Down the road

So here's the deal. I am pulling myself off of running again. I am four weeks into a 16 week training program and I have to admit that staying off my right foot for a time is really the best thing for me. It may not be the best thing for my training but I have already had a million debates in my head, pro and con, why it should go one way or the other. I finally had to break through the stubborn, you can push through it attitude and be honest. My right achilles tendon is possibly still in the process of healing and the running and increasing distances I have been putting it through is hindering that process.
I ran eight miles last Sunday and had to admit my foot was hurting the rest of the day. I then went out and ran three miles the next day and knew it wasn't right. I deluded myself into believing I was only tired on Tuesday and decided not to run. It was also easy to skip Wednesday and Thursday by thinking a few days off would be a good way to speed up the process. I thought it would be better by taking a few days off because I was tired. Yes, that was it. A lot of things had been going on and I was just weary. It had nothing to do with the rice krispy sounds that I would hear from my foot when I got up first thing in the morning. It just needed to warm up. It was stretching and it was getting used to snapping back into place. Right, of course. Four weeks of running hadn’t taught it that yet? Sure.
I realized I wasn’t enjoying my runs the way I should be and always have. Although the eight mile run was fine until the nagging pain lasted all day, the three miler the next day wasn’t fun. I was burying the fact that I knew something was wrong because I didn’t want to make the decision I knew I had to make.
I had to stop for a while. Did I want to keep running and have to stop on week 14 or 15 of my training? Wasn’t it better to stop at week 4? I can fuss and fret all through every single week but what it comes down to is that this is something I will be doing for most of the rest of my life. It isn’t about the next 16 weeks. It isn’t about the next official race. When it comes down to it, it’s about my personal race and what is the best way for me to train for that? I think the biggest deciding factor that made me wake up and make a realistic decision is when I realized…the three miler the next day wasn’t fun. I have had bad runs before but this wasn’t the same. Whenever I have had a bad run I have always thought it only meant a good one was coming up. But I could feel something was wrong with my foot as I went on with this run. It wasn’t only something wrong with my foot but it wasn’t fun.
I don’t know how long I will have to hold back and keep myself still. I only know I need to do this now so the next time I have the wonderful opportunity of pulling on my running shoes and heading out for a run it will be fun again.
I am going to try and look at it this way. Even though I am not terribly happy with my circumstances as they are right now, there is nothing quite like having something fun to look forward to.
TT

Slow news day

I have been struggling for a subject and I haven't had any sudden inspirations for topics lately.  I haven't been able to rely on the something will come to me either.  Nothing has been coming to me lately.  It must be a slow news day for everyone if even when you go to the breakrooms at work the only thing you catch on CNN is Mel Gibson or Linsey Lohan behaving very badly.  I am not sure why that is so in the forefront of the news but pick a channel, any channel, I bet there will be a mention somewhere.
Sure, I wish I could blame an all around slow news day for not pushing my creativity.  I can try to say I've been carrying my index cards and try to eek out an idea here or there but somehow it all sounds a little like excuses.  So - a small slump but I will persist.  I mean, come on, if the only thing major networks have is entertainers behaving badly I think I can work past my short creative block.
Hopefully it's short.
TT

Focus?

I specifically went upstairs to write last night and was distracted.  Well, I came upstairs to dry the towels I had left from yesterday evening that I didn't quite get to but I also meant to write.  I put the towels into the dryer and then went to sit down to write but I needed to sync my iPod so it would store my afternoon run and send it to my site.  I wanted to make sure it was completely updated so I could have all my stats on hand when I needed them.  I got that done and then went to check my email.  I didn't have anything interesting but scanned through the recent book selection that Barnes & Noble was trying to offer.  It was a fairly quick scan and I didn't even click into any of the selections to get more details.  I was supposed to be writing.
Instead I found some music to download and went ahead and started that process.  Knowing it was going to take my languishing laptop more than just a few minutes to complete I decided to go back downstairs and get something to eat.  Many minutes later I finished up my meal, cleaned up the dishes, and went back to check on my music.  For some reason it didn't go directly to my iTunes where I wanted it to go, so I had to push and prod and try to figure out how to get it there.  It took a good while to make that work but I was finally able to move the music over and then re-sync'd it to my iPod so I would be able to listen later.  Then I fudged around even more doing I am not sure what...
I checked a site that I found had been shut down by the blogger or only wanted to share posts by subscription and I blew that off.  I could sometimes find reason to smile when I found lines in it like...that went out the window like yesterday's garbage.  It would make me think, who throws their garbage out the window?  But then it started raining very hard and that was another distraction and I decided I wasn't really going anywhere with the writing.  I left the laptop without even shutting down and wandered off to do something else that I can't even remember now if I accomplished.
I guess it doesn't matter that much in the whole scheme of things.  Maybe it does...just not today.
TT

