Really, I am trying to get back into the blogging habit and I am trying to not feel guilty when I don’t blog but so far it’s one of those things that’s great in theory but the execution is a bit tough. Sigh. First off, some thank yous. Big thanks to the talented children’s artist Don Tate for all the wonderful words he wrote about Oliver in at his blog. Also a big thanks to for the interview she posted of me over at YA Books Central. Kim writes, does book reviews and interviews, is a mommy of 3 and STILL has energy left to brainstorm great publicity ideas. Don and Kim were two of the very first blog friends I ever made. Let’s see, other updates, is still in New York with getting to know the kids at Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy. Tonight’s the night I will reread Hugging the Rock one more time and then send it off to my editor. Then begins the painful waiting and chewing of fingernails while I await her response.
In non-writing news my car is sick, again (it’s been happening a lot lately) and my husband shocked me last night with the idea that we should buy me a new car. Gulp. And what did I do when he made the suggestion? Did I throw my arms around him, smother him with kisses? No. Goofball that I am, I burst into tears. I know, I know, I’m dingy. After that I DID commence with the hugging and kissing but it’s a bit scary to think about. We haven’t had a car payment in years so that part makes me nervous. I will confess that I won’t be sorry to say goodbye to my Kia. I bought it New Orleans and it is the last negative connection to my not-so-great time of living there, so saying goodbye will be easy. The darn thing is a ’96 with only 76,000 miles on it and the Blue Book, if they actually gave me that for trade in (hahahaha) is only $865. Oh well. Better to be done with the thing. My husband wants me to stick with either Honda or Toyota so we’ve pretty much decided on the Honda Civic Coupe. Since we already have a SUV there’s no need for another sedan. I never have anyone else in my car except for my dog. The big thing to check is to make sure that I can see out of the car okay because I am, well, a wee bit undertall. I’m going to stop by the dealership on my way home and check that out. Whew! Wish me luck. Then there’s that HUGE decision of what color do I want? The choices are: Atomic Blue Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Galaxy Gray Metallic, Nighthawk Black Pearl, Rallye Red, Royal Blue Pearl, Taffeta White. Hard to know until I see them in person but I am leaning toward white or gray. Maybe I should do a poll?
Oh and that mirage I mentioned in the title? It appears to be Frankie. He and Max are a bit out of focus right now and I am trying not to worry about it.
I can’t wait to hear about Oliver’s adventures!
Great news on the car! I have that under tall problem too. I love my mini van because of its adjustable seats. I know you’re beyond the mini van stage :-)so I’ll be interested to see what you find.
By the way, I deleted my old LJ, so my only LJ is now kidlit_kim
I have a mental block about your new LJ all the time, don’t I? Sigh. Sorry about that. Fixed now.
I can’t wait to hear about Oliver’s adventures!
Great news on the car! I have that under tall problem too. I love my mini van because of its adjustable seats. I know you’re beyond the mini van stage :-)so I’ll be interested to see what you find.
By the way, I deleted my old LJ, so my only LJ is now kidlit_kim
We are on our third Honda Civic and love them. However, I am on the tall side, so can’t advise on the visibility issue.
Good to know on the Honda love, thanks! I didn’t make it by the dealership yet but I am hopeful.
I love the idea of Oliver having his own blog!
As to Civics, I’m a little vertically challenged and when I rented one could drive it with ease! Shame on Honda though, no green cars! My last three cars have been green, and I have now brainwashed my husband that when he replaced his car, he bought a green one.
Ooh…good to know! And yes, shame on no green, though our Four Runner is green so maybe something different will be good. The blues look funky on the screen so I don’t know. I remember reading somewhere that white was a safe color because people could see you coming.
I love Don Tate’s post. So crisp and clever.
Congrats on the possible new car, and really, you can’t go wrong with the color choices!
Thanks, Kelly. I love Don’s post too. His inner child is alive and well.
I love Don Tate’s post. So crisp and clever.
Congrats on the possible new car, and really, you can’t go wrong with the color choices!
Thanks, Kelly. I love Don’s post too. His inner child is alive and well.
I have a 2004 Honda Civic – standard transmission. Great on fuel (one of the top five according to AAA – I think the 2005 is #3). I’m 4’11” tall and find it comfortable and easy to drive.
Color? Don’t get anything silver! I have silver and so does everyone else in the civilized world. I can’t tell you how many times I tried to unlock my car and found that it wasn’t mine at all! I finally had to memorize my license plate.
More great info, thanks! Yikes on the silver. We have the same problem with the green Four Runner. I wanted to put something on the car to help me identify it but my husband nixed that idea.
More great info, thanks! Yikes on the silver. We have the same problem with the green Four Runner. I wanted to put something on the car to help me identify it but my husband nixed that idea.
>> I am trying to not feel guilty when I don’t blog <<
It’s the opposite for me. I tend to feel guilty when I do blog. I feel like I’m indulging in something I don’t have time for.
To both of us, I say – enough with the guilt!
I feel guilty about so many things, blogging is just one more. But yes, enough with the guilt already.
Oliver
No problem, Susan. K and I enjoyed reading it so much. And a new car! Aw, I’m so jealous again. I think I’m going to give in and get a new car this season. My truck is SO raggedy, and now the drivers door is broke and keeps flopping open while I’m driving. Besides being dangerous, it’s kinda embarrassing. Lol, and untall, huh?
Don
Re: Oliver
Don, go for it, the new truck. My husband told me I needed a car that would befit the successful author I want to become. From what I’ve been reading on your blog, you’re on a roll and should reward yourself too.
And yes, ahem, untall. If I hold my breath and stand up really straight, I’m 5′ and maybe a half an inch.
Oliver
No problem, Susan. K and I enjoyed reading it so much. And a new car! Aw, I’m so jealous again. I think I’m going to give in and get a new car this season. My truck is SO raggedy, and now the drivers door is broke and keeps flopping open while I’m driving. Besides being dangerous, it’s kinda embarrassing. Lol, and untall, huh?
Don