A moment to vent..
I know so many of us are in this situation. However, I really need a moment to get this out of my system so that I can keep moving in the right direction and don’t let the negativity and hopelessness that I feel, swallow me up. Feel free to skip this post. I’ll not blame you for doing so.
The only reliable “income” right now is the child support I get from my 2nd daughter’s father. I’m thankful that he’s been reliable for it over the years. However, I’m still having to chase down my oldest’s father for that now once a month check. Seriously..it’s annoying and puts just “that much more” strain on our already extremely tight budget. Total? If that 2nd check comes in, I’ll have acquired just over $600 for the month.
My husband and our room-mate have been laid off since before Christmas They were given a “bonus” or “thanks for working for us” check at parting. This allowed us to pay rent for January. Now that we’re halfway through the month. No unemployment has come through, we didn’t qualify for assistance through the town, our state benefits have been suspended because of an error on their part, I’ve got 1 WIC check left to use, and there’s ONLY barely enough food to get us through until next week.
I literally flipped the hell out this morning when I realized that the tortillas I was saving for a different meal, had been opened by my oldest and used for her breakfast. There is no more yeast to make bread in the bread machine, I’m almost out of milk. (I give it to the end of the day) There are no snacks for the kids to bring to school. The food pantry is only open once a week, on Thursdays There’s just not enough that I can take that my kids will eat. There’s a lot of processed foods. My kids won’t eat it, so I don’t feel right taking it. Not to mention their health issues, that I can’t in good conscience feed them that crap.
I’ve applied for fuel assistance – beginning of december. My appointment? Beginning of February. yeah. I’ve still got another 2.5 weeks to wait to find out if we even qualify for assistance.
If not for my father, we’d have a cold house. he’s helped us with our heating needs. I’m so very very thankful for this. We’ve called the local churches. The Baptist church was able to help with a One Time drop of oil. 84 gallons. this added onto what we already had in our tank put us at ‘just under’ half. All my thermostats are set around 65-66. The only exception being the one in my bedroom. (the master suite) That one is set at 60 during the day, 65 at night, and 68 for 3 hrs first thing in the morning, 5-8am. If you were to come to my house, you would see me all bundled up in my hoodie, scarf, ear warmer headband, and fingerless gloves, and STILL cold. My almost 4yo spends his time under blankets on the couch to stay warm.
Every day I’ve been surfing Craig’s list, and other sites looking for jobs I’m qualified for that are ‘local’ (within 50 miles). When there are postings, i send my resume out. Many places aren’t hiring until April/May as that’s the beginning of the “season” here. The economy here in Maine is so stagnant i’m terrified i’ll be homeless.
I’ve been working on social media work for Martial Arts for Everyone, also remodeling my webstore in hopes to bring in what could get us through to another month. So far? not looking so great.
I actually cried this morning out of frustration of our situation. Hell, I’m almost in tears right now because I’m feeling so hopeless, thus the point of this post. Just trying to “get it out of my system” wallow in it for the length of time it takes me to put it here then be done with it.
I’m up late working, up early to get the kids to school. the only day i possibly would get to sleep in right now is Saturdays, and by sleep in, I mean 8am. Sunday’s the huz has Firefighter I classes, so the alarm goes off at 6:30 am. Sunday through Friday, my wake-up call is 6:30am. While i don’t get out of bed at that hour on Sunday, I’m still woken up. Not so easy to get back to sleep kwim?
Anyway, the point of this isn’t to gather self-pity or guilt. I just REALLY needed to get this off my shoulders.. (if only that worked in a physical sense my entire back – neck to hips- is one big mess lol!)
If you read along with my rant and vent of frustration, thank you. You’re awesome, fantastic, and REAL!
Here’s to a great week of positivity!
Fall in love with the Sullivan Family (book tour)
Please enjoy this interview with Bella Andre, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of the contemporary romance series, The Sullivans. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including special romantic swag baskets for each book, an iPad Mini, Kindle Fire, Nook Color, and Kobo eReader, and Amazon and iTunes gift cards!
Interview with Bella Andre
about her best-selling series, The Sullivans
1. You create characters beautifully and are an absolute master of plot twists. It seems like you could write in almost any genre and do a bang-up job of it. What made you decide to devote your efforts to the romance genre in particular?
