"Lessons In Stalking" Prize for Writing Contest

This is fun. In 2002 I entered a Fear of Writing competition and surprised myself (and probably those who knew me and my writing at the time) by winning. My winning entry was written based on a writing prompt encouraging me to be a Roach Lover. You can read my winning story, Don't Poach the Roach, by clicking on the title. (Fair warning: I found the contest and prompt and entered on a whim. Don't be expecting Dickens...)

Now the sponsor of the contest has come back to me and asked that I offer a signed copy of my book, Lessons In Stalking, as a prize for her newest writing contest, one involving a cat prompt. Of course I was thrilled to do so. The link to the full information about the contest is HERE.

It's a bit like coming full circle. I feel like such a grown-up. Long may the feeling last...

Day of Drama

The Saturn lives! $1000 worth of repairs, but that still beats the price of a new car.  Besides, I'm happy to have my baby return home (never mind that my best friend huddles in the front seat in embarrassment when she visits me and I drive her around in it). =)

Can you say "Day of Drama?" That was yesterday. Holy cow, what was in the water? I dealt with contract negotiations, a flaming e-mail sent by a board member to the group of us about another board member (I call this sort of action "the public pout"), an article that just BLEW UP in my face, new assignments, and I don't know what all.  I fell into bed last night feeling like I'd been chased by a group of wild dogs all day.

All ended well.  We found an acceptable contract agreement for both sides, I took myself out of the running for the e-mail drama, the article that fell to pieces (really due to to no one person's fault. Things just went so awry with the contacts and topic that it was almost a comedy of errors) was reassigned and I love the new topic, and I spoke to a wonderful new employer whose work I am very in tune with an excited about starting.

All the same, I am doing my best to not be a little stress basket. Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines. I'm working on no less than 7 major projects, all with the deadline date of September 10th. I have every minute of my time mapped out for the next two weeks. No rest for the wicked (and self-employed).

To give you an idea of the stress level, here's my idea of fun. My running group has a 12-mile long run planned for Sunday and I'm longing to get to it. The thought of just pounding the pavement and focusing on nothing but my breathing and footsteps for almost two hours sounds very, very appealing right now.

Time's up. The work awaits. Please send me happy thoughts of productivity!!!

Time To Buy A New Car?

Oh no! Is this the end for the mighty Saturn? For the past couple of months my Saturn, every now and again, would give a big "ka-CHUNK!" and jerk when I put it in reverse. I followed my SOP when it comes to automotive care, which is to ignore it. Then over the last 2 weeks it's had trouble finding reverse--it rolls forward a bit before engaging. So we decided to take it in.

The shop said it was something with my internal transmission, but as they didn't know much about Saturns, all they could do was replace the transmission at the price of $4100. They suggested we take it into the dealership, which we're doing this afternoon.

It's a 1996 Saturn SW with about 155,000.  The car was actually Blair's mom's and since it was paid for, we took it after she passed away and lost a car payment. I was not happy at first about driving a station wagon but I have to say, it's grown on me. It's convenient, it's roomy, it's comfortable... and I'm happily married so what do I care if I give the appearance of a soccer mom?

But if it is the transmission, we will have to give it a proper death and that means Dena gets a new car. "New" meaning a new-to-me used car. I am not a new car person, at all. The question is what. I admit, I love me a Mercedes. I also like the Honda CRX (I think that's right).  I'm not adverse to the rather blah but reliable Honda Accord. Something good on gas and low maintenance (which I guess kills the Mercedes idea...)

Who knows? Maybe the dealership will be able to fix whatever's wrong. But if anyone has car suggestions, now is the time to offer them.

What's It Worth To You?

My niece visited us a few weeks ago and I just discovered she left a pair of pants and a shirt hanging in the upstairs guest closet. We also picked up the clay turkey she painted at The Mad Platter, fired in the kiln and now all bright and shiny with colors. I was thinking I needed to run by K-Mart and grab a box and bubble wrap, when it occurred to me I could just run by Mailboxes-R-Us and hand them the items and make them deal with it. Yes, it costs more, but the ease of transaction is worth it.

This got me to thinking about the trivial things in life that I'm willing to pay money for, where others may not. And also what I am NOT willing to pay for, that others might find worthwhile. So, here's my list.

It's Worth It To Pay The Money

• To have my car cleaned. I don't vacuum it, I don't do the soap and hose thing. Twice a year I take it to be washed, whether it needs it or not.
• Change the oil in my car.
• Alterations. Yes, I will pay someone $5 to sew on a button. So sue me...
• Trim the cats nails.
• Box packages (for items that are big or breakable).
• Haircut. I've never trimmed my bangs in my life and never will. We could be starving and I'd still set aside money for a professional cut and color. Non-negotiable.

I Can Do That Myself...

• Interior painting. I've painted almost every room in our home, some several times, including rooms with tricky trim and corners and friggin' 18-pane glass windows that go on forever. But I can do it, so I'll never pay to have it done...
• Cleaning my house. Although sometimes it gets to me, I have the mindset that if you can't take care of the house you have, you need a smaller house. (For me. I don't begrudge anyone else maid service. In fact, go for it.)
• Washing Windows. Same as house cleaning. I'm perfectly capable of squirting and wiping off Windex, thank you very much.
• Cook. I fantasize about paying someone to bring me fresh, vegetarian, low-fat, organic healthy meals that I can open my fridge and choose from. Then I shake my head to clear it and tell myself that if I want a meal, get my ass in the kitchen and start experimenting and cook something. It's not so hard.

Can't Decide Category

There are some things out there I can't decide whether they are worth they money or not. They include:

• Paying someone to plant and maintain a garden. I desperately want pretty plants and flowers surrounding my house but I have an aversion to watering. Still, I can't quite bring myself to pay someone to WATER for me.
• Personal Trainer. Having one would make me feel great and help with strength training, but the guilt at paying someone has so far outweighed the perceived benefits.

Anyone have their own items to add to any category?