Writing, Shopping, & Dog Walking

A day off from my day job was just was the doctor ordered. Well...not from my doctor. In fact there wasn't really an order. But I did have to take a day off work to attend a doctor's appointment with my husband. The appointment was in the morning and was over in time for me to actually go to work but I wasn't feeling it. The truth...I've taken on many extra tasks at work and the boatload of meetings over the past couple of weeks have been draining me. So much so that I haven't been able to concentrate on my current writing project for the month and it's almost over! This year is about productivity. If I keep adding distractions to my plate it's going to be the end of the year and the only thing I'll be able to say is that I published my second book. Hmm, that's not such a terrible thing, but it's not my only goal.


And boy was God on my side. After the appointment, my husband and I stopped at a Coney Island near home for a brief breakfast date. He was avoiding carbs, I wasn't. My pancakes were scrumptious! The goodness of God, however, wasn't the pancakes but when my husband dropped me off at the door of our home and drove away! Yeah  baby...that's meant ME time.

Before I could get started writing, though, I had to wash the stack of dishes that had been patiently awaiting for the last couple of days. Then I had to take Pepper, my little black Terrier outside for a walk. She's my son's responsibility during the week so she doesn't get lengthy walks until the weekend. She appreciated the surprise treat. Lastly, I cleared the computer desk off all clutter (a receipt, a broken lead pencil, a medical pamphlet) so I wouldn't have anything to distract me from writing. It doesn't take much.


Once all distractions were cleared, I searched for the latest version of the story I'd been writing. Since I can no longer use my USB drive at work, I have to go through the tedious process of  emailing Word documents back and forth between my work email and personal email. And, no, before you suggest them--I can't access Google docs, OneDrive, or any of the other online document creators at work either! Until another method presents itself, this is it....


In the end, I got a good draft of my story nearly complete. I'm writing a story about a challenging time in my marriage--is that ever not the case??? Seriously, though, there's an insurmountable amount of material when you're writing your life and 100 times more writing about your marriage! I've easily noticed how, even in nonfiction writing, the story you start with isn't always the story you end with. Not only that, while writing one story, material for future stories are unleashed. I'm excited for those and for the shoes I ordered online while writing...distractions are never too far away :)

The day off was well spent so instead of going to a rigorous Zumba class, I treated myself to the movies--the real treat was the popcorn!

NOT Reading at the Library

It's no secret that I LOVE the library. Just in case you didn't know--I LOVE the library. Ironically, I don't spend nearly as much as I'd like. But when I do... I'd easily lose myself for hours in the columns of thick spined books on every subject one can imagine, wood tables tucked in various corners for the kind of quiet needed for studying, reading, or just relaxing. However, I have one of those husbands who doesn't quite get that about me and an 11 yr old son who'd enjoy that time too much without me home to keep him on task. Therefore, I only go when necessary. Like last week, for example, I went in to check out a book that my book club is reading this month, God Help the Child by Toni Morrison. Just like a kid on a rare stop by the toy store, I wanted to stay longer. That day, I had an even more pressing reason to cut the visit short--my husband's doctors appointment. 

A few days later, I found myself logging onto the library's website. I still don't rember what I was looking for but the first item on the page was an announcement about adult coloring! Stress relief was the only encouragement I needed to make a snap decision to go. It was the same night I'd seen the announcement so it must have been meant to be.

The event was advertised on the site for adults but I should have known it was for the entire family. Good thing my son was with me. Participating in non-electronic fun is just what Dr. Mom ordered for him. He got off to a slow start but by the time we were leaving, he was asking when the next coloring event was taking place.

Check out our masterpieces:

Are we going back? Absolutely!

Distractions of Writer's Life

Whose days always go according to plan? Nope, not mine either. Once upon a time ago, though, I used to be able to from time to time. But that was before I fell into the role of a caregiver for my husband. Each day carries its own little adventure like a walk through the woods.  Even more so the case since my husband has become ill and needs more of my attention when I get home from work.

I'm blessed that a great part of what I have to do, as far as my writing is concerned, is on the computer and I sit in front of one of those eight hours a day. Only problem is that I'm ethically bound by my conscience and a document only an inch thick but as heavy as box of bricks--business code of conduct--to use that computer for the purposes for which I'm paid.

Luckily that same document does allow some wiggle room for personal use of the computer so I do what I can. On those days when I'm motivated to do more--post a blog, improve the design of my blog, schedule some publicity via Hootsuite, or visit some of the blogs I follow--you know, some of the more consuming activities of this writer's life, I create a mental list of a few things I want to do when I get home.

