Stuff & Things 2/18

:: I'm getting closer and closer to having my next novel ready to publish. I have another round of hard edits to complete, and I need to have that done by mid-March because that's when the cover design will begin. I'm working with two fantastic friends -- Ali and Stacie -- to bring my characters into a solid visual. We have some good concept ideas, and now it's just finding convincing my cover models. The male character is really the key, but I think I've found him. And when I sent some photos of him to a friend, she sent me back the image below.  Ha ha ha. If/when you see his arms, you'll understand.

:: Mondays are usually terrible, but I was in a fantastic mood as I went about my day. I can't even say why for sure I was in such high spirits, but I don't really care. It's best not to question that ... just enjoy it.  That evening, I headed off to my favorite fitness class, ready and eager to shake my booty.  I took my spot, and there was room for one person next to me.  Well, two girls decided they would "squeeze in" there. I advised them that there really wasn't room for two, but they said they didn't want to be separated. I tried to make the best of it, but I found it hard to enjoy the workout when I was getting crowded and stepped on. And she was glaring at me like it was my fault. I was so angry and frustrated, I nearly started crying. So I left the class after 20 minutes (it's an hour-long class), and hit the treadmill. I'm still mad as I think about it, and I hate that I let those two girls ruin my day and my workout.  What would you have done?

:: I enjoy my job, but some days just aren't that fun. Sometimes, the best part of my workday is lunch. That's when I get to see my eye candy. I've actually started referring to him and his posse as Dessert (only to myself and a few close friends, of course) because they are all pretty decent to look at.

:: My 20s were not the best decade for my friendships. I wasn't certain about very many people in my life (although at times, I thought I was), and I really longed to find good friends I could count on. Women who would be my cheerleaders and my reality check. Finally, I think I've found a solid core group of those people, and I love our time together.

:: Speaking of my girls, someone who graduated a year behind me in high school was diagnosed with breast cancer this week. She's a mother of three, and one of the sweetest people I know.  I never ask for prayers, but if you've got some to spare, please send them to Katie and her family.

:: Rangers pitchers and catchers report to Arizona today. I am so ready for baseball to be back in my life.

What's on your mind this week?