What a week...

On Monday and Tuesday, I was informed repeatedly via nasty phone messages and email that I am the "meanest, most selfish person in the world." I was also informed that if the toxic person I jettisoned from my life resumes her self destructive behavior, it's all my fault. I'm not buying into this pile of crap, but I can't say it doesn't hurt.

On Wednesday, my husband and my youngest son and I went out to the boy scout camp for family night and the Order of the Arrow ceremony. The boys chosen for the Order of the Arrow are called up in front of the entire camp, spend the night alone in the woods without shelter, remain silent for 24 hours and perform a service project - the project in this case was chopping wood for 8 hours. Both my son Killian and Brynn's son were chosen to take part. The ceremony was really cool and I'm so proud of both of our boys. Personally, I can't believe Killian stayed quiet for 24 hours, but apparently he did.

Check out Brynn's blog on the subject of camp over at Hitting the Hot Spot. It's great. http://totalebound.blogspot.com/2008/07/brynn-paulin-live-from-summer-camp.html

On Thursday, I got a frantic phone call from my daycare girlies. Usually they call me at around 10 AM when they wake up and I pick them up and bring them back to my house. This morning they called at 8, screaming and crying that someone was trying to break in. They called the cops and I raced over there to find a very frazzled handyman who was hired by the landlord to do some work on the house. Unfortunately the landlord never bothered to call and let the family know that someone would be doing work.

After the police left and the contractor stopped freaking out, I took the girls home with me and we took Corwin, my youngest to the orthodontist where we discovered he needs two phases of braces. yay. Then we picked up his two best friends and they spent the night.

On Friday, the overnight guests stayed 'til suppertime when I happily dropped them back at home. Then I got ready for my RWA meeting the next day. Since Brynn was still at camp, I had to run the meeting. I think it might have been the shortest meeting in RWA history - under 15 minutes.

After the meeting was finished, I picked up Brynn and we drove downstate and had supper at the lovely Cindy Spencer Pape's house (her husband is an awesome cook) Isabelle Drake and her husband were there, as was the delightful Kaener Langford and one super awesome Dakota Rebel. I'd met everyone but Dakota before, and I'm happy to report, Dakota is just as freaking fabulous as she seems like she is online. I laughed 'til I cried and had an all-around wonderful evening.

This week, I'm doing piles of laundry, prepping for our family vacation and writing like a mad fiend.

Pittsburgh...day four

It’s a whole ‘nother world here in Pittsburgh, but I’m having a great time. What I’ve seen of the city is really cool. We’ve been shopping in Station Square, out to eat in several nifty little restaurants and I’ve met scads of authors, publishers, readers and cover models. (Margaret, I’ve got the scoop on the guy you think is hot. We must talk!)

I’ve met so many wonderful people - Claire from Total-e-bound is absolutely delightful with a wicked, wicked sense of humor. Kelly Kirch is just as hilarious and sweet as I knew she would be. Anny Cook is an absolute doll and her House Hunk is pretty fantastic, too. Judith Rochelle is an amazing bundle of energy and wisdom and Kaener Langford is an adorable wild woman. I also met Barbara Vey of Publishers Weekly. She’s so much fun and seriously, this woman has the best toys. No…not those kind! Honestly, people…

Anyway, I had my first book signing last night – well, cover flat signing, really, but it was still exciting. I was nervous as hell, But fellow EC author Tilly Greene kept me company…and kept me from freaking out. She is so sweet and insightful and I really appreciate her kindness and advice. In addition to the signing, last night was also the Ellora’s Cave party. Because of my dress, I was forced to break my nineteen year pantyhose free streak. I was bitter. I became more bitter still when I realized I’d be forced to also wear heels. Stupid dress.

I had to do the stage walk with one of the Caveman cover models. Silly me, I was so nervous about a big public introduction, I can’t even remember which model escorted me. He was really nice though and didn’t even flinch when I mentioned that I might throw up on him – lol.

Tonight is the Under the Sea Fairy Ball – I’ll try to have a report tomorrow and hopefully pictures too!