Pretending to be a celebrity

The fun thing about having a new book out (Lockdown was released this month) is that I get to pretend to be famous for a little while. I've been very fortunate that Lockdown has garnered some positive press in the past few weeks. Today an interview with me was posted on LDS Bookcorner, which is mostly a get-to-know-you kind of interview. I even admit what kind of music I listen to when I have control of the radio.

Besides this recent interview, I also found out that Lockdown has been reviewed by Deseret News (a duplication of a review in The Mormon Times), the Association of Mormon Letters, and Meridian Magazine. I was even featured in an article in my dad's home town newspaper (The Verde Independent.) I know for a big-name author, this might not seem like a lot, but for me it's pretty exciting. Normally, the only time I get this much attention is when I'm fixing dinner and all of my kids are starving (or so they say.)

In addition to the interview and articles, Davis Bigalow recently honored me with an award called the “Premio Symbelmine” which means "Sublime Award". So thanks Davis!

I'm supposed to pass this award on to seven other blogs that I feel deserve "sublime" status so, in no particular order, here it goes:

Stephanie Humphrey's Write Bravely - Stephanie has a wonderful way of looking at things and so often she gives encouragement with her gift of words without even realizing what a talent she has.

Kersten Campbell's Life on the Funny Farm - Kersten's book Confessions of a Completely (In)Sane Mother was released recently as is gaining some great reviews.

The Dashner Dude (aka James Dashner) - How could I not mention James? Besides the fact that his second 13th Reality book is out (which yes, my daughter Christina says I have to get an autographed copy for her), he cracks me up. Check out his blog and you can't help but be entertained. I'd add that he's a talented writer too, but that might go to his head.

Twas Brillig - Another blogger with a fabulous way of stringing words together to evoke emotion and bring life into focus.

Scattered Jules - I met Julie Wright last summer at Booksellers in Sandy, Utah and found out first hand what a fun person she is. She not only has a great way of looking at life, but she also has a way of making people face their own vulnerabilities and learn how to laugh at them.

My Paige - Michele Paige Holmes is a very talented writer and I'm hoping she'll get to sleep soon (her newest addition is still denying her that luxury) so she can produce another novel that will keep me turning pages late into the night like her Whitney Award winning book, Counting Stars.

And last but not least, Mamablogga -Jordan's blog helps me keep life in perspective. After all, the most important job I'll ever have is that of a mother. This blog reminds me that even when I'm pretending to be famous, I'll always just be the keeper of the bandaids and the finder of clean socks.

Taxes!!!

I kept putting it off until last night I couldn't stand it any more. I did my taxes. I kept thinking I should do the taxes for a family trust that I manage first, but I finally decided that I needed to shorten my list of things to do and one of the big ones looming over me was my own family's taxes. So I started yesterday evening...and kept going until 3AM this morning. But they're done. YEAH!!! I was so excited, I even did my daughter's taxes. I don't think she'll be quite as excited as I was to have them done since she's only getting about $10 back from the federal government, but still, any money is worth having these days.

I'll admit that the hours sitting at the computer making friends with TurboTax were more painful that I would have liked (have you ever put in 16 years worth of dividend reinvestment income before?), but I can't believe how much more focused I feel now that it's over. I know that I'm not very good at procrastinating. That's not to say that I don't procrastinate, but rather that I'm really bad at getting away with it.

I have a book that has been just begging to be finished (and I want desperately to get it done!) but I know that with these kinds of obligations, the things I enjoy doing always end up at the bottom of the list. So my goal this week is to finish up the trust taxes, get my mother-in-law's taxes done, and just maybe reacquaint myself with those characters that have been impatiently waiting for me. Wish me luck!

Whirlwind

Life has been moving so quickly, I've barely been able to take a breath since swim season ended. For those of you who read my last post, we did have a few adventures, but not as many as expected. Armed with my new GPS-capable cell phone, we only endured only six U-turns and a lot of laughter.

After naviagating through the state swim meet, I thought I would have time to catch my breath, but that wasn't to be. My youngest turned five that following weekend so I had a lot of preparations for that. (The main obstacle was figuring out how to get his new bicycle home now that I don't have a van, but luckily it fit in the backseat.) Then I found out a friend had a shorter deadline than anticipated for finishing off her basement.

My husband and a friend have been doing the work for her, but then we realized that her carpeting is coming any day now, ready or not. So we spend the past week building walls, and then mudding, taping and sanding. I wish I could say it was done, but at least the walls are up!

Now with tax deadlines looming (did I mention that I'm the poor soul in my family that does everyone's taxes?), a dozen books to read before voting for the Whitney awards, and a almost finished novel, I almost don't know where to start. I suppose I should get to planting my garden soon too. Maybe it's time to make a list. I'll keep my fingers crossed that I can start checking things off!