Living with CRS

NaNo Update – Week 2 (A Little Late)

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:19:00 +0000

Who’d a thunk when I agreed to this endeavor that I’d be able to claim Mother Nature got in the way of my NaNo production? Well, it’s true. In case you haven’t heard, the great November Nor’easter tore up the central east coast last week. And I just happen to live right where it landed. Lots of rain, high winds, and extreme high tides wreaked havoc on the area. And knocked out the power in my house for about 18 hours.

Now, I wish I could say this is the sole reason for being about 15K words behind. But we both know I’d be lying. So, some self-doubt mixed with a television addiction, and plain old procrastination would be the real culprits. And a persistent cold. My head feels like it wants to roll off and out the door. And I’m considering letting it go.

There will be some traveling on the agenda for the next couple of weekends, but I’ll be home alone all next week, and that includes the holiday. That means writing my little heart out and though I’ve no delusions of hitting 50K before month end, I’d really like to at least double my current number to finish the month with a minimum of 30K.

If I pull out a miracle, closer to 40K would be a dream.

How is everyone else doing? Still liking the story? Ready to throw the comp out the window? Eaten your weight in chocolate? (Raised hand!) Vent or celebrate here and we’ll all support each other.

Quick First Week Update – NaNomania

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:02:00 +0000

The first week isn’t technically over until after tomorrow, but my weekend is looking busy so I’m throwing this up now. The bad news is, I’m a tad bit behind. The threat of a head cold required a night of cold medicine intake which resulted in sleeping the night away. All of it. So, one slow night and one zero night means writing like a fiend tonight and tomorrow. I’d really like to at least be caught up before week two starts.

The good news is, I’m having a blast. Turns out, being able to tell yourself you don’t have time to second guess, and meaning it, works wonders. Can’t remember a minor name you used 12 pages ago? Put [look back for name] and move on. Know that you need to add some info to the first two scenes to make the motivations clear? Make a mental note and keep those fingers going.

Talk about freedom!

I’m seeing parts of the story I’ve never been able to see before. Thinking of goals and motivation without wanting to jump out a window. And looking forward to having something substantial to revise. Crazy. I also wrote the most words in one night that I've ever done when 2000 words flowed onto the paper last night. I'm still wondering where all those words came from.

Would love to hear how everyone’s first week is going. Is the story writing itself? Are the characters running amuck? Anyone brought in an alien abduction just to spice things up? Fellow NaNoers want to know!

Amazingly Proud

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:16:00 +0000

Last week, we had our first parent/teacher conference of the school year. Kiddo is in fifth grade this year and I’m happy to report, this is her best year by far. Her teachers love her, she loves them, and other than getting off to a slow start, she’s doing very well. We started the meeting with one of her teachers reading me something Kiddo had written that day. It was so amazing I nearly cried. I’ve been waiting ever since to get a copy so I could proudly share it with all of you.

This short work was inspired by Dr. Seuss and I’m completely willing to admit, my daughter may turn out to be a better writer than I will ever be.

To Fly by Isabelle Osburn

I flutter and I flit, it’s time to leave my nest.
I say it’s time, but they won’t listen to me.
As I take my stance, ready to fly, the world is big,
But I can do it.
Colors and coral trees and flowers,
But as I say, it’s time, it’s time, it’s time.
I hear those words again and again.
I hear one voice, a voice that tells me great things.
“You will fly,” it tells me. “You will fly.”
The power of the Universe will help you,
The sun, the wind, the trees, and the sea will help you.

I jump off that nest and the voice was right,
I do fly, I do.

I think it's clear where I find my inspiration.

Letting LETTING GO Go

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 02:30:00 +0000

I know this title is confusing, but it’ll make sense in a minute. And for the record, this is a POSITIVE blog.

I received feedback on the first three chapters of my WIP this week, and the information was encouraging and enlightening. There were observations I’ve never heard before, which was great. And much of it confirmed issues I’ve been feeling but couldn’t pin down.

Imagine the opportunity to climb into the mind of a top editor, read their thought processes, understand what they’re looking for, and receive tips on how to achieve what it is you want to create. So many authors write in a bubble then submit, get rejected, and never really know why. I’ve been fortunate to learn now why I would be rejected and what I need that I’m missing.

What I’ve also figured out is that LETTING GO as it is now, the plot and conflict I’ve created, is not a viable story. At least not to be a Single Title Contemporary, which is what I want to write.

I’m not completely giving up on Bryan and Celi and I already have some ideas to transform the story. But for now, I’m moving on. I’ve had several story ideas pop into my head in the last couple years, all of which I’ve pushed to the back until I could finish this first WIP. It’s time to give those stories a chance.

I’m now plotting and developing a new story in preparation for NaNo. It’s set in a small town high school in Ohio (no resemblance to Glee) and comes ready-made with great built-in conflict. I’m excited about starting something new and look forward to making it shine.

Thank you to everyone who visits this blog and cheers me on in this crazy endeavor. And thank you for loving my characters and always having something sweet to say about my writing. As I always say, you can never have too much sunshine shot up your…tookus.

Your turn to share. Anything you’ve given up that you realized you should have let go of a long time ago? Ever have that liberating feeling? Anyone jumping into something new and exciting?

Honors and E-Readers and Company, Oh My!

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:46:00 +0000

I interrupt the progress report nature of this blog to throw a little life update into the mix.

This Saturday, I will don my black, tent-like cap & gown and join hundreds of other crazy adults to attend my college graduation ceremony. It has been nineteen years since I sported this get up, though the last time was bright yellow so this is exponentially better, and I'm still a little dazed. To add to my surreal state, I learned I'm graduating Magna Cum Laude. Upon reading those words on this little name card of mine, my first response was "What does that mean?!" I knew it was good, but I didn't know specifics.

My next response, upon learning the details, was "No freaking way." I have since progressed to "Ha!" And I'm ignoring the annoying inner critic in my head who keeps saying, "You know, if you'd tried a bit harder and not waited until the last minute to do everything, you could have reached Summa Cum Laude."

Bitch.

