The Beginning of the End? The Naked Truth

*It's the final day to enter my Family Matter's iPhone App giveaway! Winner will be posted Monday.




Lately, for the last two months, possibly longer, I've had this internal debate. To blog or not blog? Lately I'm leaning towards not blog because it's become more of a chore than something fun. It used to be enjoyable but I am starting to feel the pressure of not being able to keep up with reading blogs and returning comments.

I also find myself too heavily invested in what other people think. I am starting to see that is not a good thing. If I had not become a blogger however I would not have 'met' a lot of great people. That has spurred me to keep going and throwing down post after post when many days there have been times where I didn't feel like writing but worried about there being nothing for people to read. Then people would stop reading and drop themselves from my blog and while I am loathe to admit it, I like getting comments. I like the fact that people read what I say and think it's useful or funny or entertaining.

With the recent setback with the bad agent and various other things related to writing I've begun to question what I am even doing. What point is there to writing when I (and others) question if I am even good at it? I'm not looking for comments to boost me and say I am a good writer, that's missing the point of the post. I am just wondering if this struggle is worth it anymore. If maintaining a blog and writing stories is little more than my own distracting version of fantasy land. There are so many other things that languish undone while I pursue this idea I have to be a writer.

I know that my children are not getting the focused attention they deserve and lets not even get close to the fact that I don't like housework on a good day let alone a distracted one.

It's Thanksgiving next week which means there are two half days of school and then vacation. My husband is here starting this evening so I won't have as much time for reading and posting. I have a book to read and a review to write and that will appear here after next week. I'm going to spend the next week {hopefully} figuring out exactly why I should keep writing.

What are you doing? {you know a question to keep it normal}

And then they went insane...

It seems that today the romance novel world is getting a shake up. Harlequin, that famous romance publisher, has decided to open a division that would be for self-publishing. Basically labeling themselves (and unfortunately the core of their authors) as a vanity/subsidy* press.

In my daughter's words "Uh oh."

Uh Oh indeed. It's all the news the agent blogs are buzzing with including over at Janet Reid's place and Kristin Nelson's blog. RWA (Romance Writers of America - the association for romance writers) has pulled Harlequin from it's site as being an approved publisher. Thereby Harlequin published authors are no longer elegible for a RITA, one of the romance industry's top awards.

This just screams insane in my opinion. Why would the biggest romance publisher do something so stupid? When most people hear the words 'romance novel' they think trashy and hence Harlequin because they are known for being the type of books you hide under your bed or in a box and never tell anyone you actually read. Hence why I have no intention of being labeled as a 'romance writer'. But the numbers don't lie, these books sell and sell extremely well.

But this could get very interesting. Very interesting indeed.

For more info on the reason this is a big deal go here - Jackie Kessler

*vanity/subsidy publisher - from wikipedia - a publishing house that publishes books at the authors expense, basically self-publishing.

Is it just me?

Or has Blogger truly gone insane this time? There are lots of things I want to know if you are all experiencing.

• Can you not leave a comment on a blog? I haven't been able to comment at Clark Kent's Lunchbox in forever and he just did this Twilight for dads post and GEESH I could have had a lot to say...if only I could comment. I also can't comment at other blogs like Divinely Written and a couple more. What is up blogger??
• Completely inappropriate spacing of paragraphs. It either jams everything together or makes them miles apart. I've tried writing on the edit html side, I've tried writing in word. Nada. Keeps doing the same thing.
• I'm getting spammed out the wazoo by Work At Home In India and Viagra. Both of these and I'm set for life I tell you, hence why all comments are now moderated and thus annoying the crap out of me to have to constantly approve them. (But keep leaving comments okay cause I really like them). It's a "it's not you it's blogger" kind of thing.
• Some blogs have had everything shifting left or right (American in Norway had an epic episode this week). What is up with that? (BTW cute new design!)

So is all that up there just something I'm being lucky enough to deal with or is it happening to you too? I'd consider moving to wordpress but (shudder) I don't like them. At. All. It's one of those been there and done that and I'm never doing it again. Maybe it's because I became used to blogger and the way it worked and I simply couldn't convert myself to wordpress.

