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Happy Book Birthday to HYBRID by KT Hanna

Posted November 10, 2015 By LadyJai

HYBRID (The Domino Project #2) goes out into the world today.

We’re celebrating with an excerpt reading, and a giveaway!

 

If you haven’t read CHAMELEON – it’s on sale until the end of 11/12/15 for $0.99

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K.T. Hanna reads an excerpt

Blurb

As Sai recovers from her life-threatening injuries, she struggles to piece together her damaged relationship with Dom. He fights the parasite within, suddenly freed from the interference of the other Dominos in his head.

Inside Central, Bastian’s Shine dosing has become a dangerous dance. Enhanced security protocols and endless meetings have him on a tightrope, with little room to move without revealing himself.

When the GNW release the Damascus to begin their systemic hunt of the Exiled, the noose closes around the rebels and their allies. If they can’t disable the threat, the Exiled won’t be the Damascus’ only agenda.

~

Praise for Chameleon – The Domino Project #1

“Wow! A fast-paced, science fiction delight with fabulous action, a seamless world, and the most unique characters I’ve read in a long time.”
Elana Johnson, Author of the Possession Series.

“Nikita-like post-apocolyptic novel with a heroine that would give Katniss a run for her money.”
Alina @ Unfazeable.com

Psionics is wicked cool and I wish a meteor would give me some super-secret powers. The logistics of the abilities are many, and normally would have been a nightmare to follow. Hanna handles it with enough subtle description laced through the opening chapters that you’re able to grasp their powers naturally.
Heather @ Aussie Owned and Read

A seriously great sci-fi. Dark, edgy and complex. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s a gripping read because of the author’s tense voice; the characters are well defined, believable and likeable, despite all of their flaws; the story flows well; and the ending leaves you on edge to read more. If you like sci-fi, you will love this book.
Kate Foster – Author of Winell Road

HYBRID is available at the following retailers

AMAZON | INDIEBOUND

Watermark Books – Signed Copies!

Celebrate HYBRID’s release with us!

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway!

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Review of Jamberry Nail Wraps

Posted June 10, 2015 By LadyJai

I’m a little late to the game because I really enjoy painting my nails and coming up with some really cool artwork for them. However, I decided to try them last month. And let me tell you, it was amazing, actually. While they don’t have a lot of my type of designs, I did find that they went on easy and lasted a long time. But most of all is my thumb nail.

10 years ago I dropped a 100 pound server on my thumb. My cuticle really. Little did I know I damaged my nail matrix. After a few years a line started forming in the center of my thumb nail. Just a few millimeters long. But as time went on, that line grew until it reached the end of my finger. My nail started splitting at that line and I could no longer grow my thumb nail long. Half my nail would grow slower than the other half and it would always split down that line. I’ve tried nail polish, nail glue, and fiberglass wraps. Nothing worked to allow them to grow again.

 

Last test was these nail wraps. So I gave it a shot. A month later and they were still on. Very impressive. But the most impressive, they allowed me to grow and protect my thumb nail. It gave it strength. Thank you.

Now, if only I can have a whole sheet of thumb nail sizes just for this purpose!

LadyJai

PS: If any of my writer friends would like to keep up with my writing and how my life is progressing, I’ve moved over to “Caring for My Veteran“. Please subscribe there, too. Thank you.

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Review of TEMPTATIONS SNACKY MOUSE™ Cat Toy

Posted April 17, 2015 By LadyJai

 

***I received my Temptations Snacky Mouse  complimentary to test and/or review from Influenster.***

Honestly, this is such a cute little thing. I have tried my hand at something similar, though nowhere near as cute as this. I took a small water bottle, cleaned and dried. Then cut random holes in is so the kitties could get their brain exercise, their prey and puzzle solving instincts going. It didn’t look as fancy but it worked. The cats loved it so much that they ATE. EVERY. SINGLE. PIECE.

I haven’t done that in a long time. And when I received this in the mail, it was quite interesting, to say the least.

NOTE TO SELF: Don’t attempt to set it between 3 kitties at the same time!



Of course, after I turn off my camera and leave the area, Sofie goes to town batting at it and eating all the treats.

This item is that it did not come with instructions on how to open it in order to fill it, so I could see it breaking before anyone could get a chance to use it. The other thing I found was that my cats still eat it all gone in one setting. The way to combat that is not to fill it up all the way. They all love it, though. So in my book, this product is a win!

