My fabulous publisher has added a pdf to their site, for those who want to read the first chapter of killerbyte.
The first chapter of killerbyte...
Enjoy!
The blog of crime thriller writer Cat Connor.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Dark chocolate, Merlot, cheesecake, and killerbyte...
Current mood:beside myself with joy! you?
Sunday evening slipped by in a blur of Merlot and dark chocolate. And what a weekend it was.
Saturday was spent with Caedy, Breezy, and Caoilie ... I couldn't tell you exactly what we all did, but the kids had a blast.
I did make Bex birthday cake, and a cheesecake.... both were/are excellent.
Friend Dave came though for me last night, as Dave does, I needed a program to convert .mov to avi's... (remember that?). He found me one, and it's so freaking easy to use it's incredible.
Chris woke me at some ungodly hour Sunday morning (it was still dark and he hadn't come to bed yet) to say it worked.. he was a happy camper.
When Sunday morning really woke - he started work on editing the video project - I helped... well it is mine. 7 1/2 hours later the program crashed, and took everything with it. Apparently the program also chose to ignore the 'save project' instructions given repeatably.
After a small meltdown - hanging a load of laundry on the line and considering killing something... then a chat to trusty neighbor (that always helps). I re-wrote the script. Went back upstairs and found Chris was already piecing it back together.
An hour and a half later we had a movie. All that's needed now is sound!!!
It's pretty cool and the comment was made that we need to do this more often, now that we know how!
Also managed to film a little more during the creation of the final product - I wanted a scene that we hadn't done... caused all manner of shrieking from Chris, apparently I didn't heat the blood for long enough (it came out of the fridge and I zapped it in the microwave... maybe 20 seconds wasn't long enough?) .. then he wouldn't stop laughing... he doesn't do dead very well, it's quite annoying. End product was pretty cool tho, after some strategic editing.
Good fun was had by all.
Jo Jo and Bex arrived for dinner, we had birthday cake. Chris deposited them both and Caeds back at Bex in time for Dex. (With cake of course, as Dex would be unhappy to miss out) The weekend with Caeds was as it usually is, fabulous, he is at home here, and loves being with Breezy. The kids had much fun, played and played, and giggled all weekend.
Once the kids were all in bed I had some cheesecake with Kane, and another glass of wine... cos I freaking deserved it. For a moment there today I didn't think we'd be able to pull this awesome project off.... and we fucn well have.
I answered my editors last query this morning too... we're good to go.
So, how were your weekends?
Everyone behave? Everyone have fun? ...
Monday morning announced its arrival with f-ing and blinding and cramp in my calf muscle. It's still dark, could be raining, so hard to tell yet.
Today I need to investigate the sound problem, there must be away of doing what I want to do, if there is, I shall find it.
Invitations to the launch bbq have gone out, well email ones anyway... others will be posted tomorrow.
Heard back from the Boy Wonder, he and Lizzie won't be flying back from London for the launch! (As I expected) but the promise of buying killerbyte as soon as it hits Amazon was made. Boy Wonder also had some cool news, here's hoping his interview goes well.
Planning a margarita evening for the second week of the school holidays, when hopefully Chrissy will be up here.
The comment was made last night - that being in a room with me, Bex, and Jo was like being in a Charmed episode. That was a truly cool observation that amused the hell out of me.
I had an awesome weekend... it ended perfectly.
Saturday was spent with Caedy, Breezy, and Caoilie ... I couldn't tell you exactly what we all did, but the kids had a blast.
I did make Bex birthday cake, and a cheesecake.... both were/are excellent.
Friend Dave came though for me last night, as Dave does, I needed a program to convert .mov to avi's... (remember that?). He found me one, and it's so freaking easy to use it's incredible.
Chris woke me at some ungodly hour Sunday morning (it was still dark and he hadn't come to bed yet) to say it worked.. he was a happy camper.
When Sunday morning really woke - he started work on editing the video project - I helped... well it is mine. 7 1/2 hours later the program crashed, and took everything with it. Apparently the program also chose to ignore the 'save project' instructions given repeatably.
After a small meltdown - hanging a load of laundry on the line and considering killing something... then a chat to trusty neighbor (that always helps). I re-wrote the script. Went back upstairs and found Chris was already piecing it back together.
An hour and a half later we had a movie. All that's needed now is sound!!!
It's pretty cool and the comment was made that we need to do this more often, now that we know how!
Also managed to film a little more during the creation of the final product - I wanted a scene that we hadn't done... caused all manner of shrieking from Chris, apparently I didn't heat the blood for long enough (it came out of the fridge and I zapped it in the microwave... maybe 20 seconds wasn't long enough?) .. then he wouldn't stop laughing... he doesn't do dead very well, it's quite annoying. End product was pretty cool tho, after some strategic editing.
Good fun was had by all.
Jo Jo and Bex arrived for dinner, we had birthday cake. Chris deposited them both and Caeds back at Bex in time for Dex. (With cake of course, as Dex would be unhappy to miss out) The weekend with Caeds was as it usually is, fabulous, he is at home here, and loves being with Breezy. The kids had much fun, played and played, and giggled all weekend.
Once the kids were all in bed I had some cheesecake with Kane, and another glass of wine... cos I freaking deserved it. For a moment there today I didn't think we'd be able to pull this awesome project off.... and we fucn well have.
I answered my editors last query this morning too... we're good to go.
So, how were your weekends?
Everyone behave? Everyone have fun? ...
Monday morning announced its arrival with f-ing and blinding and cramp in my calf muscle. It's still dark, could be raining, so hard to tell yet.
Today I need to investigate the sound problem, there must be away of doing what I want to do, if there is, I shall find it.
Invitations to the launch bbq have gone out, well email ones anyway... others will be posted tomorrow.
Heard back from the Boy Wonder, he and Lizzie won't be flying back from London for the launch! (As I expected) but the promise of buying killerbyte as soon as it hits Amazon was made. Boy Wonder also had some cool news, here's hoping his interview goes well.
Planning a margarita evening for the second week of the school holidays, when hopefully Chrissy will be up here.
The comment was made last night - that being in a room with me, Bex, and Jo was like being in a Charmed episode. That was a truly cool observation that amused the hell out of me.
I had an awesome weekend... it ended perfectly.
 | Currently listening: Forty Licks By Rolling Stones Release date: 2002-10-01 |
Thursday, March 26, 2009
We have...
Current mood:surreal
I meant to do this first thing, but discovered I was out of coffee - so obviously needed to remedy that situation before any thought could take place.
Yesterday saw a few exciting developments regarding killerbyte.
The first being the release date is now set... April 10th. Which I chose because I'm going away on the 13th and it seemed far enough away and yet close at the same time! Just go with that, that's as good an explanation as you'll get from me at the moment.
So yeah - April 10th is the day! It's so exciting that the whole thing has become surreal. Even Joshy mentioned the surreality surrounding us at the moment. He was reading an email from my lovely publisher at the time.
Very soon review copies will be going out, so will press releases, and then there's local news papers and TV etc.
So anyway- back on earth - we're planning a BBQ for the launch day. That alone should keep me busy! The guest list seems to grow by the minute... glad I'm not cooking! ha ha ha.
There will be a competition once killerbyte is released. I have to say, it's possible that those who've been reading my blog for awhile may have an inside scoop when it comes to the competition. So I shall have to try very hard to compose ideas that don't favor you lot! Could be tricksy.
What else?
Ah yes the secret project hit a wall yesterday when it was discovered that the super duper video editing program Chris has doesn't like .mov files. I'm less than impressed with his super duper program and may do it myself.
