FRIDAY STIR FRY - Wasted Time

http://morguefile.com

How much time do you think you waste in one day? How about one week or one month? I believe if we could figure it out, we would be a bit sick to our stomachs.

I'm bringing this up because I wasted a whole lot of time this week at my day job without knowing it until today. A person in our department is quitting and we hired somebody from a temp agency to replace her. I'm the main trainer (because let's face it, I know it all :0). Well, the new person isn't going to stay. Now, mind you, we are extremely short handed as it is. Our supervisor is out on sick leave. One of our other staff is also out on sick leave. This leaves 2 of us to do all the work. TWO. I don't have time to waste training somebody who isn't going to stay. It is slow and tedious and my work piles up and I'm too damn old and cranky.

Plus I had plans to write this week. I e-mailed my WIP to myself and I was going to sneak in a few words here and there during slow periods at work. Well, that idea flew out the window along with my patience. Why oh why can't I be rich and stay at home and write? I know there is a hell, because I'm in it.

Oh well, enough bitching. I have a three day weekend and I'm going to glue my butt in my chair and write, write, write.

What are your plans for this weekend? I would love to know.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - On Saturday

I don't know what to write. That seems to be a pattern with me lately. Thus this blog is a day late - actually several weeks late. So, since I have no clue what to write about - I'm just going to give you an excerpt from my current WIP - Coming Home. Hope you like it.

“Ron,” Jennifer's voice trembled in her ears. “It’s good to see you.” She squeezed the lie out between her teeth as she slung her bag over her shoulder. “I heard somebody bought the Satellite. I didn’t realize it was you.”

“Yep, signed the papers about three months ago.” His smile faded. “Sorry to hear about your mom, Jenny.”

“Thanks.”  Jennifer realized she was going to have to get used to hearing that sentiment for the next few days.

Ron held the motel office door open and motioned her in. “I've got big plans for this place. Of course there is still got a lot of work to do. You'll be happy to know I started by replacing the mattresses.”

"That's reassuring." She felt a sour taste in her mouth. Heat flooded her cheeks as she remembered the last time she was here ... prom night … with Ron, on a lumpy, broken down mattress. Did he mean to reference that night or was it an innocent comment?

He cleared his throat and she noticed a blush cross his cheeks matching her discomfort. “Do you know how long you’re staying.”

“Not really." She shrugged. "As few days as possible but, this is my first time dealing with anything like this, so who knows?"

Ron reached for her hand, then pulled back. "Wow. Is that what I think it is?"

Jennifer fidgeted with the lose ring wishing she'd taken it off before coming to town. "Yes." Her voice sounded faint and far away.

“So where is the lucky guy?" Ron craned his neck to look around her out the windows.

"He had some business to finish up. He should be here in a day or two."

“Must be a rich man to afford something that big and shiny. Looks like you did okay for yourself in the big city."

Something in the tone of his voice made her gut clench. “I did okay for myself by working hard, not by gold digging if that's what you're insinuating.”

Ron cleared his throat. “Sorry. I guess that came out wrong. How about we start over and I'll try to keep my foot out of my mouth." He handed her a pen and registration card. "Welcome to the Satellite Motel. I hope you'll enjoy your stay."

Start over. There's no starting over when somebody you trust hurts you. Jennifer grabbed the pen, scribbled her information down and reached for her wallet. She felt the need to get away from him before things got any weirder.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - To NaNo or Not To NaNo

I've got just one day left to make up my mind. Should I do this or not? This, of course, is National Novel Writing Month. If you've been living under a rock for the past 15 plus years, here is a link for more information. http://nanowrimo.org/

I signed up. I have an idea. How about a list of pros and cons.

PROS

It's a good way to get words on paper. Even if they're not very good words.

There is a sense of achievement when you get your daily word count.

I may never have a finished novel if it wasn't for this.

I enjoy participating with crazy people like me from all over the world.

What else have I got to do?

CONS

First, it's hard. Much harder than you can imagine. The brain refuses to cooperate after a while.

It's depressing and demoralizing when you fall behind in word count.

I really should finish my current WIP instead of starting another.

To achieve word count, I have to get up early and write. Use my lunch hour to write. And, write after a long day of work. That's stretching my lazy ass to it's limits.  

I have a baby quilt to finish.

Well, it looks like we have a tie. Anybody up for rock, paper, scissors, lizard, Spock? 

Stay tuned and you'll learn my decision next week.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Musings From The Past Week

http://www.morguefile.com

RIP Robin Williams

Like most everyone else, I was shocked at the news of his death. I don't own many movies, but one I have is The Bird Cage. I laugh out loud every time I watch it. One of my favorite interviews is from Inside The Actor's Studio. Classic. Please take time to view. And pay attention to the end when he talks about heaven.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IDy5GlUuf8


We also lost a great film actress, Lauren Bacall. Her passing signals the end of an era; when movie stars were glamorous - not attention seeking, bat shit crazy, like many today. RIP

Other musings: I've had back trouble this week, so not much writing done. I've mainly just been sitting in my recliner with a heat pad. I even had to take a sick day off work. I hardly ever do that. But, I think I'm on the mend. Knock on wood.