LadyJai

PS: If any of my writer friends would like to keep up with my writing and how my life is progressing, I’ve moved over to “Caring for My Veteran“. Please subscribe there, too. Thank you.

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How Blue Fashion Hair Dyes Fade – Review

Posted March 3, 2015 By LadyJai

Ever wonder how those fashion hair colors fade over time? Me too! I looked at a lot of pictures before I took the plunge, trying to determine exactly how I wanted my hair. I did find a couple that I wanted. REALLY, REALLY wanted. But, they were either too radical for me and my dayjob or I just didn’t have my grey hair yet.

blue hair

The perfect blue. The perfect length. The perfect braid.

Alas, the stylist does not want to do this one because it’s just too damaging to my hair. I love this stylist for his honesty! I’ve not had one quite like him, ever.

This is why I want my silver/grey to come in! <3

And this one, well, I’m only now seeing a few strands of silver in my hair. Only a few. Why does it take so long to have them come in. Yes, I am weird. I WANT grey hair! Because…look at that picture! Oh and to be able to do that flower bun thing would be cool too! But the color!! TheHubs has been going grey since his 20s. Now he has a touch of his natural color left throughout his head. Me, I am just now finding a few strands. Ugh. How long do I have to wait? I want my grey! If my father is any indication what type of grey I will have, I can’t wait. It came in silver and turned to pure white. Not that dingy grey or yellowed grey. Please grey hair fairy, hurry up! 😛

Anyway, last July I went to a stylist and had a few streaks of blue put in my hair. She used N Rage Demi Cobalt Blue

‘N Rage Cobalt Blue Not bad for freshly done.

It really is a nice color when freshly done. Of course, I had to have her bleach the streaks first. Then she added the color. If you notice the color is not even across all strands. Some are darker than others, which is fine really. And I did not have any expectations except blue seeing as this was the first time. It was nice. But not gorgeous nice.

I knew, since this was a demi-permanent color, that a little color would wash out with each wash. The very first wash had me petrified, though. So much color came out, my tub was left stained. I quickly learned, as well, that I needed to get a dark pillow case. I put a t-shirt over my pillowcase in the mean time to keep it from bleeding as I slept. Eventually that stopped after a few washes, but I still sleep with a dark pillow case, just in case.

Now, the question was, how long will my blue last?

Everything I read and even the bottle said, 6-8 weeks. I wash my hair every 3 days and use a sulfate free/color friendly shampoo. I think it held my color mostly well. It faded, yes. And by September, you could hardly see the teal mingling with my natural hair.

By October/November, it started turning green. I was not happy with it by this time. I know, I know, you’re probably telling me that I needed to re-do it. In all honesty, I knew that was what I needed to do and I was too chicken to do it myself. Plus I didn’t want to go back to where I had it done. So, I waited. I wanted to go to my friend’s stylist but I had to get his info from her. Once I had that, then I had to wait until it wasn’t the holidays.

This is my hair after 5 months. It really looks green and very faded.

This is my hair after 5 months. It really looks green and very faded.

The end of December I had my hair consult. That’s when he told me that I shouldn’t get the all over blue because it’s too damaging. He doesn’t recommend it unless you are doing a photo shoot…no matter what color it is. He also tried to talk me into getting purple done, only because when it fades, it turns silvery and he knew how much I wanted the silver and blue one pictured. But purple is not my color. Blue is. So blue it was.

On January 2nd, he bleached more of my hair and applied a new type of blue dye. Pravana Chromasilk Vivids Blue. PravanaVividBlue

This time, I thought to take a picture after every washing to see how this one fades. (Should have done it the first time, too, but didn’t think about it. Oopsie.) So, below is a slideshow of my pictures after every wash. There’s no touch ups, no filters. It’s all natural and me. You can see the progression and how it fades for yourself.

Personally, I like how this one fades, much better than the ‘N Rage brand. I like the Pravana’s silvery blue fade versus ‘N Rage’s green. I’ve had several people tell me I should get the Manic Panic, but I’ve read so many reviews about that and how it fades to green. I think I will stick with Pravana. And it’s very easy to apply at home. I will only need to go back to my stylist for root bleaching and cuts. I can color the blue at home. Easy Peasy. 🙂

Hope this has helped you. It was so very hard when I was researching it myself since I couldn’t find any pictures or blogs or anything that showed me how certain brands faded. Let me know what you think.

LadyJai

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Review of @Influenster’s #FrostyVoxBox

Posted February 4, 2015 By LadyJai
Influenster VoxBox

Apparently, TheoKat loves the box more than I do.