Do I have the patience? is the question.
So in case you missed it
killerbyte will be released on April 10th on mobipocket and shortly thereafter on Amazon. (apparently they're slow loading things up)
Yesterday saw a few exciting developments regarding killerbyte.
The first being the release date is now set... April 10th. Which I chose because I'm going away on the 13th and it seemed far enough away and yet close at the same time! Just go with that, that's as good an explanation as you'll get from me at the moment.
So yeah - April 10th is the day! It's so exciting that the whole thing has become surreal. Even Joshy mentioned the surreality surrounding us at the moment. He was reading an email from my lovely publisher at the time.
Very soon review copies will be going out, so will press releases, and then there's local news papers and TV etc.
So anyway- back on earth - we're planning a BBQ for the launch day. That alone should keep me busy! The guest list seems to grow by the minute... glad I'm not cooking! ha ha ha.
There will be a competition once killerbyte is released. I have to say, it's possible that those who've been reading my blog for awhile may have an inside scoop when it comes to the competition. So I shall have to try very hard to compose ideas that don't favor you lot! Could be tricksy.
What else?
Ah yes the secret project hit a wall yesterday when it was discovered that the super duper video editing program Chris has doesn't like .mov files. I'm less than impressed with his super duper program and may do it myself.
Do I have the patience? is the question.
So in case you missed it
killerbyte will be released on April 10th on mobipocket and shortly thereafter on Amazon. (apparently they're slow loading things up)
 | Currently listening: Lost Highway By Bon Jovi Release date: 2008-06-10 |
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Staring at your window
Current mood: every word was a piece of my heart
Wednesday started with someone calling my name at four in the morning. But there was no one calling my name. Maybe it was a dream.
At four-thirty Breezy was up and so was I. Sleep itself a dream.
I started answering mail and making those last little changes requested by my editor. At this point I just hope they made sense!
By six-thirty I'd finished, or I think I had. That's really anyone's guess at this point. I have no idea what I wrote.
It's after seven-thirty in the evening now... the day disappeared in a haze of words then spat up all over the bathroom floor. Funny how the words turned into weetbix and boiled egg. Squealer decided it would be funny to shut Breezy in the bathroom - Breezy panicked and got so upset she vomited all over the floor. (Narrowly missing me... )
Nice.
Squealer will be in her room for the rest of the evening. What a nice end to a day she really enjoyed... sports day at school and it was a bubbly Squealer who greeted Michelle and I at three pm.
I hope she liked the way the day ended for her. Would seem a shame not too, after bringing it upon herself.
I was outside on the deck before looking up at her window - no face appeared. (She knew I was out there, she would've heard me talking to Kane) Either she's still sulking on her bed, or has actually fallen asleep.
It's been a long day.
Michelle and Marek visited for the afternoon - was fun. I showed them the Beaver ad. We discussed how much fall out there would be from it. Seems there was quite a bit in Australia, people were offended, imagine that? Personally, I found it hilarious.
(Anyone wanting to see what I'm talking about - Google 'kotex beaver ad'.)
Still have a smile on my face. It's been there all week. It's a a crazy cool thing, being high without being high. What's more, it's catchy. (Just ask my super cool neighbor)
I'm about to fall into bed. Sadly being high without being high doesn't prevent sheer and utter exhaustion... plus... it's where the dreams are. It's where the stories are. It's the closest I get to be to my characters.
(When I'm not hanging out with the Mac-a-like next door that is!
)
Damn I sneezed and my head nearly blew off. Not a good look, I need it... hard to write without one!
On that note... good night.
Life is good and it just keeps getting better!
At four-thirty Breezy was up and so was I. Sleep itself a dream.
I started answering mail and making those last little changes requested by my editor. At this point I just hope they made sense!
By six-thirty I'd finished, or I think I had. That's really anyone's guess at this point. I have no idea what I wrote.
It's after seven-thirty in the evening now... the day disappeared in a haze of words then spat up all over the bathroom floor. Funny how the words turned into weetbix and boiled egg. Squealer decided it would be funny to shut Breezy in the bathroom - Breezy panicked and got so upset she vomited all over the floor. (Narrowly missing me... )
Nice.
Squealer will be in her room for the rest of the evening. What a nice end to a day she really enjoyed... sports day at school and it was a bubbly Squealer who greeted Michelle and I at three pm.
I hope she liked the way the day ended for her. Would seem a shame not too, after bringing it upon herself.
I was outside on the deck before looking up at her window - no face appeared. (She knew I was out there, she would've heard me talking to Kane) Either she's still sulking on her bed, or has actually fallen asleep.
It's been a long day.
Michelle and Marek visited for the afternoon - was fun. I showed them the Beaver ad. We discussed how much fall out there would be from it. Seems there was quite a bit in Australia, people were offended, imagine that? Personally, I found it hilarious.
(Anyone wanting to see what I'm talking about - Google 'kotex beaver ad'.)
Still have a smile on my face. It's been there all week. It's a a crazy cool thing, being high without being high. What's more, it's catchy. (Just ask my super cool neighbor)
I'm about to fall into bed. Sadly being high without being high doesn't prevent sheer and utter exhaustion... plus... it's where the dreams are. It's where the stories are. It's the closest I get to be to my characters.
(When I'm not hanging out with the Mac-a-like next door that is!
)Damn I sneezed and my head nearly blew off. Not a good look, I need it... hard to write without one!
On that note... good night.
Life is good and it just keeps getting better!
 | Currently listening: Destination Anywhere By Jon Bon Jovi Release date: 1997-06-17 |
Sunday, March 22, 2009
With 'Joey' stuck in my head...
Current mood:trying not to think about it but it's impossible not too.
I think Bon Jovi's Joey was in my head when I went to bed, it would account for a few things. lol. The less said about those things the better.
So, it's Monday - March 23rd.
I've had several emails from my nobtastic editor, Jayne Southern. She's doing that last pass on Killerbyte - and so far she's really happy with the changes I've made.
Let's hope her happiness continues.
I'm beginning to feel a sense of excitement build. On Friday it was more trepidation and bordered on outright fear at times... seeing killerbyte so close to a release date is incredible. It's been a hell of a journey. I've learnt a lot. I'm still learning.
The joy of knowing everything I learnt in the writing and editing etc of killerbyte flows over to Terrorbyte and the next two... Simon is currently reading Terrorbyte and making notes. It wont be long before Terrorbyte is ready for submission.
No rush though... first first up is killerbyte and that's a story worth reading, savoring and reading again.
I'm glad I quit smoking, I doubt I'd survive this with the added nicotine buzz! Bad enough my coffee intake is on the rise.
Have ear marked a couple of bottles of Merlot to celebrate the actual day killerbyte is released. No matter how much I wanted a glass over the weekend, I resisted... it's not time yet. I think I'll open the chat room that day. So anyone who doesn't have an account at Phriek should go sign up.
Cobwebs will appear in the NZ General section. I'll let you know ahead of time. Those of you who haven't been in a chat room before - it's not at all scary - and can be a lot of fun. Especially if you want to share poetry!
Am placing another order with Vista tomorrow - should be fun.
Tony came by yesterday. He suggest some music (his) that might work with the current project... he's right. I listened to it, and it fits very well indeed.
The weekend was fairly busy, yet I managed to sleep in both days! I never do that. Guess I was tired.
Breezy's books just arrived... I ordered her ten new books. Should keep her busy for sometime.