Hole situation

"I need a needle and thread,” I said while taking a few days off by the water a few weeks ago.
I had found a hole in the toe of one of the running socks I use. I haven't had a hole in the toe of my socks for as long as I can remember. Yet here I was staring down at a small circle of fabric that had separated the meshed pieces of yarn to expose a small portion of my big toe underneath. However that might have happened, it had been a very long time and I reverted to what I guess is now the oldest way of thinking. I must have been showing my extreme age when I looked down, saw a hole in my sock, and my thought was not to shrug my shoulder and let it go or to throw the pair out and grab a new. No. I looked down at a fairly new pair of Powersox, which I only use for running, and thought to fix them. I didn't think to wear them as-is with a hole or to pitch them into the trash. My old brain registered fix the sucker...I need a needle and thread.

But of course, I was away and didn't have what I needed to fix the socks on the spot. I was considering going out to purchase those items to make swift work of the exceedingly minor problem I seemed to be having.

But thinking back on this situation it seems I only have this problem with MY socks. I know there have been numerous times I have spotted holes in Jay's socks while sorting laundry and I do not have a qualm about putting them into the trash. But in my defense, he must have along the lines of 25 pairs of socks at any given time! I have three pairs of Powersox that I had just recently purchased and that isn't enough to make it to the next laundry day with as many workout's I've been tackling lately (yes, even while on vacation).

But what I did that day on vacation was to put the socks with the hole aside, grab another pair I had packed and go ahead with my run. Of course, the placing of the damaged socks aside was my solution to the hole (whole?) situation. The facts were pretty simple:

• I had a hole in my sock

• I was still going to run

• I only have three pairs
• I wasn’t going to throw the sock away

• I needed to fix it

• It couldn’t be fixed right away

It was a simple process. I took the socks home, grabbed my needle and thread and made quick work of the messed up sock.

You can see my handiwork on top portion of the lower sock. I know no one would ever notice the stitching because no one ever sees me in my socks without shoes and even if that were to occur no one now-a-days would ever think that anyone would have mended their socks!

I really can't change the old-fashioned age situation I am in.  That is just a fact and there is no running from it.

But then, well, I guess I have to admit that another simple remedy would be for me to go out and buy more pairs of Powersox!
Geez, old people.

TT

Writing messages

I am not sure what tricky part of fate had me reading two fiction novels back-to-back that were in no way related but somehow the authors picked writers as a main or sub-character in their stories. I understood that would be a sensible thing to be done by a writer since they could identify more easily with that type of character since they live it and could draw from it quite easily. The problem (if it’s really a problem – it’s debatable) with the two books I just read was that these long-time, many times-over published authors slipped writing tips into these fictional stories by way of these characters.
I had mentioned the first before in a recent previous post. Dean Koontz had plugged a paragraph into the beginning of his novel about outlines and letting characters develop the story and let them take it where it should go. The book also had the character express his lack of interest in the publicity interviews and marketing that surrounded his newly published book. By the end of the thriller, after the main characters had survived near death by the serial killer book critic (don’t laugh – that’s from the book) the author continues to write but throws his manuscripts into a trunk and writes for the pleasure of it instead of publishing. I wonder how much of that is what the true author of the book is feeling and not the character in the story. I wonder if anyone who just happened upon this book without reading the kazillion other books of his that I have read would have picked up on this.
So then the second book was Sue Grafton’s #21 in her series of which I’ve read all. She had a sub-character become a writer in the story and she spent a good chapter having him struggle through the need of writing daily and about things he could connect with. She had him putting words on a page without thought of what they were or how they would sound but just letting it flow and getting a feel for the process. If this wasn’t another direct hit to me about writing then I’m not sure what the chapter was all about. This was the bad guy in the book and the fact of his writing didn’t pertain to the plot. It didn’t take anything away from the book but it kept staring me in the face. What?! Two now? Authors are slipping subliminal writing messages into their fiction novels?! I was looking for an escape into a story and I was getting badgered by authors to get off my duff and start writing again! Was I the only one that picked up on these messages?
I am going to attempt to read another book I was just lent. It’s the next in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. Yes…she is the author of the now popular HBO series True Blood. I don’t expect any writing tips from this piece of fiction, just a simple story. Although, if I hadn’t disconnected my HBO I guess I could watch Alexander Skarsgård, who plays Eric Northman, all day long giving me writing tips. But then he already cut his hair and lost all of his Sampson strength and power over me.
Well, good thing. I think I’ve got some writing to do instead.
TT

