I am grumpy.

I should not be allowed near other human beings.

There should be a sign around my neck reading, "Approach at Your Own Risk".

Other than that, things are good. I managed to work on my WiP for about ten minutes today, plus five yesterday. So, yeah, things are good.

My Killer Dog

Yes, he killed another rat. This one was much more heart wrenching since we had the rat for almost a whole year. And she didn't die right away. AND Katie was holding her when she DID die. Needless to say, it was a morning of drama in my house.


I stayed up till after midnight writing last night. It's still coming along great. So, yay!

Manuscript Report

I'm happy to report that I'm getting into the writing of the idea I've alluded to. It's not going as fast as I'd like, but it is coming along. I'll post when I hit the halfway mark (coming up in a few weeks, cross my fingers). I want this, my first real manuscript, to be finished in time for Writing For Young Readers in June 2010. I hear a lot of good things about that particular conference and I hope I'll be able to talk to some veterans in the national market while I'm there. I know my chances of getting published with this one are slim to none, but a girl can hope. :)

I Love Writing

In the midst of my crazy life, I sometimes forget this detail. Then I put my priorities in order, come up with a great new idea and it comes to me--I love writing. I can't go into details about my story because that would ruin the thrill I get from actually writing, but I can say that this one is pure fun for me. I put my kids in bed at night, I veg with my other half and then, when everyone is asleep, I lie awake thinking about my characters. So, now instead of thinking about them, I just write about them until midnight. Good times!

In other news, I did my first review of a manuscript for Valor Publishing last week. It was a lot of fun and really helped me to be more critical of my own work. Of course, what I'm working on is a rough draft so I know there are major changes that might happen before I'm done, but I'm more aware about the points in my story that are important and the ones that are not. Hopefully, those will come through in the end.

Happy Writing. :)

Good Halloween

My Halloween wasn't nearly as exciting as Graham's, but it had it's moments. First, I got to stay in bed till almost 10 a.m. Therefore I started the day in a very good mood. (Bonus for my kids). I made doughnuts while watching Scott carve the most awesome jack-o-lantern ever. (Yes, that's it to the side there). Then I watched Scott eat a five scoop ice cream cone. I don't know why. Its like we didn't think the kids were going to get enough sugar in the next couple of weeks. They had to have ice cream, too. Then, of course, there was the actual getting into costumes and trick-or-treating. I was on duty this year, while Scott stayed home to hand out candy. It was quite entertaining watching my four kids race from house to house. After every door, my littlest would come to me and say things like, "I got lots of candy, Mom! I better eat my candy at my house." And, "I have to hurry to my friends, Mom." Her friends are her brothers and sister. I find it hilarious that she calls them her friends. Kind of like how she calls Scott 'her daddy friend'. She's just cute like that. So that was it. We trick-or-treated till they couldn't hold their pillowcases anymore. Then we went home and the gorging began.

Stupid People...

Has anyone else seen the nonsense in pop news about Taylor Lautner? How there's a double standard in Hollywood when it comes to what is or isn't appropriate to take off (clothing wise) for underage actors? The whole thing is really ridiculous. I spent, easily, twenty minutes reading an article about it and then reading the comments afterward and the whole thing made me disgusted (time I will never get back). Some people pointed fingers saying that anyone looking at underage persons sexually were pervs. Others thought Hollywood was in the dark ages by not allowing girls and boys the same amount of skin in the tabloids and on the big screen. And the whole time I just want to scream, YOU PEOPLE ARE IDIOTS! Doesn't anyone out there remember that the only reason we have underage anything is because someone in the past thought it might be prudent to make that distinction for the protection of said minors? Not that I'm for the ogling of teenagers, but those laws don't take away a teenager's innate sexuality. What I am saying is that its not about equal skin time, its about teaching young people that its not about the skin at all. Someone needs to tell young people to leave something to the imagination and to remember that what is in your head makes you much more appealing than finding out how much of your body you can show off without walking around naked.

Pull Over When Drowsy

I saw this sign both coming and going to Utah this last week. I find it interesting and useful to know that this principle is multifaceted, though not as widely accepted as it should be. I mean, what a concept. If you're tired you should sleep, as opposed to driving into the truck in front of you or swerving off into the desert at high speeds. Or, I don't know, when you're sick you should actually rest and recover before trying to go on with the heavy lifting of life. Also on that list is writing. Maybe its just me, but I think the person short on sleep, putting in fourteen hour days at work and then coming home to family obligations and regular life is up in the wind if they expect themselves to be writing 3000 words a day as well. Let's take it down a notch. Just ratchet it back a smidge. Get some sleep. Come at it from a different perspective in the morning. And with that...