I received the Influenster #FrostyVoxBox products to test and review. Everyone loves free things, right? Who could pass up on this awesome endeavor? So here’s my review of my latest box. And if you’re interested in signing up for your own, please visit Influenster and sign up today!

In this box I received the following:

  1. NYC Expert Last Lip Color In Sugar Plum
    I don’t normally wear makeup. But lately, I’ve been getting girly in my old age, I guess. With these two Vox Boxes I’ve received I’ve gotten a few bits of makeup and I’m learning. This lipstick is not overpowering, outrageous, or bold. It is nice and subtle and looks perfectly natural. What do you think?
  2. Rimmel Scandeleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner In the picture above, you can also see my eyeliner.  I’m learning how to put it on. I’d love to be able to do the smokey eyes, but I’ve been failing horribly with that. Though, with my limited abilities, I really like this stuff. It’s easy to glide on and stays on all day.
  3. Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover
    20150112_194228
    This is definitely a nice, gentle makeup remover. However, it states that it will even remove the waterproof mascara. Well, I had the darnedest time trying to get the Covergirl Bombshell mascara I got in my last VoxBox off as well as the Rimmel Scandeleyes Waterproof Eyeliner off. After several minutes of “gently” wiping, I had the black smudged all over my eyes. I couldn’t get it off very easily at all. I would not recommend this for any black waterproof anything. But I did like it for the regular eye shadow.
  4. Fruit Vines Bites
    20150111_173121    We’ve never tried the Fruit Vines Bites before and I have to tell you, I had to fight TheBoy for this! So I will definitely give this an A! Yummy, chewy, and good!
  5. EcoTools Hair Brush
    I tried this brush and it’s not for me. I like a brush that massages my scalp when I brush my hair. This will NOT get through the thickness of my hair to get to my scalp. I don’t usually blow dry my hair and I think this is for that use. It may be good for that. It’s nice and light weight and it does allow the air to pass through, so I can see that working. However, because I like that massaging scalp action, this brush has been tested on TheKats and they have now claimed it.
  6. McCormick Gourmet Thyme
    I normally buy McCormick spices anyway. But the Gourmet Thyme. Well, that’s a first. I opened it up and the scent and the spice was much crisper than the normal McCormick spices. I used it in my TexMex Chili and just yum.
  7. Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Tea. I love tea. Always have. And green tea and mint are one of my normal teas to drink. Celestial Seasonings always has lovely seasonal teas and this one was no different. Mint has always been a good tummy soother for me. So I tried this on a day I needed it. It did not fail.
  8. No 7 Protect and Perfect Advanced Serum
    The last thing I tried in this box was a sample of this Anti Aging serum. In reading the instructions, it goes to say that you will notice a difference in fine lines and wrinkles after two weeks. While I liked how I liked how it felt on my face, I did not receive enough to go the full to weeks to complete this trial and see if it lives up to its word. It was very smooth and non-oily. I wish there was a bigger sample to test.

Hope you all enjoyed the quick look and review of this Influenster Vox Box as much as TheoKat and IttyBitty love the box itself!

LadyJai

 

*****”I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

 

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December 19, 2014 – Celebrate The Small Things

Posted December 19, 2014 By LadyJai

This will be my last post for this year. I’m on vacation and away from the internet for the most part. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Glorious New Year!

For this final 2014 Celebrate the Small Things, I am celebrating a HUGE milestone. Monday marks our 25th Anniversary. Here’s a brief run down of how we met and our marriage:

25 Years

We met on 11 November 1989.
He proposed to me 16 November 1989.
We were married by the JOP on 22 December 1989.
He deployed 15 January 1990 and was only supposed to be gone 45 days.
I planned a church wedding for his return.
He came home 6 days before our church wedding.

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We’ve beaten so many odds, so many situations that could tear us apart.
And we’re still going strong!
Here’s to forever!

We had a family photo session. I hope you like them.

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Celebrate The Small Things is a weekly celebration where we celebrate the happenings of the week, however small or large the item in question. If you’re interested in learning more about Celebrate The Small Things, please visit their website, visit others participating, and sign up if you’re so inclined. It’s always great to see what everyone finds in their day to celebrate! And it adds to a positive outlook on life!

It is a blog hop, after all. :) <3

LadyJai

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December 12, 2014 – Celebrate The Small Things

Posted December 12, 2014 By LadyJai

The biggest thing I am celebrating this week is that we have movement on TheHubs’ appeal. Check out our latest update. I sure hope I didn’t jinx it as we haven’t heard anymore since last week.

