By Kate
In exactly 17 days, I’ll be flying off to Washington D.C. to attend the Romance Writers of America conference. I’m very excited and looking forward to seeing lots of Banditas and Buddies there! So why am I not smiling, you ask? Are you kidding? Because I'm in a PANIC!! I have too much to do! I'm freaking out!! I have officially entered the Pre-Conference PANIC ZONE!!Don't pretend you're not in The Zone, too! Frantically shopping? Desperately trying to lose eighteen more pounds in two weeks? Come on, admit it. You've got a To-Do List a mile long, right? Hey, me too! Just for laughs, let's share a few items from our Pre-Conference To Do List. I'll start!
Shopping – I still need two new pairs of shoes. Now, here’s a little secret: I think I’m tall. Then conference time rolls around and I remember ... I’m not so tall. The reason it only hits me this time of year is because my two BFF’s are both taller than me and one of their favorite pastimes is ridiculing me for being the short person. Yes, it's good to hear them laugh, but come on! So anyway, I need to find a cute pair of heels—but they have to be comfortable. I can take the ridicule but I can’t take the pain. But I ask you, have you ever found a pair of comfortable—yet pretty—high heels? I fear it’s an impossible quest.
Schedule – I must find an open spot on my calendar to have a drink with an old friend, but I have no time to spare! How did my schedule get so filled up? I’m just not that important! But alas, I don’t have one free minute available – unless she wants to meet for coffee at 5:45 a.m. on Wednesday.5:45 a.m.??? Ack! Nobody is THAT good a friend. I’ll miss you, Marla.
MapQuest – yes, I scope out everything in advance. It’s not that I don’t trust taxi drivers (even though I don't—hello, BONE COLLECTOR, anyone?), I just want to pretend I'm in control of the situation. For instance, I need to get from the conference hotel to the 
Barnes & Noble in Reston, Virginia, for a book signing at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday night, July 14. (Hey, blatant self-promotional moment! If you’re in the area, please come to my book signing and say hello! Details to come on my blog! End BSP moment.). I’ll also need to figure out the time it takes to get from the hotel to Capital Hill to a bunch of other places, too. It seems that over the years, I’ve become the map girl for my little group. 
And if I don’t know where I’m going, it provides another opportunity for ridicule. I prefer to be prepared. I’m also planning to walk from the hotel to the National Cathedral (it looks very cool!)—unless it’s swelteringly hot (which seems to be the norm for Washington DC in the summer), in which case ... Taxi!! And that reminds me ...Weather – must check http://www.weather.com/ every twenty minutes from now until time of departure for latest reports. Need to rearrange wardrobe accordingly.
Hair – help!Lose weight – Oh, shoot. I forgot to lose weight. Just like last year. And the year before. Snork!!
Packing – I’ve already started. And stopped. And restarted. And then I started over. Am I the only one who does this?My first Silhouette Desire – Yay! I'm writing it right now! And I must finish it before conference! Am I close? No! Am I panicking??? YES!
Deep cleansing breaths. So ... are you going to the Conference? What’s on your Conference TO-DO List? Have you entered THE ZONE yet?
79 comments:
me?!?!
Congrats on the GR, limecello. What'cha gonna do with him?
I laughed so much while reading this, Kate. That's exactly what I go through whenever I have something I need to pack for - other than camping, I don't have to look good camping - but I've never thought of taking the time to analyze the process.
In answer to your less important questions, no, I'm not going to the conference, so I don't have a to-do list and am not in The Zone yet. Now, the important question: yes, I have found a pair of comfortable and yet pretty heels. Several, in fact. But my favourite is my pair of metallic Nine West peep-toes. Despite the fact that they're 3" stilettoes, they're probably the most comfortable shoes I own, including sneakers. Plus they're gorgeous. And, best of all, I got them at an outlet for $15 US! All my Nine West pairs are really comfy, come to think of it... and pretty, too. Hmm, I feel the need to go shopping again now.
