentum"

Wasting time
sitting around
waiting for a diagnosis to be found
feel so useless
nothing to be done
what happened to the days of carelessness and fun?

I can't stand the silence
can't stand the doubt
I don't wanna live
if this is what livin' is all about

Want to run
leave reality
go to a place that lacks fatality
people are healthy
pain long gone
what is it our world did so wrong?

I can't stand the heartache
can't stand to cry
I don't wanna' pout
just don't understand why

Gotta' be tough
pretend to be strong
so many people playing along
laughing faces
with smiling eyes
yet all along dying inside

I can't stand the pressure
can't stand to act
I don't wanna' give in
just don't know how to react

All for nothing
the battle won
a lessons been taught or merely begun
take it all in
feeling blessed
who would have thought we'd conquer this quest?

I can't stand the question
can't stand not knowing
I don't want to be here again
the only answer to keep going.  

Hope everyone has a great Monday! 

On an unrelated sidenote:  this horrible cold is still hanging around and I still can't breathe!  On the bright side, the pressure in my head is less and I may be able to think clearly today so hopefully this means I am on the mend!!!

Kristi

Roxy's Amazing Transformation

So...since there are quite a few Pug lovers out there I thought it would be fun to post Roxy's amazing transformation photos. Basically a few years ago our vet told us we HAD TO cut back her food and get her to lose some weight as it was starting to affect her health. We were worried about it because she absolutely ADORES food and in the beginning it felt a bit cruel. Trust me when I say it was the right move and she now has so much more energy and spunk. It's like she's a puppy again! She's currently on "weight management" dog food which is hilarious in itself. Here are her "before" and "after" shots...

Alive...maybe

Well, that pesky cold I've been battling finally won out yesterday and I ended up going to bed last night at 8:30, which as of late, is very very early for me. It felt wonderful. I slept an entire twelve hours straight and thought surely when I woke up I would feel better, right?

WRONG! Today has by far been my worst day yet. I feel like I'm operating under a cloud of sinuses and have forgotten what it feels like to be able to breathe through my nose. Cough drops have tasted glorious and I've already gone through an entire bag...my preferred flavor is Eucalyptus. Oh well..it happens I suppose and atleast my body picked a cold, rainy day to decide to give up. I'm still in my pajamas and that is suprisingly fun sometimes.

Plus being sick is forcing me to get some much needed things done around the house. I happen to be one of those people that like to be busy ALL THE TIME and never stop, so a forced break is always welcomed, although I'm not quite sure I really know how to take a break. I've paid bills (why is this always so miserable?), balanced my check book, started dinner in the crockpot, organized our filing cabinet and am about to put the finishing touches on our Christmas decorations - oh and I also worked my normal job (from home) for four hours this morning. I'm thinking a nap and a hot shower may be on the list for the next four hours.

I was hoping to end my night cuddled up on the couch, watching my favorite Christmas movie, Love Actually. Turns out I must have loaned it to someone last year and I can't find it. **Instant Panic** This is one of my all time favorite movies and I tend to try to force everyone I know to watch it hoping they will love it as much as I do. The down side of this is now I have no idea who actually has the movie so I'm hoping to possibly talk the hubby into going to the store to purchase another copy. I must have this movie to make my holiday season complete!

And with that I'll sign off for now - hoping to read up on some of the blog postings I missed yesterday and then decorate the tree. If I'm motivated I'll try to post some pics later on...

Hope everyone's weekend is going well!!!
kristi

An excerpt from "The Wolf Within" and a note about life with a pug

Well let me begin by saying that life with a pug is always interesting. Roxy is a big fan of Christmas time and of the Christmas tree in particular. In her mind this is a delicious addition to the home and her favorite game has always been to try to eat as many tree scraps as she can when they magically fall before her parents can manage to sweep them up. Clearly yesterday she was a big winner because as of this morning, at precisely 4:30 I heard the bedroom door shaking and awoke to find her relieving herself of her little prizes. Joy! So Brent and I were up early this morning cleaning the carpet and I figured I might as well get up and get ready for work. I love her but some days she does not make it easy!

I still feel a big foggy today - sore throat, pressure behind the ears...hopefully nothing a good trip to Starbucks can't fix.

But enough of that - a few of my friends and family have been asking about more information concerning my new book and I thought it would be fun to post the foreword here for you all to read. This give you an idea how this first book will end and what all will happen as it's really told from the end of te book. Feel free to give me any thoughts or feedback - they are always greatly welcomed and as the publisher and I are in the process of putting the book in the "book block" and making changes there is still time for tweaking. And please be gentle.