Wasting time....blah blah blah....wasting time.

I had a great brain storming session with Donna today.

I shared an Oreo shake (from Jack in the Box) with my kids after practicing the organ at the church. They weren't exactly gems, but they didn't burn the church down either. So, they deserved it.

I haven't been to the gym since Tuesday. I'm gonna go ahead and chalk up this week to being either too a)busy, b)tired or c)out of town. I've lost 10 pounds since about August so I'm taking a well deserved break.

Humanitarian Aid

I find it both shocking and amazing that things easily found in our local stores, sold for mere dollars, are the things that are most needed by those in areas struck by disaster and war. Indeed, not just disaster zones and nations writhing in the grip of totalitarian dictators. Soap, combs, hand towels, tooth brushes, tooth paste. These simple items transform a person from "dirty transient stranger" to "human being". They bring those unfortunate souls who walk our streets, penniless and without shelter, back from the brink of hopelessness. These precious items can remind them of their humanity and worth. So, give a hand this year. This very minute if you can.

Here is a link on how to put together Hygiene Kits, Newborn Kits, School Kits to be sent to the Latter-Day Saint Humanitarian Center.

I wish I could put a listing up that says, "Here is the exact right place where you should help out." I can't. There are too many places that are in need. Homeless shelters, women's shelters, retirement homes, soup kitchens, shelters for transient families. Not to mention hospitals and hospices, drug rehabs and the ever-present schools in need of support. But with careful consideration and prayer, I'm sure you can find the right place where your services will be well received. We can't save everybody, but we can help somebody. Just do what you can, right?

I Love Books

I do. I love becoming immersed in the story, the magic. Even if it's just regular fiction (not sci-fi/fantasy) I get engrossed in the characters, their stories, the way they view the world. I love seeing things from different perspectives and I wonder where I fit on the scale. How do I see the world compared to everyone else? Maybe my perception is not unique, but I like to think that the way I feel about things...that's all my own.

Tired! Tired! Tired!

It's my own fault because I stayed up till 3 a.m. reading Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. It was absolutely outstanding! When does the next book come out?! For the record, I am shocked and appalled at how few people have read the Hunger Games or even know about it. (Catching Fire is the next book in the series). Aside from being a thrilling ride from start to finish, it addresses the confusion and woes of being a teenager from a completely different angle. Not to mention in a completely different light.

Imagine a society where the people have been tortured, belittled and virtually castrated into submission by the most ruthless dictator since Hitler. Balancing on that precarious edge of dictatorship is a girl, smack in the middle of puberty trying to figure out who and/or what she is and by what morals she should live her life. And it's by walking this tricky walk of being true to herself, family and those she cares about that she manages to unbalance the world she's trying preserve.

Provocative read. An absolute must read!

New Instruments

I have to learn how to play the organ by October. Handy that I know how to play the piano but really, they're not the same at all. Wish me luck because I will be practicing my guts out in the next few weeks as opposed to writing.

Reading

I'm reading "Mastering the Art of French Cooking". Boring on the surface, fascinating between the covers. Love! Love! LOVE!

My kids are killing me slowly

....and not in the, "Oh that was so cute, you little Turkey" kind of way. They are really going to give me a heart attack or an aneurism and it will really suck when that day comes. Today, I get home from the gym and the kids want to go out and ride their scooters. I said yes. That was my first mistake. Then I take my bag inside and check my messages and grab something to eat. That was my second mistake. I should've set my things down and gone outside immediately to bring the kids back inside, but instead I sat down. Then I got to thinking that I should check on them. It'd only been 15 minutes, but they're kids and they get in trouble fast. So I go out to get them only they're no where to be seen. Now, I should preface this predicament by saying that its not the first time my kids have turned up missing, but they have places they like to explore and I usually find them in those places. This was not to be one of those times. I searched. I yelled their names. I got in my car and drove up to the park just up my street. I looked behind the back wall to see if they were playing in the desert back there. I looked EVERYWHERE. They were no where. So I called my husband and the police department and was actually on the phone with the dispatch lady when they come trundling up my street like they were just having a midafternoon stroll. There are no words to describe how I felt at that moment. I'm still recovering.