Who knows? Anyone have any suggestions? I think the one that annoys me the most is not being able to leave comments on a blog. How are they going to know I was there and I like them if I can't tell them?

Ack.

Random Tuesday Thoughts

It's Tuesday. TGIT! Not TGIF. TGIT. Cause Thank God it IS Tuesday. I will hence forth spew my random and get on with the day. I still can't make Fugly hook up to Keely's place and frankly I give the heck up. So just go HERE.

Do you ever have this idea that something is a really brilliant idea but after you do it you start to have second thoughts? For reference two cups of coffee and cake seemed like an awesome breakfast but now I feel like I'm floating on a very weird sugar caffiene high and I would really, really like to get off now. Please.

Hey, the font's all red. Eh, I'll keep it for today I guess.

We went to the Natural Science Museum with Stacey and Princess Nagger on Sunday in Philly. That was so much fun. I mean REALLY fun. I was worried when we arrived though cause Chick took one look at the gigantic T-Rex and burst into tears. I thought shit this is going to be a long day.

Side effect of caffiene & sugar - I tend to use language my mom wouldn't like. I would blame my spelling issues on it too but we all know I simply can't spell.

I have this gaelic language course. It's a cd and a book that I've had forever (okay since last year). I really really wanted to learn how to speak gaelic seeing as I have Scottish ancestery but have you ever seen how many letters are in the language? 18. 18 letters but with many many more sounds depending where the 5 vowels are in the word. The words are not spelled the way they are pronounced. Talk about HARD. I think I'd rather learn Chinese.

I do love listening to the cd though. I can't pronounce a single thing they tell me to repeat but A for effort right?

I joined this mix cd club my sil told me about on Facebook. I mailed off my cd about one day after I joined. I hope I get one back. Nothing ticks me off more than exchanging with someone and having them not understand the meaning of 'exchange'.

I'm excited for Christmas. It's very strange because normally it's the one holiday I really do not enjoy. I hate traveling on the day. All I want is to stay home and sit in my pj's and drink hot cider and interact with the remote. Is this normal or is everyone else a Merry Elf on this day?



Antenna topper





The upstairs toilet is broken, again. This will be the fourth time I think? I guess broken may not be the right word, more clogged (or something). I know you think it's Thor's fault since it's his bathroom but it's really just this house. The child has managed not to ruin any other toilet in his 7 years of life and yet this one in the House From Hell refuses to function properly. No, I have not called Crazy Landlady. That is a fate worse than death. We simply keep the door shut and he has to come downstairs when he needs to use the bathroom. Life is much simplier this way.





Or if you prefer go to Taiwan and eat at Modern Toilet Restaurants. Everything is served in mini-toilet bowls. No joke. Want a drink? That comes in a mini-urinal.

Yum.



Have you entered my giveaway of the Family Matters app for the iPhone? You should and you can do so by clicking this link.

Do you listen to Michael Buble? OMG, I was listening to some of his stuff while trying to fix my column for The Motherhood Muse (coming in January!!) and all I wanted to do was climb into bed and cry. Seriously. Awesome voice but very depressing stuff. Just try listening to You Don't Know Me and see if you can keep it together.

Do you collect shopping bags? Not Target bags or something I mean nice shopping bags with handles and a unique design. From a fancy shop or interesting place...

Never mind. Obviously it's just me.

I'm feeling sick, I think I better turn up the music and go to bed. You all have a Happy RTT and go see Keely. She's the best thing that's ever happened to my Tuesdays.

Introducing Family Matters, A New iPhone App and Giveaway!

First things first! The winner of the Punkin Chunkin t-shirt giveaway is...

Captain Dumbass!

I'll get that in the mail asap so you can start showing your Punkin Chunkin pride. Captain also answered both questions correctly! Congrats!

On to today's giveaway!

