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Auld Lang Syne

Dec 31st 2007Karen Rose
Karen RoseOn Writing!

It’s New Year’s Eve.  This year has flown by.  But I always say this, every December 31st. 

Like all years, 2007 has had its ups and downs.   Like all years, I accomplished many of the things I wanted to do and didn’t accomplish others.   If you’re like me, you’ll spend some time in introspection today, maybe thinking of all the things you wished you’d done.  But this year, I’m not going to focus on the mumble-mumble pounds I lost, gained and am struggling to lose again.  I’m not going to focus on any of the things I didn’t do. 

This year, I’m focusing on the things I did, and I’d like you to do this with me.  I’ll get the ball rolling with my list.  Now, seriously, be thinking about the things you did and not all the things you didn’t.  No cheating.  My first entry proves I can kick your butt otherwise.  Literally, LOL. 

karenyellowbeltmin.JPGI started out the year earning my yellow belt in karate.  I’m Very Proud of this!  Not shabby for an old lady of 43, eh?  In the upcoming year I want to earn my blue belt, which is the next step up.   That’s me with my sempai, Sonie (left) and Sheehan (right), the leader of the dojo.

This year I wrote the book that will be my first hardcover, sfm-final-francoredder72-4.jpgSCREAM FOR ME (May ‘08).  Isn’t the cover stunning?  This year I wrote another book, KILL FOR ME.  Actually, I’m still closing in on the end of KFM, but I’m counting it as a 2007 accomplishment, because it’s my blog, nyah.

pile-o-paper.jpgThis year I navigated the often terrifying world of college application forms with my oldest child, who is no longer a child.  Next year I will have to come to terms with her leaving the nest, but I’m putting that one off until next year, LOL.

And this year I joined a group of true-life goddesses and saw “myself” in a bikini top for the very first time e-ver!  (Photoshop and Goddess statues totally rock.  No pun intended.)  Thanks to all of you for all the great conversation and the many TAB-spewing-on-my-keyboard moments.

Now, looking forward:  A very, very Happy New Year to you all!!!!!!!!

What did you do this year?  Tell, tell!  And remember, no cheating.  I want the DIDs, not the DIDN’Ts.  Did you write a book?  Did you start to write a book?  Did you clean out your closet?  Did you try a new author or a new food?  How about making someone smile?  I know you all did that, because it was me smiling.

58 Comments »

58 Responses to “Auld Lang Syne”

  1. Kim on 31 Dec 2007 at 12:06 am #

    Great blog, KarenR!

    This is something I started doing a few years ago, focusing on the Did’s not the didn’ts! Thats important to do.

    This year:

    I flew on an airplane for the first time ever and didn’t have a total panic attack. Just a partial one.

    I stayed in a hotel without my husband for a week, hundreds of miles away from him.

    I learned how to make some awesome carne asada.

    At the urging of a very dear friend I admitted I might want to write a novel and I came up with two ideas that I think could work into something good.

    This year I made lots and lots of new friends. Strong, amazing, creative women I admire.

    Tonight I made a banofee pie and it was pretty good!

  2. pri.r. on 31 Dec 2007 at 12:35 am #

    hmm good blog idea.
    this year..

    i learned how to make proper cakes AND ice them without the icing running down the side of the cake and consequently making a mess

    i ventured outside my reading zones i guess :P , i’m wwaaayy more accepting of paranormals… which i was sceptical about in 2006.

    i attempted to be more mature…emotionally mature. learnt to deal with issues in a more mature way..

    i accepted that sometimes in life you’ve just got to let things ‘go with the flow’

    …this year i joined an amazing bunch of people on a blogsite and have been having VERY ‘interesting’ sundays ever since :)

    happy new year everybody.

  3. ladydawgfan on 31 Dec 2007 at 12:38 am #

    In 2007, I:

    Read a LOT of great books, including some new authors whose work I really enjoyed.

    Made a conscious effort to eat healthier due to a medical condition, and as a result, am losing a LOT of weight (good thing!).

    Started my WIP. It is slow going, but that is where the “IP” part of WIP comes into play, and even if I am the only one to read it, at least it is finally out of my brain and into my computer.