Currently I'm listening to 'Lost Highway' but first I had to play 'Joey' just to get it out of my head.
My phone just rang, the once, I missed the call... because it really wasn't one, it barely got to the first bar of 'lost highway' (yes that's my ringer) - I shall text the caller back shortly. I love caller ID.
Meanwhile the house needs cleaning - dirt and children have no regard for how exciting my life is becoming. (The cat doesn't care much either -she just swiped everything off the top of the fridge!!)
Oh and one more thing - anyone who would like a killerbyte postcard should email me their address. (You can use the contact form on my web page.)
I like where this is going...
Hope you all have had a good weekend.
:)
Friday, March 20, 2009
Saturday March 21st, 9:36 a.m.
Current mood:working it out
My life suddenly feels like an episode of 24.
The following incidents happened between 8:30 a.m. Friday March 20th and 9:37 a.m. Saturday March 21st.
(For those of you who haven't reached the future yet - hurry the hell up, you tire me with your slackness. And the weather is crisp and fine... heading toward hot and annoying)
Time: drives me crazy. It's unnecessary and a nuisance. I have great difficulty knowing what day it is let alone the time of day. If it's a school day, I have to make careful note of time, so I don't arrive too late to pick the child up. It takes much concentration and is annoying. Especially if I'm writing - time disappears - suddenly it's bedtime and no one has had dinner yet... whoops.
And (yes I too am a rebel, Phil) days like yesterday - with constant interruptions and disruptions make things tricky. I don't like being interrupted when I'm working. Which can be difficult, as I work in the dining room! Because I can't work unless I can see and hear Miss Breezy - yet interruptions and her noise drive me crazy... the alternative is to take myself upstairs and work. Leaving the entire house to a 3 yr old... that ain't gonna happen. She can do quite enough damage when I'm here.
So anyway - there were more than enough interruptions yesterday - and the whole time thing to contend with as well. TIME.
By about 8:30 last night I was exhausted, cranky, sick of time and trying to explain it and tired of stupidity. Yes, stupidity, not mine by the way, but the stupidity of the lowest common denominator. I resent (always have) having to cater for stupidity. If people are truly THAT stupid they have no business trying to function in a big-persons world.
I bitched via text at Kane for a bit... then later about an hour later, he said his night turned to shit. I ordered (I would say suggested he come out for a chat, but I wasn't taking no for an answer) him out the backdoor for a quick cuppa on the deck and a chat.
Funny how the same problem can have different guises. But trolls are trolls no matter what. (And we all have our trolls to bear , karma -wherefore art thou?)
It was a beautiful clear night - and while we chatted about our various annoyances - we saw three shooting stars! Three!! Amazing.
The big pot has moved. I noticed when I stepped out into the dark last night, that the Big pot was further over in the sky. By the time we ventured back indoors, the big pot was slipping toward the Western hills. (It looks nothing like Orion down here, so get over it, it's a big pot)
Midnight - and the wrongs in the world were righted.
I woke at 9 this morning. Which is a minor miracle. I never sleep past seven. I think I may have needed it.
The girls were up - the living room demolished - breakfast not eaten - one child is now in the shower. Living room still a mess. Breezy gets up between 6 and 7 every day. So she was up a fair while before I ventured downstairs. This accounts for the mess.
I checked my mail. Email from my publisher. Email from my editor - we were both perplexed by the same occurrences. Words we'd both corrected keep coming back, in the original - typo form. I have re-saved the file with a new file name, hoping to trick the gremlin who keeps returning spilt/split appraise/apprise, the other weird words that kept popping back up as well - I can't recall them off hand, and I hope to stop the mysterious hyphens!!
It just occurred to me how to fix the time problem.
Monday 2 a.m.
Would be a lot easier to just write 24.
On that note I need to haul the child from the shower, before she wastes all the water - its doubtful whether she's clean or not... she hasn't had her pill yet, so is probably standing under the running water clueless as to what she should be doing.
Goodbye hot water - I had hoped I'd wallow under your warmth....
The following incidents happened between 8:30 a.m. Friday March 20th and 9:37 a.m. Saturday March 21st.
(For those of you who haven't reached the future yet - hurry the hell up, you tire me with your slackness. And the weather is crisp and fine... heading toward hot and annoying)
Time: drives me crazy. It's unnecessary and a nuisance. I have great difficulty knowing what day it is let alone the time of day. If it's a school day, I have to make careful note of time, so I don't arrive too late to pick the child up. It takes much concentration and is annoying. Especially if I'm writing - time disappears - suddenly it's bedtime and no one has had dinner yet... whoops.
And (yes I too am a rebel, Phil) days like yesterday - with constant interruptions and disruptions make things tricky. I don't like being interrupted when I'm working. Which can be difficult, as I work in the dining room! Because I can't work unless I can see and hear Miss Breezy - yet interruptions and her noise drive me crazy... the alternative is to take myself upstairs and work. Leaving the entire house to a 3 yr old... that ain't gonna happen. She can do quite enough damage when I'm here.
So anyway - there were more than enough interruptions yesterday - and the whole time thing to contend with as well. TIME.
By about 8:30 last night I was exhausted, cranky, sick of time and trying to explain it and tired of stupidity. Yes, stupidity, not mine by the way, but the stupidity of the lowest common denominator. I resent (always have) having to cater for stupidity. If people are truly THAT stupid they have no business trying to function in a big-persons world.
I bitched via text at Kane for a bit... then later about an hour later, he said his night turned to shit. I ordered (I would say suggested he come out for a chat, but I wasn't taking no for an answer) him out the backdoor for a quick cuppa on the deck and a chat.
Funny how the same problem can have different guises. But trolls are trolls no matter what. (And we all have our trolls to bear , karma -wherefore art thou?)
It was a beautiful clear night - and while we chatted about our various annoyances - we saw three shooting stars! Three!! Amazing.
The big pot has moved. I noticed when I stepped out into the dark last night, that the Big pot was further over in the sky. By the time we ventured back indoors, the big pot was slipping toward the Western hills. (It looks nothing like Orion down here, so get over it, it's a big pot)
Midnight - and the wrongs in the world were righted.
I woke at 9 this morning. Which is a minor miracle. I never sleep past seven. I think I may have needed it.
The girls were up - the living room demolished - breakfast not eaten - one child is now in the shower. Living room still a mess. Breezy gets up between 6 and 7 every day. So she was up a fair while before I ventured downstairs. This accounts for the mess.
I checked my mail. Email from my publisher. Email from my editor - we were both perplexed by the same occurrences. Words we'd both corrected keep coming back, in the original - typo form. I have re-saved the file with a new file name, hoping to trick the gremlin who keeps returning spilt/split appraise/apprise, the other weird words that kept popping back up as well - I can't recall them off hand, and I hope to stop the mysterious hyphens!!
It just occurred to me how to fix the time problem.
Monday 2 a.m.
Would be a lot easier to just write 24.
On that note I need to haul the child from the shower, before she wastes all the water - its doubtful whether she's clean or not... she hasn't had her pill yet, so is probably standing under the running water clueless as to what she should be doing.
Goodbye hot water - I had hoped I'd wallow under your warmth....
 | Currently listening: Bounce By Bon Jovi Release date: 2002-10-08 |
Thursday, March 19, 2009
I tried to do this earlier and failed...
Current mood: exhausted and wondering if tomorrow will be quiet
I did, really I did try and write this earlier... I sat down before I started work for the day and tried to write a blog. Then I got bored with it and killed it.
You can thank me later.