Hey, Lime! He's been neglecting you. Be nice to him - he's had a tough time over the last few days ;-) Just don't mention marinade...
Ooh, that sorta ended before I was ready - which never happens to my heroes, snork.
Sorry, must have hit publish ahead of time.
Kate, I killed myself laughing at your post. Especially the space in the timetable at 5:45 am. I know exactly what you mean. I'm having to say exactly the same words to people I really WANT to see but I just don't think I'm going to make it. I'm having a quieter year this year too - all the RITA stuff last year took up a slab of time. Hey, that almost counts as blatant self promotion too, doesn't it? Yet in spite of the quieter year, I don't have a spare minute in the day. Why is this so?
Actually I'm in a panic about pre-conference things rather than conference itself. Primarily how I'm going to get this foul first draft into a fit state to give it to my long-suffering crit partner (who is about to suffer even longer!). She needs to read this while I'm away so I can dive into it and polish it up when I get back. And all this other stuff keeps intruding. How can life outside my office continue to make demands when I'm on a deadline? It's just wrong!
SOOOOOO looking forward to seeing the Banditas and buddies!
Everybody going to conference start doing their mantras, Ohhhhmmm, the GR will get me there Ohhhhhhmmmmmmm. Deep breaths and repeat until you feel the peace.
Congrats limcello I know you two are going to have a great day.
Kate loved the post and I sooo wish I was going to conference maybe one year or if I am really lucky we have a lotto that is worth $90 million next Tuesday night and I have a few tickets in it so keep everything crossed and I may then get into panick mode getting there LOL.
As for shoes I have to have flat compfy shoes no heels for me.
Have Fun
Helen
Dianna
Great advice for everyone yes stay cool
Have Fun
Helen
Kate, I so wish I could be there for your book signing, and to see all of you Bandits! :) I know you all are going to have an amazing time and I can't wait to hear all about it and see the pictures!
I do actually own two pair of Comfortable Heels--or the closest thing I've ever come to with heels--LifeStride Shoes. I was in shock the first time I tried them on and walked around. I don't know how they do it, but they are actually kind to your feet. And affordable, as well. A miracle.
Congrats lime!
Hi Kate--I am so NOT in the zone. I've done a little shopping. Need to buy a cute pair of sandals. Have not thought about packing!
I'm just writing stuff down as it comes in and trying to get everything else done so I can eventually approach the conference zone!
Congrats lime!
Hi Kate--I am so NOT in the zone. I've done a little shopping. Need to buy a cute pair of sandals. Have not thought about packing!
I'm just writing stuff down as it comes in and trying to get everything else done so I can eventually approach the conference zone!
Oh - haha, forgot to follow up >.< Obviously I am/am not in the zone. I'm not going to RWA, which makes me sad because I so love DC.
Instead, I'm spending 13 hrs a day studying. *sigh* My life is glamorous.
Hey Gillian--Your LifeStride shoes sound great--where did you find them?
Wow Kate, I know exactly how you feel. I have so much to do before the conference. I have to get one house to the closing table (no easy task), do some shopping, get meal plans for the husband and kids, lose 20 pounds, and write about 200 pages. Hmm, something tells me, I'm not going to get all this done before the 14th.
Hey, Lime! Hope you've got something more interesting in mind than latrine duty for the poor old bird! I think he needs a spa day. :-)
Ugh, studying?? I feel your pain and we'll miss you! But I'm sure it'll be worth it ... um ... soon!
Oh Lynz, I admire anyone who enjoys camping. I used to love it but these days ... well, call me wimpy, but I worry about bugs and bears. :-)
But more importantly, those shoes sound fabulous! And for $15??? Wow, you lucked out! Well, I haven't given up yet. There are still lots of shopping days left to find that perfect pair!
OMG Anna!! Good to hear that your heroes never publish before their time! ROTFL!!
I agree, it's the PRE-conference stuff that makes me crazy. Especially the part where I've got to FINISH THE BOOK before I can do the shopping, packing, etc., etc. Because really, I just want to go shopping! :-)
I hope we'll have time to laugh and drink together in DC, darling!!