    Upgraded my AutoCad skills to include ACAD2007, which has me wondering if I should go back for my Masters in Architecture.

    Got my annual mamogram on time. Every woman should have this scheduled at a time easy for her to remember. My anniversary date is July 3rd, my own personal breast cancer Independence Day.

    A happy and healthy 2008 to all!!!!

  4. ilovetoread on 31 Dec 2007 at 12:39 am #

    Well, 1. I met a great group of goddesses that were humble enough to
    have a forum and allow me on it!

    2. I fulfilled my New Year’s resolution from last year! (Easy enough,
    year before last was awful and I made an easy resolution — to not
    like brussel sprouts!)

    3. Made a few new friends at one of my jobs.

    4. Made a couple of new in-roads with my DH. (We’re still working
    on the “at least one date a month” thing!)

    5. I finally got my son to realize that there are good vegetables in
    the world besides fried okra and corn!

    I feel like I did pretty well but I also realize that I’m determined that this year will be better than last, if at all possible.

    **I copied this from an earlier reply on the forum since it hadn’t changed since then!!

  5. RubyD on 31 Dec 2007 at 12:45 am #

    This is a good idea. Congratulations on all of your accomplishments. Wishing you happy and wonderful new year!

    I stayed healthy and at 69 that is an accomplishment.

    Climbed up on the roof of our house after the ice storm and helped DH clean the branches off that had fallen and we put a temporary patch over the hole in the roof. (first time in my life on a roof)

    Not my accomplishment, but have my first great grandson who is a darling little boy.

    Went camping and fishing with friends once a month for 8 months this year.

    And still found time to visit author websites, read blogs and read about two books a week.

  6. Karen Rose on 31 Dec 2007 at 12:46 am #

    Brava! Brava!

    You go, girls.

    Kim, I’ve probably logged half a million miles on planes and I still don’t like to fly when I let myself think about. I don’t get panic attacks anymore either, but it took some time. Good for you for flying! And congrats for taking the first step, admitting you may have the writing bug. It’s an incurable condition, you know, LOL.

    PRI – good lessons to learn so young :-) Going with the flow is not always easy to do, but keeps the BP down…

    Ladydawg- most excellent! I wrote my first two books for myself, with no intentions of ever allowing anyone to read them. You never know where it’ll land you.

  7. Karen Rose on 31 Dec 2007 at 12:49 am #

    ILTR – Good luck on the monthly date thing. It’s so important.

    RubyD – ON THE ROOF?!? And camping? You’re braver than I, for sure. And we’ll let you have the g-grandson as your accomplishment. I’d say you earned it.

  8. Yasmin on 31 Dec 2007 at 12:55 am #

    Does learning things about one self count here Karen? well here goes…

    I learned to be an adult this year. I am 22 yrs and live at home. I have always dependent on my mom for everything. I mean I have a job and help out around the house but she has “the” responsiblility. She had surgery this year and couldnt do much. she was physically and emotionally drained. My sister ( older than me) had so much pressure from work that she wasnt much help. i took the wheel and didnt crash ( big acomplishment) I am the immature one in my family, I admit it but it worked out fine. We are all okay, thats what counts.

    I also joined The Goddess Blogs on a whim and made tons of new friends who like to read like me.

    I love you guys. You are the best. Happy New Year to everyone.
    See ya back on Jan 2! ( I am off to Disneyland and the Rose parade Yay!)

    Yaya

  9. JackieToo on 31 Dec 2007 at 1:22 am #

    Congrats on all the accomplishments of 2007. I especially like the yellow belt…much to be proud of! :D

    Not to be a downer but just as a preface, I am bipolar II with anxiety disorder and social phobia. I had my “breakdown” in 2002 and have pretty much been in my house ever since. BUT!!! This year I got out and about more and more. Even had a pelvic exam (how’s that for facing anxiety problems?). :D

    BTW, thanks for keeping me company with books and blogs the last few years. It means so much!

    Happy New Year, Y’all!!

  10. Santa on 31 Dec 2007 at 1:43 am #

    I turned my WIP into a finished manuscript.

    I went to my first national RWA conference and finally got to meet my CP in person. It was an amazingly wonderful experience all around.