Campbell Live did a story on Twitter tonight. It was quite interesting.
Yes I twitter- but can't actually see the point to it. Seems to be yet another thing to try and keep up with and it's not like I have much time to do all these things!
I think we're back to the place where I need a PA. Or several clones of me.
Which would be better because then everything would be exactly the way I want it... ha ha ha.
Last night - half-wit neighbor burned plastic again. Was so pungent and toxic I had an asthma attack. He is such a dip-shit wanking prick. Why would anyone burn plastic, and especially on the night before recycling day??? Makes no fucn sense to me, or my very cool neighbor (on the other side and the one we like muchly, because he's, well, cool, dah! - lol).
So anyway -I'm not impressed and due to the City Council being so slack last time (and refusing to act, despite this plastic burning being illegal etc, because they wanted ME to photograph this wanker putting plastic in the incinerator... and now he's moved it so I can't get pics!) I know it's pointless going through the correct channels to getting this sorted... Fire Brigade were unimpressed but say it's a council problem... council are too lazy to investigate despite an obvious health issue.
Unless cool neighbor can get through to this prick (Prick has a baby in his house, and still burned plastic - we could see the thick smoke lying in his backyard, so it must've got into his house as well as our houses) there is no way to stop him poisoning the air, and causing breathing problems for our kids and us.
Apart from that - spent all day going over killerbyte. I need to have it back to my editor this weekend, she's off to England later next week... and wants to send killerbyte to the publisher for, ..... wait for it.... publishing!
Cool huh?
Now I'm damn tired, and can't tell any more if I got everything.
Why is it, when I'm really busy and having to pay close attention and think about what's happening in front me... I get heaps text messages? Mostly they hover around nuisance, some, however are over the top. I try and ignore them as much as possible. My replies are often one word.
So yeah - when I'm busy you'll get short sharp replies, or no reply... unless you simply want to know how I am or whatever. If I have to think about a reply - ya ain't gonna get one. Hard enough carving thought time out with a three year old, let alone replying to texts or emails.
Monty - if you are reading this... I have not forgotten, Fault line will be winging its way to you next Tuesday. I suspect you'll love it.
Almost time for me to go collapse on the sofa.
It's been a hard day.
Let me know how you all are... I'm trying to keep up with blogs etc. I'm failing miserably... but at least I'm trying.
I did, really I did try and write this earlier... I sat down before I started work for the day and tried to write a blog. Then I got bored with it and killed it.
You can thank me later.
Campbell Live did a story on Twitter tonight. It was quite interesting.
Yes I twitter- but can't actually see the point to it. Seems to be yet another thing to try and keep up with and it's not like I have much time to do all these things!
I think we're back to the place where I need a PA. Or several clones of me.
Which would be better because then everything would be exactly the way I want it... ha ha ha.
Last night - half-wit neighbor burned plastic again. Was so pungent and toxic I had an asthma attack. He is such a dip-shit wanking prick. Why would anyone burn plastic, and especially on the night before recycling day??? Makes no fucn sense to me, or my very cool neighbor (on the other side and the one we like muchly, because he's, well, cool, dah! - lol).
So anyway -I'm not impressed and due to the City Council being so slack last time (and refusing to act, despite this plastic burning being illegal etc, because they wanted ME to photograph this wanker putting plastic in the incinerator... and now he's moved it so I can't get pics!) I know it's pointless going through the correct channels to getting this sorted... Fire Brigade were unimpressed but say it's a council problem... council are too lazy to investigate despite an obvious health issue.
Unless cool neighbor can get through to this prick (Prick has a baby in his house, and still burned plastic - we could see the thick smoke lying in his backyard, so it must've got into his house as well as our houses) there is no way to stop him poisoning the air, and causing breathing problems for our kids and us.
Apart from that - spent all day going over killerbyte. I need to have it back to my editor this weekend, she's off to England later next week... and wants to send killerbyte to the publisher for, ..... wait for it.... publishing!
Cool huh?
Now I'm damn tired, and can't tell any more if I got everything.
Why is it, when I'm really busy and having to pay close attention and think about what's happening in front me... I get heaps text messages? Mostly they hover around nuisance, some, however are over the top. I try and ignore them as much as possible. My replies are often one word.
So yeah - when I'm busy you'll get short sharp replies, or no reply... unless you simply want to know how I am or whatever. If I have to think about a reply - ya ain't gonna get one. Hard enough carving thought time out with a three year old, let alone replying to texts or emails.
Monty - if you are reading this... I have not forgotten, Fault line will be winging its way to you next Tuesday.
I suspect you'll love it.Almost time for me to go collapse on the sofa.
It's been a hard day.
Let me know how you all are... I'm trying to keep up with blogs etc. I'm failing miserably... but at least I'm trying.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
It seems once is not enough...
Current mood:really tired of things messing with real player
In my defense, however, I spent FIVE hours editing yesterday and was fucking exhausted. (Ever tried to edit six chapters with a three-year-old creating things about you? no? Then quit your moaning about my lack of blogs! What she was creating, by the way, was a fuc'n huge mess... not just in one room, oh no, she spread it to three - apparently it was fun.)
So anyway I saw the words, The End, waft past my eyes right before going to pick Squealer up from school, and could hardly believe it myself.
Turns out I shouldn't have believed it - when I scrolled back to the beginning of the book I started finding heaps of 'unaccepted' changes I'd made. Which means - I need to go through it again - and maybe again after that. I'm currently letting some re-vamped scenes mull about in my mind.
It's making sleep difficult. Could be why I am so tired tonight. I was awake at 3:30 this morning and didn't get back to sleep until 5. And then didn't want to get up at 7. So I didn't, and we ran late. (by two minutes)
I could've just gotten up and had another look at the scene that bugged me... but NO. I need it to sit for a day or two.
I just wish it would sit quietly.
Today I got a surprise... my order from Vista Print arrived. Wasn't supposed to arrive until the 26th. They emailed to say it had been shipped on Sunday. And it arrived today... from The Netherlands.
Interesting huh? Order something in New Zealand, pay in NZ dollars and discover it's coming from the other side of the world!
I have to say the stuff is cool.
I have magnets, postcards, calenders, and my favorite thing - a notepad. All with my cover on. (of course I need a white pen to make the notepad usable -but that's neither here nor there!)
I note they do car door magnets (like taxi's have), think I will get one for our car... Chris can advertise my book all the way to work and back everyday! :) and he thought that was a great idea!!
Tempted to have it say "I'm crime thriller author: Cat Connor -Google me!"
Would be interesting to see how many people did.
We're filming tomorrow, right after dropping kids at school - no doubt Breezy will enjoy it.
Hopefully I can get some good footage. Must be about ready to drop all the movie scenes and still pics onto Chris's desk for editing etc.
Thursday is school trip day. Oh the joy. Have to be at school by 8:30. That will be interesting. Means we need to leave home at ten past eight. Also means I have to be super organized the night before. It better be good. Already I sense my resistance to the whole trip thing. (in me not Breezy or Squealer) I'm tired and can't be bothered. I'm hoping it will be a good day - and that Breezy will manage with all the different shows and all the walking about she will have to do. If she doesn't, it could be rather annoying. Maybe I'll remember to get cash so Breezy and I can run away if need be! (Maybe I should also take her stroller - she barely fits it any more but at least it means I don't have to carry her!)
Joshy has discovered the joy of yo-yos. He's learning all manner of tricks ... I'm sure this is beneficial to his education in some way.
He's about to go clean his room - that is beneficial to his health.
