9. A lot of folks are doing their holiday shopping right now, which is swell! I posted the holiday book buying reminder yesterday. You can also contact Mysterious Galaxy, in San Diego, for signed copies of Out of Tune, and for copies of Dead But Not Forgotten signed by Charlaine Harris, Toni Kelner, and a bunch of the authors (myself included). Support independent bookstores this holiday season.
8. Or maybe you're buying stuff from me, posters and T-shirts and the like. If you are, please use the PayPal option for sending money to friends and family. There are a few reasons for this. First off, I am still not a store: I am literally pricing things to cover cost of item + cost of postage. Having huge whacks of money vanish into PayPal fees makes this a loss, and means I have to start charging more to be able to afford to ship things. Secondly, you know how I always say "please send me your shipping info via this other channel"? I have found that people who chose "goods and services" are more likely to ignore that request, because they've already provided a shipping address, and if I were a store, I'd be able to access that data. Not a store. Cannot access easily. Please don't.
7. The new Pokemon game is not making me as happy as I wanted it to. I am sure I will enjoy the post-game, where it's apparently LEGENDARYPALOOZA, but I am not enjoying my Pokemon journey, and that makes me sad.
6. Thomas, who has always been an asshole, has taken his assholing to new heights in his glee that I am home. Lots of purring, lots of cuddling, lots of knocking things off shelves to demonstrate that he is still the boss of all he surveys. Thomas is going to be mittens if he doesn't cut this shit out.
5. I will be doing the Thirteen Days of Hogswatch again this year, beginning on December 12th and continuing until December 24th. The introductory post will go up on December 11th. The prizes, drawing times, response times, and requirements for each day are not negotiable; if I say "I must hear from you by X time for you to win," and you think you might not be able to check your email on, say, Christmas, I am very sorry, but I do mean it. I can't have people claiming prizes weeks after the drawing. I'm just not set up for that. But hey, I am giving away so much stuff.
4. I missed the October tip jar, which means we're running out of prioritized free fiction. I don't want to open a tip jar in December (holidays), but I may go ahead and do it in January. (Or we may have to pay for all the bodywork on Mom's car, in which case, I will not only open the tip jar, I will dance on freeways if that's what it takes.)
3. Oh, yeah: some asshole hit Mom's car on Thanksgiving night. The damage isn't massive, but she was parked at the time, and we didn't see it happen. Now we need to get the bodywork done to fix the dent on the side of her car, before rust sets in and everything gets buckets more expensive. Whee. (Yes, she has insurance, but the deductible is huge, especially if we can't produce another driver.)
2. I'm going to see The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County on Friday! I'm so excited!
1. Jean Grey is not dead right now and it's making me cranky.
That's my list. What's new with you?
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December 1 2014, 16:43:26 UTC 2 years ago
2. Today is day one of The Yarn Fairy Project 2014, so of course it's 70F. (I leave scarves and hats in empty newspaper boxes and on benches around town for our homeless folks)
3. My kitchen looks like a cyclone hit it. And I was only responsible for two dishes for Thanksgiving.
4. I may be going home for Christmas, if we can afford bus fare. Fourteen hours on a bus stinks, but I haven't seen my baby sister for five years.
5. And speaking of my sister, she asked for book recommendations from me. You have a new fan! :)
Happy December!
December 1 2014, 16:44:54 UTC 2 years ago
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December 1 2014, 17:18:26 UTC 2 years ago
2. I'm already looking at winter term and figuring out what I can do better. This includes remembering that assigning work means grading work. In a timely fashion.
3. After I give my finals (all three in one day next Wednesday) I will grade them, but probably not until after noon on Thursday. Because hell with twelve hour days (not counting commute).
4. I leave in two weeks for my winter vacation with family in Nebraska.
* I skipped dentistry all through grad school, so I suspect I'll be in for problems.
December 1 2014, 22:17:10 UTC 2 years ago
December 1 2014, 17:23:23 UTC 2 years ago
Oh, UGH. Been there. (In a loaner from
December 1 2014, 22:17:23 UTC 2 years ago
December 1 2014, 17:44:34 UTC 2 years ago
2. My Texas born cats do not understand Wisconsin winters, and howl and cry and knock stuff over because they haven't been outside to murder things in entirely too long. When we finally relent and open the door for them, they stick a paw out into the snow and nope it right back inside -- only to forget and restart the entire process again an hour later. It's going to be a very long winter.
3. I cooked our turkey breast (there's only the 4 of us, so I don't do a full bird) in a crock pot this year, and it was AMAZING. A++ would prepare again.