A couple of weeks ago I was contacted about having a look at a new app for an iPhone (also works on the iPod Touch) and even though I don't own either Apple product I'm reviewing the product anyway. The concept is so solid that I was sold just by watching the video. Here are the details about the product:

FUN, BETTER QUALITY FAMILY COMMUNICATION
- Look forward to waiting for your food in a restaurant with your kids.
- Calm and distract a nervous child in the doctor's office.
- Bond and feel closer to your children.
Anywhere, anytime but always having fun...

Some of the questions and activities are simple - these help children build confidence. Some are deeper and probing. There are hundreds of activities designed to engage all family members of all ages.

Unlike other applications that quiz or provide facts, this tool is venue-driven. This means the activities are geared toward your location. We currently cover common places you may engage in conversation or need to pass the time such as restaurants, waiting rooms or on long road trips. Of course there is a general category for use around the dinner table or practically anywhere you have a few minutes to spend together.

Scott Weiner, the creator of the app made the following video of the product in order to show the valuable ways this tool can be used.






I really like the concept of this app. I know Thor rarely wants to talk with me about his day and this app asks kids fun and intriguing questions that could start some great conversations. Because it is a technology driven product I think kids today would be more likely to want to answer the questions. It's fun and a good way to connect with kids and keep them busy while sitting through mundane waits at places like doctors offices or restaurants.

The app is getting great reviews from others as well. You can see for yourself by clicking here: Family Matters Reviews. As you can see it's a valuable tool for keeping up with the kids and keeping them happy. Scott was kind enough to offer me the app for free but since I don't have an iPhone or iPod Touch (darn it!) I'm going to offer this app for free to one of you! To enter please first make sure you have either the iPhone or Ipod Touch that runs the 3.1 system. If you do then simply leave me a comment telling me why you would like to win this app! See, it's easy peasy.

You can visit the Family Matters website or leave your questions or comments here, they appreciate hearing your feedback!

The giveaway ends Friday November 20 at 11:59 PM eastern, the winner will be posted on Monday! Good luck!

Travel Friday : Friday the 13th

I'm traveling today! No, not real travel, cyberspace blog travel. I'm talking about traveling over at my sis's new blog Two Spud Mama's. Stop by and offer up your own travel tips just in time for the holidays!

Then...Be sure to head back on Monday when I am going to be reviewing a wonderful new iPhone/iTouch application called Family Matters. I'm even going to give away this app to one lucky reader!

Today is the final day to enter my Punkin Chunkin t-shirt giveaway. Go here for the details!

I'm also hanging out over at Cajoh's for his Friday's Feast so swing by for some great recipes and foodie tips.

And now I think I'll go take nap.

The Naked Truth : Leave Out All The Rest

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It's Thursday and Thursdays seem to make me open up the truth bottle and start talking. Feel free to join in. If you want your own bottle of truth snag the code, let me know and I'll link you up.

I dreamed I was missing, you were so scared
But no one would listen, 'cause no one else cared
After my dreaming, I woke with this fear
What am I leaving when I'm done here?

The past week I've heard some news that's going to change someone else's life. Praying came to mind and believe me when I say I did pray for you.

So if you're asking me, I want you to know

When my time comes, forget the wrong that I've done
Help me leave behind some reasons to be missed
Don't resent me, and when you're feeling empty
Keep me in your memory, leave out all the rest

Is there a place where the sun lives and shines? I haven't seen the sun today and I don't know if I'll see it tomomorrow but I hope you are seeing it wherever you are. It isn't me you will remember but I will remember you.

Leave out all the rest, don't be afraid
I've taken my beating, I've shared what I made
I'm strong on this surface, not all the way through
I've never been perfect, but neither have you

There is no right way to be strong. You are strong in your own ways. Even beaten down you've gotten back up and trust me when I say no one is perfect. Not even you.

Forgetting all the hurt inside you've learned to hide so well
Pretending someone else can come and save me from myself
I can't be who you are

Everything has changed. Everything will change. Everything is always changing. There's no way to stop 'change'. It doesn't matter what we talk about or who we are talking to because change will continue whether we want it to or not. There's no stopping it.