Such a girl

Have you ever gotten that unexpected phone call from a girlfriend that makes you smile and grin and know FINALLY!  Well, maybe you have or maybe not but I have just had the priviledge of getting that enoromously wonderful phone call.
Now, as I go on to explain that the call I got was from my friend to say she asked her boyfriend to move out - you wouldn't think that would be something to be jumping up and down and smiling and feeling oh-so good about.  But I do!  I do!  The best part is so does she!  Yes...as I said before, FINALLY!
Okay - I should not have such joy over this.  Everything indicates that this isn't a joyful occasion.  This isn't something to be exuberant about.  This isn't...oh hell, yes it is!  Are you kidding me?  This is what I have been trying to tell this poor soul for the last...two, six, eight...what...how many months that she needed to do this!
Here is the thing.  SHE sounded so good over the phone when she is telling me!  SHE is feeling that this is the right thing to do.  SHE is recognizing that things were not what they should have been and SHE had the strength in herself to make things right.  FINALLY!
It's just that I was the priviledged person to be there at that moment of joy.  After all the times of hearing the bad and how things were not as they should be for her.  After all the times I was so blunt and outspoken and opinionated by what she was going through and told her straight up to no avail.  It wasn't about being proven right.  I have felt so overspoken in instances that I had to stop myself from talking to her about it. But now, to finally know and hear in my friends tone the calm and elation of a weight lifted and a future she can see as a forward and positive motion. 
Life manages to give you small doses of contentment when you need it most.  I think it just did that for my girlfriend.  I know it just did it for me.
What can I say?  Whatever.  Sorry for being such a girl.
TT

No waiting

I woke a few mornings past more than a few shades of the darkest blue. You might have thought I was obvious walking around that way but it was undetectable. I was determined that it was not going to hinder me, stop me, and waft around me like an aroma. I went out for a run and mid-way a Regina Spektor song came through my ear buds. It was, Après Moi, and starts:
I must go on standing
It might have been her driving keyboards or the fact that she sings a portion of it in Russian and it has an orchestra arrangement that is reminiscent of Dr. Zhivago (that might be just because of the Russian), but I was not going to let that mood linger. I think the must go on standing while I was running up an incline helped. Or maybe it was the entire run that turned me from blue to a flushed red. I was rather flushed when I was done but then I always am after a run. I needed to expend the energy, show some strength, and the first line of the chorus is also a tough bit of advice while you’re running…Be afraid of the lame, they’ll inherit your legs.
Yikes. I guess I would be an easy target if I was sitting around feeling down and, who knows, it might actually speed up their chance of inheritance.
So maybe the whole idea of building strength and expending some energy instead of wavering in blue moods actually helped. I know I can’t avoid them completely and they might come on whenever they choose but unlike the song lyrics that says… I'm not my own, it's not my choice…I really am my own and even if the choices aren’t the best, I still have them to make.
It sure beats waiting around for the lame to getcha.
TT
---------------------------------
You know I am not much for quotes of the day but I was just sent this...
You have a choice. You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face.  (10:14am)

Another early run

On my third try at an early morning run I was feeling pretty good about it.  I was able to get the run in, even if it was dark, and still had time to shower, change, and make it to my desk by 7:30am.

It was working out pretty well.  The street lights gave enough illumination for me to know where I was going and the sidewalks covered most of the path I took except for one empty lot where there was a worn trail followed by another small patch that met up to the sidewalk again.  (See right - during daylight)  Unfortunately, on that particular part of the trail I had almost made my way to the sidewalk again when I felt a sharp pain on my left shin.  It felt like I had been clawed by some creature but I kept running since I heard no growling, saw nothing scamper away (even in the dark), and nothing was chasing me.  I would check my leg later after the run.  There wouldn't be much I could do about it until I got home anyway and it wasn't particularly hurting or anything.  I figured I must have stepped on a branch at just the right angle and it came back and hit me in the shin. 

