Every writer struggles with this, but it sucks! All I want to do is sit down and write the story that's in my head, but there are too many distractions, from work, to kids, to cleaning, to church, to just wanting to read a good book (this one is tough to pull away from). The hardest part is when I have good flow going and I get pulled away to deal with one of the many things above and then I come back and my train has derailed.
I had one of the most inspiring, motivating weekends the end of September. I was fortunate to go to a writer's retreat and meet three great editors. They all gave a lot of good information, from what they were looking for, what they won't take, their pet peeves, and their favorite books.
Anica Rissi, from Simon Pulse, a sister company of Simon & Schuster in New York, was by far my favorite editor. I got the chance to sit with her for a meal and enjoyed seeing her personality and learning where she came from and things that we have in common. Anica made it very clear what she is looking for. YA books that are edgy and raw. I don't think my book it very raw, but I believe I have something great for her, but I am so frustrated with my schedule and lack of time to write and then I sit to write and I can't think. I get maybe one of two pages if I am lucky. I really want this. I know I can do it.
Another publishing house I believe will work well for my book is Shadow Mountain Press. They are a sister company to Deseret Book. They published the Fablehaven series, (which I have yet to read, but just bought) which is the same genre as the book I am trying to write.
And to top this all off, I haven't been able to exercise properly because I fell of the porch we are building and pulled the muscle in my leg. I has been almost three weeks, but the darn muscle won't heal.
Thanks for letting me vent. Aarrgh!!! Wish me luck.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Results from Seeley Lake Triathalon. (Finally)
I had so much fun in Seeley Lake. I had no idea it was so beautiful there either. It was a cold chilly morning and I dreaded getting in the water, until I was told it was 70 degrees compared with the air temperature at 50 degrees. Who would have thought the water was warmer than the air. Kaysie Guymon was my inspiration to attempt this triathalon due to it being an open water swim, but it was almost too easy of a swim.
The gun was fired and Kaysie and I ran off the beach into the water. I dove in kicking with my feet. But the water shoes I thought were a brilliant idea (I was planning to use them on the bike) slowed me down instead, so I kicked them off in the water, never to be seen again. The surge of people diving into the water made swimming difficult as with every stroke of my arms and kick with my legs, I bumped into someone. I got tangled up in the buoy and then I was done, running to my bike.
The 10 mile bike ride was next and it was wonderful, especially going down the big hill right before we turned to go back. But then I had to go back up it. Whew it was tough. Riding back into the transition area, I stowed my bike and headed back out for the run. Running for me is a love hate thing. I love the accomplishment of finishing the distances I can go, but I hate the running. At least in the beginning. There's always a wall to get through, before I can just run without the constant nagging in my head to stop.
All said and done, I finished the Triathalon in 1:30:17. Total distances were 300 yd swim, 10 mile bike and a 5K (3.2 mile) run. Not bad, I'd say. And yes, I plan to do it again next year. My new goal for next year is to complete an Olympic distance Triathalon which is usually twice as long in all areas.
The gun was fired and Kaysie and I ran off the beach into the water. I dove in kicking with my feet. But the water shoes I thought were a brilliant idea (I was planning to use them on the bike) slowed me down instead, so I kicked them off in the water, never to be seen again. The surge of people diving into the water made swimming difficult as with every stroke of my arms and kick with my legs, I bumped into someone. I got tangled up in the buoy and then I was done, running to my bike.
The 10 mile bike ride was next and it was wonderful, especially going down the big hill right before we turned to go back. But then I had to go back up it. Whew it was tough. Riding back into the transition area, I stowed my bike and headed back out for the run. Running for me is a love hate thing. I love the accomplishment of finishing the distances I can go, but I hate the running. At least in the beginning. There's always a wall to get through, before I can just run without the constant nagging in my head to stop.
All said and done, I finished the Triathalon in 1:30:17. Total distances were 300 yd swim, 10 mile bike and a 5K (3.2 mile) run. Not bad, I'd say. And yes, I plan to do it again next year. My new goal for next year is to complete an Olympic distance Triathalon which is usually twice as long in all areas.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Good Intentions
Yes, I had the best of intentions to keep everyone updated on how I did with my races. They all went great, although the 10K kicked my butt. (I had severe stomach cramps start up 3/4 of the way through. It was tough to finish.) I finished the 12K trail run in 1:32:30, 2 1/2 minutes faster than my previous time in '08. Yea, me!