To mark this momentous occasion, my family is coming to visit. My ENTIRE family. None of them have ever seen my apartment. Neither of my brothers have ever even been to this city as long as I've lived here. My dad hasn't been here in over four years. This is a big deal. And I'm excited, but I'm also a little trepidatious. You see, these are not the happiest people on the planet. In fact, they're downright miserable and tend to bicker. And fight. A lot. It's not pretty.

But I'm looking forward to having them visit (partially because I've rented them an apartment for the weekend – cheaper than it sounds! – and I can still sleep in my own bed.) We're also celebrating Christmas while they're here, since I never sent presents home last December and I want this stuff out of my storage room. Presents always reduce cranky-pants behavior, right? Anyone?

In other awesome news, one of my bosses and another co-worker went in together and bought me a Sony Reader (that's exactly it to the left). Can you believe that? It's the touch screen one that reads to you. Seriously! I can plug in my headphones and relax to the robotically soothing sounds of a monotone love scene. Okay, I don't really know what it's going to sound like, but it's still cool. Now, to figure out a) how it works and b) where to find digital books that aren't priced stupidly high.

To tie in some writing news with this, I'm still waiting on the feedback from the writing coach, though she did say at first glance that it looked "hilarious". Her word. Can you believe it? Me neither. I mean, I kind of go for funny, but hilarious? That's just cool.

I also posted my first paragraph in Nathan Bransford's 3rd Sort-of-Annual Stupendously Ultimate First Paragraph Challenge. Coolest title for a contest ever. But then, I expect nothing less from the coolest man in the writing industry blogosphere. (I can't believe my Word did not mark blogosphere as misspelled. It didn't recognize trepidatious but got blogosphere?) While I'm writing this there are well over 2000 entries and still nearly five hours left to enter. I'm not holding my breath at all.

I am participating in NaNoWriMo though not in the traditional sense. I'm not about to start a book from scratch just to appease the rules over there, nor am I willing to figure out how to navigate that site. But I have made a deal with Hellion and we'll be doing it together. She hits the 50K mark, she'll finish the first draft. (Freaking show-off) If I hit the 50K mark, I'll be right around the black moment and that works for me.

So there you have it, what is going on in the life of aspiring-writer, slacker-extraordinaire Terri Osburn. If you think this is boring, you should have read the original post that included my new matching coffee table and end tables, and the exploits of my cat who in less than 24 hours managed to crawl inside my fridge and to the highest point in my closet, which is nearly seven feet off the ground. No idea how he accomplished either feat.

Anyone else doing NaNo?

You May Think It's Funny But It's Snot

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 01:17:00 +0000

I promised an update and I have been remiss. But I have a good excuse. I’ve spent the last three weeks revising the first three chapters of this WIP, and then last week I also needed to write the synopsis. The synopsis is what I was dreading. On the plus side, I had already loosely plotted the story, loosely being the key word. On the minus side, I still hadn’t completely settled on the black moment or how I was going to make the resolution believable.

But I’m happy to report, I did it (with the help of Anne Gracie!) and the black moment is awesome (if I do say so myself) and I’m super excited about writing the rest of this story. That could all change in a matter of days, but for now, I’m feeling good!

Now, to the snippet. So Celi and Bryan had another encounter in the bar (before drinks were had) and Bryan ended up stepping on Celi’s foot. For the record, once again, it was Celi’s fault. Not that she would admit that, stubborn child (don’t tell her I said that). Anyhoo, Celi was so fed up with how her weekend was going, she drank a few Amoretto Sours too many. Okay, like eight too many.

Bryan did not imbibe and has just arrived back home to find a surprise sitting against his door.

Balancing on the balls of his feet, he couldn’t decide what to do next. He had to let her know he was there, but he didn’t want to startle her. Gently, Bryan reached over and tapped her on the shoulder.

Without lifting her head, Celi said, “What?” So much for startling her.

“You’re in front of my door.”

“Wha-,” she started but as soon as she looked up, her arms flew up to cover her head and she started screaming. “Don’t hurt me, oh God, don’t hurt me.”

Taken by surprise, Bryan lost his balance and found himself sitting on the floor with her. “Would you calm down? I’m not going to hurt you. Why the hell would I hurt you?”

The crazy woman stopped her imitation of a banshee but refused to lower her arms. Peaking under her elbow she said, “Every time I’ve seen you in the last two days you’ve hurt me. First my hip when you almost ran me over, then my hip again when I ran into that ugly chair, and tonight when you stepped on my foot.” Taking one arm down to point to her foot she added, “I think you broke my toe.”

Bryan wanted to yell back. He wanted to tell her she was out of her mind and all those run-ins were her fault. But he couldn’t. She looked so sad and lost, and he was so tired. Tired of being angry.

“I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I don’t even know you. What are you talking about, an ugly chair?

“This morning, when I walked out of my apartment, I nearly ran into that chair you were carrying and ended up landing on my ass. Again.” After wiping the tears from her eyes she reached her right hand inside her left sleeve and used it to blow her nose.

Bryan struggled to keep a straight face. “I had no idea. How about we start over?” Bryan thought about shaking her hand then remembered the nose blowing and kept his hands to himself. “My name’s Bryan.”

“Celi.”

“Sealy? Like the mattress?”

Going from sad and lost to angry and sarcastic in record time she said, “No, that’s my name. Celi. C-E-L-I. It’s short for Cecelia.”

“Well, Celi, if you don’t mind, I’d like to go to bed.”

“I am not going to bed with you!” Celi punctuated her outrage by kicking him in the foot.
Just when he started thinking she might be sane. “I didn’t mean go to bed with you. Just to bed. In my own bed.” Before she could kick him again he clarified. “Alone.”

Celi crossed her arms over her chest and said, “Then go. Who’s stopping you?”

“You are.”

“Am not.”

“Am too.” They sounded like four year olds and before she could keep the comedy skit going, he said, “You’re blocking my door.”

Celi looked behind her as if she’d forgotten where she was. When she turned back he raised his brows and waited for her to get up. He should have known it couldn’t be that easy.

“This is my door. Your door is over there,” and she pointed to the door behind him, her door.

