Random thoughts on random things!

Wow, it's Friday morning, and after running (literally) all week, I have nothing to blog about. Well, except maybe my bouts of insanity.
How has your week been?

So here are some of the things I've pondered this week.
First, a sanity saver!

I DESPERATELY need to get in shape. I'm not talking "bathingsuit" shape. Ferget it! Those years have come and gone.
I'm hoping for "walk-up-the-stairs-without-panting" shape. Being a writer means too many hours in a chair, only exercising my brain.
But I'm a creature of habit. It takes me time to get anything new slotted into my morning routine of coffee, computer, laundry, computer, dogs, computer, food, computer... You get the picture.

I moved the treadmill upstairs to my bedroom. Closer is better right? I mean, if I see the thing every day I'm more apt to remember that I want to be on it.
Then I got Elizabeth Lowell's arc for INNOCENT AS SIN and inspiration struck!
I was dying to read it, but in order to fit it (and exercise) into my already crunched routine, I decided I would only be allowed to read it while I multi-tasked... that is, I could read while using the treadmill.

Is that genius or what!
Yes, genius. Elizabeth laughed at me for reading only 20 to 30 minutes a day, but it's working! I'm almost done with the book, and I've been on the treadmill lots (missed yesterday and might miss today due to a grueling to-do list) but overall, I'm exercising!
And I'm LOVING this book.
Wow. Talk about characterization.
And multi-layered plots.
And a really hot, motivated, capable, and INTELLIGENT hero! Yummy.
I won't say too much, but folks... this book is a must have.
After I finish it, I'll have to find another just as good to keep me on the treadmill. I hear anything we do for 6 weeks becomes a habit. I hope so!
What ingenious method have you discovered to keep yourself motivated toward a less-than-fun task?

Now, a random observation...
I'm on Myspace, which many of you probably know is a HUGE cyber site with avid readers galore. Before I add anyone as a friend, I always check to make sure they're not spam or porn. Lo and behold, so many wonderful people (I'm not being sarcastic! They ARE wonderful) have their favorite type books listed as "smutty romances," or "trashy romances."
Why oh why do people feel the need to do that? I've never understood it.
If you like romance, just say so. But to ask to be linked to an author while advertising what you think of her genre is... well, I dunno.
I understand it, I'm not judging people, but I always shake my head when I see it.
Does that sort of thing annoy you?
Are you used to it?
Do you just dismiss it or do you feel the urge to write the person and ask, "Why????"

'nuther random thought.
Why do some people have such a hard time with directions? Now this one I'm saying with a smile. Believe it! Harried as I am, I DO have a sense of humor.
In case any of you have forgotten (because I don't mention it oh... every other day...) June 1st is the annual "READER & AUTHOR GET TOGETHER."
We now have around 140 people registered, with 50 authors attending, editors Cindy Hwang and Rose Hilliard, and agents Roberta Brown and Jennifer Schober.
It's only $35 bucks, which pays for food, and Dianne Castell and I cover the rest of the costs as a great big THANK YOU to our writerly friends and fabulous readers.
It's low key, loads of fun, and something I start anticipating months out.
But it's also a ton of work.
I've tried to make the registration form (available in the community link of my website at www.lorifoster.com) as simple and explanatory as possible.
But that doesn't help.
On the registration form, it says: Date.
That's so I know who sent theirs off first, in the case of editor and agent appointments that fill up.
So far I've gotten birth dates, dates authors first published, "I don't know" (seriously) and "soon" all written in.
I crack up.

There's room for an email address, and I ask people to write clearly. I don't send out confirmation of receipts (there's too much to do already) but I do sign everyone up for an announce only email loop where necessary information will be shared. THAT'S how folks will know I received their registration form.
I get cancelled email accounts.
I get email addies I can't begin to read.
I get misspelled email addresses. (LOVE those!)
And my favorite! I had two people complain that they weren't added to the list. I checked, told them the address I'd added, and they said, "I never use that email address."
So, um... why did they send it to me!?

Remember, I'm laughing, not complaining. I swear it!
It really is amusing, and each year something new happens.

If anyone is interested in joining us June 1st, 2nd and breakfast on the 3rd, registration is open until May 19th, then I have to start turning in food reports.
Everyone is welcome! And pubs from every level can take part. We have epubs, small press, traditionally published, and NYTimes bestsellers. The list of attending authors is on my website (again, under community.) Channel 5 news has promised us a mention on air, and a few radio stations are planning small pieces.


Oh, I meant to say that our proceeds from raffles (usually over $2000) go to the local Battered Women's Shelter.
We have separate fundraisers for Troops and Animal shelters.
This year, we have an awesome cookbook for sale, with proceeds to go to our troop project. Over 90 authors and some talented readers contributed recipes. You can get the cook book at the Get Together, at Amazon.com and BN.com, at www.samhainpublishing.com, or in bookstores!
It's $13.00


Have you ever had to organize something where, no matter how you tried, you couldn't make the form clear to one and all?

Okay, last random thought.
We're having an addition built on our house and that includes a bigger kitchen, a 4-season room, and an expanded deck. When we went to move the old grill off the deck, it decomposed. Seriously. Just sort of fell into ashes.
So we bought a new one, and while at the store we also bought a battery operated temperature-checking fork. It's a big sucker with these super sharp and thick prongs that you insert into the meat you're cooking, so it can read the tempts.
On the packaging it says: Do not attempt to eat with this fork.
Which makes me wonder - has someone actually tried????
What bizarre warnings have you seen on packaging?

It's beautiful here in Ohio!
I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!
What do you have planned?
My sons are taking me to see 28 WEEKS LATER for Mother's Day. SWEET! My boys know what I like!

Hugs to you!