Monday, Monday...

A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows. ~Doug Larson

Yesterday turned out to be a very nice day -- a surprise, really, because the weather forecast had called for overcast and rain.

DH decided to go fishing, and DD went with him, so I had some alone time -- not a ton, because they left late and came home early, but I'll take what I can get.

I relaxed a little ... took the dog for a nice walk, pulled dandelions (an ENTIRE big bucketful AGAIN, and that's not all of them! -- this tool is a miracle, though), did some other weeding (yes, I find weeding relaxing). My neighbor came by with her dog, so that was nice for both Dakota and I.

I did some writing (my heroine has a regular menagerie of animals... who knew?), and managed to get *sort of* caught up on my crit group (speaking of which, we could REALLY use one more active member ... anyone out there looking for a good, serious but fun crit group? If so, email me at authormariannearkins AT gmail DOT com).

The only black mark this weekend is this: my business partner, Judy, went away on Thursday expecting to have internet available. Much to our mutual dismay, this was not the case. So, I've been doing double duty at LASR/WC/Goddess Fish and will all that's going on (including a BUNCH of virtual tours) it's been a little crazy. I think she gets back today. Thank heavens.

Anyway, today DD takes off school and we officially celebrate her birthday. We were going to go see "How To Train Your Dragon" in IMAX, but it's school vacation this week, and I couldn't face all the kids sure to be there. I promised her a trip to the movies next week. Instead, we're heading to the mall to walk around (DD is learning the fine art of window shopping), she wants a new paint-by-number, then to Toys-R-Us for her pogo stick, and then we'll head to lunch for some seafood (she's craving shrimp) and then to the library to get a movie.

I'm tired just thinking of it.

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Your Attention Span is Long

You're attention span is amazingly long. You can concentrate well, and your mind doesn't stray easily. Even if you have a mundane task to complete, you can get it done easily. Because you don't get distracted, you accomplish more than most people. Your self discipline is your greatest strength. You can will yourself to do almost anything. All you have to do is put your mind to it.

How's Your Attention Span?

Yep... pretty much correct.

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Thursday Things I'm Thinking....

Talk to your children about peer pressure. Explain what a powerful force it can be, and ... tell them that you will never accept the excuse that "Everyone did it" ... that they will be held responsible for their actions. - TOM MCMAHON, Teen Tips

It's been a long week where it feels like I'm working and working and then look at my to-do list and nothing is getting done! DD feels the same way ... she's a few days behind in school (and before other homeschoolers jump in and say that you can't be behind when you homeschool because you set your own schedule -- I understand the concept, but we set goals this year so that we don't end up schooling through August) and we can't seem to get caught up. I know it's because my DH was home through most of November and we kept getting assigned chores from him, but MAN is it getting frustrating (to the point of tears for my DD who looks at the calendar with the goal lesson number and then just cries).

In good news, though, her art show is tonight -- though I admit to not looking forward to going into downtown after dark. The art museum isn't exactly in the best part of town. To be honest, I'm not sure there is a good part of town... I'll take pictures :-)

A funny: I never realized what a sheltered life my DD has had. We live in a small town and she hasn't really had exposure to much of anything bigger. A couple weeks ago, when we went to Concord to get meds for Breeann, we decided to window shop in the little shops up and down the street we were on, but we had to cross the street. And the street had a "walk/don't walk" sign. And I, yanno, pressed the button to make it change and DD had NEVER seen one. Not earth shattering, I suppose, but it made me realize we should maybe get out of the sticks now and then!

I also had a laugh when DD's new friend from agility came over to me with what looked like a Blackberry (they look like calculators, right? -- I've never actually used one or seen one up close. Guess I'm sheltered, too) and asked me what DD's cell phone number was.

Uh. She doesn't HAVE a cell phone. Or an iPod. Or a Wii.

Poor DD is so abused.

She also had her first real taste of peer pressure last night, and misbehaved at agility because of it. And we had a talk about the fact that it would happen again. And again. And again. That for her entire life, people would try to get her to behave in ways contrary to how she should behave and that she needed to be strong enough to say "NO" even if they tease or call her names or didn't want to be friends anymore. Part of me doesn't want her to hang out with this girl at agility, because the reason she's there is that her family life really sucks, so it's making her a not so great example for my DD. OTOH, part of me is glad that DD is getting a taste of it in such a controlled environment. And maybe she'll even end up being a good example to her friend.

Still haven't done much futzing on Good Reads. But I will!

One last quick comment: If you're a serious writer and looking for a crit group, would you email me? I have a few ladies who want to get a small crit/support group together. I'm trying to keep it around ten people or so (and already have five or six), and would like to match folks carefully (re: genre), so am looking for folks who mainly write romance or strongly romantic stories (in any sub-genre). I'm at authormariannearkins AT gmail DOT com -- If you're published, tell me what you have pubbed and if you're not give me an idea of what you write. I'll get back to you soon. Remember, space is very limited. Writers serious about seeking or maintaining publication only. Tx.

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You Are Mac and Cheese

You are a soothing and calming force. People can't help but relax and let go when you're around. You are down to earth and even a little old fashioned. What's good about you never changes. You may not be the first person people think of at Thanksgiving, but you're always the first one they think of when times are tough. You are there for people in the best and worst of times. You know how to be supportive and understanding.

What Thanksgiving Side Dish Are You?

50/50 really... but I do LOVE mac and cheese... mmmmmm..

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