I continued on and I realized it had started to drizzle.  I don't mind getting caught running in the rain.  It actually has a kind of a nice feel to it sometimes.  I kept going and it isn't until a car drove by that I could see how really hard it was raining when I caught a glimpse of the raindrops beating down in the light from the cars headlights.  Oh, wow.  It really was raining hard!  And it kept raining really hard for a while but I kept my pace and was feeling too good about the run while it was happening to let it bother me.  

The rain finally stopped and I made it home.  It was when I was showering that I saw the two gashes on my shin.  Ooooug.  It looked worse than I thought but no matter, I had to get to work.  

I didn't run the next day but Saturday morning I ran the same path and since it was daylight I kept an eye out for that branch that might have caught me in the shin.  I spotted only one thing on that path in the area that may or may not have been what struck me in the shin.  I finished my run and went back later and retraced my steps to that spot.  This is what I found.  I may have possibly stepped on the end of this wretched looking piece of metal in just the right spot to make it flip up and hit me.  I don't really know, it was dark.   

The good part is that my leg is fine now. The scratches are all healed and it was never sore. It just looked worse than it felt. 

What can I say? It was dark...I couldn't see...

So even with random metal or branch attacks and pouring rain in the dark - I still got the run in!
TT

Early run

I am trying to follow a running schedule. I have been known to research, find one to my liking and press myself hard to meet each running goal. I am currently into week three of a 16 week training schedule. I have been giving it a go and following it very well so far.
My main area of concern is the continued heat we have been experiencing in the late afternoons. My normal and perfect time to run is after work at this time and although this is my favorite time of year, the temperatures can cut a long run short if I am out beating the pavement at that time of day. I am finding that it can be a bit too much cardio activity in 98 degree temperatures and it is not conducive to a good long run.
I have no problem on weekends since I follow what the experts suggest and run in the early mornings anyway. I have run into the problem when it comes to weekdays. How was I going to get my runs in early when I am usually at my desk each morning at 7:30am? I figured I would give it a try and see about a weekday early morning run. I needed to calculate the time I would need for the run itself, then shower, dress, and get myself to my desk in time. I realized I would need to leave the house before daylight since it doesn’t start getting light in the mornings around here until about 6:30 or so. That wouldn’t be enough time for anything!
My first try I got up and managed to get out to run by 5:45am. It was dark but there are street lights and I have sidewalks almost all around the area in my neighborhood so I wasn’t terribly concerned. It was quiet and the sky was a murky midnight blue. I took my regular route for my four mile run and was able to see the sky change slightly to a paler shade of gray, then brighten to show patches of white from the clouds. By the time I reached my third mile there was enough daylight that the street lights were beginning to flicker off. It seemed each one timed their shut down as I ran past in acknowledgment of me.
I made my way home and was actually able to shower and arrive to work on time. I was beginning to think this might be the way to go. I may have solved my problem of the work day work-outs.
I thought I had solved it but then by my third early morning run…OH! Time has gotten away from me this morning.
To be continued.
TT

Delete

I am amazed at the amount of junk email I have started to receive. Maybe I have always received this same exact amount and I am only thinking it is more now since I haven't been exactly good about following my normal routines of checking at least once in the mornings. I admit I have been slacking when it comes to checking my email. It might be due to the fact that the only thing I ever get is junk!
Today’s morning example: 16 emails and only one was an on-line bill. It was the only one I needed to pay any attention to. That doesn’t mean I didn’t open a few of the others or immediately hit delete without opening, like 1-800-flowers, Rodale books, the biggest loser club!!! How did I get on THAT list?! I am finding I need to eat more with my running just to keep my weight were it is now (which some think is on the low side)! Where did they pick up my address?...delete.
I thought I was interested in the articles in the RealAge email. It turned out the article thought I should be eating more prunes to give me a sweet snack and keep me fuller, to eat horseradish on my sandwiches to spice it up and prevent cancer, and to do strength training to ease my neck pain from using my computer. I could probably find easier and better ways to avoid stomach problems, heartburn, and to ease the pain in my neck (by not reading all this junk mail)…delete.
I looked into one of my favorite boutiques that started to send me emails. Wow, look at this…70% off, shop now! But wait, it’s for on-line purchases. I can’t do that. What about trying the clothes on? I can’t buy like that. Isn’t a whole portion of the enjoyment for me to find an item to wear is by searching and hunting? It wants me to look at a picture of a hired mannequin and purchase. What will it look like on me? I won’t know until I’ve already spent the money, waited for delivery, and roll the dice to find out if it’s a good fit or not. No way, can’t do it. Sorry, but no…delete.
So, that leaves me with the on-line bill. Open, check the amount due, check the date due…hmmm, pay, file, or keep as new? No, no…it is tempting - but not on this one. As easy as it has become…cannot delete.
TT