Ah, thanks Dianna! Good advice. Deep breaths, everybody ... ohhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmm ... deep breaths ... squawk ... ohhhhhhmmmmmmm-huh? What's that BIRD doing in my mantra??
Hi Helen! We all wish you were going to be there, too. But I'm sending good thoughts that you win the lotto on Tuesday! Now, if you win, the drinks are on you, right? Hee hee!
I am deep, deep, deep in the zone, Kate. Added to all the normal stuff are exciting things like prepping for the board meeting that precedes the conference. I should be getting a fat agenda packet to read any day now.
I'm hoping to get a set of revisions done before I go because they're due Aug. 3 and I also have a book due Sept. 1!
I went shopping for some clothes yesterday. Got some cute stuff, good deals, but still left with that awful "Wow, I'm heavier than I've ever been" feeling. :(
Oh Gillian, if only you were going to be there, we could get a look at those amazing shoes! :-)
Seriously, I agree with Deb. We need to know where to find those shoes!
Hi Deb -- I'm so envious of you! Why are you so calm? How have you achieved this higher state? And where can I get the drugs????? LOL
Christie, I think we're living parallel lives! 200 pages to go? Yup, sounds about right. Sheesh. It's insane, isn't it?
Lots of luck on closing the deal on the house! And meal plans? Yikes. Ah well, at least we'll be able to commiserate at conference!
Ohhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmm........
Oh Trish, I am so not envying you right now!! Your ZONE is stratospheric compared to the rest of us! My head would be spinning off into orbit if I were you.
Having said that, congrats on making it out for a shopping spree!! Yay, you! (I'm just going to forget you mentioned the whole "awful" part. I'm trying to stop the flashbacks from my own personal 3-way mirror, fitting-room-from-hell experience I suffered last week. Ohhhhmmmm......)
Two words, Kate - Naughty Monkey. *g* Not you, the brand of shoes! They are the most comfortable heels I own (beside my Chanel's - which I may not bring this year as Tawny isn't coming!). I don't know if there is something in the design, but NM's really are great for conference.
J Crew's wedge sandals are good too.
Yup - I'm in the Zone, especially as this year, I'm flying in from the UK not just popping in from NJ. Plus we're travelling afterwards - so I have to think about what to pack for that (not helped by the extra charges some airlines charge for bags!)
I've given up on shopping and am recycling this year. I mean, I'd forgotten how depressing English sizes are! As for the weight thing - laughs hysterically.
And I hear you on the schedule - even though I'm completely unimportant and don't have a book to sign or anything to promo!
I'm going! But I'm not in the zone. Not the conference packing/planning zone.
I'm in the just-finished-the-book zone. Yay! But even though it's finished (yay!), I'm stuck in the book zone. Should the heroine say that? I think the curtains are the wrong color in that room. I should add something to that scene.
I'm afraid that even though the book is finished (yay!), I'm not going to be able to enter the conference zone until the book is DEAD. Since it's still whispering, it's not dead yet.
Wow, Kate maybe a little drink right now would help?
Kate - You are such a slacker. I think you should just cut your sleep to two hours a night so you can fit in a few more things.
I wanted to laugh when I read this, but it hit a little two close to home. I've got so many balls in the air right now, I feel like I could teach advanced juggling.
If I run into you at National (woot!), I'll remember to keep it short -- I wouldn't want to do anything to keep you from meeting Maria!
I'm frustrated because my light-looking suitcases aren't light at all, and I don't want to have to cut down on clothes, etc. because of the unpacked weight. I want something super light -- Hefty bag, anyone? -- but that the airlines can't destroy. I found some suitcases like that, but they cost the earth. And my camera just died. . .I'm going to be spending a fortune before I even get to D.C.
I did my big pitch at Lori Foster, so I'm just going to have fun in D.C. (although I'm polishing ye olde elevator pitch). But, like you, my schedule is suddenly filling up. How did this happen?? This is going to be so much fun, it will take a year to recover!
