Ahhhhh, the ocean.

Mmm mmm mmm, we're on vacation. I know, right? Luke burned a day of work and off we went, to Solana, CA. We're staying at a hotel a block away from the ocean, and we have had THE BEST time! Today we frolicked in the surf and drove down the highway by the sea. Yesterday we went to the San Diego Zoo and left only because they were kicking everybody out. They had lions, tigers and bears, oh my, but Niko was mostly interested in the hippopotamus tank (that's right, the tank. Not the actual hippos) and the traffic on the way home. His face was just alight. Nina ate some sand today and has been generally happy, as usual. And I think that I'm actually relaxed! What is this FEELING? My shoulder blades aren't contracted up to my ears!

Niko and a little girl nearly licked each other at the restaurant today. It was like the most disgusting slow-mo french kiss ever, but her mother fortunately intervened. "I'm sorry," she said, whipping her child to her bosom, "but she has a little bit of a cold." That made me want to laugh. She was so polite! "Ew, you were LICKEY!" is what I would have said, but obviously she's more wise than I. Later her husband asked, "Does he have Angelman syndrome?" "What?" "What does he have?" "Williams," I said, and he nodded. I could tell that he was going to look it up later. They seemed like a nice family. Which was good, since Niko tried to join them. Inducted by lickage.

Tomorrow we head home. It's a nice, leisurely five hour drive, and then it's back to work and life. (And Xenosaga 3 for me...my other little escape.) I haven't written anything this entire trip. Luke watched basketball and looked at golf clubs on ebay. I can tell you that I am 100% happy. A girl could get used to this.

Guess What I Just Did?

Finished editing my novel. Oh yes. Finished finished finished!

It was hard and took a lot of work, but my friends helped me and now it is ready to send out! I am so incredibly pleased. I am going to go to sleep and dream sweet dreams, and when I wake up I shall celebrate my birthday by printing out a nice, clean, finished draft. Ahhhhhhhhh.

I am lazy by nature. Most of you know this about me. Taking a dream of mine and actually seeing it through, that took some effort. I'm breaking old habits, and...what was that? Enhancing my quality of life???

Rock on.

Speaking Of Quality Of Life

Today my friend sent me a scanned picture of his face. He pushed it right up against the scanner, and there he is. I laughed so hard that I literally had tears running down my cheeks.

Now that's what I'm talking about.

I Want My Life To Be Shiny

It has come to my attention that my quality of life has been suffering.

There I was, in my ratty work-out clothes. My day had pretty much consisted of putting away books (Niko pulls them out to look at the bar codes) emptying the dishwasher. Loading the dishwasher, putting away books, pulling all of Niko's toys out of the dryer, and putting away books. I made Nina's bottles, put away books, ate salad for lunch, put away everything BUT books (no way was I going to touch those things again!) and then I broke down and put away books. All with Nina in one arm.

Sure, this is a skill. But is it a QUALITY skill? Couldn't I let the house go to pot for two hours while I made something fabulous? I have a sterling silver butterfly pendant that I've been meaning to put on a satin cord. Simple, right? Just right for spring. And I haven't because....???

So. This is my New Year's Resolution, three months late. ("Stop Procrastinating" never makes the list, so you know.) I shall Enhance My Quality Of Life. It doesn't have to be a huge gesture every day, but something to add sparkle back to life. I want my life to be shiny.

Last year's resolution was to "Ride More Shopping Carts". I definitely made good! You will see me careening wildly on my cart all the way to the car. It's more fun than you would ever dream possible! And sometimes strangers race you, and it's hysterically funny. I think we all shine a little that way.