    I pitched for the first time and got two requests from two different conferences.

    I learned alot about myself and my writing habits.

    I got my first rejection from one of those requests. A bummer at first but now I’m a PRO and get to learn the secret handshake in SanFran!

    I continue to meet the most amazing people on-line who love to read and/or write romance. I even got to meet a few in person and it was marvelous.

    As for 2008, I plan to submit my manuscript to more agents and editors.

    I plan to finish my second manuscript. I already have the bones in place.

    I plan to catch up on my goddess backlist reading and scope out all the new ones to come out in 2008!

    Here’s to a great 2008 for goddesses everywhere!

  11. Marie Conley on 31 Dec 2007 at 2:07 am #

    What did I do this year?

    I moved 150 miles.

    I took 18 hours.

    I learned it is more important to love without fear than to save yourself from pain.

    I wrote and began edits on a book.

    I found a website where I have found a family. I have people there that are like mother’s, fathers, best friends, sisters, and even somebody that makes my heart go pitter patter on bad days. They are all great writers and encourage me daily.

    I found a group of goddesses that have given me hope that I can someday (SOON) become a published author.

    I reconnected with my high school best friend.

    Cheers to the new year. May it be a better one.

  12. Karen Rose on 31 Dec 2007 at 5:44 am #

    These are all fabulous.

    Yasmin, honey, that all definitely counts. Cheers to you for being the help your family needed.

    JackieToo – congratulations on facing something very real. I’m proud of you and I’m happy to see you’re proud of you, too!

    Santa, you are on your way! YAY to learning the secret handshake in SanFran. Can’t wait to meet you there!

    Marie – great accomplishments in the midst of personal upheaval. I connected with a high school friend, too, and my old high school English teacher. It’s nice to reach back, then go forward again!

    Cheers to you all. Keep them coming!

    This is fun and inspiring.

  13. Ellen on 31 Dec 2007 at 8:30 am #

    I love thoughtful blogs like this. They keep me thinking all day long. Thank you for redirecting my normally negative thoughts on this day.

    This year I started to write again. I somehow allowed life to pull me away from my passion, but a simple email from my friend, Karen, put me back on track. Next year I promise to stay focused on my writing for the simple reason that it brings me joy.

  14. Gannon on 31 Dec 2007 at 8:49 am #

    Love this blog, Karen R!

    1. Like Ellen, I started to write again this year. Not sure where it will take me, but I’m enjoying the journey.

    2. Moved across country to the beautiful mountains of NC. It’s been an adjustment for our whole family, since my DH retired from the Navy, but we are enjoying the slower pace. Well, maybe the kids need more time…

    3. Started a new part time job at a wine and cheese shop. It’s great fun, and I get a 20% discount! What’s not to love about that??!!

    4. Added two new pets to our family–a kitten (in August) and a puppy this month. It makes life a little crazier, but they’re worth it.

    5. Spent many wonderful hours on Mt. Olympus with a fab group of Goddesses. Thanks for the laughs, ladies!

    Wishing you and yours a healthy and happy 2008!

  15. Buffie on 31 Dec 2007 at 9:02 am #

    Great post Karen!! And Kim — writing??? I can’t wait to read your stuff girl!

    Here’s a few things that I accomplished this year . . .

    1) Went camping (real camping — not the Holiday Inn) for the first time ever. Yep, slept in a tent, cooked food over a fire, and braved the bugs. And to tell the truth, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Which just means I’ll have to do it again in 2008 since my house is full of boys.

    2) Went to my very first author signing. I was so excited and nervous. But I met some great authors, got some great books, and met an online friend who lives close to me.

    3) Did “lunch” with a published author, who I met at the above author signing. Jacquie D is one wonderful lady!

    4) Went on a gals only trip to Disney World with my mom and sister. We are trying to start a tradition of going a vacation together and enjoying one another as we get older. Our first trip was Vegas. Hopefully NYC will be next!