While I'm making my plans, though, approximately ten  miles away  somebody else is making plans for me too. My husband, bless his heart. Whether it's cooking something in particular for dinner (one day it was fried chicken in addition to the spaghetti that I was in the process of making), picking up something in particular that he may have a taste for (another day it was fixings for a hot fudge sundae), or any given day it could be as simple as watching a few episodes of television shows that he's recorded for my (mainly his) viewing pleasures. The Maury Show is at the top of that list. "You are NOT the father!" LOL! It's not preferred television entertainment but I enjoy watching my husband laugh. Dealing with a chronic illness as he is, moments of sincere laughter are few and far in between.

These detours to what I may have planned for my evening are nothing to get my undies in a bunch about. It happens to the best of us. That's what moments like these--waking up at 5 am on a Saturday morning and catching up on some things all the more appreciated..

Til next time y'all,

Author L.A.

Something's Gotta Give-Update

"If you seek, you shall find." In my case, I didn't even have to look for anything. Stuff has a way of finding me. Remember how I was just telling you about the conflicting activities taking place on Feb 9th? Remember how I said at least the kids don't have anything going on that day? Remember? The very day after I posted that my son excitedly gave me an invite to his schools Black History program, which of course, he's excited to be a part of. Now we all know where I'll be in February 9th.

The kids always win in these things.

LaCharmine (L.A.) Jefferson
Author, Writer, Blogger
Website: http://www.lajefferson.com/
Blogs by me:
L.A.'s Literary Love Life@ http://lajefferson.blogspot.com/
A Day in the Life of L.A. Jefferson @ http://lajefferson.blogspot.com/
All Things Love @ http://all-things-love.blogspot.com/
Naturally L.A. @ http://naturallyla.wordpress.com/
Surviving Work @ http://survivingmydayjob.wordpress.com/
Follow me on Twitter @lajefferson

Something's Gotta Give

There may be some truth to my daughters claim that I have too much going on. If being a single mom of two kids and working a full time job isn't enough, I'm active in two organizations at work, church, and my writing career. Not to mention the kids' activities!

Here's my current dilemma. When I registered for a Social Media for for Authors workshop on February 9th, a familiar strange feeling came over me. I couldn't put my finger on it immediately but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something already on my calendar for that date. Later on I received an email from one of the groups I'm in at work, the org I want to increase my participation in, and that's when it hit me! That particular organization was having a meeting on Feb 9th and so was the other work organization. Just my luck, while I wanted to attend the one function, I have an obligation to attend the other being that I'm on the executive board. HOWEVER, I need to be at that workshop. After all, the success of my writing career hinges on how well I market my business through social media networks.

What would you do?

LaCharmine (L.A.) Jefferson
Author, Writer, Blogger
Website: http://www.lajefferson.com/
Blogs by me:
L.A.'s Literary Love Life@ http://lajefferson.blogspot.com/
A Day in the Life of L.A. Jefferson @ http://lajefferson.blogspot.com/
All Things Love @ http://all-things-love.blogspot.com/
Naturally L.A. @ http://naturallyla.wordpress.com/
Surviving Work @ http://survivingmydayjob.wordpress.com/
Follow me on Twitter @lajefferson

Homecoming, Halloween, & Birthdays

Hey Fam & Friends!

It's been awhile since my last post but trust and believe me, that's not because there's been nothing to share! October was quite a busy month! For starters, LaTya started her first job! Yay!!! On the road to independence. A parent's dream! She's working at Panera Bread and she's quite enjoying it, especially when she gets those checks. LOL!

Also, LaTya joined the Mime ministry at church!  It's quite a blessing when children desire and choose ministries on their own. Sure, that puts something else on my plate--weekly practice--but I'm glad to do it for her.  Below is a clip of one of her first performances. I apologize in advance for the messed up part of the video. Cell phones video recording--what can you do? But I guarantee you'll enjoy what you are able to see!

Then there was my birthday--October 15th! I dun' crossed over to the other side of 35! It's really tripping me out, too, but I'm blessed, nonetheless. I got the best birthday gift ever. My honey, Kevin, gifted me with a weekend at the Holiday Inn Express downtown, which was perfectly planned because my writer's group, Motown Writers Network was hosting it's 3rd Annual Book Club Mix & Mingle where authors and book club members come together for a fun-filled gathering! At the event (on my actual birthday), I wore my birthday present from LaTya, a t-shirt that reads, "Future Best Selling Author". Isn't she just a doll of a daughter?





Myself, L.A. Jefferson & National Best Selling Author Vincent Alexandria book swapping!

  October 21st: Cass Tech High School Homecoming!

Check out this Cass Tech Cutie!

Any guess what she's thinking about?

He'd never admit how pretty he thought his sister looked. LOL!

Halloween 2011: Harvest Celebration at Kadesh Baptist Church

Pretty girl Tya a.k.a Bunny Rabbit & Princess Alaura 

Nate the Great a.k.a. Ice Wolf Ninja

Nate a.k. Ice Wolf Ninja beating his Larry ak.a. General Grievous (Clone Wars) in the musical chairs game

My Jalen poo a.k.a. Woody

My Raymond poo a.k.a Wolverine

My Kenny poo a.k.a. Iron Man

I was dressed up, but who takes pictures of me :(( Nevertheless, kids had a ball! And with the end of the night, as with most holidays, I was just glad when it was over!