Taking a deep breath then letting it out slowly, Bryan put every ounce of patience he had left into his next words. “That is your door.” Holding up a hand to cut off her argument he continued. “See, that door says 3A. The door you’re leaning on says 3D. You live in 3A, don’t you?”

Celi’s face went blank and Bryan worried she might be too drunk to know her own address. Then the dawn of enlightenment hit and her eyes became giant blue saucers. “That’s why the key wouldn’t work. I knew I had the right key.”

Basking in the joy of knowing she knew which key went to her front door, Celi didn’t seem in a hurry to get up. Leaving her out here started looking better and better.

“Do you think you could get up now? It’s late and I’m tired.”

Celi stopped celebrating with her keychain long enough to look into his eyes. “If you’re tired, why don’t you go to bed?”

Time for drinking stories. Ever been so drunk you couldn’t find your front door? Your street? Your hand in front of your face? Lets share!

And They Meet Again

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:39:00 +0000

First, I have to correct something. And I’m amazed Hellie didn’t correct me sooner. The character in The Holiday is named Arthur, not Walter. You’d think I’d know better than to rely on my memory at this point. Sheesh.

So, I’ve been revising the first three chapter of the WIP to send off to the writing coach by the 25th. There’s no way I can have this final-draft ready by then, but I’m sure as heck not sending her first draft crappola either. The beginning was tough, but I’m enjoying it a bit more now. Cutting things is getting easier, and what I’m adding is more powerful and maintains the quick pace I like. I think it does anyway.

So tonight I reached one of my favorite parts, the second encounter. Celi gets the last word in this one, but the entire exchange is fun. That’s one of the great parts about writing these argument scenes, you can take time to come up with that perfect comeback you’d never be able to think of on the spot in real life.

So, I give you, the next, slightly less painful (for Celi anyway) encounter…

"You."

One word pegged Celi against the door with the accuracy of a knife thrower. Yellow-green eyes reflected her own surprise and ignited half a dozen conflicting emotions. The traitorous tremor of excitement at seeing him again being the most unsettling.

Forgetting the fact she’d been admiring his ass less than thirty seconds ago and that he’d just carried a chair into the apartment behind him, Celi said the first thing that came to mind. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Moving in." The man stood with his feet planted wide, shoulders back and hands in fists at his sides.

As if her brain refused to accept the obvious Celi pointed over his shoulder and asked, "In there?"

"No, downstairs. I just thought I’d haul all my crap up here first." His southern drawl stronger than she remembered, he shifted his weight from one foot to the other and pointed out another obvious fact. "I guess this means we’re neighbors. Lucky me."

Between the pain in her hip, the now thumping pain in her head and Mr. pain-in-the-ass, Celi failed to come up with a snappy comeback. She’d probably think of one by Monday.

How she’d missed the size of him last night she didn’t know. Celi stood at 5 foot 10 so jerk boy had to be a good bit over 6 feet. A wall of muscle, his shoulders went on forever, filling the doorway behind him like a curtain. His tattered University of Alabama t-shirt appeared to have lost its sleeves long ago, the tattoo on his left bicep looked tribal, and he was no stranger to the sun if his tan skin and sun streaked hair were any indication.

Once she’d taken him in from head to toe her eyes moved back to his face to find a smug grin and one brow raised nearly to his hairline. That damn look again. The comeback showed up sooner than expected. "Yes, lucky me. I always wanted an idiot for a neighbor. Let’s just hope we can manage not to run into each. Or should I say run over?"

"As long as one of us watches where she’s going I’m sure we’ll be fine." He’d emphasized the word "she’s" and his accent turned "fine" into a two syllable word.

The nerve. "Listen, Mr. Alabama, I don’t know what your problem is but I’d say our best bet is to stay as far away from each other as possible. Now if you’ll be so kind as to get out of my way, I’ll start that distance thing right now."

Stepping back to let her through he said, "I don’t have a problem Miss stick-up-my-ass and how do you know I’m from Alabama?"

Celi started down the steps throwing a response over her shoulder without looking back. "I’d suggest you read your shirt but maybe that’s more than you can handle. When you’re done bench pressing that furniture you might want to pick up a book."

Block head may have had some snappy come back but whatever he said was drowned out by the sound of Miranda’s horn. Celi would never complain about Miranda’s honking again.

As you can probably figure out, it’s mentioned that his shirt says UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA before we get to this part. Now it’s onto the ball field and then to the bar for encounter number three. That one involves alcohol and leads to a much funnier encounter number four. Nothing more romantic than a drunk woman wiping her nose on her sleeve, right?

The Meet Cute

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:05:00 +0000

If you’ve ever watched The Holiday (and if you haven’t you must watch it ASAP!) you might remember Walter telling Iris how all the best classic films started with a meet cute. That cute, usually funny, totally random moment of coincidence when the hero and heroine meet. The moment that marks the beginning of their journey to their very own HEA.

Since I am a fan of the meet cute, in movies or books, it should come as no surprise that I’ve made an effort to create a meet cute in my WIP. Mine includes a close call, an exchange of insults, plenty of sarcasm (since that’s an ingredient I can’t seem to shake), and a touch of attraction. Unwelcome attraction, but attraction all the same.

To set this up, Bryan has just nearly run over Celi in her apartment complex parking lot. For the record, and because Bryan would never forgive me if I don’t make this clear, it’s completely Celi’s fault.

