Well earlier today when my computer wouldn’t turn on, I thought I was out of commission–I don’t know why I didn’t think about my sons’ computer upstairs. So that’s where I am right now, having discovered a link with the virtual world just at the top of the stairs.

Yesterday my computer powered off on me (it said thermal error), so I powered it back up and backed up all my writing stuff. Then today, it wouldn’t turn on at all. My husband couldn’t debug it on his own and took it to Fry’s who were charging a $100 flat fee for labor and $150 for the motherboard that they think is the problem. So $250. My husband has decided now to just go with an inexpensive, new computer. But he doesn’t want the Microsoft Vista (if that’s what it’s called) operating system. Evidently it’s very hard to find a new computer without it these days. He’s been told that he can downgrade back to Windows XP, so I guess that’s the plan.

So when he brings it home, he’s going to have to get it all setup before I’m allowed to use it. I was really hoping to get all my contest stuff together this weekend so I don’t have to worry about it next week (my 1st grader’s last half-week of school). At least I have my backup–thank goodness! Maybe I can proof everything from my husband’s laptop. Here’s hoping…

Don’t plan on hearing too much from me for a little while…until I get reconfigured.

I forgot! I remembered on Tuesday and then forgot last night, and now I really feel like it’s too late. But I have an excuse. Today my son ‘graduated’ from Mother’s Day Out. They had a ceremony with little diplomas and hats and everything and then a pizza party afterwards. Plus, I had to substitute today and come up with teacher gifts and help in my 1st grader’s classroom yesterday, so I haven’t been home and haven’t the energy to come up with thirteen of anything. I’m lucky I’m doing the yoga and the 100 words! The good thing about exercising on the elliptical machine is that I used the time to read. I can’t do that with yoga–I have to pay attention–I have to be told when to breathe in and when to breathe out. So, not only am I a bad blogging buddy lately, I’m not reading either! Sorry to those whom I have not visited–I’m trying to catch up!

Since I have nothing much else to say today, I thought I’d give you a heads-up on a book I’m excited to read: Austenland by Shannon Hale. Being a bit of a Janeite, I think it sounds awesome and I can’t wait! It’ll be available May 29th.

Gotta hurry tonight because I haven’t gotten my 100 words in yet and I’m already sleepy! I’ve been working on my synopsis for a contest whose postmark deadline is June 1st. Just as a side note: I think contests are actually motivation killers. Unless you’re only doing 100 words a day (which some days I am), how would you find the time to tweak and perfect those first 30 pages and a synopsis, proofread, and prep the whole package to be shipped out? Then there’s the anxiety, the waiting, the results, the thank you notes…arggh! I don’t know why I do it. It’s a sickness.

Anyhooo…just wanted to give you a heads up on some upcoming blog posts. Next Monday, this blog is a stop on Sandi Kahn Shelton’s virtual blog tour. When I was asked to be stop, I’d never heard of Ms. Shelton, so I did some research, found she is a chick-lit/women’s mainstream writer with great reviews and great covers, and decided to see for myself. I’m currently reading A Piece of Normal and enjoying it very much. On May 21st, I’ll do a mini interview with her, and I believe she’ll be posting to the comments answering any questions you may have.

Then sometime in the near future, I’ll be hosting Tasha Alexander, author of the fabulous And Only to Deceive and recently, A Poisoned Season. Such a sweetie, and really an awesome writer.

But for now, just carry on…