For the Race for the Cure, 5K, I ran it in 29:11, shaving 5 minutes 15 seconds off last year. Another self pat on the back.
The Queen City Triathalon was fun. It was tough. But it was so worth it. (I planned to do it again next year, but I couldn't wait, so I am doing another Tri at Seeley Lake on the 15th of Aug.) I swam the 20 laps (1000 yds) in 28 minutes, biked the 12.4 miles in 53:24, and ran the 5K in 37:31 (I was a little tired). Total time with transitions was 2:02:36.
Then the final of the 4 events was the 10K Governor's Cup. I was doing awesome. I was in the front of the pack (the blog group pack), then my stomach was gripped with horrible cramps (I had been having minor bouts all month) and zoom, there went Nichole. But I toughed it out to the end finishing seconds before Jen.
I have since found out I was suffering from a gluten intolerance. I feel so much better when I stay away from wheat, but I miss pizza and pasta and PBJ Sandwiches, etc. I will post my results for the next Tri. I can't make any promises as to how soon though.
Thanks for checking in.
For the Race for the Cure, 5K, I ran it in 29:11, shaving 5 minutes 15 seconds off last year. Another self pat on the back.
The Queen City Triathalon was fun. It was tough. But it was so worth it. (I planned to do it again next year, but I couldn't wait, so I am doing another Tri at Seeley Lake on the 15th of Aug.) I swam the 20 laps (1000 yds) in 28 minutes, biked the 12.4 miles in 53:24, and ran the 5K in 37:31 (I was a little tired). Total time with transitions was 2:02:36.
Then the final of the 4 events was the 10K Governor's Cup. I was doing awesome. I was in the front of the pack (the blog group pack), then my stomach was gripped with horrible cramps (I had been having minor bouts all month) and zoom, there went Nichole. But I toughed it out to the end finishing seconds before Jen.
I have since found out I was suffering from a gluten intolerance. I feel so much better when I stay away from wheat, but I miss pizza and pasta and PBJ Sandwiches, etc. I will post my results for the next Tri. I can't make any promises as to how soon though.
Thanks for checking in.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Here I Go
Well, tomorrow starts the month of race events I have planned for myself. I will be running a 12K (7.2 miles)trail course with a 1400 elevation climb. I did it last year and had a great time. I am looking forward to it again. I ran it in 1:34:57. I would like to beat my time by at least 10 minutes. We'll see how I do tomorrow.
Next Saturday, May 16th, I am running the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. It's a 5K. I asked Patterson if he wants to do it with me, but he's not sure yet. I hope he decides to do it with me. Then right after we are done with the race, we will be packing up and heading down to SLC for a surgery for Corbin. This will be his 6th one in his less than 5 years (b-day is 5/25/04) I am a bit nervous how he will do since his past surgeries were when he was much less aware of things.
May 23rd, I get a break, but then on May 30th I have a big event planned. I will be entering and participating in my first triathalon. It is a 500 yard swim (20 laps) 12.4 mile bike ride, and a 5K run. I am really excited. My only real worry is the transitions, but I plan to practice before hand.
Then lastly, I will be running the Governor's Cup 10K with a bunch of great friends who I have been training with. I was really quite upset when the marathon and 1/2 marathon were taken out of possible events and moved to Billings in Sept. I had done the 1/2 marathon last year and was hoping to improve on my time this year.
After all the races are said and done, I will still have two others to complete to fulfill one of my New Years resolutions to compete in 6 events this year.
Wish me luck and I will keep you posted about my results and post pics of the race days.
FYI: Do you know why a marathon is called a marathon and why is it 26.2 miles? In 490 B.C. there was a battle between the Greeks and the Persians. The battle was fought on the plains of Marathon and when the Greeks won, a messenger ran 26.2 miles (42 km) to deliver the news. This distance is still used the world over for all marathon races.
Next Saturday, May 16th, I am running the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. It's a 5K. I asked Patterson if he wants to do it with me, but he's not sure yet. I hope he decides to do it with me. Then right after we are done with the race, we will be packing up and heading down to SLC for a surgery for Corbin. This will be his 6th one in his less than 5 years (b-day is 5/25/04) I am a bit nervous how he will do since his past surgeries were when he was much less aware of things.