Oh yeah - I'll be away from April 13th to April 18th.
I may be able to blog - or I may just write a bunch of blogs and have someone cut and paste... lol. The chances of me blogging from The Marlborough Sounds are fairly slim - it's dial-up - it's unreliable - it's not my computer - and I'll be on vacation! Which means I won't be able to check my mail either... because I don't know what my ISP password is... and I can't imagine me bothering to find out between now and going away. (it's a major pain in the ass - and I don't feel like sitting on the phone with Paradise for two hours to find out what THEY changed MY password too!)
It's almost nine - I'm having a Bon Jovi fix... seems like its been forever since I listened to music. I'm sure it isn't, but it feels like it.
I was rather hoping "Lost Highway" would energize me some.
I'm thinking about possible competitions to run regarding killerbyte... obviously for after the book has been released! Could be a lot of fun.
I think I will also re-open the Cobwebs chat room. So those of you who haven't experienced the whole chat room scene can have a look. (I'll be getting my editor to have a look too- she obviously hasn't been in a chat room, lol. Poetry rooms, especially, can be quite an eye-opener. And the language used is interesting - not at all formal, and sometimes very colorful!)
Right - I'm done with this tonight... Mozilla or maybe MySpace is fucking with my Real player again and causing songs to skip.
Good night
So anyway I saw the words, The End, waft past my eyes right before going to pick Squealer up from school, and could hardly believe it myself.
Turns out I shouldn't have believed it - when I scrolled back to the beginning of the book I started finding heaps of 'unaccepted' changes I'd made. Which means - I need to go through it again - and maybe again after that. I'm currently letting some re-vamped scenes mull about in my mind.
It's making sleep difficult. Could be why I am so tired tonight. I was awake at 3:30 this morning and didn't get back to sleep until 5. And then didn't want to get up at 7. So I didn't, and we ran late. (by two minutes)
I could've just gotten up and had another look at the scene that bugged me... but NO. I need it to sit for a day or two.
I just wish it would sit quietly.
Today I got a surprise... my order from Vista Print arrived. Wasn't supposed to arrive until the 26th. They emailed to say it had been shipped on Sunday. And it arrived today... from The Netherlands.
Interesting huh? Order something in New Zealand, pay in NZ dollars and discover it's coming from the other side of the world!
I have to say the stuff is cool.
I have magnets, postcards, calenders, and my favorite thing - a notepad. All with my cover on. (of course I need a white pen to make the notepad usable -but that's neither here nor there!)
I note they do car door magnets (like taxi's have), think I will get one for our car... Chris can advertise my book all the way to work and back everyday! :) and he thought that was a great idea!!
Tempted to have it say "I'm crime thriller author: Cat Connor -Google me!"
Would be interesting to see how many people did.
We're filming tomorrow, right after dropping kids at school - no doubt Breezy will enjoy it.
Hopefully I can get some good footage. Must be about ready to drop all the movie scenes and still pics onto Chris's desk for editing etc.
Thursday is school trip day. Oh the joy. Have to be at school by 8:30. That will be interesting. Means we need to leave home at ten past eight. Also means I have to be super organized the night before. It better be good. Already I sense my resistance to the whole trip thing. (in me not Breezy or Squealer) I'm tired and can't be bothered. I'm hoping it will be a good day - and that Breezy will manage with all the different shows and all the walking about she will have to do. If she doesn't, it could be rather annoying. Maybe I'll remember to get cash so Breezy and I can run away if need be! (Maybe I should also take her stroller - she barely fits it any more but at least it means I don't have to carry her!)
Joshy has discovered the joy of yo-yos. He's learning all manner of tricks ... I'm sure this is beneficial to his education in some way.
He's about to go clean his room - that is beneficial to his health.
Oh yeah - I'll be away from April 13th to April 18th.
I may be able to blog - or I may just write a bunch of blogs and have someone cut and paste... lol. The chances of me blogging from The Marlborough Sounds are fairly slim - it's dial-up - it's unreliable - it's not my computer - and I'll be on vacation! Which means I won't be able to check my mail either... because I don't know what my ISP password is... and I can't imagine me bothering to find out between now and going away. (it's a major pain in the ass - and I don't feel like sitting on the phone with Paradise for two hours to find out what THEY changed MY password too!)
It's almost nine - I'm having a Bon Jovi fix... seems like its been forever since I listened to music. I'm sure it isn't, but it feels like it.
I was rather hoping "Lost Highway" would energize me some.
I'm thinking about possible competitions to run regarding killerbyte... obviously for after the book has been released! Could be a lot of fun.
I think I will also re-open the Cobwebs chat room. So those of you who haven't experienced the whole chat room scene can have a look. (I'll be getting my editor to have a look too- she obviously hasn't been in a chat room, lol. Poetry rooms, especially, can be quite an eye-opener. And the language used is interesting - not at all formal, and sometimes very colorful!)
Right - I'm done with this tonight... Mozilla or maybe MySpace is fucking with my Real player again and causing songs to skip.
Good night
| Currently listening: Lost Highway By Bon Jovi Release date: 2008-06-10 |
Friday, March 13, 2009
that was odd and 3 yr olds are annoying
Trying to compile a blog this morning while Breezy eats her breakfast - resulted in posting a blog that only said 'it', and yelling at the child to 'stop freaking asking for things and talking!'
Every fucn time I sat down at my desk she needed something else then finally decided she didn't want ANY of the cereals she'd demanded in her bowl.
She's now eating Bran Flakes. (Doesn't bode well for later)
She told me not to yell. I told her to be quiet so I can think.
This is ridiculous!
She talks from the minute she wakes up until she falls asleep... that's about 14 hours of non-stop ... NON-STOP. It's not even that she just talks... it's that she expects answers and conversation ALL THE TIME.
There are times (this morning for one) that I wish she wasn't so advanced with her language skills.
Why she can't go talk to her father or sister is beyond me!
That's not what I was trying to say. (And here she comes again - yapping excitedly about marshmallows)
On Thursday we did a spot of filming. It was quite possibly rather bad-taste to turn our driveway into a crime scene (after what happened next door on Tuesday). But it was good fun.
I should've probably scrubbed the blood stain off the driveway... it looks very real. But I didn't.
Hoping rain will do the job for me. :)
Okay so now the older child is dragging the chain about taking her freaking medication. Which is because she hasn't taken it yet and keeps forgetting what the hell she is supposed to be doing.
Oh look squirrels!
I'm done... I cannot deal with this crazy household and try and work today.
Plus it's now going to take the child twenty minutes to swallow a tiny little pill.... because that's what she does.
grrrrrrrrrrr
Every fucn time I sat down at my desk she needed something else then finally decided she didn't want ANY of the cereals she'd demanded in her bowl.
She's now eating Bran Flakes. (Doesn't bode well for later)
She told me not to yell. I told her to be quiet so I can think.
This is ridiculous!
She talks from the minute she wakes up until she falls asleep... that's about 14 hours of non-stop ... NON-STOP. It's not even that she just talks... it's that she expects answers and conversation ALL THE TIME.
There are times (this morning for one) that I wish she wasn't so advanced with her language skills.
Why she can't go talk to her father or sister is beyond me!
That's not what I was trying to say. (And here she comes again - yapping excitedly about marshmallows)
On Thursday we did a spot of filming. It was quite possibly rather bad-taste to turn our driveway into a crime scene (after what happened next door on Tuesday). But it was good fun.
I should've probably scrubbed the blood stain off the driveway... it looks very real. But I didn't.
