I'm happy to say that my mom's health has been great. We've been blessed in that area lately. She is turning 85 in a month and we are planning a really big party for her. Here is a picture of her on her 80th birthday party. She's playing badminton. In the second photo, she's just driven my little red convertible, shortly after I got it (1999?)<----- That's my mom -- she was born in Pasadena so we always refer to her as the little old lady from Pasadena.
Speaking of Pasadena, I've been invited by Jim Kusserow, Porterville Panther Band director, to join the band for the Rose Bowl parade on January 1 in Pasadena. That is so exciting! What an honor! I'll be covering the band's activities from Dec. 29 through Jan. 1 -- writing for the Porterville Recorder.
I've been pretty busy lately. I thought I would have a lot of free time to work on my WIP once my children were back in school, but nothing could be further from the truth -- I am busier than ever. I feel like a taxi service but that's ok - that's my choice and I am not complaining, just explaining. My days start early. Two children start school at 7 a.m., one at 8:30 and one at 11 a.m. -- in the afternoon, I play taxi again - at 2 p.m., 2:30, 3:20, 4:30 and 5:30. (one child comes home and then returns for sports) -- On Tuesdays, I add more taxi rounds at 6 and 8:30 p.m. (to and from band practice)and Friday nights - to and from the football games. And, of course, there are at least two tennis matches a week that I attend. (I try to make every single one of them - including out of town.) Thank goodness softball season does not conflict right now. That's a whole other ballgame.
I've been busy writing and working too. I work two to three hours every day at a medical office and then write for newspapers on a regular basis. Today I received seven new assignments that are due soon. Thursday and Friday I will be recording several more commercials for the Bakersfield Californian newspaper - in English and Spanish for radio and (this time) for television too! I am very excited about it. I have never done a television commercial for them.
I enjoy recording radio commercials. That's always so cool to do. And the first time I heard the commercial on the radio, I screamed. It is so odd hearing your own voice on the radio. You can't help but smile. :)
In the meantime, I'm off to see my uncle again. He's dying of cancer in Los Angeles and I promised to take my mom on Wednesday.
But finally I will have some time to work on my novel next week. I'm taking off (alone - with no children) for a five-day cruise to Catalina Island, San Diego and Ensenada On Labor Day with my sister Becky, her daughter-in-law and my sweet grand-nephew (age 1?)
I plan to write - write - write, and I'm really looking forward to a little R and R.
You need to upload one of the commercials so we can hear it. That's awesome.
ReplyDeleteOooo cool, I vote for commercials too.
ReplyDeleteDon't you want to take me along on the cruise? I promise I'll behave :D
:) That would be cool, Matt. Unfortunately, I never know when they are going to play them and I just got lucky and have heard them a couple of times. (this is for Bakersfield which is 2 hours away - so I don't get the station very good here.) But if I could figure it out, I'd do it. :) Thanks.
ReplyDeleteDama, :) thanks. I'm really excited. I just got the script tonight. I know Spanish but it's not my strongest language so I better practice it or they might think I'm half gringa. I'll be reading for both English and Spanish commercials.
ReplyDeleteAs to the cruise, come on over. Join me in Ensenada and I'll sneak you on board. (Ok, maybe I better not try it.) :) I'm going with my sister and a friend. It is a gift from my sister for my birthday and for "all I do" for my mom and others, she said. I tried turning it down and she wouldn't take no for an answer. So, my hands were tied. :)
Hi Patricia! So great to see you. :) And, thanks. I love that pic too. I have a super funny one of when she turned 82. LOL -- I took her to Vegas and we got on what I thought was a really simple log ride at Whiskey Pete's - but it had a big drop! OOops. When I saw us going up, up, up....I was so worried. The photo captured us on the fall and her hair is sticking staight up. I wish I could post it but she took the photo and hid it. LOL
ReplyDeleteThose are great pictures of your mom. I'm glad she is feeling better. Have fun on your cruise, and good luck with your writing. :)
ReplyDelete:) Thanks, Jeff. My mom is so young at heart. I'm finally getting excited about the cruise. Bon Voyage. :)
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