Really Good Cookies

I've been getting back to the gym on a regular basis, much to my delight. However, I've also started baking again. (Drat!) My new favorite cookie is chocolate peanut butter chip. Yum! You can find the recipe on the back of the Reese's Peanut Butter Chips package, but here it is in case you want to use a cheaper chip. ;)

2 1/2 sticks butter, almost to room temperature but still slightly cool (Yum!)

2 C. sugar, minus 1/4 C. for high altitude

2 eggs

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. vanilla

3/4 C. good Dutch processed cocoa

2 C. flour, plus 1/4-1/2 C. if you're baking this at high altitude

1 package peanut butter chips

Beat the butter and sugar well. Add the eggs one at a time till well combined with the sugar/butter mixture. Add the salt, baking soda and vanilla. Stir in the cocoa and flour. Stir in the peanut butter chips. Bake on a parchment lined baking sheet.

I don't know about you, but I've finally figured out at what temperature and for how long I should bake cookies in my oven. For me, I turn my oven to convect and bake them at 325 degrees for 7-10 minutes (depending on how large I make them). For regular ovens, I would go with what you know works for other recipes, checking on them a minute or two early in case they're baking more quickly then you're expecting. DON'T EVER BAKE CHOCOLATE TOO LONG!!!!!! That's just my opinion. If they look like they're firming up and loosing their shine, it's probably time to think about taking them out of the oven. ;)

Okay, that was much longer then I was expecting.

Later.

That's it! I'm going to get back to writing!

Writing Challenges Suck

Right when I thought I'd have all this time for writing it turns out I don't. My kids started a new school year on July 6th, right when I was beginning a new writing challenge. I thought, "Hooray! I'll get so much writing in! I'll have 2/3 of a book finished by the end of the month." And then I realized that kids going to school means I have to get them ready for school. I know it doesn't seem like that big a deal, but who knew? Plus, I started going back to the gym and that eats up most of my mornings. Then I go home with my two youngest children and feed them lunch and entertain them until the other two get home from school. And then its time for homework and chores and making dinner. Why did I think I'd have time to write? I must be crazy.

The Ukulele

I recently picked up a ukulele at my local guitar store for $40 bucks and it has turned out to be quite a delightful purchase. Scott told me I should learn a Metallica song on it. Haha! Nothing like playing Metallica on the beach with a ukulele. No stares there. :)

Transformers

I saw Transformers last night. Really, I don't know why reviewers and whatnot had a problem with this movie. Did they see the first one? Did they not watch the cartoon back in the day? Frankly, I was happy that they threw in a plot for this one, but really, it didn't matter one way or the other because it's TRANSFORMERS. I was wildly entertained. Just ask my husband. I was actually laughing when leaving the theater. I probably could've done a cheer. In fact, I think I laughed through the entire movie. Because you can't take these things seriously. The CGI was awesome, Shia was spot on and the music rocked. What else do you want?

Craziness

The Fourth of July went down like this...

We went camping at Fenchman's lake on Friday night. Come to find out, I don't get cell phone service up there. We got home early afternoon on the Fourth and I get a call from my sister (in Utah) during which she tells me that my dad is in the I.C.U. because they think he might have had a heart attack! Thankfully, he came through and was finally stable enough to do the requisite tests today. But, WOW! Talk about moments you never forget. It really brought home the guilt factor that I've been stubborn about family reunions and stuff. My Mom has reminded me once or twice about how her family was getting ready for a family reunion years ago and the event was sadly marked by the passing of her sister (who I am named for). She told me recently that her mom never really got over it. And now I can see how something like that can never be predicted or prepared for. You can never get it back to do over.

So, Dad, I'm glad you're all right. I can't wait to see you!

In-N-Out

I was recently reading Dan Wells' blog (the author of 'I Am Not a Serial Killer') and we got into a discussion about the ever-famous California creation...In-N-Out burger. He claims that Jack in the Box is a much better choice and I say he's crazy. Now, I realize that In-N-Out is a fairly simple example of what a burger could be, but I also say it is THE example of what it should be. Toasted bun, a perfectly cooked beef patty that has never been frozen, crisp lettuce, grilled onions melded with american cheese, ripe tomatoes and lots of that special sauce. What's not to love? The problem is that people come from all around expecting some miraculous religious experience when tasting an In-N-Out burger when in reality it is just a burger. I say, strip away the hype. Don't listen to what anyone else says on the matter. It will never live up to it. Go into the experience with your eyes open. Use this system universally for experiencing life and you will never be dissappointed.