  16. Gannon on 31 Dec 2007 at 9:11 am #

    Oh, Buffie, huge brownie points for you going camping! I haven’t done that for many years, and I’m not sure I could anymore. Bugs being the major factor! That and no indoor plumbing! ;)

  17. Patty L. on 31 Dec 2007 at 9:27 am #

    This year was wonderful. I was almost finished writing my first story when a meeting with an editor and agent had me making some major changes to the story and now am almost again completed the final manuscript. I had back surgery that was a complete success and gave me the ability to enjoy life again. I am again working full time (although the writing suffers the bill collectors love it) and I have made some wonderful new writing friends online and even a few personal friends that I will treasure forever. All in all, this was a wonderful year, even with all the downs (that Iwon’t discuss). LOL

    Happy New Year to all the Goddesses. Enjoy 2008, I know that I will.

  18. Lisa H on 31 Dec 2007 at 9:29 am #

    I wrote and finished my first mms.

    I started another one!

    I went to my first RWA conference in New Jersey

    I pitched to two agents and received two requests.

    I received about 20 rejection letters and didn’t place in a contest I entered.

    I realized I am a STRONG woman who can handle the rejections

    I helped my friend through a painful divorce.

    I got my 2 1/2 year old to finally sleep through the night.

    I am beginning to “feel” like a writer.

  19. Karen Rose on 31 Dec 2007 at 9:30 am #

    Ellen, I’m so glad your writing brings you joy! That’s the one thing no one can take from you as you navigate the writing/publishing route. It has to bring you joy. Hugs to you.

    Gannon, congrats to you, too! Writing is a journey for sure. I also got a puppy this year! They are fun. And 20% discount at the wine shop – everybody needs to gather at Gannon’s for a party, LOL.

    Buffie – not sure if you know this, but a lot of authors are nervous at signings, too. They want so much to make readers happy. It never occurs to us that the readers might be nervous too! And I agree – Jacquie D is absolutely wonderful. I remember before I was published we chatted once – just once. And after that, she always remembered my name. It’s little things like that that add up to so much.

    And what’s this with the camping? Hey, if it makes you happy, go for it. I’ll be in my A/C with my indoor plumbing, thankyouverymuch!!

  20. doglady on 31 Dec 2007 at 9:34 am #

    What a great blog, Karen. Can’t wait for the hardback! In 2207 I joined an online critique group of great, supportive ladies. I joined a writers’ group in my hometown as well, another great group. Joined RWA, Southern Magic and Beau Monde. I sat down and actually wrote an entire novel (rough draft) and started a second one. I entered a bunch of contests and LOST IN LOVE won the Royal Ascot Traditional Category, came in second in the Emerald City Opener and was a runner-up in the Molly. I’ve taken online writing classes and begun to build a research library on my chosen era for my novels. I’ve stopped letting my job (which I hate) take over my life. I leave on time and I refuse to work overtime! I’ve spent lots of time with Goddesses and their friends and had a ball doing it!

  21. Karen Rose on 31 Dec 2007 at 9:35 am #

    Gettin’ the chills, girls!

    Patty L – thank you for not mentioning the bad stuff, LOL. I would hate to have to kick your butt! Congrats on your achievements – and I’m so glad you got your life back. Back pain can so consume you.

    Lisa H – good for you! Hear you ROAR, woman :-) Those rejections suck – but it means you’re out there, working. Glad you’re feeling like a writer!

  22. Karen Rose on 31 Dec 2007 at 9:38 am #

    Go Doglady! Nice showing in all those contests.

    I think I can speak for all the goddesses and say – you ALL have been the best this year.

    Keep the inspiration coming! I’m ducking out for a bit to go to the gym – my sempai Sonie (in the photo) and I have an exercise appt. And she can kick my butt. But she never does. She is, however, frighteningly good at the pressure points. Ow. If you read DIE FOR ME, the sword scene is Sonie’s!

  23. PJ on 31 Dec 2007 at 9:41 am #

    1) I joined a group of intelligent, witty, talented goddesses, and friends, who always start my day with a smile.

    2) I came to terms with my family’s medical history and took control of my own health. With guidance from my doctor and a heart nutritionist I’m now leading a heart-healthy lifestyle and hope to live many years longer than my mother or grandmother, both of whom died way too soon.

