Wednesday, August 13, 2008

And I'm Off . . .

Okay, so I know I've been a bit incommunicado this summer, and I'm sorry about that. But, I've been busy.

Here are the two big things I've accomplished (other than keeping all the kids and pets alive. Not as much luck with my tomato plants, however. But, in the whole scheme of things I think that's a pretty good trade-off):

~just finished (as of 3:08 p.m. today) another complete rewrite of my MS. Whoo-hoo.

~Successfully drove 2200+ miles helping my son move to Seattle. I wrote about it here.

I've also cheered for the Cubs (much to the chagrin of the rest of my family who are all St. Louis Cardinals fans), followed the Brett Favre saga much too closely, and offered not-always-sought-after advice to all 5 children.

I've tried to get back to walking, given up on a walk-run regimen (but garnered some writing wisdom in the process), and broken all previous records for grilling out.

I've spent as many evenings as I could sitting out on the porch with my husband, sipping wine, talking over the day, and trying to never forget how incredibly lucky we are.

The next few weeks are looking hectic--6 days in Oregon, a Springsteen concert in St. Louis (and maybe one in Kansas City), 3 days in Chicago with my husband's family (yes, a Cubs game!!), 2 days in Chicago (a separate trip) for a book club and play time with some writer friends, and 4 days in Vegas tagging along with my husband. I'll be posting and checking in.

I'll also be reading. Just today I picked up Tethered (Yay Amy!!!). Expect a full report when I get back into town next week.

So, happy last few weeks of summer to all of you . . .

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Have a great time!

Judy Merrill Larsen said...

Thanks, Kristen! I'm off on travels just as you're getting re-settled.

Therese said...

You finished your revisions! Whoo-hoo is right!

What a wonderful series of adventures you have still in store for your summer. I'm especially envious of the Cubs game. My aunt and uncle live about three blocks from the stadium--but when I was there in June, the Cubs were in L.A. :(

Travel safe, and have fun!

Larramie said...

Enjoy it all...but I suspect what you'll find most memorable will be TETHERED!

Judy Merrill Larsen said...

Thanks, Therese. Yes, it feels wonderful to be done . . . and GO CUBS!!

Larramie, I have a hunch you might be right. And I know I won't save it for the plane--I'm not that disciplined.

Daisy said...

So close, and yet so far! We've been cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers, watching the Favre saga much too closely (poor husband, he's been forced to follow it through his job), and getting a kid ready for her senior year in college.
Wine on the porch with Husband sounds good.

Joanne said...

Congrats on your accomplishments, sorry about the tomato plants. But on the other hand, Springsteen, maybe twice? Are either of them outdoor shows? Go for it, have a great time!

Anonymous said...

'For You' is one of the most important books ever to trace the career of Bruce Springsteen. Compiled by Lawrence Kirsch, the book features the words and photos of Springsteen fans from all over the world. The majority of the photos have never been published before, and are nothing short of amazing.

Carleen Brice said...

Congrats on the rewrite!!

You forgot to mention all your fundraising activities.

Sustenance Scout said...

Happy trails, Judy! What a great way to wrap up summer! K.

Judy Merrill Larsen said...

Daisy--almost parallel lives, huh? Enjoy the wine.

Joanne--Neither show is outside--but I do have "mosh pit tickets" for one!

Anon-Thanks for the book tip.

Carleen--I figure the fundraising is a post in itself. But thanks!

K--Thanks--we're having a blast!

Katie said...

I certainly do not support all this "Go Cubs" nonsense; however, I'm happy to report that I will be going to my first game at Wrigley over Labor Day weekend.

Also, I hope you've been watching the Olympics and thinking of Alexander "Mayhem" Monnig and whatever NBC has got him doing over there.

Congrats on finishing your MS, can't wait for more news about it!

Melanie Lynne Hauser said...

Ahem. I live in Chicago, too, you know. Don't I count as a writer friend? You'd better check in during one of your visits!

(Congrats on the rewrite!)

(I just realized you wrote this post a week ago...where the hell have I been???)