Kimi is almost 11 months old now. When she was first born, I was gung-ho about potty training her. Some people thought that I was crazy. Others protested that she was far too young and acted as if considering such a task like toilet training was detrimental to Kimi's development. I wonder what they went through to get that concept.
Infant potty training made sense to me. By the time my husband was 12 months old, he was out of diapers. Of course, I've found the task to be more difficult for me. It takes a lot of attention and if you aren't watching, you miss the signs. That means multitasking for me is out of the question. I can't keep my eyes on my computer screen and still see the indications that babies make when they need to go. Not to mention I'm not with her at all hours of the day. Connie at day care has stated that I'm out of my mind if I expect her to practice infant potty training. That does limit the amount of time dedicated to the training venture.
Though I don't take the time every day to practice potty training, Kimi does know that it's good to tinkle in the potty. This morning, just after she woke up, I placed her on the toilet, made a "tsst" sound, and she went. By the time she reaches 2, the accepted age for potty training in western cultures, she will already know what it means and I'm hoping that the transitions from diapers to underwear will be easy.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Deities and gods
After an evening of discussing my book with my husband and running off on rabbit trails, he left me with some very good thoughts. In my created world, there are two sets of powers, both stemming from beings of godlike nature. We have the Drethamir, who created the elements, elementals, and beasts that reside on Chikara, the continent where my books take place. Then we also have the Miasho deities, five siblings who enjoy screwing with the humans and aiding their self-destruction. Chris asks, where did they come from? I don't know. He points out that if we have two sets of gods, then they must have come from somewhere. Now I must come up with some story of creation.
On a positive note, I have reached my 2,000 weekly word goal. In fact, I quadrupled it. As I write, I discover more and more about my characters that I didn't know before. Such as, the Commander likes berries. I didn't know that before, but as his story made it onto paper, that little detail emerged. I also added a couple of supporting characters, and found that the Commander didn't have much of a childhood and friends were never a consideration for him. Interesting. This man who plays an important role in my books is finally taking on shape and substance. Writing his view of the story has gone from being a task to being quite entertaining.
There are still decisions to make before I finish my story. Adding the supporting characters brings a dilemma. Which one do I kill off? Or do I kill off both? I could see use for either and both in future books, but they weren't part of the big plan. And this book is about a war. If there are no casualties, then it's just not believable. I think the medic has to die. Does the nomad have to as well or does he just go home with a broken heart? Or does he stay to help the Commander? Might make an interesting addition to the second book when all the Miasho deities come out to play. I haven't written to that point yet, so I guess we'll see when we get there.
On a positive note, I have reached my 2,000 weekly word goal. In fact, I quadrupled it. As I write, I discover more and more about my characters that I didn't know before. Such as, the Commander likes berries. I didn't know that before, but as his story made it onto paper, that little detail emerged. I also added a couple of supporting characters, and found that the Commander didn't have much of a childhood and friends were never a consideration for him. Interesting. This man who plays an important role in my books is finally taking on shape and substance. Writing his view of the story has gone from being a task to being quite entertaining.
There are still decisions to make before I finish my story. Adding the supporting characters brings a dilemma. Which one do I kill off? Or do I kill off both? I could see use for either and both in future books, but they weren't part of the big plan. And this book is about a war. If there are no casualties, then it's just not believable. I think the medic has to die. Does the nomad have to as well or does he just go home with a broken heart? Or does he stay to help the Commander? Might make an interesting addition to the second book when all the Miasho deities come out to play. I haven't written to that point yet, so I guess we'll see when we get there.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
I cannot tell a lie.
Polygraph tests are stressful!
There I sit in a chair, staring at a blank white wall, holding perfectly still atop a computerized pad. A blood-pressure cuff cuts off circulation to my left arm. Two metal sensors are strapped to the fingers of my right hand. Coils stretch across my abdomen and chest.
I've always considered myself a person of honesty and integrity. Wow. A life of rationalizing situations comes to rear it's ugly face in the light of a emotionless computer. First off, it's not fun to spill your guts in front of a stranger. And then there are those things that you don't think about, but your body knows. Self-doubt it the mortal enemy. Question: Do you remember a time when you lied to someone who loved and trusted you? Answer: No. No, I don't remember a time. But the body says "well, I don't remember a time, but I probably did." Verbally, I answered the question with complete truth. Self-doubt makes it come across as a lie.