And the other thing I am celebrating is that today is the first day of my vacation! I do not have to be back to work until next year! That sounds so cool to say!  YAY for PJs, kitties, TV catch-up, gaming, reading, and relaxing!

That’s it for this week. I will have more next week and then, no more posts for the rest of the year. Check out my other blog while you’re at it. That one has been more active this year due to my healing process.

Celebrate The Small Things is a weekly celebration where we celebrate the happenings of the week, however small or large the item in question. If you’re interested in learning more about Celebrate The Small Things, please visit their website, visit others participating, and sign up if you’re so inclined. It’s always great to see what everyone finds in their day to celebrate! And it adds to a positive outlook on life!

It is a blog hop, after all. :) <3

LadyJai

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November 21, 2014 – Celebrate The Small Things

Posted November 21, 2014 By LadyJai
Color In Motion 5k

After a year of many doctors, specialists, and tests, I’ve finally received my diagnosis. I have fibromyalgia. There’s one more specialist I have to go see, a hematologist, as some of my blood work is questionable. It’s a diagnosis. One I was pretty sure I had anyway. And it’s incurable. I just have to manage it and deal with it. At least I took care of myself this year, so I can continue caring for my Veteran. I still need to get my depression under control. I’ve opened up about it a few weeks ago on my other blog. It was hard, but I needed to do that. With the fibro diagnosis, my antidepressants changed a few months ago in hopes it would take care of the depression, anxiety, and the fibro symptoms. But since I’ve been on it, about two and a half months now, the fibro symptoms have subsided, but the panic and depression have worsened. So, today, I go back to discuss this with the doctor.

Taking care of me has been hard. I never had time to do it since I had to do everything else. That was my excuse. The other excuse was that I always had weird symptoms that they could never diagnose yet I would have to pay out an exorbitant amount of money for all the tests. Well, I did have all these tests, medical bills, prescription drugs, and labs are all outrageous. But I took care of me. When you are a caregiver, it’s hard to do this but so necessary. When you can no longer function in a normal capacity, keep your senses straight, or  think coherently, how can you expect to take care of others? I found this out the hard way last year when I fell down a deep dark hole of my own. This year has been all about caring for me first, and then caring for everything else.

My fiction writing has faltered, again. But healing comes first, right?! So, my writing has been about me, on my other blog, writing to heal. I hope to be able to heal myself and I hope by my sharing it in public, someone else can benefit from it.

I’m sorry that my Celebrate The Small Things has taken a once a month turn, but that’s how it is with so much going on and very little energy. At least I am still doing them! I still try to keep my standard of Find the Positive, in every situation no matter how small. And most days it’s taken all my energy just to get through it.

For this month’s celebration, we’ve had some very brief, but wonderful experiences to share.

1) Thunderbird in foreground, Blue Angels in backOctober 26th, the Blue Angels had their Air Show here. It was TheBoy’s first time, and TheHubs’ first time being so close to the runway. It was amazing, despite me almost passing out due to heat exhaustion. It was 80 and they had run out of water. Joy. We found a couple of bottles after going from tent to tent. But when the jet noise started, I forgot everything and it felt like home again.

2) Clay County Courthouse, Greencove Springs, FLOctober 27th, I had Jury Duty. I’ve been picked 4 times since I was 18. My first time, I had to report 3 days after we flew out to Germany. So I was excused. The second time, I had to report 1 day after we moved from Texas to Florida. Again, excused. The third time, the number written on my summons was not called the weekend prior so I didn’t have to show up. I guess the 4th time is the charm. The judicial system fascinates me, and I really don’t find it a huge inconvenience as most people do. I showed up and was not excused due to hardships or anything. I was sworn in and we waited around. Then they called many people and they were escorted to the court room where they were questioned to see if they would be picked for the trial. I really wanted my name to be one of them. I was one of 12 “left overs” just in case they dismissed too many from the selection. We waited all day and then let go saying we were not needed. When I got home, I found out what trial it was for. Two years ago, an officer was killed. The first time in 20 years in this county. This was the only trial going on and man I would have loved to have been on this jury! Oh well, it wasn’t time. At least I’m several steps closer to actually serving, right? I do hope when it is my turn, that it will be an interesting case.

3) November 8th, we participated in another Color Run. This was a Color In Motion 5k and we brought my mom and TheBoy’s BFF and family along with us. It was definitely fun. Unlike the Color Vibe, this powder didn’t come out very easily. It took about 3 showers and scrubbings to get it all off the scalp and everywhere else.