Oh shit. Oh shit. Oh shit.
Heart racing out of his chest, Bryan ignored the rocks digging into his skin as he knelt over the woman he might have just killed. Her eyes were closed, her body still. Only when her breath brushed his cheek did Bryan realize he’d been holding his own.
She’s alive.
A glance down the length of her body revealed a magazine open across one leg and a scattering of white envelopes, but no blood or obvious broken bones. A head injury would be hard to determine through the mass of chestnut curls spread across the pavement.
Reaching to move those curls brought him nose to nose with the woman and Bryan nearly jumped to his feet when her eyes flew open. Staring into blues eyes the color of the sky before a storm, his heart not only stopped racing; it stopped completely.
"Am I still alive?" she asked calmly.
"It seems that way."
“Damn.”
The woman made an effort to sit up; groaned and laid back. Looking up to the sky once more she said, "Where the hell did that car come from? It almost killed me."
Adrenaline still pumping, fear for her life changed to irritation at the idea this was somehow his fault. Bryan sat back on his heels. "Where did I come from? Where did you come from? I only almost killed you because you walked out in front of me."
"You’re the idiot that almost ran me over?" she asked raising her head as far off the ground as she could without getting up. Her eyes grew darker and a wrinkle appeared between her brows.
"Idiot?" She called him an idiot. Amazing. "I’m the idiot? You walked out in front of me. You’re lucky I was able to stop at all." Talk about ungrateful.
"Lucky? I’m the one laying on the ground and I’m the lucky one?"
Bryan raised his voice to match hers. "You’re only laying on the ground because you walked in front of a moving car. You never even looked. How can that be my fault?"
Sure he couldn't get any angrier, the banshee proved him wrong with her next statement.
"Of course, nothing could be your fault. Typical male."

Needless to say, the scene goes down hill from here. Celi comes out of it with a broken cell phone, a broken heel (on her shoe), and a badly bruised hip. Bryan comes out of it with a damaged ego, a good dose of frustration, and pity for the man who ends up with this crazy woman. Ha! Little does he know.

This is one of the few scenes to survive the great deletion of 2008. I’m glad it did. I kind of like it. A furious exchange of insults is something with which I’m well acquainted.

Next time, we’ll move to the second run-in. Right now, I’m working very hard to turn my limited POV into deep POV. Wish me luck.

The Introduction

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 02:54:00 +0000

I promised a sneak peak at LETTING GO, my first attempt at a Romance novel, and I’m here to deliver. I give you, the summary.

Sometimes what you think you want isn’t necessarily what you need. And sometimes what you need, doesn’t just land in your lap, it knocks you on your ass.

The one thing Celi Cooper wants is to be taken seriously by her boss. The last thing she wants is to become the victim of a hit-n-run. Unfortunately for her, she gets both. Though she survives the hit and the guy doesn’t really run, she wishes he had. Not only is the man infuriating, he’s her new neighbor and hot to boot. So when her boss assigns her an account all her own, Celi’s life is flipped upside down when the client turns out to be the stranger seemingly sent to do her in.

Bryan Riggs is determined to open his own restaurant and fulfill a promise. He knows his food will win over the customers, but first he has to get them in the door. For that, he needs help, but the last person he wants to work with is the crazy neighbor who won’t stay out of his way or his thoughts. With no other option and a truce in place, Bryan sets out to open his restaurant and ends up opening his heart.

In a story about headaches, heartaches and the ultimate healing, two damaged people go from enemies to friends to lovers. But if they’re ever going to find that elusive happily ever after, both will have to let go of the past and put their heart in someone else’s hands.

This is a brief introduction to my story. It’s rough and thrown together, much like my characters, but gives a pretty good summation of what this story is about.

To go a little more in depth:
Celi has abandonment issues. Men, starting with her father, have a habit of walking away from her and never looking back. As you can imagine, this doesn’t do much for a girl’s self-esteem.

One years ago, Bryan was engaged, picking out rings, and planning the rest of his life with the woman he loved. But in a split second, all that was taken away and the only thing he has left is the dream they shared of opening a restaurant.

Celi has no intention of ever giving another man the chance to walk away.

Bryan has no intention of taking the chance of loving and losing again.

Celi needs to make the launch of Bryan’s restaurant the biggest splash the town has ever seen in order to convince her boss she deserves a promotion.

Bryan needs his restaurant to be a success or he’ll not only lose his future, he’ll lose everything he has.

This seems like the perfect situation for them both. But, life is never quite that simple, now is it?

A New Outlook

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 01:39:00 +0000

Today I ventured out to see the movie Julie & Julia. I’m sure it will be no surprise to hear that I loved it. The best I’ve seen Meryl Streep in years and Stanley Tucci really does steal your heart every moment he’s on screen. Anyone who has ever been a cog in the wheel of cubicle land can relate to Julie Powell. Add in her feelings of failure for not becoming the writer everyone, including she, expected, and I can more than relate. I’m so used to seeing Amy Adams in period pieces or breaking into song, it was nice to see her looking just like the rest of us. Well, she could never really look like the rest of us, but you know what I mean.

There was something Julie kept saying in the film that I’ve seen discussed on more than one writing blog. The idea that you’re not a writer unless someone publishes you. Her husband kept correcting her that she was a writer whether she was ever published or not, and I’d like to think she would have come around to agreeing with him even if she hadn’t won the book deal from the blog.

So I guess you can tell, since I haven’t updated here in way too long, that I left the theater inspired to blog again. One of the reasons I haven’t been updating is because I didn’t think I had anything interesting enough to talk about. But today it hit me, I’m attempting to write a full length novel. On top of that, I’m attempting to get that novel published and then write another one. Get that one published and write another one. I think you see where this is going.

This week I’ll post a “Where we stand right now” blog to bring everyone up to date with the story so far, then I’ll update as the story progresses. I’ve been writing steadily now for six weeks and am having more fun than I expected. Why not share that fun with everyone else?

Tune in later this week to get up to date on the current work in progress, LETTING GO, and come back often to follow the adventures of Celi and Bryan.

I Can't Believe It

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:40:00 +0000

It’s over. I think I’m a little dazed and going into shock. Three and a half years of my life have been dedicated to obtaining my Bachelors degree. I’ve taken my last final, turned in all the reports and papers, and I’m done. *blinks* It’s really over. I mean, I knew it would end someday, but it still feels unreal.

In December of 2005, I had a new apartment I couldn’t afford, a temporary job that didn’t pay the bills, and a truck out for repossession. I had no presents for Christmas and no idea where I’d get the money to make the two trips I was required to make from Virginia to Tennessee. With everything falling apart, I somehow made the decision to go back to college. I decided to sign up for online classes when I didn’t even own a computer.

The difference from then until now is astronomical. A change in mindset, in lifestyle, in circumstances. A change in direction, in friendships, in goals. I feel accomplished and lucky, liberated and rejuvenated, happy and perplexed. What do I do now? Luckily, I have an answer. I’m going to write a book. Hopefully, it won’t take three and a half years.