    3) I ventured out of my comfort zone and put my house on the market with plans to move to another state. Still waiting for that cash-in-hand buyer to show up.

    4) I set aside my grief over losing my beloved 6 year old Lab to cancer and brought home an adorable rescue puppy with the sweetest face and disposition. She’s added immeasurable love and joy to my life.

    5) I bought a Nintendo DS and am faithfully playing the brain games every day. Though it’s only been a week I’ve lowered my brain age from 81 to 61. Scary, but at least it’s moving in the right direction!

  24. PJ on 31 Dec 2007 at 9:43 am #

    What a great blog, Karen, and what an amazing group of women we have here. High 5’s to ALL of you for what you have accomplished this year!

    ~PJ

  25. jessie e on 31 Dec 2007 at 9:51 am #

    This year I…

    1. Turned 21.
    2. Took my first trip to New York City, the place where I plan to live for my first few years out of college. This place is just about the best city ever.
    3. Talked to B.J. Novak from The Office on the telephone. He was so nice!
    4. Finally got up the guts to take a creative writing class, and I wrote two stories, both of which I am very proud even though they need a lot of work.
    5. Got all A’s for the first time in my college career.
    6. Lost my grandmother and helped my mother through that hard time.
    7. Got two new dogs!
    8. Made some wonderful, lovely, awesome new friends.
    9. Joined a gym for the summer and went almost every day (that stopped once I went to school, but we’re looking at the positive here!
    10. Interned at a publishing company and developed a marketing tool for them that they are using on every book now.

    Wow. I did a lot more than I thought this year. I hope I can do as much next year(starting tomorrow!)

  26. Gannon on 31 Dec 2007 at 10:04 am #

    Wow! Reading everyone’s posts is so inspiring! You go, girls!!

    PJ, here’s hoping your buyer shows up with cash in hand! Are you moving farther north? ;)

  27. Julia London on 31 Dec 2007 at 10:21 am #

    Great blog, Karen! This year I wrote three books and a novella. This year I fell in love with an 8 month old for the first time in my life. This year, I joined weight watchers and am down 9 pounds! This year I made a whole bunch of new friends on top of Mt. Oly….

  28. PJ on 31 Dec 2007 at 10:28 am #

    Gannon, to be honest I really don’t care what the buyer has in hand. I just want them to show up! LOL! The high-end housing market has really stalled around here. Thankfully, I don’t *have* to move so I can wait it out. I plan to move to NC, near Charlotte.

  29. Gannon on 31 Dec 2007 at 10:35 am #

    Yea, PJ! Charlotte’s about 2 hours from me. We definitely need to meet sometime!

  30. RachelG on 31 Dec 2007 at 10:39 am #

    I lost and gained the same 10 pounds all year long.

    Wrote one book. Obviously I’m a slacker.

    Rachelg

  31. Meg on 31 Dec 2007 at 10:57 am #

    What a great way to end the year; thinking only about the good stuff. What a novel idea! Here goes mine.
    I took my first trip by plane. Was VERY nervous, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. (and since then I have made five more!)
    I moved into a wonderful new house! I would also like to mention that it is all mine and that it is completely paid for!!
    I finished lots of great books by authors that I love and discovered a few new authors that I am loving!
    I took my neice and nephew to Disney World for their first time. It was a great vacation.
    And I received a letter from the Carnegie Hero Fund telling me that my late husband has been nominated for an award. That really meant a lot.
    This past year has been pretty good, hasn’t it? :-)

  32. Karen Hawkins on 31 Dec 2007 at 11:32 am #

    What a great way to end the year! Thank you, Karen Rose!

    I am amazed and impressed with all of the great things you guys have accomplished! You continue to inspire me. Thank you all.

    This year I

    1) wrote two and a half books

    2) incorporated — my new company is called KB Regency, which stands for the names of my two children and my favorite historical time period.

    3) jumped on the blog wagon and have met some awesome, incredible new friends – online and off.

    4) joined weight watchers online — hopefully good news to follow in 08!

    5) spent more time with my kids, which is good because they’re at the age when they’re getting ready to become UBER busy and it’ll be more and more difficult to get us all together

    and 6) made a financial plan that should leave me smiling when I’m 120 and want to retire. :)

    It’s been an awesome year!

