You ever had one of those days where if you were certain the dog wouldn't pee on the floor, you'd never have gotten out of bed? That's me today. I am a staggering comedy of errors.
It all began with a cold - seems everyone was sick around holiday time and I knew I'd end up with something eventually. I got a cold, which promptly turned into bronchitis as I am prone to all things respiratory. The bronchitis promptly set off my asthma so that breathing became an Olympic event. That means sleeping up right. Which means my back is now on fire. I have a chronic, inoperable back issue and the thing that irritates it worst is - wait for it - typing. Yeah, a writer with a back problem that's aggravated by typing. The thing that irritates it second worst is sleeping upright. So I finally had to take pain killers for the back in order to move and they have upset my stomach (I have an ulcer). I have to take medicine for allergies (to keep the respiratory situation from worsening) and those set off PVCs (an irregular heartbeat).
See, a staggering comedy of errors as the PVCs made me dizzy. So far this morning, I've already ran into two door frames and stubbed my foot on my desk. Then I filled the coffee maker with water and was about to turn it on when I realized there was no coffee in it. The dizziness also gives me a raging headache and as it's raining today, the Sheltie thinks he should bark every couple of minutes to warn me of the thunder.
Oh, and did I mention that I have to work today? Yeah, see my company, in their cheap wisdom, decided to cut our sick time in half, so now it only takes one major thing and it's all gone like the foot surgery I had last year - and yes, that's the foot I stubbed this morning). All I have to say is, they're getting pot luck and that's no one's fault but their own.
Despite the back/cold/breathing problems of the last two weeks, I've been working on my schedule for 2012. This year, I will release four books with Harlequin and at least one straight-to-digital, the first of a new humorous mystery series. All while still working full time. I know, I'm a glutton.
I've also decided that 2012 is the year of organization. We moved in a rush in July and things are just shoved into closets or boxes. I have got to pull everything out, judiciously donate things we don't need, and get everything else labeled and stored.
2012 is also the year of the social butterfly. Yes, I said it. I'm going to work harder staying in touch with you guys. For an introvert that hasn't paid much attention to social media, I'm sorta behind the curve. But I'll get there. I have a year, right? (BTW, when I first wrote this post, I said "behind the curse." Freudian slip, much?) :)
So now, I have homework for you: when you get a chance, please go Like my new Facebook Author Page. I will use that page to announce all coming books and for contests during the year. Here's a link:
Jana DeLeon Author Page
Last but not least, 2012 is the year I get into better shape, health-wise. I know, I said it. But the reality is, I'm not getting any younger, yet I want to work even harder. I have to be in good enough shape to do that. I'm not going to make drastic changes - just small changes along the way until I've created a way of life that is healthy and tolerable.
What about you? Any big plans for the new year? Did you accomplish everything you wanted to in 2011?
Write a post about your 2012 and you'll be entered to win a $25 gift card to bn/amazon - your choice. I am also giving away three copies of my February 2012 Intrigue release - so you can get it early, if you're selected. All posts enter you in the grand prize drawing for the Kindle or Nook.
Good luck!
Deadly - Draggin' - DeLeon
See, a staggering comedy of errors as the PVCs made me dizzy. So far this morning, I've already ran into two door frames and stubbed my foot on my desk. Then I filled the coffee maker with water and was about to turn it on when I realized there was no coffee in it. The dizziness also gives me a raging headache and as it's raining today, the Sheltie thinks he should bark every couple of minutes to warn me of the thunder.
Oh, and did I mention that I have to work today? Yeah, see my company, in their cheap wisdom, decided to cut our sick time in half, so now it only takes one major thing and it's all gone like the foot surgery I had last year - and yes, that's the foot I stubbed this morning). All I have to say is, they're getting pot luck and that's no one's fault but their own.
Despite the back/cold/breathing problems of the last two weeks, I've been working on my schedule for 2012. This year, I will release four books with Harlequin and at least one straight-to-digital, the first of a new humorous mystery series. All while still working full time. I know, I'm a glutton.
I've also decided that 2012 is the year of organization. We moved in a rush in July and things are just shoved into closets or boxes. I have got to pull everything out, judiciously donate things we don't need, and get everything else labeled and stored.
2012 is also the year of the social butterfly. Yes, I said it. I'm going to work harder staying in touch with you guys. For an introvert that hasn't paid much attention to social media, I'm sorta behind the curve. But I'll get there. I have a year, right? (BTW, when I first wrote this post, I said "behind the curse." Freudian slip, much?) :)
So now, I have homework for you: when you get a chance, please go Like my new Facebook Author Page. I will use that page to announce all coming books and for contests during the year. Here's a link:
Jana DeLeon Author Page
Last but not least, 2012 is the year I get into better shape, health-wise. I know, I said it. But the reality is, I'm not getting any younger, yet I want to work even harder. I have to be in good enough shape to do that. I'm not going to make drastic changes - just small changes along the way until I've created a way of life that is healthy and tolerable.