Hoping rain will do the job for me. :)
Okay so now the older child is dragging the chain about taking her freaking medication. Which is because she hasn't taken it yet and keeps forgetting what the hell she is supposed to be doing.
Oh look squirrels!
I'm done... I cannot deal with this crazy household and try and work today.
Plus it's now going to take the child twenty minutes to swallow a tiny little pill.... because that's what she does.
grrrrrrrrrrr
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The crime scene and the dent.
They in fact have nothing to do with each other, the crime scene and the dent. But they did happen on the same day.
Yesterday was a funny old day.
It started well enough. Took the squealer to school - came home - got organized and headed up to the Stupid market. So far so good.
I had to stop by Warehouse Stationary (I know... the opposition!) I needed four lanyards and four ID pouches. You think I could find them? Hell no!
So I called Chris at work and asked him exactly what they were called and where they would be in a store. So he looked up the work system (cos everyone stands in the middle of Warehouse Stationary and puts a call through to OfficeMax!)... a few minutes later he'd placed the order for me, and I left the store without making a purchase.
I doubt anyone noticed my aimless wandering and then intent cell-phone conversation. Had someone offered even the slightest service I would've spent my five dollars there, but they didn't so, OfficeMax got it... and Chris (bless him) increased the sale cos we were out of copy paper.
Warehouse Stationary 0. OfficeMax 1.
After that we went to the stupid market - having detoured previously.
I spotted someone I hadn't talked to in years... and haven't missed anything at all. I haven't this woman since our kids started college. (Joshy and her daughter have been in the same class since kindergarten age 3.) I chatted with her for a few minutes... and nothing has changed since kindy! I mean seriously - she's exactly the same doing exactly the same things - nothing! It would drive me crazy to stagnate and get old before my time like that.
Then I spotted Jo Jo. And she rifled through my groceries to see what she wanted to eat. Turned out to be a zebra spotted LCM bar. (I'd mostly bought school lunch snacks) Luckily she didn't spot my hidden bag of bell peppers!! She eats them like apples.
Off we went to Bex next, so Caeden (cos we're not allowed to call him Caedy or Caeds any more, he said so!) and Breezy could play for an hour.
I was in Bex very clean kitchen putting some plastic in the recycling bag - and I stood up... well no, I bounced up, as I do. And smacked the top of my head into the bottom of a cupboard that I'd forgotten all about.
This was absolutely hysterically funny... last week Bex did it while I was there.
So anyway - I was wearing my baseball cap.
On the way home (an hour later) I took my cap off due to high wind... and rubbed my sore head. At that point I discovered a large dent! Seems the button/dome thingy on the top of my cap has dented my head!!!
I wasn't much impressed to find I could stick my finger in the dent.
On the way to school a van went by. The guy was looking at me, I was looking at him... and the last second we both clicked and waved like maniacs! Was my lovely neighbor - disguised by his brothers van and a pair of sun glasses. While I was disguised without my cap and with a pram that was covered with a sunshade. (To keep the wind out of Breezy's eyes) - and I was walking the wrong way. LOL. I'm amazed we recognized each other at all.
Picked up Squealer and headed home. At the corner, four meters from our gate there were four police cars. FOUR. Oh be still my beating heart!
A cop I know - but can never remember his name - asked us to wait a few minutes. I watched as five cops hurried in through the gate of my neighbors! Pepper spray in hand.
A few minutes later. (The girls only managed half a small bag of Grain Waves before we were given the okay to go home.) From the living room we could see all the activity on the driveway. An ambulance arrived.
Joshy came home.
I popped out as the ambulance left and assured him it wasn't here. - he looked a bit worried as he walked toward police cars and the ambulance!
We ascertained fairly quickly what had happened. A stabbing. A young woman was read her rights and arrested for the stabbing. Hardly surprising really when I think about it. The culmination of a lot of arguments etc.
Police stayed next door, processing the scene until just after eight pm. All very interesting and exciting.
Only managed a brief chat with one officer (that I know well).
This afternoon a very nice police officer came by asking questions. Typically we were out all day!! And missed the entire incident. But it's been confirmed that the boyfriend was indeed stabbed. I forgot to ask how he is.
I've never really spoken to him. Mr.Nextdoor has been mowing our front lawn for the last few years. The last few times it's been the 'son-in-law' who has done it. We're not a hundred percent sure how Mr.Nextdoor became our lawn mowing neighbor, but think it has something to do with me buying them chocolates for christmas. There is a language barrier. I do know the children, they all went to school with mine.
The oldest one (who did the deed) went to school with Jo jo.
There you have it.
Exciting huh?
Of course last night I couldn't sleep properly cos the edges of the dent hurt when I lay down... and Chris wasn't sure that I'd wake up, after touching the dent himself! ha ha ha
And I got well over half way with my edits. Woot!!
Yesterday was a funny old day.
It started well enough. Took the squealer to school - came home - got organized and headed up to the Stupid market. So far so good.
I had to stop by Warehouse Stationary (I know... the opposition!) I needed four lanyards and four ID pouches. You think I could find them? Hell no!
So I called Chris at work and asked him exactly what they were called and where they would be in a store. So he looked up the work system (cos everyone stands in the middle of Warehouse Stationary and puts a call through to OfficeMax!)... a few minutes later he'd placed the order for me, and I left the store without making a purchase.
I doubt anyone noticed my aimless wandering and then intent cell-phone conversation. Had someone offered even the slightest service I would've spent my five dollars there, but they didn't so, OfficeMax got it... and Chris (bless him) increased the sale cos we were out of copy paper.
Warehouse Stationary 0. OfficeMax 1.
After that we went to the stupid market - having detoured previously.
I spotted someone I hadn't talked to in years... and haven't missed anything at all. I haven't this woman since our kids started college. (Joshy and her daughter have been in the same class since kindergarten age 3.) I chatted with her for a few minutes... and nothing has changed since kindy! I mean seriously - she's exactly the same doing exactly the same things - nothing! It would drive me crazy to stagnate and get old before my time like that.
Then I spotted Jo Jo. And she rifled through my groceries to see what she wanted to eat. Turned out to be a zebra spotted LCM bar. (I'd mostly bought school lunch snacks) Luckily she didn't spot my hidden bag of bell peppers!! She eats them like apples.
Off we went to Bex next, so Caeden (cos we're not allowed to call him Caedy or Caeds any more, he said so!) and Breezy could play for an hour.
I was in Bex very clean kitchen putting some plastic in the recycling bag - and I stood up... well no, I bounced up, as I do. And smacked the top of my head into the bottom of a cupboard that I'd forgotten all about.
This was absolutely hysterically funny... last week Bex did it while I was there.
So anyway - I was wearing my baseball cap.
On the way home (an hour later) I took my cap off due to high wind... and rubbed my sore head. At that point I discovered a large dent! Seems the button/dome thingy on the top of my cap has dented my head!!!
I wasn't much impressed to find I could stick my finger in the dent.
On the way to school a van went by. The guy was looking at me, I was looking at him... and the last second we both clicked and waved like maniacs! Was my lovely neighbor - disguised by his brothers van and a pair of sun glasses. While I was disguised without my cap and with a pram that was covered with a sunshade. (To keep the wind out of Breezy's eyes) - and I was walking the wrong way. LOL. I'm amazed we recognized each other at all.
Picked up Squealer and headed home. At the corner, four meters from our gate there were four police cars. FOUR. Oh be still my beating heart!
A cop I know - but can never remember his name - asked us to wait a few minutes. I watched as five cops hurried in through the gate of my neighbors! Pepper spray in hand.