Catch up

It is kind of nice to be able to start a work week on a Wednesday.  I know there will be some catching up to do as soon as I get in to work but that will only prove to make my morning speed by that much faster.  That is what I am going for here...to have my workday speed by so I can get to more of the time-off time.  It's hard to imagine that it is mid-July when this year just started.  Of course, it didn't just start but that speed by concept seems to work rather well when you don't think about it too hard or make it too much of a goal.  It seems to happen naturally that way.  
The problem seems to get bogged down when I have too many of the time-off things I want to do that have to fit around the work time things.  I know I will have to hit the gym this afternoon since I didn't get myself out of bed in time for an early morning run.  I need to set some time aside for doing some basic housework and my car needs some major detailing inside and out.  I am sure you don't need my laundry list of items I have to do.  Everyone has their own and understands there is always a list and always has things added and dropped from the list as the calendar keeps speeding by.
It's already the middle of July...I've got so many things to do.
TT

Need a vacation

I just got back from my short two vacation days off and I'm tired. I have had way too many things going through my head for the past month or so. Vacations are supposed to help that and this one did but now I'm just...complaining I guess. I can't seem to slow down the collision of thoughts and it's certainly has had an affect on my writing (like you couldn't tell, sure). I’ll work that out soon enough. I have to because I don’t plan to stop.
I finished reading the paperback I picked up and the entire Runners World magazine I brought with me. I started into my Writers Digest but this issue wanted to go on about writing memoirs. It seems there is a huge popularity for that now and the magazine had filled most of it’s pages with articles about it. I don’t think I have an interest in that. I know I’m not interested – no need to think about it.
The running magazine had quite a bit of good information and I did read every single article. I have another issue I’ve received and haven’t gotten to yet. I’ll dive into that one soon. I also went directly to Barnes & Noble and bought myself another eBook since I can read on my mini-acer again now that I’m home. I got Sue Grafton’s, U is for Undertow, (#21 in the series) even though it was the higher priced of all the selections I was thinking of getting. I knew I needed a bit of Kinsey (main character) after a short dose of Stephanie Plum. I shouldn’t act like reading Stephanie is like having to take your medicine because it’s good for you but, oh well, I do. The problem might be I don’t need to take that medicine at all but it’s really just a harmless sugar pill anyway. Huh?..what?
Gotta go…did I say I just got back from vacation and I’m tired?
TT

Book and free coffee

I did say I would stop by the bookstore and I did.  I needed to get a paperback to take along with me since I am leaving this morning to be by the water for a few days.  I couldn't take the chance of using my mini-acer for reading eBooks out of doors with the possibility of sand and water, not to mention I couldn't see a back-lit screen very well.

It turned out the paperback I thought I was going to get isn't really out in paperback until July 27.  I guess I didn't catch that when I was researching it on-line with all the other eBooks that are in hardback that I can get for much less than the hardback prices.  I ended up with another in a series I have been reading.  It isn't particularly one I really like but it will do.  It is even advertised as a "between the series" book.  What a lot of ways to market this stuff!  I didn't bother to check where in between it should go...I'm not crazy about the main character Stephanie Plum anyway but it will do.

I also showed my eBook to the counter clerk at the coffee shop and got my free cup of coffee.  I sat for about an hour there and finished the short pilot for a new show called The Glades that I downloaded for free.  It was interesting reading something close to a script again but I don't think I'll be watching the show if it ever makes it to television.  It sure sounds like l am reading a few things I could take or leave but taking just the same.  I'll think about that later. 

But I must be off now.  I want to get in a run before we leave for the coast.

