Not doing as well as I hoped

So I set a goal to write 250,000 words this year, and here it is, the middle of February, and I've only written 9,000+ words. Not doing well is an understatement. I've got to get my butt in gear and start working on another project. Deadlines is stalled. I don't know what to do next. I need some inspiration, but I'm not getting any right now. So I think I'll set it aside for awhile and see what happens. If I don't start After the Storm soon, it'll be hurricane season again, and I'm not going to feel like writing a story about the aftermath of a hurricane during the season, especially if it's another bad season. I really hope it's not another bad season.

My Valentine's Day was wonderful, if anyone is curious. Really wonderful. I can't remember ever being this happy. And it's not just the relationship, although it plays a pretty big part. Everything is coming together for me. I've finally finished a novel and sent it off for consideration, something I've wanted to do practically all my life. I'm getting more responsibility at work, which is great because that means they trust me to do a great job. Situations with my family, especially my sister, are getting better (she has a job now!) So really, things are going great.

Now the only big thing I have to face in the near future is a very important decision... should I buy a new car? Mine is getting old and I fear it will one day quit in the middle of my two-hour (round-trip) commute. It's a big decision, and one I don't want to take lightly. Even more importantly, if I do get a new car, what color should it be? lol

Too old for head-banging

Tonight was an awesome night. This morning, I was ill and had to cancel some daytime plans. I was very upset about this, and hoped I would feel better in time for the daytime plans to continue, but it didn't work out. I was just considering cancelling my evening plans too, when I started to feel better. So I went ahead with my evening plans and I'm glad I did. Three friends and I went to a concert. It had several Christian bands that we love, one in particular that I've loved almost my whole life, the Newsboys. We got there a little late, just in time for ZoeGirl. They were great, and there's a song they did this evening that I absolutely must find to sing in church one day. The research will begin this week, I'm sure. Anyway, after they finished, NewSong came on. They were great, as usual. But then, Toby Mac performed a set, and he was incredible! After his set, the Newsboys came on and finished out the concert with some of my favorite songs, including "Shine," which is just an awesome anthem for Christians, calling us to let our lights shine to everyone so they can see a difference in us.

I had a really great time singing along and doing a little mild head-banging when the situation called for it. Of course, now I'm realizing that I'm a bit too old for that and am really going to regret it in the morning. Anyone know someone who gives a good massage? (lol) But it wasn't the showmanship or the performances that made this night awesome. What was awesome was the feeling, the unity of all those Christians in the building. We united together for worship tonight, several thousand of us, and I know God was looking down on us, smiling at our efforts to praise Him. They have this song, "He Reigns," that is so powerful and beautiful it makes me want to cry. And watching all the people in the packed Mitchell Center tonight, swaying and singing the words to this lovely praise song was just the most amazing experience.

I think we often get into a rut when it comes to worship. We go to church, sing the hymns, give the offering, listen to the sermon, stand for the alter call, and then go home for lunch. There's a routine-ness about it that makes it feel stale sometimes. We need to break out of that and really worship, really feel the presence of God, and really let Him know how much we love Him, and how grateful we are to Him for everything He has done for us. I'm going to make an effort to really worship from now on. I hope everyone who was in that building will realize what I did, and make that same effort. It will make all the difference in our lives.

Sorry to get on a little soap box about this, but it's what's on my mind right now. On a related note, after the concert, Rhea and I went out and bought the Toby Mac CD and it's freaking awesome. It was hard not to head-bang in the car on the way home. (you'd think I would have grown out of that by now, wouldn't you?!)

What makes you happy?

I've been thinking about happiness a lot lately... about what it is and about how you can have it. My friend Chris says that the thing he loves most about me is that I find joy in everything. I think that has a lot to do with my faith, and with the fact that I'm just in awe of everything around me and the beauty and potential the world holds. But what makes me happy? There are so many things...

Loving someone
Being loved
Making a loved one happy
Holding hands with someone
Being with my family and friends
Small victories over technology
Accomplishing something
Reading a good book
Writing a good book, lol
Watching a sunset
Hugs
Playing with my sister's kids
Good conversations
A great movie
Chocolate
Seeing a friend accomplish his/her goals
Cheering people on
Encouraging someone who is down
Giving gifts
Singing
Being on stage
Praise/worship
Living a spiritual life
Praying
Playing computer/video games
Finding something cool on eBay
Winning something cool on eBay (lol)
Making someone laugh
Laughing (with someone, not at them)
Knowing the answer
Long walks on the beach, at night
Swinging (like on a swing set like when you were a kid)
Dancing (when nobody is watching, of course)
The beauty of nature
Music of (almost) any kind
Romantic gestures
Rainy days/thunderstorms
Looking at the stars
Smiles
Staring into soulful eyes

I'm sure there are more, but those are the ones I can think of right now.

So what makes you happy? Make a list!!!

so busy lately

I know it's been awhile and I feel awful about that. I've been really busy lately, but there's really nothing big to report. Working on the first Deadlines mystery slowly but surely. I may actually start a new story next week, because Deadlines is going so slowly. I'm thinking another Faithgirls book might be in order. Summer's Blossom was so easy to write that I think I'll try another one. I might even be ready to do the hurricane story. Must start outlining that soon.

Still waiting for word on the query letter. It's only been a few weeks, so I don't expect to hear anything at this point, but still.. the waiting is pretty horrible. Fortunately, there is so much going on in my life right now that I don't have a lot of time to dwell on it. Work has become very complicated lately. Lots of projects going on at the same time. Some evenings I just come home and go straight to sleep because I'm so mentally exhausted from work. But I guess that's the way it goes.

On a happier note, the dating thing is still going well. We have a lot in common and are really enjoying getting to know each other. He's a really great guy. :)