December 1 2014, 22:17:51 UTC 2 years ago
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December 1 2014, 18:02:33 UTC 2 years ago
My cat, Danger, has added the 'be under your feet, particularly in the dark' meme to this list.
December 1 2014, 22:18:14 UTC 2 years ago
December 1 2014, 18:45:27 UTC 2 years ago
2. The dog I thought I was going to take for foster ended up being both cat-reactive and dog-aggressive, so he would not be a viable fit for my household of two geriatric cats and another dog, but my boyfriend and I went down to the Humane Society a week ago today and came home with an absolutely darling 2-month-old pit mix puppy. Happy early birthday to me :)
3. My Wicked Girls - Angua, a 7 year old bloodhound mix, and Alannah, the aforementioned puppy - are getting on like gangbusters. A few minutes ago they were playing in the kitchen while I ate lunch; now Alannah is napping in my lap and Angua is laying on the library floor staring at me in dismay, probably because I don't have a big enough lap for her too.
4. My boys - my boyfriend and my brother - and I are going to Vegas in March and meeting several good friends for a long weekend visit :)
December 1 2014, 22:18:30 UTC 2 years ago
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December 1 2014, 22:20:32 UTC 2 years ago
If you feel like tossing me a few bucks I won't say "no," but I also won't get upset if you don't, because this is seriously a "no one in the wrong" situation.
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December 1 2014, 20:49:14 UTC 2 years ago
We ended up realizing that only Spiderman friends and relatives get to stay dead, though I hear Gwen Stacy is alive again.
My Thanksgiving was brightened by the Jurassic World trailer. It is the sequel that we deserved but did not get. I am so looking forward to it.
December 1 2014, 22:21:03 UTC 2 years ago
December 1 2014, 21:22:47 UTC 2 years ago Edited: December 1 2014, 21:23:57 UTC
2. I've given up on agents and "traditional" publishing. All the "yes, it's beautifully and well written and the character is great and the story is great and everything works but...." has me just so done right now. One book is hitting the small press circuit, the other is being revised (AGAIN!) for future self-publishing...when I have the money and the expertise to do it right. Three other books are in the works, but I hit a wall so hard with all the "it's great but no" stuff. On the one hand, hate giving up that dream; on the other, I need to move forward, not keep spinning wheels.
3. Menopause put a monkey wench in losing weight, but I'm still losing! Granted...at about a third of the rate I was before, but it's still creeping down.
4. Along the same lines, this is the first year in a long time that I've been HEALTHY during the winter. My Timehop timelines show nothing but sickness for at least the last 4 years. o.O
5. Holiday sweets are officially out of the house. Yes, this is important. They'll be back for Christmas, but I have temptation free time until then. lol
6. Hub's mother's visit was a huge success. She saw great-grandkids! Ate his food! Took us all to Interstellar! Saw her birthday month sharing granddaughter (as well as the other grandkids)! Ate more of his food! Had fun! A good time had by all.
7. Newest cat boy, Gambit (yes, we have X-kittehs: Ororo Storm is part Manx and tends to be cranky, Rogue is a stray baby we captured with a cheeseburger, and Logan is nothing like his namesake; Vagner died last summer...and I still miss him desperately) is driving humans and cats alike cray cray with his chasing and wanting to be out. We did finally collar the fellow in case he gets out and disappears for a month again. Silly cat. It's COLD out there!
8. The tax return was supposed to go to clothes but now needs to replace the laptop. Since I'm looking at a Lenovo Thinkpad (after a double HP meltdown and the Toshiba lasting maybe 2 years), I suspect the also much needed new wardrobe will not be happening. Send safety pins. I'm going to need them.
And now a kitchen awaits for the weekly cleaning. Sorry to hear about the car. People are just so aggravating sometimes.
Happy holidays!
(And lordy, where the heck did this year go?)
December 2 2014, 01:17:18 UTC 2 years ago
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December 1 2014, 22:13:57 UTC 2 years ago
2. The CrossingsCon Indiegogo launches in 2 weeks! Nervicitement levels are approaching maximum!
3. Saw Big Hero 6 with my mom and sister and grandma and was overcome by feels. Am now going to drag my future roomie to it on cheap movie night ^_^
4. My mom has a poodle, my aunt brought her pug/poodle mix, and my uncle brought his black lab. And they all snuggled me while I graded exams over Thanksgiving break!
5. After last week's signing, Christmas shopping is now done! Now time to mail everything out. Becquerel, who is the Quentin to my Toby, is getting the first 3 Toby novels and has promised to liveblog them at me. *maniacal laughter* I also realized that a good 3/4 of people on my Christmas list are getting something from you, which makes me smile.