A Not so Regular Saturday

Days like this are alright with me! Days when I don't have anything that I have to do. Days when the kids don't have anything that they have to do. Of course, a teenager can always come up with something to do rather than stay at home and clean up. Me too, for that matter. LOL! Seriously, while I'd love to stay home doodling around on the Internet (Blogger, Twitter, & Facebook), I won't do that to the kids.

My daughter wants to get to the mall to shop for her infamous Sweet 16 birthday outfit. My son wants nothing more than to pick up a toy along the way. And me, I'd prefer to do none of that because I know when I leave the house I'll be compelled to take care of some necessary things for the house but I will at least ensure that I treat myself to a pedicure and eye brow arch while we're out.

How Do You Choose?

On any given day, there's literally a billion things to do! Everywhere I look--and for some reason I'm always looking--there's always something going on. Between hustle & ballroom lessons, organization meetings, church activities, exercise classes, kids' school activities (LSCO mtgs, P/T conferences, programs), my writer's group activities, and a host of other functions and activities that I'd love to support. But you know what, even if I didn't have two children to devote my time and energy to, I still wouldn't be able to do all that I want to do. Sometimes the decisions are hard to make. For example, last Saturday was my monthly writer's meeting. For various reasons I haven't made the last couple of meetings so I put it in on my mind the whole week before that I was not going to miss this one. BUT when I woke up that morning, I just wasn't feeling it. Then I heard the groups founder, Sylvia Hubbard, word's, "If your writing is important to you, you should be able to sacrifice one Saturday morning per month for a couple of hours." She's absolutley right! I should be able to, but I don't always want  to.  On that particular morning I was much more inclined to enjoy one of my favorite movies Julie & Julia, while drinking a delicious cup of coffee and a glazed donut with my kids. Not to mention, that movie creates a surge of writing inspiration! So I'm no less dedicated to my craft of writing because I missed yet another meeting.

As for the other activities that I pass on, I just don't see any other around it. I'd love to dance 2 or 3 nights a week or take a Zumba class once a week. Unfortunately, after working all week, helping with homework all week, writing & blogging all week, I have to be extremely selective what I do in my free time. Right now my priorities are my kids and my writing. So dancing stays on the back burner until I get an invite or hear about party I want to attend. Exercise is limited to an occasional Zumba class and Exercise T.V. programs. Most school activities are mandatory. Church is on Sunday and once or twice a month for additional services or meetings (church is kind of important). The rest of the time is for as much R & R as I can get!

It's Turkey Day

As usual I don't get excited about the Thanksgiving holiday until the day before. I'm telling you, the weekend before when I know I should be shopping for the BIG dinner I'm pretty synical in my thinking: "Why spend all this money to make all of this food and desserts for this one day? Just so folks can eat until they can't fit anymore into their stomachs and then complain about the pounds they're surely putting on?" With that kind of stuff floating around in my head I might buy something small like the cornish hen or somce turkey parts (I never cook with a whole bunch of people in mind). However, when the day before Thanksgiving arrives it's like I have this huge realization that "THANKSGIVING IS TOMORROW!!!" This is when I realize that my table is going to be seriously lacking if I don't get my butt in gear, right? So, Kroger (or whatever grocery store I choose) here I come...

Greens in the pot, cornbread in the over, cake ingredients on the kitchen counter, and turkey breast in the fridge...I'm ready to get down to the get down!

I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the day being thankful!

Chillaxin Saturday--NOT

Somebody told me that I don't do anything. Huh? That couldn't be farther from the truth! The truth of the matter is that even when I'm not doing anything I'm doing something. Today, for example, I made a conscience decision to chill at home, maybe clean my bedroom which is always in need of attention and, of course, do a bit of writing.

At first I was going to plug into my book project, but I decided against it. I actually have made a lot of progress on it over the last week and I'm feeling pretty good about it. It's my blogging that I needed to catch up on. Maintaining three of them--I've got to stay on top of it. As a matter of fact when I finish this post I've got to complete one of the others I was working on this morning. I intended to get a little bit more accomplished online such as creating my mailing list, updating my website, add to my blog design, etc, but I was joyfully interrupted by the company of my four nephews and neice. It was my daughter's suggestion for them to come over for a visit since we don't get many visits because we're always the ones doing the visiting. Their ages ranging from eight to six months, it goes without saying that my attention was appropriately diverted from my original intentions. Nevertheless, I'm pleased with what I managed to accomplish.: clean room, style in progress for my lovely locs, and updated blog posts.