Oh Kate - I saw your title and thought you meant the coveted writing zone.
I won't hit panic mode till about a week before conference. I do need to find some new sandals, though, as my current pair sort of fell apart (three years will do that to them). Not a shoe person - sorry.
Didn't manage to lose weight - guess the ice cream diet didn't live up to my hopes (grin).
But I am experiencing the time shortage crunch. Can't wait to see everyone again.
But Anna, I *am* a naughty monkey! LOL ... I love that name! I just went and looked them up at zappos and I can see why you love them. They're fabulous wild! I like the espadrilles. Hmm ...
I don't envy you traveling so far, then continuing the trip afterwards. Packing is the tough part. You're smart to recycle this year. My closet is so full, I should, too. But ... still ... must ... shop ...
Of course your schedule is full. YOU are NOT unimportant!!!
Kate, 200 pages is just enough so when I get back from RWA and then vacation, I might actually finish before my 9/1 deadline.
My husband might take the boys to see family for a week right after the 4th. Without the interruptions, I might get a few hundred pages done.
Oh Claudia, if only I were in the "finished book Zone." I envy you!! Well, except for the fact that yours is still breathing, your heroine is still whispering, so no, you just can't let it go. ROTFL!
Really, I'm so glad I'm not the only one who does that. I hear people say they put the book in a drawer for a few weeks, then read it again. Put it in a drawer?? How can they do that?? It's still breathing!!!
Oh Marianne, this is why we're friends!!!!
It's never too early for a bloody Mary, right? :-)
Hi Treethyme! I hate the whole luggage problem. I had to pay extra last year and I'd deliberately bought a new bag to avoid that very problem. Grrr. And some airlines charge you just to check a bag regardless of weight, then charge you more if it's heavy. Never mind having to strip down to your underwear to get through the security lines. Good grief. And for all this freaking aggravation, do you think they'd give you one frickin' free peanut? Heck, no! It's so annoying!! Oh, but don't get me started. Oops, too late. Heh heh. :-)
What do you mean, "if" I run into you at National? I am hunting you down, my friend, so I can finally meet and greet you in person!! Can't wait!
Hey, Donna! Oh, if only I were in the writing zone! Life would be so much sweeter.
Okay, we'll talk next week when you've entered the conference panic zone! LOL. But I have a feeling you'll breeze through it with your usual disciplined, organized flair. Not that I'm envious or anything. :-)
Christie, my fingers are crossed for you that you get some uninterrupted time to finish that 200-page monster!
Limecello, congrats on taking home the rooster!
Kate, too funny! And, alas, too true.
I'm not yet in panic mode. I'm in revision mode, which is distracting me. For which I'm grateful.
On vacation in late May/early June, I did exactly what every weight loss program in the known universe discourages; I ate anything and everything that was appealing. 'Cause we were walking everywhere, right? So it'd surely be okay, right?
NOT!
I've managed to lose half of what I gained. Once I lose the rest, I should be able to wear my conference wardrobe. That should be do-able with a little care.
I would, of course, like to lose more and get back to my favorite weight, but the chances of that happening before conference are roughly the same as those of my hitting the NYT list before then. Just not gonna happen.
I'm actually putting off dealing with packing for conference as long as possible. Packing entails the Dreaded Accessorizing Fit, wherein I pull out all my clothes, hold various necklaces up to them, choose one, change my mind, choose another, change my mind, and mutter a lot.
If only TICD did not live so far away. She saved me in Denver when I unpacked at the hotel and discovered I had brought accessories for the black suit but actually had packed the navy blue. Maybe it was vice-versa, but things did not match. Note to self and others: Pack in good light when dealing with dark colors!
Lynz, I envy all you shoe people. We of the needle feet have far fewer choices available to us. *sigh*
Fo, Kate, and everyone else suffering from pre-conference rush, we should rendezvous in the bar, order those anatomically named drinks (though one of you will have to order for me because I just cannot request female anatomy at a bar), and forget from all this.