6. Because I am TAing for an awesome professor next quarter, I get an extra two days in Seattle with my partners since he says I don't need to be back in California until the day classes start. I miss them so much, and I do not get to see them as often as I would like, so an extra two days means a lot.
So sorry to hear about your mom's car! I know it's a bit of a drive for you, but Hoblit Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Woodland fixed my car when it broke down, and they do really good work and came in 200 under quote. Best of luck!
Happy Hogswatch!
December 2 2014, 01:17:37 UTC 2 years ago
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paypal snafu...
December 2 2014, 01:09:33 UTC 2 years ago Edited: December 2 2014, 01:09:58 UTC
RE: paypal snafu...
December 2 2014, 01:10:21 UTC 2 years ago
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December 2 2014, 01:45:52 UTC 2 years ago
My cats are also being arseholes. Mocha got into a fight and rolled in burrs so I had to spend three hours combing them out of his fur.
November 12 2015, 13:16:05 UTC 1 year ago
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November 12 2015, 13:16:20 UTC 1 year ago
December 2 2014, 02:55:23 UTC 2 years ago
I finally got my copy of Symbiont! Have not yet read, but still, finally got it. (Pre-ordered through local brick and mortar store, then was ridiculously busy and nowhere near said store for days after it released. Mmmf.) I am not sure I get to read it before Friday (because, well, sleep)...but Friday I have a long gulp of time in which a long gulp of book could happen. This would be awesome.
I have made a sweet potatoes recipe that is sweet potato, banana caramelized in butter, and a bit of orange juice. It is RIDICULOUSLY good. I am already trying to tweak and adapt (mostly to remove the butter, so that I can eat it more freely).
November 12 2015, 13:16:31 UTC 1 year ago
A responsive list
December 2 2014, 03:09:47 UTC 2 years ago
1. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday ever. Very little pressure, other than to make a pie. Or buy a pie. And make cranberry/apple sauce, with Cointreau for the win. And then show up with our SUV packed so tightly with 3 adults, two kids, and our assorted belongings for a single night's stay that jokes about needing a can opener to get us all out on arrival are only ... sort of ... jokes ... That said, it was lovely, low-key, exactly how it should have been.
2. News flash: Teenagers are nothing like when I was a teen (yes, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth and the world was actually black and white [just like the TV shows ...]). Mine is 13, and both taller and faster than I am. Luckily, I'm older and meaner. Heh. Honey, do you remember where I put the machete?
3. Oh good gravy, teenagers are nothing like when I was a teen, help!
4. Have become enough of an addict to Walking Dead that when I ran out of back episodes on Netflix last week, and AMC somehow, amazingly, doesn't have all the episodes from the beginning of Season 5, up for free ... for me ... Right Now, this became a matter causing some distress. Boo.
5. In other interesting news of the day, Delphina the Cat has begun to lick Puck the Dog's face. Sadly, my Google habit has become enough of an addiction that I immediately typed in "what does it mean when the cat licks to dog," only to have Google respond, "Duh, stupid, the cat likes the dog. Or she's taste testing him." Thank you Google. And Abby, who helped with that last bit of research.
6. Abby is the bees knees. As much as I love our teen, it really is lovely to have a kid who still running tackle hugs on sight, and cuddles with me on the couch.
7. Wow. Nothing like a Major Spousal Fight to inspire us to get the holiday decorations out. Really. No, really. I swear. (In fact, as an apology, my poor beleaguered husband went out as the skies threatened rain, and put all the holiday lights up. The same ones, I note, that went up 2 days before Christmas last year. Poor guy... )
8. Tis the season for casseroles! Ooooh, green bean casserole, chicken and rice casserole, tuna noodle casserole, yummo!!!! That said, Abby is moaning and weeping at the prospect of same. Poor husband diplomatically silent on subject. Anyone else out there love casseroles, want to share one with me? I'll supply the cream of mushroom soup, Corningware ...
9. Ok, running out of things to list. (Right, how sad is that?!) Abby suggests more pets talk. Ok, so we have four pets: Maui and Puck the dogs, Delphina the cat, and Shelby the guinea pig. Oops, Abby reminds me we also have King, the creepy sea snail she found at the beach last summer, that liiiiiiives oooooon foreeeeveeerrrrrrrrr. Anyone want a sea snail? It's "almost" old enough to vote, and occasionally makes a break for it up the side of the tank.
10. And finally ... ! Am loving re-reading Parasite in advance of taking in Symbiont. Tapeworms, yum! Hey great idea here: next one: sea snails! Veeeeerrrrry sloooooow ... but damn DETERMINED!
xoxo !