When my time comes, forget the wrong that I've done
Help me leave behind some reasons to be missed
Don't resent me, and when you're feeling empty
Keep me in your memory, leave out all the rest
Leave out all the rest

This past week I've been affected by changes that are happening to other people and a few of my own. When I hear about illness, defeat, sadness and even joy I can't help but bring it into myself and let it roll around inside. I may not want it to but I can't stop it. Death, illness, defeat and joy. It's all inside and I pray for all of you who are experiencing these things and much more.

Forgetting all the hurt inside you've learned to hide so well
Pretending someone else can come and save me from myself
I can't be who you are

I can't be who you are

You may never know I think of you and your struggles and I am hardly an example of someone who prays on a regular basis but this week my friends I prayed for you. I offered up whatever I could in the hope that maybe somehow my unknown prayer reached you and gave you comfort.

I can't be who you are

I can never be you and I can never know who you really are but all the same I hope there are many more days in your future for me to find out.

*lyrics from Linkin Park - Leave Out All the Rest

Have you entered my Punkin Chunkin t-shirt giveaway? Go here for the details! Winner will be announced Monday.

Let's go to Berlin!

I wrote this for a travel website some time ago but they seem to have absconded into cyberspace with it. Since I have zero creative energy today I'll post it here.

Berlin is an amazing city. The historical and the modern day meet on the streets. Whenever I’ve visited Berlin I’ve always gotten a feeling of many cultures coming together to form their own unique culture. I’ve never felt like a visitor but more like a resident because there are so many people from so many places everywhere you go.

Central to Germany history Berlin has a lot to offer. The famous Berlin Wall still stands in one section of the city just as it did when it was built. It is here that you can learn the reason the wall was built, how it was built and the sacrifices that occurred because of its existence. The site itself is under construction, a new museum and information center is being built, but along the outside perimeter are large reader boards giving the timeline and history.

You can also see sections of the wall that were relocated to Potsdamer Platz. The original placement of the wall is outlined with stones in the ground and you’ll find them running all over Berlin marking the former division of the city.

Checkpoint Charlie is a small white hut in the middle of the road which at first glance is underwhelming. But as you look up you’ll see the original sign telling people they were leaving the American Sector. Spend a few minutes here thinking about the magnitude of the signs’ meaning. Near Checkpoint Charlie there is a museum with more information. Due to the nature of the subject matter displayed it is not designed for children so keep that in mind if you plan to visit.

At Potsdamer Platz there is a very modern feel of the New Berlin and you’ll find lots of shops and restaurants at the Sony Center under a glass dome. It’s a great place to sit and enjoy a coffee and some strudel. In winter the decorations are impressive. The entrance to the LegoLand Center can be found here. Around the corner take a break at Vapiano’s for lunch. Choose an outdoor table to enjoy some people watching. This is the best way to feel like a local and truly experience Germany. Eating outside, no matter the weather is one of my favorite pastimes.

From Potsdamer Platz walk down Elberstr and you will pass the Holocaust Memorial and the grey slabs of concrete rising out of the ground like a cemetery. At different heights and varying sizes just walking among them shrouded from light and other people it is an experience that is humbling. Underneath is the information center. At the end of this street you’ll find Brandenburger Tor or the Brandenburg Gate. It was one of the main gates of the city and the square behind the gate is filled with embassies. The buildings are beautiful to look at.

The Reichstag, home to the German parliament is along the Spree River. The building itself is beautiful and there is a glass dome inside. The lines are almost always very long to get inside so I suggest walking around to the other side of the building. Across the river sits a very modern white building, the Bundeskanzleramt which houses the chancellor’s office and residence. The dichotomy of the old and new can truly be seen by viewing these two buildings at the same time.

There are plenty of museums in Berlin not only museums of history but also plenty containing works of art and other objects. From the Old National Library where you can see an original piece of Beethoven’s sheet music to the National Gallery housing works of art from the 19th century. The Pergamon Museum hosts art from Greek, Middle Eastern and Roman eras among others and is worth a visit.

Berlin is a city where I could easily spend a week and still not see all of it. The rich culture and history of Germany lives in the city and in the people who call this place home. Every time I’ve gone to Berlin I’ve discovered a new reason to fall in love with the city. Visit Berlin today and find your reason to fall in love.