A few minutes later. (The girls only managed half a small bag of Grain Waves before we were given the okay to go home.) From the living room we could see all the activity on the driveway. An ambulance arrived.
Joshy came home.
I popped out as the ambulance left and assured him it wasn't here. - he looked a bit worried as he walked toward police cars and the ambulance!
We ascertained fairly quickly what had happened. A stabbing. A young woman was read her rights and arrested for the stabbing. Hardly surprising really when I think about it. The culmination of a lot of arguments etc.
Police stayed next door, processing the scene until just after eight pm. All very interesting and exciting.
Only managed a brief chat with one officer (that I know well).
This afternoon a very nice police officer came by asking questions. Typically we were out all day!! And missed the entire incident. But it's been confirmed that the boyfriend was indeed stabbed. I forgot to ask how he is.
I've never really spoken to him. Mr.Nextdoor has been mowing our front lawn for the last few years. The last few times it's been the 'son-in-law' who has done it. We're not a hundred percent sure how Mr.Nextdoor became our lawn mowing neighbor, but think it has something to do with me buying them chocolates for christmas. There is a language barrier. I do know the children, they all went to school with mine.
The oldest one (who did the deed) went to school with Jo jo.
There you have it.
Exciting huh?
Of course last night I couldn't sleep properly cos the edges of the dent hurt when I lay down... and Chris wasn't sure that I'd wake up, after touching the dent himself! ha ha ha
And I got well over half way with my edits. Woot!!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
A notable MySpace absence!
Current mood:tired of non-stop interferring by old trolls
Category: Writing and Poetry
I also tend to blog, when I do blog, over at my other blog (which is here, yes I cut and pasted this from MySpace - I know how slack... but deal with it!) ... and really cannot be bothered with the way MySpace fucks up formatting when one tries to cut and paste into here... and as for adding a link... I think we all know it will tell you I have lice and disallow the blog site. Even though I don't, and it's a perfectly safe blog... unless you are a troll. If you are at all troll like then you should never, I repeat, NEVER go to one of my blogs. You may recognize yourself, or worse still someone completely independent may recognize you and tell you so!
Now where were we?
Did I tell you about the Battle barge, wicked bitch of the north? Or as I prefer to call her now - the Northern-most-troll-of-doom. Seems her and her flying monkeys think everything is about them, and in the next breath think, everything (that's ever gone wrong in the world) is Chris's fault. There is no fathoming the bullshit coming from the North these days. It defies reason. Trolls trolls everywhere!
We spent all day Saturday trying to locate a gun. More especially a Glock 17, or even something that could be disguised as such (with clever camera work). It was not to be. Slightly frustrating too. But oh well... onward with another plan.
If I don't get the ID badges finished by Wednesday everything will fall flat come filming day on Thursday!! That will not be good.
Have some excellent hospital footage provided by Eric. It's freaking marvelous. The ED down at Hutt Hospital is a wonderfully supportive place - with staff willing to lend a hand. (Or a face!)
I managed to get as far as chapter six yesterday with the second round of edits.
Josh was reading my editors comments as I came across them. He likes her too. She's not letting me get away with lazy sentences or anything really - but does it in such a positive way its an absolute joy! I'm really enjoying her 'devils advocate questions'. I think when I write I get to a place where I know what's going on, and I know how things happened, and the back story but I don't always remember that readers only know what I share! (and not what's happening in my head... sometimes that really should remain a mystery!!)
I doubt I will ever try and explain editing to Chris, again. I mentioned in passing yesterday that I reached chapter six. (recall he's never read anything I've written - not since one short story about five years ago) He asked what book. And when I said Killerbyte he wanted to know why, hadn't I already finished editing that? Didn't I send it back to my editor?
Well yeah, but I also told him weeks ago that was round one.
So he said, "Is it still your story?"
I snapped back, "Yes."
End of conversation. I can't be bothered trying to explain how editing works to someone who doesn't fucn listen. Then comments that it must've been a half-assed job to start with.
He seems to think once it's written is should be perfect. And that editing somehow changes the story.
We're not changing the story - we're enhancing some scenes, correcting lazy sentences, word choices etc, making it better than it was before. (Going six million dollar man on it's ass)
It's getting cold, sitting here with the ranch slider open. (I could shut it but it's nice to feel the cold after all the crap humidity we've had lately)
This morning it was hot and sunny - on the way to school - on the way home, a mere five minutes later it was threatening to rain. Squealer doesn't have a jersey or jacket! I must try and remember to take her both later.
Seems Bex ended up seeing all four of her sisters on Saturday! She had Squealer and Breezy almost all day Saturday while we charged about trying to locate a Glock. Then Saturday evening Jo Jo dropped by before going out, then in the wee small hours Jo Jo came back and Trishy arrived to collect her.
Busy day/night at Bex place.
Right that's about it I think.
Now to deal to the dishes... I couldn't be bothered last night. Had a bloody migraine yesterday afternoon - but have had a headache for about four days anyway. Am sure it's caused by trying to work,which involves a lot of thinking, with Breezy being the biggest pain in the butt she could possibly be... she never stops talking, not ever.
Right now I need some peace so I can get these changes made and not screw things up in the process.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
some good footage
Eric dropped by today on his way to work with some footage he shot last night at work. A very cool short clip of lights flashing by a patient on a gurney. (Patients perspective) In this case the patient was a camera lying on the gurney filming while being pushed down a corridor. Sound and everything. Hospitals are noisy places.
I'm loving it.
I ordered my tee shirt and some other cool stuff today. (notepad, magnets, magnetic calenders, postcards, post-it notes) Most of which will either be for contests or as thank you gifts for various people.
I want to check out some places that do pens and another place that does badges. Which I will do next week.
Haven't had a chance to open Barry Eisler's new book yet. Am hoping I'll get some time over the weekend. People are lining up to read it... lol.
Met Bex and the boys on the bus this morning, I planned it to surprise her. She was surprised. The kids were pleased! We got some play time in, which is always fun. Always fun hanging out with Bex and the kids. Always has been - but it's getting more so the older she gets.
Not much else going on really. Breezy is currently sitting on the naughty step because she hit her sister with a cup on the shoulder. She's just being a tired, cranky three-year-old. But mummy has had a gutsful of her behavior today. (and yesterday)
This bullshit humid weather needs to stop. It's supposed to be Autumn! It's supposed to be crisp and cool, not sticky, wet, and hot. It's causing much annoyance especially in small people.
Off out to the Stupidmarket shortly. Maybe I should drop Breezy off in the freezer section! That might cool her down. It annoys me that we end up at the stupidmarket three times a bloody week, and still run out of things! I think, maybe, if I stopped feeding everyone we wouldn't have to go so often. (although the whining may get a little irksome)
Joshy has added reading tutor to his already impressive list of school activities for his final year at college. He's amazing. And one awesome teenager. Who is currently at work. It's the weekend (well Friday evening), he works all weekend. - Which hopefully means I won't have to shell out for his basketball shoes this season? Not that I mind. :)
Right off to sort this child out.
She's one sweaty cranky little beast.
I'm loving it.
I ordered my tee shirt and some other cool stuff today. (notepad, magnets, magnetic calenders, postcards, post-it notes) Most of which will either be for contests or as thank you gifts for various people.
I want to check out some places that do pens and another place that does badges. Which I will do next week.
Haven't had a chance to open Barry Eisler's new book yet. Am hoping I'll get some time over the weekend. People are lining up to read it... lol.