Stealing, now that's a topic of interest. I don't take other people's property and I don't shoplift. Do you steal from your employers? The worst thing I could come up with was that I was planning to take a steno notebook and a selection of pens home with me, but haven't yet. They're still sitting on my desk at work, but I still felt bad about considering doing such a deed. Have you ever lied to your employer? No, what would I have to lie about? I answered no to both questions and he addressed them after the test was done, saying that my body told a different story. For example, have you ever called into work sick when you weren't really sick? Doh! I guess that classifies as stealing and lying. My brain never registered such events when the question was asked, but my body did.
Drugs were the easy part. Never done them. Never sold them. Never been around them.
I had no issue talking about the topic of sex since I've only ever been with one man, my husband. But I found it interesting when he was discussing what sexual activity was illegal in Idaho, even when people don't think of it as a crime. Having homosexual sex is illegal. Having sex with animals is illegal (and just plain gross, in my opinion). Having sex before you're married is illegal. That's right people. It's Idaho's law.
The examiner said that he saw no large red flags that would instantly reject my suitability for the job, but I'll still wait and wonder whether or not I'm good enough to work for the Idaho State Police Department.
There I sit in a chair, staring at a blank white wall, holding perfectly still atop a computerized pad. A blood-pressure cuff cuts off circulation to my left arm. Two metal sensors are strapped to the fingers of my right hand. Coils stretch across my abdomen and chest.
I've always considered myself a person of honesty and integrity. Wow. A life of rationalizing situations comes to rear it's ugly face in the light of a emotionless computer. First off, it's not fun to spill your guts in front of a stranger. And then there are those things that you don't think about, but your body knows. Self-doubt it the mortal enemy. Question: Do you remember a time when you lied to someone who loved and trusted you? Answer: No. No, I don't remember a time. But the body says "well, I don't remember a time, but I probably did." Verbally, I answered the question with complete truth. Self-doubt makes it come across as a lie.
Stealing, now that's a topic of interest. I don't take other people's property and I don't shoplift. Do you steal from your employers? The worst thing I could come up with was that I was planning to take a steno notebook and a selection of pens home with me, but haven't yet. They're still sitting on my desk at work, but I still felt bad about considering doing such a deed. Have you ever lied to your employer? No, what would I have to lie about? I answered no to both questions and he addressed them after the test was done, saying that my body told a different story. For example, have you ever called into work sick when you weren't really sick? Doh! I guess that classifies as stealing and lying. My brain never registered such events when the question was asked, but my body did.
Drugs were the easy part. Never done them. Never sold them. Never been around them.
I had no issue talking about the topic of sex since I've only ever been with one man, my husband. But I found it interesting when he was discussing what sexual activity was illegal in Idaho, even when people don't think of it as a crime. Having homosexual sex is illegal. Having sex with animals is illegal (and just plain gross, in my opinion). Having sex before you're married is illegal. That's right people. It's Idaho's law.
The examiner said that he saw no large red flags that would instantly reject my suitability for the job, but I'll still wait and wonder whether or not I'm good enough to work for the Idaho State Police Department.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
War! Hu! What is it good for?
This week, I've decided to focus on my character Kieser Hartford, Commander of the Air Province Armed Forces. My first book is told from the point of view of four people following three primary progressions. Derek and MaTisha dominate, but there's the other two people, Kaio Geotellus and Kieser Hartford. Kieser is young, but he's prepared his entire life to serve his Thanmir and lead people into battle. He's not a glory hound. He is a man honor.
The major dilemma that I've faced with writing Kieser's portion of the story is that I have no experience with war. A man that leads others to their potential death doesn't do so lightly. He is serious and doesn't tolerate foolish behavior. His concern about image and reputation is important because he's supposed to be the man people look to, the man people trust. How does a man like him handle war? He's never seen it. There's never been war before, only slaughter, and that was before his time. When he kills for the first time, it's not easy, but he doesn't have the luxury of letting that show. His love for a woman is pushed aside for the need to guide the men that rely on him.
I've had to think a great deal when it comes to this character. He's plain old human, no special powers, no art to help sway events in his favor. He must rely on his instinct and act on his decisions.