In our copious spare time. Hah!
Actually, there seems to be more and more going on with the pubbed authors every year. Even we unpubs can find plenty to fill up our days. I arrive Monday, do KoD and see Banditas on Tuesday, prepare to help with the signing and various stuff on Wednesday, and then Thursday hits and we officially start.
Dianna, the GR? He was kinda wild last year. I'm sorta dreading what he might try this year, especially when so many people have been nice to him at conferences. I'm afraid he may turn rather brazen.
Helen, fingers crossed on the Lotto! Seeing you in person would be great.
I prefer flats, too, especially if I'm going to be standing around a lot.
Christie, good luck with all that!
Nancy, good luck with the revisions!! Git 'er done, then send 'em out!
Well, at least you've lost half the weight you gained. It's so unfair, isn't it? You're doing all that walking, you should be losing! But no. Hmph. I'm thinking of trying Donna's ice cream diet. She says it didn't work for her but it might for me! Fingers crossed! :-)
LOL, Kate, when I saw the title of this blog, I thought you meant Writing Zone!! WHAT was I thinking??
Of COURSE I'm in conference panic zone......aren't we all??? Hair? Weight? WRINKLES???
And ahem, we don't actually ridicule the fact that you're vertically challenged. We just tend to rest our arms on your head from time to time......that's not wrong, is it???
Holy crap! I wasn't panicked until now. I haven't planned my wardrobe, haven't created my schedule, haven't done enough shopping, haven't lost any weight.
OMG! I'm a mess! Thank goodness I don't have a writing deadline too. LOL!
And don't even talk to me about weight -- it's been downhill ever since NaNo. If only I could combine my computer chair with the treadmill, I might actually lose a few pounds.
OMG Kate! We are TWINS!!!
I'm struggling to write the last 50 or so pages of the WIP BEFORE conference...
Lose weight?!?! I don't have time?!?! OH NO!!!
New clothes? I promised myself not until I lost weight. Yes, that included shoes! ACK!
SCHEDULE??? I need Tawny's color coded hour by hour calendar in the worst way! I'm telling everybody to drop by and say hi at the Literacy signing, since it will be my first and I'm scared of being Nigella NoFriends. That includes YOU Treethyme and Terrio!!! I better see you at my table or I'm getting the crop after both of you.
Now WHERE did I leave the crop? Must put it in my suitcase RIGHT NOW!
AC
definitely very far into The Zone
Hi Kate, boy howdy, you just made he so glad I'm not going to conference this year! The anxiety alone is a killer, and why is it that we don't lose weight from all that anxiety? At least I don't.
You're not short, I'm way shorter than you! Your friends are just freakishly tall :-) (Not that I'm JEALOUS or anything!)
Have a great time on conference!
Kate, it really is not fair that all that walking did not magically shed poundage.
However, what I ate largely resembled Donna's ice cream diet.
Treethyme, my sister-in-law travels a lot for work. FWIW, she buys the Target brand luggage. She says it holds up as well as a lot of the brand name stuff, and if it does wear out or break, it's easy to replace.
I sympathize with you. In order to be marginally less nuts, I am coordinating most things with black. However, the need for sightseeing clothes and the desire to stay clean in a hot environment require a selection of casual clothes--tops, at least. Which take up space.
As a lifelong meeting-phobe, Trish, I salute you and everyone else on the Board for your willingness to take on the job. I couldn't do it. I hate, loathe and despise meetings that much. Unless I get to run the meeting, stop people when they repeat things that've have already been said, and order everyone to move along.
My goal in any meeting is to air relevant points, cut off irrelevant side journeys, and finish in the shortest possible time. In this, the dh and I are well matched.
I know y'all get a lot of complaints, some of them justified and some not, as with any administrative service, and I hope people will also take the trouble to express their appreciation for the time all of you put in.
Oh, and good luck on revisions and on finishing to everyone racing for The End.
Kate, it *is* that way, isn't it? I thought it was universal. No?