  33. Karen Rose on 31 Dec 2007 at 11:39 am #

    Amazing, ladies!

    Good luck on the house, PJ! It’ll be an adventure!

    Jessie – very cool list – I’m curious about that marketing tool. If it’s not I-have-to-kill-you-if-I-tell-you secret, perhaps you can share a few tidbits.

    Julia – you made me misty-eyed about your 8monthold :-)

    Rachel – you also brought fashion to the animal world!!

    Meg – congrats on the plane ride and on your husband’s award. That’s so very nice.

    Karen H – I want to see you at 120. If you’re retired, I’ll be shocked!

  34. Claudia Dain on 31 Dec 2007 at 11:59 am #

    What a great post, Karen! It’s so easy to focus on the stuff we didn’t do.

    Hey, gaining and losing the same few pounds is a lot of work. Has anyone ever tried to keep a yo-yo going? Not easy! I’m in the yo-yo club and determined to be proud of it.

    Okay, now that I know Karen R has written a book in 25 days and Julia has written 3 books and 1 novella this year, I am officially a complete slacker. Maybe Rachel and I can form a club? We can be the Slacker Chicks and wear turquoise leather pants. Or something. Hmm, how to turn this into a positive? Well, I didn’t burn out, that’s one thing.

  35. Karen Hawkins on 31 Dec 2007 at 12:08 pm #

    Claudia, you and Rachel G are both the Fashionistas of the gang. I bet you did more incredible decorating and awesome accessorizing than the rest of the goddessess put together.

    Take credit, m’dear! Step up!

    KarenH who just WISHES she had that ability!

  36. Paula on 31 Dec 2007 at 12:19 pm #

    Happy new Year to one and all !!
    This year I
    1) Turned 40 !!
    2) got a job
    3) joined the goddesses on Mt Oly, only wish I joined sooner.
    4) read and enjoyed 3 goddess authors and 1 other new one.
    5) have spent quality time with my DH and 2 sons.
    6) linked up with some old Pals from my long ago school days!

  37. Claudia Dain on 31 Dec 2007 at 12:36 pm #

    Well, now that you mention it, KarenH, DH and I just did a little redo on the kitchen and it looks fabulous. I *am* very happy about that 2007 accomplishment, though DH did the bulk of the actual work, I’m giving myself points for thinking it up. That’s me all over: I’m the brains of the outfit. As long as no actual work is involved, I’m your goddess.

  38. Julia London on 31 Dec 2007 at 1:05 pm #

    jessie E — how did you come to talk to BJ Novak, and what was he like? I love that guy — I think he’s brilliant.

  39. Mia Rose on 31 Dec 2007 at 1:08 pm #

    What a great blog Miss Karen Rose… It’s definitely the day for fondly thinking back on the year behind us. You should all be so proud of all of the great accomplishments! Now, let’s see… This past year I…

    - Got Married. That’s a Pretty Big One.
    - We Bought Our First House. I’m *Really* Proud Of That One.
    - I Started Writing Again & Decided I’m Going To Be Serious About It. I Had Ignored That Ambition For A While… But No More.
    - I Discovered Blogging and Bulletin Boards and The Wonderful People Involved In Them. :D
    - Got In Touch With People From High School Thanks To The Wonderful World of MySpace
    - I Got My High Blood Pressure Under Control (Fairly Important)
    - And Last But Not Least I Joined a Wine Club That Sends Me 2 Random Bottles Each Month. Priceless.

    Happy 2008 Everyone!

  40. FreshEChelle on 31 Dec 2007 at 3:04 pm #

    Some lofty and meaningful accomplishments ladies! I’m humbled ‘coz I can’t keep up with your noble endeavors.

    Let’s see what DID happen this year –
    1) I changed gyms and finally started working out with a trainer who let’s me terrorize his young self, so I hate my body MUCH less than I did in 2006 even though I’m that same size.
    2) I didn’t fire anyone (but someone fired someone for me) and the rest of my team was very relieved by the necessary departure.
    3) I helped someone accomplish her goal of moving to another city which was a first for her and she’s happy there and missed here.
    4) my family had another year without a health crisis or tragedy. We take for granted how lucky we are.
    5) read heaps of what the goddesses offered and realized that authors aren’t machines. My WIPs are limited to what fits in this blog box.

