I don't know if you noticed

But I never update my blog anymore!

I've been so focused on other things, I just don't have time or the interest. I'm not sure what do with this blog. Delete it? I was actually coming here to create some good educational game links for Gideon, who is now officially obsessed with the computer...and I'm not sure in a good way. Like Mommy and Daddy like son.

I don't know. I guess I'll think on it!

Happy Child Abuse to All and to All a Miserable Lonely Death

What's up with all the horrible movies about awful things happening to children? And around the holidays no less?

First I saw Slumdog Millionaire, which was good, but I literally had to hide my eyes for a scene. And then last night we 'celebrated' New Years' Eve by seeing The Curious Case of Benjamin Button in which I learned that we all die and that love is fleeting and bound to end badly.

Oh, thanks. Like I didn't know that already and really needed reminding of it.

I think that was the first movie I saw that caused me to spontaneously erupt in tears ten minutes AFTER it was over.

I used to take great joy in teasing my mother because she refused to see depressing movies. She liked action movies because the bad guys always get their comeuppance. Now I have officially become my mother. Why do I want to see something depressing? Like life isn't depressing enough?

--Although I did just read The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson, which was good, but also depressing. Good read. Bad ending. And now I've started The Widows of Eastwick. 1/4th of the way through I realized that I never actually read the first one. I just saw the movie. (Not depressing. Probably bad, but seemed sexy and daring when I was like 11.)

Actually, I'm kind of sickeningly happy these days, which is probably why I don't want to be reminded that things always change. If I'm so happy, there's bound to be some misery lurking just around the corner.

Slacker Blogger

I've been such a blogging slacker lately! I guess that's probably a good thing because it means my honest to goodness off the computer life has been too full to sit here typing! I do feel like I've been busy. I guess it's the holidays.

We're going down to the beach house Friday to check it out. It's been all I've been thinking about, even though I've been trying to tell myself NOT to think about it. I've even started compiling my design ideas in a little beach blog. So much fun!!!! I love interior design, even though I'm not that good at it. I thought I could post my reno pictures there too.

I have NOT been exercising enough and I have NOT been writing. So I officially suck. I am blaming this all on winter sucking the life out of me and blaming none of it on my lack of responsibility and general love of sitting on my butt.

Beachy Keen

Before I was born my parents lived in Virginia Beach for a time. My dad was in the navy. Then for several years they split their time between Richmond and the beach. They owned...own...a small ranch house near the bay, and I have vague memories of it. But we stopped going by the time I entered kindergarten. And since then they've rented the house out.

My dad told me tonight that the current tenants, who have been there for the last 12 years, are leaving. And he asked whether we'd like to keep the house. We wouldn't own it (until I inherit it), but it would be ours to use if we paid for the upkeep, taxes and insurance.

Marc and I loved going to the beach last year. The whole oceanfront area has become really family friendly. There were street performers and fireworks and bike rentals. And I've kind of harbored this fantasy that my dad would offer us the use of the house--even though you have to drive to the oceanfront area. It's too far to walk or bike.

There is a park nearby with bike trails and the bay is within walking distance, although I really don't like to swim in anything other than pools! I like looking at the water, though. We could also take Lulu and Taz. I'm pretty sure the yard is even fenced.

The house is small. 972 square feet, according to Zillow and I'm pretty sure it has not been updated in FOREVER, so I don't want to get my hopes up. We could look at it and be overwhelmed. But right now I'm having a wonderful romantic fantasy about our cozy beach house and summers at the beach! We'll go down and take a look at it at the end of December. Right now I'll just keep the dream alive! :)

Home Sweet Home

We're back from our very fun trip!

I heard back about the second contest I entered. Runner up. No request...which is not exactly surprising considering that (like and idiot) I didn't check to see that both contests had the same judge!

I'm kind of bummed, but this is really what writing's all about.

Rejection!

Still...not bad my first time out.

Oh, and Alice asked me if I'd ever publish anything there. No way! Not the book I finished, anyway. :) My blog is listed on my Facebook page!

But the idea I have for the next one is much tamer. I'd feel more comfortable sharing that one!

I won!

I won in my category for one of the contests I entered. :) Yeah! But I didn't get a manuscript request, which I have to admit makes me a little bit sad. I was really hoping. I suppose it's still possible...but...

Still. I won! That's cool, right?

My Screwed Up Life

Child sick all yesterday. Bad cough. Fever at night. Puked chocolate milk on new beige carpet.

Finally slept...until 8:30AM!!!!!!

Cranky all afternoon until finally fell asleep at 3:15PM while we were watching TV.

6:00PM and child is still sleeping?

Child will be up until midnight.

What have I done?