Thank you so much for the compliments! I’ve always been a huge romance fan – I’ve been reading nearly a book a day since I was a teenager – so it was a natural fit for me when the characters starting appearing in my head one day. 
2. How did the idea for this interconnected contemporary romance series first come to you? What was your inspiration?
I love the family series that have always been popular in historical romance – like Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series and Nora Roberts MacGregors – and I was also inspired by my husband’s large family. It seemed like a natural fit to combine the the funny and sweet family dynamics into an overarching series of sexy contemporary romances with the alpha heroes that I love so much.
3. Everyone seems to have a favorite Sullivan. Now I know this is like asking you to choose between your own children, but who is your favorite? And who’s most like you?
I’ll have to plead the fifth and pick Mary Sullivan – the family matriarch – as my favorite Sullivan. She’s the heart that keeps the family together and I get emotional whenever I write a scene with her. In fact, in COME A LITTLE BIT CLOSER (Smith Sullivan’s story), the scene where he calls his mother to ask for love advice is one that so many readers have told me is their absolute favorite scene in any Sullivan book.
As for who is most like me – maybe Sophie Sullivan from I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU. She loves to read (and is a librarian) and when she wants something (in her case: bad boy Jake McCann), she goes for it! Of course, I’m also a lot like Lori Sullivan (aka “Naughty”) with her big mouth and constant laughter.
4. In your opinion, what ingredients are needed to make up a good love story? Is life the same as fiction in this respect? Why or why not?
I love to love my characters and when I write a story I need two heroic, nice, good people (and why not gorgeous, too?!) who deserve love and have a lot of love to offer in return, but who are flawed partially because they haven’t found that perfect someone who compliments them like no other. I like my fiction to be a little bigger than life – the Sullivans are extraordinarily hot, sensitive and attentive – but at their heart, they’re all very real.
5. How has your own love story with your husband informed the Sullivan series? Are there any scenes that are directly taken from your own life?
I have the best husband in the entire world. Sweet, loving, sensitive…and super hot! He’s always supported me in everything I’ve ever done and I think his strength and capability to love is at the core of every hero I write.
With that said, none of the scenes are ever taken directly from my own life. I have a very active imagination.
6. Let’s pretend for a second that you are a single woman living in the world of the Sullivans, which of the six brothers would you be most likely to fall in love with and why?
Ohhhh, now THAT is a fun fantasy! I would fall in love with each and every single one of them – and do, while I’m writing each of their stories! If I had to pick one, I might have my eye on Marcus (FROM THIS MOMENT ON) – because while all of my Sullivans are sweet, sexy and sensitive – Marcus is the only one with his own endless supply of wine from his winery. And there’s just something about the oldest brother…. Then again, Zach Sullivan is such a great combination of cocky and sweet. And Ryan Sullivan has all those muscles. And Gabe is such a hero as a firefighter (and I love his dirty talking between the sheets). And Chase is so sexy and protective. And then there’s Jake McCann (who falls in love with Sophie Sullivan) with his tattoo’s and big muscles. Not to mention Lori’s hero in the upcoming ALWAYS ON MY MIND which will be out this spring. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that Lori’s hero just might be the hottest hero I’ve ever written.
See, what did I tell you earlier? I’m no good at picking just one. So let’s just say, yet again, ALL OF THEM!
7. The Sullivans and their beaux have some pretty interesting careers. From photographers and sculptors to professional actors, musicians and ball players all the way to firefighters, librarians and business owners, they lead very exciting lives! What type of research did you have to do to capture these jobs so well? Do you have any interesting research anecdotes to share?
I’ve written firefighters and athletes in previous series which helped with my firefighter, Gabe (CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE) and my baseball player, Ryan (LET ME BE THE ONE). I also live in Sonoma and have a lot of experience with wine and wineries which was ideal for winery owner Marcus (FROM THIS MOMENT ON) and as a writer I’ve been blessed to work with many librarians who served as information points for Sophie (I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU.)
For books where I need inspiration, the internet has been amazing and when needed, I also call on the help of professionals. Even though I’d written firefighters before, I still sent all my firefighting scenes to a professional and for Smith’s book (COME A LITTLE BIT CLOSER) I sent all the acting-set sequences to a local film producer.