Now I'd better stop going on and on about how good this day was so that I can finish that other blog and take my butt to bed in preparation for tomorrow. If all goes well I'll get up early enough to go to Sunday School before church.

Thanksgiving--Where will I be?

Thanksgiving is in less than two weeks and the only thing I'm sure about is that I don't feel like going over anyone's house. It's not that I don't want to be around family, but you have to understand that I am around my family all of the time--literally. Like five days a week and one of the two--if not both days--of the weekend. With the holiday quickly approaching, all I can think about is to enjoying the comfort of my own home for a few days. Of course, this will drive my children completely insane! So how can I make this a win-win for all involved, I asked myself?

1. Have Thanksgiving dinner at my home and go visit my family for a couple of hours.

2. Have Thanksgiving dinner at my home and invite my family to my house.

3. Have Thanksgiving dinner at my home, drop my children off to my family's house for a few hours while I go back home.

4. Have Thanksgiving dinner at my home and don't worry about the kids wanting to go over to our family's house.

The four options all have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantages of any of the suggestions that require me to leave my home for any amount of time pretty much defeat the purpose of my wanting to relax on Thanksgiving day. It's not like this one day away from my family is going to be detrimental to my chidlren's lives. For some reason, they're bored at home, but, hey--mom deserves some R & R, right???

Over the last few days I've been leaning towards option #3--inviting my family to my house. Ideally this would be awesome IF my house was a bigger. As it stands, I feel like it would be a tight squeeze inviting my mom, dad, sister,brother, brother-n-law, and approximately 5 extra children over for dinner. And forget about a formal dining table--it would be a pretty casual thing at my house. Inviting family over will also involve me having to SPEND extra money to prepare more food, even though I'm sure my mom will bring a couple of dishes to help out. But this move will also involve some MAJOR housecleaning on my part and I hadn't anticipated that, but it's not like it doesn't need to be done.

God, if only I was in a bigger house! Nevertheless, isn't that what Thanksgiving is all about--being greatful for what you have--little house, big house, no car, clunker car, etc.

If I invite my family to my house for Thanksgiving, it will be a first! Perhaps its long overdue. However, I'm undecided. I'm not used to cooking for more than myself and my children, with the exception of desert, but never an entire meal. Maybe it'll be fun! I guess I better broach the idea to my mom to see if she had anything planned. Either way, I know I'll be spending most of the holiday at home and the kids just better be "thankful."

Til Later...L.A. Jefferson

Weekend Recap

I know everything happens for a reason and because I'm a child of God, I also know that everything that happens is meant for my good. Well, none of that made me feel immediately better about how out of control my weekend became! It's not that it was soooo bad, but it just didn't go my way. First, my body finally surrendered to my 5yr old son coughing in my face throughout the week. I woke up with the scratchy throat syndrome. Then, since my son had had the cough for over a week, I decided to take him to the doctor. Plus, he needed a haircut AND I had plans to drop my daughter off at the mall with her friend. Then some family stuff surfaced on Sunday, which is REALLY the day I like to chill! Therefore, the weekend that I had planned to relax and recover from the tiresome previous weekend was everything but.

HOWEVER, in the end everything was in divine order. The things that interrupted MY plans of the upmost importance: my nephew's 1st b-day party and a family dinner in celebration of my visiting great-aunt from Memphis, TN. As much as I complained about the infrigement of my intended R&R weekend, I was glad to have had the time with my family.

God-willing, there will be other weekends to sit back and relax or maybe do some major house cleaning that my house is in serious need of.

Til next time...

L.A.

Making the Best Of It

Anyone besides me have one or two people (grown-ups) in your family who have this retarded mindset that they don't have to have a job like every other adult??? Well, depending on how grown they are, you almost can't get mad at them because SOMEBODY has allowed them to think they can get away with living off of others, but that subject is another blog entry altogether. My purpose is to suggest how to make use of these family members so they do something purposeful with their lives.

PUT THEM TO WORK!!!

If you can't make them get a REAL job, make them useful for the family members who do work. For example, my loved one (and I do love him dearly) is really good with being available for the children. NO, HE'S NOT A PEDAFILE. He's extrememly helpful getting my son to school in the mornings while I get my oldest to school and myself to work. He even came through for me when my son was going to a school farther away from his house when his car was working.

During the summer months, I don't have to spend my weekends or time after work cleaning my yard because he can do it while I'm at work. When I need painting done in my house or minor repairs, if he can, he'll take care of it. Not only does that save me time, but it saves me money.

In our case, I've long given up on trying to figure out why this person has chosen this life. It's really not my place to do so. If they're happy, why shouldn't I be? Everyone has a place in this life. Right now, mine is working my current day job, writing in my free time, and raising my children. This other person, because of their chosen lifestyle, is in a position to help me as well as others in the family, so it's a win-win situation for our family.