Color In Motion 5k

4) I’m going to add that pictures with TheHubs is also a wonderful thing to celebrate since he’s usually the one behind the camera when we have a family outing. Here’s one from yesterday morning when it was 23 degrees in Florida. This is February temperatures, not November temps. And how in the world is Alaska warmer than Florida??

TheHubs and I in TheCold! Home VS Nome 20 NOV 2014

This was a pretty busy month despite all the medical stuff. I’ll take the little family outings we have, even though we’ve never been on a true vacation. It’s the little things we always have to hold on to in order to get through the darkness that sets in from time to time. It’s why I do this blog hop, to remind myself there is good that comes out of it all.

Celebrate The Small Things is a weekly celebration where we celebrate the happenings of the week, however small or large the item in question. If you’re interested in learning more about Celebrate The Small Things, please visit their website, visit others participating, and sign up if you’re so inclined. It’s always great to see what everyone finds in their day to celebrate! And it adds to a positive outlook on life!

It is a blog hop, after all. :) <3

LadyJai

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October 17, 2014 – Celebrate The Small Things

Posted October 17, 2014 By LadyJai

It’s been a rough few weeks for my family. With my health issues and all the testing and medication changes, I’ve been struggling to keep myself together. I think it may also be affecting TheHubs, or at the very least, exacerbating the darkness already there. Because… He broke.

It’s when he breaks down that I can’t handle very well. YET.

When he breaks. When the pain gets so bad, he breaks and goes to his dark place again. When he wants to give up. When he feels like a failure. When he feels like a burden and that we’d be better off without him. When he hates that he’s made me a single parent. I spend a lot of my time in a pool of my own silent tears, not knowing what to do. I do my best to find the light, for both of us.

I do what I always do. I’m here for him. Because I love him. With all my heart and soul, I love him.

So what I am going to celebrate are the little things we’ve done that’s made me happy over the past few weeks, despite all that’s been going on.

1. I wrote on my new WIP. I got a little further than I have in a while, even with all the life issues. So, that makes me happy.

Mom & Dad 47 years!Mom & Dad's Wedding Day2. We had a family photo shoot. My parents, my son, my husband, and myself, all together for a family photo session. Plus, it was also to document my Mom and Dad’s 47th wedding anniversary later this month as well as our 25th anniversary at the end of December. We had to postpone it for two days because our original appointment had rained all day and our shoot was outside. It wasn’t clear, but we managed a few good shots on the only day that next week that wasn’t raining.  I’ll have another post with all the photos in it later. But to celebrate my mom and dad’s anniversary, I’m including one of them. <3

TheBoy & his BFF at Painting with a Twist

3. Since I went to Painting with a Twist and TheBoy was disappointed he couldn’t go, we decided to take him and have his BFF and his brother join. They had so much fun!

4. And then we had some family fun with TheBoy’s Halloween costume.

horseheadfamily

5. I created a page just for my kitties on Facebook. The Oxymoron Clan. Check them out and give them a like. And please share. I hope to be able to post something every day over on their page. I do have loads of photos. 🙂

Celebrate The Small Things is a weekly celebration where we celebrate the happenings of the week, however small or large the item in question. If you’re interested in learning more about Celebrate The Small Things, please visit their website, visit others participating, and sign up if you’re so inclined. It’s always great to see what everyone finds in their day to celebrate! And it adds to a positive outlook on life!

It is a blog hop, after all. :) <3

LadyJai

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September 12, 2014 – Celebrate the Small Things

Posted September 12, 2014 By LadyJai

These last couple of weeks have been a bit of a chore.

Work has me stressing because people fail to do their job, and when they do it’s half-assed. This year has been THE WORST. I’ve never missed deadlines. EVER. But this year, I’ve missed half. Because of the government changing their process. Because people not wanting to do what is required. Because there’s other things they need to do. Because I have no authority to make them do it. And because, well, no one else does, either, apparently.

I’ve started a new medication for what my doctor thinks is Restless Leg Syndrome, but I’m pretty much leaning towards fibromyalgia. Who knows. In either case, the first medication he put me on made it so I couldn’t sleep. This new medication, well, in less than 3 months, I’ve gained almost 10lbs. I am not happy. Yesterday, I stopped taking any of it. I’m hoping it will allow me to go back down. I’ve not changed what I eat or how. But it really is frustrating. And, last night was the worst by far. I think I maybe, MAYBE, slept about an hour in total? I’m not sure if it is my lack of medication? Or if it’s because my brain was way, WAY, too active after last night’s adventure.