8. I was very touched by the inclusion of Yorkie puppy, Cuddles, and Great Dane rescue, Atlas, in book five, If You Were Mine. Are you a dog person yourself? If you have pets, I’d love to know more about them!
I *love* animals. I had the best time writing the two dogs in IF YOU WERE MINE. They had their own little love story in that book, which pleased me to no end. There’s a cat that plays a very important role in ALWAYS ON MY MIND (Lori Sullivan’s story, coming Spring 2013). My whole family loves animals, and we’ve recently adopted a beautiful cat. Or more accurately, the cat has adopted us, smart little minx.
9. The Sullivan series is currently seven volumes long. How many more books do you have planned, and which other family members will get the spotlight in their own books?
Lori’s book (ALWAYS ON MY MIND) is up next, and there are 5 Seattle Sullivans who are ready for love – I will start with Rafe Sullivan’s book this summer! Plus, I have something *very* special planned for Mary Sullivan, their mother, planned to release for the holidays in 2013.
10. And lastly (for a bit of random fun), what has been the most amazing/ touching/ validating interaction you’ve had with a fan of your books?
Everyone who has ever written to me on Facebook or Twitter or Goodreads or via email to tell me how much they love my books and that the Sullivans have moved them in some way has touched me. I love my fans, so, so much! I have the very best time in the world writing about my Sullivans… and knowing that I have so many absolutely wonderful people waiting to read them as soon as they’re released is a total thrill every single day.
The Sullivans are on tour with Novel Publicity. Follow along for your chance to win amazing prizes. We’ve got special romantic swag baskets for each book, an iPad Mini, Kindle Fire, Nook Color, and Kobo eReader, and Amazon and iTunes gift cards. WOW!
You’ll also get introduced to this amazing contemporary romance series via excerpts as well as interviews with and guest posts from New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, Bella Andre. You’ll definitely want to learn more about the family that has captured the world’s heart.
All the info you need to join the fun and enter to win amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment–easy to enter; easy to win!
To Win the Prizes:
- Purchase any of the Sullivan ebooks by Bella Andrefor just $4.99 (optional)
- Enter the Rafflecopter contest on Novel Publicity (go here)
- Visit today’s featured social media event (that’s where the HUGE prizes are)
About The Sullivans: In this sexy, emotional and funny contemporary romance series, each member of the Sullivan family will eventually find true love…usually where he or she least expects it.
Get the eBooks via Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, the iBookStore, or the Kobo Store.
Audiobooks are also available for the first five in the series (with more coming soon). Plus, keep an eye out for paperback editions coming from Harlequin Romance starting Summer 2013.
About the Author: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Bella Andre has always been a writer. Songs came first, and then non-fiction books, but as soon as she started writing her first romance novel, she knew she’d found her perfect career. Known for “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance” (Publishers Weekly) about sizzling alpha heroes and the strong women they’ll love forever, nearly all of her novels have appeared on Top 10 lists at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple and Kobo.
Her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red Hot Reads” twice and have been translated into nine languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post has called her “One of the top digital writers in America” and she has been featured by NPR, USA Today, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. She has given the keynote speech at Book Expo America on her self-publishing success and has sold more than one million books.
If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country and a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks.
- Sign up for Bella’s newsletter at www.eepurl.com/eXj22
- Visit Bella’s website at www.BellaAndre.com
- Follow Bella on twitter at www.twitter.com/bellaandre
- Join Bella on Faceboook at www.facebook.com/bellaandrefans
The importance of grounding plug adapters
Recently, I found out almost the hard way, why it’s absolutely necessary to ground those 3/2 plug adapters. My “new” house is a really old house. read: circa 1835. 90% of the outlets in the house are only 2 pronged. This meant, if I wanted to use any of my nifty modern technology I needed an adapter. You’ve seen them, usually grey, squarish, metal loop at the bottom near the 3rd prong.
Anyway, around Christmas, we’d taken the family to my parents house in NH. when we got back, my PC was off. (meant we lost power sometime over the weekend.) Well, good a time as any to redo the plugs. Huz had asked me if I’d “grounded the plug” before we left.. I was like “what are you talking about?” I seriously didn’t know to do that. SO he was going to screw the grounding ‘wire’ into the outlet screw . However, when he unplugged it from the wall, it was still attached to the power strip plug. he had to pull quite a bit to get it to detach.
