Ten Things I've Learned About Working From Home

10. It's possible to fit two computers on my desk.
9. I drink less tea while I'm at home.
8. I might drink less tea at home because I have to boil water whenever I want a mug (as opposed to having hot water instantly available).
7. I don't miss driving to work.
6. I do actually miss being able to do some of the paperwork and filing that are a normal part of my job.
5. I don't have time to write on my lunch hour because I have to make my son's lunch and do the dishes.
4. Sometimes accessing the network feels like the biggest accomplishment of the day.
3. When using the mouse, I write equally poorly with both hands.
2. Why, yes, I will try working on Sunday evening if that gives me more time later in the week.
1. I need a better office chair for my home office--I'm not used to sitting it in all day!

Remembering the Funny Side of George Harrison

To remember George Harrison on the anniversary of his death, I thought it would be good to celebrate his humorous side. Here he is on Saturday Night Live. The show had promised $3000 to the Beatles if they reunited on the show. George showed up hoping to collect the entire reward:



George also supported Monty Python and appeared on Eric Idle's TV show, though he didn't exactly cooperate when they wanted him to sing instead of pretend to be a pirate:



Even his music videos exhibited his sly sense of humor and a willingness to poke fun at himself and his problems:



That's why, in my heart, George and the rest of the Beatles will be forever Fab:

Guest Post--Crystal Collier and the Funny Side of Armor

Welcome Crystal Collier here today to share her new book and some medieval funnies!

In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.

In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.

Can Alexia escape her own clock?

BUY: Amazon | B&N

GUEST POST

Thank you Sandra for having me here today!

Recently, I completed TIMELESS, the third book in my Maiden of Time trilogy. A little time travel. A few good battles. Some scary monsters... But while writing this series I had to study dual time periods: 1768-72 AD, and good old medieval times (mid 1200's). Can you imagine living in a time where warfare was a seasonal and routine thing? Okay boys, it's fighting season!

Every woman dreams of her knight in shining armor, but in reality, armor used to be...

That's right! The business suit. Out to negotiate business? Take the armor. And the shield. And beware flaming arrows.

And don't forget your trusty sidekick.

Since only the rich could afford the fancy armor, they had to put up with the
discomfort of high fashion.

The average weight of chainmail was between 27 and 55 pounds. (12 to 25 kg)

Personally, I'd rather take today's fashions. How about you?

While it's not the most amazing time to have lived, it makes for one dynamic backdrop for an epic story. Don't you agree? Now go buy my books. (What? It had to be said.)

Crystal Collier is an eclectic author who pens clean fantasy/sci-fi, historical, and romance stories with the occasional touch of humor, horror, or inspiration. She practices her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, four littles, and “friend” (a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. You can find her on her blog.

Do you love stories set in medieval times? What is your favorite medieval movie/story?

(Email address is required for awarding prizes.)

Three Stuffed Animals Visit the Field Museum

If you're friends with me on Facebook, you may already be familiar with Stan, Rex, and Oscar, three stuffed animals we bring with us on trips, photograph in unusual locations, and give funny lines. Oscar, the orca, is the oldest; we got him on our honeymoon when we started this tradition. Stan (the green T-rex) and Rex (the brachiosaurus) were adopted from the Field Museum for Alex. The three stuffed animals got to come with us to Members' Night at the Field Museum, and they had a blast (or should I say we had a blast with them.) Here are a few highlights:

 Stan: "I am Stan, the God of carnivores! Hear me roar."

Rex: "Should we bow?"

Oscar: "Are you kidding? He's got a big enough head as it is!"

 Stan: "What? How could it go on without us?"

Rex: "It probably wasn't as fun."













Oscar: "Yes, I am a prime example!" 














  Stan: "NOT funny!"

Rex: "Not funny at all!"

Stan: Murderers!
Rex: Wrong meteorites, Stan.









Stan: Recognize anyone?
Rex: Nope.

 Stan "Hey! This wasn't on the agenda today!"

Oscar & Rex (laughter off screen)

The Twelve Days of Sithmas

Even Darth Vader and the other Sith Lords celebrate Sithmas with gifts, but as you'll see in this video, you can't always return them:

All About the Beets--Song Parody

You know a contemporary song is popular when even I hear about it--or at least the parody versions. The first parody version I heard of Meghan Trainor's "All About That Bass" was the Star Wars version by Team Unicorn. Last night, my husband shared MDI High School's version of "All About the Books" on Facebook. It wasn't long before my own tongue-in-cheek, vegetarian version foisted itself on me. Here are my vegetarian-inspired lyrics to "All About the Beets" for your pleasure. And for your even greater pleasure....I won't sing them (trust me on this).

Standard Disclaimer: These lyrics written for non-commercial use. I do not own any rights to the original music or lyrics.

Non-Standard Disclaimer: And it's OK if you like eating meat.

All About The Beets

Because you know
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets

Yeah, it's pretty clear, I gave up all meat
But I can cook beans, cook beans
So that they’re good to eat
'Cause I got that spice rack that all the boys chase
And all the right fruit in all the right places

I see the megafarm wearing out the dirt
We know that shit ain't healthy
C'mon now, save the Earth
If you got quinoa fritters, just eat 'em up
'Cause every inch of me is veggie
From the bottom to the top

Yeah, my doctor she told me don't worry about your size
She says, "Protein is more than steak, fish, and chicken fries."

You know I must reduce my carbon footprint for my son.
So if you’re into consumption then go ahead and move along.

Because you know I'm
All about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets
Hey!

I'm bringing tofu back
Go ahead and tell them burger eaters that
No, I'm just playing. I know you think it’s bad
But I'm here to tell ya
Every inch of me is veggie from the bottom to the top

Yeah, my doctor she told me don't worry about your size
She says, "Protein is more than steak, fish, and chicken fries."

You know I must reduce my carbon footprint for my son,
So if you’re into consumption then go ahead and move along.

Because you know I'm
All about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets

Because you know I'm
All about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets

Because you know I'm
All about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets
'Bout the beets, 'bout the beets
Hey, hey, ooh
You know you like these beets

Science of the Week, 11/16/12

Here are some of the most interesting post I read on Science Blogs this week:


Bug repellent for supercomputers proves effective

Injectable sponge delivers drugs, cells, and structure

"Homeless"  planet found wandering through space 

(I can't help but wonder what they would ask for. "Spare light? Spare heat?")

Once the conflict is over, solidarity in alliances goes out the window

First functional invisiblity cloak emerges from Duke

(What happens if they lose it while it's invisible?)

Touch-sensitive plastic skin heals itself

Could Jennifer Aniston hold the key to memory formation?

(Since I never watched Friends, does that mean I'll have memory problems? Uh, what was the question again?)

That's it for now. Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

Dear Santa....

Dear Santa,

This year I've been a very good writer. I've worked hard on my projects, I've critiqued others and kept up with my blog, and I even wrote (and finished) two short pieces I hadn't planned on when I was thinking about my writing goals for the year. Here's what I'd love to receive in my writing stocking:

1. More time to write!
2. More time to pre-plan my scenes so I make better use of my writing time.
3. More sales and good reviews for Lyon's Legacy.
4. A sale to the anthology I wrote that short story for.

We have plenty of cookies, so after you're done fulfilling my son's wish list, don't forget the person who did the baking. Stay warm!

Best,

Me.

P.S. So, what's on your "writer wish list" this year?