Which leads me into my celebration of the small things…

Last night The Hearts of Valor ladies went to this thing called Painting With A Twist. What a cool idea! It was so much fun! If you have one close by, or something similar, I highly recommend getting a small group together and having a go at it! Doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to draw or paint! They help you every step of the way! Check out my steps below.

 20140911_175121
1. Start with a blank canvas. Just like a blank piece of paper, you can only fix emptiness with something! 20140911_183053
2. Basic outline. Yeah, ok, so it doesn’t look like much.20140911_184533
3. Fill in a bit of the detail.20140911_190944
4. Start painting. Not too much yet. Just a thin layer. 🙂 Then you can go back and fill it all in.

20140911_1922325. The hardest things for me to do was the dove and the lettering. I don’t have a steady hand, never have. 🙂

20140911_204956 6. The Hearts of Valor ladies and their finished paintings.

So, what do you think?

**As a caregiver, I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a support group and “me time.” Last night was my first really “me time” with my local support group. I haven’t been able to do this since January. I have issues with leaving my family and having “fun” without them. But this really was so much fun and I will definitely take TheBoy for a go at it! Our little Hearts of Valor group went to Painting with a Twist last night. They were offering a tribute to  9/11 and it seemed so fitting for our group of Veteran Caregivers.**
Celebrate The Small Things is a weekly celebration where we celebrate the happenings of the week, however small or large the item in question. If you’re interested in learning more about Celebrate The Small Things, please visit their website, visit others participating, and sign up if you’re so inclined. It’s always great to see what everyone finds in their day to celebrate! And it adds to a positive outlook on life!

It is a blog hop, after all. :) <3

LadyJai

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August 22, 2014 – #CelebrateTheSmallThings

Posted August 22, 2014 By LadyJai

Last time, I celebrated smiles. Honestly, I’m still smiling! This is such a great improvement for me and I am enjoying all the positives.

The first draft of my very first novel!!!

The first draft of my very first novel!!!

 

I’m continuing this celebration and adding a little something that makes me incredibly happy. ...I FINISHED THE NOVEL...I think. 🙂 At least it feels finished. But since this is my first novel, I really don’t know how well this is. So, I must put it aside for a while and then learn how to edit it to make it better! 🙂

While it may be rather HUGE since it’s taken me about 3 years to complete, it is rather small in the grand scheme of things.

Now, to get back to writing because, well, there’s more stories in me. I just know it. I also need to convince my muse to come back and start talking to me again. 🙂

Celebrate The Small Things is a weekly celebration where we celebrate the happenings of the week, however small or large the item in question. If you’re interested in learning more about Celebrate The Small Things, please visit their website, visit others participating, and sign up if you’re so inclined. It’s always great to see what everyone finds in their day to celebrate! And it adds to a positive outlook on life!

It is a blog hop, after all. :) <3

LadyJai

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August 8, 2014 – #CelebrateTheSmallThings

Posted August 8, 2014 By LadyJai

Today I’m celebrating smiles! Out of all the bad and sad things that have happened, I’m still trying to spread the positive with smiles.

  1. I’ve listened to some vent, cry, ponder, look for advice. I’ve given my heart, my ear, and my shoulder. I’ve done my best to help those in need and it makes me feel good. So I smile.
  2. I’m in the process of trying to get an old co-worker, and friend, back on board with me. It makes me happy to see all the praises coming from my team about her up to the hiring manager.
  3. A friend introduced me to Operation Beautiful. I’ve been trying to do this for myself for a few years. I am doing my best to change the way I think about myself. But I think it’s more important to change the way others think about themselves. I am going to do my part and hope I can share the smiles with others and hope they can start changing their perspective on themselves. I’ve started with sending out a few dollars with the positive messages. Much like the “Where’s George” idea. I began writing these types of messages on the bathroom mirror at work. And I plan on taking some stickies with me and putting them on random cars and in public restrooms. Anywhere that people would see it. I hope you will join me!

I will leave you with a picture of me feeling beautiful, even though I still relapse and listen to those negative voices. This dress I feel in love with really brings out my beauty and this smile that only my family can make me do. I am seeing my beauty more and more.