We were VERY VERY lucky. The plug was burnt and melted. when attempted to re-use, it arced and sparked and that was it..into the trash it went. The next day we went to the hardware store and bought a handful of new ones, and made sure to screw them into every outlet we’re using them on.
When using them for a temporary purpose, say, for a couple of hours, it’s most likely harmless. However, in a more permanent situation, such as home office equipment, well, grounding it, is ALWAYS the way to go. Get out your screwdriver, take out the screw from the face plate, plug in the adapter, put the screw back in, going through the grounding wire, and voila! it’s all safe to use!
for your viewing pleasure, the reason why you need to ground your 3/2 adapters ALWAYS!
Someone was definitely watching over us.
Post 60 Day challenge with background
I’m so very sorry I didn’t keep this blog string current. I’m beyond amazed at the changes in me. 
Since May of this year, I have lost 25 pounds and 15.5 inches. Since the beginning of the 60 day challenge (august 1st to October 1st) 15 of those 25 pounds and 6.5 inches disappeared. My clothes fit so much differently. I’m nearing my size 14′s again! I’ve not worn them in 2 years. There’s been a lot of crap that’s happened to me over the last 2 years. I know that no one’s life is a cakewalk by any means, I just found the last 2 years or so of mine to be particularly challenging. A little reader’s digest of my last 2 years.
I separated from my husband – and took my 4 kids and went to live with my parents 800 miles north
we lost our house
my husband and I reconciled
he moved back in
8 people in a 2 bedroom house is hell
husband is still unemployed (almost 2 years)
my previous weight loss achievements were being flushed from stress
my weight was slowly climbing
thanksgiving
yule/Christmas
huz took red to a monster truck rally
our marriage nearly disintegrated
I started smoking again
huz found work
we started looking for our own place
huz took a job in Maine
we found a place in Maine at the end of summer 2011
FREEDOM – we had our own place again
thanksgiving 2011 – just me and my boys
Christmas/yule 2011 – whole family (all 6 of us)
husband is fired from work
a few months pass
totaled my car – leading to a 6 month period of being house bound
huz is jumping job to job – seriously seems like a new one every couple of months
Beyond the Willows is formed and I’m getting a trickle of income
thankfully kids do well in school through all of this.
end of summer 2012 best friend moves in.
3 yo is potty trained
things are on an even keel – thank the gods
November 2012 we’re moving again – one year later
Through all this, I’m still trying to move forward. This is not the worst story out there, I am aware of this. Still, some pretty amazing things have happened as well. I’m almost back to the weight /size I was 2 years ago. I’ve helped my best friend start to get his life moving forward again – away from the toxic living situation he was in. The huz found a job for my best friend. We’re moving into a beautiful gorgeous 1800/1900′s house right in town.
My progress from this 60 day challenge? it’s just amazing. ready?
amazing – 2 months is a very Noticeable difference!
This, i achieved this even with all the other chaos in my life. Next step – i will quit smoking again.
If you want to try the vitamin supplement ACE leave me a message. I fully believe it helped my loss. I started taking ACE in June. I weighed 210lbs back in May. Now today – I weigh 183lbs. I’ve lost nearly 30 pounds!
Thank you, if you’ve been following my journey. I’ll be sure to do occasional updates. Once I get a couple more body shots, i’ll collage them and post.
If you follow my blog, and would be interested in a holiday stay fit challenge, let me know. I’d love to coordinate one.
Blessings & Gentle Breezes!
Flexing my design muscles again..
And it feels absolutely awesome! Over the past several weeks, I’ve redesigned a website, created/recreated logos, designed a couple wire worked items, and crafted a magick charm.
When I can work completely uninterrupted with my craft of choice i’m the happiest witchypoo ever!!
I’ve helped out Natalie over at Adventures of a Pagan Parent with her buttons.
I’ve helped out Angela of The Pagan Mom Blog to recreate her new business logo for Skye Sage Creations
I’ve also Revamped my client Kathy’s website Katherinechefservices.com
Go, visit these sites. Like their Facebook pages. All are or have small businesses that can use the networking and patronage.
Click on the thumbnails to see the designs better. thanks!
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- Business logo redesign
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- webdesign button
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- blog button redesign
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- business logo design
Until next time. Brightest blessings!
~Gypsie
D5 Creation