May 23rd, I get a break, but then on May 30th I have a big event planned. I will be entering and participating in my first triathalon. It is a 500 yard swim (20 laps) 12.4 mile bike ride, and a 5K run. I am really excited. My only real worry is the transitions, but I plan to practice before hand.
Then lastly, I will be running the Governor's Cup 10K with a bunch of great friends who I have been training with. I was really quite upset when the marathon and 1/2 marathon were taken out of possible events and moved to Billings in Sept. I had done the 1/2 marathon last year and was hoping to improve on my time this year.
After all the races are said and done, I will still have two others to complete to fulfill one of my New Years resolutions to compete in 6 events this year.
Wish me luck and I will keep you posted about my results and post pics of the race days.
FYI: Do you know why a marathon is called a marathon and why is it 26.2 miles? In 490 B.C. there was a battle between the Greeks and the Persians. The battle was fought on the plains of Marathon and when the Greeks won, a messenger ran 26.2 miles (42 km) to deliver the news. This distance is still used the world over for all marathon races.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Meeting Senator Max Baucus
(Not sure who the older boy is)
Back in February, my boys and I had the great opportunity to meet Max Baucus. Since moving to Montana, I have heard about Sen. Baucus and always thought he was doing a good job. I voted for him at election times, and agreed with a lot of the things he did. Including starting the CHIP program here in Montana.
For those who don't know about CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Plan) helps children whose family makes too much for medicaid, but not enough to be able to afford insurance themselves. My boys are recipients, 7 years for Patterson, and since Corbin was born, almost 5 years ago.
Sen. Baucus wanted to meet and talk with a family CHIP had helped and wanted to use us as an example in his address to the Montana Congress, asking them to continue to fund the CHIP program and to increase the budget to help more kids.
While we were there we also got to meet the Lt. Governor (the kids were invited by him to raid his candy jar after the address, which they readily agreed to do.)
It was a really good opportunity to introduce the kids to politics and the important (yet annoying) role they play in our country.
(Boys with their hands in the candy jar)
All About Me!
No, I am not conceited. Much. Ha, ha! I just visited a blog site set up for a bunch of wonderful women (and I am glad to be counted among them) who for the past 5 months have been working diligently to improve our physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. The blog was set up as a private blog as a way for us to stay connected and communicate quickly. Among the many great posts, there is currently a spolight series going on each woman involved. My spotlight was just posted (I was asked to write out as many things I could think of about me, up to 20. That was hard) and I thought I would include it over here on my blog for those of you who would like to know more about me, but are not able to visit the other blog.
1) I was born in Cardston AB Canada on April 15th, 1980.
2) I am the middle child of five, with one older brother and sister and two younger sisters. Somewhere along the way my family also adopted (not officially) a neighbor girl into our home. We have called her our sister since.
3) I was the first one in my family, aside from my mother, to get my American citizenship. (I got it in 2001) We moved down to the states in 1990.
4) Travis and I have been married for almost 11 years. We married a month after I graduated High school. He stole my heart with his bad boy bull riding/car wrestling ways.
5) I have been running my daycare for over 7 years and I am still sane (although not according to Travis)
6) I have written a children's book and I am in the process of getting it published.
7) I have written numerous articles for children's magazines, but am currently waiting on answers to my multiple submissions.
8) I am trying to self teach myself to play the guitar. I can play Amazing Grace and I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane, and of course Old MacDonald and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
9) I love music and enjoy the opportunities I get, to share my love for music through singing and playing my flute during Sacrament Meeting. In high school I had the wonderful opportunity to go to SLC with my Acapella choir and sing with around 20 other high school choirs from Idaho and Utah in the Tabernacle. It was an awe-some experience (emphasis on awe). It is something that will stay with me forever.
10) I love to challenge myself to new extremes (my current extreme is training for the Queen City Triathalon on May 30th)
11) I enjoy doing things with my boys and I am sooo looking forward to this summer when we can go on hikes, go camping and just have fun outdoors.
12) My favorite scripture is Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God." Since reading that as a youth I have strived to be that, a peacemaker. I am still working on it, but I have seen improvement, little by little.
13) I especially love all of the women who support me in my life. You are all awe inspiring women and I am grateful to know you and call you each friends. (Oh, and my lucky number is 13)
1) I was born in Cardston AB Canada on April 15th, 1980.