2014-07-31 16.08.02

Celebrate The Small Things is a weekly celebration where we celebrate the happenings of the week, however small or large the item in question. If you’re interested in learning more about Celebrate The Small Things, please visit their website, visit others participating, and sign up if you’re so inclined. It’s always great to see what everyone finds in their day to celebrate! And it adds to a positive outlook on life!

It is a blog hop, after all. :) <3

LadyJai

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July 25, 2014 – #CelebrateTheSmallThings & #WriteMotivation

Posted July 24, 2014 By LadyJai

The small things in life are what gets us through day-to-day. When you are a caregiver and are going through your own chronic issues, smiles in any form are precious. I found this face in an old, rusting tractor-trailer out in our parking lot at work. Even old and broken, it still has a smile on its face! This is going to be me! I promise! 🙂

Here’s some small things going on in my life right now to celebrate.

  1. I got my blue on! (see pictures below!) This makes me happy! I’ve been wanting this since I was 13!
  2. Laughing and smiling. These things are so important to me. When I can’t, that’s when I worry.
  3. The ability to make my friends laugh. In their dark times, I have managed to be their ear, their voice that grounds them. I’ve also provided a good clip or ten to get their mind focused on other things and get them laughing again.
  4. The ability to make a complete stranger laugh. I’ve been able to make people laugh at my name. But never my address. That was good. She will never forget where I live now. Wait…that could get scary. 🙂
  5. The ability to help when needed. I helped someone, who was illiterate when it came to computers, “fix” their computer. She was so happy she called me genius…but really, it’s not fixed until Microsoft patches their patch that broke it in the first place.
  6. I introduced a friend to a whole new world with a new book series. This also makes me happy.

IMG_20140721_072750 20140721_130135 IMG_20140721_072357

July Goals:

  1. I AM GOING TO FINISH WIP#1 YET! Seriously! Finish it already! It’s only ONE MORE SCENE! – Got another paragraph or two. Slow and steady, right?
  2. Keep up with blog posts for both blogs – this one and my Caring for My Vet – Trying, but not getting enough time or energy
  3. Comment/cheer on my fellow #WriteMotivation peeps on Twitter, FB, Google+ and their blogs – Trying, but not getting enough time or energy
  4. Continue with my positive thinking. – Doing very well and helping others with theirs.
  5. Read another book. – Just managed to start this a few days ago. I started Diana Gabaldon’s OUTLANDER.

If you’re want to know more about #WriteMotivation go to their website, check out the twitter feed and theGoogle Plus Community. It’s really a wonderful group of people who love to help kick you in the patooty, or send Dino out on “motivational assignment,” or fling cookies. We ALL love cookies!

Celebrate The Small Things is a weekly celebration where we celebrate the happenings of the week, however small or large the item in question. If you’re interested in learning more about Celebrate The Small Things, please visit their website, visit others participating, and sign up if you’re so inclined. It’s always great to see what everyone finds in their day to celebrate! And it adds to a positive outlook on life!

It is a blog hop, after all. :) <3
This is a Blog Hop!

LadyJai

7 Comments so far. Join the Conversation
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July 4, 2014 – #CelebrateTheSmallThings & #WriteMotivation

Posted July 4, 2014 By LadyJai

 

The Color Vibe 5k

The Color Vibe 5k
June 28, 2014

We celebrated something this past weekend. It wasn’t small, by any means. If any of you know me and my family, you know just how hard it was to accomplish this task. We signed up a month or so ago for the Color Vibe 5k Run/Walk. We’ve been really looking forward to this outing. However, when we woke up that morning, TheHubs had one of his incredibly painful migraines. He almost told us to go without him.

Almost.

We are so very thankful he sucked it up, took his medicine, and hoped for the best. By the time we parked the car, the migraine was a dull thud. And by the two-mile marker…well, just look at his face up there in that pic! By the time we reached the 2 mile marker, his migraine was gone! I’m going to show you the difference of the before and after photo. Pay close attention to his smile! It says it all.

Color Vibe Before

Color Vibe Before

Today, we celebrate something HUGE! We celebrate being a family, enjoying a day out, and having fun!

And here are some videos if you’re interested!

 

 

I keep setting goals. I don’t know why. And I never really accomplish the ones that do have an end…

I took a webinar yesterday on using journaling and mindfulness to get UNSTUCK. I thought it would be a good one because I’ve been stuck for quite some time. But I didn’t realize just how STUCK, and how scared I was, until I started writing it out on paper. And then, I started getting incredibly scared and sad and worrying if it would ever come back to me. The more I thought about what was so different between when I was actually writing and now is that we are all so busy and the cheering and motivation has come and gone. You guys are truly my motivation.