What about you? Any big plans for the new year? Did you accomplish everything you wanted to in 2011?
Write a post about your 2012 and you'll be entered to win a $25 gift card to bn/amazon - your choice. I am also giving away three copies of my February 2012 Intrigue release - so you can get it early, if you're selected. All posts enter you in the grand prize drawing for the Kindle or Nook.
Good luck!
Deadly - Draggin' - DeLeon
WINNER! Sandy, according to random.org, you're the winner of Amanda Brice's $25 gift card. Please email amandabrice (at) romancedivas (dot) com to claim it.
WINNERS!! Rebekah E. StephanieJS, Virginia, and catslady, according to random.org, you're the winners of Diana Layne's e-books. Please email dianalayne (at) yahoo (dot) com to claim them.
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62 comments:
Goodness...hoping the icky stuff goes away quickly. I am also one who easily develops bronchitis from colds, and it seems like you never remember how important breathing is until you have to work at twice as hard because you are sick.
As to 2012, my plans are simple - taking each goal one day at a time, along with learning not to worry about the small stuff. :)
Have a good day. Feel better. :)
Hope you feel better soon!
No real plans yet for 2012. I'm not good at sticking to resolutions, but I'd like to try an be healthier this year...drink more water, maybe exercise.
Pamela - It really is key to break things down into smaller pieces, isn't it? Without doing that, we'd just get overwhelmed and do nothing.
I hope the icky stuff goes away soon, too. Yes, you don't realize how much you appreciate being able to breathe regularly until you can't. Fortunately, I don't suffer from asthma all the time and my heart goes out to those that do. I just get the illness/allergy induced kind. But boy is it miserable. Here's hoping you avoid any of it this winter!
Alison - ah, that water thing. I always start of my health kick with trying to drink more water. I know it's key to everything else working at optimum pace. But that first week of doing it is killer. I swear, sometimes I just want to take my ipad and move into stall #4 in the ladies room. LOL
I don't really have any goals for 2012 yet. Usually those are made after taxes are done. I just want to get through it in one piece.
Hope you feel better soon.
No, Rebekah, not the "T" word! As a former accountant, I have been answering the usual round of tax questions on all my loops. I have NOT finished my own, but will get to it eventually. As I'm going to owe, that will be closer to April 15th, than January 1st. :)
This year should be pretty challenging as my husband will be graduating with his PhD in Geology and is in the position of having to apply for jobs now. He has a couple of promising leads, but mostly we're at the mercy of the economy. At the end of the year I may be anywhere in the country (or outside the country for that matter). So this year has the potential for being either fantastic or extraordinarily sucky. We'll see.
Many good wishes for a speedy recovery! My plans for 2012 is to get a new job! Crossing my fingers here. I work part-time right now and would love a full-time job with insurance benefits. Any suggestions?
Have a great 2012!
Hope you are feeling better. Drink green tea. Walk each day. Eat light but healthy, less carbs and more complex carbs and protein. Best wishes for 2012.
Oh Jana - I'm so with you! I was in your place (cold, sinus infection, bronchitis, and asthma) just a few weeks ago and finished my two-week round of antibiotics on Wednesday.
My goals are the same as yours, get and stay healthy--and part of that is getting in a financial position to move away from the allergy capital of the world and back to my high-mountain desert where I can breathe. Now if only the economy and the housing market would cooperate!
Rest up and drink fluids, perhaps chicken soup would be the cure all. 2012 should be an interesting year for our family in many ways. I just want to stay and keep healthy though, since that is a priority. Life sounds busy for you.
Jana, I'm so impressed you get any writing done at all! I'd be curled up in a ball of woe-is-me-ness. :) But you sound awfully determined to make 2012 a great year, so kudos to you.
My 2012 goals are simple: write lots, publish lots (well, what I can), balance my life, stay healthy. Here's to a good 2012 for us all.
I hope you feel better :( I'd forgotten so many companies "dole out" your sick time... technically, my day job is in San Francisco, which means you get as much sick time as you need. In reality, that means you try to guess how many days you can take before your boss dings you badly but it's a nice idea...
I do have plans for 2012! Got to get back into shape (Richard Giorla and I have a date this afternoon at my kitchen counter) and then need to write, write, write.
I'm looking forward to the new INTRIGUE release-- I love that line!
I had about the same thing on Thanksgiving and I like to have never got over it. Hope you get to feeling better soon.
For 2012 I hope for better things. I will take one day at a time and see what happens. I also need to get into better shape. I have managed to get three walks in the past four days. One of the days had to move son back into college so I didn't get to walk. Today its cold and raining so not sure weather the walk will happen but I do need to clean the house, so maybe that will be my exercise today.
