Only As Old As You Feel

I joined the Air National Guard in 2007 and went off to basic training in 2008 and it's amazing how quickly we get out of shape again. I have an annual fitness test every October. Three months before I always start cutting back on my carbs and exercising at least four times a week. My metabolism isn't like it used to be. I can't lose weight the way i used to. My size ten has become a size twelve and it is so frustrating. At one point running a mile was a piece of cake but once you stop running for six months, it feels more like my chest is about to crack open. Nevertheless, I did it. I got in shape, at least enough to pass the test. Ran 1.5 miles, pumped out my push-ups and sit-ups and got my waist down to 31 inches. Two days after my ribs hurt, my arms are sore and I'm gettin Charlie horses in my legs. I guess they're all signs that I'm not as young as I used to be. I am a believer that we're only as old as we feel. Right now I'm feeling every bit of 41, but at least it's over. Now it's time to start baking pies and getting ready for the holidays. A sistah definitely loves to eat.

I Hate Moving!

I had just finished the ordeal of moving! There is nothing worse than having to move at the same time you have a book due. I have been so stressed this last month that I've gained ten pounds. I've always been a stress eater. I would give anything to be one of those kind of women who loses her appetite when she's under pressure. Right now my entire body hurts from moving furniture. I thought it was all over when the moving truck left and then I remembered I had to go back to my old place and clean it up. It took me all day to vacuum, clean and shampoo. But finally at nine p.m. it's all over...or is it? Nope, because I can't find any clean linen so I stepped out in my garage and remembered I can't park my car inside because I have boxes, lots and lots of boxes filling the entire contents. With a heavy sigh, I turned out the light, shut the door. I'll save the search for another day. Now I'm wondering if I'm going to get this book done in time. Only time will tell....

I'm Back!

I am home after weeks of conforming to the Air Forces way of life. It definitely was not easy at my age but I did it and lived to talk about it. ha-ha! It was definitely the biggest challenge of my life and worth every second. Check out the article below for more information.
http://www.columbiatribune.com/2008/Jun/20080607News005.asp

An Unlikely Soldier, Oops! I meant Airman

For the last several months I've been talking about making a major change in my life. Well, I finally did it. I joined the Air National Guard! I still can't believe I did it but I did. The photo proves it. Maybe I was going through a midlife crisis or was just bored looking for a new challenge. Whatever the reason, I feel really good about my decision and look forward to serving my country for the next six years. I'm off to basic training in February and am excited about getting whipped into shape. There will definitely be a book about my experience in the upcoming future. You better believe it.

Back in the Rat Race

After almost eight years I am back to working full time and have to admit, I love it! It's funny because I thought that staying at home and writing was enough for me but recently I've discovered that it feels so much more rewarding, getting up every morning and going to a job that I truly love. I am working in the Human Resources Department at the National Guard Center. I am using my degree in HR and my brain (not that I wasn't before) and it feels good. Really good. And that big check I'll see in my checking account on Friday is bound to me make me feel even better.

Don't judge a book by its cover

There have been a lot of negative comments being posted about the upcoming release of Big Spankable Asses regarding race, etc. I must say that me and my big SPANKABLE ass are proud to be a part of the anthology. I found nothing degrading about the title or the concept, instead it was a whole lot of laughs and BIG fun. I can't wait to work on the next one. Sure, the model on the cover looks plastic and her ASS nowhere near represents a sistah’s booty, but so what. It ain't about that. Those stories were written by three educated and talented women of color, who would never do anything to shed a negative light on black women. I can't help it if I am spankalicious.

Back from the RT Convention and Feeling So Damn Good

I love conferences. It's a chance for me to learn what's new in the industry, meet new friends and make connections. I shared room with my girl Kimberly Kaye Terry, my partner in crime, and the author that put together the Big Spankable Asses anthology. We met at the last RT and have been friends every since. We think a lot alike and bumped heads once or twice, but I wouldn't trade her. We help each other and it's rare when you find an author who is willing to work together without feeling threatened or jealous. We worked that conference! She and I networked, met with friends, made new friends, and gave a awesome multicultural panel. It was wonderful seeing people from different races all in one room discussing blacks in the publishing industry. One editor mentioned that it was an eye opening experience for her, another said she has a vision to bring African American romance to the forefront. I felt so proud being a part of this event and to meet editors who ARE interested in what we write. I hear so much negativity about how the RT Convention isn't for us but that is a bunch of BS. WE need to stop sitting in the corner feeling sorry for ourselves and instead do what we have to do to be recognized. I have to say I learned some very important things at that conference that at this moment I am putting to action. Because the only person who controls my destiny is me.