I think this is the first time in my life I’ve felt like I accomplished something real. Okay, it’s not exactly the same as giving birth, but that feels more like a biological magic trick for which I was just along for the ride. Either way, I have my greatest treasure to thank for both. She made both experiences better for having played a part.

Softball Update and an Introduction

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Sun, 24 May 2009 04:23:00 +0000

I know if I say we lost our last game 18-0 you probably wouldn’t expect me to follow that up by saying we’re getting better. But we are. My pitcher has been taking lessons and is much better than she was when we started the season. So good that the other team is now getting pitches to hit. Not so good because my players have never actually had to field a ball before and run around the field like drunk keystone cops, but at least the other team is earning their runs and we’re not walking them all in.

Now, to the new man in my life. He’s everything I wanted. Affectionate, loving, devoted. He has beautiful green eyes, is adorably playful, and totally healthy except for a few ear mites which we’re working on. Yes, that’s right, I’m in love with a kitten.

May I introduce, Bumblebee.

Is he not the cutest thing you ever did see? He’s nine weeks old, weighs just over two pounds, and really is everything I say above. He sleeps all night, curled up in my bed, wakes me at exactly six every morning for breakfast, and sits in the windowsill waiting for us to come home every afternoon. We’ve been together for one week and I already can’t imagine life without him.

Kiddo is as much in love as I am so it’s going to be hard when she has to head half way across the country in a month to spend the summer with her dad. Someone asked if she was taking him with her and my instant response was “NO!”

Anyone else have any recent additions to the family they want to brag about? Any kitty or puppy stories? Hope everyone is having a good Memorial Day weekend!

The Getaway

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Fri, 15 May 2009 01:55:00 +0000

I’ve been sitting here trying to think of something really creative and witty to put up here, since I’ve been so remiss about updating, but I got nothing. Not that I have nothing to talk about, just that I can’t think of an interesting way to talk about it. So I’ll sum up then post some pictures.

Senior Seminar is tough but gets easier every week and once I narrow in on a topic for the final paper (and write the thing), I’ll be home free. The Sociology class is interesting if a bit depressing. Reading about some of the horrific things humans do to each other is not the happiest way to spend your evenings.

The writing is still on hold, but I can almost feel my characters getting anxious. They know as well as I do I’ll have loads of writing time come July. Let’s just hope they’ll continue to be patient just a little while longer.

The real news is out trip to the Outer Banks. Happy Mother’s Day to me! I have this habit of buying my own presents these days since no one else does. Not that my daughter wouldn’t happily buy me presents, but if you have to give her the money and then take her to the store, you might as well pick out what you want. J

So I picked the Outer Banks, recruited Hellion to tag along, packed up the trunk and hit the Bypass. Ninety minutes later we were cruising down the middle of the barrier reef islands with the Atlantic Ocean to our left and Roanoke Sound to our right.

A two bedroom cabin less than 30 yards from the ocean served as home base. Sand castles were built, sea shells collected, crab legs eaten, and historical sites thoroughly explored. From the spot where the English first set foot on American soil (that’s right, BEFORE Jamestown) to the spot where man first took flight, the Outer Banks has it all.

I’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

Anyone else taken a little trip lately? Have you planned your summer vacation? Ever been to the Outer Banks? (Tune in next week for an exciting announcement about a new edition to the family.)

Reflection on the first game…

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:26:00 +0000

Well, I'm not going to lie, it could have been better. But, it also could have been worse. Unfortunately, the team we played had something we don't have, a pitcher. I adore my little girls and bless their hearts they tried, however, we just haven't found our pitcher yet.

There's a six run rule which means at the point a team scores six runs in an inning, that half of the inning is over and the other team gets a turn. There's also a rule that no game should exceed 90 minutes, but for some reason that rule wasn’t followed. Lovely.

Anywho, it took two hours to complete three innings (yes, that's as painful as it sounds) and all done in nearly 100 degree heat. I kid you not, it was a mostly unpleasant experience. And I have the sunburn to show for it. (Yes, I took sun block. No, I did not put it on. *sigh*) But once the parents saw there's was more than little old me could handle alone, they hopped off those bleachers and did a great job to help me out. I really appreciated that.

So the final score was 18 to 15. We came up three runs short due to a couple of girls I couldn’t convince to stop swinging at bad pitches. But I appreciate how much they wanted to hit the ball. And the ones who did hit the ball did a terrific job. It's nice to know that the majority of our runs came from hitting and not walks or beamed batters. The beamed batters thing is a whole other subject.

We have two practices before our next game and if I'm correct, the team we play Saturday is a group smaller and with less experience than us, so it's going to be another long (in time) short (in innings) game. It'll be pitching, pitching, pitching all week. Maybe my kiddo will have some luck. If nothing else I know she'll be able to get it across the plate. Now, getting it over without killing anyone is another question…

Anyone else spending time at the ball field these days? Anyone else have an extremely uneven and splotchy tan like I do? I suggest buying stock in anyone producing aloe as I'm pretty much keeping them in business.

Faith Renewed

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 02:58:00 +0000

I don’t always have a positive outlook on people in general. Let’s face it, this world can be a pretty messed up place. But thankfully, things happen often enough to renew my faith in human-kind. One of those things happened this weekend.

I live in a large military area and while living here, you get used to seeing soldiers everywhere. Men and women in uniform blanket this area, so to say patriotism is an everyday thing is an understatement.

This weekend I flew my daughter half way across the country, then turned around and flew home a little over 12 hours later. By the time I got on my last flight back to Norfolk, I had been traveling for about 28 hours and just wanted to get home. I flew Southwest and if you haven’t taken that airline lately, there are no assigned seats. You get a letter and number and that combination tells when you can get on the plane. Once on, you sit wherever you can find a seat. The early boarding combinations are highly desired if you don’t want to be in the last row…in a middle seat.

Saturday afternoon, in the Baltimore airport, before anyone else boarded, the Southwest rep came on the intercom and asked if there were any military personnel in uniform on this flight. He offered that they pre-board first. One soldier walked to the door, and the rest of us applauded. My faith was once again renewed. Maybe we human beings aren’t so messed up after all.