Until the book stops talking, it's not really and truly finished. I'm not one of those crazies who thinks a book can always be better. *G* When a book stops talking, then it's as good as it gets. I wait for that quiet, that silence. And then I never think of that book again. I even have to work to dredge up the names of the hero and heroine!
Now I need to get my wardrobe talking to me, fiddle with it, and then kill that voice by packing it into a suitcase.
But does everyone pack weeks ahead? I always wait until a day or two before to pack. Trying to squeeze out that one extra pound. LOL
If I win this lotto the drinks will definatley be on me WOW what a party we could have that is if you all had time.
You are all going to be so busy but you are all going to have so much fun.
Have Fun
Helen
Claudia, I pack the night before I leave. The time I had the wrong suit snafu, I'd packed that morning, early, without benefit of sunlight to supplement the overhead.
I hope the book stops whispering soon. Is it another in the Courtesan series? I'm slow, I know, but I just read the first, and it was great! I'm eager to read more.
I tend to pack an hour before I leave, but I make mental lists for weeks before that.
Nope, no conference for me. As for being in The Zone, does being zoned out count? 'Cause there was that! It often happens immediately after I finish a book. Which I just did. A certain someone's book titled Homicide in Hardcover. *huge grin* But yes, the doorbell rang a minute or two after I finished the book and I went and opened the door and panicked. It's useless speaking to me while I'm in this state. I'm sure they were speaking in English but my brain just went blank. All I could do was blink at the two boys in white shirts and black slacks. I couldn't even tell them at what intersection my church was located. LOL :D
Just popped in to share a favorite summer snack, which is pretty virtuous on most weight loss plans.
Put a serving, as denoted on the package, of fat-free cottage cheese (don't groan; it's for the protein, which helps keep hunger at bay longer, and step 2 makes it tastier) in a bowl. Add your favorite non-sugar sweetener and stir it in. Take a cup of your favorite summer berries or fresh (not canned) pineapple. Stir into the cottage cheese.
It's actually pretty tasty. Cottage cheese isn't my favorite texture, but I don't get hungry again as fast as if I use yogurt (plain, fat-free, which can also be sweetened the same way) instead.
Nancy, I hate the Dreaded Accessorizing Fit!! LOL.....if only TICD made house calls! We could all use her impeccible taste when packing for conference. :-)
It does seem like there's more and more to do at conference every year, doesn't it? *sigh* The life of a Bandita can be very demanding! Snork!!
Maureen, is THAT why I have a flat head????? :-)
And please don't use that *W* word {{{{wrinkles}}}} near me!! I'm hoping Helen will win the lottery and pay for my face lift!! Hahahaha!!
LOL, Terrio! Did I throw you into a panic?? I'm so sorry!! (Hee hee, my work here is done!)
Seriously, you're sooo lucky you don't have a deadline to throw into the mix. And hey, if you start right now, you could probably lose ... let's see, 20 days, 2 pounds a day ... 40 POUNDS by conference!! That's what I'm going for. No problemo.
Treethyme, I'm sorry I even mentioned the weight loss thing. Obviously, it ain't happening here.
But a treadmill that doubles as a computer chair? Genius!! I want one!
Nancy said...
Dianna, the GR? .... I'm afraid he may turn rather brazen.
Nancy, when has that wily bird not been brazen??? LOL
Aunty aka Nigella!!! Yes, we are twins! The only way people can tell us apart is by the crop you're swinging around wildly!
You only have 50 pages to go?? I'm very jealous!
Oh, and you can call me Nellie No Friends ... unless maybe I can borrow your crop ...
Hi Jen!! I hate that you're not going to conference! It's one more reason why I'm suffering all this anxiety.
My friends really are freakishly tall, aren't they? :-)
Nancy, I always start out trying to color-coordinate my wardrobe, but that good intention slowly goes to hell, LOL.
For instance, I just bought a chartreuse jacket that doesn't go with anything. But it's so fun and pretty! Of course I'm bringing it with me. I'm insane.