It’s frustrating, yet I still set the goals because I need to see progress. And a single word is progress. I need to remember that.
I will never give up on you guys, nor #WriteMotivation, now writing!
So, here’s my July Goals:

  1. I AM GOING TO FINISH WIP#1 YET! Seriously! Finish it already! It’s only ONE MORE SCENE! – Haven’t had an opportunity yet due to work.
  2. Keep up with blog posts for both blogs – this one and my Caring for My Vet – Trying
  3. Comment/cheer on my fellow #WriteMotivation peeps on Twitter, FB, Google+ and their blogs – Trying
  4. Continue with my positive thinking. – Doing very well and helping others with theirs.
  5. Read another book. – Haven’t started this yet.

If you’re want to know more about #WriteMotivation go to their website, check out the twitter feed and theGoogle Plus Community. It’s really a wonderful group of people who love to help kick you in the patooty, or send Dino out on “motivational assignment,” or fling cookies. We ALL love cookies!

Celebrate The Small Things is a weekly celebration where we celebrate the happenings of the week, however small or large the item in question. If you’re interested in learning more about Celebrate The Small Things, please visit their website, visit others participating, and sign up if you’re so inclined. It’s always great to see what everyone finds in their day to celebrate! And it adds to a positive outlook on life!

It is a blog hop, after all. :) <3
This is a Blog Hop!

LadyJai

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June 27, 2014 – #CelebrateTheSmallThings & #WriteMotivation

Posted June 27, 2014 By LadyJai

Always enjoy the beautiful colors that paint the sky.

Sorry I’ve been MIA these past two weeks. It’s been really hectic at work and by the time I get home, I’m exhausted. I’ve literally had to jump through flaming hoops to meet deadlines after they took my help away and kept piling the work on without giving me my help back on top of making the new deadlines impossible.

Monday, I broke my phone. Tuesday our TV died. So that didn’t help the pocket-book any.
I’ve learned I’ve gained 5lbs in the last month and I’m thinking it’s the medication the doctor put me on for RLS as it’s been that long. Now I’m wondering if I should experiment with going off the meds to see if it was coincidence that my pain lessened or if it was its normal cycle of on again off again.
TheHubs has been pretty bad off in the pain department but he’s been loving just the same. We are starting to think that the Botox is not working as it’s his 4th treatment with little to no relief.
We’ve hardly done anything, inside or outside the house. The house is getting pretty bad so I am hoping to do some cleaning this weekend. IF we’re not too broken from the Color Vibe 5K on Saturday. At least we have that family outing. I Hope it will be something fun and TheHubs isn’t in too much pain from it.

Seems all I do lately on here is combine the two posts but I’m sure that’s ok. Life happens and that’s all we can do, right?! 🙂

So, June Goals are kind of meh…

  1. FINISH WIP#1! Seriously! Finish it already! It’s only ONE MORE SCENE! —  Still inching. But had to put it on hold this past week because of the day job.
  2. Keep up with blog posts for both blogs – this one and my Caring for My Vet. — Yeah, no. Too much life happening.
  3. Comment/cheer on my fellow #WriteMotivation peeps on Twitter, FB, Google+ and their blogs. See #1 and #2
  4. Continue with my positive thinking. I am so rocking this out of the ball park right now. I know that it ebbs and flows. I just hope I never go down that dark road again. So I’m keeping up with positive! Even though it’s been a rough couple of weeks, and something just wanted to bring me down, I wouldn’t let it. I also made a move to help a fellow friend find some peace in her anxiety! I love helping people! <3
  5. Read another book. Finished ALLEGIANT yesterday. YAY!

If you’re want to know more about #WriteMotivation go to their website, check out the twitter feed and theGoogle Plus Community. It’s really a wonderful group of people who love to help kick you in the patooty, or send Dino out on “motivational assignment,” or fling cookies. We ALL love cookies!

Celebrate The Small Things is a weekly celebration where we celebrate the happenings of the week, however small or large the item in question. If you’re interested in learning more about Celebrate The Small Things, please visit their website, visit others participating, and sign up if you’re so inclined. It’s always great to see what everyone finds in their day to celebrate! And it adds to a positive outlook on life!

It is a blog hop, after all. :) <3
This is a Blog Hop!

LadyJai

8 Comments so far. Join the Conversation
Filed in #writemotivation, Celebrating The Small Things, writing | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,
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