Denisen
RE: A responsive list
November 12 2015, 13:16:43 UTC 1 year ago
December 2 2014, 03:41:52 UTC 2 years ago
YAY DECEMBER AT HOME! BOO MOM'S CAR GETTING HIT!
November 12 2015, 13:16:58 UTC 1 year ago
December 2 2014, 04:03:53 UTC 2 years ago
If it turns out you need car deductible, I would contribute to the tip jar whenever needed!
November 12 2015, 13:17:12 UTC 1 year ago
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December 2 2014, 07:07:47 UTC 2 years ago
2. In light of #1, I'm trying weekly and monthly to do lists instead of daily.
3. I discovered today that my kitten doesn't like it when I come home smelling like other kittens and makes the most adorable upset face ever.
4. Going to a friend's for help fixing something on a vehicle resulted in two things getting fixed AND getting to play with young kittens.
5. My kitten has decided that there's no difference in the dog's bed and a litter box. I am not happy about this.
6. I spent an hour sitting in the sun with my dog lounging against my lap today. This was possibly the best thing in months.
7. I have cute new boots that aren't rubbing blisters or hurting the toes I broke this summer.
8. Planning my reading for the next few months, I started with "Okay, the next InCryptid book is out in March" and worked around it.
November 12 2015, 13:17:37 UTC 1 year ago
December 2 2014, 09:33:57 UTC 2 years ago
2/ Been on a real making-things creativity kick (maybe that's why the bunny isn't talking to me :) ). Done Christmas cards to send to friends, general cards to give for whatever, some pictures for myself. I cross-stitch, it's very soothing in front of the TV of an evening.
3/ I made the right choice in June when I changed jobs.
4/ The weather is getting warmer here, lovely for sitting in the garden watching the local birds poking round on the lawn.
5/ I really need to do some de-cluttering of the house in general, and my wardrobe in particular. Maybe between Christmas & New Years, depending on my level of enthusiasm & how warm it is...
6/ My 6-yo niece is just starting to read "proper" books, and we are trying to decide exactly what to get her to encourage her reading. Its rather difficult as there's so much to choose from nowadays!
7/ Why are all of my favourite TV shows ending??? WHY????
8/ Sent extra money to cover the fees for the Slasher Chicks shirt payment just now. Ever so sorry, didn't think about that side of it!
November 12 2015, 13:18:06 UTC 1 year ago
December 2 2014, 12:18:36 UTC 2 years ago
But I've read a lot of obscure things, books, played a lot of video games, while trying to ignore the post-herpetic neuralgia that has just been very annoying. It could be much worse.
November 12 2015, 13:18:24 UTC 1 year ago
December 2 2014, 16:28:18 UTC 2 years ago
1. Jean Grey is dead. And Pluto is a planet. This is my reality and I am sticking with it. Pluto will always be a planet to me.
2. I am currently getting over my 3rd cold since August. All three colds immediately followed travel, with people (e.g. conventions or dance weekends). I'm trying not to take this as a sign that I should become a complete hermit.
3. Large asshole Maine Coons may work better as hats. From what I can tell, they're almost the size of beagles, and the beagles are definitely becoming both hats and stew this winter.
4. Although even when I want to turn them into hats (or mittens, or stew) beagles are totally still love. Demented, nutbar, adorable, baying love.
5. Currently enjoying the following new TV shows: Madam Secretary. The Flash. Currently giving a chance but not yet decided on: Constantine, Gotham
Currently still enjoying the following not new TV shows: Arrow, The Good Wife, Orphan Black Currently enjoying again after a bad 2nd season: Elementary
Currently almost ready to give up on in annoyance even as doing so feels like betraying my lil' fannish heart: Doctor Who, Marvel Agents of Shield
Currently hoping will rock but not trying to get my hopes too high: Marvel Agent Carter
6. I invented new numbers in my sleep last night. A yarghu - which is actually the same measurement as a googol (which existed, but was called a yarghu in my dream).
Then there was a targhu, which was a yarghu to the power of 100.
Dreams are weird.
November 12 2015, 13:18:50 UTC 1 year ago
December 2 2014, 16:32:07 UTC 2 years ago
7. I got to dance three fan-fictions a week and a half a go (at the dance weekend where I caught a cold).
One of them is very much a WIP, but as a beta dancer for the other two, I think that matched the canonical story quite well.
I'm still loving the fact that I can tell people that I spent a good part of the weekend dancing fanfics, even if we're not sure exactly how to enter them into the A03 website.
November 12 2015, 13:19:27 UTC 1 year ago
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