Met Bex and the boys on the bus this morning, I planned it to surprise her. She was surprised. The kids were pleased! We got some play time in, which is always fun. Always fun hanging out with Bex and the kids. Always has been - but it's getting more so the older she gets.
Not much else going on really. Breezy is currently sitting on the naughty step because she hit her sister with a cup on the shoulder. She's just being a tired, cranky three-year-old. But mummy has had a gutsful of her behavior today. (and yesterday)
This bullshit humid weather needs to stop. It's supposed to be Autumn! It's supposed to be crisp and cool, not sticky, wet, and hot. It's causing much annoyance especially in small people.
Off out to the Stupidmarket shortly. Maybe I should drop Breezy off in the freezer section! That might cool her down. It annoys me that we end up at the stupidmarket three times a bloody week, and still run out of things! I think, maybe, if I stopped feeding everyone we wouldn't have to go so often. (although the whining may get a little irksome)
Joshy has added reading tutor to his already impressive list of school activities for his final year at college. He's amazing. And one awesome teenager. Who is currently at work. It's the weekend (well Friday evening), he works all weekend. - Which hopefully means I won't have to shell out for his basketball shoes this season? Not that I mind. :)
Right off to sort this child out.
She's one sweaty cranky little beast.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Batteries flat again!
This last few days I've whipped through batteries like they're going out of fashion.
It's been fun doing so though. My last shot today was a head and shoulders picture of my neighbor. Of course now the batteries are flat I can't carry on and upload it and do what I was going to do with it.
Best I go out for batteries tonight.
The color printer dying has also caused a few problems - and some annoyance. Means I can't hard copy the badges yet. (What badges you say? Never mind, you'll find out soon.)
I couldn't make my tee-shirt... growl grumble bitch and moan. But Vista Print is looking good for that - and postcards, magnets, a notepad or two and some other cool stuff. Good to be able to get stuff done here and not in the States. Postage is bad enough within NZ, I sure as hell aren't paying for it from the USA. (Especially with the current sucky exchange rate)
The wicked bitch of the north has struck again... someone really should tip a bucket of water on her. (A monsoon bucket might just do the trick.) She needs committing if no-one can manage a big enough bucket of water. We now have proof in writing of the crazy and very nasty things she comes out with. The joy of texting... we can produce both sides of the conversation - thank you Telecom - and there it is in black and white. Undeniable evidence that she's a raving lunatic with a very very unsavory streak.
No surprises that hubby can't remember his childhood.
If I didn't know anybetter I'd think she was the model for Ellie's mom in killerbyte, or even Mac's mom. But alas she is not. That's not to say she isn't horrible enough, because she so is! Although I reckon Mac's mom could take her!
I got a weird email from a friend on Myspace, which may have been some kind of spam shite. As the body of it was empty. Unimpressed. SO if anyone gets a weird email from me that appears to just be a subject line... I'm sorry but it's not me doing it.
An ARC of Barry Eisler's new book Fault line arrived today. Very cool. I shall read it over the next few days then pass it on as requested by the person who sent it to me.
I'm out of printer paper! That's total twilight zone stuff. Hubby works for Officemax, we never run out of paper!! He buys it by the box... it's all gone! Maybe it ran out in sympathy with the dead printer.
I think thats about it from me for this evening. I shall go cook a lovely stir fry for dinner, that no-one will eat because it's too hot here!
Or maybe I'll forget dinner and feed the kids ice-cream and peaches. :)
It's been fun doing so though. My last shot today was a head and shoulders picture of my neighbor. Of course now the batteries are flat I can't carry on and upload it and do what I was going to do with it.
Best I go out for batteries tonight.
The color printer dying has also caused a few problems - and some annoyance. Means I can't hard copy the badges yet. (What badges you say? Never mind, you'll find out soon.)
I couldn't make my tee-shirt... growl grumble bitch and moan. But Vista Print is looking good for that - and postcards, magnets, a notepad or two and some other cool stuff. Good to be able to get stuff done here and not in the States. Postage is bad enough within NZ, I sure as hell aren't paying for it from the USA. (Especially with the current sucky exchange rate)
The wicked bitch of the north has struck again... someone really should tip a bucket of water on her. (A monsoon bucket might just do the trick.) She needs committing if no-one can manage a big enough bucket of water. We now have proof in writing of the crazy and very nasty things she comes out with. The joy of texting... we can produce both sides of the conversation - thank you Telecom - and there it is in black and white. Undeniable evidence that she's a raving lunatic with a very very unsavory streak.
No surprises that hubby can't remember his childhood.
If I didn't know anybetter I'd think she was the model for Ellie's mom in killerbyte, or even Mac's mom. But alas she is not. That's not to say she isn't horrible enough, because she so is! Although I reckon Mac's mom could take her!
I got a weird email from a friend on Myspace, which may have been some kind of spam shite. As the body of it was empty. Unimpressed. SO if anyone gets a weird email from me that appears to just be a subject line... I'm sorry but it's not me doing it.
An ARC of Barry Eisler's new book Fault line arrived today. Very cool. I shall read it over the next few days then pass it on as requested by the person who sent it to me.
I'm out of printer paper! That's total twilight zone stuff. Hubby works for Officemax, we never run out of paper!! He buys it by the box... it's all gone! Maybe it ran out in sympathy with the dead printer.
I think thats about it from me for this evening. I shall go cook a lovely stir fry for dinner, that no-one will eat because it's too hot here!
Or maybe I'll forget dinner and feed the kids ice-cream and peaches. :)
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Blood on concrete
This afternoon I cooked up some blood. The recipe is as follows :
* 1/2 cup water
* 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
* 3 or 4 tablespoon corn syrup (glucose syrup - over here)
* 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red food coloring
* 2 drops yellow or green food coloring (optional - I didn't need it)
Mix
the cocoa powder thoroughly into the water before adding the other
ingredients - it may help to use warm water. After adding the rest,
blend the concoction well, and then wait for it to settle a bit.
That was the recipe from Raven's fake blood recipes on the net... I used my super duper blender to mix the blood... did a fantabulous job and there is no separation or skimming required.
It's now stored in a drink bottle and a large syringe in the fridge, been there over night and still works fine.
This was squirted from a large syringe... I wanted to see what it looked like on film.
It's now dried on the path and is looking every bit like a blood stain!!
Pretty groovy huh?
what do you think?
Breezy says it tastes yummy -she looked delightful with it dripping from her mouth and off her chin!!!
I tried it - she's right, it does taste good. :)
Although sucking it from a syringe probably looks a little odd!!!
* 1/2 cup water
* 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
* 3 or 4 tablespoon corn syrup (glucose syrup - over here)
* 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red food coloring
* 2 drops yellow or green food coloring (optional - I didn't need it)
Mix
the cocoa powder thoroughly into the water before adding the other
ingredients - it may help to use warm water. After adding the rest,
blend the concoction well, and then wait for it to settle a bit.
That was the recipe from Raven's fake blood recipes on the net... I used my super duper blender to mix the blood... did a fantabulous job and there is no separation or skimming required.
It's now stored in a drink bottle and a large syringe in the fridge, been there over night and still works fine.
This was squirted from a large syringe... I wanted to see what it looked like on film.
It's now dried on the path and is looking every bit like a blood stain!!
Pretty groovy huh?
what do you think?
Breezy says it tastes yummy -she looked delightful with it dripping from her mouth and off her chin!!!
I tried it - she's right, it does taste good. :)
Although sucking it from a syringe probably looks a little odd!!!
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