Dead Bird

No, this isn't like a 'Dead in the Water' political piece, or a 'Lame Duck' whatever. This is about the baby quail my kids brought home yesterday. This is how the story goes:

"Mom! Mom! Mom! Guess what?"

"I don't know. What?"

"We found a bird and I think it's a baby chicken. Can we keep it? Please? Please? Please?"

This is where you get to see how cool I am because I said....

"Why, of course you can keep it! What kind of mother would I be if I didn't let you keep every creature that crosses your path?"

I called a friend who brought over food and a heat lamp left over from their days of quail/chicken rearing. Then I put my kids in bed, put a movie on for me and Scott and then went to bed.

Time: middle of the night.

sniff.

"Katie? What's wrong?"

"The birdie died."

Which is how I spent the rest of the night with my daughter asleep next to me. Very sad. This is the conclusion for the kids, but not the parents. I love how in movies, the parents always oblige their children with the burial of the pet they loved and adored. Is this what I'm supposed to do? Am I supposed to draw out the process with a lengthy funeral filled with tears and sorrow? Over a wild baby quail that should've been left alone in the first place? I just don't know.

Done!

Yep. I finished "Sidewinder" today. It was bound to happen, what with it being so action packed. I'd say it's a combination of The Matrix and Transformers exploding all over the place. No, really. There were explosions ALL OVER THE PLACE! So if you're bored this summer, pick up "Sidewin--" oh wait! It's not published yet. Shucks! You all will just have to wait till Graham sells it to a totally awesome publishing house who will then print it up with totally awesome cover art for the totally awesome store shelf. So sad for you. ;)

Now that I'm done with The Count of Monte Cristo, I get to fill the void with a fairly AWESOME manuscript that Graham sent me. It's fast paced, has lots of action and reads like an action movie. And I'm only to chapter 10. Holy cow, Graham, I'd love to see the inside of your brain!

The Count of Monte Cristo

That's right, I am blogging one more time about this subject because I'm finally DONE! I finished it yesterday at 5:40p.m. while coming home from San Francisco. Don't worry, I didn't cause any accidents because my husband was driving. Since it's a classic, I'm not going to go into details that I'm pretty everyone out there already knows. I will say that there were plenty of tears during the last hundred pages. If I ever write a novel as compelling and complete as The Count, it will be a miracle. But as the Count says, "Wait and hope." We shall see.

ARCs

I'm stating for the record that ARC's are a form of cruel and unusual punishment. On the surface it seems like a good thing to be able read a novel that is unavailable at the book store for a few more months, but in reality it's torture knowing that I have to wait THAT MUCH LONGER for the next book to be published. I don't like it.

I'm home

I know, I know. I should be happy about being home. It's just so easy to miss my friends the moment I leave them! My one consolation is that I get to resume hanging with Dot every chance I get. Seriously, Dot, you have to move with me where ever I go or I might be permanently depressed! I am also consoled because, through no fault of my own, I forgot to pack the Digestives for Donna and I am greedily munching them as I type this. :)

I should also count my blessings that I'm home because I can finally get my notes in order and start writing in earnest. And the cherry on top is that I have a few precious moments to read so I'll be able to get through The Count of Monte Cristo AND Sidewinder (a manuscript that Graham is letting me read) in a matter of a few days. Hooray! I'll let you know what I think as soon as I'm done, Graham.

Has it seriously been almost a week since I posted last? Well here's my update:

My family celebrated my mom's birthday last night with good food and good times. There was a particularly fantastic avacado salad that my sister made that I will for sure be getting the recipe for. And we had German chocolate cake that was delightful as well, so......I'm always happy after good food!

Anyway, we're having our long-planned author dinner tonight. I get to meet Tristi Pinkston, who is coming up from the Provo area to hang with us tonight. Fun! Graham is also joining us so I know it will be full of hilarity. ;)

And with that, I must go be helpful.