TT 

More books

I finished my Koontz novel and knew I would need another book to start reading.  That is what I do...finish one, start another.  I went searching on-line and found that I have at least four books in series that I have kept up with that are new.  Oh, wait...I just thought of another and I will need to add it to my list to look up.  Yes!  It's there.
Sue Grafton, U is for Undertow, #21 in the series, a lend me and $12.99 as an eBook.
Lee Child, 61 hours, #14 in the series, not a lend me and $9.99 as an eBook.
John Sanford, Storm Prey, #20 in the series, a lend me and $14.99 as an eBook.
Preston & Child, Fever Dream, #10 in the series, not a lend me and $12.99 as an eBook.
J.D. Robb, Fantasy in Death, #30 in the series, a lend me and $12.99 as an eBook.
...but all the first four are still in Hardback and the last one just went paperback so I can pick that one up for $8.00 at the store and have a real paper copy.
The # in series indicates how many previous books the author as written using their recurring characters and I've read all of those already (yes, in order).  The lend me feature is something that allows you to lend your eBook to someone else for 14 days that also has an eReader.  Not all eBooks have the lend me feature and they seem to be priced a few dollars more, I'm not sure how it's decided.  All of the first four books are still in Hardback so the prices are pretty fair considering I can read them now for much less.  Most are going for somewhere around $19.00 - $20.00 or so.  I can download them instantly without having to make a trip to the store itself when I find myself finishing a book and not having another to open and start immediately.  Then I got an email from Barnes & Noble that said just show the eBook you are reading and they will give you a free coffee!
Okay...trip to the bookstore.  I can pick up my paperback, enjoy a coffee for free and decide which eBook I want to download first.  I know they would rather I buy their Nook and they have dropped their price on that to $149.00 but I'm holding out a little more.  I'm still not convinced this is the way to go and my mini-acer works well for free right now.
I will need that paperback to read while outside in the sunshine close to the water since I'll be taking two days off (Monday & Tuesday) to escape to my personal paradise.  I know that I can't see the screen on my mini in bright sunlight and I don't think it's a good idea to get it too close to water.  But then, even though the Nook is designed to be read outside under those conditions, I am not sure I would want to take the chance of getting my $149.00 reading gadget destroyed by sand and/or water.  I'll stick with the $8.00 paperback.
Well, that's settled...#30 in the series...here I come.
TT

Reading about writing

I started a new book and was feeling a little guilty about taking time away from writing. I knew I had extra time but kept pulling out the book instead of sitting myself down to get some words written. I actually downloaded it to my eReader and have been using my mini-acer to read. It is taking some getting used to and I don’t think the mini will work as well outside but for now it isn’t too bad. Besides, I had run out of books and I was able to download and start reading right away as opposed to making a dash to the bookstore during a lunch hour and then trying to figure out what I was going to get. I was able to shop on-line and save the time and trip this time around.
I picked up (or I should say downloaded) Dean Koontz, Relentless. If you are not familiar with Dean Koontz he writes in the horror genre like Stephen King or Peter Straub. I haven’t read so much Stephen King but Peter Straub was always good for a thrill. Koontz has a way of pulling you into his story so you believe the weird stuff going on in a regular setting as it actually happens. I learned from experience that you can’t really try to explain the book to someone else because it seems to fall apart as you explain. It makes sense and is totally believable when you are reading the story. It is thoroughly engaging and has so much movement and action, along with a grounded sense to make it credible, not to mention a dry humor that I particularly enjoy.  It just doesn't come out that way when you try to explain it to someone else.  They will look at you side-ways and you can tell they are wondering what the heck is wrong with you.
So when I tell you the book Relentless is about an author that get’s a bad review from an acclaimed critic it doesn’t sound so bad. It turns out this critic is a serial killer that is after the author and his family and, of course, you don’t believe that at first but when he appears in the authors bedroom at 4:00am and tazers him and his wife… This was approximately on page 58, Chapter Ten, when in total darkness the author can sense the critic in the bedroom. All the power has been shut down and the flashlight in the nightstand is missing. He thinks…"I realized in my desperation, I thought I could plot the scene as if I were writing fiction…I had missed something…"
But then Koontz throws this paragraph in:
"This happens often when writing fiction. Outlines are a waste of time. If you give your characters free will, they will grow in ways you never anticipated, and they will take the story places you could not have predicted, raising themes you might or might not have intended to explore. Characters shape events; events illuminate the characters. The people in a story begin as seeds, become buds, and blossom in ways that surprise the author, precisely as real people frequently surprise him with their intentions and capacities."
I suddenly wasn’t feeling guilty about reading a book instead of writing. If I hadn’t taken the time to pick up this book and read I wouldn’t have come across a reaffirmation of writing that I felt this author just wanted to put out there. What a great morsel of information from such a prolifically published author and all hidden away in the pages of a horror novel.
Who would have guessed on Chapter 10, approximately page 58 I would have gotten writing advise while feeling guilty about reading a book when I should have been writing?
There is nothing wrong with doing both and sometimes it's definitely more than worth the time.
TT