Here’s a video of a performance from the Academy of Country Music awards held recently in Las Vegas. It’s Trace Adkins performing with the West Point Glee Club on a song called ‘Til the Last Shot’s Fired. The video and song are available at CBS.com or iTunes and the proceeds benefit the Wounded Warriors organization. It’s less than $3 and it’ll make you feel better about human-kind.

Enjoy.

Another New Adventure Begins or Bats in My Belfry

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:55:00 +0000

I have been remiss in updating this blog, but I have a good reason. I wish I could say it was because I was writing the next great American novel, but no. I had a major project due for school and when I wasn't working on it, because lets be honest and admit I put it off way longer than I should have, I was thinking and stressing about it. But, it was turned in this Tuesday (almost complete *sigh*) so other than a couple of final exams, I'm done for the next few weeks. Whoot!

Then I begin the slide into home. Which is ironic as I've gone and done something insane that will require me to teach little girls how to slide into home. That's right, while writing my final paper for school (and taking a sociology course) I'll be coaching eleven little girls, ages 7 to 9, in modified fast pitch softball. Have I coached softball before? Nope.

I'm still not sure what possessed me to volunteer. Rather, I know what possessed me I just wish I'd had the willpower to fight the need to be the savior. You see, my daughter's team had no coach and if someone didn't step forward, they were going to have to refund the money and seven little girls would not get to play. Since the four that would be moved to the other two teams would be based on who registered first, there's a chance my kiddo would still get to play. But I didn't know for sure and I didn't want the other girls to lose out. So, I stepped forward. Damn it.

We are the Neptunes and our first practice is this coming Monday. I figure for the next few months at least I'll have an interesting blog topic. (Like how parents react when you curse from the center of the field.) So far, the only girl on my team I know has played before is my own daughter. Which means we're starting from scratch and I have less than a month to teach these little girls everything they need to know about the game of softball. I played for almost 15 years, so I know the game. Which means I also know there's no way I can teach them everything they need to know in less than a month. Not with 120 minutes worth of practice a week.

But I'm staying positive. Some parents have already offered to step forward and help out. So I'm running on the idea that all of these girls have been gifted with natural talent and this is going to be a dream gig. I've decided they can call me Coach T and as soon as I get used to the fact that that's me, I'll try to answer as best I can.

Have you ever done something you knew wasn't the best idea but you just couldn't stop yourself? Did it turn out well? Any coaching advice? Anyone have any spare medication they'd like to send my way?

I Need an iNtervention

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:52:00 +0000

In my list of favorite things I mentioned my iPod. Let me say that a little over a year ago, I didn't see the need for one of these. I could play my CDs in my car and there's always the radio. As a former disc jockey, I'm programmed to prefer radio over satellite or MP3 players. But then I saw the light.

For my 2007 birthday, I didn't get a single present. So I bought my own. (This happens pretty much every year which works out well as I have an excuse to buy me something extravagant. Hello new car!) What I bought was an iPod Nano. And I fell in love.

I take this little gem everywhere I go. It holds around 2000 songs, but right now I only have maybe 700-something on it. I'm in the process of adding a ton of my CDs into the computer so my list is always growing. But another reason my list is always growing is iTunes.

iTunes is my nemesis and my new love all at the same time. You can buy just the song, people. I don't have to buy every uninteresting, over-popped, over-produced song just to get that one I like. The other night I spent $20 in one sitting (songs are $.99 each) and only one purchase was an entire CD. The rest was individual songs like three from The Fray and that Jai Ho from the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack.

Don't get me wrong, I agree with Kid Rock who thinks this breaking up of the product was a horrible move on the part of the music industry. He's right. Artists go into the studio to create an album (to use the now antiquated word for the compilation) and that is their product. They put their heart and soul into the entire collection and that's what they are selling. Making it possible for the consumer to buy one tenth of the product makes the product worthless. Why not just offer a bunch of songs and forget about it?

However, I'm taking advantage of the industry's poor decision making. I do try to listen to the 30 second snippets of all the songs on a CD and if I like enough of them, I'll buy the entire thing. I love finding a gem that you'd never hear on the radio. But when I don't like that many and I only want two or three songs, I love that I can get them without the complete investment.

How about everyone else? Have you jumped on the MP3/iPod bandwagon? Do you spend way too much time looking for new music and way too much money buying it? What's the latest artist/song you've fallen in love with. This is my latest obsession. Natasha Bedingfield's Soulmate.

My Favorite Things

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:33:00 +0000

I realize I am no Oprah (though I'd kill to take over her show when she finally gives it up) but I have some new favorite things. As I'm feeling generous (and needed something new on this blog that did not involve whining), so I'm going to share them with you.

Sportswear – I'm sure you'll all gasp in shock when I say I am not the workout type. I don't have "workout clothes" and never have. I played sports for many years but that only required sweats and a few old t-shirts. Now, I have found the joy and comfort that is sportswear. You have to get some of these Lux Suede Fleece Pants from Reebok. I found them at one of those wholesale stores for like $12 or some such. They are AMAZING. I also love this polyester, stretchy, long-sleeved top I found from Champion, but can't find it on the web anywhere. It has a nice collar with a ¾ length zipper and the texture on the inside is uber-soft. Fits perfectly and I found it at the same wholesale store. I really need to go back and get more of these things.

iPod – I'm clearly not talking about *new* things here, but I really do love my iPod. It's the greatest invention since indoor plumbing. To have so much music in one little device that sounds great, fits anywhere, and even works with my car radio is like finding the Holy Grail to me. The cup one I guess, not the dead body one. And speaking of books…

Eat Pray Love – This book by Elizabeth Gilbert is a treasure. Again, as this book was released in 2006, I'm clearly far behind the rest of civilization. In this memoir, Ms. Gilbert spends a year abroad with four months in Italy, four months in India, and four months in Indonesia. Along the way she meets some colorful characters, herself, and her new love. Pretty much in that order. This is one that when I'm finished I'll likely read it again with a highlighter in hand to mark all the lines I want to remember. This book should be mandatory reading for every woman over thirty. Not that I would discriminate and say a woman under thirty can't read it, but women over thirty would absolutely benefit from this read.

