Thursday, July 15, 2010

Good morning! I need help--more than usual!! LOL!!

Two of my kiddos are headed to college in under a month. My twins turn eighteen in a few days. How is this possible??!! I'm grateful that they're healthy and smart and funny and pretty, but I'm also sad that they'll no longer be lounging on the couch or making a mess in the kitchen. Even worse--who's going to clean the cat box??!!

Anyway, I'm trapped in a funk. How have some of you survived this transition period?

In other news . . . The annual Romance Writers of America conference is swiftly approaching. This year it's being held in Orlando. I fear this will be a VERY bad thing when it comes to focusing on honing my writing skills by attending workshops. BFF Margaret Daley isn't helping with her talk of how much fun we'll have!! Meanwhile, my other roomie, BFF Winnie Griggs, has declared she's spending the week holed up in our room, writing. This makes me feel even more guilty!! LOL!!

Have I mentioned I have NOTHING to wear? For those of you who have never attended one of these conferences, there's a fascinating mix of folks. Some wear jeans and a T-shirt. Others are decked out in full-on business attire complete with jewels!! I strive for somewhere in the middle. Alas, since I also strive for donuts, my wardrobe is limited. I've been on the treadmill, running like a fat hamster, but my fave stuff still won't fit. Hmm . . . wonder if I could start a new trend by wearing PJs all week?

All kidding aside, I can't wait to get hugs from friends I rarely get to see!!! Not only other writers, but editors and my agent. The week's highlight is always the Friday night Harlequin party. This year, it's being held at the Orlando Waldorf Astoria!!! There's always dancing and crazy-decadent food and decor. I LOVE these parties!!! But have I mentioned I still have nothing to wear? ;-)

5 comments:

Leigh Duncan said...

Laura,
Looking forward to seeing you in Orlando! I'll be the other one in PJ's, as I'm afraid there's simply no time in my schedule for shopping. Ack!
Whatever you wear, bring a sweater! Don't let those weather reports fool you. It might be in the mid-90's outside, but inside the hotels, it's f-r-e-e-z-i-n-g!

shelley galloway said...

Laura,

You never fail to make me smile. First, hang in there with your kids going off to college. I did that last year with my son! It's really hard. This year my youngest is going to be a senior, and then I've got to do it all over again!

Everytime I've seen you at conference you've looked beautiful! I'm sure you'll be that way again.
And if you get desperate, do what I do....go shopping. It always makes me feel better!

I wish I was going this year. : (

Laura Marie Altom said...

Leigh and Shelley--Though I should be working on edits, I caved and spent the afternoon shopping!! Found a few great blouses, but no bottoms. Hmm . . . PJs and silk!!

Shelley--I'm sad you won't be in Orlando! You have the sweetest spirit and are such fun to be with!!

Hugs to you, too, on shipping off your son!!

Hannah just got her roomie assignment and isn't with the friend she requested. The girl she's been assigned to is from ANGOLA!!!

Instead of editing Monday, looks like I'll be on campus helping to figure this out!! ;-)

linda s said...

Angola is cool. My Daughter's roomie was from Ghana. DD was from SKorea. Both were Canadians born in BC. Too funny. Now BFF and were bridesmaids at each other's weddings and godmothers to each other's babies.

Laura Marie Altom said...

Wow, Linda! What a small world! Okay, now I feel better. How fun that they've stayed friends for so long!! ;-)