Sunday

The mark of a good vacation is when you get to the end and your children sleep soundly for a solid 12-14 hours. Now, I'm not entirely certain that we've reached that point, but my boys are asleep and it remains to be seen if they will sleep the rest of the night. Note that I'm writing this at 5:18p.m. so there is a huge chance that I will be dealing with cranky children at midnight. Oh well. If that happens I'll just have to break out the root beer floats. What the other kids don't know won't hurt them. :)

Two Things

First-

I haven't had any seasonal allergies this season until yesterday. Grrrrrr! Curse these Utahn's and their habitual planting of beautiful flowers!

Second-

I started training Donna's dog, Princess, to not run away today. It's a rude awakening, but a much more agreeable reality for her (in the long run). Nothing like a few well timed shocks to rewire that brain of hers. I know there are people who disagree with this type of training for animals, but I say it works.

Dinner

My writing group had dinner at the Paradise Cafe last night. (Is it a cafe or a bakery? I don't know). Linda couldn't make it because of having a brand new baby with an ear infection...and Pony Express Days logistics. Sorry we missed you, Linda! However, the lovely Graham Bradley joined us. We were supposed to buy him dinner since we invited him, but afterwards we looked over the receipts and I'm pretty sure no one paid. Sorry, Paradise Cafe! Anyway, I got to see Kirk and DJ, both of whom I haven't been able to hang out with yet since I've been here and I have to say I just love hanging with these guys. It's quite entertaining, plus it helps keep me focused on writing and what kind of story I want my book to be. In fact, I had a crazy dream last night that I'm pretty sure is supposed to be in my book somewhere. I grabbed my pen as soon as my eyes opened and started writing furiously. I hope I didn't miss anything. That kind of stuff only happens for me when I've been involved with these guys.

I'm going to miss you all when I go home next week!

It's been a few days since I last posted, so I should probably do some updating.

I just spent yesterday and the better part of today reading a really rad book! I'm not allowed to say what it is yet, but I will say that it was really rad! Thankfully, I'm at my best friend Donna's house so my kids have been playing all day with their friends while I sat my butt down on the couch to read with very few interruptions. Hooray for best friends and vacations!

I just figured out how to blog from my phone. Hooray! I love technology.

Utah

Yes, I am still here in this beehive of literary honey! I wish I could see my writing group more (hard to do when one of them is clear across the country), but it's good to see my family, too. After all, I don't see them nearly enough these days. My angst is taking a back seat to my excitement over getting the writing blog up and working. I had a chance to blog there for the first time yesterday. Check it out at inkingcap.blotspot.com. 

CONduit

CONduit was rad!...if only for the pleasure it gave me in allowing me to see just how normal I am...at least on the outside.

I got to hang out with my favorite people in the whole world (aside from Scott) namely: Donna (and Ella), Debbie, Josh, Paul, Ben, Daniel, and I'm sorry if I left some people out. Also, Dashner and Aprilynne. And new on this list would be the famous Graham Chops, otherwise known as Graham Bradley. He's a treat! I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm crazy, but whatever. I think he's cool and his coolness only gets better knowing he has some incredibly wild stuff floating around in his brain. Can't wait to see it in book form, Graham. :)

One of the big highlights for me was going to Dan Wells' reading of Mr. Monster, plus a short story. Dan, you're a bowl full of roses! Thanks for the signature. I sure hope you can make it to dinner next time, too. And I hope your family is feeling better.

A big shout out goes to Aprilynne. Congrats on Wings hitting the N.Y. Times best seller list! We all agree that you are a delight!

And last, but not least, to the guy who I've named the Hub of this whole eclectic group of people, Dashner. You are the most open, genuine guy in the business. Thanks for the introductions to people I would never have known otherwise. If you were here, I'd hug you. I can't wait for Maze Runner to come out so I can be the first in line to get my copy signed. Can't that day get here already!

The Trip!

Still reading the Count of Monte Cristo. Thankfully, my book club is meeting later so I have more time to get to read it.

Today I am going through the crazy ritual of packing for a trip. I love how I tell my son to pack six pairs of socks and, when I check his bag, find that he's packed five pair...two of which have the toes cut out of them.

Argh

I need help. I need some kind of occupation. As if taking care of my kids, writing group, karate, cleaning my house and occasionally making dinner doesn't take up enough of my time. I still feel the need to neurotically check blogs, do crosswords, send emails, check facebook and haunt my email. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?! If I could just focus this nervous energy into the creation of a novel, I might be mildly satisfied.