Chocolate Frosting – This explains why I need the sportswear. There is very little in this world as satisfying as sitting down with a canister of good old-fashioned chocolate frosting…and a spoon. Upon the first bite, my eyes actually roll back in my head. I have no problem admitting my addiction to chocolate and I manage to stay on the wagon for long periods of time. But then I fall off. I have not only fallen off these days, I'm being dragged along under the wheels. I thought I would treat myself over the Valentine's weekend (since no one else was going to) and bought a yellow cake mix with chocolate frosting. The cake mix is still in the cupboard. Now I have to buy another container of frosting. Darn.

SPRING – Have I mentioned I don't like being cold. Actually, that's an understatement. I HATE to be cold. And I'm ALWAYS cold. I have a little heater that sits under my desk at work. I use it year round. Even when it's 100 degrees outside. Mostly to battle back against the air conditioning. So I am ecstatic that Spring is forcing its way in here in the Va Beach area. We've hit over 70 degrees already. Grant it, then it went back to the 30s and we had a little dusting of snow. And though it's beautiful today, they are calling for snow this weekend. (Which means we will see nothing. Trust me.) The sun is shining and the temps are rising and I am very, very grateful for it.

There you go, some of my favorite things. My guess is that you can't buy Spring, but the rest of the stuff is pretty easy to find. I really recommend that chocolate frosting. And then wearing those fleece pants on the treadmill.

What are your favorite things? Any new discoveries lately? Anyone get anything really cool from their sweetie that give the rest of us awesome-present-envy?

Would The Real Terrio Please Stand Up

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:38:00 +0000

It's a truth that I don't like what I look like. Now, before y'all start barking at me, what I mean is that I don't think my outside looks like my inside. Gee, that doesn't sound right either. I guess I mean what I look like doesn't match who I am.

I might be having an identity crisis.

Let me give a "for instance". I went to a Nickelback concert a couple years ago with a group of people. Ages ranged from near forty to six years old. I stood next to a 15 year old kid. For some reason, I kept getting twinges that I shouldn't be screaming my fool head off, singing along with every word, and dancing like I forgot my pole in the parking lot. What can I say? I'm a headbanger from way back and I LOVE Nickelback. Have you heard that growl Chad Kroeger does? 'Nuff said.

On the other hand, I can do a pretty good two step and feel as at home at a George Strait concert as I do at a Nickelback show. Then there's the me who is taking my daughter to the Opera next month. Oh, and the me who has spent this week listening to the latest Ne-Yo CD on loop on my iPod. The Year of the Gentleman. Awesome. Highly recommend it.

Not that I think judging a book by its cover is always a good idea, but for most people you can get a sense of who they are upon first meeting them. All based on their outward appearance. Their style of dress, their hair color or cut. There's something special about most everyone that sets them apart.

I don't think I stand apart. I'm….dare I say it….ordinary. Vanilla. Gah! I hate that word. LOL! Maybe it's that I'm too eclectic to look like any one thing. Yeah, that sounds better. I'm not ordinary, I'm deceptively eclectic.

Do you think who you appear to be on the outside is who you are on the inside? Is there something *special* about you that people notice right off? (A good kind of special here.) Could it be I'm just trying to cling to my youth as I creep ever closer to forty? While I'm asking silly question, anyone willing to nominate me for one of those make over shows so I can change up the look?

Look Out, Minor Vent Ahead

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:17:00 +0000

It's time to come clean. I've been kind of having a rough time lately. Not the kind of rough that a lot of other people are having. No sub-zero temps or unemployment offices. Nothing end of the world.

It's just that I had my heart broken recently. It was pretty bad. And as always, it was so obvious in hindsight. I mean, blatantly obvious. Like smack me upside the head and dunk my ass in ketchup obvious.

One of the most annoying things, and trust me when I say there are a TON of annoying things about this situation, is that I'm not supposed to be dealing with puppy love, and games and broken hearts when I'm pushing 40. Seriously, none of these things sound like grown up stuff to me. And I'm a Capricorn, we're all about being grown up.

I feel silly crying or whining or name calling. Okay, the name calling is kind of fun. And therapeutic. But the rest is for kids. For adolescents with raging hormones. For sorority girls whose greatest worry is getting pinned. I'm a grown up, gosh darn it!

Anyway, I was flipping channels tonight and came across one of my favorite movies of the last couple years – Juno. I know some people didn't like this one, but I love it. And there's a line in it that actually made me feel better. It's delivered by Juno's dad, Mac.

In my opinion, the best thing you can do is find a person who loves you for exactly what you are. Good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what have you, the right person will still think the sun shines out your ass. That's the kind of person that's worth sticking with.

For that line alone I'd like to shake Diablo Cody's hand. Isn't that just the perfect line? And so simple. It makes it all sound so damn simple. Why can't it really be that simple? Don't worry, that's not the question of the day. I don't really expect anyone to answer that one.

The point of this is not to get a dozen people to tell me I'll be okay and I'll find someone better and all that load of malarkey. Really, don't encourage my pity-party. The point is, well, I'm not sure what the point is. I guess that I'll live. And life will go on and maybe someday I'll find someone who thinks the sun shines out my ass.

But for now, I want to know this. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you looked around and had no idea how you got there? Have you ever experienced anything as an (alleged) adult that you thought you left behind with the pimples and the braces? And would someone tell me when is the first day of spring, because I really need some good news right now.

Auction for a Good Cause

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 20:19:00 +0000

Gemma Halliday, author of the High Heels series of fun Romantic Suspense books, is doing something pretty darn cool. Upon learning that one of her young readers along with her mom recently became homeless, Gemma did more than just nod and say, "I'm sorry to hear that." She put together an auction with some top notch items including editor pitches, critiques, web design, and, of course, lots of books. Not only is this your chance to help out someone in need, you might just find that editor you've been desperate to talk with. Or find a less expensive way to get that professionally designed website you've been talking about.