I'll be watching Civil war movies for the next little while to find out what it was like to go up against people that you may have known, neighbors across a border. I hope what you read is believable and realistic.
The major dilemma that I've faced with writing Kieser's portion of the story is that I have no experience with war. A man that leads others to their potential death doesn't do so lightly. He is serious and doesn't tolerate foolish behavior. His concern about image and reputation is important because he's supposed to be the man people look to, the man people trust. How does a man like him handle war? He's never seen it. There's never been war before, only slaughter, and that was before his time. When he kills for the first time, it's not easy, but he doesn't have the luxury of letting that show. His love for a woman is pushed aside for the need to guide the men that rely on him.
I've had to think a great deal when it comes to this character. He's plain old human, no special powers, no art to help sway events in his favor. He must rely on his instinct and act on his decisions.
I'll be watching Civil war movies for the next little while to find out what it was like to go up against people that you may have known, neighbors across a border. I hope what you read is believable and realistic.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
2,000 words
One of my favorite authors, Diana Gabaldon, wrote on her website that she's keeping a pace of writing 2,000 words a day. For those that don't know what that translates into, it's about 7 pages, size 12 Time New Romans font, double-spaced. I find that mighty impressive. The last time I sat down and wrote a new scene in my book, I got to about 875 words and it took me about 3 hours to do so. I've written 140k + words towards my first book and the story has only been half told. I've still got a war to get down on paper.
While I should be focused on getting my unwritten content written, I've found myself reviewing and editing the work I've already played with several times over. Reading other books really helps. It gives good perspective as to what is entertaining, and what is just too much. While rewriting, I've discovered I've told more than I've showed, and I've given details that really don't add to the story. The reader doesn't need a full description about all the freak accidents. It's better to let the imagination build up the chaos inside the person's mind.
So far, I've gotten through my prologue and 5 chapters. They're posted in the X-cerpts portion of my book site if you'd like to read them. I have my husband's assurance that the post-editing versions are better. He reviewed chapter 1 for me. I saw him smile in a couple parts. That pleases me. I like it when I can entertain.
Inspired by Diana Gabaldon, I've decided I'm going to set my goal at 2,000 words a week. I figure that's a reasonable goal as a full-time working mother. Feel free to hold me accountable, but know hat my first draft is usually not the best one.
While I should be focused on getting my unwritten content written, I've found myself reviewing and editing the work I've already played with several times over. Reading other books really helps. It gives good perspective as to what is entertaining, and what is just too much. While rewriting, I've discovered I've told more than I've showed, and I've given details that really don't add to the story. The reader doesn't need a full description about all the freak accidents. It's better to let the imagination build up the chaos inside the person's mind.
So far, I've gotten through my prologue and 5 chapters. They're posted in the X-cerpts portion of my book site if you'd like to read them. I have my husband's assurance that the post-editing versions are better. He reviewed chapter 1 for me. I saw him smile in a couple parts. That pleases me. I like it when I can entertain.
Inspired by Diana Gabaldon, I've decided I'm going to set my goal at 2,000 words a week. I figure that's a reasonable goal as a full-time working mother. Feel free to hold me accountable, but know hat my first draft is usually not the best one.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Six pack, and I'm not talking soda and beer
On my never ending quest for fabulous abs, I am forever searching for the best way to burn the fat off my midsection. This has included reading numerous web pages, subscribing to the blogs of fitness professionals, and consulting the advice of boot campers and co-workers. I've compiled most of what I've learned here in this blog post.
Burn more calories than you consume.
Don't live on a low carb diet. Your body needs carbs for energy. If it doesn't get enough energy, it thinks it's starving and then starts storing fat instead of burning it. At least once a week, perhaps twice, make carbs a major part of your diet otherwise you'll platue.
Don't over indulge on the wrong carbs. If it says enriched, it means that the good stuff was originally taken out and the manufactures thought that they had to put stuff back in to make it have some semblence of nutritional value. Sugar isn't the right route to go for carbs. Aim for fiber, but make sure you drink your water.
There are good fats and bad fats. Don't think you have to live without fat, because that's unhealthy. When you eat fat, which you should just in limited amounts, aim to get it in the form of avocados, raw nuts, and olive or coconut oil. Omega 3's are fatty acids.