    In 2008, I pledge to find and work with a financial planner to make sure I can afford electrolysis in my post-menopausal years.

  41. Julia London on 31 Dec 2007 at 3:50 pm #

    Mia, I want that wine club!! I waaaaaaaaant it!

  42. Karen Rose on 31 Dec 2007 at 5:09 pm #

    Claudia – I wish you were here in FL with me. I would love you to go shopping with me and show me what to wear. I have an eye for color – as long as it’s basic black, LOL.

    Mia Rose – AWESOME list! I’d say getting married was a big one.

    Paula – welcome to the 40 club!! And congrats on that job!

    Fresh, even having someone fire someone for you is a big deal. When I was a boss, that used to make me nauseous, having to fire someone. Then of course, being who I am, I imagined the fired person was laying in wait, fingertips drumming together in gleeful anticipation of all the terrible, painful ways he was going to get his revenge.

    When the fired guy probably just shrugged it off as another job lost and trotted on down to the local bar to trash me to his buddies.

    Julia, let Mia have her two bottles a month. Suck up to Gannon and maybe she’ll let you use her 20% wine shop discount. Over time, it’ll mean a lot more wine.

  43. Judy F on 31 Dec 2007 at 5:17 pm #

    Paid off my car… woo hoo.

    Cut back my hours at the book store. Sorta but christmas came and blew that but will get back on track tomorrow.

    Switch hairstylists. Now that was scary but I like the person I got so I am happy.

    I check blogs daily where I never used to go there much at all. Love the pick me up.

    Welcomed a great niece into the family. This is the first one that is in town and will drop anything to watch her. She has brought such joy to the family.

    Helped my mom with issues with my dads health.

    Took a more active role with work. Coming out of my shell there.

  44. Karen Rose on 31 Dec 2007 at 6:27 pm #

    Go Judy. I switched hairstylists, too, and that is the scariest! But I really like Desmond and he pops up in SCREAM FOR ME as a stylist.

    You paid off your car – way to go! My poor car sucks eggs and the hood is one major paint peel, but it’s been paid off for 9 years. Soon I’ll get a new car and I’m wincing at the thought of another car payment.

    I’m so glad you joined our blog!

    That goes for all of y’all out there.

  45. Gannon on 31 Dec 2007 at 7:22 pm #

    “Julia, let Mia have her two bottles a month. Suck up to Gannon and maybe she’ll let you use her 20% wine shop discount. Over time, it’ll mean a lot more wine.”

    LOL, Karen R!

    Yes, Julia, for a Goddess, I will get you all the discounted wine you can drink. We’ve got it all baby, even $300 bottles of Cristal! One of these days I’m going to use my 20% for that! ;)

  46. claudia dain on 31 Dec 2007 at 7:29 pm #

    KarenR, does that mean you have a ‘black eye’? hahahaha I crack myself up. But save your pennies—we’ll go shopping in San Francisco. Though I’m sure that the prices will kill me. However, since you’ll be paying, I’ll recover. *G*

  47. Kay on 31 Dec 2007 at 7:43 pm #

    KarenR, Great blog topic.

    I am awed and inspired by the collective activity of these goddesses. ;-)

    In 2007 I…

    Found the courage to submit some short stories & won an “Honorable Mention” in a contest–but not published, yet.

    I have started 2 novels- a mystery/romance and a ‘womens fiction”

    I attended the RWA national convention & got to meet many of the goddesses. :-)

    HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE,

    Kay

  48. Karen Rose on 31 Dec 2007 at 7:53 pm #

    Claudia, took me a minute, LOL. Yes, I have a black eye, ha. I was actually thinking of the Henry Ford approach – they can have any color they want as long as it’s black. I’ll save my pennies and you can make me over into a true goddess! Oh – I want accesories, too. I look at those women who can wear a scarf so easily and wish they went shopping with me, too.