2) I am the middle child of five, with one older brother and sister and two younger sisters. Somewhere along the way my family also adopted (not officially) a neighbor girl into our home. We have called her our sister since.
3) I was the first one in my family, aside from my mother, to get my American citizenship. (I got it in 2001) We moved down to the states in 1990.
4) Travis and I have been married for almost 11 years. We married a month after I graduated High school. He stole my heart with his bad boy bull riding/car wrestling ways.
5) I have been running my daycare for over 7 years and I am still sane (although not according to Travis)
6) I have written a children's book and I am in the process of getting it published.
7) I have written numerous articles for children's magazines, but am currently waiting on answers to my multiple submissions.
8) I am trying to self teach myself to play the guitar. I can play Amazing Grace and I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane, and of course Old MacDonald and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
9) I love music and enjoy the opportunities I get, to share my love for music through singing and playing my flute during Sacrament Meeting. In high school I had the wonderful opportunity to go to SLC with my Acapella choir and sing with around 20 other high school choirs from Idaho and Utah in the Tabernacle. It was an awe-some experience (emphasis on awe). It is something that will stay with me forever.
10) I love to challenge myself to new extremes (my current extreme is training for the Queen City Triathalon on May 30th)
11) I enjoy doing things with my boys and I am sooo looking forward to this summer when we can go on hikes, go camping and just have fun outdoors.
12) My favorite scripture is Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God." Since reading that as a youth I have strived to be that, a peacemaker. I am still working on it, but I have seen improvement, little by little.
13) I especially love all of the women who support me in my life. You are all awe inspiring women and I am grateful to know you and call you each friends. (Oh, and my lucky number is 13)
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The Prodigal Returns
Wow! Time has flown by since my last entry. I am still alive, I just have not been kicking much. I have had some motivation issues in a lot a areas (pretty much everything) but I have returned. Thanksgiving and Christmas were both wonderful.
At Thanksgiving, we surprised Travis's sister by showing up on her doorstep in Seattle WA without here knowing we were coming. Here husband was in on it, though. It had been almost five years since Travis and Liz had seen each other, and when she opened the door, she burst into tears, and then just held onto him for a while. I don't know how many times she said "Oh my goodness," but it had to have been over 50. We had a great time with them.
For Christmas, we stayed home and had a very easy going Christmas. Travis got me a Guitar Hero which I love a lot more than I thought I would. I have wanted one for years, but could never justify the cost, but hey it was Christmas and some things can be frivolous. Patterson got an electric guitar from Santa and is now in his fourth month of lessons and doing awesome. Corbin got a lot of coloring and drawing stuff along with his own Guitar Hero Air Guitar. Travis didn't get anything guitar related, but he did get some aviation stuff he'd been wanting.
I am currently training for a Triathalon scheduled for the end of May, and I am very excited to see how I do. I love to challenge myself and do difficult things. The biggest challenge will be the swimming portion. It is only a sprint distance triathalon (500 yds of swimming, a 5K run, and a 12.4 mile bike segment) Cheer me on, on May 30th.
At Thanksgiving, we surprised Travis's sister by showing up on her doorstep in Seattle WA without here knowing we were coming. Here husband was in on it, though. It had been almost five years since Travis and Liz had seen each other, and when she opened the door, she burst into tears, and then just held onto him for a while. I don't know how many times she said "Oh my goodness," but it had to have been over 50. We had a great time with them.
For Christmas, we stayed home and had a very easy going Christmas. Travis got me a Guitar Hero which I love a lot more than I thought I would. I have wanted one for years, but could never justify the cost, but hey it was Christmas and some things can be frivolous. Patterson got an electric guitar from Santa and is now in his fourth month of lessons and doing awesome. Corbin got a lot of coloring and drawing stuff along with his own Guitar Hero Air Guitar. Travis didn't get anything guitar related, but he did get some aviation stuff he'd been wanting.
I am currently training for a Triathalon scheduled for the end of May, and I am very excited to see how I do. I love to challenge myself and do difficult things. The biggest challenge will be the swimming portion. It is only a sprint distance triathalon (500 yds of swimming, a 5K run, and a 12.4 mile bike segment) Cheer me on, on May 30th.
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