Keep the carbs to the earlier parts of the day and eat for what you're going to be doing. When you sleep, you'll be burning calories, but not as much as when you're up walking around and moving. Like I said under the carb-free section, carbs are for energy. Dinner shouldn't be the biggest meal of the day, breakfast should be.
Weight train. The more lean muscle mass you have, the more calories you'll burn. If you lose muscle mass, then that means you'll have more fat.
Don't drink your calories. If you have the choice between eating fruit and drinking fruit juice, choose the whole fruit. And avoid high fructose corn syrup. It's just not good for you.
That's all the advice I have for you at the moment. Until next time...
Burn more calories than you consume.
Don't live on a low carb diet. Your body needs carbs for energy. If it doesn't get enough energy, it thinks it's starving and then starts storing fat instead of burning it. At least once a week, perhaps twice, make carbs a major part of your diet otherwise you'll platue.
Don't over indulge on the wrong carbs. If it says enriched, it means that the good stuff was originally taken out and the manufactures thought that they had to put stuff back in to make it have some semblence of nutritional value. Sugar isn't the right route to go for carbs. Aim for fiber, but make sure you drink your water.
There are good fats and bad fats. Don't think you have to live without fat, because that's unhealthy. When you eat fat, which you should just in limited amounts, aim to get it in the form of avocados, raw nuts, and olive or coconut oil. Omega 3's are fatty acids.
Keep the carbs to the earlier parts of the day and eat for what you're going to be doing. When you sleep, you'll be burning calories, but not as much as when you're up walking around and moving. Like I said under the carb-free section, carbs are for energy. Dinner shouldn't be the biggest meal of the day, breakfast should be.
Weight train. The more lean muscle mass you have, the more calories you'll burn. If you lose muscle mass, then that means you'll have more fat.
Don't drink your calories. If you have the choice between eating fruit and drinking fruit juice, choose the whole fruit. And avoid high fructose corn syrup. It's just not good for you.
That's all the advice I have for you at the moment. Until next time...
Thursday, July 7, 2011
A half year in reflection - Ob La Di...
Time, amazingly, doesn't stop and wait for you to catch up.
In as little as six months, my life has seen changes. My baby girl now clings to my leg, giggling up at me with a full faced grin. She can stand on her own now, though hasn't the courage to take any steps yet. I applied and was the top candidate for a Java programming job with the Idaho State Police. I started, stopped, started, and stopped WoW yet again. My best friend suffered through a month of 5:30 AM boot camp with me and I think we're both physically stronger from the experience. SharePoint has reared its ugly head and CSS reminded me of how beautiful web design can be. I learned how to ride and failed my motorcycle test.
As some things change, others stay the same. My book still consumes my creative thoughts. I even made a website to help keep myself organized! Risu the Author I'm still a health and fitness nut, even if I don't put my knowledge to use. Paranormal fantasy and romance still top my book list. I prefer regular Red Bull to sugar free.
My scale of house-wifeliness has upped itself by several degrees. I bought a vacuum and I use it on a regular basis. Dinner is ready by 6. I even use the oven. Don't worry (or maybe, Sorry), I don't intend on baking any apple pies.
Though this post really said nothing, life will go on.
In as little as six months, my life has seen changes. My baby girl now clings to my leg, giggling up at me with a full faced grin. She can stand on her own now, though hasn't the courage to take any steps yet. I applied and was the top candidate for a Java programming job with the Idaho State Police. I started, stopped, started, and stopped WoW yet again. My best friend suffered through a month of 5:30 AM boot camp with me and I think we're both physically stronger from the experience. SharePoint has reared its ugly head and CSS reminded me of how beautiful web design can be. I learned how to ride and failed my motorcycle test.
As some things change, others stay the same. My book still consumes my creative thoughts. I even made a website to help keep myself organized! Risu the Author I'm still a health and fitness nut, even if I don't put my knowledge to use. Paranormal fantasy and romance still top my book list. I prefer regular Red Bull to sugar free.
My scale of house-wifeliness has upped itself by several degrees. I bought a vacuum and I use it on a regular basis. Dinner is ready by 6. I even use the oven. Don't worry (or maybe, Sorry), I don't intend on baking any apple pies.
Though this post really said nothing, life will go on.
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