    Kay – it was a privilege to experience those firsts with you! “Yet” is right – the day when you see your book on the shelf is not so far in your future. In 30 years, I’ve never known you to start something you haven’t finished and that’s quite the accomplishment.

  49. Julia London on 31 Dec 2007 at 8:21 pm #

    Gannon, I have often thought we were soul sisters. Now I know we truly must be :-) .

  50. darkshire007 on 31 Dec 2007 at 8:38 pm #

    I moved to Montana.

  51. Sabrina Jeffries on 31 Dec 2007 at 9:21 pm #

    Hmm, I guess I fall in the slacker category, since I only wrote one book this year (although I DID plot another two halfway). I also wrote a novella (well, I’m about 20 pages from finishing it as of tonight) and an Afterword for Jane Austen’s EMMA. Since I have to write TWO books next year, wish my slacker self luck!

    Helped plan and execute my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary, which turned out to be more fun than any of us expected.

    Mostly, I learned a lot about myself and how I interact with my family. That was priceless.

    Starting exercising again.

    Became a goddess! You ladies are all awesome–thanks for brightening my days!

  52. Karen Rose on 31 Dec 2007 at 9:31 pm #

    No slacker language allowed! Grrrrr.

    Sabrina, these are wonderful achievements!

  53. Kay on 31 Dec 2007 at 11:00 pm #

    KarenR, and all of you other goddesses, thanks for inspiring, entertaining and all of the other wonderful things you do.

    I stole this from another blog:

    May you have the critical acclaim of Cormac McCarthy, and the monetary success of Dan Brown! You all write better than Dan Brown, anyway. :-)

  54. pri.r. on 01 Jan 2008 at 5:51 am #

    wait wait… did Julia have a baby? who is the 8month old she fell in love with?… is 8months a milestone, did Julia used to fall in love with much younger babies? so confused with that one.
    congrats to all the ladies who’ve commented so far,
    Rachel G- you’re not a slacker, tangled up in you was awesomeness and requires the given amount of time for the rest of us to bask in its awesomeness :D
    Claudia- same goes to you and *hi5* for redecorating your kitchen
    KarenH-keep up your fabulous writing considering i’m now obsessed with your Highlander (MacLean) series.
    MiaR-congrats to you on getting married AND buying a new house.
    JudyF- Yay for paying off your car. completely understand the hairstylist issue, it IS a big step.
    Sabrina J- loved Beware of a Scots revenge so you should pat yourself on the back for that brillance. and go you AND me for restarting exercising :)
    cont.

  55. pri.r. on 01 Jan 2008 at 6:14 am #

    kay- can’t wait to read your mystery/romance novel hopefully to be published yesh *wink* PLEASE!
    Gannon- fully intend to make use of your 20% wine discount, when i’m the legal age…and you know.. living in america… minor setbacks :P
    FreshEchelle- goodwork for not firing someone and ALSO managing not to hate your body…as much as 2006
    Paula- good on you for having quality time with family. :) nothing’s more important

    let’s hope this year’s even better than the last.:)

  56. Nicole Jordan on 01 Jan 2008 at 12:04 pm #

    Wow, all you Goddesses are amazing! I’m honored to know you all!

  57. jessie e on 01 Jan 2008 at 12:21 pm #

    Julia- BJ Novak did a stand up show at Princeton where my friend goes to school. Afterwards he held a little meet-and-greet. My friend called me on the phone and asked BJ Novak if he would talk to me, and he did! He was very nice. He asked me how my Thanksgiving was and wished me a Merry Christmas at the end of the conversation. My friend told me that he talked to me a little more than he talked to the people there, so that was exciting. Also, just that he even talked to me in the first place shows what a friendly and accommodating guy he is, because he could have just told her no. I’m so glad he didn’t.

    On a side note, Craig Robinson, who plays Darryl on The Office, performed a stand up show last night in Atlanta (near where I live), and I went, and I got to dance on stage rightnexttohim! 2007 was my year of Office encounters!

  58. cail on 01 Jan 2008 at 9:32 pm #

    i’m a little late on this one but…
    1) did something completely spontaneous- flew to London for a long weekend to see a play
    2) got a new job that makes me think a bit more
    3) fell in love

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