In the meantime, I still have to get ready for my Utah trip. How I'm going to keep my kids from burning down the village when I get there, I don't know. But I'll give it a whirl.

Mental Note

Stop working on my bed.

While it's a very comfortable place to get stuff done, I tend to bring my snacks, lunch, treats...and whatever else I happen to be eating, onto my bed as well. Inevitably something spills and I have to explain to Scott why his side of the bed is sticky, crumby or otherwise uncomfortable to sleep on.

I Love Sundays

I love Sundays. We sleep in a little. We go to church. And then, because Scott has the day off, he often times makes dinner. I like it. He's a good cook.

Today he let me take a nap. I know....it's not even Mother's Day or my birthday or anything! I just woke up and I smell potatoes cooking and meat grilling and I'm thinking about making some awesome home made ice cream and Texas sheet cake. I can hardly wait!

Some other things to think about:

Katie gets her cast off on Tuesday. Finally!

Josh has a weiner roast in his class on Thursday.

My kids school year is done on Friday and then we're off to Utah. Hooray!

Get Moving

I really should start publishing in the morning to avoid being so tired.

Do you ever feel like something great is at the edges of your mind, just skimming your periphery? All you want to do is capture that idea and put it on paper. I wish there was some kind of trap, or device...or maybe a sieve made special for those magic thoughts that capture the essence of who you are and what you want to achieve.

Writing Conferences Are Rad

I just may be in Utah sooner than I planned, the thought of which makes me want to jump up this very moment and pack. As before stated, I was planning on coming out for various reasons, mom's birthday, an author dinner with none other than Tristi Pinkston, a little thing called Pony Express Days down in good ol' Eagle Mountain. I'm very excited for these things. Very. But there was a fly (a very small one) in the ointment. There's a writing conference next weekend in SLC called CONduit. A few authors are going to be there that I'd like to see (Dan Wells, James Dashner, Dave Farland, Brandon Sanderson), not to mention much needed instruction on how to actually write my own book (something I'd like to see happen in my lifetime). Thanks to my family and my best friend, Donna, I'm going to be able to come out early, stay longer than expected AND go to the conference. Hooray!

Weaknesses

I am sad to report that I am already waaaaaaay behind in my reading. Come to find out, The Count of Monte Cristo has like twice the number of words on a page than a regularly published book does nowadays.

But, never fear! I. Will. Triumph!

Today's the Day

That's right. This is it. I am going to put my life in order today. This very minute, in fact. I will take my kids to school, go to the gym, write my allotted words and read 100 pages in The Count of Monte Cristo. Not too much, right?

I didn't think so.

4:50 p.m.

I went to the gym. I finished my word count. I got my kids to school and home again.

I still have 90 pages of the Count to go, but I think I can do it. Did I mention I have karate tonight?

Word Count

I missed my word count yesterday.

Scratch that.

I didn't even write yesterday. I was too sleep deprived. I DID, however, go see X-Men Origins last night. Can I just say, "Wow!" If there was ever a movie designed to keep you awake, that is IT. I was a little worried that I'd seen the preview of Wolverine coming out of the tank with claws blazing one too many times. I thought the seen would hold no thrill. I was mistaken. Knowing that scene was coming just made the suspense that much better.

So, I will write double today and bask in the delight of having finally escaped to the movies. There's just nothing like Wolverine on the Big Screen.

Author Dinners

I have to state, for the record, that I am in the coolest writing group ever. We meet once a month and have writing exercises and goals and we keep track of each other. I love it! And to make it all the sweeter, we have recently instituted author dinners. This is where we invite an author to dinner and we pick their brain about writing do's and don'ts and how to be more successful. The only draw back is that I live in Reno, NV and my group is located in Eagle Mountain, UT. As a result, I have missed the first two author dinners. Blast! But I am happy to announce that I will, in fact, be there for the next one where we get to meet Tristi Pinkston. Hooray! Can't wait to meet you, Tristi!

It's 1:30 in the morning.

I'm tired. No denying that.

My kids are sick. They keep waking themselves up from all the coughing. So I thought, why not bake a cake? So, here I am, waiting for my cake layers to cool so I can put them in the fridge and go to bed. Only I'm pretty sure I'm not sleeping tonight. Oh well, there's always tomorrow night. Maybe I can get a good word count in, even if it's sucky because it's one in the morning.