I wish you a speedy recovery. My goal for 2012 is to be more frugal with finances and to be more courageous about trying new things.
New Year 2012 resolutions: make an exercise action plan, start my own blog, be grateful--all one day at at time! Feel better!
I agree with the getting healthier in 2012. I hate the dizziness of PVC's and wish nobody had to suffer from them. A new comedy mystery series is greatly desired. I can hardly wait.
2011 was a year of change and transition for me personally. I made huge life decisions that scared me to death. 2012 will be my year of transformation into the person I want to be: independent, brave and happy. I'm not sure how I will go about becoming that person but I won't let myself be too afraid to try.
geishasmom73 AT yahoo DOT com
Jana, I hope you're 2012 improves health wise. Not feeling well throws everything else off.
My only plan for 2012 is to figure out my career path. I have a good job, but I want to do more with my life. Not an easy thing to figure out.
I am facing a heart valve replacement at the end of the month. So I am just looking forward to getting that over with and then taking care of my family.
I am facing a heart valve replacement at the end of the month. So I am just looking forward to getting that over with and then taking care of my family.
Oh, my, I hope you feel better soon! As to 2012 I have begun to clear over 30 years of clutter (only because my husband gets into these hissy fits lol). Not that I don't know I hold on to everything (I get attached very easily sigh). So far you can actually see 3/4's of the top of my desk. It's amazing how much a desk can hold and under and over and around too lol.
Sarah - yes, the economy is very iffy and some areas of the country are worse than others. I hope your husband finds something soon!
Michele - a job with benefits sounds like a good plan. Good luck in your search!
Thanks, petite! I do have green tea. I need to break it out and have some. :)
Robin - I hear you. I have a rental property I'd like to sell so I don't have to hassle with it, but I refuse to with the current market. bah
traveler - It is busy, and I'm having chicken with rice soup right now! LOL
Here's hoping it helps.
J.K. - I only allow myself 10 minutes to wallow in self-pity, then I have to move on. :)
Sounds like you've got big plans for the year, too. Good luck with them!
amf - I love the Intrigue line, too. It's really cool to be writing for a line I've read for so long.
Good luck with your own writing pursuits!
Virginia - it's cold and rainy here today, too. Guess it doesn't matter as I'm winded walking from my office to the kitchen.
Good for you that you've already started walking. I was planning to start the beginning of the year, but this crud has put all that on hold. And yes, it seems to be lingering forever!
Crystal - those are both fantastic goals! Good luck with them.
Ellejayne - looks like many of us have health in the plans. Now, if we can just get a plan and stick to it. Best of luck with your goals!
EEtzel - do you have the wonderful PVCs too? It's very hard to explain to people what it feels like, but it's very disturbing. I read that some people have 1000s of them a day. I don't think I could take that.
Stacie - good for you! Big changes are hard, but you got through them. Now, it's time to develop the new, fabulous you. I know you can do it. :)
to try to figure out how to make a life for myself and children , that full of evreything
StephanieJS - no, deciding on what you want to be when you grow up is very hard. I was in a CFO position when I started writing books. By all accounts, I should have been happy - after all, I'd reached the top rung of the accounting ladder. But I didn't feel happy or successful. Writing is what I need to be doing and the best change I ever made was quitting that job and becoming a writer.
Good luck on your search!
Erin T - how scary! I am sending you prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery!
catslady - isn't it ridiculous how much stuff can exist in such a small place? We moved from a smaller house into a larger one with more storage and still I stood there wondering how the heck all that stuff had been stored in the smaller house.
Good luck with your purging!
blackroze - that is an excellent goal! I'm sure with your mindset what it is, you will be successful. Happy 2012!
I hope everything heals soon. My plans for this year include trying to put me first every now and again. (I tend to put myself fourth- behind hubs and our two kids). I also want to learn to not just take good pictures, but awesome pictures by taking a photography class or two.
I've missed your humorous mysteries so am greatly looking forward to a new release.
Blessings!
Oh, I meant to say thank you for the win!!
Ello Jana! :)
So sorry to hear about the pain and irony of your back troubles. :( When you were explaining it, I immediately began trying to imagine up a way for you to type without aggravating your back. It may or may not involve the construction of a specialized desk and the purchase of an adjustable massage chair. >.> http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=adjustable+massage+chair&gs_upl=23817l26753l1l27073l11l9l0l0l0l0l177l1123l1.8l9l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&biw=1334&bih=650&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=12144710759007535097&sa=X&ei=MlALT_G4I4qCtge6ienRAQ&ved=0CJwBEPICMAQ
If I can come up with a cheaper solution, I'll get back to you. >.<
In spite of your ergonomic troubles, you've got an impressive list of accomplishments packed into one little year!