Plans this weekend: I've been kinda lost on where to go with my work in progress (WIP). Part of the problem is I've cobbled it together in bits and pieces. So, my plan is to sit down, read through what I have, rearrange things, and try to write it in a more linear fashion. When I get a handle on it, I'll post more excerpts.

I also have three blog stops I need to complete before they all give up on me. And with our writing conference coming up in about a month, I have stuff to do for that. Here's a link if you want to check it out.

http://ozarks-romance-authors.com/conference-2014/oracon-2014/

Leave your musings in the comments. All are appreciated.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Excerpt Time

http://www.morguefile.com

I promised to post an excerpt from my work in progress on my Facebook page this week. I lied. This week flew by like a Sharknado. My internet was down at home for two days which makes it very difficult to access Facebook or this blog. Those are my excuses. At least while the internet was down, I got some writing done. 

This is from Coming Home. Jennifer is starting to doubt her commitment to her fiance'. 

        Scott pulled into the motel lot. "Can you be ready in fifteen?"

Jennifer stared at him. "Sure. I'll just crumple everything up and throw it into my bag."

She slammed the car door and unlocked her room. Sitting down on the bed she wondered what her next move should be. Did she really want to go back with Scott?  His actions made Jennifer wonder where his heart was -- not to mention hers. Perhaps a little time apart would clear her head? Plus she had to figure out what to do with that damn building.

Scott's car horn sounded. There's my answer.

Jennifer walked to Scott's side of the car. "I'm not going back yet."

"What are you talking about, Jennifer. Of course you're going back. I need to get back to the office and we have a lot of plans to make. Now pull yourself together and come on."

Jennifer crossed her arms and backed away from his car. She tightened her lips and shook her head. "I need a little more time here."

Scott stepped out of the car and ran his hand through his hair. "Jennifer, you're obviously not thinking clearly." He reached for her elbow. "Come on, I'll help you pack."

"No, Scott," she tried to sound forceful and stepped farther away from him. "Are you listening to the way you are talking to me? I'm not a child."

"Well, you're acting like one. There isn't anything here that can't be taken care of from Chicago. Let your lawyer earn his keep. Lord knows, he's probably charging us an arm and a leg."

"Us? Scott there is no us. This was my mother and this is my estate. You seem a bit too anxious to get your hands on it, if you ask me."

"I'm just being practical. One of us has to be."

Jennifer's resolve tightened like a cinched belt. "I'm not going to stand here and argue with you. I'll call you before I come home."

Scott finally managed to get a hold of her arm and jerked her closer.

"Ouch, Scott, let go."

Next thing Jennifer knew Ron grabbed Scott by the shoulder, spun him around and pinned his arm behind his back.

"That's not how we treat a lady around here."

"Let go." Scott spoke through clinched teeth. "Or I'll sue this flea bag motel right out from under you."

"Ron," Jennifer touched his shoulder.

He pushed Scott farther away from her before letting him go with a shove.

Scott caught himself on the fender of his car. He whirled around and pointed a finger at Ron. "This is none of your business."

"I don't know what the argument is about. I only know you weren't treating Jenny in a gentlemanly manner."

"What do you know about manners? You're so fresh off the farm, you stink of manure."

Ron put his hand into a fist and drew back his arm. Jennifer stepped between them.

"Stop it, both of you."

Ron dropped his arm to his side as he continued to stare at Scott.

"Let's get some things straight." She looked at Ron. "I don't need protecting." She turned to Scott. "And, I don't need to be told what to do. I'll see you in Chicago in a few days." Jennifer turned around and stomped back to her room. Slamming the door, she leaned against it, suddenly feeling drained.
                                                             

                                                       ***

Please feel free to comment below. You won't hurt my feelings. Well, not much. 

      

                                      

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Another Day, Another Fifty Cents

As I've stated in previous posts, I'm struggling at work with the new computer system. And, it's not just me. Ask anybody I work with and they will roll their eyes or groan or even cuss. Several of us have threatened to quit. I was actually doing some calculations to see if I could live on my 401K. Unfortunately, I can not. That's kind of why I haven't posted in a few weeks.
Brain is frazzled.


That, and I may be just a little lazy.

I've also been collecting rejection letters for Beyond the Horizon. Yeah!

On a brighter note, I believe I've figured out the beginning scene of my WIP.  At least for now. I was also struggling with a plot twist. Should I kill him or not? Because I couldn't make up my mind and I was using it as an excuse not to write, I've decided to start a re-write and see where it takes me. If I end up killing him again, so be it. Sorry Charlie.

I realize in the great play that is life, my problems don't add up to a hill of beans. (Quick, what movie am I paraphrasing?)

They are my problems and I'm going to embrace them for a while. At least until I strangle the life out of them.

Are you struggling with anything right now? Work or writing? Relationships? Air your complaints here. I promise I won't judge.