Also concerning the book - this is the first in what I have planned to be a series dealing with these characters I introduce. This first book is told mostly from Gwyn's perspective with a few tidbits from Faden here and there. It's really the starting point for the series and revolves around Faden finding out his true identity and accepting his new role while he and Gwyn begin their relationship.

And with that said, here it is. I'm off to assess the damage to our Christmas lights before heading to work. We had a huge storm last night and I fear our Snowman's hat is probably a few neighborhoods down by now and most likely lost forever. Maybe I'll get lucky.

Hope everyone has a great day!
Kristi

PROLOGUE

I awoke the next morning to find Faden already gone. Neither of us knew what would come next in our war against the wild ones, only that we needed to move forward somehow.

My view of the world had been drastically changed after what I had seen these last few weeks but it had been my discussion the night before with Faden that had finally given me the gift of realizing my purpose, my place in this new challenge with which we had been presented. The words he needed to hear had come so naturally to me that I had even surprised myself with their validity. I knew in that moment that I had given him what he needed in order to embrace his new role.

Yes, he had been called to lead this battle, this charge, but I would be the one to support him in his quest. I would be the conductor in the wings calling out a forgotten line, the editor behind the masterpiece. It was obvious now how much he relied on and needed me, just as I looked up to and respected him. Whatever was to come, we would handle together: win or lose, live or die. The pull that had somehow brought us together would now bind us in our journey.

I wandered outside, searching for the others, my new family.  The morning light trickled down from above, momentarily blinding me as I made my way towards the beach.  This bright day would soon end.  I sensed a strong storm blowing in from the North and my intuitions were never wrong.  As if confirming my thoughts, thunder rumbled in the distance and the wind suddenly gained momentum.  The rain would be here very soon.

As I reached the edge of the ocean, I buried my toes in the sand, letting the warm water rush in and out over them with a melody that was familiar.  Everything in life had a rhythm.  I had finally found mine.  Closing my eyes, I stood there and waited for the rain.

For it was the rain that brought back my memories of how far I had come; how it had all begun.  I never would have imagined that in a short month's time I would meet and befriend a serial killer, run off with a man I barely knew, and leave my entire human life behind without a thought or care.

The momentum with which it had all happened hadn’t allowed much time to stop and ponder what I had abandoned in the process. My parents; my roommates; my education. Even now as the rain began pouring down, I knew I would never regret the choices that had lead me here.  Things were as they should be and my sacrifice seemed small in comparison to the rewards.

You see, that’s how it all started…it was the rain that had brought me to Faden McCourt. The entire course of my life had been changed in an instant…that was the day destiny started to weave my purpose. My path to this new, more vibrant life began with Faden as we were called to save those who couldn’t save themselves.

Confession Part I

This is officialy my first blog confessional. Today's confession is related to two of my most recently adopted addictions and one old habit...

1 - I am currently loving reading other people's blogs and especially those dealing with the writing/publishing industry and new writer's like myself in particular. The only downfall is that I know I will constantly be distracted with this new form of entertainment, but on the upside, reading other artists/writer's thoughts is always inspiring and uplifting. It's hard not to find a good laugh and a fellow friend. Too much fun...seriously! So to all my new friends - hello and thanks for sharing your world with me!

2 - My husband and I are seriously loving the tv show "so you think you can dance". It's like a guilty pleasure. I promised myself I would try to stay away from these reality type shows but I couldn't help it. Has anyone else been watching this???? The things they do and the feelings they express with their bodies is simply amazing. We are both a fan of the contemporary dances in particular and Wednesday night had a spectacular performance....just watched the results show and was very sad to see one of my favorites...Noelle (sp?) leave. I've seriously cried watching this show once already...not because someone left but the excerpts they show about their parents being proud. Gets me every time! Dancers love to be emotional and cry which is probably why I love it but soon I may have to ban it from the house as we did Extreme Home Makeover.

Lastly, an old habit that I can't seem to break - my overuse of "..." Look up at how many times I use it! I can't stop! It's horrible! I need therapy...maybe! LOL!

Not feeling well tonight so there's some Nyquil with my name on it and some comfy flannel sheets beckoning me to bed...

To all a good night!
Kristi

Release Date Set for February 25, 2010!

Heard back from my publisher today who agreed to push the date for my book back to February 25th, 2010 to allow me some extra time to get reviews done pre-release! ***HAPPY DANCE**** Yippee! I feel as if a weight has been lifted already.

Time to go back to my normal 8-5 now...oh wait....more like 7-6 at the moment...URGH...busy season fun! But the mid interruption for a happy dance is always welcomed! More information to come as we get further on in the process!

Hope everyone is doing well!
Kristi