I accomplished more than I'd planned in 2011, and here's hoping the same is true in the coming year...as I increasingly gain more of a clue as to what I ought to be doing, and what actually works for me. I suppose the loftiest goal I'm allowing myself (or maybe it's a prayer, they seem so similar at times) is that I would either land an agent, or receive some clear indication that self-publishing is the way I should go. Finishing the current book would be grand, too. ^_^
~Angela Blount
Sending lots of good thoughts for speedy recovery!
My 2012 goals are similar; get healthier than I am now, stop fearing social media, get some projects moved from "if I have time" to "done!"
My plans for 2012 is to lose weight I say that every year and to write I got a new computer no excuse now. I had planned on starting today, but my kids went back to school today and my husband left on a business trip so I had to whole day to do nothing but lay around and watch the end of the soap era. I did write some yesterday 818 words so it hasn't all been a wash
Brandy - I think all women could benefit from your goal. It seems to be an epidemic among our sex that everything gets taken care of except us. Good for you for recognizing it!
Now, remember, you won't be able to "find" time for you, because there's not any. Just take some. Period. :)
Angela - thanks for the link! I have a really good office chair, but I've been looking into other ergonomic options. I also have an air desk, which allows me to work while standing. That hurts at the moment, but I have been assured that in the long wrong, it will help circulation, heart, etc.
I have an appointment with my sports medicine doctor tomorrow, which should help greatly. Am definitely looking forward to that.
And yesterday, I installed Dragon Naturally Speaking and am going to try dictating some of my writing to give my back a break.
The options writers have are at an all-time high. No one can tell you the best decision for you. I can only advise that you carefully weigh all the facts about each form of publishing - the advantages and disadvantages - and then make a decision. For me, the best route is both, but we are all unique in our business needs.
Cricket - sounds like we're working on some of the same things. We can do it - I know it! :)
Michele - sometimes we just have to sit with ourselves. I am bad about pushing myself beyond the limit then crashing. Part of my goals for 2012 is to become more flexible with scheduling.
My plan is to stay in shape and maintain healthy eating habits. It'll be hard for me to stop snacking so much, but I hope I can succeed.
Jane - I find I want to snack when I'm bored, so I guess the key for me is avoiding boredom. LOL
the only new goal I have for this year is I want to get out more. I all of a sudden realized that life is passing me by, so I have booked a cruise and am going to start traveling again!
Otherwise, all the old standby: work out more, clean house more, pet dogs less. :)
Hope you feel better soon!
Wow! My daughter has the asthma and allergies along with other health issues (insulin resistance) so I definitely sympathize with you. We have been trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle (watching carbs and getting some moderate exercise in) to help with her issues but it is so, so hard. We fall down but pick ourselves back up and try, try again. We CAN do this! :-)
Hope you feel better soon. You know, they have bubble wrap for that. lol
I really don't have any goals for 2012. Things are pretty good right now. And I probably just jinxed myself.
Boy, I'm almost as bad as you with the health issues...asthma, allergies, diabetes, breathing issues. I got a tough start this year too with being at Urgent Care Christmas Day with my Mother, again Monday getting her stitches out and again on Thursday with me getting stitches/glued and X-rayed. I tangled with the garage door and LOST! I hope all goes better for you. By the way a good way to start exercising is Deep Water Aerobics! I did 11 years ago and it was the best thing I ever did for my health & body!!!
Wow, hope you feel all better soon. I had a pretty good year last year, and I'm hoping this year is at least as good. I've been following a weight loss and exercise program (Weight Watchers) and have lost quite a bit. I'm planning on continuing that this year. I also read way more books than I had set as a goal, so I hope to match that this year as well.
I hope you feel better soon. Just reading what you're going through makes me want to go back to bed, too.
Nothing planned for 2012. Endless possibilities.
mullymoon - I have always wanted to do a cruise. Maybe I need to check into it. Enjoy yours and good for you for doing something new!
Cheryl - It IS hard, but you're right; we can do it! I hope your daughter has a very healthy 2012!
Kristi - Hey, if things aren't broken, don't fix them! If you're happy, then you're successful. Good for you!
LOL at the bubble wrap. If I get desperate, I may try it!
glittergirl - I've never heard of deep water aerobics, but I'm going to look it up. Thanks for the tip! I hope your 2012 gets smoothed out and goes well. Sounds like you had a rough holiday season!
Barbara - good for you for doing WW and sticking with it! If you've gone this long, I'm sure you'll loose more in 2012. Reading more is something I need to do, but boy, has my reading time dropped since I started writing. No time for everything. :(
Thanks Momma Bear - 2012 is full of endless possibilities, isn't it? That's always the cool part about beginnings. :)
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