Reboot

I should have spent more on my laptop. That might not be the answer but I certainly am having my share of computer frustration. There are mornings it just doesn't want to get going. I can't always tell when it will turn to a grinding, sluggish, box of gears. It will happen randomly and usually when I just need a quick, get in, check a site, and get out. Then it will be completely connected yet tell me it isn't or spend forever bringing up a site. When this happens and I have time, I will shut down and reboot. That is the way to fix it, isn’t it?
That's what I did this morning. I shut it down and re-booted. Instead of coming back to life it told me there were some problems and did I want it to repair the problems? Well, yeah...click repair. It's Saturday morning and I have some time. I let it do whatever it was going to do and it brought up a window with a color bar moving from left to right showing me it was doing something. I think it was just a misdirection to make me think it was moving forward when it was actually not doing anything except concentrating on keeping that color bar moving. I got closer and read what the window said...Your computer was unable to start. Gee, thanks, like I didn't know that. If problems are found, start-up repair will fix them automatically. Your computer might re-start several times during the process. How? It couldn't start up the first time. But I'll give it a chance; it says it will be fixed automatically. But it's taking a long time and there has been no re-starting but only that color bar moving and moving. Okay, I'm going down to refill my coffee.
I get back and it's still going. I notice it now says...attempting repairs. So I keep waiting. And waiting and waiting. Do I just cancel this? It doesn't seem to be doing any more than when I tried to re-boot! It's circling its own loop again, it's got to be! So I go and click cancel and a new window pops up over the other and it says (no kidding). The current operation cannot be cancelled. Oh, right. Of course not. It's trying to automatically fix the problem, sure, right, I got it. I keep waiting. I keep watching the color bar. Maybe it will know I tried to cancel and it will hurry.
I am not sure if it really hurried or not. I am not sure if it found the problem. I am not sure if I intimidated it or if it knew it was in over its head. A window finally replaced the original color bar window and said, Cannot fix the problem. Do you want to send a note to Microsoft then shut down and re-start?
What a bunch of hooey! I don't care if Microsoft gets a note. I'm back where I started only much later.
I should have spent more on my laptop.
TT

Where's the map

There won't be a soul at work today.  Everyone has taken this Friday before the long weekend off from bosses to co-workers.  I am going in and will have one of those quiet days that could possibly turn long but since it's before a three-day weekend I won't really care.  It will be the kind where every click of the minute hand will prove that much closer to being off.  Not such a bad situation to be in.
You would think I had mapped out and planned every free moment from the time I clock out of work this afternoon to the Tuesday morning when I return.  It sooo isn't the case.  I don't have a single thing planned.  But who doesn't want to have that free time?!  Who doesn't want that extra day without the schedule, responsibilities, commitments...
It sure sounds great.  Maybe I will spend the day mapping out and planning some things I might want to do...hmmm...
I'll see how it goes.
TT 

What's today

It's quiet for a Thursday morning.  There is usually more activity about this time.  It might be the rain that has things silenced.  It might be there isn't any school and being a holiday weekend, I'm sure there are some that might not be going in to work and preparing instead for that holiday.  
Not me, I'm working the regular days and that is fine except the week has managed to drag just a bit at work.  Or is it me that's dragging?
I expected much more rain.  Maybe it's still on the way and will take more time to get here.  That would be fine, too.  We've gotten so much more rain this year than in the past several years.  And here I am talking about the weather like you can't look out your own window and see what is happening out there today.
But it's quiet and raining outside mine.  The kind of day I would rather stay right where I am and add a few more words to a page as the weather happens outside.
But that won't be happening for me today. It's only Thursday.
TT