Claudia, I can't even remember the names of the hero in the book I'm writing right NOW, my brain is so fried. Wait. Adam. No, Alex. No, it's Adam.
OMG. Ohhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmm.......
And of course you pack the day before. You're TICD! But some of us lesser mortals need time to figure it all out! :-)
Helen, that will be one wild party, you're right! Maybe we should all fly down to your neck of the woods! Wouldn't that be fun?
Nancy, I was going to say something about packing the night before but then I read Treethyme's comment about packing the HOUR before. OMG, that way lies madness!!!
Pissenlit!! Does that mean you got my package?? Yay!!!
Yes, "zoned out" is very similar to being "in the zone" -- except "zoned out" is probably a much happier place. :-)
Nancy, that sounds like a yummy summer treat, thanks! Of course, I'd probably put it all in the blender and add a few shots of vodka, but that's just me in a nutshell. :-)
Dianna, good point! LOL
YAY LIME!!! Be gentle with him because SOMEONE tried to put him on latrine duty. I am sure he is traumatized. SNORK!!
Great post, Kate, and I can completely relate!!!
I'm trying to make sure my schedule is set or something like set or .... how many hours in a day again?
I have racks of clothes in the livingroom and I keep moving them from the "Yes" rack to the "No" rack and back again. GRRR! I can't decide!! And lets not talk about the plastic shoe box wreck in the middle of the floor. I have lists! Lots of lists! Have I DONE anything on those lists? Do I have all of the things on those lists? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??????
And to top it ALL off I am trying to finish my current WIP BEFORE my buddies and I leave for the conference on Tuesday. We're driving up from Alabama. Three aspiring writers, luggage and makeup bags all in one compact car!! We'll end up looking like the Beverly Hillbillies before it is over!
I can't wait to see the Banditas and Buddies!! IS there a Bandita party planned yet???
Crawling back into my writing cave now!
Kate, the chartreuse will go with lots of neutrals, I would think. It sounds very pretty.
Glad you like the strawberry thing. As far as the vodka in the blender goes, cottage cheese can always be improved!
I wonder whether Caren's bringing that jacket JT covets.
Ahhhh, Louisa!! Yes! That's what I'm talking about! You're in the Zone, I can hear it in your voice! It's music to my ears, if only because I love to share the pain. :-)
As you described the road trip to conference with your friends, the luggage, the makeup, I truly envisioned Jed Clampett, Elly Mae and Jethro with Granny in the rocking chair strapped to the top of the truck. Weren't there some chickens and roosters along for the ride, too? ROTFL!
You should let us know your ETA so we can all be waiting outside the hotel when y'all drive up! I really want to see what (who?) ends up getting strapped to the top of that little car. :-)
LOL Nancy ... I know Caren will appreciate you mentioning the coveted jacket within earshot of JT. :-)
As both of my traveling companions are Amazons compared to my short round self it will be ME on top of the car for ballast! Chickens!! I knew there was something I'd left off my list!
Just a quick note as I get in from work just to jump in bed so I can go to work again....
aghhhh
Anyway, loved your post LOVED the kitten picture. What is it with you Kate with stillito wielding and psycotic looking felines?
Made me smile.
I've been shopping. Now own 4 different tops in jewel tone blue...EXACT same shade of blue.
Slap some black pants on and voila....conference outfits!
Plus, I'll glow in the dark!
Now off to bed...
Louisa, both my sister and her ex are taller than I am. So when we went to dinner with my parents, guess who got to sit on the hump in back?
LOL Joanie!! Wait'll you see my next book cover if you want to see a formidible kitty. I'm not yet authorized to share the photo, but soon ... be afraid ... meow ...
And I can't wait to see your pretty blue tops! You'll be all black and ... er, um ... blue. Black and blue. It works! :-)
Louisa, don't forget the chickens!! The GR will need them when we gather for the sacred chicken dance ...
Don't laugh. How do you think I won the Golden Heart???
OMG, Nancy, if you're the short one in the family, I'm steering clear of your sisters!!
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