The auction runs January 19 thru 26 and will be hosted on the Romantic Inks website. Bid early and often and tell your friends. Just another example of the amazing people that make up this Romance community.

Hewlett, We Have A Problem...

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:24:00 +0000

It happened. The laptop has officially bitten the dust. But before everyone starts the freak out and condolences, I'm not that torn up about it. I mean, I hope to get my stuff off of it and I'll take it in to see if it can be fixed. No major crash, the on button won't work anymore. My stuff should all be in there if I ever get power back to the thing. But all my writing is on my flash drive, so no WIP has been damaged or lost in this catastrophic event.

My online classes don't start again until the 12th so I'm not screwed on doing homework for now. And the really good news is I have the bestest boss in the world. My company is buying me a new laptop. Not because I'll use it for work, just because they can. I customized my Dell online today and it's so pretty. I even picked this sweeping design for the top that's called chill pattern. That's it in the picture. Isn't it pretty?!

No more HP's for me. I've only had this thing for two years and I'm not that hard on computers. I'm getting the four year full service warranty on the Dell so anything happens to this new one, they'll come to me to fix it. I'm all about that.

Not exactly the way I wanted to start the year, but really no big deal. If all goes as planned, I'll have my spiffy new model very soon and kiddo will have a laptop she can keep in her room. With parental controls in place, of course. It's a win-win for everyone really.

So, how is your new year starting? Are you off on the right foot? Hitting icebergs already? Anyone have any insight on my power button dilemma?

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:31:00 +0000

We've made it through yet another year. And what a year it's been. Manuscripts finished (not mine but we won't mention that...), agents acquired, books sold, and even a wedding (not mine either...thank the heavens!). A fantastic conference in San Francisco and a successfully planned local chapter conference in November. (Thank goodness that's over!) I was fortunate enough this year to meet many of my online pals as well as several amazing authors. I've made new friends, seen new places, and read incredible books. Overall, I'd say 2008 has been a banner year.

Thanks to everyone for all the support, encouragement, laughs and love. I'm so blessed to know all of you!

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! MAY MORE DREAMS COME TRUE IN 2009!

16 Things About Me

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:56:00 +0000

I was tagged in more places than I can count to do this. So here goes. I won't tag anyone else but anyone who wants to play along and add their own personal trivia is welcome to it.

1) My birthday is New Year's Eve. Yes, there's always a party. No, it's never for me.
2) If I concentrate really hard I can remember standing in my crib. No matter how much I concentrate, I can't remember last week.
3) I just bought a new car and the euphoria is still running high. I figure it'll run out around the 12th of next month when the first payment is due.
4) Other than the Christmas cards sitting in a pile on my kitchen counter, you'd never know it's Christmas by looking at my apartment. Not one decoration. Not one gift. *sigh*
5) I got my first car before I got my license. I wrecked said car less than two months after getting my license.
6) My first concert was Loverboy in the Pittsburgh Civic Arena when I was 11. My mother went and slept through the opening act.
7) I'm a certified chocoholic and trying very hard to talk myself out of grabbing a Nestle Crunch from the break room.
8) I still have my Culture Club, Corey Hart, Madonna, Rick Springfield, Lionel Ritchie, and Air Supply albums from the 80s. I have no idea why.
9) I get motion sickness very easily. I missed 20 minutes of the movie Twilight because the camera movements made me sick and I had to leave the theater. Same thing happened at the end of Twister years ago. I'm seeing a "Tw" pattern here.
10) I've been listening to nothing but Christmas music for three days in order to get into the spirit of things. I'm pretty sure there are only five Christmas Carols and every entertainer from Elvis to Britney Spears has cover versions of all of them.
11) I spent eight years of my life as a disc jockey on the radio. I worked in two different states for two different stations without changing musical genres or companies.
12) In 2006, I didn't know what a blog was.
13) When I was 13 I fell in love with The Monkees when MTV ran a marathon of the old TV shows. I remember being totally amazed when my mom knew every word to the theme song. It was the first time I realized she had a life before I was born.
14) At my 13th birthday party, I fell and broke my arm putting up decorations before the guests arrived. I refused to go to the hospital until the party was over. Which worked out since I had my first slow dance that night with a boy I'd had a major crush on for more than a year. A pity dance is still a dance.
15) I moved to Nashville alone when I was 22 without having a place to live when I got there. Arrived on a Thursday, got an apartment on Friday, moved in on Saturday, and started work at Opryland USA on Monday. It was the first day of Fanfare and I walked right past Brooks & Dunn in the Opryland Hotel.
16) In 1994 I worked at the Opryland Hotel. In 2010 I will stay as a guest at the hotel for the first time ever while attending RWA Nationals. Oh yeah, I'm there!

Man, that was hard. And not very exciting now that I read back through. Oh well, I did it. Now lets here what you've got.

Merry Christmas to Me….And Happy Birthday….And Happy Valentines…

noreply@blogger.com (TerriOsburn) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:37:00 +0000

I did it. I still can't believe it. I really did it. OMG! I did it!

I bought a new car. And I don't mean new to me which has been the case with every car I've ever had in the last 20 years (I've been driving for 20 years?!? *faint*). I mean I bought a NEW car. NEW NEW.

I'm so excited and worried and then excited all over again. LOL! Last night I kept looking out the window to make sure it was still there and that I didn't dream the whole thing. And then I checked again this morning. It was still there!

The details. It's a 2008 Pontiac G6. Midnight Blue. Very cute little sedan that runs like a dream, has a huge trunk and a killer radio. The radio being the most important item on the list. I have to get used to sitting low again as I've been driving trucks for four years, but I'm so happy. It's like this car was made for me. It feels right under my fingers and even a co-worker told me this morning that it looks like a "Terri car". I'm not sure what that means, but I'm taking it as a good thing.

Here's the picture. Isn't she pretty? And that's Kiddo playing Vanna. She's pretty cute too.

Since this is going to be my Christmas/Birthday present to myself for the next six years or so, I figure I'd better enjoy it. Have you ever surprised yourself with a big purchase? Any spontaneous buys in your past that you still shake your head about and wonder what you were thinking? Any one jealous that I don't have a husband I had to come home and explain this purchase to? LOL!