Google New Blog This

 

I’m giving this new extension a try to see what happens.  The set up is pretty strange and I’m not sure exactly what the fields are, but I guess I’ll figure them out as I go along.  One thing I don’t like already is the typeset is so very small my eyes are straining.  But, this could still be very conveinient, who knows.  Let’s see how it works.

Google

Blogging Bust and Computer Crash

Well, I have utterly failed to to keep up with my blogging. In my defense, I have been totally absorbed in my book. In fact, I was up to 719 pages before my computer came up with a fatal system error. I freaked out. I had 5 chapters that I hadn't backed up on my flash drive yet. My computer guy has had it for 4 days now. He says he was able to back up all my info, so I think my book is saved, thank goodness! But I don't know yet if my computer can be saved. I'm using my son's old broken computer. I'm writing on an older version of word, trying to write new chapters that I can paste into the book later. I also have a few unfinished chapters that I can work on. Let me tell you. As soon as I'm done every day, I copy them to the flash drive.

I'm still really nervous about those five chapters. I really did a lot of cross over of the story lines, bringing things together. Once the book is more integrated, I will start working on the ending. But I think there is still quite a bit yet to go. I imagine I will break the book up into two or three books in the end.

Thank you to those who are following. Sorry for the blackout.

Writer's Block

I have it! I did a million and 1 things today, but when I sat down to write, all I could do is stare. I have three story lines going and a fourth I left hanging earlier and I'm completely blocked. I've got nothing - bupkiss. I know where I'm going with the most recent story line, but the style I've been writing in sort of requires a switch to another storyline at this point. That's why I'm stuck. I suppose it may be time to introduce another character. I have three more to go before the book can be finished, maybe four. I've already got over 200 pages. I'm telling you, it's going to be too big. I may have to break it up into two books. Once I have it written, I'll know better. So, wish me luck and send the inspiration fairies my way. Thanks!

As for ZeitGeist, I think part of the mood of the times at least is fearful because of the economy. I can't tell you how many times I work and rework my budget. I'm obsessive about it. I just have to see the figures on paper, or excel in my case. What do you think about the economy?

December is all About ZeitGeist

I have a million and two things to do today, not the least of which is pay bills, and I'm not getting any of it done as I am going through my grotesquely engorged email box, trying to get it under control. So, I've speed dated, read my horoscope, deleted about 50 mails, so far, corresponded with twitter pals, updated my NaBloPoMo account and who knows what else. Here's December's badge. The theme is ZeitGeist. I have no idea what that means. I'm going to look it up now. The translation from the German is "the spirit of the time". A more in-depth definition is - "ideas and spirit of(the) time: the ideas prevalent in a period and place, particularly as expressed in literature, philosophy, and religion." Definition courtesy of MSN Encarta Dictionary. And this is what we will be blogging about.

So what are the ideas and spirit of this time and place? What is being expressed in our literature, philosophy and religion? I don't think you can leave music out of this mix. There is the philosophy of three generations right there. I'm going to think about this while I attack my in box and hopefully get the shopping done.

So November Dies

Arrrgh! I missed a day. Kept it up all month until the second to last day. I don't suppose confusion is a good enough excuse. Ah well. What's done is done. I will tell you what had me so rapt last night. I made a pot roast for the first time. After all these years, I've never made one. So, I bought all the stuff and went to it. Do you have any idea how expensive a 3.38 pound chuck roast is? It's criminal! So naturally I was under a lot of pressure not to screw it up. It took way longer than mom said, but it came out pretty good. Julia Child has nothing to worry about from me.

Today, I'm just trying to get things done. I have this whole long list. I've done like 3 or 4 things. I just don't want to go out in the rain to drop off the stuff to Goodwill or go shopping. I have 4 or 5 places to go. I don't want to do it in the rain - just not up for it. So that leaves the dishes and laundry - yuck! Why don't these lists ever include really fun things? I did have writing on there, but I've already spent a couple of hours doing that and I just can't justify any more. I suppose I could do the shredding while I watch a movie. That might work. lol. My luck, I'd miss a staple and cause a meltdown.

Wish me luck. It's the last day of November. December is going to be even wilder.

Christmas Shopping and the Almighty Budget

Well, naturally I missed the Friday sales because I was on the road. Probably a good thing in the long run. But now I have to try to find other sales to get something decent for my kids. The rest of the family is getting cookies. lol. I have these beautiful tins I bought on like 90% off, so that's covered. Now I just have to make the cookies.

Oh, and did I mention my son's birthday is only a few days from Christmas? Isn't that just peachy? I don't even really know what he wants. I've gotten him an 8 GB jump drive (USB drive) and I need to get him a mouse, but those aren't that exciting. I think there may be a concert coming to town soon. I need to check on that. The big ones usually skip us. I'm not making a cake this year. I'm making him two pecan pies. One to hoarde and one to share. He loves pecan pie. Might as well give him what he wants, right. What he really needs is a pair of shoes. But at 13 1/2 you can imagine what they cost and how hard it is to find a decent pair. He'd really be mad if I called it one of his birthday presents - darn!

I started decorating outside yesterday and I'm so proud of me! Unfortunately, I hammered my thumb a little more than the little nails I was using to hang the decorations on the brick mailbox. Oh well. I got them up. That's what counts. Right? Now for the hard part. I have to start putting out the decorations with lights. So far, it's just been wreaths and topiaries and what not. Now, I'm going to get serious.

And, I'm going to do some writing too.

NaNoWriMo Winner!

Well, I'm home safe and sound and you know the first thing I wanted to do was get my NaNo novel validated. I feel great! It's just wonderful getting the recognition. I'm still no where near finished, but I buzzed past 50,000 and that's what counts. I put up my winner's banner for the sheer fun of it. I'm going to post them everywhere. I hope you all had wonderful Thanksgivings, full of those moments that make you stop and realize why we give thanks. Better get some "real" work done. My freezer melted down while I was gone and the frige lost its cool, so I had to throw every thing away and start over. Now I have to drag all of that mess to the outside garbage can. Time to wake the boy. lol.